Chapter 255, Going to See the Sea (3)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

Like a speck of dust. Or perhaps like the Anne fur that was perpetually stuck to Plants’ cardigan.

 

Like a crow amongst a flock of swans, only he was black. Just him alone, black. Feeling rather gloomy by himself, like a criminal caught red-handed. Kalian wondered, [What is this? What sort of situation have I found myself in?]

 

With everyone else was utterly white, Kalian, singularly and proudly pitch-black amidst them all, lowered the hand that had been covering his face. Seeing this, Rerik gestured to another attendant standing nearby, and the attendant approached with something, speaking in a careful voice.

 

“It is formal attire, Prince Kalian.”

 

A Prince’s formal uniform.

 

Similar to the black suit currently worn beneath his robe, but properly ceremonial. Kalian looked at it, bowed his head, and laughed.

 

“How very…”

 

[How very determined you are, Plants.]

 

Unable to voice the words aloud in this setting, Kalian swallowed them while laughing and accepted the formal attire, laughing again. He laughed for quite some time, so overcome with laughter that his eyes brimmed with tears as he opened the black leather bag attached to Raven’s saddle and stuffed the received items inside.

 

Aside from what he had borrowed from Allan, the cumbersome formal uniform and red cloak were neatly packed away into Raven’s bag.

 

“Older brother.”

 

Having closed the bag, Kalian called out to Plants, who was quietly watching him, then moved slowly. The quiet sound of hoofbeats reached Rerik’s ears several times before suddenly falling silent.

 

He had casted Silent.

 

“Would you kindly explain the situation to me?”

 

“Though it is my formal uniform, it seemed it would fit you as well, little brother.”

 

Of course, this was not the trivial matter Kalian was curious about, but Plants, who could hardly be unaware of this fact, only said what he wished to say. Finding this frustrating, Kalian responded curtly.

 

“Not that.”

 

“I explained why I wanted to go with you. Is there another problem?”

 

“You know perfectly well this is not a matter you need to involve yourself in, and you understand the reasons well enough, so why are you doing this? If you wish to help me to such an extent, I shall take only the members and go. Even that alone would be enough for negotiations.”

 

“How well the words of one who carries only power without authority will be heard.”

 

At the observation that taking only members without someone in a position to actually command Valkan would be entirely useless, Kalian laughed derisively.

 

“From the beginning, I intended to go with only my own power. Only power without authority. Leaving behind the Mages, the Knights, the Prince’s formal uniform, leaving behind older brother as well. I was going entirely alone. Even going in such a manner, the matter would end sufficiently well.”

 

“Ending well is not the same as being advantageous, is it not?”

 

“Being disadvantageous is not the same as being impossible.”

 

“Why would you go alone when there is an easier path?”

 

“Because going alone will resolve the matter without other complications.”

 

“Stop barking nonsense.”

 

A sneer rose to Plants’s lips.

 

“Is it not that you have no intention of using that position for the trivial task of catching a snake? That you dislike utilising what the Third Prince of Cyries possesses for matters connected to the King of Secritia?”

 

“What are you saying?”

 

“Whether you dislike it, or whether you feel apologetic.”

 

Only after hearing these words did Kalian finally understand the situation. He realised why Plants had blocked his path, going so far as to call him his ‘one and only little brother.’

 

Plants had created this fuss thinking Kalian was reluctant to use ‘Kalian’s’ authority to resolve matters with Debeullan, and had thus fled the Royal Palace alone as though escaping.

 

As though to clear up the misunderstanding, Kalian shook his head and opened his mouth.

 

“I neither dislike it nor feel apologetic. This is an entirely different matter from what I have decided regarding how I shall live. I am no longer troubled by such considerations.”

 

“Then what is it?”

 

“I am doing this not from a sense of debt towards this position, but from a sense of burden regarding it. If I take an army to deal with a problem involving another nation and matters go awry, it becomes war. As you know, I am not someone who intends to start a war.”

 

“It seems resolved now that I have come instead of the blue haired Mage. If matters go awry, we simply say it was the Second Prince who brought members of Valkan as escorts, rather than the Deputy Commander who brought an army. Where is the problem in that?”

 

“How easily you speak of it. Do you not understand this is a matter that will affect the Royal Family as well?”

 

Plants looked at Kalian with an expression suggesting it was nothing of consequence.

 

“I explained to His Majesty, received permission from Commander Manasil to use these members, and finished consulting with the blue haired Mage.”

 

“Older brother.”

 

“I received consent to accompany the Valkan members, including the pink  haired Mage who likes salt so much, so that has been settled.”

 

“Older brother.”

 

“Marquis Beurisen has yet to regain his senses, so with two Princes outside, he cannot scheme other matters, can he? Older brother Randel still has his heart bound, so it seems unlikely he would consider taking over the palace gates simply because his two younger brothers are absent.”

 

“Older brother, please.”

 

“What other burdens must I—”

 

“Plants.”

 

“…What?”

 

Plants glared at the one who had cut off his words.

 

“It is not I who is raising excuses for why you must accompany me, knowing full well this is not a matter you need to involve yourself in. Do not be stub—”

 

“Do not treat me like Chase. It irritates me.”

 

Plants cut off the words in exactly the same manner.

 

“I believe we have discussed this. I have no intention of stepping back and leaving everything to you.”

 

Plants looked directly at the person reflected in his eyes, which held flames within. His slow words continued.

 

“If you have kept me alive and taught me, use me properly. Do not think of taking a detour on an easier path only to be struck from behind again.”

 

“…You speak remarkably well.”

 

“Thanks to my little brother, who taught me so excellently.”

 

A deep sigh flowed from the lips of Kalian, whose brow had furrowed. When told to use what he had been taught, what more could be said? Therefore, once again this time, he had no choice but to yield one step.

 

“If only you would speak at such length ordinarily, how wonderful that would be.”

 

Nevertheless, his mood remained unsettled, so Kalian muttered aloud as though for others to hear before opening his mouth again.

 

“I fail to comprehend why threatening a single tree requires such gravity… However, ultimately this is all a matter I have created, so very well. Let us go together as you desire.”

 

Whether it was permission or acquiescence was unclear, but at any rate, at the sound indicating he would no longer oppose and would accompany him, Plants nodded.

 

“However, older brother.”

 

Yet Kalian’s words were not finished.

 

“What now?”

 

Kalian extended one finger, pointing it towards Plants.

 

To be precise, rather than towards Plants himself, Kalian extended his hand towards the spotless uniform, continuing his words.

 

“Being as clever as you are, you surely already know this well, but since we must use Teleportation Magic Circles, our luggage is exceedingly modest, and naturally there is no cook.”

 

Leaving aside grilled cod, this was someone who could not eat undercooked steak and had sat on bare ground precisely three times. Pretending not to notice Plants’s face at all, Kalian spoke in a voice full of anticipation.

 

“Our delicately raised older brother… I trust you came prepared to sleep rough, rather than planning to strike me from behind?”

 

Kalian’s bright red lips drew a long arc.

 

* * *

 

The thickness was roughly that of a single book.

 

The size was approximately three of Allan’s palms placed together.

 

“This came separately when it was not time to send gifts, Marquis.”

 

It had been received through Euria.

 

Kalian had requested that Allan investigate where the other two Seventh-Circle Mages were and what they were doing, and Allan had sent a messenger bird to Liberen. The gift that arrived afterwards was presumably the answer to Allan’s question.

 

“What need was there to make it so grand when simply using a bird would suffice?”

 

Gazing quietly at the transparent crystal plate while muttering, Allan closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. After thus putting away the various aged matters that filled his sharp eyes, he infused Mana into the crystal plate.

 

A faint vibration accompanied light swirling within the crystal plate.

 

Though it was an object he had never before seen in his life, Allan was not so unsophisticated as to be unable to determine how to use it.

 

How much time had thus passed?

 

When the tip of his nose, grown accustomed to the rich coffee fragrance, could no longer detect any scent whatsoever, a face as familiar as the coffee fragrance appeared, as though being drawn, upon the crystal plate that had been set upright.

 

And for a time, no words were exchanged.

 

—You remain as ever without manners.

 

Then, playful words were offered.

 

Looking at the bright blonde hair without a single trace of brown mixed in, and the deep pink eyes, Allan’s lips curved upward.

 

—As my abilities improve and my age increases, surely it is acceptable for manners to disappear somewhat.

 

—I thought you at least knew how to greet someone.

 

—I thought we were not the sort to concern ourselves with such things.

 

The face within the crystal plate gave a refreshing laugh.

 

—It has been a long time.

 

—It has been a long time indeed, Your Majesty.

 

Etienne, the Queen of Liberen, whose hair had grown slightly longer since Allan last saw her but was otherwise unchanged, asked.

 

—You look rather tired?

 

—I have been unable to sleep well recently. Please do not worry.

 

Etienne, nodding slightly at these words, opened her mouth again.

 

—I see. Then what shall we discuss now? It seems too stark to immediately tell you what you were curious about and end the conversation. Shall I boast about the new Communication Magic created in Liberen? Or shall I ask whether you nag your taciturn King in the same manner?

 

—Since I am witnessing how truly excellent the newly created Communication Magic is, that will do. As for that ox-like person, I am too weary to even mention him, so that will do as well.

 

—Hmm. Then what should we discuss?

 

After thus pondering conversation topics for a time, Etienne eventually, unable to find suitable words, raised the main point she had intended to delay conveying as long as possible.

 

—The two Mages are currently at the Mage’s Tower. I have been observing them, but have yet to see anything suspicious.

 

—As I conveyed to you, if their power reaches the level of an Archmage, it will be difficult to stop them. Please observe carefully so that the ‘explosives’ do not ignite. Naturally, this applies to other High-Circle Mages as well.

 

—Though I can scarcely imagine how dangerous an object that allows ordinary people to use a Sword Master’s power might be, I shall observe with appropriate caution, so do not worry too much.

 

—Understood. Should problems arise, please contact me immediately.

 

Having said this, Allan tapped the crystal plate while speaking.

 

—I shall keep this nearby and observe it constantly.

 

—That is expensive. It costs more than your carriage, so do not break it by tapping it like that.

 

Allan nodded with a laugh.

 

That was the last of it. The conversation ceased. Since the main point had emerged, there was nothing more to say.

 

Whether feeling somewhat wistful or harbouring other curiosities, Etienne did not conclude the conversation but quietly gazed at Allan. Therefore, ultimately it was Allan who opened his mouth first.

 

—Is your son doing well?

 

Etienne’s lips pressed tightly together.

 

Those old matters Allan had swallowed appeared briefly on Etienne’s face before disappearing.

 

The Queen who, knowing herself to be one of the causes of the Archmage’s loss of his son, had to prevent even revenge for that lost son. She released a long, soundless breath. The regret of one who, having incurred a debt that could not be repaid even by gifting the world’s most precious things, must spend her life in repayment alone, flickered past.

 

—I placed a small crown upon him…

 

The Queen, who had no right even to continue silence, quietly opened her mouth.

 

—He interferes in everything to such an extent. It gives me rather a headache, but he is getting on without any particular incident.

 

—I see. It is fortunate that he no longer strays.

 

—Indeed.

 

—Please do not worry about me. I am doing well.

 

And thus Allan brought forth the answer to what Etienne must be most curious about, forcibly had Etienne’s head lowered.

 

Etienne, who had briefly bowed her head in response to Allan’s words, looked at Allan again and smiled faintly.

 

—If I say thank you, does that make me a bad person?

 

—You are already someone who cannot become any worse, so what does it matter?

 

—True enough. I cannot become any worse.

 

Responding thus while slowly nodding, Etienne received another matter from Allan.

 

—I have gained a new son.

 

Etienne looked at Allan without speaking.

 

—He is a lovely fellow who causes his father as much suffering as he himself suffers. He is a child of deep heart who creates a new place rather than attempting to fill the empty space.

 

The Mage, who was forgiving one matter at a time by receiving without refusal all precious things sent regardless of their nature, smiled gently while concluding his words.

 

—Therefore, when next we meet, would it not be acceptable for you to first ask how I have been?

 

The corners of Etienne’s mouth trembled briefly before creating something resembling a smile.

 

—…Yes. I shall do so next time.

 

It was both a word of thanks and a word of apology.

 

Understanding all of this, Allan nodded.

 

* * *

 

They had ridden for an entire day.

 

Though there was no urgency, neither did they move leisurely.

 

While it was true they could not leave the Royal Palace vacant for long, there was rather a different reason.

 

“So, meals are…”

 

The meal Rerik had packed with a worried heart had been entirely consumed at lunch. Since he was not the sort to pack food and take it with him after requesting Preservation Magic from Mages, he had prepared precisely one meal.

 

Thanks to this…

 

“Remove all the flower decorations. No need to toil over embellishments. Cook all the meat thoroughly and use as little spice as possible. Do not serve seafood. Plenty of vegetables would be good, but no peppers. Cook the onions thoroughly… No, just remove the onions as well. I would prefer the bread not to be rye; plain white bread without other additions would suffice. Ah, do you happen to have peas? If you could add plenty of peas. Lots of peas. Tremendously many.”

 

Upon arriving at Sitren City in Siegfried Territory, Kalian was busy.

 

[I knew this would happen. I should have brought Rerik instead…]

 

Two junior Knights had informed the mayor of the two Princes’ visit in advance and arranged for lodging and meals. That much was acceptable, but the problem was the refined palate of one who had been so delicately raised. One could hardly instruct the Knights to convey such detailed specifications to the mayor’s residence cook, after all.

 

“I have actually drunk and danced amongst Knights, gotten into fistfights in the process, and slept in such places many times.”

 

Kalian, seated opposite Plants, looked at the food placed before him and opened his mouth. Seeing his younger brother, who had already casted Silent, grinning, Plants replied quietly.

 

“My little brother appears about to bark again.”

 

“However, I am experiencing servant duties for someone for the first time. Thanks to this, I am having yet another new experience, older brother.”

 

“Be quiet.”

 

“Gaining experience and accumulating irritation simultaneously. How delightful.”

 

“I never asked you to.”

 

Right. He had not asked. He had said he would eat what was given and manage as circumstances allowed.

 

But what use was that?

 

When Kalian, who had grown hungry just before sunset, excitedly caught a wild chicken, what was to be done about that pale fellow who immediately stiffened his face and nodded?

 

Thanks to this, they released the caught chicken and simply came to Siegfried Territory. Having entirely forgotten the memory of mocking him about being prepared to sleep rough, they simply rode hastily and arrived.

 

“Would older brother simply remain here? It seems it would be faster if I went *whoosh* and returned alone.”

 

“I refuse.”

 

Kalian, who had been smiling brightly, nodded and opened his mouth.

 

“Very well. Then please eat. Though it will differ from palace food, it will be better than that chicken from earlier. Please eat plenty, as you will be unable to have such dinners for some time starting tomorrow.”

 

Plants, who had no thought of responding, frowned while looking at the mountain of pea salad. Though he was not unaware of whose doing this was, he was rather too weary to quarrel over such matters.

 

“There are tremendously many peas.”

 

“I told you not to bark.”

 

“I was not barking. It is simply that there are many peas. However, I cannot fathom why the peas are cooked so thoroughly. They are utterly mushy.”

 

This was like someone viewing a wild chicken.

 

“You.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Irritation arose, yet speaking the irritation would reveal that he understood those peas represented him, so he could not speak, but remaining silent when irritated was itself irritating, so:

 

“…Stop it.”

 

[Who would have thought I would miss Luci and Anne this much?]

 

The thought that Plants should not have come arose profusely, furrowing his brow, when he had not even thought such a thing when viewing the wild chicken.

 

The dining room door, where the Princes were continuing their meal, opened of its own accord.

 

Kalian, who had been sitting in his seat laughing foolishly just moments before, looked towards the door. And Plants saw the shield that had appeared before him.

 

“How suddenly you come again. This time, have both of you come together?”

 

With these words, a large-framed individual entered. He was someone who could visit where Princes were without seeking permission.

 

At the familiar voice, Kalian rose from his seat with a welcoming face.

 

“Duke Siegfried.”

 

The shield that had been created before Plants disappeared.

 

Instead, Kalian’s back became visible.

 

“Though it is difficult to call it a long time, I am pleased to see you. Were you perhaps in the vicinity?”

 

“Yes, Your Highness. I had some business to attend to, so I was briefly in the area.”

 

“I see. However, why is it that from Duke…”

 

Stopping mid-sentence without erasing the smile full of welcome from his face, Kalian opened his mouth again.

 

“The scent of blood is so thick?”

 

Sleiman, seeing Kalian asking while blocking Plants’s front, realised what misunderstanding he had caused and burst into great laughter. Then, extending his empty hands to show them, he spoke.

 

“Ah, no. A guest came to visit briefly, so I was out on what I know not whether to call a greeting or farewell. So, please do not misunderstand.”

 

“A guest, you say?”

 

Sleiman glanced briefly towards Plants before opening his mouth.

 

“Shiona Hill. Do you perhaps know that name?”

 

[Shiona Hill!] The eyes of Kalian, who had heard the name of one he had wished to find, narrowed.