Like that, things progressed to a level where I could not help but wondering if it's good or not.

To be honest, I don't get it all as my health became unstable for a few days after the unofficial meeting. Elliot did say that I don't have to worry but truthfully...

I wonder if everything's fine. Everything felt hazy for me...

Elliot and Seina handled the rest since it seemed they preferred things like this rather than battling. Other than that, Gram is supervising the reconstruction while the soldiers are dealing with the rest of odd jobs along with the lizardmen.

I think I forgot about something else but it must be unimportant if I don't care about it.

Rather, doesn't this mean my presence is nothing here? Why do I have to be here then?

After another day of rest, I could walk around the palace. While looking over the interior, I realized that there's a park with a huge crater in the middle of it.

Near the crater was a half bitten mound with a giant tree which stood unyielding against the uneven ground and pieces of stones. Its branches and trunk are distorted beyond the norm though.

"Ah." I made sound as something clicked in my mind.

I walked with quick pace, circling the huge, ruined palace in search of staircase to descend from. Then I took another route to enter the park but once I drew closer to the unyielding tree...

"Geh. It's you again." I took a step back.

"This is MY palace, you dumb girl." Valden retorted with a condescending glare.

Shut up! I had enough of seeing this foolish guy! He even gained some territories and slaves to use with some complains! How cheap can he be?!!

"...Where's that guy?"

"Your ex-fiancee is repairing the main roads."

"I don't have any fiancee, much less an ex! Also, stop comparing me with Iris!!"

"Even though you're like her in a sense?"

Oooh, so this guy knew too... does that mean my parents know it too? Mh... I don't like how everyone is keeping it a secret.

"Whatever. I just want to pay my respect to Iris." I muttered and stood next to Valden.

In front of us is a grave. It was in a pretty bad shape but I heard the remains were already cremated long ago.

The grave was carved with simple ornaments and there were words written in native beastman language. While demi-humans possess many variations, it seems they speak of the same language.

The only differences are intonation and vocabularies. For me, it's still a pain though.... oops, no time to sidetrack. I clasped my hands and prayed for Iris and while doing that...

"...did you inherit her memories?" Valden suddenly asked.

"...Nope. Her Soul Essence isn't enough to let her presence be more than subconscious behavior and she used the rest of hers to extend my lifespan." I answered without batting an eye. "Probably."

"Hmph. So typical of her." Valden snorted.

But - I sensed some emotions in those words. Is he lamenting? Or did he expect this? Either way, I don't have any interest to know more of him. He's as rude as Takeru and far worse in terms of behavior.

"...could it be. Was I called here in order to meet her?" I realized once I was done praying.

"Possibly. Only Arthur can do this kind of thing so openly."

Well... you told me to stay put here so he must have trapped you too, huh? I felt like laughing at him but this guy seemed to notice my mood.

"I didn't. I simply followed along his damn scenario."

"Yes yes. Whatever you say, Onii-chan."

I smiled smugly and lowered my hands, hearing nothing like frustrated growl. Yep. I heard nothing at all~ Hmm... now that I'm done here, what should I do? Maybe I should go back to the Academy-

"Ah. Right... how's the conference? Does Onii-chan accept allying with the humans and elves?" I inquired.

"I have no choice, do I? With the way we are now and with Daemonia's aggressive moves... But we won't help you until we recovered. Also, stop calling me that. Only Iris is allowed to call me that."

Ara, he does admit that he's a siscon, this Onii-chan.

Still... he agreed huh? I should thank Elliot and Seina then as I didn't do anything to clear the Quest. More like... I didn't even do the job at all. I guess I'm thankful that the Quest doesn't require real proof or physical evidence.

I stretched my arms, tensing up as the warm sunlight shone upon me. I looked up while covering half my vision with a hand and I sighed in awe.

"The sky sure is vast..." I muttered.

"Aren't you a carefree one? Even after all that." Valden sighed.

Well, that's true. I'm just a leftover of who I used to be and I don't know what I am for sure other than my mismatched soul and body. Also, the fact that I will be put in grave danger if I don't have enough Soul Essence is annoying...

More like, I'd like to vent on something. What did I do to deserve this kind of life? Although there's something I have to say.

"Valden. How does it feel to fall in love?" I questioned the Divine Beast.

He stayed silent at that. As if he wanted to say something but unable to, he looked at me and then looked away.

"It's hurtful." He finally answered. "Because those I love died before me. Always."

...I see. Looks like he has had a painful past. For some reasons, I can tell he suffered a lot and I don't doubt my parents are hiding their past scars as well.

Be it them, this guy, Leon or Fei... they seemed to look sad at times that I felt hurt. What if I were the source of their sadness?

It's possible. But... even so, I...

"...I'm glad that I fell in love." I stated as I gazed at the sky beyond the leaves of the great tree. "Because I gained a reason to live with that. And it's really good, to love someone..."

"...are you sure? They might not love you back, you know?"

"I don't really mind. It's the thought that matters."

I shrugged once hearing 'I don't get it.' from Valden.

Well, for me... it's because I prefer the ones I love to be happy even at the cost of my own. I don't mind me getting hurt for them and if I have no choice, I will gladly use up all of my life for their happiness.

Most wouldn't think of it that way. Like some who wanted to gain mutual love by receiving and giving the same amount of love. To give yourself up for someone's happiness is a little too much by the norm.

However... for me. The fact that I could love someone matters the most. The fact that I'm allowed to love someone. The fact that I'm in love with someone...

Everything is precious for me. All of it is irreplaceable. All of it... are treasures for me to cherish.

"...yes. I'm so glad I fell in love." I smiled as I patted my chest.

At the black Crest which symbolized my bond with my loved one. When I realized the significance of this Crest... I couldn't help but feeling warm and fuzzy.

Of course... if That Person turned to me and said he loves me then I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world. Still...

I might be nothing but a torch ready to vanish in any moment. I might be nothing but a poor copy of someone that is my true self. I might lose my happiness if I delve deeper into my identity.

But... I don't want to forget. I don't want to forget that regardless of who and what I am... I can still pick my choice to live like I want.

Even with all of that shadowing my footsteps... I must remember that I can, and is allowed to be happy even if for a fleeting moment.

As I continued to remind myself that, My vision blurred all of a sudden.

"Huh..." I looked ahead and blinked.

Everything went quiet. The world seemed to be reduced with nothing but warm white color and in front of me...

There stood two persons.

"Eh...? That's..."

A boy with delicate face and yet sharp eyes were there. His black uniform made from polyester contrasted with his soft, slightly tanned skin color and blended in with his straight black hair.

Next to him, a young woman... a girl older than me with flowing golden wheat hair and emerald eye color beamed a gentle smile at me.

Her white dress fluttered. Her distinctive triangular-shaped ears and a tail swaying due to the sudden wind could not be missed.

The two stood there across me. Standing with gentle smiles, warm gazes and...

And. They are vanishing. As if they became mere fragments of a dream that I would forget.

Is this a dream? Why are they vanishing? Are my seals acting up to seal them? Or... could it be...

They intend to melt away? Becoming memories. Turning into detached recollection... Dividing our paths... but why? Why are they doing this>

And... most of all... it's because I know who they are. For they...

They... are... my...

" "We pray for your happiness, our other self." "

-

-

-

-

-

-

After another month... I, who have recovered fully, was called to the throne hall alone.

Despite me being a guest, I was treated like a royalty and had quite a nice conversation with the palace's inhabitants. Including the servants, the royal guards as well as the Monarch. Most likely, I have already befriended everyone regardless of their genders and races.

Although some still mistook me as Iris. In addition, I heard a rumor that a gathering of cult infamous for worshiping a goddess has returned...

But being called by Valden all of a sudden... is it something important? Heck, I didn't doubt the guy to be a super cunning conman.

Well, whatever. I entered the throne hall accompanied by a guard and he reported to the Emperor. Once he nodded, the guard excused himself and so I'm confronting the Emperor all by myself.

"Let's just cut down to the case." He said. "Charlotte Augmund, I intend to honor your efforts for the great assistance in defending my territory from both the lizardmen and the Astral Serpent."

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

...eh? Is that what this all about? To honor me... does that mean I get some reward?

Uwah... I'm slightly excited but this is Valden the Divine Beast. He acts shrewdly and he is arrogant at the wrong times. Let's not get my hopes up.

"What? So you have some complain?" Valden asked.

"No... not particularly but it feels so sudden." I replied.

True enough, he said before slumping his back against the throne. With a hand under his chin and with the elbow resting at the armrest, the dignified Emperor is exuding powerful impression befitting a ruler.

"The people might mistook you as Iris and well, it's a matter of time for them to notice your true identity."

Ah... that, huh? I also remember how some idiots dared to say 'have you forgotten our promise' or something like that. It's already a severe case for some blinded in lust so I beat them senseless.

It's fortunate that strength is valued. Those people could not have anything to say once beaten in a fair fight.

"...wait. If it's like that, isn't this going to backfire? By announcing my reward here..." I tilted my head, wondering.

"That might be the case, but... haven't you noticed how some human soldiers entered with extravagant carriages?" Valden asked back.

I nodded down. Apparently, they came from Aeinsland and Serilia to celebrate the creation of the Alliance.

Officially, elves, humans and beastmen are to cooperate together in order to bolster their armies against the upcoming Demon Invasion. This resulted in merchants' trade paths to expand and allowed some peace of mind for minor kingdoms without high military power.

The Alliance's main priorities are protection of livelihood, security and exchange of information while toning down their past enmity towards each other. The leaders seemed to consider long-term pact and hoped for development toward prosperity.

However... I heard a rumor that Raumia will not participate in the Demon Invasion. Also, those allied with Raumia seemed to be treated not as comrades but rather as something akin to the Neutral Sovereignity.

Of course this caused me endless worry. What about Fei? Wil he be okay...? I guess it's no use to think about it as I have nothing to say in this matter.

Since the delegates are also here so I guess they must hold the banquet here...

That's a twisted logic, isn't it? Do they think the Monarchy has the appropriate fund to establish the banquet despite it was struck by an invasion...?

"Among them are aristocrats with some young nobles beginning their debut in society, veteran generals in search of talents if not fun, merchants needing hot topic for their rums, and innocents invited by misfortune. What's more, those from other kingdoms intend to join in for their own benefits."

"I don't really like the idea..."

"Don't worry, the banquet is also liven up by those from who-knows-where. It's just like the usual social gathering of pigs mumbling nonsense."

...Isn't there a big unknown there? What if they're enemies disguised as harmless gold diggers? Also - why are you smiling as if finding something fun to toy with?

"If I announce your reward when the peak is reached... Fuh, I'm pretty sure it will be worthwhile."

"Ooh, I have a very bad feeling about this..."

"Don't worry. You're going to participate this evening."

"Say what!!?"

-

-

-

-

And so, it became like this.

I who was wearing colorful but plain dress (with the same color scheme and motifs) was standing idly near the arch leading to the balcony.

In front of me was a hall filled with grandiose decorations, colorful magical torches and wisps flying above with people dressed formally everywhere.Be it elves, humans or beastmen... Everyone intermingled and enjoyed their time with leisure.

Even though they tensed up like heck the moment they met each other... Looks like even nobles have the pride not to cause uncouth behavior in the house of the banquet's host.

They danced along with the music played by a group of orchestra, chatted with their acquaintances and some could be seen handling food like in a buffet.

To be honest, the glittering and dazzling scene is too tough for me to see. I sighed and that was when a couple entered my field of vision.

"Lady Charlotte, are you alright?" Elliot asked with Seina.

Wow, they circled their hands... hm, so he's the escort and the repellant for the elf who's oh-so-beautiful-she's-so-mesmerizing. But unexpectedly, she said this.

"Don't push yourself. I know you're weak with this kind of thing."

...don't you have to smile gently if you want to raise my affection points? Also, stop smiling as if you've won.

Then a waiter with a silver tray appeared, bringing three glasses of colorful drinks. Hm... now that I think about it, even ten years old are already the age where one could drink alcohol here.

Well, I'm not too resistant but not too weak of it. I took a glass and sipped the red wine, a mild hot sensation traveled down my throat to warm my stomach.

I felt energized a bit but also lightheaded though it's kind of bland.

...I see. So this is how it tastes like. Still, I'm alright if it's this much.

"I'm fine. It's simply strange that many gentlemen tried to ask for my hand in a dance." I muttered in disbelief.

"Well, isn't that because Lady Charlotte is beautiful?" Elliot smiled.

"Oh? Are you not satisfied being accompanied by the crown princess of Serilia?" I replied with a smile full of hidden meanings.

The prince laughed dryly while the princess seemed sullen with red face. Then the music had ended and a new song had begun.

Hmm... it's suited for dance, isn't it? I flashed a glance at Seina and she nodded furiously. Placing the wine glasses on the nearby table, she took a swift decision.

"Let's go, Elliot!" She dragged Aeinsland's crown prince away.

I waved them a hand and flashed a smile, but...

"...I unconsciously did that again. Is it really the side-effect of assimilating Soul Essence?" I looked at my hand before sighing for the nth time.

I feel tired. I don't know why but my mind is a bit weary. Maybe I haven't recovered fully or maybe I'm just drunk. Thinking like that, I set aside the wine glass and was about to take fresh air when a maid approached me.

"Milady, you are expected to meet with his highness."

...great. Looks like the reward is here. Looks like I've no choice but to follow along then.

...

The banquet hall became dead quiet as a man with gaudy robe and a crown on his head showed himself. Even though he's a beastman, his figure was awe inspiring as he stood in front of a wall showcasing huge banner of his Monarchy.

I didn't catch the pleasantry well but I knew it's tedious. After he finished, I was called out and so I approached the Emperor.

My body moved by its own, weaving through the path gracefully and I was speechless as I curtsied in front Valden. It's almost too perfect I'm imagining things!

But when I took a glance at Valden, I realized he smiled bitterly. Could it be... I reflexively mimicked Iris' way in doing things?

Haa... this is so troubling. I wonder why? Maybe because ever since we met at the courtyard, my memories became hazy when regarding those who were parts of me.

I kneeled down with a hand on my left chest, and as I gazed down, the reward ceremony continued.

"Charlotte Augmund - henceforth, you shall be honored with special positions bestowed by the three heads of the alliance."

Th...three...? I became excited knowing that I was looked by the three great rulers. Of course, it's not like I have any interest but being rewarded after showing efforts feel really good!

"A position worthy enough for you to lead your army - Chevalier from Aeinsland." Valden first stated.

Oh, Chevalier... so it's lesser noble that can go off not ruling a land. I think there's someone with powerful strength who is death marching everywhere bringing a growing band of lolis with such title.

But in Aeinsland, Chevalier is close to Grand Master in terms of strength. It's a prominent military job sought by many striving in knighthood.

"A position as one to wield wisdom and to protect it - Keeper from Serilia."

Uhm. I don't really know what this mean. Maybe I should ask Seina but did I mistake a gasp from behind me?

"Lastly... given by the Emperor representing the 12 Divine Beasts as a whole. Judging from your actions, merits, resolve and honesty... There exists only one reward that may be allowed for you and only for you."

Taking a deep breath, the Emperor mumbled quietly.

"Her will... Show me you are capable to outdo it."

...I don't need you to say that. Somehow, I can tell what will I be given with by this guy. That's why... I gazed up and stared with resolute expression.

Valden took out an object held by an attendant. It was placed in a portable shrine. Uwah, when was it that I last saw one...?

Uuh, not good. Need to hold my composure. I always failed at this and my face felt cramped. Un, staying tense like a soldier is hard.

Valden approached me, bringing the elongated object with both hands and presented it in front of me.

This... is... a sword...? Wait, this sword...

"I, the Golden Tiger, one of the Twelve Divine Beasts bestow upon you the one and only - the most honorable legacy once given to my late sister."

The shape of the sheath... the ornament made from white steel... the unique crossguard and long hilt..

"The sword inheriting all of our ancestors' will. A divine weapon tempered by the greatest swordsmith. The Sacred Sword that brought us liberation from the clutches of demons in the Dark Age. Its name is--"

The name of the sword... is...

"...Radiata. - The Sword of Light"

----------------------------------------

----------------------------------------

A/N: And... the it's the end of volume 4. Phew. I had gone through a lot just to finish one volume. Yare yare. Let's set aside the heavy stuff and do a more relaxing but packed volume. On to the side-story!