Chapter 88

"......Why? Lord Adelheit..."

Looking back on the days five hundred years ago, I don't think I ever scolded Siegel, not even once.

"Because you did something wrong."

Claudia closed her eyes and sighed.

"You caused trouble for others. ——Taking someone's life, how could I not scold you for that?"

"......But, Lord Adelheit!"

Lewis's face turned pale.

His trembling voice, filled with fear, desperately pleaded to Claudia.

"Lord Adelheit, who has been reborn in this world, will surely achieve great things with magic again!!"

"......Siegel"

"I have lived for five hundred years, believing in that. Using a new vessel would surely be inconvenient for you to wield the power to save the world!?"

"Siegel"

"All you need is a replacement vessel. If it wears out, you can replace it, and if it gets damaged, you can discard it immediately! That way, you can always remain the perfect Lord Adelheit..."

"......Indeed......"

Claudia slowly opened her eyes.

Then, she told Siegel:

"——Can you listen to my story properly?"

"......!!"

Siegel's shoulders jerked.

The reason was probably that Claudia's gaze, directed at Siegel, was colder than anything he had ever seen.

"Talking about the princesses and Stuart seems meaningless, so I'll start with my wishes."

"Lord Adelheit's...?"

"One. ...I really like this body I have now."

Lewis's eyes widened, and he was speechless. Claudia, without looking at him, continued while taking another sip of tea.

"I've heard that I inherited my mother's fair skin. My hair, the color of milk tea, is beautifully braided. ...I've grown a bit taller over the past two years, and the feeling of my body developing is interesting. Although I can't withstand the strain of magic, I love the time I spend sleeping on a soft bed after playing with magic until I'm exhausted."

"......Such..."

Siegel, still kneeling on the snow, whispered.

"Two. I will no longer serve as the witch who saves the world."

"That's a lie...!! Lord Adelheit is a wonderful person, that can't be true!!"

"No, I've decided that in this life, I will only do what I want to do. The great witch called Adelheit no longer exists."

Noah glanced at Claudia once, as if wanting to say something. But Claudia did not retract her words.

"I will grow up as Claudia Natalia Brightkreuz, newly born into this world. I can't wait to do so."

"......Lord Adelheit"

Claudia wrapped her fingers around the cup to warm them, gazing at the tea inside.

In its surface, the reflection of the eight-year-old Claudia appeared.

"I am not continuing to live as Adelheit. Therefore, I cannot fulfill your wish."

"......No...!!"

"I will make it clear. No matter how many 'vessels for Adelheit' you prepare..."

She made the cup in her hand disappear with magic and looked straight down at Lewis.

"——That is not my wish."

"......!!"

Lewis's eyes widened.

He bowed his head and spoke softly.

"......It must be a mistake."

The cold whisper made Noah frown.

"This reality is a mistake for Lord Adelheit to say such things. ...The traces of Lord Adelheit's attempts to break the curse on each of the women in the tower are also a mistake. Yes, everything is wrong."

Then, Lewis looked up as if he had a sudden realization.

"Perhaps Claudia is worried about rejection after the soul transfer?"

"......You. Did you not listen to the princess's story?"

"Please be reassured, Claudia. It's true that the women in the tower might have rejected Claudia, but that's because of the highest-level barrier magic! !"

Lewis, in an excited state, desperately pleaded to Claudia.

He was convinced that if his explanation was accepted, she would understand. Claudia listened to him and narrowed her eyes calmly.

"It's impossible for my magic to reject Claudia, so don't worry. After all, I have been studying magic for five hundred years to make Lord Adelheit happy...!"

Those words made Claudia recall a distant day.

What Lewis said was true. Siegel had continued to work hard every day, with unwavering dedication.

(......It feels like my left chest is being tightly squeezed)

A long-forgotten emotion welled up, and Claudia pressed her palm to her chest.

(The disciples I had were all important to me)

"I lived for nothing more than Lord Adelheit. I endured for five hundred years, and finally, I met you."

(I wished that each of them would walk the path they desired...)

"I want Claudia to live happily this time. I would do anything for Claudia, I love you...!"

Lewis bowed his head again, cradling it as if he were collapsing.

"So please, don't be cruel, and nod. After all, the reason I infiltrated the royal family and put the women to sleep was all for..."

"Princess! You must not listen to his words any further!"

"......"

Claudia is sad now.

"......It's because of you......"

"——Yes"

Because Claudia had left these disciples behind.