Chapter 269, I’m Rather Good at Setting Traps (6)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

He had told them to stay close to Shiona.

 

He had not told them to have a bout with Shiona.

 

Perhaps he should have been more specific with his words.

 

Since they were already outside the Royal Palace, he had not expected them to come all the way here for training. So, Plants had imagined they would simply be making a mess while ruining the carbonated water like they ruined their lives, or perhaps making some other absurd wager amongst themselves, or at the very least resting well on their own.

 

However, when he returned, he found forty bodies. No, forty members, lying. Or rather, abandoned on the sandy beach.

 

He thought they had been attacked.

 

“It doesn’t seem like sparring. Perhaps the members agreed to learn something from Shiona.”

 

Kalian asked this while watching the forty people trying desperately to rise from their positions upon seeing the two Princes. He was not worried about injuries, as it was obvious they had simply been struck once or twice each and fallen.

 

And Plants, having received Kalian’s question, pondered very briefly but very deeply before answering.

 

“…We didn’t.”

 

“Yes.”

 

He did not seem to believe it entirely, but regardless, Kalian nodded without further comment.

 

Whether or not he understood Plants’ heart, unable to explain because those fellows had bet on him, Kalian had worked out the situation on his own but attempted not to become too involved in Valkan’s affairs. A small laugh escaped him.

 

“Why on earth do they keep stepping forward to get beaten up?”

 

This muttered remark was followed by Kalian’s laughter growing gradually louder until it burst forth.

 

The laughter that had erupted simply would not stop. The sound of Kalian’s laughter continued for quite some time as he returned to where he had been resting, saying he would go and rest a bit.

 

Plants deliberately ignored such a younger brother and sent everyone inside with instructions to go in, wash properly, and those who would sleep should sleep, while those who would rest should rest. To be precise, he said “Go in”.

 

“Division Commander Jelia.”

 

“Yes, Deputy Commander.”

 

“Stay.”

 

Except for the pink-haired middle manager, who had swallowed the salted offering on the ground.

 

With neither Kalian nor Plants present, when all their members ended up in such a state, Nidlen had nothing to say to that.

 

They had asked to be shown how a Warrior of the Great Dunes fought, not enquired about how a Sword Master Warrior of the Great Dunes fought.

 

They had been deceived.

 

Elves as a species could not be trusted.

 

In any case, forty people had all collapsed in just six *clinks*. Just then, the two Princes approached and Shiona fled at the speed of light.

 

In the end, the busy middle manager bowed her head first, before the throbbing in her solar plexus from being casually struck by the bored Sword Master had even subsided.

 

“I apologise.”

 

“Never mind that.”

 

And she heard an unexpected response. She was not scolded.

 

“There is something I wish to ask.”

 

Moreover, she was truly surprised to hear these words. Not because Plants had a question, but because the words that followed were far too long.

 

After hearing Plants’ question to the end, Nidlen was about to nod and answer when she suddenly opened her mouth as if remembering something.

 

“But, Deputy Commander. To answer what you have asked will take some time. Would it be acceptable to show you something first?”

 

Plants merely nodded at the question without any particular comment, and soon Nidlen drew something from within her robe. It was the familiar Space Pocket of Mages.

 

While fumbling to open it, Nidlen spoke.

 

“Prince Kalian seems to be in good spirits today. He appears to be laughing more than usual.”

 

“My younger brother hasn’t laughed today.”

 

Plants answered thus.

 

Nidlen looked at Plants, unable to quite understand what this meant, but Plants offered no further explanation.

 

Since his face did not invite further questions, Nidlen closed her mouth and quickly began rummaging through the pocket. She thought it best to swiftly change the subject.

 

After thrusting her arm up to the elbow into the fist-sized pocket and rummaging about, Nidlen’s face showed she had found what she wanted and withdrew her hand. Plants’ brow furrowed slightly upon seeing what emerged from the pocket.

 

“…What is that?”

 

“It’s a conch shell, Deputy Commander.”

 

A large conch shell with a pale sand colour.

 

Nidlen demonstrated bringing it to her ear and spoke.

 

“If you do this, you can hear the sound of waves.”

 

Shiona had told her it was a way to hear the sound of waves in Cyries, which had no sea.

 

Of course she had known about it, but thanks to Shiona, she had recalled this and heard the sound within for the first time. Nidlen handed over the conch shell.

 

“It’s fascinating. You should try listening as well, Deputy Commander.”

 

Plants took it and brought it to his ear as Nidlen had shown him. And he quietly began to listen to the sound of waves coming from within.

 

“After you left during the day, Deputy Commander, this was the prettiest one the members helped find. Since your birthday is coming soon, we wanted to give it as a gift.”

 

A birthday present. Not pearls, not mother-of-pearl, just a conch shell…

 

It was not some rare jewel obtained with difficulty, but just a conch shell that Valkan’s members had found after searching the beach for a long time.

 

While listening to the explanation that they had intended to give it when all the members were gathered, but everyone was too shy, so they simply asked for it to be quietly slipped to him, Plants said nothing.

 

“…I see.”

 

And after a long while, he answered thus.

 

Understanding that the words drawn out while listening to the sound from within the conch shell meant ‘thank you’, Nidlen showed a bright smile.

 

* * *

 

The teacup gave off neither the scent of coffee nor tea.

 

A rather complicated expression appeared on Allan’s face as he quietly looked down at it.

 

—Will you be all right?

 

The ring on Allan’s finger was emitting a bright light. To the question full of concern, Kalian answered.

 

—Are you referring to my decision to go to Secritia with older brother?

 

—Yes. I am concerned about that. I know that Prince Plants considers it unrelated to past events. However, knowing and feeling are always different matters, so I cannot help but worry.

 

—I told you it would not matter if memories returned.

 

Allan did not answer for a moment.

 

He merely stroked the edge of the teacup with his fingers without lifting it, taking time to absorb Kalian’s words.

 

Instead, Kalian’s words continued.

 

—By now, he is probably only worrying about what clothes to wear so as not to get grass stains. Not the Prince’s formal attire or the Deputy Commander of Valkan’s uniform, but just my older brother’s clothes that won’t get grass stains.

 

It meant it did not matter, since he would be going to Secritia, where he had once visited as the King commanding Valkan, now simply as Kalian’s older brother.

 

—I wonder if that mindset can be changed as easily as changing clothes. I worry that you might have nightmares again.

 

—In any case, both older brother and I… are accustomed to nightmares now, so it’s fine. We’ve woken each other many times as well.

 

A small sigh escaped from Allan’s lips.

 

—Then will you yourself be all right going to that place?

 

—Many things will come to mind. Won’t that be welcome and pleasant?

 

—I am asking about you standing before that person. There must be ways to resolve it without going directly.

 

—I did worry whether, given my impatient nature, I might lose my temper the moment I see Debeullan’s face. But actually, I learned something this time.

 

—What did you learn?

 

—That there are things that can only be shaken off by facing them directly. It feels a bit sad to say ‘shake off’, though. In any case, I learned such a thing. So, I’m deliberately trying to go. To ‘shake it off’.

 

The fingers circling the rim of the teacup paused briefly.

 

Allan, still looking down at the dark-coloured tea that gave off no scent, sent forth an affectionate voice.

 

—Did the mother of the Elves also tear through your heart before leaving?

 

After a moment of no answer.

 

—Yes.

 

An honest feeling was conveyed.

 

—Shall I go and give that wretched tree a proper thrashing for you?

 

—You seem like you would actually do it, so I can’t even act spoiled by asking. That too, later. Just have a drink with me.

 

—Let us do so. I shall wait.

 

—I truly like it when you say you will wait. Older brother Chase, father too, says such things to me… and this time I can return as well. It’s good to hear.

 

Lies he could not even tell well.

 

The lies about coming back, about definitely returning.

 

Because this time, he need not tell them.

 

A smile appeared on Allan’s lips upon hearing him address Chase as such. When Kalian returned this time, the two would surely have much to discuss.

 

—Return safely.

 

—Yes, I shall return safely.

 

With these words, the light from the ring diminished and disappeared.

 

“Grandfather, are you finished talking with your new son, the Third Prince?”

 

Veronica asked this of Allan, who had been looking down at the lingering glow for some time.

 

“You’ve already noticed.”

 

“I know grandfather has a son, and mum knows too. father probably knows as well.”

 

Veronica smiled while looking at the jewel-like flower that had not yet been taken to the estate and was growing well by the window.

 

“I liked him too, and mum likes him, but probably not as much as father.”

 

A smile formed on Allan’s lips.

 

After that, he tapped the teacup with his fingertips and spoke.

 

“In any case, how am I to drink all of something so bitter?”

 

“Grandfather, you haven’t been sleeping lately. It’s medicine, so it’s bitter. Don’t grumble and drink it all.”

 

Veronica spoke with quite a stern face towards Allan, who looked only about ten years older than her.

 

Allan, who had been looking down at the deep, deep brown tea for a long time, drank it all in one gulp without hiding his expression that he was truly forcing himself to consume it.

 

Veronica sat down beside Allan and, after confirming the empty cup with not a drop remaining, took out the box of chocolates she had been holding.

 

Allan quickly received it and put one in his mouth, gradually relaxing his frowning face.

 

“Do you realise our roles have switched, grandfather and I? You should be the one giving me these while I should be the one refusing.”

 

“Still, I cannot help it as bitter things simply do not suit my palate.”

 

Allan complained thus towards his granddaughter, whose hair looked exactly like his while her tastes were completely opposite. When there were so many delicious, sweet things in the world that were also good for one’s health, why give such bitter tea?

 

“Still, let me overlook it just this much. Had it not been from my lovely granddaughter, I would not have even touched it.”

 

As a gentle smile appeared in Allan’s eyes, Veronica made the same expression.

 

“All right. I’ll overlook it.”

 

Allan spoke towards Veronica, who seemed to have grown noticeably even though she was kept close by.

 

“So. What can I help you with?”

 

“Hm? What do you mean?”

 

At the feigned ignorance in her question, Allan smiled slightly and spoke again.

 

“I thought you had brought this bribe because you had something you needed help with, but if not, never mind.”

 

While appearing far younger than even Arsene on the outside, his insides were definitely that of Veronica’s old and wise grandfather. Veronica tapped her own crown with her palm.

 

“Stop standing on my head and come down.”

 

At the adorable complaint asking him not to speak from the top of her head, Allan made a pleased laugh. Watching this, Veronica, who had been keeping her mouth firmly shut, spoke as if resolved.

 

“I want to stop attending the Magic Academy.”

 

“Do so, then.”

 

Veronica’s eyes widened.

 

“You’re not asking why? You’re not saying you’ll discuss it with mum, and grandfather is just deciding on his own and saying ‘do so’ and that’s it?”

 

“I’ve already discussed it, so don’t worry.”

 

“Mum isn’t angry?”

 

“Rachel might be angry that you secretly skipped school, but she’s not the sort of person to be angry if you don’t want to do it.”

 

“Then isn’t mum sad?”

 

“What would she be sad about?”

 

“That I’m trying to do what father did.”

 

Veronica, who had said she would become an apothecary following after her father, Ronil, rather than becoming a Mage following her mother, Rachel, looked at Allan’s empty teacup briefly before continuing.

 

“I couldn’t tell her because I was afraid mum would be reminded of father. She said so, you see. That to live, one must live by forgetting.”

 

Veronica, bringing up once more the story she had once told Hina and Dmirea, looked at Allan. She gazed at Allan, who was showing an affectionate smile, and let out a small voice.

 

“I’m sorry, grandfather.”

 

Because she knew it was not only Rachel who would recall Ronil whenever seeing medicine.

 

“Are they truly memories that would be forgotten by living? In the end, everything will be remembered, and one simply comes to accept it.”

 

Having said this, Allan reached out and stroked Veronica’s head several times. Veronica giggled, then hugged Allan tightly.

 

“Live doing what you wish to do. Without any worries.”

 

*Pat pat…*

 

Allan comforted Veronica while smiling once more.

 

* * *

 

*Clink.*

 

The sound of a small bell rang on a hill overlooking the Mother Tree of the Elves and the sea. Kalian smiled mischievously, sensing that the sound was particularly full of complaint today.

 

“Stop laughing. It still hurts.”

 

“You touched my people first.”

 

Late at night…

 

On a hill overlooking the black, silent sea.

 

After finishing his conversation with Allan, Kalian had come to this quite secluded place from which distant wave sounds could be heard, only to find Shiona, who had fled while pretending to avoid him. So, Kalian rushed at Shiona without a word and avenged the members.

 

“What a wicked Prince.”

 

“Better than a fraudulent Elf.”

 

Having retorted thus, Kalian briefly watched the Elf who was rubbing her neck, struck by the blunt red-glowing sword, and grumbling, then tossed something lightly.

 

Shiona, having caught it by chance, asked as if surprised.

 

“You said you couldn’t trust Elves.”

 

“You’re a Warrior of the Great Dunes.”

 

“You said you disliked Warriors of the Great Dunes too.”

 

“You’re an Elf.”

 

Shiona chuckled softly.

 

And she put the black pebble she had just received from Kalian into her bosom.

 

“Be careful not to use it in strange places.”

 

“You take care of yourself.”

 

Having said this with the meaning of trust, Kalian roughly swept back his hair that had been dishevelled by the wind.

 

Raven, making small footsteps, approached behind Kalian, who was sitting on the grass. Kalian stroked under Raven’s lowered chin several times, then leaned against the two long, black front legs. As if cradled in Raven’s embrace.

 

“Why did the Prince come up here alone?”

 

“To see the sea. And I didn’t come alone. I came with Raven.”

 

“I see.”

 

“Why did you come here?”

 

“To see the sea.”

 

“I see.”

 

After a few awkward words that seemed both friendly and distant were exchanged, silence descended once more. So, Kalian turned his head back towards the distant sea.

 

“I know your mother.”

 

In that quiet moment, Shiona brought this up.

 

“Of course you would. She was the Queen.”

 

“I lived with her until I went to the Great Dunes. In Brigit Forest.”

 

“…I see.”

 

At the reply that seemed unsurprised, Shiona turned her head to look at Kalian.

 

“My life has been rather extraordinary, for me to be surprised by such words.”

 

Because it was obvious what Shiona wanted to say, Kalian spoke as if it were nothing. Shiona, watching Kalian answer calmly without even looking at her, added more.

 

“I was born in Brigit Forest and Freya Hwiteurin was driven to the forest. Around twelve years of age, I suppose… I got along fairly well with Freya Hwiteurin until I went to the Great Dunes following Carte Hill, who was my Master. I haven’t seen her since.”

 

Kalian nodded.

 

“Though I don’t remember well because I was young, I do remember she was incredibly beautiful.”

 

“I know that too. Look at how I turned out.”

 

At the response as if it were entirely obvious, Shiona showed a rather dazed expression, then smiled and spoke.

 

“Your personality seems somewhat similar too.”

 

Kalian, who had been about to say there was no way his personality resembled Freya Hwiteurin, simply gave a different answer.

 

“In any case, thank you. For telling me.”

 

Whether ‘black hair, red eyes’ spoken by Shiona just before attacking Kalian in venting meant she had recognised the Sword Master Kalian, or that she had recognised the Sword Master who was her friend’s son. Whether she knew why Freya Hwiteurin had come to Cyries, whether Freya Hwiteurin’s family had lived with her. If they had lived together, how they had treated Freya Hwiteurin.

 

Whether his mother lived well in that place.

 

*Swoosh…*

 

Kalian let the many questions he would not voice be swept away by the quiet waves and let out a short sigh. After watching this for a moment, Shiona stood up, brushing herself off, and asked.

 

“Will you stay longer?”

 

“Yes. You should head down first.”

 

“Very well.”

 

Shiona nodded and descended the hill with light, quick steps. The small bell sound rang regularly before gradually growing distant and disappearing.

 

Instead, equally regular wave sounds were heard.

 

The deep blue sea he might not see again for a long time, or perhaps never again.

 

The sea that was simply silent, no different even when viewed with eyesight several times better than others.

 

“That’s the sea, Raven. You should take a good look at it too.”

 

Disliking that silence for no particular reason, Kalian spoke thus.

 

*Prr-rung* Raven answered.

 

And as if truly understanding Kalian’s words, he raised his head towards the sea.

 

“We might not see this place again.”

 

Kalian gazed at that sea for a long time.

 

The sea filled Raven’s large eyes as well, as he stood supporting his Master’s back without demanding anything.

 

Then suddenly.

 

A blue light was reflected in Raven’s black pupils.

 

Raven moved his head slightly.

 

A blue light was placed upon the sea.

 

One more.

 

And another.

 

The blue lights swaying on the waves increased.

 

Before the darkness-filled waves, before the sea.

 

Nidlen appeared. Cain appeared. Mages in pure white robes appeared.

 

Upon the darkness-filled waves, upon the sea.

 

Nidlen’s blue light rose. Cain’s blue light rose. The blue lights of the Mages in pure white robes rose.

 

Though he did not know when the last day had been.

 

Because today was the day that Prince had departed after receiving his final farewell from Kalian.

 

Never mind everything else, the blue lights created at the fingertips of the Mages who had obeyed the Deputy Commander’s words to simply all come out and cast Magic with reverent hearts increased. The blue lights Kalian did not even know how to make continued like this.

 

*…Ha.*

 

A short sound escaped from Kalian’s lips.

 

The blue lights increased, one by one.

 

Small, small blue lights swayed along the waves.

 

He saw his pale brother in a pure white cloak.

 

A blue flame placed in those hands was reflected in red eyes.

 

“You’re putting them up again…”

 

On the night when blue stars flowed beyond the sea to distant places.

 

Kalian smiled.

 

For the first time today.