Chapter 202 - Sixth Story: Cait Sith
Since we had achieved our quota, the Headmistress decided to participate.
Six Jaegers were also with her.
While we had the chance, we decided to hold a memorial service for the Orc corpses with the Headmistress.
Unfortunately, we couldn't dig graves, so it couldn't be helped.
It was sad to leave them exposed, but the operation was still ongoing. We would have to bear with it.
Since the oak tree position had been scorched black, we decided to move to a spot behind the swamp.
The Headmistress set up a barrier and cast Magic Reflection for us, allowing us to attack unilaterally.
"Hey, Fiona. Want to try using a scroll?"
While observing the situation at the former oak tree position, the Headmistress suggested.
"Let's skip Holy Magic for now, but I have several elemental magic scrolls. If you secretly attack from above with Glacio, you can wipe them all out. However, if there are any flying enemies, run away."
Until now, just before battle, I had put Flora in my bosom and had her keep watch from the sky.
This time, she would be on the offensive. Since our defense was perfect, and she was eager, we decided to let her do it.
The third wave started with Wyverns flying in. The ground forces were only Orcs and Ogres.
Unfortunately, Fiona couldn't be deployed, and we ended up just attacking the Wyverns, who aggressively attacked with their claws, with Amplified Holy while protected by the barrier. The Orcs fled after we defeated four Wyverns.
Next, the fourth wave arrived. Sixty Orcs, five Cyclops, two Fenrirs, and a bipedal black cat wearing clothes and a hat appeared.
"What a troublesome one has appeared. I didn't know it was here."
The Headmistress clicked her tongue.
"What is that?"
It had a sword at its waist and was wearing shoes.
"It's a Cait Sith. This barrier won't work against it."
"Did such a powerful monster come?"
If the Headmistress's barrier didn't work, wouldn't that mean no one's would?
"That's not a monster. It's a cat spirit. However, it works as a mercenary, so it seems to have been hired by the Demon Lord's army."
"A cat spirit?"
Are there such things? If it's a mercenary, does that mean it knows everything and is on the Demon Lord's side?
The cat walked briskly towards us.
"Greetings, everyone. Truly, a magnificent display of combat. I am deeply impressed."
It began to speak human language fluently.
"It seems you are entrenched in a barrier, focusing on defense. However, that will not resolve anything. This swamp you are protecting is also precious water to us. If you would be so kind, how about we settle this with a duel over this land?"
The cat said that the losing side, along with their unit, should withdraw.
There were no special conditions, and it said that during the duel, those around them should not interfere.
"Can we trust it?"
"Spirits are particular about contracts. They will keep their promises."
The cat urged, "Well, well?"
"What about the Jaegers' stance?"
"We have no particular attachment to the swamp. However, yielding this land might hinder future operations."
"The swamp is just an excuse. It just wants to break through here. If we retreat, the flank of the adjacent unit will be exposed. We could withdraw, but wouldn't it be bad if we didn't inform the commander of the adjacent unit?"
"Indeed. In that case, we cannot easily yield. If Bishop Catherine approves, we will accept this duel."
A Jaeger reached for the sword on his back.
"That won't do. This is for these children's training. Besides, it won't take a life. Cait Siths don't have a hobby of killing humans. They just want to challenge and win."
After thinking for a while, the Headmistress called Fiona.
"Fiona. Your opponent should have a white silver sword, but can you dodge it?"
"Yes. If it's a weapon I'm aware of, I'll be fine."
"It's quite fast. You might not be able to follow it with your eyes."
"It's fine even if I can't follow it. If I know it's there, it won't hit me."
"Then, could I ask you to do it? You don't have to win, just don't lose. Let's set a time limit and aim for a draw. There won't be any problem if both sides withdraw."
"Understood. I'll do my best."
This turned into an unexpected development. Fiona, wearing Green Marble, had Bonnie carve a tree branch for her weapon. Its length was about the same as my Knight's Staff, like a long dagger.
"Jeanne. You come too. Bring Flora's basket."
"Eh? Ah, yes."
For some reason, I was made to participate.
With Flora's basket hanging, I walked towards the cat with the Headmistress and Fiona. In the meantime, one of the Jaegers went to inform the adjacent unit that we might retreat.
When the Headmistress stood before the cat, the cat performed a knight's bow.
"I accept. However, there will be a time limit. Half an hour. Weapons are free, and the match is decided the moment one hits the opponent's body."
"Very well. And who shall be my opponent?"
"This child."
"My name is Fiona. It's a pleasure to meet you."
We exchanged greetings. The cat performed a knight's bow.
"You are a ghost."
"Yes. For certain reasons, I am temporarily permitted to remain in this world."
"My sword is white silver. A hit anywhere on the body could be fatal, but you don't mind?"
When it said it wouldn't hold back, Fiona chuckled.
"If it hits, that is. Conversely, if this wooden stick hits you, it's my victory."
The cat crossed its arms, thought for a moment, and then replied, "Very well."
"Shall we begin then? Will this Jeanne be acceptable as the witness?"
Eh? I wasn't told about this. First of all, I don't know what a duel witness is supposed to do.
I tugged on the Headmistress's sleeve, and she said, "It's alright."
"An Alraune, how rare. Hello there."
Ignoring our convenience, the cat performed a knight's bow to Flora, who had emerged from the flower.
"Hello, Cait Sith. Say, are there no Alraunes in this forest?"
"Hmm. I have not seen any. However, what I know of this forest is but a very small part. There might be some somewhere."
"If you meet any, please tell them hello. And that the ancient way of life might be returning."
"...Indeed. I shall convey it."
This time, it performed a knight's bow towards me.
Having no choice, I extended my right hand.
The cat took my hand and lightly kissed my ring.
"I apologize for my rudeness, but would you be so kind as to show me your left hand?"
I showed it as requested.
"Hmm, you are blessed by the protection of a Water Spirit and a Wind Spirit... Very well. Jeanne-dono, was it? I recognize you as the sole and unique witness to this duel."
Uh, what am I supposed to do...?
I looked at the Headmistress, and she met my gaze directly.
"Witness it. And observe and remember their conduct well. That is all you need to do."
"Y-yes."
I replied without thinking.
"Then, let us begin. Fiona, are you ready?"
The cat drew its sword. It was white silver. And quite thin.
"Yes. Fiona. I'm coming."
Fiona stepped forward with her left foot, slightly turning her body. She spread her arms wide, holding the wooden stick in her right hand in a reverse grip, positioned in front of her chest. The tip of the wooden stick pointed diagonally downward to Fiona's right. Her left hand was lightly open, palm facing her right fist. Her expression vanished. Her face was stark white.
The cat stepped forward with its right foot, thrusting its sword-holding right hand forward, elbow slightly bent. Its left hand was behind its waist. It was a one-handed sword.
Both sides circled to the right by half a step, gradually closing the distance.
The cat lunged several times, slashing with its sword. Each time, Fiona disappeared for an instant and reappeared slightly behind. Fiona dodged the cat's offensive. After several repetitions, they temporarily broke off.
The distance closed again. Fiona's figure blurred as she stepped forward halfway. In an instant, the cat took a large step forward with its right foot, as if sinking its hips, and simultaneously thrust its right hand straight out. Its left leg was stretched straight. The cat's target was her left shoulder. Fiona, disappearing, reappeared above the cat's head, upside down, and pressed the wooden stick straight against the cat's back, aligning her left hand with her right fist. —This is what the Headmistress taught me.
The cat sheathed its sword and bowed to me.
"I lost. I was easily caught by Fiona's feint."
Fiona appeared before me. Her complexion had returned to normal, but her forehead was sweating.
"That was dangerous. If I hadn't left an afterimage, I don't know what would have happened."
She said that while dodging alone wouldn't have been a problem, because she went for a serious win, there was a possibility of her being defeated. She does dangerous things.
The momentary blur was an afterimage, and she had already moved behind him at that time.
The cat said it thought she had disappeared, but its body reacted to the blur of the afterimage. Since ordinary ghosts probably don't duel, it must have been its first match.
"Fiona-dono. That was splendid. You seem to be a proper noble lady. Such admirable resolve. It was an honor to meet you. And please forgive me for inadvertently crossing swords with you."
Kneeling on one knee, the cat kissed the back of Fiona's outstretched right hand.
Standing up, it turned to face me.
I didn't know what to do, but the Headmistress helped me.
"We won. So, you'll withdraw, correct?"
"Yes. I will keep my promise. I will withdraw as is, and I will not allow other units to interfere with this land. We will give up on that swamp."
"Is the swamp that important?"
"No. It's a landmark. What was important was winning on this land."
It smiled. As expected of a cat. Its eyes became like slits.
"Jeanne-dono. As a token of our acquaintance, I offer you this. Would you please accept it?"
It took off a ring and offered it to me. It was a Stone of the Cat Spirit. It said that wearing it would increase the speed of one's movements.
I looked at the Headmistress, and she told me to take it.
I thanked it and gratefully accepted.
"The ring will adjust its size automatically. However, you seem to have quite a few rings. I think it would be better to remove the stone and reshape it, just like that Stone of the Female Flower Spirit and the Stone of the Tree Spirit."
It had noticed the amulet inside my clothes.
"But why me...?"
Fiona was the one who dueled.
"Perhaps you already know the answer?"
Ah, that's right, Mel told me. Is it because it's not its original form...?
"In return, I give it to you."
Since I had the chance, I decided to ask a question I'd had for a long time. Even Eleanor-sama, the Headmistress, and the spirits didn't know.
"Um, the Stone of the Tree Spirit, I received it from someone who has already passed away, but what kind of effect does it have?"
"Ah, you don't know? Longevity. You can live much longer than normal humans."
The cat, saying, "Then, if you'll excuse me," started to leave.
"Um, excuse me. I have one more request."
"What is it?"
"The Orc corpses are exposed, and I've run out of magic, so I can't bury them. Is there anything that can be done?"
Hmm, it put a hand to its chin and tilted its head. Perhaps the customs differed between humans and monsters.
"Very well. I will dig the holes and have the monsters bury them."
It immediately dug holes, and the Orcs, stripped of their armor and weapons from the corpses, threw them in, and then covered them with soil.
During that time, Flora was talking to the Fenrirs about something, but both of them shook their heads. I heard later that she had asked about Alraune sightings and they said they didn't know.
Together with the Headmistress, we held another memorial service.
The cat, who had stayed until the end, bowed and then led the monsters away.
After seeing the cat off, we returned to our position.
Everyone asked, "What happened?" so the Headmistress simply said, "We won," and a commotion ensued.
We didn't have to fight anymore today.
Bonnie shot two signal flares.
This was to inform the adjacent unit that we would not retreat.
After that, I was bombarded with questions, but I left the details of the duel to the Headmistress.
"What's an afterimage like?"
When Mary asked, Fiona blurred, saying, "Like this."
"Mary, over here."
When Mary turned around, Fiona was behind her. The afterimage simultaneously disappeared.
"So, you were already behind me?"
"That's right. Think of the movement as something like Teleport. In exchange, you blur, but you can leave a visible figure."
"What do you mean?"
"It's an application of 'you see what you perceive.' You see me because you think I'm there, and you don't see me if you don't think I'm there."
Everyone tilted their heads.
Conversely, if you thought she was behind you, you would see her. During the duel, if the Cait Sith had believed she was behind it and swung its sword backward, it might have hit her.
I don't really understand, but I guess that's how it is.
I looked at the ring I had received again.
It was a round, honey-colored stone with a white line in the middle. The center of the line was slightly swollen compared to the ends.
It said it would make my body move faster.
I decided to try it out.
When I ran, I was faster than Will.
I climbed a tree, and I was faster than Bonnie.
I was given a wooden stick and swung it, pushing Beowulf back.
"That's amazing. I couldn't have defended without my shield."
I was even challenged by the Jaegers, but I was completely out of breath after the second person.
Perhaps my stamina decreases.
"Where did you get that?"
Beatrix asked, and I explained.
"Hmph. How many is that now?"
"This is the fifth spirit stone, I think."
"Since your escape speed has also increased, you're definitely a decoy now."
"But my stamina might decrease."
"You're no different from your usual self. Don't blame the stone."
Everyone laughed at me.
"All that's left is magic defense, huh? Isn't there an Eleanor's Robe for rear-line specialists?"
"Something cool would be nice. If the front-line is black, the rear-line could be red or green. Checks would be good too. With gold embroidery for the emblem."
Beatrix and Mary started designing together.
Isn't that too fast?
However, if it existed, it would be invincible.
We could run through the enemy's magic defense and instantly annihilate them with magic.
"I tried it, but it became too heavy, they said. If the sleeves are heavy, you can't move your arms freely, so they gave up on it."
It seemed that chainmail-clad archers were the limit, not even scouts like Bonnie.
The conclusion was that it was better for heavily armored individuals to act as decoys, and lightly armored individuals to utilize their mobility to deploy.
Sertoria's light infantry were apparently known for their speed in retreating.
"For now, we don't have enough numbers. Beatrix, you're opening a magic tool shop, aren't you? Why don't you try making something?"
Hmm, the future magic tool shop owner frowned and crossed her arms.
She probably only knew of Eleanor's armor as a magic tool capable of deflecting high-level magic.
"Are there monsters that deflect high-level magic?"
"Dragons. Want to go defeat one? If you defeat a second one and make it a double, your name will go down in the island's history."
Since I might live a long life, I'll pass.
We withdrew before sunset and returned to the Jaeger's fort, where Eleanor-sama praised us greatly. In the end, even after deducting the penalty, we had defeated seven D-rank monsters, and moreover, forced the Cait Sith's unit to retreat, successfully maintaining the front line.
"You did very well. Truly splendid. We can now expect you all to perform like a full unit of the Royal Army."
She pounced on Fiona, who was blushing.
Uh, will this be reflected in the next training session?
The Headmistress was grinning.
I decided not to ask for details.
By the way, the Stone of the Tree Spirit apparently has the effect of longevity.
Come to think of it, I heard that the First King lived a very long life, and the Second King was his grandson.
"Um, how old was the First King when he passed away?"
When I explained the situation to Eleanor-sama and asked, she replied, "One hundred years old."
O-one hundred years old?
"He was apparently very hale and hearty, but he passed away at the age of one hundred, suddenly on a day he had foretold."
He foretold his death... Perhaps he removed the stone.
"The Second King is said to be his grandson, but he was actually his biological child. He was born when the First King was over eighty years old."
That's already a spirit...
It seemed that the princes and princesses born in his youth were likely to die before him, so he reluctantly created one for the Second King.
"The law at the time did not permit abdication during one's lifetime, so he remained king. The Second King, following the First King's wishes, revised the law, but was told by those around him that it couldn't apply to the generation currently alive. It was only from the generation of the Fourth King, Henry, who was born before the law change, that abdication during one's lifetime finally became possible."
I see, that's why he abdicated early.
"If the First King's longevity was due to that stone, then Jeanne might also live to be one hundred, or even longer."
I couldn't imagine what it would be like to live to be one hundred, but it would be better than dying early. If I had the chance to go to the Royal Capital, I would have it added to the amulet hanging on my chest, but for now, I decided to wear it as a ring.