“Older Brother! Older Sister Olivier! You’re back!”
Jared and the others were greeted by Yeny upon their return to the mansion. A short sword, ill-suited for her cute dress, was equipped at her waist. It was clear that this girl, who was stronger than anyone else in the mansion with a sword, had armed herself out of worry for the current situation.
“Yeny, even you are prepared to fight.”
“I made a promise to Olivier. If anything were to happen to our family, I would use this power.”
“Thank you, Yeny. For keeping your promise to me. How are Mother and younger sister? A-and before that, could you put me down soon, Jared? I’m a bit embarrassed like this.”
“Ah, I apologize.”
Greeted by her junior, Olivier’s tension eased slightly, and she let out a small, embarrassed voice while still being held in Jared’s arms.
“Hehehe. I’m relieved you two are as usual. Precisely because of times like these, please continue to be our usual Older Brother and Older Sister.”
Hearing that, the two blushed. Coughing lightly, Olivier regained her composure and asked again.
“So, are the two of them inside the mansion?”
“No. Hannelore is at the Main Family Residence, and Emilia is with Grandfather at the Daum Barony.”
“…I see. Leaving Mother aside, Emilia is safe.”
Olivier felt relieved by the fact that Jared and Yeny’s grandfather, the Sword Demon Baron Daum, was protecting his granddaughter. The Daum Baronial Family, while not having many family members, had many disciples. From the live-in apprentices staying at the mansion to students living nearby, there were many. The Daum Barony possessed a considerable fighting force.
Of course, Cassandra likely knew about that military strength. However, the fact that someone was protecting them, and moreover, a seasoned warrior, brought peace of mind to Olivier.
“Rosa is with Hannelore and is protecting the Main Family Residence. Ernesta is also with them.”
“I see, she’ll be helping too. That’s a relief.”
“Hehehe, Ernesta is also family.”
Ernesta Kaif, one of Jared’s Secretary Officers. She had once been dejected after being manipulated by an enemy, but she had supported Jared and his family’s recovery, starting with Pfeil.
While this incident, in a sense, is irrelevant to her as she doesn’t possess the bloodline of the Progenitor, she considers everyone family and thus rushed to offer her help before anyone had to ask.
Ernesta, having belonged to the Magician military, is capable of magical combat. No matter how strong Rosa is, it’s difficult for her to defend an entire mansion alone, especially if the enemy is dispersed. Having Ernesta there would be a great comfort.
“What about Pfeil?”
Jared asked about the whereabouts of the boy who could be considered his rival.
“Pfeil is on patrol with Luzer. Currently, at this mansion, there are myself, Trane, and Almeida.”
Receiving Yeny’s explanation, they were able to grasp the whereabouts of each person.
The only major issues were Jared’s arrest and Olivier’s solo visit to Cassandra.
“I’m also staying at this mansion, you know.”
“…You? Rasmus?”
“Yes. I’m being taken care of.”
Emerging from the mansion was Rasmus Lowood, the third prince of the Magician Empire. He was a Magician who had lived for over five hundred years and was a direct descendant of the Progenitor. However, he wished for the Progenitor to rest in peace by killing them upon their revival. He was also like an older brother figure to Cassandra Hagedorff, who planned the Progenitor’s revival, and it was he who informed her that the blood of the Progenitor’s priestess flowed within Cassandra.
“Your family is wonderful. Everyone is acting for the benefit of others. Putting that aside, Olivier, it’s good that you returned safely. I was shocked to hear you went to see Cassandra alone, but I’m relieved you’re back safe… Huh?”
“Rasmus, what is it? What’s wrong?”
“…Olivier, did you… did something happen to you with Cassandra?”
Suddenly tilting his head and looking at Olivier with a gaze as if observing something inexplicable, Rasmus’s words instilled a sense of unease in Olivier.
“Nothing special happened to me, but.”
“But? What is it?”
“I was told that I am the Vessel of the Progenitor. It seems I had talent as a Magician, but it was all sealed by Cassandra.”
“…Please wait a moment, what do you mean? Did that girl say she would make you the Vessel for the Progenitor’s revival?”
“Yes, that’s right. She’d been planning it for years.”
“–I’ve been played.”
Rasmus let out a short, despairing voice. Jared, unable to keep up with the sudden turn of events, opened his mouth to ask what was happening when,
“Jared!”
Olivier cried out.
Turning his face towards her, Jared was dumbfounded. This was because a blue, glowing magic circle had appeared around Olivier.
“Olivier!”
Though completely unable to comprehend what was happening, Jared reached out towards his fiancée.
