Opportunity
Opportunity
The Ogatorf Manor, which had gone through countless incidents in a short recent span, maintained its usual tranquility for the first time in a while.
Though Eldmia had committed a major incident that could be counted among the kingdom's history, the fact that a smooth agreement had already been reached with the royal family was an open secret, so no one worried about the aftermath. And once it became known that it was all a process of proving the innocence of Margrave of Levien and punishing traitors, an atmosphere of secret pride even began to linger.
Thus the servants of the manor often talked about the currently trending Eldmia. The content was nothing significant. It was mostly just settling into a direction of welcoming him grandly when he returned.
But the moment a girl visited, the leisurely atmosphere began to change drastically.
"Is this the residence of Sir Ekaf Tusin Ogatorf?"
The gatekeepers failed to react immediately. Not because they didn't know who she was, but because they knew too well and their thoughts froze. From the outset, a tiny girl with brilliant white hair, wearing a purple dress of incomparable elegance and draped in gold, was not a common existence.
Esmue Bistim Tel Nua. The Empire's shining White Star.
When she shone from afar, she felt like an infinitely noble being, yet since there would be no connection in one's lifetime, I had been indifferent...
"I apologize for visiting so suddenly without notice, but I would like to meet the head of the household."
...But the moment she appeared at the manor, she became an existence no different from the Calamity Star.
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The casual chat over a simple meal turned out to be a greater source of energy than I thought.
Of course, it was only I who ate simply; the amount the rest of the party, except Rellie, ate couldn't even be called 'simple' as a joke.
Only after enjoying the warm, friendly meal I hadn't been able to have while confined in the detention center did I return to the affectionate Ogatorf Manor.
"There's nothing if not affectionate."
Even the guards came running out to greet me as soon as they spotted me...
"Hey, you bastard! Where the hell have you been to come back just now!"
...Or not?
I'd have thought they knew exactly what I'd done and where I'd been, so I was grateful they treated me the same as always, but this reaction was quite different from what I expected.
"What do you mean? I was obviously locked up in the temporary detention center."
"That's not what I'm asking! You came out this morning! Why are you only coming back now!"
"How did you know that? Since I was already out, it was too troublesome to come out twice, so I figured I'd take care of some errands on the way back."
Even if they knew, I wondered if there was a need for such an intense reaction. Given that we already knew each other well, I couldn't easily guess why they acted like parents seeing a kid come back late.
"The Imperial Princess of the Empire has been here since morning looking for you!"
"Oh, dear."
If that's the reason, I could acknowledge it.
Having grasped the situation, I apologized briefly to the guards and hurriedly rushed into the manor.
"Find the young lady first! The family head hasn't returned from the royal palace yet, so she's attending in his place!"
Thinking it was better for their mental health if I just ran quickly rather than answering, I just waved my hand.
"Seems like everything's done, but somehow it's busy."
As I headed to the office just as the servants, who had already grasped the situation from my hurrying, informed me, and knocked on the door, Sheryl spoke with a clearly stiffened voice compared to usual.
-What is it?-
Hmm... I supposed it was right to treat her as the exclusive butler Eldmia now.
"It's Eldmia."
-...Come in.-
I felt a subtle pause... I wondered if she had let out a sigh of relief.
For a moment I was intensely curious what reaction it would get if I didn't go in after that, but thinking of Esmue who must have been waiting since morning, I just went in.
"In this case, maybe the detention center would've been better. Where on earth did you wander off to?"
Esmue had openly shown delight, then as if remembering she'd waited nearly half a day, she began managing her expression primly. And seeing Esmue do that, and Sheryl, who without a chance to notice Esmue's change was sending me a relieved look with her pupils quaking, the office empty aside from them, I began to guess how much mental suffering Sheryl had endured.
Looking only at their expressions, it was a world where the guest and host had swapped roles. The way she was so tense, like a cat with a flower on its head, almost made me burst out laughing.
"I was late getting back because I was stopping by to thank those who've taken care of me."
"Hmm. Is it related to the big mess you made this time?"
"You could say that."
Esmue, who had emptied her teacup while feigning a nonchalant expression, briefly stared at Sheryl before naturally shifting her gaze to me and continuing.
"First, since this is where you are indebted, I paid a visit and briefly related the discussions that took place with the royal family. For the rest, I wish to discuss how the Empire will commend your achievements... does your 'master' need to be present?"
For the first time in a while, a thousand and one Little Eldmias went berserk inside my skull and instantly concocted a suitable excuse.
"No. Since it's entirely employment of my own will, there is no such restriction."
Now I could be truly confident. My perceptiveness had bloomed. If I had answered that she needed to be present, I would've gotten a death glare.
"......"
But why were you, Sheryl, giving me a death glare...?
"...Then I'll leave you two. If you need anything, please feel free to ask."
"Despite my sudden visit, thank you for your care. I will repay it within a short time."
After sending a momentarily dissatisfied look, Sheryl politely bowed, then made a sulky face at an angle Esmue couldn't see and exited the room.
And the moment she did, Esmue jumped up from her seat and approached with quick steps, suddenly throwing an adorable punch into my stomach.
"I visited triumphantly and boasted that you would come soon, yet you only arrive now—what do you mean by this!"
It was Esmue grumbling in a whisper, still unable to raise her voice.
"With every passing hour, I felt my face burning!"
"Ah, if I'd known, I would've come right away. I thought no one from the detention center had come, so I figured they'd quietly released me from the palace."
As if greatly embarrassed, Esmue's face, having discarded the mask of calm, flushed instantly.
I could understand. If you'd said, 'He's coming soon!' and the person you're waiting for didn't show for hours, I'd be embarrassed to death too.
"Did you see Ragnis and Asilie?"
"Due to the trial concluding yesterday, Ragnis has returned to her own residence to handle the aftermath, they said. I also heard Asilie followed to lend a hand, so she's likely not at the manor now."
"Oh, no."
The timing was bad. But if they'd known I was getting out today, they might have wasted time waiting despite their busy schedules, so in that sense this was a blessing.
"Well, anyway. Just continue what you were saying. Is there anything I should know about the Empire's policy?"
"That was just an excuse I made because I wanted to be alone with you. The policy is already decided, so you just need to answer the call at the appropriate time."
Because of her always straightforward expressions of affection, I felt a tingling on my skin.
At first I thought Esmue fell in love easily... but honestly, wasn't I a pretty easy man myself? Nah, probably not?
"However, separate from that, there was something I wanted to propose to you."
"Propose?"
"Would you not consider properly studying at the academy?"
This was another unexpected proposal.
"Of course I know your goal, but the reason you haven't headed to the front lines yet is because you feel you're still insufficiently prepared, isn't it?"
"Hmm. That's true, but..."
Even if I studied at the academy, if there was no one there who handled Magic Power, it wouldn't help much.
Just as awakening aura allowed a child to shatter a rock, ultimately the strength that followed was all about how much more aura one could use efficiently.
It was true that basic innate ability and combat skills were important, but if increasing one's aura level by 1 increased strength by 10, then the growth from regular training and techniques was like gaining 2 strength per level. Of course, once you reached a certain realm, it would cause synergy beyond bonus stats and skyrocket...
I didn't have that kind of talent.
I merely, through thoroughly systematic effort, invested more time than others to gain strength a little faster. Those truly talented would distinguish themselves and blossom in such education, but I was not like that.
I could only make the most of what I had and compete through diligence.
"I can't see much effect from studying at the academy, Esmue."
"Hmm, I fully understand that you've already realized many things..."
"No, not that. I don't use aura or Mana. I can't apply most of the professors' teachings."
"...Huh? What are you talking about?"
Still, Esmue's expression wasn't one of struggling over what nonsense I was spouting, but genuinely puzzled, so I felt a little lighter.
"I use Magic Power."
"...Huh?"
"I can use Magic Power like the Demonfolk. Asilie already knows."
"...Huh?"
"It'll be quicker to show you."
Saying that, I moved my Magic Power and drew the sword at my waist without touching it with my hands.
Esmue, who had excellent talent in magic, instantly understood the situation unfolding before her eyes and opened her eyes wide.
"Hyah?!"
Then, like a cat reacting to a suddenly thrown cucumber, she leaped up and threw herself toward the back of the sofa.
I felt very sorry for Esmue, who was startled as if she'd seen a ghost, but that appearance was both cute and funny.