Happy New Year.
Thank you for your continued support this year.
After leaving Yaruta Village, we proceeded at a speed slower than a walk. This was because Lord Garbador Yoitz Dela Noonheim and Ly, who had just been appointed knights by Ly, were accompanying us on foot.
Furthermore, although both of them had just had their physical injuries healed by my “Healing Magic,” they insisted that, as knights, they could not ride in the carriage of their lord. Thus, I had no choice but to comply. Of course, there was only one available seat at the moment…
After leaving Yaruta Village, we traveled along the shore of a large lake for a while.
The surface of the lake was calm, and a scenic landscape unfolded. Several boats were floating on the lake, and it appeared they were fishing.
Waterways led from the lake, with abundant water flowing through them.
Looking away from the lake, green fields stretched out.
The main road was paved with old cobblestones, marked with the tracks of wagon wheels. However, it seemed that the Espana Imperial Army had repaired any large depressions.
Water channels were dug on either side, and small fish swam in the clear water.
Beyond that, roadside trees were planted, and the sunlight filtering through the leaves glittered on the water’s surface.
It was a very serene and peaceful rural landscape.
However, our destination gradually began to ascend.
It became a winding mountain road, and what appeared on the horizon was a mountain pass surrounded by mountains of considerable altitude. Our destination lay beyond this pass.
As it was a main road connecting towns, there were a fair number of travelers. We overtook a group who appeared to be traveling on foot, and then we were overtaken by a caravan led by merchants. Experienced adventurers were providing escort around the caravan. This suggested that the road ahead was dangerous.
After we traveled a bit further, a magnificent black carriage pulled by two horses, seemingly belonging to a noble or a wealthy merchant, approached from the opposite direction. This carriage was also heavily guarded by burly individuals who looked like mercenaries. The security seemed impenetrable. Several more carriages followed behind. From the condition of their cargo, it appeared that traveling merchants were hitching a ride to cross the pass.
Currently, I was driving the lead carriage, and Freya was holding the reins of the following carriage. This was because Garbador had informed us that bandits were known to appear in the difficult sections of this main road, and we two were the most experienced drivers among the Party Members.
Incidentally, Tirna was sitting next to me, and Mai was on standby next to Freya.
Tirna was acting as a guide, while Mai was keeping watch on the surroundings.
Furthermore, Garbador was positioned in front of the carriage, and Nestella was responsible for guarding the rear. Of course, the Party Members waiting inside the carriage were also fully armed.
Oh, and Dietlinde was holding a bow on the roof of my carriage, while Elise was holding aloft her sacred staff on the roof of another carriage.
Meanwhile, Shera, who had entrusted me with her sacred staff, had transformed into Shera-nee-san and was inside the carriage. She likely judged that a Zantou would be more effective against bandits.
Swan Hilda, on the other hand, was being treated as a reserve force. This was because she was intended to deal with any unexpected formidable enemies other than bandits. Specifically, I felt that the underhanded activities of demons had been becoming more noticeable lately. Aren’t they running out of options soon?
“Hey, Tirna. We’re about to reach the problematic mountain road on the main route, but… should we stop the carriages here? The open area we can see a little ahead looks good.”
“Wouldn’t that require dividing the personnel of the ‘Princess Harem’ into a vanguard and a waiting force? Sequential deployment of forces is the height of folly. However, we do need to have a final discussion and check our equipment, so let’s take a break. I’ll bring out something sweet.”
“That’s true… In that case, please prepare some delicious tea and sweets.”
“Yes, Hal-sama. My disciple Ain will also be happy to get some training.”
“Ain must be delighted to have such wonderful mentors as Elise and Tirna… though both of them seem quite strict with their training. Ain might actually be having a hard time.”
“Did you say something, Hal-sama?”
“No, it’s nothing important.”
Just before reaching the mountain road, a clearing had been made beside the main road. This was a place for rest and overnight stays. It also seemed to be where people serviced their carriages before entering the difficult mountain road.
In the center of the clearing, several makeshift fireplaces were built, just piled up with stones found nearby. Several carriages and their attendants were cooking or relaxing on logs that served as chairs.
We parked our carriages in an available spot, tended to our horses with water and feed, and then gathered in a circle around an unused makeshift hearth.
In our group, there were only two men, myself and Garbador, and the rest were all young maidens.
However, we were all wearing suspicious outfits: masks modeled after the Valkyries, the uniform of a ‘Princess Harem’ Party Member, and deep hoods with robes. Nestella was the only one not wearing her uniform. Perhaps the former demons, now transformed into human maidens, felt they had no choice. Or rather, since they had become beautiful maidens, it was a natural measure.
Astarotte and Lara_Berze were being taught various things by the Party Members. This ranged from common sense as humans to education and etiquette as noblewomen. Ly, Liliana, and Tirna were particularly enthusiastic in their teaching. This was Ly’s intention, as she planned to take them in as her retainers in the future.
Meanwhile, Garbador, the only other man besides myself, was not indulging in flirtatious behavior despite being surrounded by the Party Members. It seemed he possessed an earnest and strict personality and was fulfilling his duties as a knight. This way, the risk of unforeseen trouble would be low. However, I worried that some Party Members might start teasing him as they became more accustomed to him. This is the so-called “he who walks with cripples learns to halt.”
But our party seemed to stand out due to this unique atmosphere. Even with our disguises, the excited squeals of young maidens could be heard, making it a case of “hiding the head but exposing the tail.” Still, it was understandable that we were disguised to conceal our appearances; having beautiful girls in such a place would surely attract trouble.
However, it was difficult to completely conceal the vibrant atmosphere of the girls. Besides their voices, the sweet scent characteristic of adolescent girls was also leaking out uncontrollably…
Although the gazes of those around us were a little concerning, with so many of us gathered, no one would dare to make a move.
Tirna lit a fire and brewed some black tea. After adding sugar, milk, and butter to the brewed tea leaves and straining it through a cloth, a rich, sweet, and mellow milk tea was completed. The sweetness helped to relieve the fatigue of the journey. It was truly impressive, as expected of Tirna. The disciple, Ain, assisted with the preparation.
While Ain received instruction in general magic from Elise, she learned about maid duties and pharmacology, including poisons, from Tirna. Recently, Zwei’s achievements had been remarkable, and Ain was a little anxious about becoming overshadowed.
“Hal-father, how does it taste? I think I brewed it well.”
“The flavor of the butter is exquisite, and it’s very delicious.”
“Yes! Thank you.”
“The accompanying cookies are also fragrant.”
“These were made as part of my training and kept in a tin.”
“Ain, you’re working hard too.”
“Yes! Will I be able to become human soon?”
“Yes, you will.”
Ain immediately tried to please me, and her movements had become quite endearing, like those of a beautiful young girl. In contrast, Zwei seemed to be drinking her milk tea with a slightly regretful expression.
The attitudes and subtle nuances of Ain and Zwei were already comparable to those of humans, and it seemed likely that a Class Change would occur soon.
By the way, Fear, the Mimic Slime who served as my summoned beast in succession to Ain, was still disguised as Lulu_Berze’s fake breasts. It must have really liked that spot.
I don’t know Dry’s current location, but as soon as her master, Kirika, calls for her, she will surely come running. Is this okay, Fear?! You’re too much of a free spirit!!
“Lord Noonheim, please tell me in detail about the bandits who are said to appear ahead.”
“Lord Raymond, the pass ahead is called Satela Pass…”
“Satela Pass! — That means… this is the tragic ‘Marlo Rita Suicide Pass’!”
As Garbador began to explain at my request, Liliana, with a surprised expression, interrupted him.
However, I wondered what exactly “Marlo Rita Suicide Pass” referred to! It had a rather ominous name.
Still, Liliana was the only one who reacted; Ly and Tirna seemed to know nothing. They tilted their heads curiously.
“Liliana, ‘Marlo Rita Suicide Pass’… that’s an inauspicious place name. What on earth happened?”
“Yes, Hal-sama. A very sad event occurred at this pass hundreds of years ago. But it has nothing to do with the current bandits, so please continue your explanation, Lord Noonheim. How rude of me… to interrupt.”
Liliana, who was surprised for a moment, quickly returned to her usual state.
In contrast, Swan Hilda raised her hand.
“Liliana, if you’ve started talking about it, please finish. I’m very curious. Also, the miasma here is strong. Past tragedies might be related!”
“Is that so? Swan Hilda!?”
“Hal-sama, if past grudges have solidified and are emitting miasma, there’s a possibility that demons might be drawn here, and even possession of travelers could occur.”
Astarotte answered my question, and the three former Vampire sisters nodded in agreement.
Moreover, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Liliana’s statement had “hit the mark.” It seemed necessary for Liliana to explain.
“I see… In that case, let Liliana explain.”
“Yes, Hal-sama. As you know, the Wahl Imperial Kingdom has been ruled by the Wahl Imperial Family for a long time. And during that time—”
To summarize Liliana’s explanation:
Hundreds of years ago, a cunning Prime Minister, thought to be a loyal subject supporting the Emperor of that time, suddenly rebelled. He raised an army to usurp the throne. The reason for the rebellion by the sycophantic Prime Minister is unclear, with various theories circulating. It’s likely that a gag order was issued, and surviving historical records were burned and suppressed, making them disappear.
The rebellion was quickly suppressed, and the captured Prime Minister vanished in a public execution witnessed by all.
However, the Prime Minister had a beloved daughter who had married the Emperor as a concubine. She was also subjected to guilt by association and forced to drink poison. The Emperor had intended to save her, possibly with a plea for mercy from his subjects, suggesting she was either an exceptional beauty or deeply loved. Perhaps his relationship with the Empress was strained.
And that unfortunate concubine had a young Imperial Princess with the Emperor. Her name was apparently Margarita Pedos Wahl. The story was written in an ancient text found in the library of the Yangas Kingdom. It seemed to be a preserved copy that had escaped being burned. Liliana, an enthusiast of heroes, had made deciphering ancient texts her hobby. Through it, she learned about the incident that had been buried in secrecy.
Imperial Princess Margarita was said to be a very lovely beautiful girl with lavender hair and peach-colored irises. She had an honest and docile personality and was intended to be a pawn in a political marriage.
However, her father, the Emperor, ordered the execution of Imperial Princess Margarita due to guilt by association, as she was a blood relative of the Prime Minister who had betrayed his trust.
Her mother, sensing this beforehand, used her final authority as a concubine to successfully help her escape the Imperial Castle… or so it seems. Perhaps she had made arrangements to escape in advance when her father started his rebellion. Or, it’s possible that a trusted subordinate of the captured concubine rescued her.
At that time, Imperial Princess Margarita was only twelve years old.
Despite her age, the pursuers sent by her father, the Emperor, were so relentless that they even dispatched a dedicated unit from one of the knight orders. Perhaps it was a case of a hundredfold hatred born from extreme affection. Love and hate are two sides of the same coin, but…
Even with excellent aides and maids attending her, she was eventually caught up at Satela Pass. At that time, only a few maids with martial arts experience remained to protect Imperial Princess Margarita.
Realizing her fate was sealed, Imperial Princess Margarita, with remarkable courage, took a dagger entrusted to her by her mother and pressed the blade to her delicate neck, and with a swift movement, severed her carotid artery, committing suicide with finality.
What a… sad story this is…
Thank you for reading.
Episode 52-5: The Tragic Tale of the Birth of Marlo Rita Suicide Pass ②, is scheduled for 0:00 on January 4th.
