-Luna's POV-
As I wrote and signed documents, the mystic ember flickered near my desk, helping me not to be troubled by the dark of the night. Although the adamantium walls absorbed and reflected the light of Solaris, the inside of the castle was nearly the same as the abyss.
Without a help, I would have gone lost and wandered in a Dungeon built specifically to torture prisoners too. Well, that is why I have my reliable secretary assisting me, but...
"...Maria. Why are the documents increasing in bulks?" I glared at the head maid.
"Well, it's about letters pertaining the alliance of all Territories against Daemonia." She answered with a courteous smile. "It is mostly regarding formalities and 'protection' requests."
...right. I almost forgot ever since I got myself the Throne. I laid my back against the chair and exasperated.
"...so it is. War is approaching."
That barbaric empire desired to conquer the continent. What's more, they had the power to support their arrogance and if compared with the shallowness of humans... well, they are already as low as vermin. Both sides were.
However, the threat is real. With the Neutral Sovereignty annexed by Daemonia and with their ultimatum expiring within four and a half years, many countries chose to build relations in order to raise their survivability.
"Then again, the choices are too few so this kind of issue will happen no matter what."
Some surrendered a part of their lands to the elves. Some hid their rulers in the South Territory. Some tried to entice the Merchant Republic Grissario. Some fought for wider grasp of resources. Some tried to take refuge in my kingdom.
I didn't hate boasting about what I have but if it turned to be a delicious bait for troubles, I wouldn't want to boast about it. The reason why is...
"What shall we do, your majesty?" Maria questioned.
Her gaze was full of inquisitiveness, and it was as if she's gauging me. Then again... that's probably why she was chosen as the head maid.
"She will be a useful piece in this game."
"Certainly. However... I do not believe she will work in our favor, your majesty."
Well now. That is true as well. She seemed to be a person who devoted herself in one task and she didn't seem like she knew how to lies even if it's for others. She's a very meaningless creature in this world where the strong devours the weak, and she's unsuitable to join in this farce.
"But elder brother is fond of people like her the most..." I heaved a sigh.
Assuming the worst outcome to happen...
"Well, as long as the Throne is in my possession, elder brother will never dare to turn his fangs on me." I raised a hand and smirked.
Not him. Not the others. And not even the gods could stop me. I looked up and chuckled as I visualized the lush tree which grew endlessly by absorbing the flesh and soul of the despaired ones. Towering above this filthy kingdom as a wretched symbol of 'justice'.
"Do whatever you want, elder brother. You will realize that there's no other place for you to belong other than below my feet. Sooner... or later."
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"...I guess I did something irresponsible again..." I exhaled and swung a wooden sword.
In the dojo where I learned swordsmanship class from Ikki-sensei, after resting for no less than six hours, I tried to sort things out and I realized I had given out my approval too soon. Considering how the principal smirked and how he baited me...
"Ugh. It feels like I'm a cheap person. Am I so desperate to know Fei's circumstance?"
I swung down the wooden sword and grumbled midway through. Although I often did self-practice, I was here ever since daybreak and I concentrated in swinging sword like a madman. I think I heard Ikki-sensei saying something earlier but oh well. He's already teaching other students so he must be letting me off the hook.
So many things occupied my head and I didn't even remember I was still recuperating. I swung and swung and swung the practice sword as sweats trickled down my cheeks, but I couldn't help to sigh.
"...What's done is done, I guess... I can't mull over it so let's try to think ahead." I raised my head.
"Big sister."
Uwah!!? I screamed as my little brother's face appeared right in front of me. My sword faltered and it struck the part between his eyebrows but the redheaded boy stared at me as if nothing happened.
"Le-Leon...?"
"Hum. I think that strike was a little undetermined, big sister."
Auugh... being told that by my own little brother... my pride as an older sibling is shattered!! I pulled the wooden sword from Leon and apologized. I leaned forward and rubbed the red mark where the sword landed.
"Uh... it's swollen huh? I'm sorry, Leon." I said but the boy simply went wide eyed.
"Hm? What's wrong? Why are your ears red?"
Leon sharply inhaled and was breathless. Hey, don't act as if you saw something groundbreaking. I'm not a secret boss which appeared after the final boss died, you know?
While leaning forward, I rubbed his forehead but his cheeks grew redder. His eyes darted from up then down then to the corner for a few times... Sheesh, he's easily distracted. That's not a good attitude for a man, you know...?
"Ugh... so defenseless... Big sister, I think you should be a aware of yourself a little more..."
"Hm? Why do you say so?"
Because... Leon faltered and he grumbled with his face as red as boiling kettle. Somehow, steams looked to rise above his head and he was fidgeting all over. What's wrong with him? Is he sick?
".........your... cle...vage..."
Haa? I can't hear you though...?
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I changed back to uniform and walked with Leon in the Academy's premise. Since we're heading in the same direction (next lesson is Instructor Galahad's) I talked with my little brother about various things.
"So... how's your study, Leon?" I asked.
"Too easy." Leon answered.
Hee~ as expected of the Demon Prince. He's talented alright.
"But... somehow, it's bothersome. As of lately." Leon added with a faint voice.
I asked him why but my brother exhaled, hanging down his head and raising his shoulders before lowering them down.
"The Idiot and the Mage are annoying." He said. "Somehow, they became more... foolish."
Leon averted his eyes as he gazed to the distance. Hey, don't look as if you're having a nostalgia. You're not even 15 years old so why do you have to show the face of a retired soldier reminiscing the past?
"Ah. Come to think of it... Anise always invited you to join in her Quest, right?"
"Yeah... well. It ended with her being injured the most."
Since she's a blabber mouth, Leon crossed his arms and snorted. However, I couldn't miss the slight grin under his nose so I giggled.
"Aren't you enjoying yourself, Leon?" I asked.
"...how did you interpret it like that, big sister...?" The Demon Prince replied.
Why? Well, if there's one thing, it would be your smile but as if I will disclose the fact. In fact, I think Leon should think of it by himself.
Though saying that, Anise did look like she's too attached with either Alia or Leon. She followed them if she met them and she clung to them as if wanting to never let go of them. I'm not sure if it's her habit or not, but it looked a bit forceful. I almost thought she has obsession as if she’d lose everything if she let her hands go.
"Somehow, I imagined her as a lost child without directions to go too." I put a finger on my cheek and pondered about it.
I wonder why. Well, since her targets are Leon and Alia, I hope the three will get along well. Besides, it's heartwarming to see my little brother getting popular among girls. He rarely interacted and he's a battle maniac with broken mindset so it's a good chance for him to calm down and plan things out.
"Ah, but..." I halted my step, then I turned to Leon. "Don't you dare to bring home too many girls, Leon. A harem is NG but I allow threesome if you're able to be fair."
My demonic little brother exasperated, then he waved his hand repeatedly.
"No no no no! There's no way I will allow myself to sleep with those idiotic duo!!"
"Hm? I didn't mention Alia and Anise though...?"
Oh dear, has my little brother become conscious of them? Should we eat red rice for tonight's dinner? I skipped a bit and I heard a whisper coming from behind.
".....there's no way I will sleep with people that wanted to kill me."
"Hm? Did you say something, Leon?"
"No. It's nothing, big sis."
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Even though it was late in the afternoon, the cloudy sky was not letting up a gap for Solaris to shine and the barren sight of leafless trees was seen from beyond the windows. Following the same fate, the dry and wilting grasses painted the backyard with a lonesome impression.
In contrast, I had to think about the Quest including other stuff as if burning every single calorie inside my body. Inferno told me that I have to be ready at the 24th day of this month, which means... at the end of this week.
Though saying that, this Quest is a solo Quest. The participants have already been decided and with me, there are three members in total. One member short but its fine since the Quest's nature isn't violent.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Still... being supervised by an upperclassman could be a big help as I knew nothing about the political standing of the Academy, nor the reason why humans and elves wanted to create a peace gathering with this Monarchy.
To begin with, what is this Golden tiger Monarchy?
"Well then. Let us proceed from the last topic, which is about the founding of our kingdom." A middle aged man paced around in front of the wide blackboard.
The teacher in charge of Continental History Class, Kyle Marcosius explained.
"The founding of Raumia happened when the Dark Age barely started. At that time, this part of the Territory was full of villages and settlements with uneven orders as well as mixed up tribes. From one of these settlements, a humble boy... who was the honored founder—Liberia Argravall started his conquest in finding a way to end the discrimination of humans done by other races."
...Hee. I heard of this once before. If I remember correctly, isn't this the legend of the 'Wise King' mother often told me?
The story started like this. When chaos ruled the world, humanity was on the brink of extermination. Not only were they unable to bolster their numbers, their mean in fighting was incredibly weak and rigid. Not to mention countries were never established and only tribes, clans and nomadic people were around.
In constant pressure of the dangers posed by other races, Liberia, a boy who believed that humans had the right to live equally at the same standing with the world, embarked in search of a way to cooperate with other humans and establishing a chain of commands to improve the situation.
Alas, his efforts were often thwarted by various things.
Liberia slew his friends who threatened to disregard peace and he had to lose his family while he waged war against hostile tribes. The story was full of bloodshed, despair, debauchery and bitter struggles of a young man who grew up believing everyone had the right to be happy yet having no power to fulfill his dream.
In regrets, he locked his heart and traveled through the continent. He had to disguise as a peddler, working as a pawn of a kingdom, fighting against a Demon King and surviving with his life barely scraping with death. Yet his dream did not shatter and despite having nothing...
"Liberia found a ruin. It was an ancient ruin once a home to a divine race, but no longer owned by any of them for they perished as the brutal wars blazed within the continent. He dove deep into the ruins, then he discovered the [Sword of Light]."
...huh? I raised my head and stared blankly at teacher Kyle, but he didn't notice me and instead proceeded to turn his back to us, writing on the blackboard as if he was talking to himself.
"This device is an enormously powerful magic item used by the divine race, but not even they could utilize it to perfection. Liberia who accidentally touched it was then recognized as its owner, and he became the ruin's ruler as a crownless king with a power surpassing even the Celestial Beasts."
Teacher Kyle drew the kingdom where a colossal sword was stabbed into it, and he looked back at us once he's done.
"Through this power, Liberia gathered allies, sheltering humans and protecting them as he influenced the flow of the Dark Age. His blood, touched by the [Sword of Light], granted him the right to use it to protect the kingdom and expanding Human Territory but a civil war happened and—"
*DING DONG DING~* The bell signifying the end of the class resounded. Teacher Kyle exhaled, closed his eyes and said.
"Well, that's it for now. Everyone, make sure to read the continuation and this will appear in the end of the term exam."
The classroom broke out with chatters the moment teacher Kyle left, but I rushed out right at the time. When I found his back, I called out to him and he turned around.
"Mr. Kyle—"
"No. I won't tell you any further, Miss Augmund."
Instant rejection!? He didn't even try to listen out to the rest of my words...!!
"B, but! Mr. Kyle, I..."
"You want to know further, correct? Fix your scores before that, Miss Augmund. Even your mother graduated in no less than two years."
Nhaa...! He left! Just like that!? And the last line sounded as if I have to surpass even my mother in studying!? Rather than upset, I was shocked to the point of dropping my jaw and I stood still like a statue. Then...
"Good afternoon, Lady Charlotte. Is something wrong..."
I ran to the familiar source of voice and crashed into him. Though it was more appropriate to say I clung to his uniform, I looked up and shouted in desperation.
"Senior...! Please help me!!"
"Huh!?"
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"Aaah... Teacher Kyle has been like that, you know? He's a scholar so he tended to say some unrecognizable terms out of habit."
"Eh? Rea-really...?"
Senior nodded. His ashen hair swayed and his smile glimmered with a hint of embarrassment.
"Well, he liked to theorize things at his own accord. I mean, look." Senior pointed out at the shining sword uphill.
It was the same depiction of his drawing. From this place, the [Sword of Light] looked very bright and menacing.
"You see... that thing looking like a sword is a mirage."
"...huh?"
"Did you know? There's a magical stained glass carving in the royal palace. Though odd, it's carved by a legendary glass sculptor. But once light was shone at it... the stained glass would reflect a huge illusion above the palace. Because of the grand spectacle, it became a way for the kingdom to attract more merchants and people to make sure the economy wheel running smoothly."
...Eeehh... so it's like a lighthouse? Are you kidding me? Did Weed traveled from Royal Road to this place or was it the predecessor sculptor?
Somehow, my mood has fallen like a stone sinking in deep sea. I kicked the ground and I complained.
"...I was tricked huh?" I grumbled as my first impression of the kingdom was ruined.
I honestly believed that huge sword sticking out as was once wielded by a titan if not divine being. If Fei had a sword made from a piece of it, then it would make sense if he's cursed by it or possessed by the power of the sword.
"Well... it's common sense here. Besides, the name doesn't sound bad so people started calling it as that." Senior tried to comfort me but to no avail.
Even so... it really hurts my expectation...! Why does it have to rain when there's a parade going on!? Ah, screw it. I should just go to my next class! And I even bawled in front of an upperclassman...! How unsightly of me!!
"Come to think of it, aren't you supposed to accompany Felix?" Senior asked out of the blue.
"Huh...? What do you mean...?"
"Well, the two of you seemed to know each other. And that person liked to tell me about you."
...at once, my cheeks heated up and I looked around. Flustered and in panic, I half yelled.
"What... what did that guy say about me!? Or rather, how did senior know...!?"
"Hm? Well, we're in the same grade and our homeroom teacher is the same so..."
I... I see... so he's Fei's classmate. I never thought of that possibility... but wait a moment.
"...did he tell senior he's going to take a break from school?"
"Felix has always been that sort of person. He often left the academy ground without permissions but it was mostly because he's called by the queen... or doing something that only he could do."
...so that's it. To think he worked both as a Hero and as a student... I didn't know he had busy schedule. Come to think of it, I rarely met him at school so maybe it's because of that reason too......
But. To think he obeyed the Queen's order... somehow, I wanted to shout out something or cursing but I'm not so sure what to say. I scratched my cheek and sighed.
"...I see. So this isn't the first time." I said.
"...is something bothering you, Lady Charlotte?" Senior asked.
I shook my head to his question. Since I can't do anything about it, I have no right to think of it as my problem and it's not like anything will change if I talked about it with someone else. Besides...
"It is nothing. Please don't mind me, senior."
"Really...? Then it's fine. But if you are feeling unwell, please say so."
"Un... I understand. Thank you for your kind words, senior."
The boy laughed dryly. Again, his soft gaze shimmered and I felt as if enraptured by it. I tried to look away but a gasp came from beside me.
"...come to think of it, Renleina and Chloe is going with him this time..."
...what did he say? Senior turned and with an apologetic expression, waved his hand.
"Uhm. I should go back soon so please excuse me, lady—"
"Please wait, senior. Who is accompanying Fei...?"
I grabbed his shoulder from behind and he flinched. Oh dear, my voice sounded a bit strange, but...
"Eh... err... it's..." Senior faltered. His expression seemed to say 'Oh, shit!' and his legs trembled.
"Please do not mind me. I only wish to ask you. If it's a bother, then, I too shall excuse myself." I said.
Senior opened his mouth and his eyes reflected the figure of a girl with golden hair.
Unfortunately... the smile shown in that reflection was cold enough to freeze the entire world. The eyes were devoid of light and the voice coming out from the opened mouth gave a terrifying chill colder than the autumn wind.
"Senior... Does Fei often going out, accompanied by different flowers in both hands?"