kscans

Chapter 163 - The Hourglass of Life and the Little One

"You can talk to Chihaya, you know?"

"No way. I'd rather not be pitied or looked at with compassionate eyes."

After confirming that Chihaya, who had become half-crazed upon hearing that Katsumi would be living with them, had stormed upstairs to the second floor of the count's mansion with a tremendous clatter, Katsumi patted the Little One's head.

"But he really dotes on you. I just hope this doesn't cause any resentment later on."

"I'll figure something out. I have to... I heard about it, so why did I forget?"

She had been so caught up in the affairs of the gods that it had completely slipped her mind. Katsumi understood that. Remembering the look on the Little One's face when she recalled the truth and came flying over on Pochiko-san, Katsumi gave a thin, self-deprecating smile.

"Katsumi! Are you okay?!"

The girl had arrived with a look of panic, abducted Katsumi without a word, and brought him straight back to Frontier. And that brought them to the present.

Chihiro was biting her nails and jiggling her leg. Katsumi gently took her hands and enveloped them in his own.

"You knew this was coming, didn't you?"

"But! ...But still!"

The Little One sobbed, uh, uh.

It had been over ten years since they met when she was Fatima. For Katsumi, who had arrived in Arcadia a few years before that, a merciless time limit existed. Those who were transferred from another world were granted a new life by the logic of the gods. This life was set to last about twenty years. That meant Katsumi had only a few years left. Three, maybe four. That was all. It could even be shorter.

"I came to Arcadia with my eyes open. On Earth, my life could have ended the next day, you know? But I was given a new life, did whatever I wanted, and the time just flew by... It was a good life."

"Nooo!"

The Little One clung to the accepting Katsumi.

"I won't let you die! There might be a way! The bet is over!"

That was right, Arcadia had won the gods' grand wager. The harvest of the miniature garden was finished. Surely, it would be all right for Katsumi to keep living.

Katsumi held the Little One, who was rubbing her head against him, and frowned with a complex, indescribable expression.

...I don't want to die. Not when I'd be leaving behind a little sister like this.

For Katsumi, who was now all alone in the world, the twins were like his own younger brother and sister. Chihiro, in particular, was a unique, irreplaceable existence who shared his worldly values.

If he died, who would Chihiro rely on? Who would she complain to, who would she consult?

If it was just talking, she had plenty of people around her. But there was no one who could truly understand her heart and her way of thinking. Only Katsumi could empathize with the Little One's ideas, which were based on her modern knowledge from Earth, and worry alongside her. An ineffable emotion swelled in Katsumi's chest. Anxiety, fear, regret. All of it was directed toward the Little One.

I thought I was prepared... I was, but...

The warmth in his arms was unbearably precious. Now, of all times, he felt his knees about to shake violently.

Just a little longer... at least until Chihiro marries someone she can rely on. Can't you let me stay with her? Please, God.

The gods had said around twenty years. That meant it could be shorter, but it could also be longer.

How much longer can I live?

Looking up at the heavens as if in prayer, Katsumi unconsciously tightened his arms. Feeling that gentle pressure, the Little One's eyes snapped open. The emerald green of her irises burned with an anger so intense it seemed to evaporate the blurring tears.

I will absolutely find a way. Katsumi has to be rewarded. He must be rewarded! I won't let you kill him, Chaos! Abyss!

A golden magic, like a murderous intent, rose from her like a heat haze. Katsumi, who could only use basic life magic from his baptism, didn't notice it. The ones who did were Chihaya, who was sulking in his room upstairs, and Dorfen, who was standing guard outside the living room door.

"...Hero?"

".........."

Chihaya had a strange expression as he sensed the mysterious magic mixed with various conflicts, while Dorfen, perhaps having guessed the situation, wore a look of slight anguish.

The logic of the gods cannot be overturned.

The selection of souls was the domain of the gods, but judgment was carried out by the Higher Beings. In other words, if the Higher Beings determined that the act was excessive, Katsumi's soul would be cast out of the cycle of reincarnation and annihilated, just like the boy god of old. The twenty-year time limit was the absolute edge of that taboo. If they crossed it, even the gods would be powerless.

It was an act of extending a person's lifespan and distorting their life. His was a soul that had not even been purified. That alone went against the logic of the gods, and granting him a new life was, fundamentally, outrageous. But the Higher Beings loved the gods. Therefore, they would turn a blind eye to a certain extent. That was the twenty years in question. To the Higher Beings, it was but the blink of an eye. They would literally close their eyes for just a moment.

Looking down at the embracing Katsumi and Chihiro, Chaos and Abyss also twisted their faces in anguish.

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The Little One had been dragged into the gods' problems and made to suffer greatly. As she was destined to become an O-saki in her next life, she had been removed from the human cycle of reincarnation. Her soul was already on par with the gods. That was why she was permitted to continue her life and retain her memories.

This did not apply to the mere mortal Katsumi.

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Abyss tilted his head curiously.

At his words, Chaos looked up with a start.

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As if waking from a dream, Chaos shook his head.

To the gods, all souls were the same. Creatures, plants, even minerals were all equal. They were all beloved parts of the world. To properly turn the world, to circulate and nurture prayers. The world, growing little by little, was unbearably dear to them.

And into that world, a special being was born. An O-saki.

For countless years, countless ages, they had cried out for their O-saki. The happiness of having her in their grasp. Perhaps that was why. Chaos had a tendency to become emotionally invested in those she was involved with.

When she weeps, I cannot remain calm. This will not do. I must be impartial to all.

Smiling at the self-reproaching Abyss, Chaos averted his gaze from the two mortals below. But Abyss did not miss the wistful, reluctant look in his eyes.

What could it be that tugged so strongly at Chaos's heart?

Abyss pondered this for a moment, but he quickly lost interest and, along with Chaos, shifted his gaze to other countries. They must not incur the wrath of the Higher Beings. They absolutely must not do anything that would cause them to lose the O-saki they had finally obtained. The two of them were thinking similar things, as if reminding themselves, but they had forgotten one thing.

They had forgotten that the Little One was the Little One, and a truly selfish person at that.

The girl who had, in the past, judo-thrown every impossibility onto the side of possibility, now charged forward, following her instincts.

"What's a little cold! Let's go! To the water magic circulation device!"

The season was about to turn to winter. Even though Frontier was located in the south, the temperature was certainly not suitable for a dip in the water.

"Can't it wait until spring?"

The Little One, who had come to Romel's office to discuss the pilgrimage, shook her head vigorously from side to side.

"There's no time. That's why I'm leaving the Little One Squad behind this time. Just the Mononoke Squad. And Katsumi."

At the Little One's dismissive words, those around her reacted excessively.

"You will not! Unworthy as I am, this Dorfen will not leave the side of the Orb of Light, no matter what you say!"

Dorfen deliberately called her the Orb of Light instead of Chihiro, and the Little One's eyebrows shot up. The Orb of Light was the reverent title for the Golden King. Since the Little One herself kept it hidden from those around her, no one used that name. By deliberately calling her the Orb of Light, Dorfen was sounding a warning to Chihiro. Do not treat your own worth so lightly.

The Little One glared up at Dorfen resentfully. He returned her gaze without flinching, his face stern. Romel looked at the hostile pair with exasperation and sighed.

"I understand the situation. But I cannot give you permission."

"I don't need it. I just came to report it, that's all. I'll do as I please."

Leaving behind a dumbfounded Romel, the Little One took Katsumi and left the office. A will of iron. Dorfen hurriedly chased after the Little One, who was proceeding without listening to anyone's words.

What in the world just happened?

Lacking the details, Romel broke into a cold sweat and ordered his covert ops to gather as much information as possible.

"Have you heard anything?"

The agent hiding in the curtains shook his head slightly.

"The young lady is sharp, we cannot get within a five-meter radius of her. Furthermore, for some reason, espionage magic using wind or water does not work on her."

Espionage magic could be used even from a distance. It used the vibrations of wind or water to pick up or project sounds from afar, but it was completely useless near the Little One. She wasn't consciously doing it, but as she possessed all forms of magic, she nullified all spells.

Those around her were unaware of this. Previously, Chihaya had lamented that he couldn't pick up the voices around Chihiro even with his cuff, and this was the reason. The power of the cuffs, a gift from the gods, was the power of the gods themselves. Since the source of the Little One's magic was her golden magic, the power of the cuffs was also nullified and rendered useless.

And so, a few days passed, and by the time the Little One had finished her preparations for the pilgrimage.

Chihiro's eyes widened at the sight of the members of the Little One Squad lined up before her.

"I believe I told you I was going alone this time?"

Lucas took a step forward before the scowling girl.

"We cannot allow it. We are the guards assigned to Her Highness the Princess by His Majesty the King. It is our duty to accompany Her Highness wherever she may be."

His usual joking demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Lucas declared this with the dignified face of a knight. Uris stepped forward to stand beside him.

"We understand that this pilgrimage does not have the palace's permission. Normally, we should stop you... but while we may have the authority to do so, we do not have the ability."

The Mononoke Squad, standing as if to block the knights, fixed them with a fierce gaze. The buzzing of the honeybees alone was a threat, and now the children of each of the Lords of the Forest were gathered. No army could defeat them. Uris gave a wry smile and broke into a cold sweat, then looked at the Little One with gentle eyes.

"Please, at least take us brothers with you. As we excel at long-range support, we will not be a hindrance."

Lucas and Uris were the top archer knights in the order. Being twins, their coordinated archery combination was enough to impress even Commander Harold. Uris, in particular, had been soundly defeated by the Little One before and had staked his life on redeeming that disgrace. They would not back down, no matter what. Figuring that two of them would be fine, the Little One was about to nod reluctantly when the other knights raised a loud chorus of boos.

"Hey, wait, wait! You guys are cheating!"

"Don't try to get ahead just because you're archer knights! We were all supposed to petition her together!"

"...Do you think I'd throw away a chance to go with her for you guys? People are selfish, you know."

The other knights grabbed Lucas and Uris by the collars, their eyes welling with tears. As they yapped like puppies, was it just an illusion that one could see drooping, wet dog ears and tails?

People are selfish. He's right about that.

The Little One looked up at the weeping knights with amusement and laughed cheerfully.

"You got me! Can't be helped, let's all go together."

However, the girl did not forget to issue a warning to the knights, whose faces were now beaming.

"But this isn't an official pilgrimage. We're not going to the forests, just to the magic circulation device. And since we don't have permission from the palace, you might not get paid, you know?"

The Little One Squad was, after all, part of the Knight Order. Without the palace's permission, they couldn't submit expense requests. In a way, their actions could be considered insubordination. In Arcadia, which was still in a medieval era, such a thing was unheard of within the Frontier Knight Order, which was unusually organized with professional soldiers.

Though they flinched for a moment at the Little One's words, the knights of the Little One Squad all showed an unwavering, resolute light in their eyes.

"We are aware."

"We are not worried about that."

"Our master is wealthy, and besides..."

Lucas looked at the Little One with the same mischievous glint he always had. No, his gaze passed over the Little One and fixed on something behind her. When Chihiro turned around, her eyes fell upon Commander Harold and Romel, who was accompanied by an attendant. From any angle, they were clearly dressed for travel.

"You're going to the water magic circulation device, aren't you? I'm going too."

A stunned Little One and a beaming Romel. And a soulless Harold.

"The Crown Prince's wedding is at New Year's... It's less than a month away..."

"It's fine. I've finished the work that needed to be done. My subordinates can handle the rest... I promised them a special bonus if they manage it."

"Please don't bribe them! Goodness, you haven't changed a bit since you were a child, just learned a few sly, cunning tricks for getting by!"

Romel batted away Harold's tirade with a flick of his hand and grinned broadly.

"Even as you say such things, I thank you for your loyalty in coming with me."

"It is a strict order from His Majesty. To never let you out of my sight."

Harold looked as if he was chewing on a thousand bitter bugs.

According to what Harold told him later, Romel had nearly died several times during his previous excursions outside the central district.

"He climbed the Table of the Gods and fell, he trespassed alone into a place called the forbidden zone and was chased by the guards, he wandered away from his carriage while camping in the wilderness and got lost... I, who was but a single knight at the time, prepared for death many times."

Back then, Harold was nothing more than Romel's personal guard. Dorfen, who could more than sympathize with his hardship, stared intently at the Little One.

Even though it was Romel's story, the Little One felt inexplicably uneasy.

"His Majesty, upon receiving the report, begged me with tears in his eyes. To never leave Prince Romel's side. To not let him die. Ever since then, even after becoming the Commander of the Knight Order, I am still Lord Romel's personal guard."

Ah, the Little One understood with a sense of finality.

She had wondered about it for a while. Why Harold, the head of the Royal Knight Order, was always by Romel's side. He was likely assigned there solely as a guard and a stopper, to prevent Romel from running wild and getting into danger.

I heard he was mischievous in his youth, but just how mischievous was he?

Harold, who had lived with Romel since before he could even hold a sword properly, was more than a real brother to him. He was the only person who could speak his mind to this cunning Royal Brother from the bottom up. Perhaps remembering all the trouble he had caused, Romel's sharp wit and glib tongue, which could talk circles around anyone, always lost their edge with Harold.

"My brother only said not to let me die. A leg or an arm should be fine, right?"

"It is not fine!"

Harold slammed his fist on the table with a dan, and the Little One and her friends recoiled with a yelp. Even Chihaya's eyes went wide at seeing the Knight Commander's fury for the first time.

"The trouble is that you genuinely believe that. If you were told to offer up an arm to obtain a spirit, you would do so without a second thought, wouldn't you?"

".........."

A rare sight indeed, Romel averting his gaze.

"I am by your side to prevent that from happening!"

Uwah... I can totally imagine that.

The Little One couldn't help but grimace, but she didn't notice. Every member of the Little One Squad who heard Harold's words was looking at the Little One with the same fierce gaze as Harold.

Misery loves company.

Harold let out a small sigh of relief at the members of the Little One Squad, who had surely understood his words correctly.

That's right, the young countess is the same kind of creature as His Highness the Royal Brother. Just as curiosity killed the cat, if you let your guard down, she could be lost in an instant. You'd do well to remember that.

With their own complex thoughts in their hearts, the Honeybee Carriage flew south. Their destination was the ruins of Kilfan. The Four Great Spirit Kings had said that the Lord of the Forest of the Table of the Gods was there.

Why in such a distant place?

All sorts of questions floated through the Little One's mind, but seeing is believing. She would understand once she got there.

Little did she know that all the answers were there.

Chihiro was now about to step into a secret principle of the world, one unknown even to the gods.