46 - The Time of Reunion is Bitter
For Ray, it had been three days since he last returned to his own room. And three days since he had spent any time alone.
When that happened, whether he liked it or not, the events of the past few days—which could be described as tumultuous—flooded his mind. By involving innocent people from the slums, he felt a sense of emptiness regarding the revenge he was pursuing. His grudge against Princess Ekaterina had vanished completely on the spot.
Once the restraint of that grudge was gone, the feelings for Princess Ekaterina that had been suppressed began to leak out. He felt terribly depressed over his own lack of principles, having felt affection for the very person who was supposed to be the target of his revenge, and once that passed, he sank further into depression at the fact that he had, in the end, hurt Princess Ekaterina as well.
And the relationship with Princess Ekaterina, which he no longer knew how to handle, came to an abrupt end by the King's order.
Without being able to organize his feelings, neither his desire for revenge nor the newly sprouted affection, Ray had lost her.
Ray's only salvation now was that a clear goal had been presented, the Holy Sword Search. He didn't care about the holy sword itself, but the fact that he had something to do brought stability to his heart.
Ray switched his thoughts to the mission and began to consider the necessary preparations.
(I don't have any armor...)
That was the first thing. In reality, there was armor in his Shadow Space. However, not only did the size not fit, but if Ray were to suddenly wear it, people would ask how he had obtained it.
First, he wrote the necessary equipment on a piece of paper.
He hesitated for a moment. He had a sword. He had one, but he felt anxious about whether this sword could cut through the powerful Magic Beasts of the Forest of Bewilderment.
Ray's sword was of the general quality held by the Royal Guard Knights, nothing special. That said, there was no way he would be issued a special sword. He stopped writing "sword" and thought of the next item.
(Camping gear... I want a simple barrier.)
Ray planned to spend his time alone in the Forest of Bewilderment. Although he required less sleep than most people, there was no way he could go days without sleeping like Kamiira, who was of the Vampio race. While it wouldn't work against powerful Magic Beasts, he wanted a barrier with a certain degree of strength.
(I'll make one.)
Ray possessed knowledge of Barrier Magic Circles. It was the one that had protected the cave in the Forest of Bewilderment. Even if he couldn't imbue it with something as powerful as that, he should be able to create something decent.
Ray stood up, took the magic tool materials he had placed on the shelf, and lined them up on the floor.
None of them were of high quality, but Ray couldn't complain. These were items given to him for free when he began learning magic tool production from Julius.
(Which one should I use?)
The shapes of the materials varied, from ornate designs like rings and necklaces to simple cylindrical ones. Each had a magic crystal embedded in it, looking like a gemstone. Magic tools operated using the magical power of these magic crystals.
Among the several options, he chose the material with the largest magic crystal. Provided the quality was the same, the size of the magic crystal was proportional to the amount of magical power that could be imbued. When it came to a barrier, it was only natural to want the effect to last as long as possible.
While gazing at the material in his hand, he imagined the magic circle in his head. The magic circle to be drawn was mostly decided, but he had to consider if it suited the material, and if it didn't, which part he should change and how. It was more like design than imagination.
As expected, it couldn't be exactly the same as the magic circle drawn in the cave. That was a barrier spell cast over a considerable area with significant strength. The magical power consumed was far beyond what the magic crystal in his hand could provide.
Even if he narrowed the range of the barrier, the change in the amount of magical power wasn't that great. If that were the case, he had no choice but to weaken the strength.
Even then, it wasn't enough. He gave up on preventing intrusion and changed the effect of the barrier to concealment and detection. This seemed like it would work, but when it came to detection, he wanted to expand the range.
He repeated this process of trial and error. The reason Ray, who had hardly studied magic, could do this was because he had Kamiira's knowledge.
The magic circle that was eventually completed had an effect entirely different from the original. Still, the basic structure remained the same, so he had only rewritten a few parts. The basic structure, the effects and range formulas incorporated into it, and the balance of the magical power supply, in other words, the material. These were the elements that made up a magic circle, and the basic structure was particularly important in constructing one.
In terms of the amount of basic structures possessed, the Demon Race surpassed the Human Race. To a human mage, Ray's knowledge would be so precious they would crave it with all their might, but Ray himself didn't realize this.
(I'll try it out for now.)
Once the drawing of the magic circle was finished, it was time for the test. He poured his own magical power into the magic crystal to activate the magic circle.
Ray felt the magical power emitted from the magic crystal pass through his own body and spread to the surroundings. The problem, however, came after the deployment was complete.
(...I can't tell if it's working.)
The effects of the magic tool were detection and concealment. Ray himself could not perceive those effects.
He decided to put the verification of the effects aside and proceed to check the duration. That said, all he had to do was wait for the magic tool's magical power to run out.
Of course, there was no way Ray would just sit still. Within the barrier cast by the magic tool, he began listing the necessary items again.
(How to obtain food. This is difficult.)
There were no foods in the Forest of Bewilderment that the Human Race could eat. That was precisely why Ray, who could eat poison fruit, was valuable, but in truth, this was not Ray's true value now.
Currently, Ray could easily carry a significant amount of food. This was by using Shadow Storage, an ability passed down from Kamiira.
The problem, however, was that Ray had no means of obtaining large quantities of food. If he requested it, it would be provided. But he couldn't transport it using Shadow Storage. If he didn't carry it in a visible form, he would be questioned about where he had put it. Of course, he couldn't let the existence of Shadow Storage, a magic unique to the Demon Race, be known.
Secretly obtaining a large amount of food was nearly impossible in the current situation.
(...I'll just have to do my best to carry it on my back where it's visible. Well, fine. It'll be good training.)
Unlike the usual Ray, there was no precision in his planning. This was because he felt no significance in the Holy Sword Search itself. He was simply trying to do it because he was told to. Even though he was not under a Binding, the current Ray was the same as a slave.
(As for things to hide and take... not much. Since it's the Forest of Bewilderment.)
He couldn't afford to be leisurely while moving. He would keep his sleep to the absolute minimum and spend the rest of the time moving. In that case, the only things he could think of as necessary were weapons, food, and magic tools if there were any that were useful.
Once he ran out of things to think about, the next step was to move his body. Ray was about to begin training within the barrier, but...
Sensing a presence, he looked in that direction and froze at the person he saw.
Standing there was Cecil, who was staring intently at the area around Ray. Cecil was looking at him with a puzzled expression. Understanding the meaning of that, Ray deactivated the magic tool casting the barrier.
"...Eh?"
Cecil's eyes widened as Ray suddenly appeared before her.
"...Um, it's been a while."
"Why? Eh? What on earth happened?"
"I was just testing a magic tool."
"A magic tool... could it be a barrier-type one?"
"Ah, yes."
"So..."
Hearing Ray's explanation, Cecil also looked convinced. Now, there was something Ray wanted to ask.
"Did you notice the existence of the barrier?"
"I felt the movement of magical power, somehow."
This was the reason Cecil had been looking toward Ray. She hadn't recognized Ray's form, but she had sensed that magic was acting there.
"I see. In that case, adjustments are necessary."
The effect of the magic tool was not the original defensive barrier, but a concealment barrier. If magical power could be sensed, it wasn't concealment. This difference also needed to be reflected in the magic circle. Although he had the knowledge, Ray lacked experience.
He took the magic tool in his hand and explored the related formulas. However, he couldn't immediately analyze which part of the basic structure corresponded to that.
Ray fell deep into thought while still holding the magic tool.
"Um?"
Cecil called out to him.
"...Yes."
"Kamui-sama, can you make magic tools?"
"I was taught by Julius-sama. But I've only just started."
"I see. Then what is that magic tool for?"
"Concealment and Presence Detection. I made it thinking it would be useful when resting in the forest."
"I see..."
To Cecil, it seemed impossible that this was a magic tool someone could make just after learning. She couldn't believe it, but because it was Kamui, she somehow accepted it. More than that, what concerned Cecil was...
"I think concealment and presence detection have poor compatibility."
"Compatibility?"
"Yes. Concealment is something that cuts off presence. Presence includes light, sound, the breath and scent emitted by a person, and also magical power."
"Magical power too... I see."
"As expected of Kamui-sama. You already understand, don't you? On the other hand, presence detection works by emitting magical power and detecting it when it touches something. The two have opposing mechanisms."
In this area of knowledge, Cecil was superior. In reality, the knowledge existed within Ray's head as well, but because it wasn't fully organized, he couldn't utilize it. It was like having a mountain of parts but not knowing how to assemble them.
"I see. I have to combine them while considering the nature of the magic."
"That's right."
"In other words, in this case, I have to choose one or the other."
"Or make it a combination with good compatibility."
"I guess it'll have to be defensive after all. If I make it so that presence is cut off within the defensive range, I can use them together efficiently."
"...Yes. That's correct."
Once he gained the knowledge to connect one part, the rest followed. In the end, basic study was necessary.
"But if I do that, the magical power consumption will increase. The effect duration will be too short to be useful."
"Is that so. What about that magic crystal?"
"It's one I received from Julius-sama for practice."
"Then... then I will go and get a proper magic crystal."
"Can you do that?"
"That's... that's because I am a member of the Mage Corps."
Without even needing to check Cecil's emotions, Ray knew it was a lie. Magic crystals were precious. He had heard from Julius that not only Ray, but mages as well, used scrap magic crystals for practice.
"Um, you don't have to push yourself."
"I'm not pushing myself."
"But I've heard that magic crystals are precious. That even mages cannot freely obtain high-quality ones."
"...But if I have one, it should help Kamui-sama."
"That's true, but I don't want it to the point of causing trouble for Cecil-san."
"...Then why don't we do this?"
"What is it?"
"Give me something in return. I will obtain the magic crystal for that purpose. This way, it won't be causing trouble. I'll be acting on my own for the sake of a reward."
"No, that's the same thing."
"It's not!"
Cecil denied it with an unusually serious expression. Kamui couldn't grasp Cecil's intention.
"...By the way, what is the return?"
"Let me have Kamui-sama freely."
"...Excuse me?"
With a beaming smile, Cecil said something outrageous. As expected, Ray didn't understand what Cecil was thinking.
"It doesn't have to be for long. Please become mine."
"Um, isn't that just being a slave?"
"I would never do such a despicable thing!"
"...I'm sorry."
"Don't lump me in with that woman."
"That woman..."
There was no doubt this referred to Princess Ekaterina. It was a very disrespectful statement, but Cecil didn't seem to mind and continued talking.
"I will cherish Kamui. I will use the given time to the fullest and love Kamui."
"...Cecil-san?"
"Kamui, love me too. In that time, Kamui will be mine alone, so look only at me, and think only of me."
"...That's absurd."
Kamui was stunned by Cecil's behavior, which even felt like madness. There had only been one contact with Cecil since he became a slave. He thought the effect of Charm had long since vanished, but he could only think that the current Cecil had worsened compared to before.
"I didn't think I'd be able to spend time with Kamui again. I'm so happy."
"Cecil-san."
"But I know that Kamui will leave me again. That's why, until then, I want to keep Kamui as mine alone."
"Cecil-san!"
"...What's wrong? Why such a scary face?"
Ray thought that Cecil, with her plastered-on smile, had a far scarier face, but now was not the time to worry about that.
"Please listen to me."
"What?"
"I... actually, I can use Charm."
"Eh?"
"It might sound like an excuse, but I have no memory of ever using it on Cecil-san. But because we were together for so long, without realizing it, Cecil-san fell under the influence of Charm."
"Lies! That's a lie!"
"It's true!"
"Such a thing... such a thing..."
"I know it's not something that can be forgiven. That's why I'm prepared to accept any punishment."
"Then, become mine."
"I said, that's—!?"
"Don't insult me."
"Insult?"
"Even so, I have enough skill to be called the 'Witch of Freezing.' Even if that's a derogatory term, my skill is recognized."
"That's..."
"There's no way someone like me would fall under a Charm. Don't underestimate the mental strength of a mage."
"But, in reality, Cecil-san is—"
"Why don't you understand? I truly love Kamui. Even though you're much younger and don't think anything of me, I love you."
"...That's-"
"I love you. I can't help this feeling. When I think of Kamui, I feel like I'm going crazy."
"I'm not the kind of person for Cecil-san to feel that way about."
"It's only you. The first and last man I can choose of my own will is Kamui, you."
Once again, Ray stopped understanding what Cecil was saying. Ray thought it was because her feelings had become distorted, as Cecil herself had said, but that wasn't it.
"I'm an adopted daughter."
"...Yes."
"I was originally a commoner, but I had a talent for magic, so I was sold by my parents."
"Eh?"
"I was sold. To a noble who wanted blood with a talent for magic."
"Is such a thing allowed?"
"It's not uncommon. For a low-ranking noble, the way to rise in the kingdom is to produce an excellent mage. You should know this."
"Yes. It's something I learned from Cecil-san."
"Magical talent resides in the blood. Therefore, if you want to create an excellent mage, you just have to let someone with magical talent give birth. This is meant literally."
"...Could it be that 'adopted daughter' is-"
"Yes. In name only. I am a tool for giving birth to children with magical talent. And the worst part is that the noble I was sold to is the lowest of humans."
"What do you mean?"
"It seems it doesn't matter whose child it is. As long as the child carries the blood of their house."
"...That's a lie."
"Now it's my turn. It's true."
"That's absurd..."
"The reason I'm in the Mage Corps now is to acquire the knowledge to teach children. Once I finish the basic studies, I'll return home. After I return, a life no different from a prostitute awaits me. Perhaps being a prostitute is better, since it's done for a living."
"............"
"Do you feel a little sorry for me now?"
"I don't think it's that simple."
It wasn't a problem that could be solved by sympathizing. However, it wasn't a problem that Ray could solve either.
"...As I thought, you are kind. That kindness drives me mad. You don't trust people. You don't try to show your true heart to others. When I first met you, I hated it because it felt like I was looking at myself."
"............"
For Ray, this was something he was acutely aware of. But he hadn't thought that Cecil was the same.
Cecil was able to notice, so why couldn't he? When he had held Cecil, what on earth had he been seeing, and who had he been holding?
"But I was happy that there was someone like me. I became happy thinking that I wasn't the only one suffering through life."
"............"
"It's only you. The only one I can open my heart to. After meeting you, for the first time, I learned how to comfort someone. I learned that by comforting someone, I could be comforted too. I love you. From the bottom of my heart."
"...Cecil-san."
"Kamui..."
After that, it was as Cecil desired. The two of them shared their bodies for the first time in a long while. The next day, and the day after that.
Cecil's desires knew no end, and Ray's daily life until departure became a cycle of only training and sex.