18. Among those many, many stars.(3)
Filvar said as he looked at the sword that was emitting a soft light.
“I heard a lot about the story, but… I thought I would see the birth of a holy relic with my own two eyes.”
A half sword with a shattered blade.
However, there was something inherent in it that was distinctly different from the usual.
generally not known
However, the saintess Alessia was able to see through that better than anyone else.
“really… .”
just a little while ago.
But it was a long, long time like eternity.
When Ruel, or even Kariel, revealed his name, he wasn’t too surprised.
How much more Grandeus? Even when you mention a name you’ve never heard of.
But there, when St. Kariel and himself talked about being alumni, I wondered what was going on.
She was determined to destroy the deed at any time.
Because she had the ability to do that.
But what stopped it… .
– Quit it.
-This is a battlefield prepared for him, and a test for him.
– It is not a matter for outsiders to intervene.
an outsider?
And I kept watching.
Originally, it was understandable from their attitude that they should never have come here, let alone peeped into St. Cariel’s memories.
That’s what it means.
… Hey, because that Kariel was here.
We peeked into St. Cariel’s memories.
I was able to discover and follow in his footsteps.
… did that mean
maybe you were lucky
I liked the attitude of the baron family towards strangers with an open mind, and I wanted to keep Kariel close to me… Even Alessia herself.
Did all those coincidences, like inevitability, drive them to this place?
No, I didn’t bring it out… Did you mean let it in?
“Come to think of it, didn’t the old woman who prophesied in his memory say this?”
Baron Loia spoke as if he remembered.
“One of those many, many stars will come to you.”
“… The many, many stars are the many children named after St. Cariel.”
Alessia, of course, remembered.
If so, one of those many, many stars is… .
Even that great hero, Rueld, and Saint Ermina.
He chose Kariel as his first son’s baptismal name.
Therefore, the old woman’s prophecy has now come true.
“father. Come to think of it… .”
As if Ludhi had just come to mind, he spoke cautiously.
“Although the name Kariel has become commonplace, a person with such famous skills and character at such a young age is unlikely to be common.”
“What do you want to say?”
“… And, when I was in the academy. I saw it at first glance.”
A handsome black-haired boy.
Two eyes resembling gold.
“I thought it was long, but maybe that friend… Isn’t it Rueld-sama and Ermina-sama’s child… .”
“… … .”
Baron Roia suddenly remembered.
I had been invited to their wedding, along with my children.
Losing my wife and making a resolution to raise my two children well no matter what.
It also announced that the invasion of the demon king had come to an end and that peace had finally arrived.
The union of the Hero Emperor and the Mado Empress.
And, the combination of a knight of brilliance and a saint.
It was at that moment, when they massively announced that they had let go of their responsibilities, that everyone deeply accepted that peace had arrived.
Luke grumbled as if he didn’t understand the situation.
“Then what, are you saying that Ruel can be a scion of the warriors?”
“It’s too early to be sure, but maybe.”
Ludhi couldn’t bear to drive a wedge into it.
Even so, I was half convinced.
“… … .”
The fact that Alessia herself became a saint was entirely thanks to Miss Ermina.
If it wasn’t for that, he would have been thrown out by the false pope to become prey, or he would have ended his life miserably after being used in some way.
Because it was they, including Rueld and Ermina, who identified and stopped the conspiracy in advance and brought down the false pope.
Even at that young age, one of the many children standing with a basket of flowers to celebrate their wedding was Alessia herself.
The memory of that time is like a fantasy, albeit vaguely.
A vague memory that can only be seen in dreams sometimes.
“That and that! That’s awesome. Hurry up and look over there!”
The boy faces off against warriors twice his size.
With that dwarf and poor-looking body.
I’m good at knocking them down.
“… Body movement is an art.”
“I’ve seen you briefly before… It’s more than that now.”
Luke added a word to Baron Loia’s admiration.
“… … .”
okay. It was like that then too.
In the fight that Alessia herself joined by chance.
That child’s movements were especially special.
And that, this time, as I watched him climb the outer wall of the church, I got some confidence.
‘That’s the gesture of the elves.’
Humans can’t move like that even if they use mana.
In a way, it is like water flowing and following the wind.
Even so, like dancing, like flowing.
fairy dance.
Wind spirit’s winged wind.
A gait that defies the storm.
I only noticed it because I’ve seen it before.
I heard that such movement is possible through nature affinity and adaptation ability, not mana.
It’s a skill, and rather than a skill, it’s more like a racial trait.
At that time, the elf from the forest clan told me so obediently.
And now.
far away
Use all of them skillfully to face an irresistible enemy.
there was a little boy
Its appearance is like that of a butterfly caught in a storm.
Like that of a moth swept away in a gust of wind.
It’s just dangerous.
For some reason.
don’t fall
It neither collapses nor breaks.
Again, knock down the enemies one by one.
It’s not an overwhelming sight, though.
More than that, or something equivalent to it.
Move without a break and break the siege.
Occupy a vantage point and aim for a weakness.
At first glance, it seems unstoppable.
Even evasion is natural, and even defense is smooth.
Even being hit and flying was treated as another opportunity for a counterattack.
You use your small size as an advantage to fool your enemies.
What a lamentable sight this is.
It is self-evident that the weak cannot defeat the strong.
If you can still knock it down.
Is it a mere coincidence?
Or is it a miracle
‘Anyone.’
There are weaknesses and there are ugly points.
He acknowledges it and uses it to his advantage.
Crush enemies’ weaknesses.
It’s a simple story, but how easy is it?
The unreasonable battle that continued without rest, as if sweating in one’s hands.
It comes to an end soon
Suddenly, he looks to one side as if he is looking at something.
Then he walks out slowly, licking his lips.
As if talking to something.
– With this, the test is over.
-That’s a satisfactory result.
Likewise, the spirits of the old barbaric warriors who watched it together.
A face that seems to have been relieved of something.
As if it’s time to finally put down the backpack you were carrying.
Their shoulders seemed unusually light.
“You guys… .”
Alessia couldn’t bear to ask.
What were you trying to ask?
He himself had no way of knowing.
When I looked away, Filbar was brushing the servants vigorously with the pen and brush.
The rest of the personnel focus on all these scenes, as if they are trying to engrave them over and over again.
On top of this reality now, a miracle has landed.
The world is bathed in light.
Eventually, those warriors who were invaders in the past, but now would have been guardians.
They, too, began to disperse slowly as if they had been called upon.
so they back.
gathered in one place.
I even saw
The sword in Kariel’s hand shattered.
Even so.
Towards that half-sword that radiates a soft light more sacredly than before.
Everyone’s eyes were focused.
And the boy holding it.
Walking slowly, I crossed my teeth to the baron.
“Take it.”
“… … .”
The baron felt like accepting an absurd annoyance.
He inadvertently accepted it with both hands.
“I can’t.”
He immediately turned his back and handed it to Alessia.
“This doesn’t seem like something I can digest. so… I want the saintess to take care of it.”
“I mean?”
“Anyway, aren’t we supposed to report the miracle that happened here to the Holy See? This will prove it.”
“… … .”
I would have been very greedy.
How can you bring out such cool, realistic content from here?
Even the saintess herself was thinking of something else.
“Do you know what our family motto is?”
said the baron with a light laugh.
“… Before St. Cariel, it was “Achieving glory.” But after the death of St. Cariel, things changed like this.”
Worry about not being able to give. This is lack of courage.
“On the other hand, I’ve heard people say don’t be led by greed.”
It is common for those who have to give.
Giving from those who have not, then why is it praised as noble?
because no one can
The fact that no one else can do it proves that I am a slightly better person.
therefore.
“We are just desperate to reflect on the past and become a little better. If a sacred object or a treasure seeks to free us from the shackles of the sin of greed, then it is not a sacred object to us… It will be like a bribe from the devil.”
“But, isn’t this a sacred thing in the church here?”
“If you do, why don’t you give it back the next time you come?”
“… … .”
“Likewise, a treasure is something that blinds everyone. I believe that you will return it to its rightful place without being deceived.”
It was a surprisingly well-calculated proposal.
“Heh.”
However, no matter how he handled this, the baron would neither resent nor rebuke Alessia.
She must have said it because she thought it would be easier for Alessia to accept it.
If you give it back then, that’s fine as it is.
In the end, the treasure causes another dispute.
The Vatican is a sacred object, and the fact that it monopolizes the holy relics, after all, also includes the purpose of neglecting the danger.
… That’s why they hear accusations that they monopolize and monopolize the treasure.
that is also true.
Because it’s not wrong.
Suffering such disgrace is also a responsibility that the leader must assume.
… Rather, by taking on it, they will be put to constant testing.
“On my honor, I will come back to the church and drop by. But before that… .”
Alessia asked while looking at Kariel.
“Originally, the owner of this thing should be yours, but would that be okay?”
“It’s something I don’t need.”
I already received what I received.
Expecting more than this is greed.
… And just in case.
If the owner of that really is Kariel himself.
will come back someday
I don’t even wish
Even the barriers were lifted before I knew it, and the sky was still dark.
That long time, in fact, was an extremely short moment.
“everyone! Going out at night is good for us, but the festival is just around the corner, isn’t it time to sleep?”
Philvar, who has expressed his opinion towards them.
“That’s right.”
“I have a lot to say, but first a little… It would be nice to rest.”
The Baron and Luke agree with that opinion.
“Or maybe after-party and drinks?”
“… … .”
Luke felt sorry for him, so he added a word, then turned his gaze away from the baron’s glare.
“I’ll go to the church and tell you about this, at least informally.”
Towards Alessia, Filbar asked in a calm tone.
“Wouldn’t you like my help?”
“… If you can help me write the report, it’s free.”
Suddenly, Kariel met Filbar’s eyes.
others don’t know
One consensus that he and himself share.
‘Let’s talk later.’
His voiceless whisper had such an intention.
It must be about Grandeus.
Kariel just nodded as if it didn’t matter.
Still, the night is long.
Preparations for the festival were in full swing somewhere, and except for the dark alleyways, lights were still prevalent.
Climbed into Philbar’s quad carriage and headed for the baron’s mansion.
Kariel calmly closed her eyes.
Although nothing is over.
still.
Someone’s long-cherished wish came to an end as of today.
No need to lament there.
There is no need to sigh.
I’ll just put it in and engrave it.
Everyone pretends to be calm, but they seem to carry on the afterglow from earlier.
The inside of the wagon, where even the fatigue of each individual overlapped. A calmer, calmer atmosphere than before continued.
Even after Alessia got off midway.
All the way.
suddenly.
I think of the night sky I saw earlier.
A sky without a single cloud.
The colorful stars, big and small, made countless numbers.
That radiant yet cozy sight.