Chapter 39

It's about time to write about Noah at the counter.

According to the Roth Empire, the bearer of the mark has yet to awaken their abilities.

For this unveiling, they announced that they would only show the mark to envoys from various countries and wait for the abilities to manifest within the empire afterward.

Other allied nations argued that the treatment of the mark bearer should be discussed.

However, the Roth Empire insisted that the mark bearer wishes to stay in the empire and that forcibly taking them would be inhumane.

Given the unfavorable situation for other countries, the Albion Kingdom cannot strongly object to the empire's statement.

If they were to detain the mark bearer, they would be accused of imprisonment, and it might even lead to war.

The Albion Kingdom, which captured the mark bearer and the princess as hostages, provides the Roth Empire with a justifiable reason to attack.

"During the time in Albus, Noah must have met them, the former knights of Anima Kingdom."

"Yes, I heard from them that finding the mark bearer was one of the purposes of our journey."

My throat tightened.

I inadvertently looked down and answered Uncle's question.

I recalled Sophia, who had been desperately searching for the mark bearer.

I wondered how she felt now, hearing that the mark bearer had been found.

"I don't think there are many mark bearers. They will continue to investigate various places, I suppose. Was it Sophia? The elf girl was part of the party."

I nodded slightly.

"She is the daughter of the forest people's chieftain. I don't know why she is traveling with them. Elves have a high potential to become a mark bearer's companion. If that's true, she would want to meet the mark bearer immediately."

"The companions who appear around the mark bearer. I thought they were just a legend."

In children's stories, the tales of mark bearers defeating evil are popular. The companions fight alongside or assist the hero.

They are also said to be ability users who gain their powers from the mark bearer.

When children gather to play, they usually choose roles like the hero, the companion, the princess, and the villain.

I always thought companions were just an added element to make the hero's tale more interesting.

After all, the most recent mark bearer is from ancient times. Now deified, the legend has grown with many embellishments.

However, from the way Uncle spoke, it seems companions do exist.

"I feel bad for her, but there's no other way. Once the mark bearer's abilities manifest, they will hold another meeting with the allied nations. For now, things have settled down."

"Is that so..."

I couldn't bring myself to say it. The words that I am a mark bearer.

The words that had almost slipped out of my mouth a moment ago sank deep into my stomach.

What would have happened if I had said it?

I can't imagine myself becoming a beacon of hope for people.

Would I stand on the battlefield during the dark times?

The Holy Spirit listens to my requests but won't fight alongside me.

Without the power to fight, what can I do on the front lines?

Carrying the lives of many, and then...?

I'm scared.

Unconsciously, I hugged my own shoulders.

"Noah, are you in pain?"

"Huh, ah, I'm fine."

When I realized, Chris was standing in front of me, looking at me with concern.

What should I do?

I want to live and have things I want to protect. But I can't decide on a way to live so quickly.

"You don't look well. You should rest."

Uncle said this and had the maid prepare the bedroom.

"Uncle, that..."

Uncle placed his hand on my shoulder and patted it comfortingly.

"I don't want to say this, but something like this might happen again. Noah, I know you dislike magic, but it's the quickest way to protect yourself."

Hold on a minute. I never said I dislike magic.

"The late king will assign a tutor for protective magic. Once your injuries heal, you will undergo training to protect yourself."

"Father, that can wait until tomorrow. Noah, are you really okay? Should I call a doctor?"

"...I'm fine. Uncle, I'm sorry, but I want to rest today."

"Ah, I'm sorry for pushing you. Take your time. We'll think about the future together. We're here for you."

"Yes."

Take your time, huh.

Lying on the neatly made, clean sheets, I repeated Uncle's words.

I wanted time to think. How much time do I have left?

As I thought about this, my consciousness sank into sleep.

2015/01/12