𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑𝟖
As I was descending the tower and returning to the carriage, I remembered that the master’s grave was nearby.
I had heard that the deceased witches were buried around the tower.
However, the area was overgrown with vegetation, and it seemed unlikely that I would find it even if I searched.
ㅤ
I closed my eyes and offered a brief prayer, thinking it was the least I could do.
. . .I don’t know what our master wished for in the end,
But I felt that she is no longer anywhere.
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It was completely dark by the time we returned to the carriage.
Seeing us appear from the darkness, Wei and Fel descend from the carriage.
They have a slightly anxious look on their faces. I wonder if something happened.
ㅤ
“Welcome back.”
ㅤ
“What happened?”
ㅤ
“Some knight-like figures passed by, but it was too dark to confirm their knightly attire.
I don’t know whether they are knights of our country or knights of Kokodia.
Three of them headed towards the fort on horseback.”
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“I see. . . If they were heading towards the fort, we won’t see them again.
We’re done with what we had to do here, so let’s hurry back to the royal palace.”
ㅤ
“Yes!”
ㅤ
We have finished touring the four towers, and the barrier wall has been erected.
The barrier set up with ancient magic should be impossible for anyone to break.
This should avoid a war with Kokodia.
ㅤ
As I’m lifted onto the carriage by Kyle, I’m told to have a meal.
I realize I haven’t had dinner yet.
I’m not very hungry, but it would be good to eat something before bed.
ㅤ
I nibble at the portable food handed to me.
The bread-like item that has been baked hard becomes even harder as the day goes on.
The dried meat is just as tough, and I have to soften it in my mouth before eating.
I chew it over and over before finally being able to eat it.
ㅤ
“Here, drink some water too.”
ㅤ
“Yeah.”
ㅤ
Chris hands me water as I struggle to swallow.
The two of them had already finished eating.
ㅤ
Once I finally finish eating, my stomach is satisfied.
With the satisfaction of having finished and the fear of having to talk to the two of them,
My mouth feels heavy somehow.
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“. . .Will you listen?”
ㅤ
“What, you feel like talking?”
ㅤ
“Huh?”
ㅤ
I’m surprised by Chris’ surprised expression.
Did I feel like talking?
ㅤ
“I always knew the Princess was hiding something.
But I thought if you didn’t want to talk about it, you didn’t have to.”
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“Chris and I, everyone has things they don’t want to tell others.
It would be unpleasant if someone tried to force it out of you.
If Sofia doesn’t want to talk about it, that’s fine with me.
But you’ve looked troubled all along. Can you talk about it?”
ㅤ
Both of them knew what I was hiding, and yet they didn’t ask.
There must have been many opportunities to ask, both in the royal palace and in the carriage.
Even at the tower earlier, they understood what I was questioning.
So were they planning not to ask about that too?
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“I wasn’t planning on hiding it forever.
But I was afraid of being found out.”
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“Is it related to the magic from earlier?”
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“Yes.”
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“What was that?”
ㅤ
“That’s what’s called ancient magic.
It’s a magic that fixes magic by intertwining ancient words and magic power with blood.
The one earlier was a magical formula for maintaining a barrier.”
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“. . .Ancient words. How old are they?”
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“Those are characters that witches used about three hundred to two hundred years ago.
They were ancient characters that were no longer commonly used even at that time.
If someone were to assemble it using characters that anyone could read, wouldn’t they be able to see what kind of magic it is?
That script. . . only witches can write it and read it.”
ㅤ
It was something different from the ancient language commonly used.
Only witches, no, only witches capable of using magic understood those characters.
Only witches with noble blood, who could receive an education, could read and write them.
Children who became witches from commoners couldn’t even read ordinary characters.
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“. . .Only a witch can write and read it.”
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“If you say something like that, it’s as if Sofia is. . .”
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“. . .I am a witch. A long time ago. There was a time when I was a witch.”
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The darkness outside the carriage seemed to swallow the voice.
Inside the quiet carriage, only the clattering sound resonated.
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The silence of the two who say nothing is scary.
Say something quickly. I don’t want to be denied, but being silent is also scary.
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“. . .Don’t cry.”
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“Huh?”
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“. . .Come on, calm down?”
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Told by Chris, and having my cheek wiped by Kyle, I realize I am crying.
Even after realizing it, I can’t stop the tears that keep spilling.
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