chapter 29
29 – She Laughed (Part 1 Episode End)
The place where Charles slept was an altar at the end of the Great Cave. She lies neatly on top of a structure intent on carrying out her shamanic plot.
“If I had something like this when I was locked up, I would have used it as a bed. What did the old man do without making something like this?”
[I was asleep until you were called to this world.]
“It’s fortunate that I’m immortal. If I didn’t, I’d almost get back pain as soon as I possessed it.”
[Is that all?]
“What?”
[Is that all I’m curious about?]
“hahahaha.”
How Netion Peace called me to this world? Or why did you call it? What is the purpose of Netion Peace?
No matter what you mean, I’ve had an answer for a long time.
“I’m not interested.”
[If that’s an answer that relies on pride, it’s a great disappointment.]
“A low-class aristocrat has no pride.”
At the time I had my first meeting with Netion Peace in the mental world, it was an honest answer that I left to my pride. The hostility that came from a relationship that was fighting over the initiative of the body also played a role.
Now then?
“I just feel like I’ve found my calling in this world.”
Mysterious and pleasant emotions from simply looking at the game world cooled down within two months.
Every moment I see, touch, and hear has become a reality and a daily routine for me. The servants of the mansion and the emperor, who is a good friend, are very familiar with it.
Among them, the one that occupies the most memories is the brave female knight who coexists white and blue.
Ireelpi was youthful.
“I think changing a future where many people are unhappy is probably the reason I was called here. Regardless of the old man’s intentions.”
There are no memories of the present in the future where IrLP is transformed into a ruin. All the familiar landscapes will be hacked up, and the bright lights on the streets will not be able to illuminate the world.
Ir Elfi’s face and skin like white jade will be locked in her jet-black heavy armor and will never be exposed to the world again.
“Yes, I just realized it again. I want to save the Ir-Elfie. I also want to see the Ir-Elfi smile sincerely, just like the emperor said.”
[Did you have feelings for the white girl?]
“Pu-huh?!”
This sh*t… Is Netion Piece really senile? There are things to say and things not to do. There is no filter in your mouth, really.
“I just thought I’d like IrlP to be happy.”
[Oops, an unexpected spring breeze is blowing in the imagery world. Thanks to that, the golden chain has turned into a pink chain.]
“Shut up!”
After struggling for a while, she realizes that she has been caught up in the pace of Netty on Peace.
I started studying the mind right away and launched a counterattack.
“Hey, old man. What about your family? You haven’t had a wife or children for 500 years. Have you ever been in a relationship? Didn’t you become immortal to fix the eunuch?”
[I couldn’t get out of it when I was in my teens. Do you know what I did before meeting Astel?]
“Well, it’s probably about the noble boy.”
[It was a male prostitute.]
I couldn’t help but be greatly taken aback by Netionpeace’s remarks about the bomb.
“Uh, uh…? Male prostitute? That male prostitute I think? Or is there a male prostitute in the local name here too?”
[You are right.]
“Ughhhhh?”
For the first time in all my past and present lives, I had to experience great cognitive dissonance.
No, from a male prostitute to an aristocrat. Even a dramatic life has its limits! Yes, even in my previous life, it was often said that there was a separate lineage for the Queen Dowager.
More than anything, I can’t believe he sold his body with that arrogant personality.
Maybe there’s something like SM play here too…
[Stop your vulgar imagination. Anyway, this proves that you are not disabled.]
“… Then what about marriage? No one would have said anything if it was a founding nobleman even if he set up a harem.”
[This is truly a pitiful idea like you. The woman I love was unable to marry. That’s all.]
I was able to infer the target immediately from Netion Peace’s answer.
“Lorian Peita?”
[…]
Netionpeace responded with silence.
“It would be obvious if the nobility of the country could not marry. Even among the four major dukes, marriage was prohibited.
Since Lorian Feyta was also their bright spot, it was possible to deduce it right away.
“So, you couldn’t even date because you were paying attention to the imperial family?”
This is getting more and more fun.
What is so interesting about a love story from 500 years ago? Regardless of the era, there is nothing better to hear than someone else’s love story.
[It’s just that they didn’t get married. The imperial family also turned a blind eye to that point.]
“It was like a common-law relationship… But it’s surprising that the royal family turned a blind eye to it.”
[It must have been possible because I did not have private property, territory, or enlisted soldiers.]
“Huh? Isn’t that a complete honorary title?”
[The privilege was given instead. There were five rights, including the immunity you know. Now, only one is useless, though.]
“Hmm. Still, if the two of them had a child, I don’t think the imperial family would have stood by either, but I managed to…”
At that time, Netion Peace naturally cut me off.
[Don’t talk nonsense, ask a girl. The condition is not very good.]
“Oh, I forgot to tell you.”
As we approached right in front of the altar, Charles’ features were clearly visible. It seemed that he hadn’t been able to take in nutrients at all for several days, and he gave off a bad complexion as well as a well-groomed impression.
I carefully lifted Charles up and frowned at her.
“Is there something strange? Is it powder?”
[It’s a remnant of the chainreach phenomenon.]
“Do you see what I was trying to do?”
At my question, Netionpeace fell silent for a moment, then answered with a nonsensical question.
[…Wasn’t this child obviously the illegitimate daughter of the empress, not the emperor?]
“Ir Elfi said that?”
[The girl is undoubtedly from the royal family. I can’t guess the twist.]
“What…?”
I tried to say something more, but then I shut her mouth tight.
“Haa, if I interrogate the emperor or the empress, it will come to light. I have to go back first. Judging from the reaction of the communication seat earlier, the Illpi side doesn’t seem to have any problems either.”
The first thing to do is to restore Charles’ energy.
I decided to pick up Charles and spend the night in Citris Village first.
‘Ah, before that, I’ll have to retrieve the IrLP’s ring from among those piles of corpses.’
I managed to get out of the Great Cavity after a long time of searching in the Darkness filled with black blood.
◇
It was the members of the Nelfrugia Knights who greeted us after we arrived at the island in about three weeks. For some reason, the checkpoint was lined with knights who were not the usual guards.
They exchanged a few words in a friendly manner and happily let the carriage pass.
“Ah, it seems that the story has already been discussed. Since the young lady is sleeping, please be quiet.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Charles is sleeping soundly with his health restored. Her expression of gratitude with her disingenuous disposition was quite a sight to see.
After recovering a little bit of energy, I asked about various stories about Zeke Harun.
I don’t know if it’s her dream, but she says she feels like she’s heard an apology that makes her heart swell for some reason.
I dismissed it as impossible, but I thought it wouldn’t be very impossible considering the already twisted original.
A member of Nelfrugia asked me after I was lost in thought for a moment.
“By the way, would you mind if I ask Marquis Alteon?”
“To me? What are you curious about?”
“That… Could you show me your left hand?”
“Oh, yes. Here.”
As soon as I put my left hand out the window of the carriage, the knights rushed in like dogs.
… Where are these people coming from? Did they develop a hand fetish as a group?
“Oh… This!”
“Really?!”
“Oh my God, finally…!”
What, what are these guys? Did the old man make his hand care so pretty?
In a panic, I quickly retrieved my hand into the wagon. Then, one or two knights pressed their faces and opened their mouths with serious faces.
“Marquis, please take care of our captain! Please take good care of us.”
“The only person who can ask for the captain now is the Marquis.”
Yeah… I’m sure I’m the only person who can physically handle Irlp.
What do you mean by these strange reactions?
I thought I might have gone crazy as a group, so I just skipped it.
“Oh yes, well. That’s right.”
“Oh oh oh!”
Just as thunderous shouts were about to erupt, I pointed at Charles and raised her index finger to her lips.
Looking around, which had suddenly become quiet, I signaled to the carriage to start.
‘I wonder if they took medicine as a real group.’
They seemed like people who were having fun even with trivial things.
The carriage ran quickly and headed for the imperial palace. Charles, who woke up just in time, shed the tears he had been holding back while looking at the scenery of the islands.
“I thought I’d never… See you again. Thanks again. Marquis Arteon. You were truly amazing.”
“You will freeze to death. Charles, you will see the imperial palace more often than the streets of Jedo Island.”
“What do you mean?”
I unilaterally gave the notice with a grin.
“Because you will become the royalty.”
“…… Huh?”
Charles showed a stereotypical reaction without regret. It is a typical template of listening idly and then starting to doubt one’s own ears.
“With that in mind, say goodbye to the Milote family.”
“No, that…! Does Marquis Arteon know the secret of my birth?”
“Your mother is the empress? I knew that a long time ago, but it’s not because of that.”
“…I request an explanation. Marquis of Alteon.”
“I refuse. Princess Charles.”
I ignored Charles’ nervous protests with a chuckle. In the meantime, the carriage entered the imperial palace and put the main palace in front of its eyes.
In front of the main palace, the emperor, empress, and Ir Elfi were already there to meet us on our return.
“Come back, Marquis of Alteon!”
The Emperor shook my shoulder, shaking his hand. I must have been in a good mood, my neck was shaking and the world was shaking.
As soon as Charles came down from the carriage after being escorted by me, the empress’ eyes filled with moisture.
“… Baby.”
One step, one more step. As she walked slowly, she ran to Charles in an instant and hugged her, as if her patience had reached its limit.
“I… This poor mother… Made a mistake. I’m sorry, Charles, my child. If I really wanted to protect you, I shouldn’t have been like this. Everything. Everything, I was wrong.”
“…”
It was only for a moment that she was bewildered by the empress’ unexpectedly violent reaction.
Charles let out the words he had wanted to say all his life in his burning throat.
“… Mother. Mother…!”
With the touching reunion of mother and daughter right in front of my eyes, I had a slight question.
‘What happened to Charles in the original work? I can’t tell because the chronology of the work is the situation in which the empire was destroyed in the first place.’
As I was contemplating a meaningless home alone, I heard a woman’s voice from behind, as refreshing as a summer cave.
“Neffi.”
“Irelp.”
Hair-length white hair fluttered in the wind. The lake-like eyes that reflect the sunlight bend like crescent moons and face me.
It was an ordinary Illelpy youth.
“It’s been a while.”
“It’s been a while.”
We say hello in a cool way, and we are greeted in a cool way. An awkward air current flowed between the two, probably because they hadn’t seen each other in a while.
“…”
“Hmm…”
Inwardly, I cursed Netion Peace.
‘This is all because the old man said useless things!’
He said in the Great Hall.
[Did you have feelings for the white girl?]
A relationship is a f*cking relationship. It would have been correct if I was hit by Irlp with a tool.
‘That sounds absurd…’
I avoided her still clear eyes.
‘Why are you pretty? No no. I thought I knew that from before, but it seems to feel a little different…?’
It was when I was troubled by unintentional silence.
The emperor, who barely shook off the joy of the reunion, asked Ir Elfi.
“Come to think of it, Marquis Justiha. Wasn’t there something you wanted to show when Marquis Alteon returned?”
“Oh, yes. I wanted to show Mirren to Nephi.”
Is this Elfi’s younger sister? I had never actually seen her, so I was just wondering what it would be like.
At that time, Charles’ eyes were covered with tears and mucus.
“What? Elfie’s sister? Me too, I want to see it too! I’ve only heard about it, but I’ve never seen it!”
“Charles. Even this mother can’t do that as she pleases.”
Is the matter of being Ir Elfi’s younger sister much heavier than the touching reunion with her mother?
The Empress, who was in trouble, said nothing, but Elfi calmly gave her permission.
“Yes, let’s go with Charles.”
“Then let’s all go together. I think that would be better.”
After the emperor made his decision, Ir Elfi also expressed her affirmation.
‘I’m Elfi’s younger sister… I’m the one who holds the key to the annihilator. I wonder what she’ll be like.’
◇
What we encountered after going down the dark spiral staircase was an ornate door that was not different from other structures in the imperial palace.
As Ir Elfie slowly opened the door, light poured in and illuminated her surroundings, lightly dispelling her darkness.
In the corner was an unbearably large bed, on which the silhouette of a talkative child was clearly projected.
“Miren.”
Ir Elfi lifted the curtains covering her bed, revealing the figure of Mirren Justiha hidden in her veil.
“That can’t be…!”
“Hmm.”
Charles covered his mouth with pitiful eyes, and I salivated at the unexpected sight.
Mirren’s body was so dry that there was no vitality to be found. Her appearance, wrapped in golden chains like a criminal, was miserable.
“Your Elf…”
I tried to offer a word of consolation, but I shut my mouth. Rather, it was because he knew that it would hurt Illelpi.
At that moment, it felt as if she heard Netty on Peace muttering in her head.
[This child.]
“… Huh?”
When I came to my senses, I walked over to Mirren and put my hand on her golden chain.
The moment I felt the hard and warm touch with my delicate tactile sense, the golden chain radiated a mysterious light and engulfed the room.
“Yes, Nefi? What are you doing?!”
Ugh-! Ugh-!
The golden chains trembled and cried.
With the passage of time, the strong sunlight like the sun gradually turned into dusk.
The brilliant bright light quietly faded as if the sun was going to sleep hiding itself like a natural phenomenon where it hides its figure beyond the horizon.
As soon as I carefully removed my hand, the chains that wrapped around Mirren’s body crumbled like wet biscuits and scattered into pieces.
Elfi’s devastated silence stabbed her ear sharply.
“Neffi, if I don’t explain properly, I…!”
“uuu…”
Ir-Elpy is approaching violently, as if grabbing his collar right away. For a moment, her bloody spirit was frozen as if her ankle was caught by a low moaning sound.
It has no choice but to be.
Because it was her younger sister’s jade-beaded voice that she must have recalled a hundred times, a thousand times, and a thousand times.
“… Mirren?”
“Sister?”
Mirren called her name with her eyes still closed.
“Elfi sister, are you there?”
“Yeah… I’m here. Mirren. I’m here.”
IrLP answered as calmly as possible. Still, it was impossible to hide the trembling voice.
“Sister. It’s hard for me to open my eyes.”
“It’s because I slept for a long time. Sister will help you.”
Elfi carefully picked Mirren up and positioned her so that she could lean on her cushion.
She said kindly, covering Mirren’s eyes with the palm of her hand in her loving hand.
“Should I open it slowly now? If it’s too dazzling, you have to tell me.”
“Yes. All right.”
‘It wouldn’t be cool to watch her sister’s get-together as if it were a zoo.’
With that thought in mind, I quietly started climbing the spiral staircase outside.
On the other hand, Irrelpi couldn’t help but be greatly surprised by the change in Mirren who slowly opened her eyes.
“Miren, your pupils…!”
However, Mirren put aside Illelpi’s astonishment and asked calmly.
“Sister, why does the person who just left have two souls?”
“What do you mean by Mirren…”
Iru Elfi’s words could not be continued. It was also because the astonished emperor gave out a momentary exclamation.
“How do you do that!?”
“Your Majesty?”
In a bleak room where everyone couldn’t understand the situation due to their own stories, only Mirren’s golden eyes stood out.
◇
I was reminiscing about the incident in Mirren’s room while strolling through the gardens of the imperial palace.
“It was the old man who moved arbitrarily, right?”
There was no answer.
A week after rescuing Charles safely, Netty on Peace hadn’t spoken to her in her head. I don’t know why, but thanks to that, if it’s comfortable, it’s comfortable, if it’s stuffy, it’s frustrating.
So I decided to brainstorm my own words.
“I don’t know what the reason for helping you was. But… I think you know one thing. Actually, the purpose isn’t to take my body, sir, is it?”
I had to infer from the mental world of Netion Peace.
The first emperor, Astelnerca, and the first heads of the four dukes. Even the posture of kneeling as if being praised for a ball.
‘It must be a scene containing the moment of the founding of the Eld Empire.’
The meaning of the scenery that has not faded even after 400 years is clear.
“Princess, you actually love the empire. The empire founded by the first emperor and the first heads of the four major dukes joined forces. This place where the traces of Lorian Peita are left…”
He used to be bluffing about turning the empire into a wasteland, but when the opportunity came, he took a step back.
Just this time. It’s not difficult to completely drive me out, whose mental strength hit rock bottom immediately after defeating Siegharun.
In addition, judging from the fact that Mirren was being treated without permission, I can still take the initiative in my body.
“I’m curious about your purpose now, but I won’t ask. I’ll listen to your flirtatious love story with Lorian Peita.”
In the midst of talking to myself, what distracted me was the sound of urgent footsteps.
Someone from the main palace is approaching this place in a straight line.
Blame, blame, blame, blame.
The owner of the leap quickly revealed his identity.
“Neffi.”
When I turned my head, there was an Ir-Elfi, who was unusually out of breath.
I got the impression that the white hair stuck under his ears was cute, perhaps because he had run wild.
“Ir Elf? What about my younger brother?”
She ignored my words and came closer to me.
“Nefi, I’m going to ask you a really, really easy question from now on. Nefi just needs to answer it.”
“Huh? Uh, yeah…”
I get caught up in her incomprehensible attitude without even knowing what is going on.
“One problem. What is the privilege Nephi received from the first emperor?”
“Isn’t that immunity?”
“There must be some leftovers?”
“…”
Netionpeace clearly said that he received five privileges. She didn’t bother to ask…
She gave me the next problem, avoiding her embarrassed eyes.
“Problem two. The first heads of the four major duke families each had a different special talent. Please tell me what it is.”
“…”
I had no way to know. I know that Battlelante Chester is in charge of the armed forces, but I don’t know anything else about it.
Irelfi confirmed my silence and asked one last question.
“Last question. Really simple, common sense medical knowledge. Why rub an egg over a bruise?”
“Uh, that, that’s…”
Oh, wasn’t that a folk remedy with no medical basis? Was I misinformed?
Elfi hugged me as I hurriedly blurted out her words.
Creepy!
“Huh? Illelpi? You, what are you doing?!”
“Why… Why… Have you not told me?
It was a voice cracking like a drought-stained dirt floor.
Ir Elfi’s fists tightly gripped her clothes, creating vivid wrinkles.
Her white hair covered her face like a veil.
That’s why you can’t see what kind of expression she’s making.
A warm, wet feeling spread over her chest. Her tears flowed as she sobbed into her arms.
I really wanted to.
“Irelp. Did you really hear that?”
“If you’re saying that Neffi is not an aristocrat, you’re right.”
“Your Majesty said? Do you believe that?”
IRLP did not hesitate. She answered again and again in a confident voice.
“Yes, I believe. I believe. Because it has to be.”
Her answer implied unconditional trust.
I was a little staggered by the unexpected result.
“… Yes. I see. Do you believe… hahahaha. Ha…”
He let out a dejected laugh.
Although they were scattered in vain under the clear sky, they were as cool as cold water on their chest.
She was arranging her tears in her arms for a long time, and she revealed her red eyes. The sunlight bounced off her moist eyes, creating a small sparkling lake.
It was a small lake that seemed like you would fall into it if you looked into it inadvertently.
She said.
“It’s late. It’s a faded effort. I’d like to get to know Neffi from now on. If you don’t mind… Would you allow me?”
At first glance, it seemed shy, but it was a polite request filled with guilt.
I readily answered
“It’s me. It’s new, but please take good care of me.”
The corner of Irelpi’s mouth drew an arc. Eyes full of joy stare at me.
It was a dazzling smile that bubbled up with exclusivity.
It has been said that deep within her heart, her sincere happiness surrounds her like her rainbow.
She asked.
“Neffi’s real age, will you answer me if I ask?”
“Ask me as much as you like. My age is about…”
After hearing the answer, Ir Elfi showed a strange reaction and pulled my hand.
His white hair sparsely tickled his forearms.
The feeling of tickling something deeper than the heart is probably because of that.
Once more, she smiled brightly as she looked behind her.
Episode: Her Ordinary Girl (Complete)
◇
Tudder, turdder.
Two men were walking quietly in the middle of the night, when only the moonlight was the signpost. One was Siegharun, who lost consciousness and was supported, and the other was a man with an eyepatch who helped him.
“Ugh… Ugh.”
Just in time, Zeke Harun’s moan escaped his lips.
“Oops, are you awake, friend? I have no choice but to faint after spilling the spirit’s blood like that.”
“… Is it you?”
Ziekharun asked.
“Why did you save me?”
“Have you been hit in the head?”
“The operation using the disposable portal failed. It was the only chance to tie up the IrLP. There shouldn’t be any stock left now, right?”
He let out a self-deprecating laugh.
“I’m a failure. The Duke of Feita, who supported me, is also in despair, so even the rumors that I will destroy the empire are nothing more than an empty dream.
“hahahahaha, you seem weak for the first time. But I’ll deny one thing.”
The man with the blindfold met Siegharun’s eyes with a grim look.
“Fayta is ruined? The dog must be laughing. The world says: Chester for strength, Estern for money, and Meoric for intelligence. Then what do you think of Feita?”
“…”
Ziekharun’s answer was vague. In fact, Feita had a weak presence among the four major dukes, so I couldn’t come up with any modifiers that came with it.
“Not everyone knows. Lorian Feita’s deep darkness… Her fierce hatred for the Empire! Feita, revealed to the surface, is nothing more than a puppet in a shadow play.”
The man with the blindfold proudly opened the door of a building he finally arrived at. The moment the dazzling light dispelled the thick darkness, Sieg Harun looked at every aspect of the interior.
The densely assembled people knelt down on one knee as if they were one body.
“Meet the Lord.”
“Meet the Lord.”
“Meet the Lord.”
“You…?”
It was only then that Siegharun realized the sense of incongruity he felt from the man with the blindfold.
The man with the blindfold, who had always deftly avoided his gaze, stared straight ahead into the ruby-like eyes.
He said.
“Let me introduce myself again. Trop Peita. Let’s get along well in the future, friend.”
“Ha… I see. This is Peita’s true identity. It’s good to hide something like this.”
Zeke Harun looked around at the people on his knees. All familiar faces are there with their gazes reverently on the ground.
They were the owners of guilds spread throughout the empire. The owners of an organization that started as a Merchant Guild wielding mighty force and money…
Guild owners who have been designated as illegal to unite are kneeling to the man with the blindfold.
What this means is simplicity.
“The root of the guild organization was part of Feita from the beginning…”
“hahahahaha, as expected. Another trope taken to the imperial palace by now would have committed suicide. So, shall we go meet the survivors now?”
“Survivors?”
“I wonder what the white knight did, it was very disastrous. It was good that he was blown up in the middle of the battlefield with a disposable portal… But the eccentricity was beyond imagination.”
He clicked his tongue furiously.
“Besides, how did you know, the Chesters supported the system, and the white knight’s vacancy became useless. This is not a matter of passing the blame to one friend.”
“I see… I see. What is the eccentricity of Iru Elfi Justiha?”
“They laughed.”
“What?”
“They took all the lives on the battlefield with their own hands, and smiled with joy…” Is the testimony of a survivor. At best, an assassination team was put in to take advantage of the melee to eliminate them, but all of them passed away. “
He spilled a self-deprecation full of futility.
“I’ve pushed it that far and drained my strength, to the point where I wonder how far the damn female knight will end.”
“The Annihilator…”
Zeegharun muttered in a low tone. Trope couldn’t hear him, as his self-talk was scattered empty into the air.
“Hmm? What did you say?”
“No, nothing.”
Just as Siegharun’s evasive words faded away, their figures were gradually enveloped in the darkness of the basement, hiding their presence.