At the foothills of Dragon Peak, we live.
The Future of Two People
“Well then, please explain.”
We, including Yun and Rin, sat in a circle around a pot of simmering stew and a bonfire. After everyone was served tea, Mistral said.
“Yes. I will explain.”
Though it was only for a short while, Yun and Rin disappeared from this world. Why did they come back? Moreover, they are not transparent now, nor is their color faded white. Furthermore, the two who should have been ravaged by continuous use of spirit power now look energetic.
Everyone’s eyes naturally turned to these two. However, it would be better for me to explain.
After moistening my throat with warm tea, I told everyone about what happened in the dream-like world, which was instantaneous for them but took a considerable amount of time for us.
“Indeed, Yun and Rin once disappeared from this world. But I called them back. With the cooperation of Priscilla-chan and Ares-san. Oh. Of course, it was only because everyone’s power was combined that I could bring Yun and Rin back! First, I’ll tell you about that time.”
This was a story that Ares-san had warned me not to tell anyone.
It might not be something that should be told to Carly-san, who normally lives a normal life in the Dragon Forest. But I chose to have Carly-san hear it.
Carly-san listened to my story with a complicated expression, but he continued to listen without interrupting or leaving.
And Ares-chan, held by Nina, did not deny my judgment.
“…The truth of the taboo of the Mimicho Race, and the relationship between spirits and the Mimicho Race. Indeed, what Elnea told me was something I had never heard before. But why did you tell me this? Surely, it would have been better to keep it a secret from me.”
“Yes. They told me it was just for family, but… I wanted Carly-san to know it too, considering the future.”
“Meaning?”
“Even though they have returned to this world, Yun and Rin will face difficult days ahead. Therefore, I wanted them to have allies other than our family.”
The reason Yun and Rin returned was not for continued revenge. It was to atone for the sins they bore.
However, for the two who committed the taboo of the Mimicho Race, the harsh eyes of others will inevitably be cast upon them from now on.
“Even if it’s just one person. I want others besides my family to know the hidden relationship between the Mimicho Race and spirits, and to accept Yun and Rin.”
“But, it’s not certain that I will become an ally to these two after hearing Elnea’s story?”
“Yes. But you can understand, can’t you?”
Carly-san is a serious person.
He is a warrior who protects the Dragon Forest and a reliable companion of the Mimicho Race who strictly adheres to their precepts. That is why I am confident that if he knows the deep circumstances, Carly-san will become a good confidant for Yun and Rin.
“I apologize for getting you involved without your consent. But I believed that Carly-san would not betray the truth even if he heard it, and that he would not misuse the knowledge.”
“I’ll gladly accept being trusted.”
Carly-san stirred the simmering pot and looked alternately at Yun and Rin, and me, wondering what to do.
“…Does the Grand Elder know about the Mimicho Race and spirits?”
Then, Carly-san murmured something like that.
“Hmm. Grandma Yuuri might know. After all, she traveled around the world with the Witch in her younger days.”
Moreover, I omitted the part about her being chosen by mysterious people like us and having no lifespan.
“I don’t know who the Witch is. I see, it’s no wonder the Grand Elder would know deep stories.”
I don’t know how Grandma Yuuri’s knowledge would affect Carly-san’s decision, but Carly-san urged me to continue my story while thinking deeply.
“Please wait a little longer for my decision. The story you told me is too far removed from what I’ve been taught over four hundred years, and it will take time to organize my thoughts. More importantly, you haven’t told us how these two returned to this world yet. Please tell us that.”
“That’s right. Well then, I’ll explain while we eat.”
The delicious smell of stewed wild boar and chopped herbs made my stomach grumble since a while ago.
Priscilla-chan, who woke up the moment it became dinnertime, is drooling in Yufilia’s arms.
Ruiseine, with a bitter smile at the glutton, scooped the boar stew into bowls and distributed it to everyone.
Once everyone was served, we all said “Itadakimasu” and began our much-delayed dinner.
The well-simmered meat was tender, and it crumbled in my mouth as soon as I put it in. Thanks to the herbs, or perhaps Carly-san’s preparation, it had no gamey smell and was very delicious.
I ate the first bowl silently and asked for a second helping. Then, after my stomach finally began to settle, we returned to Yun and Rin’s story.
“Come to think of it. Yun and Rin are already close to spirits, or rather, almost like spirits.”
“If I recall correctly, when spirits are absorbed, one eventually harmonizes with them and is taken to the world of spirits.”
“Yes, as Lyra said. So I thought. If they have become beings similar to spirits, can’t they be used?”
“…Huh?”
Carly-san looked at me with a look of astonishment, as if to say, “What are you saying now?”
“Elnea. I understand that you want to help Yun and Rin, and as your wife, I will cooperate fully, but isn’t your idea too outlandish?”
“Ugh, I can’t argue when Mistral says that… But I thought this was the only way. It’s the only way to keep Yun and Rin tied to this world.”
Rin, who committed the taboo of the Mimicho Race, committed acts of betrayal and massacre. And Yun. The easiest way to resolve this incident was for these two to disappear.
In fact, the moment the two disappeared, the Mimicho Race warriors who were present breathed a sigh of relief.
But I didn’t want that kind of ending.
So, I borrowed everyone’s strength and received the help of Priscilla-chan and Ares-san.
“To keep them tied… To do that, you say you placed the two, who have become close to spirits, under your command? But why can you act with such certainty, you who are not of the Mimicho Race?”
“Uh, well. It’s probably because I’m not of the Mimicho Race?”
“What do you mean?”
“You know, as Carly-san knows, I can use spatial jumps even though I’m not of the Mimicho Race. In the common sense of the Mimicho Race, it’s inconceivable for someone without spirit power to use spatial jumps, right? Furthermore, I am human, yet I have inherited the title of Dragon King from the Dragon Race. It’s the same thing.”
“In other words, spirits cannot become friends without spirit power. The techniques of the Mimicho Race are only for the Mimicho Race. The title of the Dragon Race is inherited by the Dragon Race. Your idea stems from Elnea, who has broken through such common sense.”
“Yes. I’m happy to hear that!”
“A way of thinking that doesn’t get caught up in common sense. So, you hypothesized the existence of the two and put it into practice. I see, with a servitude based on Priscilla’s friendship, can even beings who were sages be put under servitude? Oh dear, Priscilla has acquired more spirits to command. Five beings in constant contract. This rivals the Grand Elder. And on top of that, she’s best friends with the Spirit Tree Spirit.”
“Ku ku ku. Carly-san, you’re still caught up in common sense?”
“What!?”
“Although I received Priscilla-chan’s cooperation, I didn’t say I entrusted the servitude to her.”
“W-what do you mean?”
Not only Carly-san, but Mistral and others also looked at me with surprise.
“Elnea-kun, don’t tell me…?”
I asked for a third bowl, but Ruiseine confiscated my bowl and cornered me.
“Uh, well. The one who is commanding Yun and Rin is actually me!”
Mistral and the others put their heads in their hands at my shocking confession.
“Everyone, calm down! This is my own idea based on future considerations!”
“No, before that… As expected, you are an incredible person. Not only is your thinking outlandish, but you are also a reckless person who puts it into practice. You, who has no spirit power, command Yun and Rin who have become close to spirits? How on earth!?”
Putting aside the evaluation of me. Carly-san’s question is a valid one. Mistral and the others must also be wondering about it.
It’s definitely not that I’m lamenting that two more women have joined my household shortly after marriage… I think!
…R-right?
“Uh, to be precise, it’s not just my power that’s keeping Yun and Rin here. This is strange, but… the combined power of everyone, and Ares-chan, the Spirit Tree Spirit. And Priscilla-chan’s spirit power is being channeled to them through me, and it seems to be enabling me to command them. Oh, of course, Yun and Rin are not being commanded with power, but on the basis of friendship… well, not quite friendship. For now, they are contracted based on trust.”
Yun and Rin quietly nodded at my words.
“Our master is Elnea, but it’s no exaggeration to say that we are commanded by all of you. Therefore, if ordered, Rin and I will obey the will of all your family.”
“Elnea told me. That revenge is wrong. That there are other ways to atone for sins. So, for now, I’ve decided to follow Elnea until I find an answer for how to deal with this hatred I hold and until I atone for my sins. I believe Elnea will surely lead us to a place that my older sister and I can accept.”
“Thank you for your trust, Rin-san. And thank you for agreeing to return, Yun-san.”
I am grateful to them.
I did my best to persuade them, but whether they would agree to my selfish demands depended on Yun and Rin. But they came back like this. Just now, they also threatened the Giant Tribe and the Mimicho Race, following my desire to stop the fighting.
We haven’t known each other for long. Building a true relationship of trust will be from now on. And I hope that one day we will be bound by friendship like Priscilla-chan.
Therefore, I must respond to their feelings.
“But, what will we do? With the return of the two, persuading the Mimicho Race has become more difficult.”
“But, what will we do? Will it be okay if we go to the Forbidden Territory?”
Yufilia and Nina, who are diligently feeding the young girl, point out the problem.
“I intend to have a thorough discussion with the representatives of the Mimicho Race. Taking past events into account, I believe the parties involved need to face each other properly. And, regarding the Forbidden Territory…”
I had made a promise with the administrator of the Forbidden Territory.
Do not easily invite anyone. If the administrator deems someone unsuitable, they will be eliminated without question. And we who invited them will also be punished.
We reconfirmed the rules of the Forbidden Territory together.
“Then, we cannot take Yun and Rin? No, if they are to remain in this world to atone for their sins, do they not need to go to the Forbidden Territory?”
“Carly-san, about that. I want Yun and Rin to listen carefully too. I intend to take them to the Forbidden Territory.”
“Wh-what!?”
Carly-san’s eyes widened in surprise at this shocking event, thenth time this day.
“I don’t understand at all what you’re saying? We just confirmed the rules of the Forbidden Territory ourselves just now, didn’t we? And why are you taking them to the Forbidden Territory to atone for their sins? Mistral-jo, do you understand what Elnea is saying?”
As Carly-san asked, Mistral nodded with a wry smile.
“Of course, I know. What Elnea is thinking about the future of the Forbidden Territory. And while I am surprised that Rin is joining, I had heard beforehand what he intends to do with Yun.”
“When we were at the Yorttenitos Kingdom’s fort, I intended to explain this to Carly-san in the room, but it never happened. I decided about Yun from the beginning. Of course, it was a premise that Yun would agree with my idea. Well then, I’ll talk about the Forbidden Territory and the two of them.”
I didn’t get a third bowl after all. Instead, I received tea after the meal and spoke while taking a break.
“I intend to invite guests to the Forbidden Territory based on my own judgment. At first, I thought about checking with the administrator every time. But then, I realized I would never be able to act on my own judgment. So, I decided to invite anyone who looked okay after seeing them, talking to them, and interacting with them, at my own responsibility. And, um… I apologize. The reason I sided with Yun from the beginning was to test whether my intuition and ideas were correct.”
“You did not see me as an enemy from the start, but rather took a neutral stance to ascertain my true intentions. There is no need to apologize. Everyone has their own circumstances and expectations. We were saved by Elnea’s intentions. We should be grateful, not apologize.”
“As Yun-sama says. And moreover, it is not stated that each person must be individually confirmed for an invitation to the Forbidden Territory. It is merely said that if they are judged inappropriate after being invited, then…”
“But what if they are judged inappropriate?”
“Carly-san. I don’t think that will happen.”
“…”
“My values and the administrator’s values are aligned. We treasure the Forbidden Territory. I view others by that standard, and I believe the administrator looks at whether they will bring disaster to the Forbidden Territory, not just make an arbitrary judgment.”
“But even so…”
“Yes, my eyes might be mistaken. I might make mistakes, and I might fail. But I don’t want to rely solely on the administrator’s judgment. We were given this land, and… ah, to be precise, Mistral received it. Anyway, don’t we want to make it more comfortable with our own judgment? And so, if the administrator says no, then I will reflect on it at that time!”
Of course, I did not consult with the Giant Demon Lord or anyone else in advance about this arbitrary decision.
But I think it’s fine like this.
The Forbidden Territory has been entrusted to us. To be precise, to Mistral!
Then, within the framework of the fundamental rules, we want to manage it ourselves. This was the result of discussions and agreements between myself and my wives.
Suddenly, I looked at the jewel set in the hilt of the white sword placed beside me.
The jewel was shining brightly blue, with no murkiness at all.
“So, about Yun and Rin. Hey, Rin. Let’s leave this forest, okay? If you stay here, Rin, you’ll never forget your hatred. But in the distant Forbidden Territory, in a new life in a new land, I’m sure you can find a different life. Also, we plan to relocate some of the spirits from the Dragon Forest to the Forbidden Territory soon. I want you to take care of those spirits. Can’t you atone for your sins against the spirits by devoting yourself to them? Yun seems to be liked by spirits, so I think you’re suitable.”
“To a distant land…?”
“Atonement for spirits, huh…”
“Elnea. Hatred and atonement for spirits might be handled that way, but what about the Mimicho Race and the Giant Race?”
“In an unknown, undeveloped land, continuing to atone for sins while being subjugated. Isn’t that enough? When a human commits a crime, direct atonement to the victim is rare; they are usually imprisoned or made to do forced labor to atone for their sins. In the same way, Yun and Rin will leave here, but isn’t it enough to show that they are continuing to atone for their sins? I plan to discuss this, along with other matters, with the relevant parties in the future.”
“I see… Indeed, there is such a way of atoning for sins.”
Carly-san seemed to be convinced and nodded.
Then, we returned to the initial problem.
“…I see. Elnea was acting with the future in mind. And you want me to become a good ally as well.”
“Yes. Carly-san, being a long-lived Mimicho Race member, you will be able to watch Yun and Rin for a long time.”
“That’s right. Perhaps their atonement will continue even after you reach the end of your lifespan. At that time, a role to watch over them will be necessary.”
That’s right. Carly-san doesn’t know yet that we have become immortal. That’s why he was thinking about things decades ahead.
“Alright, I understand. I will cooperate with you fully. I will keep watching over Yun and Rin’s future, and if necessary, I will visit this forest and inform you of their activities.”
“Thank you, Carly-san!”
Having Carly-san as a good ally is the most reassuring thing I could ask for.
I finally let out a sigh of relief while drinking my tea.
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