Chapter 20

"Big sister, why are you here!?"

As soon as they met, Raser showed a look of shock and shouted loudly.

"Why? This is the royal castle of the capital, which is also my home, so it's only natural for me to be here, right?"

"However, Big Brother and Aniki left 2 or 3 weeks ago. Why is Maria big sister at home at this time when the academy is about to start?"

Big Brother and Aniki? You've started saying strange things, haven't you, this child.

Is he seeing something strange?

"It's because the item I requested from the merchant took a long time to arrive. It finally arrived today, so now I can finally return to the academy."

"Requested from the merchant?"

To answer her brother's question, she showed it to him.

"Here it is."

"A pendant? This stone doesn't look like a gemstone."

"That's right, it's not a gemstone. But it's a stone with a story."

"Again!? Maria big sister, you're getting too involved with such suspicious things."

"There's nothing suspicious about it!"

"You're so good at remembering things and can do anything, yet you're easily deceived in this aspect."

"That's not true."

My little brother, but you have such a narrow perspective.

"So, what effect does this one have?"

Raser had a look of exasperation.

"It's a stone that, when worn, allows you to encounter strange events."

"Strange? Isn't that dangerous?"

"It's fine. I'm the strongest."

"Ha, are you going to be late for the academy because of something like this? You should learn from Aniki, who left early."

"Hmph, you're being too soft, Raser."

"What do you mean?"

"There are only three days left until the opening ceremony. With my riding skills, I can easily make it in time."

"It takes a week by carriage. That's too reckless."

"It's fine. I've had the butler train the horses regularly."

"I'm not worried about the horses. I'm worried about Maria big sister."

"Oh."

Raser's head was petted, and she winked.

"There's nothing impossible for the strongest big sister."

"Ha, please don't do such things in the future. But, I think your attitude is impressive. You're much more suited to be the king of the country than the stubborn big brother or the cowardly me."

"Then should I become one?"

Raser had a face of shock.

I was joking, but it seems my cute little brother took it seriously.

"Then I'll go too. Please don't tell Mother."

"Understood. I'll assign some attendants to you... Hey!? Big sister!? Where are you!?"

Being assigned attendants is not something I want.

They are too slow.

Mounting her beloved horse, White, she galloped off.

The bag contained only the minimum amount of food and money.

Last time, it took three days to reach the academy.

This time, I'll aim for two and a half days.

Since it was early morning, there were no other travelers on the road.

Smooth sailing, smooth sailing!

At this rate, I might even set a new record.

"Let's go, White."

White seemed happy to be ridden again.

"Traveler, could you wait a moment?"

After riding for a while, a voice called out from the roadside.

Stopping the horse, she saw a boy around 7 or 8 years old standing there.

"What is it? I'm in a hurry right now."

"I'm sorry for stopping you so suddenly."

"Traveler, I know it's a lot to ask, but I really need this horse. Could you lend it to me?"

"That's impossible."

"Please. I don't have much money, but I'll definitely do something to thank you."

Hmm, what should I do?

"It seems you have a reason. Tell me about it."

"My grandmother is about to pass away. I wanted her to eat her favorite rice cake before she goes, so I went to the village to buy it, but I twisted my ankle while hurrying back. If I don't get back soon, I won't be able to see her, hic."

The boy couldn't hold back his tears before he finished speaking.

I got the general idea of the situation.

If I lend him the horse, I'll definitely be late. What should I do?

"Lending the horse is out of the question."

"That's fine. I'm grateful just for stopping. Please hurry on your journey."

"But, I can take you on the back. If that's okay."

The boy's face brightened.

Of course, that was fine.

Well, I guess the new record will have to wait. I'll try again another time.

"Grandma! I bought the rice cakes."

"Oh, thank you. I'm sure it was a difficult journey for you."

"It's nothing. It's for Grandma."

"I'm a lucky person. I've had a good life."

Sniff, well, I just walked in, but I'm glad I could help.

What a good grandson. Grandma can rest in peace.

"Thank you for helping my son. I'm glad I could give my mother the rice cakes before she passed away. This is a small token of my gratitude. It's not much, but please accept it."

The boy's mother gave me words of gratitude and a gift.

What was handed to me was a glass bracelet.

It's cheap, but it's a valuable item for commoners.

It would be rude to refuse, so I accepted it.

"Then, I'll be on my way."

"Yes, I'll never forget this kindness."

"Let's go, White."

It's close.

I unexpectedly lost a lot of time.

But I should still make it. My riding skills have improved since last year.

"Hey, traveler, wait!"

While riding along the road, I was stopped again.

"What is it? I'm in a hurry."

"Oh, sorry. It's not a big deal."

"Could you show me the glass bracelet you're holding?"

This? It's something you can find anywhere.

I showed the glass bracelet on my right hand.

"Oh, I thought so. This is the same bracelet I once gave to my wife. It brings back so many memories."

Did your wife pass away?

I shouldn't ask too much.

"It brings back the feelings I had back then. We had no money, but we had love. We were happy with just our feelings. We were hungry and had a hard time, but we were happy."

"What a wonderful wife you had."

"Yes, but she's gone now. Our feelings cooled, and we separated. I heard she's leaving for a foreign land today. I'll probably never see her again."

"That's sad."

I shouldn't have listened to this story.

"I want to see her again. Now that I've remembered those feelings... I want to see Medea again. But the ship has already left. I can't catch up on foot. Medea, I've caused you so much trouble. I hope you have a good life in the foreign land."

A tear fell from the man's eye.

Why did I have to see this?

Well, I'm going to be late.

I don't care anymore!

"Get in, sir! I'll take you to the port!"

"Miss..."

"Come on."

"Yes!"

"Medea, I have something to tell you!"

"What now? We're over."

"That's not true. Today, I saw the bracelet I once gave you. It brought back all the feelings I had back then."

"But I'm leaving for a foreign land today."

"Medea, please don't go. Back then, we had nothing, but we were happy because you were there. I saved money and bought you the bracelet. I remembered those pure feelings. Please don't go, Medea."

"..., look at this."

"What! That's the bracelet I gave you. You still have it!?"

"I couldn't bear to throw it away. I brought it with me."

"Medea..."

"..."

Sniff, the love between the couple has been restored. I'm glad I brought the man here.

May they live happily ever after!!

"Thank you, traveler. From now on, we'll work hard together. This silver key was meant to be exchanged for living expenses in the foreign land. Please accept it as a token of gratitude."

What was handed to me was a mysterious silver key.

Is it okay to accept such a valuable item?

Well, they seem happy, so it's fine.

"Then, I'll be on my way."

"Thank you."

"Let's go, White."

I'm definitely going to be late.

Now it's just a matter of how much I can minimize the damage.

I'll be a burden to you, White.

"Hey! Traveler!"

Ignore, ignore.

"Wait up!"

What is it? I'm really in a hurry.

I stopped the horse. I think White is getting impatient too.

"What is it!!"

"Uh, no, nothing."

"Hurry up!"

"Ah, could I see the item you're holding?"

I showed the silver key I was holding.

"Of course. This is the silver key used to seal the vampire king who once terrorized people. My great-grandfather and his descendants have been searching for it for over 100 years. It seems we've finally found it."

"I'll give it to you."

"Is that okay? What a stroke of luck."

The man took the key and knelt down, crying.

"Ha, Grandfather, Father, and all my ancestors, please laugh at me. I've found the key to the seal, but I can't make it in time. It's impossible to reach the ancient cave by foot before tomorrow. I always fall short at the crucial moment. What a foolish man I am."

The man hit the ground with his fists, his head touching the ground.

"I can't face my ancestors."

Why did I have to listen to this?

"..., just get in."

"What?"

"Just get in!!"

'Are you from the noble family that sealed me long ago? To be sealed by that family again...'

"Yes, and this is the final key to the seal. You will be sealed forever."

'My ambitions...'

"My ancestors, the long-held wish of my family has been fulfilled. Now I can finally be free."

I can't cry.

I shouldn't have helped.

"Traveler, this legendary sword is no longer needed by me. Please accept it."

I really don't need this.

The man's face looked clear and bright.

He had completed his lifelong mission. I should accept it.

"Then, I'll be on my way."

"Yes, traveler, you are a benefactor of this country."

"Let's go, White."

I won't stop now, no matter who calls me.

I won't stop at all!!

"Traveler!"

But I stopped out of reflex.

That's bad, my body is getting used to it.

"That sword on your hip was once wielded by the sage..."

"Are you getting in!? You're definitely getting in, right!? Get in quickly!!"

"Y-Yes."

"Where is your destination!!"

"Uh, Elenoir Academy."

"..., oh, that's nice."