“Is it okay if I stay a bit longer?”
After the festival had ended.
Charlotte, looking like she had aged a decade, saw us off at the entrance of the territory before heading back to Alrva.
It was dark in the early morning, well before sunrise, so there weren’t many people around. Just a few royal knights to protect Charlotte’s body and authority.
Still, there was a feeling in my heart that was filling me up.
“No, it’s fine. I just thought that if we stayed, something unnecessary might happen… huhuhu, so I think it’s better this way.”
“Thank you. I was just being polite, but I was genuinely worried you’d insist on staying longer.”
Charlotte shivered slightly.
Rubia chuckled at the sight of Charlotte.
“Are you really going to make us feel bad about this? Still… Thank you, Charlotte. I had a great time because of you.”
“I-I appreciate it…”
“…Well, as long as you enjoyed yourselves, that’s what matters.”
As she turned her back and waved her hand, Charlotte paused and turned back with a subtle voice.
“…But, do drop by before your journey. At least to say hello. Just… quietly. Don’t cause any trouble. Got it?”
“Hahaha! Sure. I think it’ll be a long trip, so yes, I’ll make sure to visit before I leave.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened.
Then, she ultimately closed her eyes, shook her head, and walked away without saying anything.
“Shall we go?”
“Yup…”
We held each other’s hands and walked towards the carriage prepared behind us.
“Is the greeting done?”
“Yes. Is it okay if Heinzel and Hermila don’t say a separate goodbye?”
“Hmm. I’m planning to visit the territory often anyway, so it doesn’t really matter.”
“Same here. I’m not as frequent as Heinzel, but I’ll stop by occasionally, so it shouldn’t feel awkward.”
Heinzel and Hermila were returning to Alrva with us.
Heinzel offered to take on the role of the carriage driver, just like he did when coming to the territory.
Hermila, despite it not being her hometown, decided to join us under the guise of returning to her homeland.
[Well, that’s not the only reason. It’s also to keep the promise I made with Rubia. And Noah, didn’t I mention that?]
For a moment, I almost replied aloud but quickly covered my mouth with both hands at incredible speed.
“Noah?”
“Hmm?”
Heinzel and Hermila looked at me curiously.
“I-I just yawned… Hehe.”
I forced a bitter smile, hiding the existence of Ser—no, the existence of my friends residing in my soul.
I didn’t know why I had to hide it this much, but according to Ser, it was because it could lead to various annoying troubles.
Still, Ser said they would make an appearance once we reached Alrva.
So… can’t I just say it now?
[No.]
‘…Okay.’
In my still curious mind, I heard Cartia’s voice echo.
[Hey. That little miss is just trying to appear in a more dramatic situation. So just try to understand, okay, Noah?]
‘A dramatic situation…?’
[W-What? Do I look like a fool? I’m a genius! A genius doesn’t think about something trivial like that.]
[Oh really? Then are you saying you’ve been hiding all this time—]
Just then, thud—Cartia’s voice was cut off. Ser’s voice and the subtle background noise stopped, too.
Hmm… I can feel their presence inside, though.
Did something happen…?
“Let’s go, Noah.”
“Ugh… Yeah, yeah.”
Rubia, who seemed to have picked up on the situation, patted my shoulder and gently pulled my hand.
Heinzel and Hermila were still looking at me with curiosity.
I deliberately averted my gaze and slowly climbed into the carriage.
Well, it shouldn’t be a big deal.
After all, they’re still inside my soul.
“Hyah!”
Thud—I threw myself onto the chair of the carriage adorned with various petals and plant leaves. Puff puff—each time I moved my backside, a fragrant floral scent wafted through the seat.
I buried myself into such a chair and slightly pulled aside the curtain covering the window.
Dim light of dawn peeked through the curtain.
Beyond, I could hear the chirping of unknown birds and the sound of plants swaying in the blowing breeze.
The sky was gradually brightening.
It felt so quiet that I could think, ‘What should I do from now on?’
Feeling that peace that wouldn’t be broken anymore, I turned and jumped into Rubia’s arms.
“Oh?”
“Hehe… I want to travel like this.”
Rubia didn’t respond.
Oh… could she be uncomfortable?
I slowly lifted my head to look at her.
Rubia, with trembling eyes, swallowed hard.
It must be quite heavy, huh…?
I got back up slowly and returned to my spot.
“…H-hey, am I heavy? If I am, I can sit on the—ugh?!”
In that moment, Rubia’s hastily outstretched arm pulled me back into her embrace.
“You’re not heavy at all. I was just startled for a second.”
“R-Really? You’re absolutely sure I’m not heavy?”
“Of course. In fact, I’m worried because you feel so light.”
Rustle—Rubia’s pleasant fingers moved through my hair, and I smiled at her with half-closed eyes.
“Um… then I want to stay here until we arrive…”
Huf—a surprised inhale slipped from Rubia.
The thigh supporting my bottom trembled slightly.
“Rubia…?”
“N-No, it’s fine. Yes. You can stay here while we go.”
Nodding—
I relaxed my upper body, leaning against Rubia.
So soft.
“…Let’s depart, Heinzel.”
Across from us, Hermila gave us a cold stare and tapped the carriage wall thump thump.
“Uh.”
And so, clunk. I felt the carriage tilt slightly.
The carriage we boarded was heading towards Alrva, the village where everything began.
*
In the living room of a massive mansion.
Sitting on the floor with a cushion in my arms, Cartia suddenly jumped up, watching the screen where Noah’s view was displayed.
“What the heck? Why the sudden ruckus?”
Then, feeling the sudden cut-off connection with Noah, he glared at Ser.
“Did you do this?”
“…I didn’t.”
Ser, seeming serious, furrowed his brows and turned his head.
“Then the only one who could do something like this is…”
Hermila followed Ser’s gaze.
Where their eyes landed was…
“The mistress did it.”
Sirin, lounging on a plant-made sofa that Laila created, relaxed there.
If it wasn’t Ser, then it would obviously be Sirin.
There was no need to think about it—it was only natural.
After all, Sirin was the one who created this space where everyone could exist in the form of souls.
Even though Ser added his power to complete this place, ultimately, Sirin was the owner. To interact with Noah, Sirin’s permission was required.
“Cartia, even if what you say is true, I had to protect my disciple’s pride, so I couldn’t help it. Sorry.”
Sirin giggled, lifting her feet and playfully wiggling them.
“Hmm. Sirin, I hope you understand that before being Ser’s disciple, he is my descendant.”
“Eh?”
At this, Primavera moved closer to Ser and gently patted his head.
“…What are you two talking about? Disciple and descendant?”
However, with a zap—the magic erupting from Ser’s body rejected Primavera’s touch.
“My pride is mine to protect. And even if I say this, it’s not going to hurt anyone’s pride. This was… yes. This was just a surprise party for my friend. It wasn’t about wanting to make a grand entrance.”
“Sure. If you are my descendant, it makes sense to do that for a friend. Hmm, hmm.”
“Shut up.”
Crackle—wild magic poured from Ser’s body.
“I don’t wish to be a descendant of someone weaker than me.”
“…Ser, even if you’re my descendant, saying such things—”
A silly laugh interrupted Primavera’s words from behind.
“Exactly. I also agree with that so-called genius kid. There’s no need to follow the rules that guy set if he’s weak.”
A growling voice, dripping with disdain, came from Cartia.
That voice was aimed at the lounging Sirin.
“Hahaha!”
Sirin, the target of that remark, seemed to enjoy the situation immensely and raised herself.
At the same time, immense power burst forth from her body.
Discipline.
Ancient Dragon.
The pressure of an existence that had once been at the center of this world.
“Do you really need to test that?”
Sirin locked gazes with Cartia, showcasing her overwhelming power.
“I know, but I felt you might not, so I thought I’d test it out. Have you lost your feel after eating so many years?”
With a chuckle, a chilling intent surrounded Cartia.
At that moment, Fray, who had been petting Carpen and Sonia in the corner, approached.
“What? What’s going on? Are you fighting?”
“Fight? Who’s fighting who? Are you including me? I wanna do it too! Is it team battle or individual battle?”
Carpen charged up, grinning fiercely as he unsheathed his claws.
“…What a bother, what are you doing…?”
Sonia walked over with sleepy steps, rubbing her eyes.
“Yeah. I thought this was something we needed to do at least once.”
“Need? No way. But… well, right. I was curious too. I wonder what would happen now, even if I didn’t back then.”
Luisar and Bohoon, who were drinking tea in one corner, also stepped into the intense atmosphere.
Everyone gathered in one place.
As Cartia slowly surveyed the scene, she placed her hand on the hilt of the sword at her waist.
“Damn it. Looks like everyone thinks they’re the strongest. What’s the rule going to be, you bunch of noobs?”
Slowly rising, Sirin answered,
“The last one standing.”
Crunch—
She spread her wings as she said.
“Let’s call that the victory condition.”
At that, everyone seemed to agree in unison.
They moved simultaneously.
*
Zing.
“Ugh…?”
While sinking into Rubia’s arms and enjoying jelly, I felt the divine presence and my soul boiling fiercely within me.
“Noah? Is something wrong?”
“N-No… um, just a moment…”
Thinking it might be a monster, I grabbed the great sword propped beside me and extended my senses, but there was nothing around.
There was nothing nearby, but if this is happening…
Yeah. Something must be going on.
I didn’t know why, but it wasn’t good for friends to be fighting…
Even if I told them not to, they’re all older than me and probably wouldn’t listen… What should I do?
Whether it be sparring or arm wrestling, I needed to…
Determine the hierarchy…?
