Olivier couldn’t understand the meaning of Cassandra Hagedorff’s words.
“…What do you mean, Cassandra? What are you talking about? Returning the Progenitor to her original world?”
She managed to ask for clarification. She felt the urge to praise herself for that much.
“Surely you’ve heard from Rasmus and the others that the Progenitor was from a different world from this one?”
“Y-, yes. I have.”
“The Progenitor apparently always wanted to return to her original world, [Earth]. It’s only natural. She was suddenly brought to an unknown world. Anyone who would be happy about that would be an oddball.”
“That may be so, but that still doesn’t mean…”
Olivier knew from Rasmus that Progenitor Yuna Miharasaki was from another world. He understood that she must have gone through many hardships, including battles, before becoming a king of a nation. If he were told to do the same, he would absolutely refuse.
Hearing that such a Progenitor wished to return to her homeland, he could understand. Anyone would want to return to their birthplace, where their family waits.
Even so, it wasn’t something that could be easily done, crossing worlds. For starters, how could one connect this world to another world, which might not even exist?
“My distant ancestor was apparently one of the closest priestesses to the Progenitor. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call them best friends. I learned many things from the documents my mother left behind. The Progenitor’s suffering, and her regret for not being able to do anything for her dear friend. It seems she experienced many joyous things, but the suffering and hardship were countless.”
“I heard she had many enemies. Especially non-human ones.”
“Indeed. I only know of those times through the documents, but it seems there was nothing but fighting. However, thanks to the Progenitor, humans won. Now, on this continent, there are only dragons and a few half-bloods. It’s no exaggeration to say that the current human society exists thanks to the Progenitor!”
“That doesn’t justify reviving the Progenitor! What responsibility will you take if another war breaks out?”
“What are you saying, Olivier? There’s no way there will be a war. Fufu, if the Progenitor decides to fight the humans and dragons of the modern era, it won’t be a war but a one-sided slaughter. How could we possibly resist that great Progenitor?”
“…Cassandra.”
Seeing Cassandra’s devotion to the Progenitor, whom she had never even met, Olivier became frightened that she might have gone too far to be saved.
“Are you willing to let this country be destroyed?”
“No, I don’t want it to be destroyed. But if the Progenitor wishes it, I will obey as the descendant of a priestess. That is the reason for my existence.”
“The reason for your existence? You must have other reasons to live.”
“Perhaps so. You are here, and so is Rasmus. Do you know, my Older Brother and I are now as close as real siblings. But even if I have to sacrifice all of that, I will revive the Progenitor and send her back to her original world!”
“Why go to such lengths?”
“Because if I do that, Rasmus will be happy, won’t he? I can help him, who has wandered for so long, to kill his own ancestor.”
“…Cassandra, is this for Rasmus?”
Finally, she felt like she understood.
“It’s not just that. It’s to prove that my deceased mother wasn’t of low birth. And to fulfill my ancestor’s dying wish! As the Progenitor’s priestess in the modern era, it is my duty to fulfill it!”
The lonely girl, who had lost her mother, learned of her family’s secret from a boy who had pity on her. She was a descendant of a priestess who served a legendary Progenitor. This must have become her support. Gradually, she learned more about her ancestors. Gradually, she began to think: I will fulfill my ancestor’s dying wish. For the sake of this person from another world who was summoned from another world and sacrificed herself for this world, I will send her back to her original world.
Surely everyone will praise me. The person I care about will be happy. Those who belittled my mother will regret it.
For that, she wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice her childhood friend, whom she thought of like a Younger Sister.
“Olivier, I offer you my sincerest apologies. I will atone for the sin of sacrificing you by dying after everything is over.”
“I don’t want that at all! I don’t want to be sacrificed, and I don’t want you to atone, Cassandra! Let’s think together, everyone. How can we find the best answer?”
“Perhaps if you had said those words ten years ago, a different ending might have awaited. But I’m sorry. I cannot stop now. No one can stop me.”
“Jared is here.”
Olivier Alway looked Cassandra Hagedorff in the eye and stated clearly.
“Fufu, do you really think your beloved fiancé will stop me?”
“Of course. Jared has always fought and won. He will surely defeat you too.”
She had a beloved person who had always supported her. Just that was enough to eliminate her fear and bring peace to her heart.
He would surely come for her this time, just as he had always protected her. Even if he were at the ends of the earth, even if he were in another world.
—That’s why I’m not afraid of anything!
“Oh, how terrifying. But I haven’t done anything that would lead to my defeat. Not yet, anyway. So, here’s a question. Will Jared Murphy arrive here faster, or will the Progenitor revive using your body?”
“Of course, it’ll be me arriving!”
