𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨
Albero faces Bartholomew.
Bartholomew’s sharp eyes seem to size up Albero critically.
Bartholomew isn’t nobility but a former mercenary. Now, she acts as the regent of the Isavel territory. While it might seem she’s unhappy about handing over this land to Albero, Bartholomew speaks.
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“Don’t worry. I don’t intend to cause any trouble for you. I never really liked managing territories. I’d rather run a relaxed tavern, find a husband for Yuisis, and retire.”
“Wha. . . . . .?”
“I’m doing this because I feel indebted to Yorha-sama. Our real role, mine and Yuisis’, is to support Yorha-sama’s 『power』.”
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Yorha’s Summoned beast 『Gate・of・Isolde』 allows Yorha to command the Summoned beasts of those loyal to him. Both Bartholomew and Yuisis contracted with Yorha and lent her their Summoned beasts.
Managing the territory is just a side gig.
Bartholomew lights up a cigarette.
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“For now, I’ll assist with the territorial management. Finish everything up and come back soon.”
“. . . . . .Yes.”
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Albero responds vaguely.
He wonders if he can truly 『return』 in his current state.
Can he face Shin and emerge victorious?
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“Well, we have to prepare for the transition.”
“. . . . . .”
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Albero has nothing to say to Bartholomew.
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◇◇◇◇◇◇
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Alone, Albero arrives at the back garden of the lord’s mansion.
The spacious backyard has a vegetable garden, worn wooden dummies, and old wooden swords. Perhaps the garden belongs to Yuisis and the swords are for Bartholomew’s training.
The backyard gets plenty of sunlight.
There, in a corner of the garden, are Gryphon and Marcosias.
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“Hey. Enjoying the sun?”
『Growl. . . . . .』
『Chirp』
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The two nod in agreement.
Albero has known Gryphon since childhood, and it seems Marcosias likes him too. Albero pets both Marcosias and Gryphon.
Then, holding his right eye. . . . . . he tries something.
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“Barol. . . . . .『Awaken』.”
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A sepia-toned view spreads before him, draining the color from the world.
It’s the world of the Summoned beasts, a desolate place devoid of color.
Only Marcosias and Gryphon retain their hues.
The two beasts, noticing the change in Albero’s right eye, begin to speak.
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『Stop it. That eye is too much for humans to bear.』
『Right? I don’t want to see Ashe’s beloved become a wreck.』
“Wait, Gryphon. . . . . .you’re female?”
『How rude! We’ve been together for so long.』
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Gryphon flaps her wings and cries out.
Soon, Albero starts to feel a headache.
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『I told you to stop. That’s the eye of the Jabberwock. A magic eye that can see everything and control life force. Even those who once hosted it struggled to control it.』
“That. . . . . .that’s the Demon Emperor, right? Urgh. . . . . .Tell me about them.”
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With a resigned look, Marcosias and Gryphon begin to explain.
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『Demon Emperor. That human summoned the Jabberwock and as a proof of their contract, they exchanged eyes.』
『Afterwards, the Demon Emperor summoned the Queen of Hearts. Bringing along the king and queen, he researched summoning and taught people how to summon. . . . . .Using the Queen’s “Capricious Law”, the “infinite life”, the Demon Emperor extended his lifespan many times over.』
『And then, something must have happened between the Demon Emperor and the Queen. They fell in love with each other and aimed to turn this world into a world of summoned beasts. To stop this, Jabberwock rose to the challenge. . . . . .』
“I know up to that part. He fought the Demon Emperor for the people. And then, defeated the Queen and ended in a draw.”
『Exactly. That was fifty years ago when twenty-one strong humans sealed the Demon Emperor. Or so it seemed. . . . . .The humans didn’t realize. The Demon Emperor they faced was nearly dead after being attacked by Jabberwock.』
“. . . . . .”
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While looking at his right hand, Albero asks Marcosias and Gryphon.
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“Hey. How do you think I can become stronger?”
『I don’t know. But honestly, you’re already strong enough.』
『That’s true. To be honest, neither Marcosias nor I can beat you.』
“It’s not enough. . . . . .I don’t feel confident facing the Demon Emperor as I am now.”
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Shin is of the parasitic type and harbors the Queen of Hearts.
Even though they’re the same parasitic type, Albero doesn’t feel like he can beat her.
Training his body or developing new techniques won’t be enough against such an opponent.
Marcosias looks straight at Albero.
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『Then, listen to the voice within.』
“Huh. . . . . .?”
『Jabberwock hasn’t completely disappeared. Listen, we call the state where a summoned beast fully merges with a human soul a 『parasitic type』. Once merged with the soul, the summoned beast’s will vanishes. . . . . .It’s 『death』 for us. But, Jabberwock is still present. I can faintly sense its scent.』
“A scent. . . . . .from inside me?”
『Yes. Jabberwock might know how you can become stronger.』
『Hold on, Marcosias. . . . . .If something happens to this child, Ashe will be devastated.』
『I just shared my thoughts. It’s up to him.』
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Suddenly, a sharp pain pierces Albero’s head.
It’s the limit of Barol. . . . . .murmurs Albero.
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“Marcosias, Gryphon, thank you. . . . . .”
『Hmph. It’s payback for saving Lapis.』
『Albero, take care.』
“Yeah. See you. . . . . .uh.”
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When he releases his right eye, color returns to the world.
Marcosias and Gryphon no longer spoke.
Albero clutches his chest.
Then, he sits on a nearby bench, closes his eyes. . . . . .and tries to concentrate.
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“Mog. . . . . .
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What he visualizes is the endearing figure of a mole.
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