“Ancient magic…”
Lasilia slowly recalled Decan’s words. There were very few records of ancient magic in dell’Arta. Perhaps the only one whose records remain is the Eliadan Empire, which has the longest history on the continent.
“Yes. For now, that’s the closest answer.”
Decan’s explanation continued. The basis of magic was to use a specific power that existed in nature, not that of humans. Modern magic refers to that power as mana. The magic circle was used to move mana. However, it is said that ancient magic used powers other than mana. The beginning was to summon power using Jin, but the nature of the power was said to be different. I didn’t know that the power that comes across dimensions could also work on humans, unlike mana.
“Then… I guess the culprit has been determined.”
It would be the Knights of Saint Malik. Yvette told her the other day that they reverenced ancient magic and were trying to restore it.
“It’s still just speculation. I can only guess that ancient magic was used, but there is no clear evidence.”
“Besides, since they will become Holy Knights and receive the protection of the temple, I won’t be able to touch them hastily.”
“What you said is correct.”
The conversation stopped for a moment. It was clear that the Knights of St. Malik were targeting the imperial family. Ominous thoughts continued to ripple through my mind.
‘I was trying to take off my clothes. That means… Was it to check the mark?’
Marquis Parshad, who knew the mark was disappearing, was connected to the temple. It was said that the Marchioness had not taken a single step from the Marquis’ residence since then, but she could not be sure that the secret had not leaked out.
‘For revealing that I am a fake. What are you going to do next?’
Until now, Lasilia thought that she was the only one who would be in danger if her true identity was revealed. She believed that it would be a better outcome for the emperor because he would eventually be able to find a true companion.
‘But if the temple tries to use it somehow… Can’t it just be good?’
Once people will know the secret of the blue moon. When the blue moon arrives, the emperor will mutate into a demon, and it will also be revealed that there is no device to control it. It was dangerous even for the Emperor.
‘The best thing is to quickly find a real companion.’
Then the risk remained entirely hers.
“Phee…”
Fifi called out with concern, as a shadow appeared on Lasilia’s face as she continued her thoughts.
“Ah… Nothing. It’s fine.”
Pipi wasn’t the only one watching Lasilia’s reaction.
“So, I would like to ask Her Majesty the Empress one thing.”
“What?”
Decan looked intently at Lasilia. And she did not know what power her shaman’s gaze held. But she also knew that she must not let down her guard. Decan tried to find traces of her witchcraft on my body. None of the Shadow Knights trusted the Empress, who had deceived the Emperor for four years. Just like the Knights of St. Malik, they will try to find out the Empress’s secrets if they get the chance.
“Your Majesty, how on earth did you destroy ancient magic?”
“…?”
* * *
It may be a maid with no power, but it was a power that even Serven, her superior knight, was helpless against. Becoming a knight was not just about swordsmanship skills. From the moment he held the sword, his mind and spirit were also bound to be forged through the countless hours spent training his body. It wasn’t a strength that could be broken just by screaming. But Serven said that the moment the Empress shouted for him to listen to her, he was free from her bondage. Her first maid, Princess Shryden, said something similar. She said that the Empress’s voice seemed to break her thoughts, telling her to take her hands off my body. She came to her senses after that. The two people said the same thing. It was the Empress’s voice that broke the power that bound the mind. She couldn’t help but think that the Empress had special powers.
“…it is not so.”
Lasilia thought for a moment before shaking her head.
“Even if it was ancient magic, it wouldn’t have been at full power. Isn’t the imperial tailor neither a wizard nor a paladin?”
“The purpose is to complete a spell, spell, or spell. There is no such thing as magic or incantation that disappears midway if its purpose is not fulfilled. Unless it is destroyed by a greater power.”
“Can we say that the Knights of St. Malik have completely restored ancient magic? The order may have been incomplete from the beginning.”
“So, does Her Majesty believe that you had no part in the return of the two to their senses?”
“I think that’s right. “I am not a shaman, nor am I a wizard.”
Although it has the power of a prophet, it only makes one dream.
“But aren’t you under the protection of the Phoenix? The original companion was a shaman, and there are records showing that he possessed many other abilities.”
“Phoenix?”
“That bird you are holding right now.”
“Beep!”
Pipi nodded her head vigorously.
“Ah…”
The bird that sparked fire in the dream seemed to be a phoenix. There was now no doubt that Pipi would be like that bird when she grew up. But he had to pretend he didn’t know that.
Because he couldn’t pretend to be a real pet.
“Why… Do you think so? Pipi is just a little bird.”
“Did you never know?”
Decan seemed quite surprised when he asked this question.
“You could tell right away that it was different from other birds.”
“…I did not know. I thought it was just a bird that follows people well. I still can’t believe that Fifi is a phoenix. Pipi can’t even create a flame.”
“Beep! Beep beep! Phi pip!”
Pipi fluttered around Lasilia, saying it couldn’t be like that. The way he opened his mouth and pretended to spit out something seemed like he was trying to create a firework. But nothing happened. In the end, Pipi said she was tired and lay down on Lasilia’s palm.
“Look. It’s just a small bird.”
“…Time will tell. Okay, now that the questions are over, I’ll leave.”
Decan’s gray eyes were as clear and calm as water. It felt like those eyes were looking into my lies like water. Lasilia stroked her skin, hiding her anxiety.
“Phee…”
The temperature in her palm was warm. She seemed to melt away my anxiety. She had to leave quickly. Before you get used to this temperature.
* * *
Lescal had a very busy day. He received real-time reports from the Silver Shields, grasped the movements of the temple and the snake heads, and devoted all his attention to tracking down the evil of this incident. It was very late when he returned to the Empress’ palace.
Tuk…
Lasilia was not asleep until that time. So she was about to knock on the door when she heard a small sound.
‘I guess he’s the Emperor.’
The very small sound that was heard gave rise to many guesses. The Emperor must have been in a lot of trouble at the door. Maybe I was trying to knock on the door without thinking and was surprised by what happened. It could have been that I didn’t realize it was this late and then realized it too late.
“…”
Lasilia pondered, then got up and opened the bedroom door. Strangely enough, she felt like he would continue to stand there for a long time.
“Ah… Did I wake you up?”
That thought was correct. The Emperor did not go to the next room, but stayed where he was.
“No. I couldn’t sleep… What brings you here?”
“I’m going to give you this.”
“…?”
Lasilia looked at the teacup in the Emperor’s hand. It was a teacup with a lid, and I had only ever seen teacups with teapots or refreshments, so it was a bit strange to see a teacup in the Emperor’s hand.
“What is this?”
“Because you found this.”
“Me?”
Apparently, she didn’t remember anything like that.
“I heard it from the maid.”
“Ah…”
Then there was only one. What the Emperor brought was probably ginger juice. But she found it strange that it was a teacup and not a glass.
“It seems the princess was mistaken. She said you don’t like ginger juice.”
“Ah,”
Lescal let out a short groan.
“They say you should eat this for colds… It was definitely like that…”
The expression on his face was so perplexed and empty that it almost made her feel uncomfortable.
‘Why does this person keep making me feel bad?’
Lasilia swallowed her short sigh and shook her head once.
“Give it to me.”
Lescal’s expression changed in an instant.
“Are you going to drink it?”
“If only a little.”
He hurriedly opened the lid. Steam was rising. Now she saw that both hands were tightly wrapped around the teacup. It seemed like he was trying to keep it from cooling down.
“I told them to make it delicious. Ginger has no taste.”
“Is that so?”
So the scent and appearance were different from the ginger juice that Plota used to make.
“Tell me if it doesn’t taste good.”
The golden eye sparkled in this direction. I couldn’t pretend not to see the anticipation in her eyes.
“…”
After swallowing dry saliva once, Lasilia took a sip of warm ginger juice, or rather, ginger tea.
“Ah…”
It tasted completely different. It was warm and soft. And it was sweet. The spicy ginger flavor remained, but it didn’t bother me as it blended well with the nutty flavor of the ground peanuts. It was sweet, but the sourness lingered in the back and left my mouth feeling refreshed.
“It’s… delicious.”
As Lasilia answered, Lescal let out a long breath.
“Thank god.”
Lasilia was taking another sip without realizing it. The thought of Plotta’s ginger juice, which was cold and spicy, didn’t even make an eye roll.
“Can’t I let off some steam with this?”
Lescal waited for Lasilia to finish her tea before speaking slowly.
“Am I mad?”
“You were angry. Because of what I told Decan.”
Actually, she forgot all about the anger. It wasn’t something to be angry about in the first place.
“…Isn’t this something to be angry about?”
Lasilia deliberately spoke her words coldly to conceal her lies. Lescal’s shoulder line went down.
“I know. So I want to do anything. What should I do to appease your anger?”
She was fine with doing nothing. It was really okay for her not to be this affectionate. She was sorry she couldn’t say that.
“I want you to drink some more of this.”
So Lasilia returned the empty teacup to him.
“Just like now, with what His Majesty brings. Don’t make someone else do it.”
She thought he would be annoyed or embarrassed then. But Lescal unexpectedly smiled.
“Is that okay?”
“That doesn’t mean I’ve let go of my anger.”
“I know. But it means that you liked what I brought.”
“…”
While Lasilia was at a loss for what she wanted to say, Lescal pressed his lips to her ear.
“So thank you.”
He turned around holding an empty glass. He didn’t forget to say this before turning around.
“Wait. I will come back quickly.”
“…”
Lescal started running silently. It was so strange to watch him disappear as quickly as she said.
—————————————————————
Translator Note:
Hello there! This is RJR. I hope you liked it <3
If you like my work please support me with Ko-fi or Patreon. Next post will be released on December, 10.
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