Side・Raus
Today, Yamato, Prim, Mana, Lydia, and Ludia are escorting Emperor Reinhardt, H.R.H. Elis, and H.R.H. Maruca to the Treasure Tree atop the Ideal Mountain Range.
As for us, we’re recuperating at Amagi Castle since yesterday, suffering the after-effects of our reckless hunt that leveled us up.
Sayuri, the third previous Queen who is an O-rank Healer and O-rank Crafter, diagnosed me with “acute magic fluctuation syndrome,” explaining it was a backlash from rapidly increasing my level. I was surprised, but I wholeheartedly understand the situation. After all, my level did jump nearly twenty points at once.
Yamato and Prim apologized profusely, but neither I nor Rebecca, Flam-nee, nor Meena were angry. In fact, we were grateful. Besides, resting is also important for Hunters, so it’s fine to think of this as our designated rest period.
That said, it’s incredibly boring. If we were in Feel, I could walk around town and even do some shopping, but unfortunately, we’re at Amagi Castle. While we’re allowed to move around quite freely within the castle, there are, of course, restricted areas. And a royal castle is not a place one can simply wander about. Thus, our options are limited to the gardens, the guest rooms we’ve been assigned, and the salon we’re currently in.
Rebecca is asleep in her room, and Flam-nee and Meena are chatting, leaving me truly at a loss for what to do.
“Hey, how are you feeling?”
“Ah, Ed-san.”
While I was languishing in boredom in the salon, Ed-san arrived. He’s currently tailoring the Armor Coats for Marisa, Mana’s lady-in-waiting, and Viola, Yuri’s lady-in-waiting. I wonder if they’re finished already?
“You’ve recovered quite a bit, haven’t you?”
“Yes. I had nothing else to do, so I just had to stay put yesterday and today. Rebecca is still sleeping.”
Still, the Grand Order’s Master came by in the afternoon, and even Sayuri and a Healer, Roena, visited. I was incredibly nervous, but…
“It’s a legitimate illness, so it’s fine to rest, isn’t it?”
“I suppose so. By the way, Ed-san, are Marisa’s and Viola’s Armor Coats ready?”
“Yep. Marina and Fiana are taking them to try them on right now.”
So they really are finished. And now they’re being fitted, which means Ed-san must have come here out of boredom too, right?
“You got it. I just came to see how you were doing. I heard about your condition this morning and that it wasn’t serious, so I wasn’t too worried.”
That’s true. They say overexertion prolongs recovery, but that applies to any illness. This acute magic fluctuation syndrome is merely magic ravaging the body, and it’s said to resolve on its own in a few days if left untreated. Still, I’m feeling sluggish and have a fever, so going hunting would definitely be a disaster.
“Speaking of which, Sayuri-sama and Roena-sama were just saying that they’ve decided to use Gryphon leather for the Sky Knight armor. Is that true?”
“You’ve already heard? Surprisingly, yes. You guys hunted some recently and presented it to His Majesty, didn’t you? They’ve decided to use that.”
Sky Knight armor… wasn’t it going to use Winger Drakes? I understand that they found better materials, but isn’t a Gryphon a massive jump in a rank?
“Fortunately, Gryphons are large, so one is enough for three people. They’ll also be reinforcing it with Winger Drake components, so it will undoubtedly be the highest quality coat, even with a Helios Orb.”
They’re using Winger Drakes *as well*… Rumor has it in the castle that the Gryphon we hunted recently sold out the instant it was put up for sale. I’m sure those who acquired the leather are already making armor from it. To think they’re using even more premium Winger Drakes… I can’t even fathom such a concept. And they’re using Jade Silver too. If they ever decide to sell it, I dread to think how many Divine Gold coins it would cost.
Wait. Speaking of Sky Knights, Rex, the Order’s Master in Feel, is also a Sky Knight, right? And if it’s enough for three people, does that mean they’re making one for Yamato too?
“Ed-san, are those Sky Knight coats being made for Yamato and Rex as well?”
“Well, since they are the only Sky Knights besides the Grand Order’s Master, yes. As for Rex, I feel for him.”
So it is true. I really do feel for Rex. And from what I’ve heard, Emperor Reinhardt himself will be bestowing the so-called Sky Knight equipment in Feel. I can already picture Rex’s ashen face and profuse cold sweat.
“Even if it’s ridiculously expensive, it’s equipment for Sky Knights, so they’ll just have to endure it.”
“I suppose so.”
It seems the bestowal will happen while we’re in Valentia. The equipment for P-rank Orders will also be handed over then, and Muse will be assigned to Feel at the same time. So, when we return to Feel, the Order’s equipment will be completely new.
“Oh, there they are! Look, that’s her.”
“Hm? Ah, Rebecca… and who is that?”
Huh? Rebecca? Oh, right. Rebecca, who was supposed to be sleeping in her room, has come to the salon with an Elven girl. Or rather, that person is…
“You are Raus, correct? Please allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Carol Bernstein.”
So she *is* the daughter of Count Bernstein! I heard that our encounter with Donato Bernstein, the Count, to welcome her, and that they had returned to their mansion in the Royal Capital. But why are they back at Amagi Castle?
“Ah, yes, pleased to meet you. But… why do you know my name?”
I was about to introduce myself, but she already knew who I was. How could she possibly know my name?
“Thanks to you, I was able to return safely to my father and mother. There was a time when I had given up not only on my life but on living as a woman. I was so happy…”
Ah, so she was kidnapped by Letisencia and even cut with a sword. Even if her life had been saved, if she had been taken to Letisencia, she would have undoubtedly become an illegal slave. Anyone could easily figure out what would have happened.
“No, I was only able to be saved because of my Master. If they hadn’t been there, I honestly don’t know what would have happened.”
It was thanks to being able to ride Jade that I made it in time, not to mention Yamato and Prim. In reality, I only defeated one person, and it was thanks to the unexpected attack from Jade that they created an opening for me. Afterward, I created a significant opening myself, which Yamato lightly admonished me for. I’m still not confident in my ability to parry, but I can’t help it if I created a fatal opening.
“It was the Ancient Human, Yamato-sama, and his first wife, Primrose-sama, who healed my wounds, wasn’t it? Of course, I’m grateful to both Yamato-sama and Primrose-sama, but you are the one I’m most grateful to.”
“To me?”
Why? I don’t recall doing anything in particular.
“I clearly remember. I thought you were alone, and I didn’t want to involve you, so I told you to run. But you told me, ‘You will definitely be saved, I will protect you.’ And just as you said, I was saved. It’s because you protected me, isn’t it?”
I do recall saying something like that, but I also mentioned my Master, didn’t I?
“Hooh. Not bad, Raus. You’re not just any B-rank Hunter who’s his disciple.”
Ed-san is saying something strange, but he’s clearly amused. No, I understand what Ed-san is trying to imply. I’m not as obtuse as Yamato.
“Huh? Um, Raus-sama, you’re still 13, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“You’re two years younger than me, yet you’re a B-rank Hunter… May I ask what your level is? I’m a level 17 B-rank Healer.”
So Carol is 15. But wait, is it okay to reveal my level?
“Of course, Carol-chan is curious. I don’t see why not. I’m sure the gossiping nobles already know.”
As I was pondering what to do, Sayuri and Yuri also entered the salon. I understand Yuri’s presence, but why Sayuri too?
“Acute magic fluctuation syndrome is rarely seen these days, so I want to teach Yuri properly about it. It’s like a clinical trial, and I’m here, so don’t worry.”
No, having an O-rank Healer examine me is more than I could ask for. I don’t know what a “clinical trial” entails, though.
“Raus, I think it’s fine to tell Carol. As Grandma Sayuri said, many nobles probably already know.”
Yuri is also saying that, so I guess it’s fine.
“My level is 39. I gained some levels from that reckless hunt the other day.”
“L-level 39!? That’s almost S-rank!”
So, they are surprised. I feel like I finally understand Yamato’s feelings now. But he’s level 72, and furthermore, he’s an Ancient Human. He’s on a completely different level from me.
“If things continue as they are, Rebecca will likely evolve into High Class before she comes of age.”
“Indeed. However, while evolving into High Class will make her immune to acute magic fluctuation syndrome, there are other problems. Growth spurt-related muscle pain can become quite severe.”
Ugh, I’d rather not.
“I-is that so?”
“Yes. You know that normal muscle soreness occurs after intense or sudden exercise, right?”
“Yes, I’ve experienced it.”
When I hunt with Yamato and the others, I get muscle pain fairly often. I’ve even gotten somewhat used to it lately.
“That’s normal even for adults, but for children, their bodies are growing, so their bones and muscles grow along with them. High Class individuals have magic acting on their bones, muscles, and skin, which slows down aging. That’s why, even though I’m over 100, I maintain the youthful skin of my twenties.”
That’s also famous, so I know about it. Including the fact that evolving into Ancient Class eliminates aging itself.
“However, for children, especially those in their growth spurt at 12 or 13, their bodies want to grow, but magic tries to maintain their current state. This backlash can cause more intense pain than usual. Ultimately, growth wins out, but growth speed becomes slightly slower than for Normal Class individuals, and they can still appear to be 14 or 15 when they reach adulthood.”
Ugh… So, does that mean I and Rebecca are also likely to experience that?
“As things stand, that’s likely what will happen. However, sometimes it’s no different from normal muscle pain. Since there are few clinical cases, I can’t say for sure when precisely the pain will intensify. Healing and Dispelling can suppress the pain and normalize growth, but it requires several applications daily, so it’s difficult if a Healer isn’t nearby, isn’t it?”
That sounds rough too… Prim and Rebecca can use Healing, but Dispelling is curative magic, and you can’t use it unless you’re registered as a Healer. Yuri is a Healer, but asking a princess for treatment every day would be too burdensome. Oh, come to think of it, what about Knight Magic, Aiding?
“Sayuri-sama, what about Aiding?”
“That’s for stopping bleeding and pain relief from external injuries, so it’s ineffective for growth pain. Besides, why don’t you just ask Yuri? That’s why I’m teaching him.”
“That’s right. I’m not officially part of the Wing Crest yet, but I still consider myself a member. So please don’t hesitate to ask.”
The reason Yuri isn’t yet part of the Wing Crest is due to the Succession Rights. Mana has already renounced hers, but that’s largely because she intends to work as a Hunter, a decision Yuri understands. However, if both sisters were to renounce their succession rights, and something were to happen to Emperor Reinhardt, there’s a chance a succession dispute could arise. That’s why Yuri, a Healer, decided not to join the Union for the time being, ever since Mana decided to marry Yamato.
Since Yuri is saying that, perhaps I can be a bit brazen.
“Please wait, H.R.H. Yuriana.”
Just as I thought that and was about to speak, Carol spoke first.
“Is something the matter?”
“I understand what you’ve said. I humbly request to take on that role.”
Given she spoke up at this moment, I suspected she would say something like this. Ed-san, sitting next to me, looks like he’s about to burst out laughing.
“You? But you’re still B-rank, aren’t you? Dispelling is S-rank curative magic, so you shouldn’t be able to use it yet.”
“That is correct, but I will study for Raus-sama’s sake and aim to be promoted to S-rank. Therefore, I implore you to entrust me with this task.”
Carol declared her resolve in a strong voice. Can I escape this?
“If you can truly be promoted to S-rank, I don’t have a problem with it. However, you are the legitimate heir to the Bernstein family, are you not? I heard that Count Donato has no other children, so I don’t believe you can follow us, can you?”
Oh, right. That was the story. If she’s the only child of Count Donato, she’s automatically designated to succeed him as Count. So, it’s unlikely she can come to Feel with us. I feel both relieved and a little disappointed.
“Certainly, until recently, what Your Highness said was correct. However, one of my mothers was found to be pregnant the other day. She felt unwell on the way to the Royal Capital, so we went to the Healers Guild in the Royal Capital, and that’s when she was told she was pregnant.”
Is that so?
“Well, congratulations. Ah, does that mean when you were abducted in front of the Healers Guild…”
“Yes. It was to purchase something beneficial for my mother’s health.”
Given that pregnancy falls under the jurisdiction of the Healers Guild, they sell things beneficial for pregnant women and their unborn children at the Healers Guild. However, Retisencia probably didn’t think of that, assuming Carol, being a Healer, went to the Healers Guild simply for an examination or study. In fact, she was studying, so it wasn’t entirely incorrect.
“That was dangerous in many ways. In the worst-case scenario, not only your life but your mother’s and the baby’s lives could have been in danger.”
“Yes. She is the youngest and like an older sister to me, so I’m truly glad nothing happened.”
Sayuri grimaces with displeasure, while Carol expresses genuine relief that they were saved.
“In other words, Raus saved not only you but also your mother and the child in her womb.”
“Yes!”
No, isn’t that a bit of a stretch? Perhaps not for Carol, but I can’t definitively say I saved them.
“Since the child you saved is saying so, you should accept it. However, if that’s the case, you should study under me along with Yuri.”
“A-are you serious?”
“Yes. Is that alright, Yuri?”
“Of course. However, if you intend to follow Raus, you must become S-rank within three days.”
“I-I’ll do my best!”
Is the conversation progressing without me? And why isn’t Rebecca saying anything?
“What’s wrong, Raus?”
“No, I was just wondering why Rebecca isn’t saying anything.”
“It’s simple. I talked with Carol a bit, and she was genuinely grateful to Raus. She wasn’t thinking about Yamato-san or Prim-san at all, so I thought, ‘This is the noble bride for me,’ or something like that.”
The moment Rebecca said that, Carol’s face turned bright red. I had a faint suspicion it might be the case, but it seems I was right. Ed-san next to me is contorting himself on the sofa, but he’s just suppressing laughter, so I can ignore him.
“You’re quite blunt. Both of you are still minors, and we don’t know what Count Donato will say, so perhaps that conversation could have waited a bit longer.”
“I know, but the Bernstein Count’s Territory borders Retisencia, doesn’t it? So, I thought having a connection with Yamato-san, in any form, would be desirable.”
Is Rebecca thinking that far ahead? If she were to propose that, not only Count Donato, but most nobles would likely agree.
“I’d say you’re overthinking it, but you might be right about that.”
“Rebecca would think that far. After all, she’s the one who instigated Prim-nee-sama.”
That’s right. And not just Prim-san, but Meena-san and Flam-nee too. Her advice was precise. At the Alliance celebration party, she even encouraged Lydia-san and Ludia-san to make a move over drinks. Depending on the situation, she might have even said something to Mana.
“To think you played a role in Prim’s marriage, you’re quite something. And besides Mana and Yuri, isn’t it everyone else?”
“Th-that’s amazing…”
Sayuri is exasperated, and Carol looks a little taken aback. Still, I understand how they feel.
“It’s incredibly painful to be unable to be with the person you love.”
“I understand that, but even so, such precise advice isn’t easily given. Well, perhaps because you’re like that, Carol-chan is also…”
“Yes.”
It’s confirmed that no matter what I say, it won’t change anything. However, Count Donato’s permission and becoming an S-rank Healer are absolute prerequisites, so they’ll have to work hard for that.
“Oh, right, I don’t know what kind of person Count Donato is.”
“That’s understandable. I heard that Father was discussing matters regarding Retisencia with Their Majesties at the recent ceremony.”
Given it borders Retisencia and the Order’s Guild needs to act quickly, that’s understandable. Yamato might have greeted him, so I’ll ask him when he returns.
“Well then, if Count Donato gives his permission and I manage to become an S-rank Healer, I’ll try to persuade Yamato-san and the others. Is that okay?”
“Yes! Thank you very much!”
When I said that, Carol replied with a wonderful smile. She’s older, but I found her incredibly cute. We’re both still minors, and I don’t know how it will turn out, but since Rebecca has given her approval, it’s up to me. Everything will unfold as it should. But since Sayuri will be teaching me, I believe I can become an S-rank Healer. And I, for my part, must persuade Yamato and the others properly.
