Chapter 59: The Sahongu’s Curse

Graham Abraham.

He was the greatest shaman of the Belgaros Kingdom, a sage more revered than anyone within its borders.

But simply because he was a shaman.

There were many, both inside and outside the country, who did not view him favorably.

They refused to see the beneficial aspects of shamanism.

To those who held only negative prejudices, shamanism was seen as nothing more than black magic.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it was treated on the same level as the forbidden dark magic of ancient times.

‘Isn’t that a bit of an overreaction?’

Someone might pose such a question.

But even Graham himself found it hard to deny.

Although it was for the sake of avenging the princess who was violated by Narcissus.

Looking only at the potent poison he had given Orlea, he had no room to argue against such a label.

Bihonsu, a colorless and odorless poison that slowly stole life with just a touch of a fingertip.

If not for the unexpected appearance of a being named Irene, the assassination would have surely succeeded.

After all, Orlea had been carefully and slowly carrying out the plan, dipping her fingertip into his cup every day.

Even the Saintess, Sera herself.

Had it been discovered just a little later, she would have never been able to cure it.

The foundation that allowed Graham to create such a potent poison.

It was because he had deeply researched and devoted himself to ancient dark magic, acquiring a wealth of knowledge.

In any case, that very same Graham.

“Yes, Princess Sylphia’s words are correct. It seems an ancient dark magic artifact was used.”

As he added his explanation, agreeing with Sylphia’s statement, the atmosphere in the conference room sank heavily.

Those who had fought in the war against the Demon Lord’s army knew all too well how dangerous dark magic was.

“This is truly something. The dark magic used by those demon bastards was hard enough to deal with, but now it’s ancient dark magic…”

Stroking his beard, Baldur muttered with a very grim expression.

He had involuntarily recalled his comrades who had fallen in the last war due to a Lich’s dark magic.

The others felt the same.

The fiend’s dark magic had been so dreadful it could only be described as a catastrophe.

It was to the point that they thought if Logan hadn’t succeeded in the assassination, against Lian’s opposition, the subjugation force’s journey might have ended right there.

“Are you absolutely certain…? That it’s dark magic…?”

Anastasia asked Graham in a trembling voice.

She, who had personally commanded the subjugation force, could not forget the terror of that day either.

In response, Graham nodded his head once more and answered.

“Yes, Your Highness. I would need to see it up close to be certain, but if the symptoms are as Sir Logan described, then he must have been struck by the Sahongu. It was an artifact only mentioned in ancient texts, so I never imagined it could be a real object…”

He continued his explanation about the Sahongu in a low, calm voice, as if telling an old story.

“He is breathing, but his heart has stopped, and no mana can be felt from his body… This likely means his soul has been stolen by that orb.”

Although he couldn’t be certain without seeing it himself.

Even as Graham uttered the word ‘probably,’ his voice was filled with conviction.

“For now, could you guide me to where he is? I believe I need to examine him closely to find a way to treat him.”

At those words, Logan’s blue eyes flashed as if he had discovered a single ray of light in the darkness.

“Is it possible… to cure him?”

From Logan’s perspective, having seen with his own two eyes Iren’s wretched state, which could be described as a living corpse.

He hadn’t actually held much hope for the Magic Tower Master’s treatment.

Just.

If he could obtain even a small clue, any information or evidence about those who had done this to Iren.

He thought that alone would be a great harvest.

But to hear he could be cured.

Wasn’t that even better than information or evidence?

If the victim himself could reveal the whole truth.

He would be able to drive the perpetrators into a corner all at once.

To Logan’s question.

“If it were just me, I would have said it’s nearly impossible, but…”

Graham trailed off, slowly shifting his gaze to Sylphia.

At that, she smiled gently and nodded.

“Yes, I would have also said it would be difficult alone, but with Sir Graham, I think it might be possible.”

“It is an honor. To think that you knew of me…”

“Of course, I know you well. After all, you were once a citizen of our kingdom…”

At Sylphia’s words, the conference room buzzed for a moment.

“Well, I’ll be. A lot of unexpected truths are coming out in today’s meeting. I never would have guessed…”

“Quiet, dwarf. Just shut up and listen.”

“Torena, I don’t think I’m the only one who doesn’t get it. Can’t you explain it to me-nya?”

“…I will explain everything later, so if Your Highness would also be qui… no, please remain quiet.”

“Torena, were you about to curse just now-nya!?”

“…I-It’s a misunderstanding, Your Highness.”

Unlike Luna, who didn’t understand right away.

The others in the conference room vaguely understood why Sylphia had said Graham was a citizen of her kingdom.

The slightly slender ears peeking out from between the folds of his robe’s hood spoke of his race.

“I see… It was quite a long time ago… I thought someone like me would have been forgotten, so this is truly unexpected.”

He nodded with a complex expression filled with remorse and longing.

However, he soon took a deep breath as if to shake off the emotions and continued speaking.

“In any case… would you be able to guide us?”

“I shall accompany you as well.”

Sylphia added her support.

At that, Logan slowly nodded his head.

“Yes, I understand. Your Highness, as you can see, it seems we must leave immediately… will that be alright?”

“Yes… of course. Please, everyone, be careful.”

Anastasia saw them off with a worried gaze.

“Yes, we will be back as quickly and safely as possible.”

Logan, Graham, and Sylphia immediately rose from their seats and left the conference room.

Watching them leave, Baldur asked Elara.

“Aren’t you going with them, pointy-ear? Leaving Princess Sylphia alone like that. Weren’t you here as her escort?”

“Hmph, escort my foot. If I went, I would only be a hindrance to Her Highness. If she needed me, she would have asked me to come along from the start.”

“Oh… is that so? Well, I suppose that’s true. Since the boy is with them, there’s no need for you to accompany them.”

“…Are you trying to pick a fight again?”

“No, why are you getting angry when I’m agreeing with you?”

Baldur wore an expression of disbelief.

The Princess of the Elven Kingdom, Sylphia Arseril.

A High Elf who could converse directly with the World Tree, which had reappeared after several centuries.

This proved her standing.

No one could easily harm her.

Besides.

He had simply agreed with her, saying there was no need to worry since Logan and Graham were with her.

He was baffled that Elara got angry.

Baldur thought maybe this pointy-ear was just being her usual grumpy self.

But he saw her gaze fixed on the door they had left through, as if in disappointment.

At this, Baldur nodded and then a mischievous smile spread across his face.

“Aha! You’re mad because I mentioned the boy, aren’t you, pointy-ear!”

At the mention of Logan.

Not only Elara’s pointed ears, but also Anastasia’s and Luna’s ears perked up.

And Elara, as if he had hit the nail on the head, blushed furiously and shouted.

“You dwarf runt! Will you stop teasing me!?”

“Khahaha! Alright, alright. I’m sorry. You must be very worried. The way Princess Sylphia looked at the boy, honey was practically dripping from her eyes…”

“Shut up! Are you insulting my own princess now!? Step outside this instant, this is a duel!”

“Khahaha! Alright, shall we have another go after all this time?”

“You’re on! Your Highness, I apologize for this sudden request, but may I borrow the training ground in the backyard for a moment? I’ll finish this quickly.”

“What? Uh… w-wait a moment. Both of you, please calm down…”

Anastasia was in a difficult position due to Elara’s sudden request.

However, her own expression was not very good right now either.

Because.

‘W-what did you say!? Princess Sylphia and Logan… No, it can’t be… it can’t be…’

Baldur’s words were bothering her immensely.

Honey dripping from her eyes as she looked at him…!

This was something she absolutely could not let slide!

‘No, no, calm down, Anastasia…!’

This had to be Baldur just teasing Elara.

Yes, it had to be.

Otherwise, if things went wrong, Logan might…!

‘No, no! I trust Logan!’

Anastasia shook her head fiercely, trusting him.

But in the end, a crack couldn’t help but form in her expression.

Because.

“That’s right-nya! Sylphia’s gaze towards Logan was unusual-nya! Isn’t she number one on the list of women men want to marry on the continent-nya? I definitely saw it in the Ether Times-nya! This is really dangerous-nya! This won’t do-nya! Torena, I’m going to follow Logan-nya!”

Luna chimed in, causing a commotion.

And in the end.

“…Your Highness, please just shut up and stay still.”

The patience of the gentle and loyal rabbit-folk attendant finally exploded.

“T-Torena…? Why, why are you angry-nya?”

“You’re asking because you don’t know!? I’m so embarrassed I could die! And haven’t I told you before not to read those tabloids!?”

“I-I’m sorry-nya!”

And so.

The atmosphere in the conference room instantly became a mess.

“Haa…”

Renate, who had been watching this whole scene from behind Anastasia, couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh.

Because her own master was no different from the childish princess of the Beastman Kingdom.

“Ah, ah…! Renate… please…!”

“No, Your Highness.”

“But she’s number one! The number one woman they want to marry!!”

“…Absolutely not, Your Highness.”

She had barely managed to stop her master from bolting out of her seat as well.

Renate felt incredibly fortunate that Lionel, Esman, and the other officials were not present in this meeting.

---

Meanwhile, unaware that the conference room had descended into chaos, Logan, Sylphia, and Graham arrived at the secret underground chamber of the Adventurer’s Guild.

Fiona, who was standing guard, greeted them.

“Logan, if you go around with another woman, His Highness will be sad. Are you sure that’s okay?”

“…Master, please read the room…”

“Ah, alright. That brat… making one joke and… tsk…”

Fiona clicked her tongue slightly at her disciple’s serious reaction.

She briefly recalled the conversation she had with Renate.

• Haa…

• What’s wrong, Renate?

• Ah, Fiona. It’s just that my head hurts because Her Highness’s severe case of Logan-itis gets worse day by day.

• Hmm… is that so?

• Yes, don’t they say lovers come to resemble each other? I really wish she would resemble Logan even by half…

• Her Highness and Logan?

• Yes, I wish that were the case. Ah, you probably don’t know what I mean either. You, like me, have never been in a relationship…

• Shut it, you punk! Are you trying to make me depressed by bringing that up?

Realizing the sad reality once again, Fiona’s brow furrowed automatically.

But that wasn’t what was important.

‘Hmph, Renate. My disciple is just as bad.’

Because Logan’s case was also getting worse day by day.

Anyway, leaving the grumbling Fiona behind.

Logan guided Sylphia and Graham to Iren.

“Oh my… It seems Sir Graham’s words were correct.”

“Yes… There is no doubt he has been struck by the Sahongu.”

The two looked at Iren, who was lying like a living corpse on the bed, and nodded gravely.

At this, Logan asked.

“Can you… truly cure the Magic Tower Master?”

“Yes, a cure is possible. That is, if Princess Sylphia and I combine our powers.”

At Graham’s words, Sylphia nodded and added.

“That’s right. I also think it would be possible with Sir Graham’s shamanism. However…”

“However…?”

“It’s only possible if we bring the Sahongu that was used on him here…”

“Is that so…”

At Sylphia’s answer, Logan nodded calmly, as if he had expected it to some extent.

Then he looked at the grumbling Fiona and asked.

“Master. Did you hear that?”

“Haa… Yes, I heard you, you brat. One moment you’re saying you don’t want to be a bother, and the next you’re ordering me around so well?”

Fiona let out a loud sigh and grumbled some more.

At this, Logan bowed his head and apologized.

“…I’m sorry. I’ll be sure to repay this debt next…”

“Enough. Enough! What debt is there between you and me? Let’s just get going! That Director bastard probably has it.”

“No, we don’t even know exactly where it is, we should at least make a minimal plan… Whoa…!”

“Then figure it out and think fast, you brat!”

Fiona ruffled Logan’s hair.

Despite the very difficult and arduous situation.

The two of them maintained a positive and bright demeanor.

“….”

Graham watched them silently.

Sylphia spoke to him in a low voice.

“You can trust them, Sir Graham.”

“Ah, yes… Of course, I trust them. I know that Sir Logan will do well.”

“Yes, and not only that… I’m sure he will be able to rescue the princess as well, so please rest assured.”

“Ah… yes, I understand, Princess…”

Graham slowly nodded his head.

If he had judged Anastasia to be an untrustworthy person.

Despite Orlea’s sister, Emilia, asking him to forgive and help them.

He had even considered spreading the potent poison throughout the entire empire.

However, just as Sylphia said.

For some reason, he felt an inexplicable something not only from Anastasia.

But also from this man named Logan, so he decided to trust and help them.

He was sure the princesses would want that as well.