313 - Best of Lyell
The Third Generation's Room of Memories.
The territory once ruled by the Walt family stretched out before me. A peaceful landscape unfolded, and I walked through it alongside the Third Generation. The territory at dusk looked beautiful, though it carried a certain loneliness.
Looking over the land, the Third Generation spoke.
『I think places like Beime or the big cities are amazing, sure. In fact, I'd love to live in Alamsars. Spending every day wasting time in a library would probably be like a dream.』
The Third Generation, who loved reading and gave little impression of being The Righteous General, smiled as he walked.
『But even though there's nothing here, I loved this land. Originally, my big brother was supposed to inherit it.』
Dewey Walt, the eldest son of the Second Generation, had been killed by a monster while acting to protect the Third Generation when he was young. Because of that, Slay Walt had inherited the title.
"Do you regret it, Third Generation?"
The Third Generation nodded with a smile.
『I've regretted it countless times. But you know, at one point I realized that not moving forward because of regret would be unfair to Big Brother Dewey. I intended to die of old age, so I planned to do plenty of regretting once I had the free time. But, well, there were too many people doing unnecessary things.』
The Third Generation let out a sigh and looked up at the sky. Clouds floated in the orange sky.
Around us, the villagers who had finished their farm work were heading home.
"It was a wonderful place."
When I said that, the Third Generation looked happy.
『Yeah, it was a wonderful place. The First Generation carved it out, the Second Generation organized it――though there's little I managed to achieve.』
Then, the Third Generation slowly turned back to me.
『When I died in battle, I was so frustrated. I had so many things I needed to teach Marks, and I wanted to see my grandchildren. I wanted to hand over the succession to Marks quickly and become a cheerful former head. Spending my time reading while watching Marks struggle... my perfect plan for retirement was completely ruined.』
He seemed like the type who would actually think such things, yet also the type who had thought of everything, the elusive Third Generation laughed.
『Still, I got to see Marks become a fine man. And I'm glad I got to see the Fifth Generation, that problem-child grandson.』
"A problem child, huh? Well, I can't deny that."
The Fifth Generation, who had faced many hardships, had abandoned himself and resolved to seek revenge. Thanks to that, his family relationships were in tatters. However, if the Third Generation had lived, the result might have been different.
"If the Third Generation had lived, the Fifth Generation might not have struggled so much."
But the Third Generation disagreed.
『I wonder about that? As a result of the Fifth Generation's struggles, the foundation was laid for the Walt family to gain a steadfast group of vassals. Furthermore, they acquired a powerful army and became feared by those around them. If I had been there, I probably would have just glossed over things, and the current Walt family might not exist.』
Listening to the Third Generation's opinion, I tilted my head.
"Is that so? With the Third Generation, the Fourth Generation, and the Fifth Generation... if you were all together, it feels like you could accomplish so many things."
The Third Generation laughed.
『That wouldn't happen. Besides, if I were here, the Fifth Generation would have chosen a different path, and I doubt he would have become as magnificent as he is. Well, his private life might have been happier. Thinking about it that way, I really did something terrible. ...No, it's not my fault! It's that bastard's fault! Damn it, I should have hit him harder. Sigh, I want to hit him again.』
Despite being called The Righteous General, he held a grudge against Banseime. Perhaps this is simply how facts are.
As I followed the Third Generation who started walking again, the surroundings gradually grew dark. Looking up at the sky, stars began to appear here and there.
『The world doesn't always go as planned. If I had been around, the Fifth Generation might not have felt that he had to become strong. The same goes for Marks. He might have remained more of a pampered young master.』
"You're saying they were able to work that hard because the Third Generation wasn't there? That's kind of sad."
『Do you think so? You could also say that's the right way for things to be. Eventually, one must stand on their own. Well, as a parent, you want to spoil them, or there are parts where you just can't help but interfere. From a child's perspective, that can be annoying.』
The Third Generation began to talk about his own thoughts. It was about his relationship with the Second Generation.
『The Second Generation was a magnificent person. But that's only if you're in a position to rule a single village. He called the First Generation barbaric, but for the Second Generation, a knight, to boldly use a bow and a hatchet was, honestly speaking, unpopular with those around him. But given the nature of the land, he couldn't afford to care about that. There was no leeway. Even when leeway appeared, the Second Generation prioritized practicality.』
One couldn't say that was a bad thing. However, there were disadvantages. In aristocratic society, especially when interacting with others, he tended to be looked down upon.
Even so, the Second Generation never let go of his bow.
『If he were here, he might say he chose the bow to protect the First Generation's back. But as the scale of the territory grew, the disadvantages became more significant. That's why I didn't follow the Second Generation's instructions. I took up the sword as a way to appeal that, in my generation, I was properly acting as a noble.』
I crossed my arms and tilted my head.
"Is that how it works? Does that really change your relationships with those around you?"
『Appearances are important. If it were just about practicality, I'd use a bow too. Well, the number of sub-vassal knights and soldiers increased, so the necessity of using a bow disappeared, which was also one of the reasons.』
I wondered why the Third Generation was telling me these things. He often seemed to be doing useless things, but with him, that was rarely the case. Was there some meaning to this?
As I was thinking that...
『...People can change according to the situation. But as you get older, you become stubborn, and it becomes difficult. That's why the change of generations is important. If you keep interfering forever, the next generation won't grow.』
The surrounding scenery grew dark. However, the moonlight was strong, so it wasn't completely dark. The full moon was beautiful.
『Lyell, I have a few hypotheses regarding the Orb.』
The Third Generation, looking up at the moon, began to talk about the Orb.
"Hypotheses?"
『That's right. Well, you can think of it as a delusion. Septem-san, who created the Orb, might not have intended it. But, Riel-kun, you said it, didn't you? Give the body back to Lyell.』
I remembered what Riel had said. He was a mystery until the end, but he told me to give back the body because it was his. In reality, I didn't know if that was even possible.
『I understand remembering the skills of successive heads. In fact, the Orb is for that. But is there a meaning in becoming an Orb and precisely reproducing even our memories? At worst, will wouldn't even be necessary. Just showing the scenes of the skill being used and having it explained would suffice.』
"Now that you mention it, that's true. But if that's the case, the Third Generation's hypothesis is—"
『—I suspect the goal is to remember the memories, the will, and everything from that time, and then seize the owner's body. I think the Orb is a version where that ability has been restricted.』
When I stopped walking, the Third Generation stopped as well.
"If that's the truth, then the reason the successive heads disappear—"
『What the Orb wanted back was the original Lyell. And perhaps it only wanted the inheritance of skills from us. Well, that's assuming the Orb has a will. I think it does, but it's not clear. It doesn't really matter now, though.』
I looked down, then looked up. The Third Generation had a serious expression.
"Then, what about Celes?"
『Agrissa might want Celes's body. Or rather, a vessel? It might be more convenient for them to react more easily to blood relatives.』
When the voice spoke from the Orb, the successive heads had mentioned that they noticed I was a blood relative. I looked at the Third Generation.
"Did the Third Generation—did any of the others ever think about taking over a body?"
『Us? No way. There's nothing left for us to do if we went back out... though I would love to read many of the books of this era. I'd love to just settle into the library of Alamsars and read everything, but I wouldn't go that far. After all, this isn't our era.』
The Third Generation laughed and started walking again. As I hurriedly followed, he seemed to be smiling.
『Still, that Goddess is something else, isn't she?』
"Something else?"
『While calling herself a Goddess, she's just scattered trouble everywhere. The story of Septem-san, for instance—she clearly gave too much, which actually ruined the residents. Agrissa is also of the Septem-san lineage, right? Man, she really did a number on us.』
The Third Generation had absolutely no respect for the Goddess. Well, knowing the facts, I found myself wanting to tilt my head in confusion as well.
Then, the sky gradually began to brighten. As if fitting for a Room of Memories, time didn't seem to matter, and the morning sun was about to rise.
The Third Generation spoke.
『Well, let's pray that my unpleasant prediction doesn't come true. Lyell, if it looks like Celes is about to be taken over by Agrissa, defeat her no matter what before that happens. Though I find it hard to believe Celes would let her body be taken over so easily. Also, if you feel like you're absolutely going to lose—』
I nodded.
"I know. I'll do my best to make sure that doesn't happen. Well, it's my policy not to fight battles I can't win. I'm challenging Celes because I believe I can win."
The Third Generation looked happy, yet also seemed sad.
『That's right. It's foolish to fight a reckless battle. Well, being a fool is fine too. True heroes are usually fools. The First Generation grandfather was probably that type, wasn't he?』
The previous Lyell who defeated Agrissa and was then killed by Banseime—our ancestor. He was indeed that type.
The Third Generation shrugged and let out a sigh.
『Honestly, I wish a hero would appear like in a story. A foolish, strong, and cool hero who defeats the atrocious Celes. If that happened, Lyell could have chosen a much easier path.』
"True. If such a person existed, I'd hand over my current position immediately. I'd devote myself to support, and after the war, I'd cultivate a field in some far-off land with Novem... no, maybe I'll start a village? It's probably devastated."
The Third Generation nodded and agreed with me, saying, "That kind of life sounds nice. There's less responsibility."
Really—I wonder if a hero will appear. I'm sure they would handle things better than I do and save many more people.
『Now then, shall I teach you the skill? Well, it's a skill that's difficult to handle relative to its difficulty level, and yet it can be misused—quite an indescribable skill. The second stage, [Control]—and the third stage, [Dream]. With the current Lyell, you should be able to use them if the conditions are met.』
Looking at the Third Generation's face, I nodded.
Then, as the skill inheritance ended, the sky brightened all at once.
『It's dawn. I'll vanish now, hoping that this becomes a dawn for Lyell as well. ...Ah!』
The Third Generation suddenly shouted, startling me.
"W-what is it all of a sudden? Did you forget something?"
With a serious expression, the Third Generation covered his mouth with his right hand, sweating. He widened his eyes, then looked up at the heavens and covered his face with his right hand.
『How could this be! The Best Riel Award hasn't been decided yet! I have a few nominees. But the selection committee consists only of me... to leave such a regret behind... what a... what a useless man I am!』
Looking at the overly dramatic Third Generation, my shoulders slumped. The blue sky spread out, and the sunlight was warm. Clouds flowed slowly, and the scenery around us was peaceful—even in a scene like this, this man never changed.
Or rather, he definitely decided not to choose on purpose. I could vaguely understand the reason why.
"...You didn't decide on purpose, did you? You felt that now wasn't the time."
『...You figured it out, huh. As expected of the Walt family's prized child, trained by everyone. It seems there's no more need to worry. Well, for my part, too many things have happened, and I believe Lyell is the most fitting for the Best of Lyell. You are the Riel among Riels! Even if opinions were divided on who to choose for the Best Riel Award, this much is decided by unanimous consent!』
He said "You are" with a determined face, but what exactly is a Lyell other than me? Really, this man, until the very end. As I thought that, the Third Generation was smiling.
『Those were the words I wanted to give to Lyell. Try searching for the true meaning behind the words of others a bit more. Oops, it seems the time has truly come. Lyell, do your best with Novem-chan.』
Immediately after, I snapped back.
Before I knew it, I was in the Room of the Round Table.
On the round table, seven silver weapons floated where the chairs once were. The only remaining chair was mine, and behind it was the door that served as the entrance to the memory room.
All the other chairs were gone, and the entrance door had also vanished.
Looking up at the ceiling, a large blue sphere shone, and around it, all twenty-four small blue jewels were emitting light.
All the skills were gathered.
All the weapons were gathered.
However, all the successive heads were gone.
Despite that being all, tears began to fall.
—It became lonely now that everyone was gone. The successive heads who had treated me as a grandfather, as a parent, as a big brother, as a friend, and sometimes as a teacher. Everyone was gone.
Still, if I could believe that they had acknowledged me, I felt happy. Even so, the feeling welling up from my chest was one of sadness.
Even though they were so noisy.
Even though I disliked them so much.
Even though... it was so much fun, it has all ended.
I slowly sat in the chair. No, it was closer to collapsing. I covered my face with both hands, hiding my crying face. From whom? I didn't even know myself.
My memories were stolen by Celes, and in the end, they didn't return. For the current me, the only memories of family-like interactions were those with the successive heads.
They weren't perfect people.
Everyone had problems.
Moreover, they had many flawed parts.
Still, they were reliable. They supported me with their knowledge and skills.
"I have things to think about regarding Novem, and yet I can't think of anything else. Why does my chest hurt this much? I've experienced so many partings until now."
Each time someone vanished, I had gained something. But when there was nothing left to lose, I was very sad.
Then, I remembered the Third Generation's words.
"Those words from the Third Generation—"
The Riel among Riels—wasn't this phrase the Third Generation's own way of encouraging me? The me before my memories were stolen, and the Lyell that the previous head, Novem, clung to. By bundling them all together, he was saying that the real one is me... that the one they acknowledge as the real one is me.
I raised my head and looked at the Third Generation's seat. The elusive Third Generation was no longer there. In his place floated a sword without a blade. When I reached out, the hilt floated toward me.
When I gripped it, a faint blade became visible.
Fitting for the elusive Third Generation, it was a troublesome sword that was invisible and whose length could be adjusted freely. As I gripped it tight, I finally understood what the Third Generation wanted to say. Wiping my tears with my left hand, I let go of the hilt of the sword in my right hand.
"...Please watch over me. I am everyone's prized child. I will... definitely see this through."
I returned my consciousness from within the Orb back to reality.