𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟕
(7)
The wizard’s skill is undoubtedly impressive, but more importantly.
They’re hardworking and kind.
They managed to travel alone to a distant old castle and efficiently complete challenging tasks. They helped a fallen baby bird, spoke to me when I was in disguise, and showed me a breathtaking view from the top of the tower upon parting.
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“That’s not all.”
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They appeared gallantly in front of me, who was scared on the “journey of trials,” and offered a helping hand.
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“Luo is always――.”
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What does Peppoko want to do?
They give me choices, something I wasn’t used to as I always let myself be swept away by circumstances.
They give me courage.
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“━Truly wonderful.”
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She might have talked too much without getting any response. Ophelia looked at the blushing Tweney with a tender gaze.
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“That man, Maltheus, was timid.”
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Tweney blinked.
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“I can’t believe he’s called a hero and is known by people throughout the country. Is it a hero’s tale? What was Maltheus like in that story?”
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Tweney was perplexed when asked by someone supposed to know the real person.
In the story, Maltheus is a strong, courageous, selfless warrior with a strong sense of justice. Mainly traveling the frontiers, he saved towns and villages tormented by demon beasts. He never lost a battle. After defeating a demon beast, he’d leave without accepting any reward and head to the next town or village.
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“But the final episode is different. Hero Maltheus rescued Princess Ophelia, who was confined in the palace by the king, and the two――.”
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Tweney barely swallowed the words “lived happily ever after,” realizing reality was different.
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“Perhaps it’s the other way around.”
“The other way around?”
“Yes. At the time, despite the “Star Chant” prophecy of the “Red Wave,” my father didn’t believe it and locked me in my room. So, I called him, my childhood friend, and pleaded. My mind was made up. Be courageous and get me out of here, or our country will perish.”
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Tweney was reminded of a section from the hero’s tale she had taught Luo at Akkare Castle.
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[My heart is set. Show courage, extend that hand, my lord. A miracle shall then descend.]
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Tweney never imagined those lines were what Princess Ophelia said to Maltheus.
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“He ran away.”
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Tweney was taken aback by this unexpected turn.
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“But, after about a month, he returned. This time as a wizard.”
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Once again, Tweney was surprised.
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“He seemed to have used his family connections to buy a demon beast’s egg. There appears to be a store called the ‘black market,’ though I’m not familiar.”
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By that time, the threat of the “Red Wave” had become a reality, and the king’s sentiments had changed.
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“He persuaded my father and joined the “journey of trials.” Likely needing magical power as he was weak and barely could use a sword. I was furious. I was fuming.”
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The egg of the demon beast is highly poisonous. It is said that the mortality rate is over 90%. By being near Ophelia, Maltheus literally risked his life.
The “journey of trials” was brutal. The knights of the “Star Guardian” fell one after another. Although Maltheus became able to use fire magic, he initially wasn’t that powerful. In terms of grade, he was about second or third grade. However, as he continued his journey, he became stronger, eventually scattering a horde of demon beasts on his own.
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“When everyone fell and only the two of us remained, we finally reached the ‘Altar of Endings’.”
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Upon hearing from the Horned Lion that the people would be saved by the sacrifice of the Star Princess, Maltheus lamented, mourned, and became enraged.
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“It’s always been like this. Usually timid, but doing incredible things when it comes down to it.”
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Maltheus threatened the Horned Lion and had him guide him to the “miniature garden.”
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“There was a huge commotion at that time. Those who were adamant about defeating the evil god took days for my elder sisters to desperately persuade.”
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However, in the end, it is said that Maltheus accepted Ophelia’s will and sad fate.
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“After I fulfilled my duty, I heard that Lord Horned Lion escorted him to the surface. After that, he probably traveled the frontier to clean up after the ‘Great Red Wave’. Just as I wished.”
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Stories of Maltheus saving towns and villages from demon beasts every time were not just plot conveniences, but seemed to be true. However, Maltheus was not portrayed as a wizard but used a sword inhabited by a fire spirit. This was probably due to prejudice against wizards.
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“He wasn’t a hero, at least he said so himself.”
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Maltheus had conditions to become a hero as the “three powers”, but the specifics weren’t conveyed. When Tweney asked about it, Ophelia tilted her head.
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“I’ve heard of such a story. I wonder if Sorcier-oneesama mentioned it?”
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The first-generation Star Princess, Sorcier, was a talented princess praised even during her lifetime. Theology, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and demon beast studies. She not only acquired various academic knowledge but also conducted experiments and research in the “miniature garden.”
Her goal was to save the Star Princess.
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“Save the Star Princess?”
“Initially, she thought of using magic to defeat the evil god, just like he did. But after over a thousand years of consideration, she concluded that it’s impossible for a human to defeat a god.”
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To defeat a god, a “miracle” beyond human understanding is required.
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“What kind of miracle?”
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Ophelia pointed to the ceiling.
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“There are many shining stars in the sky, right?”
“Yes.”
“But, according to Sorcier-oneesama, not all of them are shining stars.”
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Among them are non-luminous stars, like pebbles, that occasionally fall to the earth.
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“What did she call that star again? Thousands of years, tens of thousands. No, even longer. If, in all that time, just the right size star fell into the “Great Hole”, maybe a miracle might happen.”
Tweney was baffled by such a grand and vague story.
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“Heh. I suspect humanity’s activities will end long before that. Well, enough of this dreamy talk.”
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Wrapping Tweney’s hand, Ophelia placed her own over it.
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“The power of the evil god is immense, too powerful for humans to resist. Even in this place far from his realm, the lingering evil energy is vast. Even that person was defeated before the “Gate of Transference”.”
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Even Tweney, supposed to be protected by the goddess’s power, felt ill. As for Luo, he had collapsed. Due to this, Tweney made up her mind. She couldn’t endanger Luo any further for his sake.
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“The “Blood of the Goddess” should be appealing to you. Offer yourself to the evil god.”
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Nodding in agreement, Tweney acknowledged.
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“The “Blood of the Goddess” is, in a way, a sleeping potion. It can put the evil god to sleep, but only temporarily.”
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Ophelia’s hand was trembling. Taking a deep breath, she delivered a decisive statement.
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“And the potion must be directly ingested for it to take effect.”
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Tweney thought as much.
She’d be devoured by the evil god and die.
Of course, she felt fear, but she had been prepared since the seal was broken. However, thinking of Luo made her heart feel hollow.
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“The evil god is obsessed with the “Blood of the Goddess”. He will never overlook it. No, he cannot.”
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It seemed like there was no way out, but Ophelia spoke with determination, trying to reassure.
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“But, Tweney-san, it’s not that there’s no hope.”
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“That was the existence of the six Star Princesses.”
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“Even if your vessel in the mortal realm is lost, it doesn’t mean everything about you disappears. As long as your soul is safe, you are—you alone.”
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Ophelia emphasized.
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“Eventually be guided by the Goddess and you could be reborn, much like us.”
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Ophelia magically produced a small glass vial and firmly placed it in Tweney’s hand.
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“This is called “Tears of Lament”, a divine beverage. Drinking this will protect your soul. You will feel neither fear nor pain. Drink this and then. . . . . .”
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Face what comes.
While staring at the vial, Tweney asked,
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“Will I be able to see Luo again?”
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A tense silence prevailed.
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“You won’t.”
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The voice sounded pained.
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“Even if your soul is saved, you’ll start as if you were an infant. It might take over a hundred years to regain your memories and sense of self. That was the case for me.”
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Tweney somewhat expected that answer. After all, Ophelia knew nothing about the exploits of the hero Maltheus.
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“I see.”
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Quietly, Tweney muttered.
She felt the surface of the small bottle. It was made of beautifully colored glass. She wondered if the contents were sweet or bitter.
Lost in thought, she was interrupted by a puzzled voice. Ophelia called out her name.
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“Tweney-san?”
“Ah, yes.”
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Now was not the time to be distracted. Tweney realized she needed to fulfill her duty as the Star Princess. Even now, people might be suffering at the hands of the demon beasts.
However, there was something she had to do before that.
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“Have you told Luo about this?”
“Not yet. He’ll probably hear about it officially from Vengeous-onee-sama later.”
“Can I talk to Luo before that?”
“Of course, I don’t mind.”
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She would explain everything and express his gratitude.
She would convey her feelings of appreciation.
That was all she could do now.
Or was it? Tweney thought.
No, there was something else.
Just one thing.
Something that had been bothering her.
After completing the “journey of trials,” she tried to bestow a “blessing” on Luo to ensure her safe return, but she didn’t feel like she succeeded.
She decided to ask about it.
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“Eh, is that so?”
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Ophelia looked surprised, her eyes wide, and seemed to ponder. It appeared she had a hunch about something.
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“By the way, Luo-san used to call you by another name, right?”
“Yes.”
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The fake name she blurted out when they first met. Luo still calls her Peppoko.
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“Were you called by your true name?”
“True name?”
“When the Star Princess bestows a “blessing”, the recipient must call her by her true name. It should naturally occur during the knighting ceremony.”
“Oh.”
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Luo didn’t participate in the knighting ceremony. Tweney tried to bestow the “blessing” haphazardly, mimicking what she saw.
Once she understood, it seemed like a simple mistake.
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“Thank you, Ophelia-sama.”
“No, it’s nothing significant.”
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Ophelia looked at the elated Tweney with a smile, but she was internally shaken.
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“You haven’t bestowed the “blessing”?”
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