episode_0066

The Kingdom’s west, far beyond the sea, thousands of kilometers away, lies the Belonia continent.

Often called the Demon Continent.

Its relationship with the adjacent Ubiet Empire is also poor, with the vast ocean acting as an insurmountable barrier to any meaningful exchange.

In fact, until a few decades ago, the area was known as the “Devil’s Sea,” a terrifying place where countless demon pirates harassed fishermen.

History hadn’t always been this way.

With the sea to its left and mountains to its right,

the central plain of the Nifrantz Kingdom formed an idyllic nation blessed with diverse natural environments.

Gathering herbs in the mountains, raising livestock in the fields, and fishing in the sea.

With different environments came different cultures and industries.

The royal capital, a melting pot of diverse culinary traditions from across the land, was a true gourmet’s paradise. Nifrantz’s culture possessed this distinctive character.

But at some point,

a change occurred on the western coast, a cornerstone of this culture.

When fishing boats failed to return and royal warships sent out to search returned battered and broken,

a state of emergency was declared across the kingdom.

A massive investigation and extermination force was dispatched, but the news that returned was only despair. Naval battles against demons, whose combat capabilities were in a different league entirely, resulted in continuous devastation, and the west coast gradually began to be stained crimson.

Like a collapsing ceiling following the destruction of a single pillar,

the gloom gradually spread to the inland regions, engulfing everything in darkness until, one day…

A miracle occurred.

Appearing like a comet, the woman called herself a “magician” from the Demon Continent.

Her unfamiliar long black hair flowing, she appeared with dozens of wrecked pirate ships, their holds overflowing with demon corpses.

Sunlight began to pierce the perpetually clouded western sky, breathing life back into the fishermen’s eyes.

Already enjoying the boundless support of the local populace, she received national recognition for her achievements. She joined the regular army of the newly crowned king, bringing the nearly half-century-long “Bloody Sea War” to a close.

Afterward, a festive atmosphere prevailed.

She toured the west coast villages and the entire kingdom, appearing alongside the king. It became almost a certainty among the people that the king would take her as his queen.

However, as an adventurer, she desired freedom of action, and unable to give up their love, they married under certain conditions.

Why Leonardo, who isn’t a member of the royal family, knows this?

It was because of a mysterious powerhouse who frequently appeared at the Adventurer’s Guild.

Experienced adventurers had all figured out she was the queen, but speaking of it openly was an unspoken rule.

Having often met during her time with the extermination force and while leading the royal mage corps, the two sometimes adventured together to dangerous places. Leonardo felt almost every emotion for her, except an inappropriate one.

Friendship, affection, camaraderie, gratitude.

Respect, awe, fear.

As his indescribable feelings for her grew,

She began to change.

“Leo,”

One night in a dense forest.

As Leonardo kept watch by the campfire, she suddenly spoke to him.

“…What’s wrong?”

After a moment’s hesitation, what she said next was filled with things he struggled to understand.

Special properties of mana, powers related to souls…

Tired from his arduous adventures, he barely processed what she was saying.

But, he clearly heard her final words.

“I think… I think I can have a child.”

He vaguely remembered hearing that she and the king hadn’t been able to have children. He’d investigated the matter and discovered that they were perfectly capable of having offspring.

The inability of the queen to bear an heir was a huge problem. It was around this time that she seemingly began her research into various fields across the world.

Leonardo pondered this.

Having a knack for magic and knowledge, he changed shifts and murmured as he went to bed.

“…If you’re having a hard time, tell me. If there’s any research I can help with, I’ll lend my strength freely.”

She blinked her moonlit eyes, her eyes slightly reddening, before…

Laughing so brightly she illuminated the entire dark forest.

“…Thank you.”

A cruel twist of fate.

For Leonardo, her final words became a farewell.

Just when news of their child was about to arrive, he began his busy life at the Mage Tower.

Because, one day, both happy and sad news arrived at once.

News that the queen had given birth to a healthy baby girl,

and news that she had passed away immediately after childbirth.

* * *

“Her name was Leah Flora Nifrantz… the only person I could ever truly respect.”

I thought nothing would surprise me anymore.

When Leonardo actually appeared, I didn’t even flinch.

But the story that came from his lips far exceeded my imagination. Something I had never heard from His Majesty the King or any member of the royal family.

A story about my real mother.

“How did I end up telling you this… No, there’s only one reason. Leah’s last appearance was incredibly beautiful.”

“…….”

“Her glittering black hair, of course, and the way she dedicated everything she had to achieve a single goal…”

Thud- Drip-

Someone who was erased from the kingdom’s history with my birth. Someone I resented for not protecting me when I was vulnerable,

and someone I felt sorry for not being able to protect later when I grew strong.

“She was just like you. Fifth Princess Narita Flora, carrying Flora’s blood.”

Tears were already blurring my vision, preventing me from speaking properly.

“H-How…”

“I felt it from the beginning. I can confidently say I know Leah’s power better than anyone.”

Though fainter than Natalya’s, those two pupils shone with all sorts of colors. She also possessed that mana, it seems.

“As soon as I felt the same power in you, I tried so hard to hide my inner shock.”

“…….”

“And I believe there’s only one person in this world who would cry this hard after hearing this story.”

After wiping away my overflowing tears by vigorously rubbing my eyes with the back of my hand, Leonardo stood up and stepped back.

Pushing back his fluttering cloak, he lowered his body and knelt on one knee before me.

“Leonardo Priest, Master of the Mage Tower, greets Fifth Princess Narita Flora Nifrantz.”

I waved my hands frantically.

“N-No need… Your feelings were directed towards my mother… As of now, I’m just a simple academy student.”

“Heh… You really are Leah’s spitting image.”

Seeing him laugh in satisfaction, I felt relieved.

I had met someone who knew my mother for the first time, but this was only the beginning. Now that I had found this huge lead, all that remained was to unravel the secrets surrounding my mother.

Ahem-

Calming my excited body, I cleared my throat.

Standing up, I extended my hand to Leonardo.

“Narias Philbrog. It’s a pleasure to work with you.”

Clang-

He grasped my hand firmly and shook it vigorously.

“If you need my help, I’ll always be there to help. No, let me help.”

I thought seeing someone else in me would be unpleasant.

But if that reflected my mother’s appearance it was more than gratifying.

. . .

“I’ve been boasting, but now that I think about it, I’m the one who needs help…”

“Hee hee. I have a general idea of what you’re getting at.”

The reason Leonardo wanted to reach the Spirit’s Sanctuary.

Apart from the faint rumors of his mother conquering the Bewitching Forest alone,

he had also heard that she had conducted research related to souls.

By researching information from the spirits, the beings most closely associated with souls in this world,

to finally complete her last, unpublished research.

“In that case, my colleagues and I can provide plenty of information.”

“Right. Even if I don’t meet the World Tree, I think I’ll get enough help—!”

“Before that though…”

Just as things were about to wrap up in a friendly manner,

I quietly brought out my hidden intentions.

Nix, who noticed first, quietly chuckled, “Khuhhih—”.

Flutter-

「Karis Adventurer Guild Request No. 7771」 -Requester: Confidential -Rank/Classification: Legendary/Exploration -Content: The deepest parts of the Bewitching Forest – near the Spirit Sanctuary

“You said you’d help, right?”

Leaning back in my chair, I pointed at the signature space next to the words “Request Complete.”

“Let’s get this seal first.”

“…It wasn’t necessary to be identical in this respect.”

While dabbing his forehead, Leonardo looked quite excited, and quickly shook his head, stamping the seal.

With this… three registration test requests successfully completed.

“Congratulations. You’re now a proper adventurer. Not on Leah’s level yet, haha.”

“…Just how strong was my mother?”

“A monster. She didn’t seem human at all.”

There are many mountains to climb in the future.

After a suitable conclusion of conversation, we agreed to exchange relevant materials later.

“Hmm, how should we handle the liaison…”

“That’s fine. I’m taking your daughter’s class.”

“Wh— You mean to say you’re also a student of our adorable, kawaii-cute Emil—?!”

…What are you saying?

Suddenly, surprisingly, he started to sparkle and drool like a girl.

I’d already assumed that this man was Professor Priest’s father… But I didn’t expect him to be such a doting father.

I quickly excused myself.

“Well, our Emil, from the age of three—”

“I’ll take my leave now. I have companions waiting for me.”

A total of three completed requests in my arms.

With the completed request forms, I ran towards the Adventurer’s Guild counter where Yuri and Eve were waiting.