𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒𝟐
I don’t know if it was because there were no secrets anymore, or because the barrier was erected, but
The conversations in the carriage from the next day were enjoyable.
The heavy atmosphere that had been present in the carriage on the way there had vanished.
Both of them seemed to be fascinated by the differences between ancient magic and modern magic,
So I tried to teach them the basic usage of ancient magic, but it hasn’t taken shape yet.
Just because I taught them doesn’t mean it can be used right away, it seems.
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Ancient magic is a form of using language to exert power with magic energy,
Unlike modern magic, there are no attributes or such.
Because it uses the magic power itself, unlike modern magic, which cannot be used due to attributes,
If you remember, you can activate all ancient magic.
However, since it’s affected by the power of magic, it doesn’t mean one is better than the other.
It might be possible to activate the magic of unusable attributes with ancient magic.
As the three of us talked about the possibilities of ancient magic, the carriage arrived at the royal capital.
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This journey will soon be over.
I’ve been traveling all this time, so my body is hurting here and there.
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“Hey, Princess.”
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“Hmm? What?”
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“Why do you still have memories from when you were a witch?”
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“Oh, I haven’t told you about what happened when I died.”
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I understand that the soul was reincarnated, but it’s mysterious that there are memories from that time.
Probably what Chris wants to know is whether there’s magic like that, I think.
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“It’s said when doing a witch’s ritual.
Live as a witch for the sake of this country,
Then when you die, your wishes will also be granted.”
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“Your wish is granted when you die?”
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“Yes. It’s the teaching of witches.
Since you die, you don’t know if the wish really came true.
But, when my body was weakening, and I knew I was going to die soon,
I thought that maybe my wish really would come true.
I wished to be reincarnated with my knowledge of magic.”
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“With your knowledge of magic? Why did you think that?”
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“Because that’s all I had.
I only studied magic, only increased my knowledge of magic,
And that was the only thing I could be proud of.
So I didn’t want to lose it.”
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Being born a noble, having abundant magical power,
Maintaining a barrier for fifty years; none of that was something I accomplished myself.
Magic was all my own effort.
That’s why I was afraid to lose it.
I felt like my existence itself would become meaningless.
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“So, I was reincarnated with the knowledge of magic,
But not just the knowledge of magic, I had all the memories of my previous life.
I realized I was reincarnated when I was seven.”
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“Wait, was it when you met His Majesty?”
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“Yes. When I realized, I was living in a strange situation.
I thought this was too much, and I had to do something.
But I didn’t know if my grandfather would help me.
If he didn’t, I thought I’d destroy the palace and escape.”
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“I see. How did Sofia behave before she regained her memory?”
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“I thought everyone hated me.
I thought everyone understood the situation and left me alone.”
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“. . .That’s unlikely. His Majesty cares about you, Princess.
But well, given the situation, it’s not unreasonable to think that way.”
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“I was even called ‘Ineligible Princess’ by the lower servants. . .”
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“You didn’t realize that you were being valued so much.”
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I don’t know why I didn’t remember until I was seven,
I think I would have died if I hadn’t remembered then.
That was a close call.
Also, if I hadn’t continued my education, I wouldn’t have become the crown princess.
Then, I think Eliza might have really become the adopted daughter.
Eddie wouldn’t have wanted to become the crown prince.
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Thinking about it, I can’t say I don’t understand why Eliza is obsessed with the throne.
But, I have no intention of giving it up.
I feel like this country would be over if Eliza became queen.
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“It was good that Sofia got her memory back then.”
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“Really?”
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“Yeah, otherwise we wouldn’t have met her until five years later.
She might have been left alone all that time.”
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“That’s true. If we had continued to let the Princess live in the western palace,
She would have faced something much worse.
It was lucky we met her before that.”
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Something worse than that. . . Well, probably it wouldn’t have ended until I died.
I suppose the chief court lady meant to kill me.
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“At that time, when I found out that my grandfather didn’t hate me,
And that the two of you would always be by my side as escort knights,
I finally felt relieved, like it was okay to live here.
. . .Yeah, it was good to get my memory back.”
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I never thought the day would come when I could say such things to them.
It seems like a lie that I was frightened to be found out.
They both listen to me with smiles as I speak.
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“Ah, we’ll be at the royal palace soon.”
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“I hope Ruri hasn’t fainted with worry.”
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“I really don’t like the thought of that happening. I hope she’s resting properly.”
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“I bet she’s not resting. I think Douglas is looking after her, though.”
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I remember how Ruri was crying loudly when I left the royal palace.
Six days since then. I worry if she’s eating and sleeping properly.
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Arriving at the royal palace, I head straight to my private chamber.
I couldn’t take a bath during the journey, so I’m covered in dust and sweat.
I announce that I’ll head to the office after cleaning up and dressing.
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“Sofia-sama!!”
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As soon as I enter my private chamber, I’m hugged by Ruri, who runs up to me.
Ruri looks as tired as if she had been the one traveling.
Before I can ask if she’s okay, I’m hugged by Lisa and Yuna as well.
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“Sofia-sama. . . Have you been eating?
Haven’t you lost weight?”
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“Huh? I’ve been eating.”
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“Are you injured anywhere?”
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“No, I’m fine. I’m healthy.”
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“Oh, you’re covered in dust. . . Come on, let’s take a bath.”
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“Yeah. Thank you.”
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I’m ushered into the bath by the three energetic girls.
Chris and Kyle wave their hands as I’m led away.
I suppose both of them will return to the waiting room and take a bath.
I soak in the bathtub for the first time in six days, being scrubbed by the three of them. . .and slowly lose consciousness.
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“Sofia-sama?!”
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