Chapter 38

"The country that was brought under a curse weakened as its own people turned against each other. This happened simultaneously in all countries, and by the time the magicians of each country realized it, it was too late."

Claudia can vividly recall the murky, pitch-black sky.

"The magicians were forced to rescue and heal the people, fight against the invading enemies, and provide protection, which exhausted them. ... My country was no exception."

The magic soldiers were truly forced into a difficult battle.

Being attacked by the very people they wanted to protect, they had to control their actions to minimize harm, heal, and protect them.

Amidst this, the enemy countries continued to attack, launching merciless assaults on the people they were desperately trying to help.

"Adeleheit was born and lived solely for the sake of the country."

"...Princess..."

Thinking about that time still leaves a hollow feeling deep in her heart.

"Five hundred years ago, witches were essentially priestesses. They used magic for the people, served the people... always alone. It wasn't a bad life, but perhaps a little lonely."

"..."

"At night, when I went to sleep, the loneliness of being alone was very hard when I was young. But eventually, I was allowed to teach magic to others and take on disciples."

She was so happy that she welcomed many disciples. Looking back, there were always about twenty to thirty disciples. She welcomed anyone who asked and never tried to stop those who couldn't keep up and left.

As a result, those who remained with 'Adeleheit' were the most excellent magicians among the disciples.

"Look, Lady Adeleheit! Don't you think this magic theory turned out well?"

"Oh, really! It's amazing, considering I just taught it to you recently. Let's celebrate!"

"That's great. He worked hard to get praised by Adeleheit. I'll show you my magic sword adjustments later, too!"

"Hehe, that's fine. Let's have a practice match after lunch. Should we call the others?"

"I'll go. Adeleheit, please pick some strawberries from the field."

Living together with a large group, she remembers those warm days. To Adeleheit, who had always lived alone, they were like family.

However, the enemy soldiers led by the curse came to the country where they lived.

"When the curse spread throughout the country, of course, we were expected to fight for the country. ... But, fighting against the curse of our own people while battling a powerful nation didn't go well."

Not only the disciples but Adeleheit herself fought with all her might at that time. Still, no matter what, it was impossible.

"My dear disciples wanted to die to protect me."

"!"

They had been by her side for years, and she had genuinely rejoiced in their growth, sharing meals and living together. Though they were disciples, their ages were almost the same, and to Adeleheit, they were like brothers and sisters.

These disciples, with a matter-of-fact look, struggled to be her shield.

"Lady Adeleheit!! If you die, what will become of us? Please, run away, at least you!!"

Such a thing was impossible.

"As long as you live, our hope will continue. Go quickly, please...!!"

What hope could be left with just one person surviving?

"We will laugh and die here to keep you alive."

(—Fools)

At that moment, a new theory came to her mind because of their words. She regretted not realizing it sooner, but it was too late.

But, she could still make a choice now.

(Living on alone is not as good as you all being alive. It would be much better for me.)

Thinking this, she smiled on the battlefield and spoke.

"...I have always tried to dedicate my life to the country. I studied magic theories and constantly developed them, sharing them generously with others. I have lived enough for others, haven't I?"

"...Lady Adeleheit...?"

"I've decided."

Then, she visualized the hastily calculated magic formula in her mind.

"From now on, I will only do what I want."

"Wait...!! What are you planning to do, Adeleheit!?"

Using a vast amount of magic power as the driving force, she activated a new magic. This was something she had done regularly.

"I'm doing this because I'm angry. This is my pride. — I can't stand the idea of Adeleheit falling behind the magic tools created by other magicians, can I?"

"Stop!! Please, if you must use it, use my life!!"

The disciples all tried to die in Adeleheit's place. She knew very well how serious they were. They would do anything to protect her.

That's why she didn't want to choose a path that would lead to their complete annihilation.

"I was a genius, too."

Claudia smiled jokingly at Noah in front of her.

"I should have been able to use the new magic I thought of on the spot. The curse would have disappeared from the world, and everything would have been fine."

"..."

It is said that Adeleheit committed suicide in later generations.

However, it seems that the existence of the curse has faded in the current era. While it is known that a great war once occurred, there is no historical record of the chaotic battles caused by the curse.

(The disciples I left behind must have thoroughly erased the existence of the curse. Even so, the fact that Noah's uncle could use slave magic might be because their ancestor, Reinhardt, had passed something down.)

While Claudia was thinking this, Noah looked at her straight in the eye, with a slightly pained expression.

"Was that what you 'wanted to do'?"

"Yes. I was so angry that I retaliated with all my strength, and I decided to live that way from then on."

She didn't save the world through self-sacrifice, nor did she commit suicide for a tragic reason. It was just that simple.

"Understand? ... Whether it's adults or children, when it comes to it, they act on their emotions, and that doesn't change."

Adeleheit, who was eighteen, and Claudia, who inherited her personality, might seem like adults to nine-year-old Noah. But in reality, nothing has changed. Despite this, Noah spoke with a pained expression.

"...I don't understand."

Then, without averting his gaze, he told Claudia:

"Regardless of the emotions that drove you at that time... I was undoubtedly freed from the suffering of the curse by the actions you took."

"..."

Claudia's eyes widened at Noah's straightforward words.

"If the choice you made brought light to someone's future..."

Noah stepped forward in front of Claudia, knelt down, and met her gaze head-on.

"...Then, without a doubt, you saved them."

"――――...!"