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Published at 23rd of May 2023 05:35:47 PM


Chapter 64

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Characters in this chapter:

Sapphiras Perfectio, 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge

Percival Belisario, 3rd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier

Matteo, Percival’s horse

Clawis Omnibus Worstitters/Clawis Garcia, Crown Prince of Worstitters

Rivera Hernández, Clawis’ aide/escort

“So how are the phantom beasts doing?”

“……For now, I’ll take you to the square.”

After leaving the souvenirs and Matteo at the castle, and then headed for the square with Clawis and the others. It’s the square where I summoned the phantom beast and had them go on a rampage.

The atmosphere of the place I was led to was a little different from the place I knew. There is something that wasn’t there that day.

“……Could those stone statues be?”

“Oh, yes. Sapphiras’ phantoms beasts.”

In the square there were splendid stone statues of Orthus, Owlbear, Nemean Lion and Cath Palug. They were positioned to protect the north, south, east and west sides of the square, around which children were running around happily.

“……Um, what should I say?”

“The phantom beasts not only helped us to find the rebels in hiding and to catch the thugs who were trying to take advantage of the chaos to do bad things, but they also made good playmates for the children. The people, who at first were afraid of their appearance, gradually warmed up to them and accepted them favourably. Today, they are well-known as the guardian beasts of the royal capital. Even now, the phantom beasts are working with the knights to guard the area around the capital. They are really helpful.”

“……I-I see.”

Indeed, contrary to their appearance, they are very kind. They can handle children with ease. I didn’t think they’d fit in that well.

“Even so, the children took to such terrifying them favourably.”

“Children have much more flexible and honest minds than adults. That’s why they have the power to see through to the true nature of things. Even if they look good, there are plenty of people with lowly hearts.”

After saying that, Rivera narrowed his eyes at the children playing. That might be true.

“I took the liberty of making a statue of Sapphiras’ phantom beasts, but this is the gratitude of the people. Can you forgive them?”

“Forgiveness is nothing, I’m just glad that you’ve accepted them so well.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

Clawis made a relieved expression. Was this the reason for the complicated expression earlier? However, I had no idea that even a stone statue had been made.

“……Speaking of which, what about Cait Sith?”

There is no statue of Cait Sith here. I guess he got tired of exterminating the rebels early on and is just relaxing and doing nothing.

“Ah, he’s known as the Guardian Beast of the Temple.”

“Guardian Beast of the Temple.”

“If you go to the temple, I think you’ll be able to meet Cait Sith-dono.”

I was curious as to why the temple, so I asked to be shown around, and there he was, surrounded by women and children, looking delirious, Cait Sith.

“……Cait Sith, what the hell are you doing?”

“Ah, master. It’s been a long time nya.”

Cait Sith notices me and comes running. It seems he barely forgot that I was his master. The women who had gathered were about to kneel in a panic when they saw His Highness the Crown Prince Clawis, but Clawis stopped them with his hands and shook his head.

“Is Cait Sith helping out properly?”

“I’m doing it nya. My role here is to heal everyone nya. That’s the proof nya.”

When Cait Sith pointed to the temple, there was a cute statue of Cait Sith standing at the entrance. Flowers and brightly coloured ribbons are wrapped around it, perhaps offered by the children.

It is said that Cait Sith is really a comfort to the people who come to the temple. It’s true that he looks cute compared to the other four.

I was thinking that it’s time for the phantom beasts to go back to the world they originally inhabited, but they’re so well-liked, I think people will be sad when they’re gone. There’s no inconvenience on my part, and if the phantom beasts don’t want to go back, I’m fine with it as it is.

“The phantom beasts have become accustomed to this country, so if they don’t want to go back, I’m fine with this.”

“No. If the phantom beasts are here using the magical power of Sapphiras, there’s no way it’s going to stay as it is. However, if they suddenly disappear, the people will be confused. Can you just give us time for the people to say goodbye to the phantom beasts?”

“I don’t mind that, but I’m really okay with it, so it’s fine the way it is?”

“I appreciate it very much, but we can’t keep falling back on the goodwill of Sapphiras. We will have to defend our country ourselves.”

Ah, Clawis and Kingsleigh-san are the same, aren’t they? They’re the kind of people who thinks that even if it’s good, it won’t be good for the country in the long run.

“I’ve been indebted to you all this time, but I don’t know what to say now. However, when I heard Percival’s story, I reflected on it. If he hadn’t told us, we would have remained ignorant of what was going on, and we would have been left to rely on Sapphiras’ help.”

“There is proof in the square and in the temple that the phantom beasts have lent us their power. I’m sure the people will be empowered by that in the future.”

“I see. But don’t hesitate to tell me whenever you need me.”

“If you have any troubles, Sapphiras, please let us know. If there’s anything we can do, please let us help. That said, it doesn’t seem like you’ll have any trouble.”

“Nothing like that. I’ll rely on you without hesitation when I’m in trouble. Thank you.”

Then we also met the four phantoms again. They all seemed to be in good health, so I asked them to work here for a little while longer. Clawis asked me if I wanted to meet His Majesty the King, but I politely declined, saying that he would be busy and that it would have to wait for another time.

Clawis and Rivera are going to take a break from school for a while, but at any rate, I’m glad they’re doing well.

Saying goodbye to the two, Percival and I transferred to the royal capital this time. I left Matteo in the stable and returned to the academy after a long absence. Somehow, I feel nostalgic already. It’s because had I spent many fulfilling day at Vanderwall.

“Thank you for taking care of me for such a long time. I had a lot of fun at Vanderwall! Percival’s family treated me very well.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it……”

Percival’s blue eyes stare down at me.

What’s that? Going with the flow, should it be ‘you must be tired’?

I kind of feel like I can’t relax with the kind of gentle look he gives me, like he gives Matteo.

“Um……?”

What’s going on here? Am I supposed to say something?

“Sapphiras, will you come with me to Vanderwall for the next long holiday too?”

“A-ahh! What, you mean that? Of course, sure. With my transfer, it’ll only take a second!”

Vanderwall is a long way away. But with me, it’s just a jump. I can at least say something like that without hesitation.

“No, it’s not like that.”

“Hmm?”

What? Is it wrong?

“It’s fine to ride Matteo again and enjoy the trip. But this time it will be cold, so you’ll have to be well-prepared for the journey. The next long vacation will be a New Year’s festival, so the city of Oriens will be crowded with people from all over of the country. The stalls will be more crowded than usual and there will be a lot of unusual food.”

The Yor Festival? That sounds like fun. As Fortis, I also enjoyed the Yor Festival in various parts of the country. During the week before the New Year, everyone drinks, makes noise and dances all night long. Even after the New Year, the week afterwards is still festive.

The Yor Festival in Vanderwall, where adventurers gather, is sure to be a lot of fun.

“At the castle, a meat dish using a whole bird is served. Guests are invited to an evening party, but if you don’t want to attend Sapphiras, you don’t have to participate……it might get a bit boring, though, as the season doesn’t allow for long rides and there’s no subjugation.”

I don’t have a particular place to return to during my long vacation. If Percival wants to invite me as a homecoming companion, I’d appreciate it. And Madam Adeline has asked me to come back too.

“As long as it’s not a nuisance to the Belisario family, I’m happy to be invited. And the Yor Festival in Vanderwall sounds like fun too.”

“I see, that’s good. It’s a promise. Let’s go to Vanderwall together on the next long vacation.”

“Yeah, promise!”

I’m looking forward to the next long vacation. I’m anxious for the Yor Festival in Vanderwall and the whole bird meat dish.

Oh……but wait a minute. There’s that thing before the long vacation. That thing called the attainment test. Art is a great enemy that stands in the way of fun.

But, well, even if I fail art, wouldn’t it be nice if I could make up for it in other subjects? I came to the conclusion that even if I failed art, I could cover it with other subjects, and decided to look forward to the long vacation with the Yor Festival without any worries.

melon: sorry for the delay guys~




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