Chapter 8
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: Solar Disease (2)
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There are various causes of Solar Disease.
Usually, it occurs due to abnormalities in the bodily functions that regulate mana.
Unable to control the vast energy of the condensing mana, control is lost.
Once mana loses control, it heats the body intensely, eventually even evaporating the blood.
'Elaine said these symptoms manifested when she was young.'
It's a disease with no answer once contracted, but Darian said she survived because she possesses the excellent physique inherited from the Delberg family.
"Elaine, step out for a moment."
"...Is it because of me?"
"I'll tell you later."
After sending out the trembling, startled girl for now, I began treating Ryan.
By drawing out mana to slow the internal mana circulation and using ice compresses to reduce the body's heat.
Fortunately, after some time, Ryan's fever subsided quickly.
"It seems okay now."
I went straight outside.
My fiancée was crouched down, burying her face in her knees.
She seemed quite shocked.
"A strong body turned out to be poison instead."
Pain is a signal sent to inform that something is wrong with the body.
A body that doesn't feel pain is synonymous with a body that can't detect illness.
I sat next to her.
"Are you okay?"
"...Can you explain why that happened?"
Elaine's eyes were red-rimmed.
I explained the cause of this incident in a way she could understand with her common sense.
"Mana... magic again...? Why always only to me!"
After hearing the whole story, she trembled in anger, then lowered her head deeply and fell silent. Her shoulders shook faintly.
"..."
In the past, when Solar Disease was not yet known to be a disease, it was called the 'Blessing of the Sun God.'
A revelation from God to mages.
A dreamlike constitution where mana overflows from the body.
However, those who gained the ability to wield godlike powers didn't last three years after obtaining that constitution before dying.
'Afterward, it was revealed to be a serious affliction and became the fear of all mages.'
She, who lost her mother to a mage, had an unimaginably strong aversion to magic.
Whether by fate or coincidence, she possessed the disease most closely tied to magic.
"Miss..."
I spoke to Sian, who was watching Elaine with worried eyes from behind before I knew it.
"Let's return."
The ultra-high temperature, high-output mana core formed in Elaine's body is burning her from inside.
Her sturdy body is holding out for now, but judging by this heat, it would be best to take measures as quickly as possible.
"I'll... go report first. If the Grand Duke learns of the new symptoms, he'll take some action."
We arrived home.
The carriage stopped at the annex, dropped us off, and Sian gave me a simple nod.
I spoke to Sian as she turned to board the carriage again.
"I'd appreciate it if you understood that it's not entirely Elaine's fault the child ended up like that."
"..."
"Just keep that in mind."
Sian smiled softly.
"I know. Please tell Elaine that Sian and the children are fine."
Her carriage headed to the mansion.
"..."
Elaine, whose condition was quite bad, fell asleep during the carriage ride back.
I carried her on my back into the house.
"You've arrived, Young Master Yudel."
"Guide me to Elaine's room."
Following Darian's guidance, I entered Elaine's room and laid her on the bed.
It was an empty room, unlike what you'd expect from a noble lady's chamber.
"Ugh..."
As if having a terrible nightmare, Elaine groaned even in her sleep.
The next day, I went to see the Grand Duke.
Because I thought it best to inform the lord of this territory about his daughter's exact condition.
"Elaine's condition has worsened..."
Since Sian had already reported, there wasn't much for me to explain.
But unexpectedly, Grand Duke Elun showed no agitation at all, though I expected him to be greatly flustered.
I thought even the lord of the North would change his expression upon learning his daughter was in critical condition.
"What do you think?"
"Pardon?"
Suddenly, the baton was passed to me.
What do I think?
Well...
"I think it's pitiful."
"Is that all?"
"Yes. That's my honest impression."
There was no heart-wrenching pain or urgency like I had to do something right away.
Of course not.
Elaine and I are using each other.
I get the opportunity to build a foundation in the North through her, and she contributes to her family by creating a bridge between the Delberg and Silverhardt houses.
That was clearly distant from the emotion called love.
"I have something to tell the Grand Duke."
I paused for a moment to organize my thoughts.
"I know what thoughts the Grand Duke had in making me Elaine's partner."
I recalled my first meeting with Elaine.
It wasn't a day I particularly wanted to remember, but Cattleya said she needed me to treat Elaine's illness.
"Is that so."
"Yes, because I'm a mage, you thought I could cure Elaine's disease, right?"
"Well."
"I don't have healing magic... Pardon?"
I couldn't find words at the unexpected response.
"Elaine's illness is unrelated to politics. The only reason I took you as my son-in-law is to bring Silverhardt's power to the North and delay the Empire's downfall as much as possible."
"The Empire..."
So, his daughter's matter is thoroughly a separate issue?
As expected of the man called the North's monster.
To speak so calmly even when his daughter is suffering from a terrible disease.
A chilling sensation crept down my spine.
"Your eyes have grown fierce."
"Because it reminded me of my brother."
"I can see your thoughts plainly, but I'd prefer you not put me on the same level as that wolf."
The Grand Duke let out a short laugh.
"It means there's no problem even if Yudel von Silverhardt can't cure Elaine Delberg's illness."
He slowly leaned forward, resting his chin on the desk, staring at me intently.
"My life is worth far more than you think. There are many who want it. Do you think I can't find one or two cures for Solar Disease if I stake my life on it?"
The Grand Duke's lips slowly curled up.
A chilling sensation prickled all over my body.
"But if you cure my daughter, I'll reward you accordingly. I don't want to stake my life either."
"Since she's my fiancée, I'll do my best within my capabilities."
I grew up watching people treat others as tools.
And I didn't want to become such a ruthless, cold person like metal.
Even if Elaine hates receiving help from mages terribly, I will act according to my heart.
"If you need anything, say it. I'll provide support."
After thinking for a moment, I opened my mouth.
"Is there good alcohol in the North? Something atmospheric."
"You've become quite bold. To talk about wanting to drink in front of your serious father-in-law."
"Is that not allowed?"
The Grand Duke smiled as if he didn't mind my attitude much.
"People say Northern alcohol is bitter and strong, but I have a few bottles of something so precious even the Emperor would ask for more."
"Please send me a few of those."
I politely bowed and left the room.
As I walked down the corridor, I thought about future plans.
I don't know how far father-in-law will support me, but since she's his only daughter, he'll provide any rare materials.
"A device to absorb mana... Not bad."
An image came to mind.
A week passed.
Elaine fully recovered her condition.
To a mage's eyes, the flow of power like a boiling furnace inside her was still there,
but like with the elf child, it didn't leak out.
"Elaine. Is your body feeling better?"
Elaine stared at me with sharp eyes, then nodded slightly.
Good.
This time, I didn't get scolded for not following the rules.
"You shouldn't come too close to me either.
It won't be pleasant for a mage..."
The incident in the village still lingered as a grudge in her heart.
"No need to worry about that."
"But..."
"You haven't forgotten who carried you back, have you?"
"..."
She wouldn't have even responded before.
Remarkable progress.
'Maybe now it's possible?'
I swallowed dryly and confidently pulled out the masterpiece equipment I'd poured my soul into over the past week.
It's an advanced magitech gauntlet made with the Grand Duke's generous material support.
"I made it thinking it might slow the disease's progression a bit. The circuits built into this gauntlet analyze the mana circulation in real-time—"
"You're really talented."
"?"
Unable to continue, I looked up at Elaine.
"The puppets you gave those kids, you made them yourself, right?"
"...Yes."
Just as I was a bit flustered by the unexpected praise, Elaine smiled bitterly.
I didn't show it, but I was shocked as if I'd seen a ghost.
'She smiled...'
Wasn't it the first time?
Directed at me.
Like a broken machine, I couldn't do anything for a moment.
One side of my heart throbbed like it was pricked by a needle.
"But I don't need it."
"...The disease will worsen."
"Watching that reminds me of my dead mother."
"..."
Her dead mother...
I can't meddle in someone else's family affairs.
But I wanted to say one thing.
"Magic is just a tool. Its value changes depending on who uses it, my master taught me."
"Still, mages... I hate them."
"I see."
Elaine's stubbornness was firm.
Dejectedly, I put the gauntlet back into my pocket.
That's too much.
At least try it on once.
'Maybe change the form...'
The gauntlet feels too much like a magic tool.
It's a bit heavy design for a noble lady to wear.
"..."
Next time, make it in a more feminine outfit.
Something like a maid dress.
"I, I want to go down to the village... Can you take me?"
"Again, to see those kids."
"They're the kids I took in. I have to take responsibility."
"Can't you ask the knights?"
Elaine shook her head.
"Cattleya or Sian... won't let me go to the village. They're too worried.
And if it's just me and the kids, I can't handle it if something happens. I need you."
I need you...
Hmm... what a sweet resonance.
But the content is not sweet at all.
In short, she wants to use me as a knight escort.
The reason is plausible, hard to find an excuse to refuse.
"You seem to have a lot of time."
"I have a lot to do. I planned to go ice fishing with Darian in the afternoon."
She stared straight into my eyes.
Sweat trickled down my spine.
Wonder who she takes after; at times like this, she's exactly the daughter of the 'North's monster.'
In the end, I shut my mouth and secretly went out with Elaine.