The moon ascended into the night sky, deepening the darkness. A small sake gathering was underway at a table set up on the Kelvin Residence’s balcony. We had local sake, highly recommended by Grandpa Dan from Trisen, and snacks prepared by Efil. The robust, dry sake was a bit too potent for me, but Gerard, seated across the table, drank it down one glass after another without any issue. He didn’t even show a hint of intoxication, which made me wish I could share some of his tolerance with Sera.
“A dwarf named Zildra, huh…”
I took a swig of the sake poured into my glass and muttered to myself. Gerard’s concern was about a mysterious man named Zildra whom he fought in Trisen.
“Indeed. According to Dahak, he identified himself as Zildra. He shares the same name as the general of the Lizea Empire who destroyed my homeland, Alcal. Now that I think about it, his tone and demeanor reminded me of him. It was a long time ago, and my memory might be hazy,” Grandpa said.
“…Previously, I recall Colette mentioning information about the Lizea Empire. Do you remember the story of the Elf general, Zildra, she told us then?”
That was information I’d gathered from Colette during a banquet after the S-Rank Ascension Ceremony. I had wanted to relay this crucial information to Gerard sooner, but Grandpa had fallen asleep as soon as he returned home. Well, that night, things happened… various things. In the end, I ended up telling him the next day.
“The general, Zildra, who served the empire for a long time, died over a decade ago. His body was discovered in a certain location. It’s said he was torn to shreds by monsters… I couldn’t avenge my wife and country, but I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, thinking it was a fitting end for him.”
After that, Zildra disappeared from the empire’s public stage, and his name was no longer mentioned. However, if Zildra had somehow managed to survive… it was a dangerous thought.
“That’s dangerous. The specs of that golem he was using were abnormal, and his involvement in Trisen as a merchant is also concerning. He seemed to know Clive as well, and it might be related to the unknown reincarnation Mel mentioned. But his motives are unclear.”
“Hmm… In any case, there’s too little information, huh?”
“There’s no certainty that he’s the same person either. All we can do now is gather information and, just in case, accumulate strength.”
“Huh? Isn’t that the same as before?”
“…You could say that. Maybe I should ask Mel. She might know something.”
But at this hour, she’s probably already asleep. She sleeps soundly with her habit of going to bed early and waking up late. She won’t wake up unless it’s something truly extraordinary, so I’ll ask her first thing tomorrow morning.
“That seems to be the only way. Shall we end this discussion then? Sake is meant to be enjoyed, so let’s move on to another topic!”
“You change subjects quickly, don’t you…”
Gerard’s tone softened, and I sensed a hint of mischief behind it. What happened to the serious atmosphere he had just moments ago?
“When it’s time to act, I act! When it’s time to enjoy, I enjoy! That’s the secret to living life to the fullest. Remember this well, my King. …Although you’re already practicing it.”
“Thanks to you.”
“So, what about the Princess? Did it happen?”
“Gulp!”
That unexpected jab made me choke on the snack Efil had prepared. For a moment, I thought he meant Princess Shultra, but the Princess Gerard was referring to was Melfina. How confusing. I quickly grabbed my glass and washed down the obstruction with sake.
“…Gerard. Are you trying to get Efil to kill me?”
“Did I just say something witty?”
“No!”
Efil wouldn’t do such a thing.
“It’s fine, isn’t it? We’re all men here right now?”
Is this the vibe of a sleepover during a school trip? I don’t remember that at all. For now, how about this response—
“…It’s a secret.”
***
The morning sun bathed the Kelvin Residence’s garden. Here I was, basking in the morning light next to Kuro, who was floating idly in the garden’s fountain. Stretching my arms towards the clear blue sky, I could directly feel the refreshing morning air.
“Uuugh! See, Mel? Early mornings are great, aren’t they?”
“Fuuuuaah…”
“…You look sleepy.”
Melfina let out a yawn, her cute voice barely audible. It was 7 AM, far too early for Melfina to be awake. Usually, I would have let it slide, but things are different starting today. I told Melfina that she needed to live a more regular life and to adjust her sleep schedule to mine as much as possible. Melfina’s despairing face at that moment was as if a god had foreseen the end of the world, but when I explained it was necessary for us to live together as husband and wife, she immediately agreed, saying, “My Lord, starting tomorrow, let’s wake up together and go to bed together!” Easy when you’re a goddess.
“Maybe because I’m still sleepy, I couldn’t eat much breakfast…”
“Don’t worry. That’s not because you’re sleepy.”
Usually, Melfina’s breakfast time is staggered, allowing her to occupy the table with various dishes. However, at this hour, breakfast is for everyone, so naturally, there are fewer side dishes for Melfina to partake in. Besides, it’s not like Mel’s appetite would be satisfied by sleepiness anyway. She refilled her large bowl of rice several times.
Come to think of it, Princess Shultra was looking at me curiously as I used chopsticks. Perhaps they don’t have chopsticks in Trisen. In our household, we keep chopsticks purchased from Traage on hand, and those who can use them are welcome to do so during meals. Naturally, for me and Rion, who are Japanese, and Sera, who is adept at everything, they quickly got the hang of using chopsticks. Efil also struggled at first, but with persistent effort, she can now use them without any issue. Gerard and Dahak, however, don’t seem to suit them and have given up. Mel can use them, but since being able to eat large quantities is her priority, she’s a spoon user.
“So, what is it you wanted to ask me?”
Melfina asked, rubbing one eye. …Was it too early after all? She still looks sleepy.
“Ah, actually—”
Sitting on the edge of the fountain, I told Mel about the consultation Gerard had with me last night.
“So, an elf who was supposed to be dead appeared before Gerard and the others in some way, as a dwarf with the same name?”
“Yeah, I thought it might be connected to Clive’s reincarnation, so I wanted Mel’s opinion.”
“…”
Melfina put her hand to her mouth, appearing to contemplate. Just as Kuro, floating in the fountain, made a plop sound, Melfina opened her mouth.
“I haven’t directly seen the corpse of that elf, so I will answer based on the premise that he truly died. Even with S-Rank White Magic, it’s impossible to bring the dead back to life with normal skills. With Black Magic, it’s possible to resurrect them as undead, but they aren’t alive… It would likely be a Unique Skill.”
According to Mel, even gods cannot fully grasp Unique Skills, and there are unknown ones. This is because completely original skills can emerge for individuals. I guess gods don’t have the time to check the status of every living being.
“And another possibility, revival through someone’s reincarnation technique… There is one other person besides me who can handle reincarnation techniques.”
“Huh? There is!?”
That sounds like a separate major issue that needs to be addressed.
“The predecessor Reincarnated Goddess, Elearis.”
