The Adults' Secret Time — "The Summit"
The Summit of the Heirs was a gathering of the descendants of the Heroes — a place of fellowship and camaraderie. And at this very moment, it was being held at the royal palace of the Arceus Kingdom.
"Then, as executive chair of this summit, I, Asna Arceus, hereby declare the Summit open."
With Asna's declaration and the applause of the five others, the Summit began. The first to speak was Arhen.
"It has been five years, everyone. Have you all been well?"
"Yes, I've been quite well, though lately the demons have been running wild, and I find it rather unsettling."
"On that point, I concur. Demons have been appearing with disturbing frequency. In our Shadow family alone, they have surfaced twice in the past five years. It would appear there is a witch summoning them."
At Sarah's words, the remaining five began to listen intently.
"You are all no doubt aware already — demons appear evenly across every nation of the continent, except for exactly one region where none ever show themselves. Wouldn't you agree, Shiina Secree?"
"Ha! So what you're saying is that my Secree family is the one summoning demons. Shall I take it that way, then?"
The two women locked glares until, at last, they each released their mana, breathing killing intent at one another. It was the elf queen Ji-a who stepped in to mediate.
"Might I suggest you all stop? Do not forget that it is not only the two of you present here."
"She started it. Why should I be the one to stop?"
"I merely voiced my opinion on sound, reasonable grounds. Perhaps the truth stings a little, does it?"
Just as the two reached for their weapons, Asna intervened.
"That's enough, both of you! How is it that neither of you has changed one bit from ten years ago? You are both mothers now — act with some dignity!"
Hearing that, Arhen couldn't resist chiming in.
"She's right. Be mature, like me. I'm sure Isaac would appreciate it."
In that instant, a dead silence fell over the assembly hall. It was Shiina who broke it.
"That absolute lunatic actually said it out loud."
Too late, Sarah came to her senses, snatched up her weapon, and charged at Arhen.
"You fucking bitch — now you've said what can't be unsaid! How dare you lay a hand on Isaac? You're dead by my hand today."
"Ha! At last your true nature shows itself. Wonderful. Then today I shall kill you and take Isaac for myself. Your son and daughter — I'll raise them well enough in your stead."
"Die, you goddamn bitch!"
The moment Sarah's sword aura met Arhen's magic, a massive shockwave erupted, and Leona, having sensed it in advance, threw up a protective barrier.
"Kyaah, spectating a good fight really is the finest entertainment there is."
As the rest of the assembly watched Shiina relish the spectacle of Sarah and Arhen's battle, they could only regard her with weary disdain.
"Honestly, big sister... you've grown older, but you haven't changed one bit since childhood..."
As cracks began to spider across the barrier, Asna spoke up.
"Haah... everyone, could you please step in and separate them soon? Even for me, holding back both of their attacks is proving rather taxing."
"Shiina, you help too. You're at least partly to blame for egging Sarah on in the first place."
"Aah... and it was just getting entertaining. Well, nothing to be done about it, I suppose."
And so Ji-a restrained Arhen, while Shiina held Sarah back.
"Big sister, calm down already. What is this pathetic display? Just go find yourself a new man!"
"Ji-a, be quiet. Isaac is the only one for me. I will never back down!"
Meanwhile, things were not going much more smoothly on Shiina's side.
"Hey, Sarah, calm down already, will you? That woman lost the moment she lost him — one look at the fact that Isaac chose you tells you everything. So let it go."
"Get out of my way, Shiina. Today I will kill that woman for certain, and erase that insect who dares covet my Isaac from this world entirely."
While the two pairs traded threats and blows, off in a corner, Alice, Asna, and Sion were quietly drinking tea.
"Are you holding up, Sion? The likes of us have long since stepped beyond the bounds of ordinary humanity, but you're still just a normal person. If it's too much, feel free to lie down for a while."
"I appreciate the concern, Alice, but I'm quite all right. Those two have been at each other's throats for ten years now — one rather gets used to it."
"That's true enough. It all began when Sarah ascended as head of her family and brought her fiancé Isaac along — and Arhen fell for him at first sight, didn't it?"
"Ten years ago already, is it? How time does fly."
And so the three of them passed the time trading stories of years past until the fighting finally wound down. Meanwhile, in an adjoining room, the accompanying delegates were getting acquainted with one another.
"Hello, Teacher. It feels strangely novel to run into you here."
"Ah — my lord, good day to you. Indeed, it feels novel to me as well. Well then, my lord, my party is waiting for me, so I'll excuse myself."
"Of course, Teacher. Let's talk again sometime."
And so Isaac, parted from Yulihen, was quietly sipping his tea when Erich came looking for him.
"It's been a while, Isaac. Have you been well?"
"Long time no see, Erich. How have you been...?"
"Oh, I get by. I've given up by now, honestly... I'm worn out too, and Iris has been born. What choice do I have but to give up?"
"I'm sorry. There's nothing at all I can do to help."
"No, I understand. Sarah can hardly treat Shiina carelessly either. Isaac, I'm truly all right now."
Erich, Isaac, Shiina, and Sarah had all graduated from the same academy. During their school days, Isaac and Sarah had fallen for each other and married — but Erich had not.
"Isaac, I really am fine now. So come on — let's talk about something else."
"All right, then, well — you see, our Albert the other day~"
And so the two of them fell into an animated exchange of stories about their children.
"It's been some time, Cardinal Vatus."
"Oh... if it isn't His Majesty the Emperor. I should have addressed you first — forgive me for being slow on the uptake."
"Think nothing of it. I imagine your head is spinning as well. This is my first time attending, too, but what a magnificent lineup we have here."
"Indeed it is. The former queen of the elves herself, and even Yulihen Hiridi, the man they call the Great Mage... I'd only ever heard rumors, but seeing him in person, his presence is staggering."
"You're quite right. I'm glad I pushed through and made the journey."
Meanwhile, Da-hee and Yulihen, reunited with family after so long, were all the happier for it.
"Auntie, it's been far too long. Have you been keeping well?"
"I have. And how about you, Yuri? Arh hasn't been tormenting you, has she?"
"You know my sister. Same as ever. She still can't seem to let go of Isaac, from what I can tell."
"Isaac? You mean that man over there?"
"Yes, that's right. And he's also the father of the boy I'm currently tutoring."
"My, my... Arh really is something else, falling for a married man. Yuri, you have your work cut out for you, don't you?"
"Tell me about it... Anyway, how is Ji-a? Is she doing well?"
"Ji-a? That girl is the reason my sighs keep multiplying. She takes after her father — so monumentally stubborn that she exhausts me just thinking about her."
And with that, the two of them spent a good long while gleefully badmouthing the aunt's daughter and the nephew's sister. Throughout it all, Erina was watching the proceedings from a quiet corner.
Calm down. Get a grip, Erina Arceus — you can do this! One mistake here and it becomes an international incident!
Thus Erina fussed over worries entirely of her own making. Meanwhile, a grave atmosphere had settled over the council chamber.
"Ahem. May I have everyone's attention? Enough idle chatter — let us move on to the substance of the agenda."
When Leona took command of the room, every head turned toward her.
"We have concluded that the recent demon incidents are the work of a summoner."
Demons that arise naturally are born in Espera, the Land of Death at the heart of the continent. But the demons of late had been determined to be something different — not born of Espera, but summoned from the Demon Realm itself.
"Which is why all of you must combine your strength to destroy them. We do not yet know what purpose the summoner has in unleashing demons upon us — but it is precisely in times like these that we must reinforce our combined power."
As everyone sank deep into thought, it was Sarah who spoke first.
"I agree with that assessment. The very purpose of this Summit is for the heirs of the Heroes to grow closer and destroy the demons together. And so, the Shadow family pledges its full strength to the subjugation of the demons."
"The Secree family shares the same view. You have our full support as well."
And thus the moment arrived when all six would join hands to destroy the demons.
"Then it is decided. Moving on, then — how stands the matter of cultivating your successors?"
The first to answer was Shiina.
"You needn't worry about the Secree family. I've engaged Ramu Searseeker as Iris's tutor."
The name Ramu Searseeker drew an immediate reaction — from Arhen.
"My, my. Then I suppose the Shadow family has nothing to worry about either — seeing as they have Yulihen serving as their tutor!"
"I've no idea why you're the one talking about my family, but it's true enough. Teacher Yulihen is instructing our Albert splendidly. That said, I have no intention of passing the family on to Albert. Presumably Tiny will be the next head."
"Hohh... Then how about marrying that young master of yours to my daughter?"
"What did you just say? Your daughter, married to our Albert? Have you truly lost your mind, you woman?!"
"Compose yourself, Sarah. It is hardly a bad proposition. She is my daughter, yes — but she is Erich's daughter too. Rather than marry the boy off to some random nobody, an alliance with the Ducal House of Secree would serve him rather well, wouldn't it?"
At those words, Sarah sank into deep contemplation.
I hate to admit it, but Shiina has a point. And that woman clearly wants the obstacle gone, too. And frankly, it's a far better prospect than marrying Albert off to some woman who has nothing to her name.
"Hmm... It's not a bad offer. But in the end, the wishes of the two involved matter most of all. Besides, the children are only seven — what say we defer the decision a little longer?"
"There's reason in that. Very well — let us discuss it separately."
And so the matter of Albert and Iris's marriage was tabled for another day.
"Then it seems we've covered the essentials. It is five o'clock now, so let us handle the remaining matters tomorrow and adjourn for today. We will reconvene tomorrow morning at ten."
With those words, the six dispersed. And as evening fell, all fourteen delegates gathered once more for a banquet.
"Teacher Yulihen, how pleasant to see you here."
"Madam, I should have paid my respects first — forgive me for being late to do so."
"Not at all, I quite understand. So — how has Albert been faring lately?"
"Albert follows his lessons beautifully. It's a pleasure to teach him."
As the two of them spoke of Albert, Da-hee approached Arhen.
"Arh, I heard it from Yuri. You're in love with that married man over there, aren't you?"
"Auntie! Would you lower your voice just a little. Wait — Yulihen told you?"
"He did. He told me everything — how at the Summit five years ago you fell for that man at first sight, confessed, and were rejected; how you couldn't forget him and sent secret letters to the Shadow household. All of it."
"Why, that little — I'm going to KILL that brat today!!!!!!"
Da-hee blocked Arhen as she made to go strangle Yulihen.
"Arh, wait — just breathe. Calm down."
"Why?! Don't you dare stop me today — I'm going to kill him!"
"Fine, kill Yuri if you must, that's your business. But first — look over there and see who Yuri's with right now."
At those words, Arhen composed herself and looked to see who was talking with Yulihen.
"There, do you understand your auntie now? That woman is speaking with Yuri as we speak — which means there's no one at that man's side at this very moment. Go over there and tell him how you feel, one more time. Who knows? He might just accept you."
Hearing this, Arhen made her way toward Isaac, who was drinking with Erich and Shiina.
"Mother, isn't this prank of yours going a bit too far? Whatever she may look like, big sister is pure-hearted — she'll walk over there genuinely believing 'he really might accept my confession this time.'"
"I know. That's exactly why I'm sending her. When a human and an elf join together, the elf suffers terribly for it. I'm sending her so she'll fold her feelings away quickly — I won't have my niece suffer the same pain I did..."
"Mother..."
Moved by Da-hee's words, Ji-a gave her mother's shoulder a gentle pat.
"And so, Ji-a dear, your mother is ever so lonely. Come here and give me a hug."
"M-Mother, you're being clingy. Please detach."
And thus the night deepened for the mother and daughter as well. Meanwhile, Arhen approached Isaac.
"Um... Lord Isaac? If it isn't too much trouble, might I ask you to take a walk with me? Just the two of us?"
"I beg your pardon? With me? That would be... a bit difficult."
The moment Isaac moved to refuse, Shiina, standing beside him, cut in.
"Nope, Isaac, you are absolutely going on that walk. Your face is bright red right now — go get some fresh air."
"Hold on, Shiina, what the—"
Shiina clapped a hand over Erich's mouth and kept talking.
"We three have things we need to discuss among ourselves anyway. Take your time. We'll cover for you with Sarah."
Shiina's persuasion won out; Isaac glanced once in Sarah's direction, then relented.
"All right, then. I'll be back from my walk — do put in a good word with Sarah for me."
"Of course. Just leave it to us."
"Mmph! Mmmph—mmph!"
Once Isaac had vanished from sight, Shiina finally released Erich.
"Shiina, what on earth are you thinking? You know perfectly well what's going on here."
"Of course I know. But knowing Isaac's temperament, he would have refused flat out. And yet he agreed to go — so he must have his own thoughts on the matter, too. Now stop fretting over other people's marriage and drink with us, Erich."
"No. I'm telling Sarah. I won't stand by and watch a friend's family come apart."
"Ha. Fine, do as you like. I'll be right here, so hurry back."
And so Erich went off to find Sarah, who was deep in conversation with Yulihen.
"Um, Sarah? Sorry to interrupt mid-conversation, but could I borrow a moment of your time?"
"Hm? Erich? Well, this is a rarity — you approaching me first."
Erich shot Yulihen a meaningful look, and Yulihen, taking the hint, graciously yielded his place.
"Then I'll leave you two to speak freely. I'll be going on ahead. We can continue our discussion another time."
"Yes — until next time, Teacher."
Once Yulihen was safely out of earshot, Sarah turned to Erich.
"So, Erich. What is it?"
"Isaac has gone off on a walk with Lady Arhen. I felt you deserved to know, so I came to tell you."
At those words, Sarah began to draw her mana up around her.
"Is that so? I see. Thank you, Erich — I'll repay you for this."
The moment the words left her mouth, Sarah was tearing across the royal palace at full sprint in search of Isaac.
Isaac, just wait a little longer — I'm coming!
By that time, Isaac and Arhen were seated together in the garden behind the royal palace.
"This spot should do. Lady Arhen — please tell me the real reason you asked to see me alone. No one will overhear us here."
At Isaac's words, Arhen took a deep breath, then looked him squarely in the eye.
"Lord Isaac. My feelings are exactly as they were five years ago, the first time we met. I yearn for you still. I would accept even the place of a concubine — so please, accept my heart."
Hearing Arhen's confession, Isaac stilled his surprise and met her eyes calmly before answering.
"I am grateful for your kind words, Lady Arhen. But I must refuse."
Arhen, looking as though she could not give up, pressed him once more.
"If it is because of Lady Sarah, then I will move heaven and earth to win her over... Please, I beg you — think on it just once more."
Seeing him shake his head, Arhen's gaze fell to the ground.
"It is not Sarah who is the obstacle, Lady Arhen — as you well know. Only Sarah can move my heart. From the very moment I first met her, my heart has answered to her and her alone. And so I cannot accept yours. I am sorry. You are a magnificent woman, Lady Arhen — you will surely find a far better man than I."
As Isaac turned to leave, Arhen broke into sobs.
"Am I... not enough? What is it that I lack? I will work to change it — I'll do anything. Please, just let me stay by your side."
Isaac answered without turning back.
"It is not that you are lacking — it is that you are not Sarah, and so it cannot be. The night air is cold, so I'll go in first. Please take care on your way back, Lady Arhen."
And with that, Isaac took his leave. Left behind in the garden, Arhen remained frozen in place for a long while.
Did he really think I'd give up over something like that? I will never give up. Someday, I will stand at Isaac's side. But before that, I need to create opportunities. Yulihen alone isn't enough — Yuna is the same age as Isaac's son, so I shall connect the two of them.
Arhen did not give up.
"Achoo... brrr... it's freezing. Is it the alcohol? It feels colder than usual. Best head back soon. Hm? What's this?"
On Isaac's way back to the palace, Sarah appeared and draped a coat over his shoulders.
"Honey — how long have you been here?"
"From the very beginning. I watched every second, from the moment that woman Arhen confessed to you."
"Oh. That's... a little embarrassing. You had to see me at my least dignified. Let's head in quickly."
As Isaac turned to return to the palace, Sarah caught his arm.
"No — you have nothing whatsoever to be embarrassed about. You were magnificent, Isaac. My heart, too, moves for no one but you. I love you, Isaac."
At Sarah's confession, Isaac's heart began to pound.
"Honey... it's so cold out here tonight. So warm me up, quickly. I want to get warm in your embrace."
"All right. I'll warm you up properly."
And so the night in the royal palace deepened.
The Summit continued for a full week. On the final day, everyone departed for their respective nations and families.
"Mother, Father — welcome home!"
"We're back, and it's good to be home. Have you been good while we were away?"
"Yes! I've been practicing swordsmanship with Luke."
"Have you, now? Then I'll take a look at your form myself later. Here — there's a present for you. Go on, open it."
"Thank you so much, Mother, Father!"
And so, living out his peaceful everyday life, two years passed for Albert.