Chapter 55

In the midst of cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

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How selfish—Aisha, whose voice would turn into the elves' hated [Fire Magic], was sealed and used as a tool for diplomacy, and now that she has overcome it, they say "come back"?

(...But if Aisha wants to come back...)

If she wants to return to her homeland, I think it should be respected.

"...If I return to the kingdom and can cure Mr. Reiji's sister—"

"Please wait, Aisha. What do you want to do? I don't want to sacrifice others for my and my sister's sake."

He swallowed the words "no more than this."

The freedom that Lark and I gained is built on the deaths of people in the mine collapse and in battle. We must not forget that, and we cannot forget it.

"...I..."

He stared intently at Aisha, who hesitated to speak. Then—she said with determination.

"I want to be with Mr. Reiji... from now on, forever!!"

"Your Highness!"

Polina and another elf cried out in anguish.

That was Aisha's true feelings. Her heartfelt feelings.

The warmth of her desire to be with me made my heart warm.

"Thank you, Aisha... you want to be an adventurer with me, right!"

"Yes—huh, huh?"

"Huh? Was it wrong?"

"A, i, e, no, it's not wrong..."

Flames appeared and disappeared around Aisha, who blushed. What's going on?

"You insensitive boy! But I'm grateful for your insensitivity now!"

"Polina!? Is it scolding or gratitude!?"

"But, Your Highness, your body is not something you can decide on your own."

Ignoring me, Polina continued.

"Your Highness, while you are in the Red Magic Empire, you still have duties to fulfill. At least until the next emperor appears... during that time, this boy might grow up, impregnate some woman, and run a farm in the countryside."

Every word is so sharp! Aisha is taking it seriously and getting flustered.

"Is, is that true, Mr. Reiji!?"

"It's not true."

When I firmly denied it,

"Hmm, you won't take responsibility even if you impregnate someone?"

"That's not what I meant!?"

Polina's sharp tongue is really harsh!

"Actually, there's one more thing I haven't told you. I received a reward from the emperor for the battle to close the Red Gate. He said he would grant me whatever I wished—so I made a request to the emperor. To release Princess Anastasia."

This seemed unexpected, as Polina's mouth dropped open, and Aisha, who had risen from her seat, sat down again.

Aisha's eyes welled up.

"Such... to use Mr. Reiji's reward for me..."

"No, I also received gifts from the party members, so I wanted to give something to someone... and the emperor said he would 'consider it,' so it might not come true."

"But, even so! I... I'm happy that Mr. Reiji did such a thing for me."

When she looked at me with teary eyes of gratitude, I felt a bit embarrassed.

"Polina, what do you think? If this comes true, Aisha can choose her own future."

When I said this, Polina glared back, grinding her teeth.

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That night, as the mayor had declared, a feast was held.

Although the Sea Monk had appeared not long ago, the townspeople had not suffered much damage, but still, the joy of "defeating" it was evident as people were drinking in various parts of the town.

In the large garden of the mayor's house, many tables were set up, and large platters of fish dishes were placed. There were waiters, so if you went there, they would serve you, creating an atmosphere of a slightly higher-class standing party.

"Mr. Reiji. The girl is still sleeping, so we're heading back to the inn."

Cook, one of Lark's gang, told me.

The sun was still on the western ridge, and the party was just getting started.

"Are you leaving so early?"

"Being here with the stolen magic ship is awkward. We've already had our fill of food, and besides—"

Despite the warm evening, he was wearing a thin jacket, which he opened to reveal two bottles of wine on each side.

"Hehe"

Not just Cook, but Keyman, Engineer, and Scout also had ham, cheese, and dried fish hanging from the inside of their jackets.

"We're going to drink at the inn, so don't worry about us and enjoy yourself."

"Okay."

I nodded with a wry smile, and they left.

I'm worried about Lark, but there's not much I can do now. The only healing magic I know is for external injuries, not something to restore vitality like Eva's "Encouraging Magic Eye."

While searching for a sage, I thought about sending Lark to Sir Series. The young lady would probably help with the healing... but even if she did, it would be a different matter whether Lark could wake up and walk on her own, which would make a big difference in moving her.

Nun had also sent a letter to a "magic master" for advice, which might provide some hints. Nun was talking to the town's knights with Dante, who had been asked to participate in training by the knights during the day.

"—Is that shield technique from a particular school?"

"—Would you consider becoming a knight of this town?"

"—If not a knight, at least a mentor..."

The Kingdom of Light Knights has a strong obsession with strong people. I've noticed the mayor and the fat man next to him (who looks exactly the same but is probably his brother) sending me intense gazes, but I'm pretending not to notice. They'll definitely try to talk to me about various things.

"Mr. Reiji, you don't look happy?"

"A... Miminoh?"

Miminoh approached. On her plate were square-cut fish and small red berries. I imagined her cheeks full of berries, making her look like a squirrel, and I couldn't help but smile.

"? Why are you smiling now?"

"S, sorry. It's nothing. —By the way, Miminoh, about the potion... I'll give you all the money I have, and if there are any hard-to-get materials, I'll try to find them."

I used several "Magic Replication Potions," each costing several gold coins, to help me—considering their broken performance, the cost was understandable. And also, the valuable poisons.

"Ah, that's fine. Money for helping party members is no problem."

"But—"

"Or would Mr. Reiji not spend money to help me in a pinch?"

"I'd empty my wallet to help if money could solve it! —Ah!"

"See?"

Miminoh smiled brightly.

"I knew, but it's still nice to hear it from you."

Her smile was too dazzling. I want to protect this smile forever.

The party's funds are managed separately, so I can allocate from there. We have plenty of funds from the materials of the dragon we defeated in the Ahnbach Duke's capital and the Ouroboros we killed in the Kurvaan Holy Kingdom.

"Ah!"

Then Miminoh let out a small voice.

"Mr. Reiji, you have more important work to do than worrying about money."

She turned me around and patted my back playfully.

"Escorting a girl is a boy's privilege, you know."

And there, in front of the mayor's house, was the High Elf princess, dressed up and coming out.

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