The following is the Side story for Ciel:
Today is the day I’ve been eagerly awaiting for my hunter debut, but unfortunately, Emperor Reinhardt, my fiancé, will not be participating. It’s understandable, as the grand conference with important figures from various countries has just concluded. Still, the truth is, I had wished to experience my first hunt together with His Majesty.
However, the weapon gifted to me by Wing Crest, called a Celestial Globe, is quite astonishing. It doesn’t look like a weapon at all, but after reading the accompanying specifications, I discovered it’s an incredible weapon. The eight floating plates can be used for both offense and defense, and the eight Tenma Stones embedded in the frame assist in activating elemental magic and amplify its power. The core Tenma Stone is a national treasure of exceptional quality. It’s imbued with Telekinetic Magic, so I don’t need to hold it, and the plates can be controlled freely. The Barrier Magic can almost completely shut out attacks from monsters up to G-rank. It’s also equipped with my Bestowed Magic, healing magic, making it easier to use. Furthermore, the coat and hat that His Majesty Emperor Iver had custom-made to celebrate my engagement boast capabilities that would not be out of place in the country’s treasury. While they have slightly different designs than those of Emperor Reinhardt and His Highnesses Elis and Maruca, the enchantments applied are the same, excluding their respective Bestowed Magic. Therefore, not only will Supplication Magic of the reinforcement type become easier to use, but the effectiveness of my Bestowed Magic has also been enhanced. On top of that, it’s made with materials from A-rank monsters, the Gold Dragoon and Disaster Dragoon, so it’s not equipment that a rookie hunter inexperienced in combat like myself should possess. Of course, I’m happy about it, and I chose the designs for the Celestial Globe and the coat myself, so I have no complaints.
“Hmm, aiming for a Gryphon in the Ideal Mountain Range? But the Yamato and his group have hunted them extensively, and they’ve already cleared the Instant Labyrinth, so will there even be any?”
“It’s just a recognition of ‘lucky if we find one.’ Besides, I think it’s strange to assume there won’t be any just because we haven’t found them yet.”
His Highness Maruca is accompanying me on my first hunt, and as guards, I have Lord Rex, the next Grand Order’s Master, his wife Lady Rosemary, and Lady Muse, which is incredibly reassuring. However, unbelievable words are reaching my ears. Aiming for a Gryphon in the Ideal Mountain Range? As far as I know, the Ideal Mountain Range is a collective term for the mountains located southeast of Float, and it’s rumored that the Treasure Tree grows at the summit of the highest peak. But that area is also a den for G-rank monsters, making it a highly dangerous, unexplored region, isn’t it? Moreover, Gryphons are M-rank monsters, nearly A-rank, and we’re taught that if we encounter one, we should be prepared to die, and if we must flee, we should run in the opposite direction of human settlements.
“I apologize, Lady Ciel. This is normal for us.”
“I know it’s unusual, but please rest assured that we will protect you.”
Raus, a member of Wing Crest and the fiancé of my sister Seras, and Carol, Raus’s fiancée along with Seras, tell me this with very apologetic expressions. It’s true that Wing Crest has as many as ten Ancient Classes, and they even have a track record of defeating Demise Species, so it’s no exaggeration to say that my safety is guaranteed. However, given that we are heading to such a monster den, my fear is difficult to overcome…
“Well, it’s only for the morning, and while G-rank monsters might be around, I doubt we’ll find a Gryphon, so you don’t need to be too tense.”
“If we were to search seriously, a day or two wouldn’t be enough. Now, let’s depart.”
The Ideal Mountain Range is vast, so I’m sure Their Highness Maruca and Lady Meena are correct. But couldn’t they give me a little more time to mentally prepare? We’ll use Traveling to reach the Treasure Tree, so there’s no time for that? Lord Yamato, Lady Meena, Lady Lydia, Lord Rex, and Lady Rosemary will go ahead to check for monsters, so I don’t have to worry about being suddenly attacked? That’s extremely helpful. Even so, my heart is filled with anxiety…
As soon as we left Float, Lord Yamato, Lady Meena, and Lady Lydia departed for the Treasure Tree using Traveling as planned. Lady Lydia returned shortly after, looking bewildered and offering a wry smile. Did something happen?
“Lily Wish was engaged in serious hunting. Not only that, but Royal Order also appears to be conducting combat training.”
Lily Wish and Royal Order, are they?
“Yes. Lily Wish was in Aqua, but they decided to hunt on a whim by Lady Sayuri. Royal Order is doing so to improve their combat strength. There are about ten of them, and Lady Miranda is also accompanying them.”
So, Lady Miranda, who is said to be the next Associate Order’s Master, is also with Royal Order. Furthermore, Lily Wish should have two Ancient Classes, so it feels like monsters are being hunted effortlessly even in the core region of the Ideal Mountain Range, which was feared to be a G-rank monster’s den.
“I can understand Royal Order conducting combat training, but I never expected Lily Wish to be here as well.”
“Depending on when they started hunting, with Ancient Classes present, it’s possible that there aren’t any monsters left.”
“From what I saw, there were none near the Treasure Tree. Lily Wish and Royal Order apparently just arrived, and they were in the midst of discussing what to do when we appeared.”
Is that so.
“In that case, we should probably go as well.”
“Let’s do that. Lydia, please use Traveling.”
“Understood.”
We had just left Float, so it was pointless to hesitate here. Unexpectedly, we were teleported by Lady Lydia’s Traveling to beneath the Treasure Tree in the Ideal Mountain Range.
I had heard about it, but the summit of the Ideal Mountain Range was devoid of anything but the Treasure Tree. Being the highest peak, it was a profoundly solemn and mystical sight. Although, the numerous monster corpses scattered on the mountainside marred the view.
“Welcome, Maruca.”
“Welcome… Grandma Sayuri, you’re here too?”
“Of course, I’m the one who requested the material hunt, so naturally.”
To my surprise, former Queen Dowager Sayuri, Emperor Reinhardt’s and Lady Mana’s and Sir Yuri’s great-grandmother, was also present. Apparently, they ran out of Shell Grizzly livers, and without them, treatment would be difficult, so she asked Lily Wish to accompany her here.
“Well, we did hear there were Shell Grizzlies, but the ones that appear around the Treasure Tree are Heavy Shell Grizzlies, aren’t they?”
“We’d rather have those, actually.”
Shell Grizzly livers are said to have effects that enhance vitality and self-healing, making them essential ingredients for potions. The liver of the higher-ranked G-U rank Heavy Shell Grizzly offers even greater effects, so as a healer, it’s an indispensable item. Lady Sayuri explained to the exhausted-looking leader of Lily Wish, Saya, that she accompanied them against Lily Wish’s objections for this very reason.
“I left Eisen and Wolf behind because they’re newlyweds, but I should have brought them.”
“There, there. Since you’re here anyway, why not go and talk with someone?”
“Talk with whom?”
“The next Grand Order’s Master.”
I thought Mako was comforting Saya, but hasn’t the conversation strayed a bit? Yet, Saya’s face is slightly flushed… Could it be that this is what’s happening?
“Elder Sister, aren’t you all forgetting that this is a dangerous area?”
Seras opened her mouth with an exasperated sigh, and I suddenly came to my senses. That’s right, this is one of Amister’s most dangerous regions. This is not a place where it’s appropriate to be idly curious about other people’s romantic entanglements.
“We’re thoroughly scouting. Plus, Jade and Fluorite are monitoring the sky, so we’ll know immediately if anything happens, so don’t worry.”
As I was thinking this, Raus spoke to Seras and reassured her. Indeed, two Hippogriffs are flying in the sky, and on the ground, hunters and Orders members not participating in the conversation are vigilantly keeping watch around us.
“Ah, Ciel’s training, is it? Hmm, that’s a nice coat. And the weapon, the Celestial Globe, right? It’s just starting to be called by that name, but you look like a formidable mage.”
I am happy to be praised by Lady Sayuri, but a conflict between feeling shy and feeling pathetic that it’s only based on appearances rages within me.
“Only for now. So, have you decided what to do?”
“Yes. We don’t plan on using Shell Grizzlies or Heavy Shell Grizzlies, so we’ll offer them to Lady Sayuri. Therefore, Wing Crest will accompany Lily Wish.”
“Royal Order is currently engaged in combat training, so I apologize, but we will act separately. We have sixteen Ancient Classes, so even if we accompanied you, we would only be a hindrance.”
Lord Miranda, who has become an O-rank Order and was bestowed the Arc Order’s Coat, replied with an apologetic expression. Normally, Royal Order should provide the escort, but with as many as ten Ancient Classes in Wing Crest alone, it’s understandably difficult. There seems to be a reason why Lord Rex and his companions’ presence allows them to save face for the Orders.
“Understood. Ah, Miranda.”
“Yes?”
“The High Orders present here are the Orders that did not participate in the march, correct?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Then, although it can’t be helped, perhaps you shouldn’t use words like ‘hindrance’ carelessly?”
“…You are quite right. That was thoughtless of me. I apologize.”
I’ve heard that the capabilities of High Orders are a step below those of Wing Crest and Lily Wish. However, High Orders are inherently capable individuals, and they possess high-level abilities even within Helios Orb. Therefore, even in the core region of the Ideal Mountain Range, which is a dangerous area, I don’t believe they would be a hindrance. Of course, that’s just the opinion of an amateur in combat, so it might be different in reality.
“Then, Your Highnesses, Lady Sayuri, we shall take our leave.”
“Yes. Don’t push yourselves too hard.”
“Understood.”
After a brief greeting, Lord Miranda and Royal Order headed west of the Treasure Tree.
“Well then, shall we go too? It’s your first real battle, Lady Ciel, but relax your shoulders and be ready to cast magic at any moment.”
“Y-yes. Understood.”
That’s right; today was my first real battle. The atmosphere was so peaceful that I had forgotten, but this is one of Amister’s most dangerous regions. Even as a newly registered rookie hunter, I cannot afford to let my guard down. I have to do my best.
