“What do you want me to help you with?”
“I apologize for imposing this troublesome matter upon you. But before that, is Almeida here?”
“Master is not here—”
“I am here. It’s not been that long, has it, Rasmus Lowood?”
Everyone’s eyes widened as Almeida appeared from seemingly nowhere.
“Oh, what incredible concealment. Is it perhaps because you are Jared’s master?”
Haru offered words of admiration, but the girl with bright, youthful hair merely snorted with a cold, expressionless face, not offering the smile she showed Jared and the others.
“It must have been years since I last met a dragon. I really didn’t want to see one.”
“I understand. Even though I knew you were real, this is the first time I’ve seen you like this.”
“Then you can understand why I’ve kept my presence hidden?”
“Of course. Half-elf.”
“—Half-elf!?”
Jared was the one who exclaimed. He never imagined that his benefactor, the master who taught him how to fight, was a descendant of elves, a race he thought only existed in myths.
“To think that Almeida was a half-elf, rumored to have survived into the modern era.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to hide it, but it wasn’t something I felt the need to announce either.”
Perhaps she thought they wouldn’t believe her if she told them, or perhaps it was because she carried the blood of elves, whose kind had been hunted by humans in the past.
“Jared, everyone, you must be surprised… but now you understand why I’ve lived for so long, don’t you?”
No one could comprehend the feelings of the half-elf who had lived for so many years, wearing a melancholic expression. Almeida offered a gentle smile to her bewildered disciples.
“Even as a half-elf, I am unchanged. I am still the troublesome Jared’s master, and family to everyone here.”
“Naturally. I wouldn’t change my attitude just because you’re a half-elf. Besides, considering your impossible strength and long lifespan, it actually makes sense. You’re still my master.”
It wasn’t just her disciples. The other family members present chimed in, nodding in agreement with Jared.
“Thank you.”
Relieved that their attitudes hadn’t changed, the girl smiled happily.
“Now, I’ve derailed the conversation with my personal matters, but I’m grateful that you’ve all accepted her. This is something I want to discuss with everyone, including Almeida.”
“Rasmus Lowood, you don’t need to thank us.”
“I must. As your former fiancé, I want to see you happy.”
“What!? He was Master’s!?”
“Why are you bringing up something that’s already over? Well, it’s ancient history. It was from when I served the Magician Empire. Rasmus Lowood, please get back to the point. What do you want Jared to do?”
“Yes, yes. Let’s move on. Now that all the parties involved are here.”
Rasmus Lowood surveyed the group with a satisfied nod.
“Oh, but, Rasmus Lowood. Wahash isn’t here. Isn’t he involved too?”
“Yes. He is, but he was injured, so I’m having him rest.”
“My father is injured!”
The son of the Progenitor reacted more than anyone to the boy’s words. In an instant, she closed the distance to Rasmus Lowood and grabbed him by the collar.
“Impossible. That’s Wahash. To injure him to the point of needing rest is something even I couldn’t do.”
Wahash, formerly the leader of Waalthe, the continent’s foremost Assassination Organization. His successor, Pfeil, was just as shaken as Rosa Roen. Jared felt the same. He had fought her over an incident involving his mother but remembered clearly being defeated without being able to land a single blow. The words of Rasmus Lowood, stating that Wahash was injured, were simply impossible to accept.
“You must be Rosa Roen and Pfeil. Wahash didn’t want you involved, but I would like your assistance as well.”
“…Let’s hear it. If the one who injured my father is the enemy, then they are more than enough for us.”
“I owe Wahash a great debt. Very well, I will help you. I didn’t intend to get just Jared involved anyway.”
“Pfeil, you…”
“Hmph. I’m the one who will defeat you. Therefore, I don’t want you getting involved in some nonsensical situation and losing on your own.”
“Thank you.”
“…Hmph.”
Rasmus Lowood watched their exchange, his eyes narrowing as if looking at something dazzling. Then, after looking at everyone’s faces once more, he placed a hand on his chest and bowed deeply.
“First, I offer my sincere gratitude for your willingness to listen to my story. I’ll admit, I’m suspicious.”
“You are.”
Jared blurted out, wondering if he was aware of it.
“Please listen quietly.”
Olivier, standing beside him, grabbed his arm, causing him to quickly shut his mouth.
“Let me clarify my position. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Rasmus Lowood. I am a direct descendant of Progenitor Yuna Miharasaki and held the position of third prince when the Magician Empire collapsed.”
“But you don’t want to revive the Progenitor. Right?”
“Yes. I do not wish for the Progenitor’s revival. Therefore, I want to ask for Jared and the others’ help. Please, join me in stopping those who seek to awaken the Progenitor.”
Upon hearing Rasmus Lowood’s words, Jared said clearly, without any hesitation,
“Olivier, Yeny, and Emilia might get involved. If I’m of any use, please lend me your strength.”
