92 - Let Your Story Begin
――The mansion used by the Fanbayle royal family.
In a room lent to them, Novem is nursing Riel by his side.
Riel, who is asleep, has had his wounds erased by healing magic.
However, perhaps because he had exhausted his physical strength and his magical power was low, he has yet to wake up.
Beside Riel, Monica had entered sleep mode to suppress the consumption of magical power. Monica, who was sleeping while standing, had been reluctant to let Novem nurse Riel.
But it was also a fact that there was no one more capable of using healing magic than Novem, and Monica was operating on Riel's magical power.
Since she was in a situation where she could not provide care herself, she prioritized Riel's recovery.
Clara enters the room.
"I've recovered the luggage from the inn. According to Miranda-san, it seems we are being watched."
Aria and Eva are also resting since they were injured.
Novem directed a smile toward Clara.
"I see. Thank you. Please get some rest as well, Clara-san."
Clara looked at Novem.
Rather than suspecting her, she was worried.
"You've been nursing him since yesterday, haven't you? You need to rest too, Novem-san."
Shaking her head, Novem looked at Riel.
"I don't know when Riel-sama will wake up."
Clara looked back and forth between Riel and Novem, and finally turned her gaze toward Monica.
And she still seemed unable to believe the battle with Celes.
"When I heard that Monica-san and Aria-san lost, I looked at Riel-san's younger sister and thought it was only natural that they lost... Novem-san, were you actually able to fight that person and win?"
Clara likely remembered how Novem and Celes had negotiated as if they were equals.
Is Novem strong enough that Celes would be wary of her?
She must have thought so.
But in reality, it was different.
"No, even if I fought, I would have lost."
Clara said this while looking at Monica.
"Even Riel-san couldn't lay a finger on her. Moreover, even Monica-san couldn't leave a single scratch. I can't believe such a person actually existed."
Novem explained to Clara.
"Long ago, Celes-sama was also an ordinary girl. She was a bit timid, hiding in Riel-sama's shadow..."
That was nearly seven years ago.
(By the time I noticed, it was already too late.)
Novem had thought many times that if she had been able to stop it...
But because she couldn't stop it, Novem was able to become engaged to Riel.
(How ironic. That it's thanks to Septem.)
The Foxuz family, a baronial house, is a lineage that has supported House Walt since ancient times.
Even after the head of House Walt two generations ago raised the Foxuz family to the rank of baron, that relationship continued.
Novem, the second daughter of the Foxuz family, had also visited the Walt mansion many times.
Even after her engagement to Riel was decided, she continued to visit House Walt frequently.
(The previous head noticed it too. That's why the treasure of House Walt was passed down to Riel-sama... As expected, the one who should inherit House Walt is Riel-sama.)
No matter how excellent Celes was, with that personality, she could absolutely never maintain House Walt.
That was something the Foxuz family, who had lived alongside House Walt, could not accept.
"...Was it Celes-san? I can't believe it. She even felt divine. Was she always like that?"
Novem gave Clara a wry smile.
"I don't know how to put it. But... perhaps the time has come to tell the truth. I intended to tell you much later."
Saying so, Novem touched Riel's cheek with her hand.
――Inside the Jewel Orb.
'It's not my fault! After all, I only understood the nature of the Jewel Orb because Riel became the user and awakened it! At the stage where my wife held it, I only thought of it as a "yellow ball"!'
The Seventh Generation was desperately making excuses under the accusing gazes of the four others.
Considering Novem's story and the incident with Celes, dissatisfaction with the Seventh Generation was inevitably mounting.
Everyone understood that the Seventh Generation was not responsible.
Normally, stealing and destroying assets brought in by a spouse would be unforgivable.
If it weren't for this situation, the Seventh Generation would likely have been blamed for it instead.
The Third Generation blamed the Seventh Generation, even though he knew it couldn't be helped.
'It's difficult to notice that the orb held by Zenoa... a descendant of Agrissa... was a Jewel Orb similar to ours. But if it was being kept carefully, he should have asked the reason.'
The Seventh Generation countered.
'Are you saying I should have noticed that not only skills, but emotions and memories were recorded, unlike us? Even if I bear part of the responsibility for how things turned out, such a thing was unpredictable. Besides, Zenoa likely thought it was just something managed by a daughter of the clan...'
The Fourth Generation summarized the information so far.
'So the Seventh Generation's wife didn't know either, is that it? And Celes caused this... I'm curious as to why Celes has the Jewel Orb, but let's talk about something more constructive. We've already nagged the Seventh Generation enough.'
The Seventh Generation clenched his fist and slammed it onto the round table.
'To spend time on such things knowing full well... you monsters!'
The Sixth Generation spoke with a grim expression.
Everyone listened intently.
'In terms of results, Riel's judgment was correct. If he had fled, he would have been caught. In the worst case, if he fled... Riel might have run to a place with few people to avoid involving Novem and the others.'
The Third Generation nodded.
'In that case, he would have died. It's not a matter of lacking strength or anything like that. That thing is on a different dimension. Even among the people here, I wonder how far we could have fought in our prime...'
Everyone present appeared to be around thirty years old.
Their forms from their prime.
And the Seventh Generation voiced the feelings of these successive heads of House Walt.
'It's impossible. We could put up some resistance, but winning is impossible.'
The Sixth Generation followed the Seventh Generation.
'Riel's action of challenging such an enemy is not praiseworthy, but...'
Following the Sixth Generation was the Fourth Generation.
'In the end, it was correct. Well, he has luck. Riel possesses that kind of luck.'
The Fifth Generation added.
'Still, it's not enough. Riel probably can't beat Celes.'
The Third Generation as well.
'He probably can't win... as he is now.'
Everyone's opinion was unanimous――.
――At the Fanbayle mansion, Novem was surrounded by everyone.
It was the evening of the second day since the battle with Celes.
Whether Riel had recovered or not, Monica was also active.
The injured Aria had also come to the room, and Miranda had brought Shannon along.
Clara was fidgeting in the awkward atmosphere.
"...Is there something you want to ask?"
The one who asked the question on behalf of everyone was Miranda.
She had been wary of Novem for some time, and likely decided to press her after this incident.
Miranda, prepared for the party to disband, looked once at Riel lying on the bed.
And then――.
"That's right. What I want to hear is about your relationship with that sister of Riel's. Also, I've found it unnatural for a while now. Why do you keep us by Riel's side? You're even encouraging it, aren't you? Normally, it's the opposite."
What Miranda found strange was Novem's behavior.
She could understand that Novem cherished Riel, and that she was loved in return.
Despite that, Novem was even trying to expand Riel's harem.
Normally, she would be in a position to refuse the intervention of others.
Novem had a troubled expression.
Then, she explained slowly.
"...My family is a house that has continued to support Riel-sama's family. This relationship has continued for over two hundred years, and some even say we swear loyalty to House Walt more than to the royal family."
Miranda knew about that story too.
House Walt was a family that had continued to grow, for better or worse.
The connection with the vassal group was strong, and it was a rare house that had helped each other through long-standing ties even with baronial houses.
Normally, nobles have many disputes with their neighbors.
The Foxuz family, who followed House Walt without blood relations or interest-based relations, was an anomaly among nobles.
If they had wanted to, the Foxuz family could have taken over House Walt many times.
The Foxuz family existed as if House Walt were their own royal family.
"I understand because I looked into it. Besides, since it was famous, I was able to find out immediately. So, why are you following Riel instead of Celes?"
Miranda was wary of Novem and had a dagger equipped at her waist.
(Celes, whom even Riel couldn't beat, was wary of Novem... I thought she was hiding her strength, but I can't believe it's to that extent. I wonder what's going on.)
If she trusted her own eyes, Novem was hiding her strength.
However, if asked if she was a monster like Celes, Miranda didn't think so.
"...I suppose the answer 'former fiancée' wouldn't be satisfying."
Novem straightened her posture, intending to tell everything.
"As you all have seen, the current Celes-sama is abnormal. Moreover, she makes even those around her do as she wishes. Just like the former Agrissa."
Clara explained to those who didn't understand.
She was mainly looking at Aria.
"She is a queen who was feared over three hundred years ago as a beauty who brought ruin to nations, a witch. She is the person who collapsed the country that existed before Vanseim by charming those around her with her beauty."
Aria's gaze wavered.
"I-I think I've heard of that..."
Miranda put her hand to her forehead.
(She definitely didn't know.)
While exasperated, she listened to Novem's explanation.
"...Both Riel-sama and Celes-sama carry that person's blood."
Everyone except Monica was surprised.
Exasperated, Monica said.
"There are bound to be blood relatives. Why are you so surprised? I've heard that nobles are those who left behind the belief that blood that can use magic is precious."
Aria talked back to Monica.
"Blood relatives of an evil person would be exterminated! That means House Walt is the one that survived and made a name for itself in the frontier!"
Novem shook her head.
"The person the previous head took as his wife carried the blood of Agrissa. Incidentally, she was the daughter of a house that led the rebellion at the time. She was from a marquess house."
Shannon was gaping, her mouth opening and closing in agitation.
At this point, Miranda really started to think that Celes might be a reincarnation of that Agrissa.
That was how abnormal the current Central was.
"Is Celes a reincarnation of that Agrissa? Are you trying to say she became like that because she's a blood relative?"
Novem denied that as well.
"It has nothing to do with that. The problem lies in the yellow orb Celes-sama possessed."
Everyone's gaze turned toward the blue orb placed near Riel. Only Aria was looking at her own red orb.
"From the moment she held that orb, Celes-sama changed. I noticed that and negotiated with Celes-sama. To not lay a hand on Riel-sama."
Clara said to Novem.
"You were actually able to negotiate?"
"...I think her power was still weak at that time."
(She's hiding something.)
Miranda thought so by intuition, but Novem continued her story.
"I have been watching over Riel-sama since then. And when I learned he had been kicked out of House Walt, I immediately decided to follow... I know that Riel-sama does not desire a harem. I know that he wants to escape from Vanseim."
Then why――.
To Miranda, who was about to say that, Novem apologized to everyone.
"I feel sorry for that. However, if there is anyone who can stop Celes-sama... I believed it would be Riel-sama."
In other words, Novem――.
"Therefore, for the sake of Riel-sama, who might stand up one day, I decided to prioritize gathering women who could resist Celes-sama. Because men are easily charmed by Celes-sama, who is of the opposite sex."
――She had gathered them as pawns for Riel to use in fighting Celes.
Upon learning this, Aria left the room.
Clara followed Aria and left the room.
Miranda also left the room, taking Shannon with her.
Novem watched this in silence.
"Let's go, Shannon."
"Eh, but..."
Shannon looked at Riel, but Miranda forcibly led her out of the room.
Once outside, at the corner of the hallway, they could see a woman with light pink hair hurriedly escaping, but they decided to stay silent――.
When I woke up, I was inside the Jewel Orb.
"...Since I'm here, I can assume I'm alive, right?"
Around me were the figures of the ancestors sitting in chairs surrounding the round table, and I tried to ask to find out what the current situation was, but――.
'Riel.'
The Third Generation was looking at me with a serious voice.
The others were also completely serious, unlike their usual attitudes.
I replied.
"Yes?"
'There are probably many things you want to ask, and things you want to say, Riel. But let us start with our conclusion.'
Whether he had summarized everyone's opinion, I decided to listen to the ancestors' views.
The Third Generation declared.
'I want you to escape from Vanseim as quickly as possible. You must never involve yourself with Celes again. Nor with House Walt.'
I gasped at those words.
The Fourth Generation, and the Sixth and Seventh Generations, had told me they wanted me to inherit the territory.
The Third and Fifth Generations had said it was up to me.
Those five were now telling me to just run, regardless of the territory.
The Fourth Generation continued.
'The further the better. Crossing the sea would be good. You should live quietly there with the people who follow you. It's okay, if you pioneer and become a lord, we can give you advice. The Third Generation is good at those things, and I'll teach you various ways to earn money.'
The Fifth Generation added.
'Since the period of trial and error will be reduced, you can create a stable foundation in ten to twenty years. Well, it depends on the location, but you can just avoid the bad spots.'
The Sixth Generation also nodded.
'Re-establish House Walt in a distant foreign land. As a man, try doing at least that much.'
The Seventh Generation said.
'There will be the policies and ways of that country, but it's not impossible to become a lord again. To gain strength, why not organize a renowned mercenary group and enter official service? If you use our skills, you'll become famous in no time. Becoming a baron in your generation isn't even a dream!'
Triggered by the Seventh Generation encouraging me with a smile, the surrounding area became lively with talk of my future.
The Third Generation said.
'If you conquer about five labyrinths, you'd be first-class as an adventurer, wouldn't you? Conquer ten, and let's get some territory in a stable country.'
The Fourth Generation said.
'Wouldn't a country that's a bit friction-filled with its surroundings be good? Since they desire military power, there's a possibility Riel could become a noble on favorable terms.'
The Fifth Generation said.
'You'll get tired of nothing but war. Rather, wouldn't a place where internal administrative skills are questioned be better? I can give advice if it's a certain scale.'
The Sixth Generation said.
'In those places, natives are valued, and here, a country with some amount of war...'
The Seventh Generation said.
'I hope there's a suitable country where we can contribute to victory with our power. If there's a shortage of manpower and few administrators, you'll be relied upon by the higher-ups just like that. Contribute moderately to victory, and then be active in administration... Don't worry, with this many people, it's fully possible.'
Facing the ancestors who were laughing together, I looked down and apologized.
"I'm sorry... I can't do that."
Then, the surroundings became silent. Not a trace of the friendly atmosphere from before remained, and everyone was looking at me with serious expressions.
The Third Generation opened his mouth.
'What do you mean by that? You're not saying you'll fight Celes, are you?'
"I will fight. I will fight Celes."
I looked straight at the Third Generation.
However, the ancestors seemed to be opposed.
The Third Generation began to persuade me.
'Riel, you were kicked out of House Walt. Rather, you could call this good luck. Moreover, based on the flow of the conversation, it's not just House Walt this time. The opponent will be the country... Vanseim.'
The Fourth Generation adjusted the position of his glasses with his index finger. As the glasses glinted, he explained my current situation.
'Even if you can use more skills than others, Riel, you lack manpower. And that's on a national scale. Novem, Aria, Miranda, Shannon, Clara, Monica... do you think you can beat Vanseim with just this? An individual or a small group cannot beat a country.'
I shook my head.
"I can't. I believe I understand that."
The Fifth Generation said.
'Riel, that's not called fighting. It's just a suicidal act. Is it revenge because Celes defiled something important? I'll tell you clearly, your choice is wrong. Everyone will laugh, saying you're a fool!'
Even so, I shook my head.
"Even so, I will fight Celes. I've realized it. At this rate, Celes won't stop. Thousands, tens of thousands, maybe millions of people will die."
The Sixth Generation corrected my opinion.
'You're wrong. It'll be in the tens of millions. She'll do that much. And Celes has time. That many sacrifices will likely occur.'
Hearing that, I looked up.
I had never seen the ceiling inside the Jewel Orb until now.
The ceiling, like the round table, had a large blue round stone embedded in the center. The ceiling was high, and twenty-three small blue gems were arranged around it.
They were likely the number of skills.
The part with only two must be my skills.
"I have feelings of wanting revenge on Celes, and feelings of wanting to be recognized by my parents. But more than that... if left alone, many lives will be at her mercy..."
The Seventh Generation cut off my opinion coldly, unlike his usual self.
'Don't misunderstand. Only the scale becomes larger, wars will happen even if Celes doesn't cause them, and in fact, they are happening somewhere. Atrocities are occurring in various places. It's only a matter of whether they were caused by Celes or not, and the difference in scale.'
The Fourth Generation looked at me with exasperation.
'Idealism is all well and good. But listen, say that after you've become able to protect the important people around you. You're just able to use skills and are slightly more excellent than others. Can Riel, who was protected by Novem-chan and the others, protect other people?'
I heard everyone's words, but I still felt that I had to do something about Celes myself.
I understood that this was the thinking of a child who couldn't see reality.
Even so――.
"If I run away here, House Walt will be passed down as evil for all eternity."
The Third Generation laughed through his nose.
'So what? That's fine. Did we ask you to stop Celes? To be clear, as long as Riel survives, the bloodline continues. That's enough for us.'
"Everything that has been built up... will all go to waste!"
The Fourth Generation said flatly.
'You're too obsessed with the past. Why not just start from scratch? The First Generation wasn't obsessed either, right? Live in the present rather than the past. Live in the present rather than the future.'
"You're telling me to leave everything? To abandon the people who will be killed by Celes without any crime, and for me to lead a happy life? I'm not that thick-skinned!"
The Fifth Generation said.
'Who do you think you are. Who told you to take responsibility? Responsibility is something held by those who have gained rights. In other words... the current head of House Walt and the King of Vanseim should hold it, you have no right to shoulder it. Do you know the word 'conceit'?'
"You were the ones who hoped I would inherit the territory, ancestors. Are you changing direction now?"
The Sixth Generation glared at me.
'That's right. That thing is too dangerous. It's the correct judgment, isn't it? Everyone here has judged that Riel cannot win.'
"...What is a 'correct judgment'? Is my thinking wrong? Is stopping Celes such a bad thing!"
To me, who was almost shouting, the Seventh Generation said.
'It's correct. So correct it makes me want to vomit. Then, do as you please. From now on, we will provide no advice or cooperation whatsoever. We aren't such softies that we'd bother with someone who wants to die.'
The successive heads who had lived as lords had each protected and developed their territories in their own ways.
They must understand far better than I that one cannot survive on idealism alone.
"...I am ignorant of the world."
The Third Generation nodded.
'That's right. And a fool to boot.'
"I couldn't even beat Celes."
'I wonder if there's actually any human who can beat her.'
"If Novem hadn't been there, I wouldn't have made it this far."
'It seems that Novem-chan was also thinking various things behind the scenes, you know? Do you still believe in her? Maybe she had a connection with Celes. No, even while doing this, she might have been enjoying reporting Riel's current situation to Celes.'
"...Shut up."
'What was that? What did you just say to us?'
The low, threatening voice carried an anger similar to when the aloof Third Generation had punched a king away.
I felt an unpleasant sweat run down my spine, but――.
【Don't lose】 【Do your best】
――I remembered the words of the First and Second Generations.
(What about skills? What about being weak? I already know that! But if I don't stand up here, will I live my whole life trembling in Celes's shadow? Even though those people recognized me, you want me to lead a life like that... Don't screw with me!)
"...Don't screw with me."
'Huh?'
The Third Generation and the successive heads around me cast gazes that made me tremble.
They were fierce warriors who had gone through more battlefields and made more decisions than I ever could.
To the successive heads, a brat like me, who is fifteen――almost sixteen, must be nothing more than an ignorant child.
I know.
I know, but.
"I said don't screw with me! Who cares! You won't lend a hand? You won't give advice? Skills are no good? Do whatever you want! The skills of the First and Second Generations are already mine! My application skill [Connection] has also manifested! You won't help? So what! I'll decide, and I'll execute it! Watch from inside the Jewel Orb, I will definitely see it through... Whether you oppose me or reject me, I've already decided. I will fight Celes!"
Hearing my words, the Third Generation scratched his head.
Then, the Fourth Generation took off his glasses and began polishing the lenses. The Fifth Generation looked at the ceiling and put his hand to his forehead. The Sixth Generation let out a deep sigh. The Seventh Generation was pressing his eyes with his fingers.
Representing everyone, the Third Generation stood up and clapped.
'You pass. Of course, all future actions will be Riel's responsibility. We will give advice. We will cooperate more than ever before.'
"...What does that mean?"
The Fourth Generation, putting his glasses back on, explained quietly.
'Don't be so angry. We were just testing you a bit. Besides, it's not that we don't have anxieties. We have no experience with a war against a country. Moreover, the current Vanseim is a great power.'
The Third Generation laughed while looking at me.
'From here on, we are in a realm we have never experienced. The enemies are the House Walt we made so large and the Kingdom of Vanseim... In contrast, Riel has a little money and fewer than ten companions. Just getting into a position to fight from here would take decades using orthodox methods.'
The Fifth Generation said.
'We can't spend that much time. Truly... even after death, big worries keep coming one after another. But that's fine. You are a man of House Walt too.'
The Sixth Generation laughed.
'That's right! Riel, you'll be fighting a battle that the successive heads have never experienced. It'll be fun! The enemies are powerful, Celes is a monster... just challenging them is a feat!'
The Seventh Generation was slightly teary-eyed.
'I shall lend my strength as well. If there is anyone who can stop Celes, it must surely be you. Do not yield to others. Let House Walt... no, let it be by your own hand that you stop Celes.'
While I stood there blankly, the successive heads stood up.
Looking at me, the Third Generation spread his arms wide.
'Now, let us begin our――no, Riel's battle. The time has come to begin your own story, not that of House Walt or us.'