Chapter 232: The Star Knight's Diary
While diligently interpreting the ancient book, Ludenberg Lavante realized not only that Kyle's song was originally a song honoring the Starting Knight, but also discovered several other facts. The most astonishing among them was that the author of this book was Istradim Seta.
"To think... this was a diary written by Sir Istradim Seta, the Star Knight..."
Professor Nah Tes and Nadan Tes muttered with excitement still lingering on their faces.
While some information was recorded, the ancient book was fundamentally filled with someone's daily life. Stories of Kyle and Orpina bickering in love, Hidea trying to coax the wooden Parrel Mer somehow, Adalin laughing heartily at the sight, and the narrator recording it all... Tales that ordinary people could never know, ones that could only be learned by witnessing the past a thousand years ago, were scribbled throughout.
Moreover, the song on the first page was described as one created amid the ongoing war against erosion beasts to boost the soldiers' morale.
As Ludenberg, engrossed in the fascinating read, turned to the next page, his expression turned baffled.
"...Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"There's no more content."
"What?"
"Look. It's just blank space."
As he said, to Professor Nah, Nadan, and Ashytara Solenute's eyes, the book appeared filled entirely with empty space.
"...What is this?"
"Who knows. If I had to guess, it seems the content I'm permitted to read ends exactly here."
"It was definitely packed full before... Hmm."
Professor Nah couldn't help but feel even more suspicious, as when she had seen the ancient book previously, it had been filled with text right up to the last page.
To address her doubt, Ludenberg cautiously replied.
"I suspect it became like this once I was able to read the book."
"Probably content that humans still shouldn't know about... something like that."
"I think so too. Even just what's been revealed so far is enough to turn the Solenute Empire and Istallin upside down. Adding more information... would only cause chaos."
"Well, things are chaotic enough already... No helping it. We have some time until the academic conference anyway, so we'll need to organize what to present. Let's call it here for today. Thanks for your help."
"Yes, Professor."
"Hey, Lud. All sorts of amazing things seem to happen around you."
Ashytara's offhand mutter made Ludenberg, resting on the bed beside hers, flinch.
"...Sorry."
"No, no! I'm not blaming you—I'm just saying it's fun experiencing all these mysterious things with you."
Ashytara hurriedly clarified that wasn't her intent, but Ludenberg's expression had darkened slightly. He hoped no one around him would get caught up in these events... but it was already too late. The anxiety that this mystery might turn into a threat at any moment began to gnaw at his mind bit by bit.
"They're just mysterious now, but who knows when that mystery might become a threat..."
"We'll deal with it when it comes. Don't worry too much."
"Got it."
"It's been eventful all around, huh?"
"...Yeah."
"Raha, the ancient book, the diary... What'll happen when this gets presented at the academic conference?"
"It'll cause an uproar. We won't reveal anything about Raha... but even just the ancient book and Liberatus Ahad will overturn all the established theories."
"Can't wait."
"For what?"
"The day people's view of you changes."
"I think the Glory Festival already did plenty."
"Still, 'inheriting the will of the Six Heroes' mentor' is way better than 'just failed to awaken divine power.'"
"...True enough."
"What're we doing tomorrow?"
"We've seen most places worth seeing, so probably finish prepping for the conference."
"Yeah. Well then... good night, Lud."
"You too."
Ashytara drifted off sleepily, eyes half-closed, and Ludenberg followed suit.
In the quiet space, Ashytara opened her eyes. It felt like a dream. She glanced at her hand. It felt strangely unfamiliar.
"Where... is this?"
The surroundings were all blurry, and in the silent space, not a single noise could be heard. But soon, the hazy scenery began to sharpen.
A voice echoed in the quiet space.
"...ha-nim."
"...Huh?"
"Raha-nim."
"Ah."
In that instant, her hazy vision cleared completely, and the objects around her came into sharp focus. A luxurious bedroom. Not adorned with flashy jewels, but the sparse furniture all exuded an antique elegance, suggesting the resident was from a high-status household.
...Wait. Raha? Then... no way.
Ashytara instantly realized this dream was no mere dream. Raha's words from yesterday flashed through her mind.
Raha said I'd undergo training through the book she lent me. So is this... from A Certain Girl's Story? Was A Certain Girl Raha?
Ashytara felt bewildered and confused.
What is this... Am I experiencing Raha's life like Lud did?
She bolted upright, pressing a hand to her forehead. Perhaps finding her reaction odd, the maid who had woken her asked,
"Your Highness. Is something wrong?"
"Ah, no. It's nothing."
"Understood. The master said your fiancé will arrive soon, so you should prepare."
"...Huh? Fiancé?"
"Yes. Didn't you get engaged to the Dirk family this time?"
"Ah... yeah."
This must be Raha's life. But Raha had a fiancé? What's going on... And the Dirk family? Never heard of them. No such family in foreign lands either.
Ashytara could hardly get her bearings. Thrust into experiencing Raha's life without warning, she couldn't maintain the cool composure Ludenberg had shown after gathering info and entering his trial world. Especially with this sudden fiancé business. What kind of situation was this?
"Then, shall we prepare your makeup?"
"...Sure."
Looking in the mirror to do her makeup, Ashytara couldn't help but be startled. Raha's face in the reflection was hazy, like shrouded in mist.
...Blurry. Can't see clearly. Is it just in my eyes?
She turned her head slightly to glance at the maid adorning her. The maid's face was clear, though.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing."
I don't get it yet. What this situation is, how I'm supposed to train here. For now, just follow the flow. Lud did the same.
After finishing her makeup, Ashytara moved to what seemed the drawing room and was shocked upon seeing her fiancé's face. It too was hazy, belonging to a fairly sturdy-built man.
"...I greet Your Highness. Leven Dirk."
A voice that sounded oddly familiar. The name Leven Dirk was completely unfamiliar, yet Ashytara somehow sensed he was the one who would train her.
"Pleased to meet you, Sir Leven Dirk. Raha Tas. It's been a while. What an amusing connection. Never thought you'd be the one I'd get engaged to."
In that moment, Ashytara felt words spill from her mouth unbidden, and her viewpoint suddenly rose.
...Huh? Viewpoint... Wait, I can see both of them?
Floating in the air like a ghost, she noticed her own body appeared faintly hazy.
Ah. Lud experienced this too. He said it happened in most scenes where Liberatus spoke with key figures... Same for me, huh.
She tilted her head repeatedly, observing the situation.
Raha Tas, Leven Dirk... Come to think of it, Lud mentioned the name Leven too.
She remembered every word Ludenberg had said when they reunited before the Glory Festival.
So this story must be about those two transcendent beings... Intriguing. What kind of training awaits me?
The two in her view seemed colder than expected. Far from intimate.
Just Raha's recent words proved it. Never thought I'd get engaged to you.
A political marriage? Plausible enough.
Their chilly conversation continued.
"Your Highness."
"Hm?"
"Are you fine with being engaged to me?"
"If His Majesty says so, what choice do I have? Why, unhappy to be engaged to me?"
"It'd be the same with anyone, so it's fine."
"...True. I suppose."
Both seemed resigned. As if the predetermined path couldn't be changed. Watching them, Ashytara felt an inexplicable pity. She didn't know the details, but... something stabbed at her heart.
...Huh?
The moment that thought crossed her mind, her vision warped, and darkness began to envelop her sight.
"Ugh..."
With the earlier unfamiliarity gone, Ashytara opened her eyes. Raha's hazy figure still stood before her. Feeling a bit dizzy, she greeted her.
"...Hello."
"A bit startling, right?"
"Yeah."
It'd be a lie to say it wasn't. Suddenly spying on Raha's past.
"I was honestly a little embarrassed too. Having to show my past."
Yet Raha showed no sign of embarrassment.
"How does viewing your past relate to my training?"
"You'll see as you watch. But one thing's certain."
"What's that?"
"You'll grow remarkably stronger by experiencing my past. Just like Ludenberg Lavante did with Liberatus Ahad's past. You know how much stronger he got, right?"
"...I do."
"You can too. So... please watch this story diligently."
"I will. But I have one question."
"What?"
"The Leven in your past—is he the same Leven you introduced to Ludenberg as your knight?"
"Yes."
"...You two seemed on bad terms."
Ashytara recalled Raha's cold and resigned demeanor toward Leven.
"We were, back then. But it'll be fun to watch. It might be embarrassing for me, but quite entertaining for you?"
"Looking forward to it, then."
"Ahaha. Good. That's it for today, then. See you next time, Ashytara."
"Yes."
As if amused by her response, Raha smiled faintly and sent her back.