Volume 8
Chapter 37
"Gone...? When?"
"This morning,
apparently. Mimuru woke up and she was just gone from the room."
"Sniffle,
sniffle... Blow!"
Tom handed his
handkerchief to the sniffling, teary-eyed Mimuru and explained Shina's
situation, which he'd just heard, to everyone present. The Blood Pact Ritual, and the changes it had wrought on Shina's body.
Her great-grandfather and his attendant, who had come to take her back. Mars
and the others, having heard the circumstances from Mimuru, all wore grim
expressions. Tima's eyes were wide, her hands covering her mouth, speechless.
"I can't believe
Shina-san was in that state..."
"Well, after
seein' a love scene between the Red-Haired Princess and Nozomu in that
condition, ya can't blame her for gettin' desperate~~"
"A-A love
scene!?" "Waaaaaaah!"
While most of those
present looked grim, Feo remained as flippant as ever. He spoke in his usual lighthearted
tone, but Tima and Mimuru overreacted to his words.
"Tima, and you,
cat, calm down. Okay, I get the situation. It's true Nozomu might get torn up
if he finds out Shina's in this state."
Mars placated the
hysterical Tima and Mimuru, turning his gaze to Tom. Unlike Tima, who was
empathizing with the crying Mimuru and Shina, the guys were able to think more
clearly. From what Mimuru said, it was highly likely Shina had just bottled up
too much and exploded. That said, since she had refuted her own relative's
words, it was hard to imagine her leaving Arcazam.
"Well, she said
she wouldn't go back, denyin' the elf elder. If it was just a temporary
explosion of feelin's, she'll probably come back once she calms down,
right?"
"Y-You don't know
that~~!" "That's right! We should all look for her!"
Mimuru and Tima fiercely
objected to Feo, who had nonchalantly declared it wasn't a problem. Camilla,
who had been listening, fidgeted restlessly, not fully understanding the
situation. Lisa, next to her, just shrugged as if to say, "Can't be
helped."
"Well, what do we
do? I don't mind skipping class, but..."
In any case, they'd
better tell Nozomu what had happened to Shina. Just as Mars and the others came
to this conclusion, a woman's voice called out from behind them.
"There you
are."
The person who spoke
was Inda, the homeroom teacher for 3rd Year, Class 2, and Jihad's assistant.
The teacher, having come from the direction of the academy, let out a long
sigh, as if in relief at finally finding them. She glanced at Mars and the
others, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I was looking
for you; I have something to discuss. It was urgent... but where are Nozomu-kun
and Shina-san?"
"He's not here
today either. And Shina apparently left the dorm early this morning. So, what
did you want to talk about?"
Hearing that Nozomu
and Shina were both missing, Inda's expression tightened. Spurred by her sharp
gaze, Mars and the others also grew tense.
"It's about
Shina-san. There is something I must tell you all. Please, come with me."
With that, Inda turned
on her heel, as if begrudging the time to even wait for their reply. Her
manner, so different from her usual calm, was filled with an anxiety that made
the unease in Mars's group swell. They followed after her.
***
Inda led them to
Jihad's office. At her urging, Mars and the others opened the impressive oak
door and entered the room.
"Jihad-sensei, I
found them."
"Thank you,
Inda-sensei."
The moment they
entered the office, Mars and the others all tilted their heads in confusion. A
beautiful elf was standing next to Jihad's desk.
"Who's
that?"
"Y-You!"
While Mars and the
others were puzzling over the elf, Mimuru, who recognized him, bared her canine
teeth, her face flushing. Standing next to Jihad was Shina's fiancé candidate,
Laurus Folium. His handsome, stage-actor-like face wore a smile as he greeted
Mars and the others.
"It's been since
yesterday, Shina's friends. How are you all?"
"What do you
mean, 'how are we'?! You shady elf!"
"Shady...? I seem
to be quite disliked. I was only doing what I thought was best for her..."
"You...!"
"Mimuru, calm
down. ...I see. So you're Shina's fiancé candidate... Jihad-sensei, what did
you want to talk about?"
Mimuru, her blood
boiling, tried to lunge at Laurus, but Tom, who was beside her, held her back
and prompted Jihad, who had summoned them. From that short exchange, Tom could
easily guess that this elf was part of the reason Shina was missing, but he
also sensed that wasn't the main problem.
"This gentleman
had something to discuss with Nozomu-kun and Shina-kun... Where are they?"
"They're not
here, due to... complications. We'll listen to what you have to say, then find
them and pass it on. ...Is it bad?"
Laurus took over from
Jihad, answering Mars's question.
"A little, yes.
Frankly, it's a matter that could cause trouble between the elves and Arcazam.
One of our elven elders, Triforium-sama, is dead set on taking Shina out of
Arcazam."
"We know that. We
heard from Mimuru."
"Is that so. Then
do you also know that Triforium-dono has decided to take Shina by force?"
"...I see. He's
that serious. But if his goal is to take Shina, why are you here?"
Mars wasn't
intimidated, even by someone who was clearly his social superior. He was openly
wary, glaring at Laurus. Laurus, in turn, met Mars's hostile gaze with a gentle
smile. He seemed accustomed to such animosity. He began to speak, answering
Mars's question.
"Taking her back
by force is not my wish. Or rather, it shouldn't be done. She is currently a
student of Solminati Academy. Even if an elven elder loudly proclaims it's a
family matter, ignoring her will and taking her by force is, without a doubt,
kidnapping."
And if he did so, it
would create a grudge between the elves and Arcazam, and by extension, other
races. For Laurus, who was entrusted with negotiations, that was something to
be avoided at all costs.
"The elves
already have a history of ignoring the warnings of other races during the Great
Invasion. We cannot afford to add another to our shame."
Laurus said this with
a self-deprecating smile. For this young man, who had managed negotiations
between races, Triforium's actions had clearly crossed a line.
"How would he
take her? Even if she's lost her power, Shina will resist, won't she?"
"She has
completely lost her connection to the spirits. Unable to even knead her magic
power, she'll be no obstacle to Triforium-sama, who can use spirit magic. Even
if she resists, he will likely just seal her will with his magic."
"That's pretty
harsh."
"He's that
serious. He has long worried about letting Shina leave his side, and above all,
this city has two volcanoes on the verge of erupting... The 'Dragonslayer,' and the 'Death-Demon Princess' who is so
interested in him."
At Laurus's open
mention of "Dragonslayer,"
the group's gaze hardened. Only a very select few at the academy knew that
fact. They couldn't imagine an outsider knowing. "Did you tell him!?" Mars shot a silent, accusing glare at
Jihad, but Jihad just shook his head in denial.
"...Spirit
magic?"
If Jihad hadn't
spoken, the only other possibility was the elves' unique magic. But Laurus
shook his head, denying Mars's words.
"That was the
trigger. The one who brought us information about the Dragonslayer was the King of Spirits, who waits behind him."
"Old man
Zonne...? Why?"
"He said he
couldn't allow a spark to get close to the Dragonslayer."
Hearing Laurus's
words, Mars and the others looked bitter. This meant Zonne had washed his hands
of Shina. He likely wouldn't help search for her, and depending on the
circumstances, he might even interfere with them contacting Nozomu. Even if
Zonne was teaching Nozomu spirit magic, he was, at his core, an observer sent
by the dragon clan.
"That's the
situation. In short, we know an elven elder is attempting to abduct a student
of our academy. The academy is currently busy preparing for the negotiations
between the Kingdom of Forsina and the Dizard Imperial Kingdom, but we cannot
ignore this."
"Got it. We'll
help. We have an idea where Nozomu is."
Knowing the
circumstances, Mars and the others had no intention of looking the other way.
Zonne might interfere, but Mars decided they'd just have to deal with that.
Besides, if they could stop Triforium, one of the "sparks" Zonne was
worried about would be gone, solving the problem anyway.
"The problem is
Shina, whose whereabouts are unknown..."
"I will go. I
should be able to help."
"Got it."
It was Laurus who
spoke up. As an elf, he could use spirit magic, just like Shina and Triforium.
If he could communicate with spirits, he would certainly be useful in finding
them. Mimuru and some of the others looked displeased, but Mars immediately
decided to accept his help.
"However, Triforium-sama's
spirit magic is more powerful than mine. If he resists with all his might, it
will be difficult..."
"We'll have you
handle that somehow. Jihad, how many guards can you mobilize?"
"About twenty,
I'd say."
"That's not
many..."
There were at least a
thousand guards maintaining the massive city of Arcazam. Considering they might
have to search the entire city, that number was far too small. At Mars's point,
Jihad frowned, his expression bitter.
"It's because the
Francilt-Wajiart negotiation was moved up. It seems there was a major
development on their end as well. It was scheduled for the day after tomorrow,
but it's happening today."
"...What do you
mean?"
According to what Feo
had told Mars, the negotiations were supposed to start the day after tomorrow.
Mars's tone dropped, and Jihad let out a long sigh before speaking, his face
tense.
"Irisdina
Francilt and Somilliana Francilt have been banished from the Francilt family.
It seems Lord Victor took a hardline measure for his daughters' safety."
"No way... Ai and
Somia-chan... where are they now!?"
The first to react was
Irisdina's best friend, Tima. Her face filled with shock and panic, she stepped
forward, but Jihad continued his explanation in a low, flat voice.
"The two are
currently under the protection of the Parline family. Starlight confirmed they are both asleep, under guard."
Tima's shoulders
slumped, somewhat relieved to know they were safe, but the look of panic on her
face remained. Meanwhile, Mars and Feo, seeing the situation escalating on all
fronts, felt the anxiety that had been nagging them finally bare its fangs.
"The negotiation
being moved up has caused confusion in Arcazam's response. The majority of the
guards are currently tied up with locking down the area around the Francilt
mansion for security."
"Even if it's
known that vampires aren't just the blood-craving monsters of legend, long-held
perceptions are not easily overturned. What's more, everyone who attended the
Opening Festival and saw Vitora felt an instinctive terror," Inda added.
Vitora's overwhelming
presence, even if she paid no mind to those around her, was apparently enough
to drive others to fear just by existing. It was like relaxing, floating in the
ocean, only to have a giant shark swim right past you. Even if the shark isn't
interested, a normal person would panic.
"On top of that,
the Arcazam council is in chaos. Some are even calling for the expulsion of the
Francilt and Wajiart families, going against the very principles of Arcazam."
The latent terror
Vitora brought had even affected the wise men who governed the city. The
principle of Arcazam. This city was built to foster talent and advance
research, but its core ideal was to unite the strength and will of the
continent's people against the threat of magic beasts. An ideal forged from
countless sacrifices. But now, that fundamental human fear was beginning to
shatter even that ideal. Jihad's continued explanation only accelerated the
group's anxiety.
"This... feels
bad."
"Yeah. In any
case, let's find Nozomu and Shina."
Everyone present
nodded at Mars's words.
"Arcazam is
currently tied up handling the chaos from the sudden negotiation. I'm sorry,
but I'm counting on you."
"We know."
"Jihad-sensei, I
will go with them."
With a small nod, Mars
and the others left Jihad's office. Inda and Laurus followed. To ensure their
smooth operation, the cooperation of Inda, who held a position at the academy,
and Laurus, one of the few elves, was essential. Jihad watched them leave, then
slowly stood and turned his gaze out the window. In his line of sight was the Gloaurum
Institute building, which was attached to Solminati Academy.
***
The outskirts of
Arcazam. Shina, having arrived at a wide, grassy plain, sat down on the ground.
The chilly winter air and the cold earth helped to cool the heat in her heart.
"Hah... I skipped
school... hehe..."
A thrill weld up in
her, and Shina's face broke into a smile. She had returned to the dorm after
shouting her refusal at her great-grandfather, but had left the city early the
next morning, before her roommate woke up. Perhaps because she had vented all
her feelings at her great-grandfather, or perhaps because a night had passed.
Contrary to her own expectations, the pain that had nested in her heart had
vanished. No, her heart felt calm, as if the built-up poison had been washed
away.
"I really do love
him. I want to be with him, forever. Even if... I can't be of use anymore. Even
if it means... abandoning my dream."
That was her answer,
after Lisa's prodding had forced her to face her feelings again. Her fellow
elves would surely scorn her. She was, after all, abandoning the pride and dearest
wish of the elven race. But, even so, Shina chose to be with Nozomu. She had
decided, and her heart had naturally regained its calm.
"The wind feels
good. I made Mimuru worry, didn't I... I'm sure she's still worried..."
Plop. She lay down on the
ground, accepting the cold but gentle wind, and looked up at the dawn sky. She
recalled the feeling of Nozomu's lips on hers and gently traced her own.
(I haven't seen him
recently. I want to see him...)
Remembering Nozomu's
gentle smile, a longing and love welled up from her heart. At the same time,
she remembered the big secret she hadn't told him.
(The meaning of the Blood Pact Ritual, and its outcome. I
have to tell him properly. And... my feelings, too.)
"She really is
strong..."
The image of a certain
red-haired girl resurfaced in her mind. Only after losing her connection to the
spirits did she understand the fear, the preciousness, and the strength of
loving someone. Because she, an elf, now held the same loneliness as a human,
she could understand human weakness, and see human strength. Her mind was made
up. All that was left was to act.
"...Alright."
With a look of firm
resolve, Shina sat up. In front of her, Triforium, who had arrived at some
point, was standing. Shina wasn't startled by his sudden appearance. Instead,
she smiled and greeted her only relative.
"This is the last
time. Return to the village."
"I refuse. This
is my place."
It was an exchange
they had repeated many times. But Shina's voice held a calm it had never had
before. Triforium's eyes sharpened at the newfound strength in her voice.
"Shina, as I said
yesterday..."
"Yes. It's true.
I am powerless now. I can't do anything. But still, I will remain here."
"..."
As Triforium fell
silent, Shina continued to express her feelings in a flat, but powerful, tone.
Her words were so clear that the confusion swirling in Triforium's chest slowly
turned to certainty. And that certainty was not what he wanted. Shina had, in
the truest sense, made her decision.
"My place is by
his side. Even if he dies before me, even if my body is destroyed by his blade
when he loses himself, I will stay by his side."
Even if I die, I will
be with the one I love. I will stay. There was no hesitation or guilt in her
eyes, only the pure, devoted love for him.
"Ngh..."
Before Shina's
determined gaze, a vivid scene from ten years ago resurfaced in Triforium's
mind. Her older sister had been a kind woman with the same loving eyes. And,
like a true elf, she had been stubborn, prepared to accept any outcome once she
had made a decision. Because of that, she had died. The Great Invasion, which
had destroyed the elven nation centered around the Great Tree. When the tree,
their absolute fortress, fell, she had shared her fate with her burning
homeland. All to let more of her people escape.
"Great-grandfather,
I am sorry. And thank you... for worrying about me."
Shina no longer held
any negative feelings for Triforium, who had raised his voice at her so. Even
if he couldn't accept it, she was grateful for her relative, who was only
thinking of her safety. To Triforium, Shina's enlightened expression overlapped
with her sister's final moments. Her faint smile, her direct gaze—they were
identical. It stirred up sadness, relief, and anxiety, thoroughly disturbing
the old elf's heart.
"Is it...
absolutely impossible?"
"Yes."
"I... see. I
see... So words can no longer stop you."
He closed his eyes and
looked to the sky, his thoughts on the girl who was his last remaining blood. Triforium
knew Shina from their time in the hidden village. Having lost her spirit magic,
she had been treated like a pariah. Not that she was ostracized or insulted.
But the pitying gazes were more than enough to corner Shina, who had lost
everything. Unable to feel a sense of belonging, Shina had decided to go to
Arcazam, aiming to reclaim her former homeland. Triforium had, of course,
opposed it. His deep-rooted distrust of other races was part of it, but more
than anything, he feared that Shina, in her distressed state, would leave the
village and meet an irreversible fate. In the end, he hadn't been able to
persuade her. In the seven years since the invasion, Shina, even without spirit
magic, had acquired more than enough strength to defend herself. Triforium
hadn't backed down easily, but after an all-night argument, Shina had left for
Arcazam, half-running away from home. At the time, he had trusted in the
strength she'd gained and told himself she would be fine. But the threats
swirling around her now had completely blown that excuse away. Thus, Triforium,
realizing he could no longer persuade Shina, resorted to his final measure.
"Then it can't be
helped. I will take you back by force. That... is a promise."
"A promise?"
"Yes. With your
sister, who fought and died with the Great Tree..."
Triforium raised his
magic power, calling the surrounding spirits. Guided by the light erupting from
his withered, old body, shining particles of light began to gather. The prelude
to spirit magic. But even as the magic was clearly directed at her, Shina
showed no signs of resistance.
"You... won't
resist?"
"I, who have lost
all my power, cannot. I have no way to stop your magic, Great-grandfather. But
I will not bend my heart."
Faced with his beloved
great-granddaughter's declaration, Triforium unleashed the spirit magic he had
prepared. The spirits dancing around them surged toward Shina, swarming around
her. Slowly, the light of her will began to fade from her eyes.
"I will seal your
consciousness and take you home. Forgive me. You can hate me for it."
Manipulating
Grass Whistle
The magic Triforium
used was one that sealed the target's mind, forcing them to obey the caster's
commands. It was a spirit magic named for the way a whimsical fairy might lure
a person away by playing a grass whistle. But its effect was extraordinary.
Within its range, it could seal the will of a hundred, or even two hundred,
people, turning them into dolls. And because it borrowed the power of the
mighty spirits, normal countermeasures were useless. Its effect was far more
powerful than the hypnotic magic Rugato had once used. Triforium, having sealed
Shina's will, prepared to take her toward the south gate, to leave Arcazam.
"Shina, we are
leaving this city. Follow me."
However, defying Triforium's
command, Shina did not move. Thinking the spell hadn't taken full effect, Triforium
ordered the spirits to seal her will again. But no matter how many times he
ordered them, the spirits' only reply was, "The spell is working perfectly."
"What does this
mean? Can it be because her soul is connected to that Dragonslayer? Or..."
He spoke to the
spirits, but their only answer was that the spell would have no further effect.
Her sealed will must be resisting his command. Triforium, his expression a mix
of exasperation and resignation at his great-granddaughter's stubbornness, took
her hand and began to walk toward Arcazam's south gate.
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