~Chapter 11~
The sound came from Aska, or more precisely, from the brooch on his chest, “Morning Star.”
“Wow, it’s sparkling,” Shiz said cheerfully, unaware of what was happening.
Since I had once dreamed of becoming the owner of the Dawn Tower, I knew exactly what that meant.
The Morning Star was a symbol proving that someone was the owner of the Dawn Tower, and it was also a communication magic tool that allowed direct contact with the Dawn Tower’s owner.
It was Aska’s personal hotline, meaning it only rang when there was an urgent report.
“Speak,” Aska said, and right after, an urgent voice came from the brooch.
“Master, a crack has occurred!”
Hearing this, I thought to myself.
Here it comes.
The area where the report of damage came from was a village to the west of Edelheim, the capital.
Aska stood on a hill some distance away from the village, quietly observing. There didn’t seem to be anything unusual, but maybe he could see something with his magical eyes.
After a while of silence, he turned around.
“Unexpected, Rel. I didn’t think you’d come along.”
“Well…” I struggled to manage my expression.
Would I have wanted to come? If it were a normal incident, I wouldn’t have cared where Aska went.
But I clearly heard the word “crack.” This was something I had to be involved in. I had no choice.
The Magic Association and the Dawn Tower strictly prohibited magic that interfered with the timeline for a reason. The crack was that reason.
When the timeline is distorted, strange phenomena occur as a result. Things like water flowing backward or wind not blowing—impossible events.
These side effects were called cracks.
If the time reversal had been successful and only my consciousness had safely moved back to the past, then maybe things would’ve been fine. But, since my past self, Relshiz, ended up physically crossing over to this world, there was bound to be trouble.
I spilled the water, so I have to clean it up…
Also, I needed to confirm how much Aska knew.
It was already known within the Dawn Tower that a mage had meddled with the timeline. However, Aska didn’t seem to have any suspicion about me.
I guessed that he only confirmed the timeline had been disturbed but couldn’t pinpoint who was responsible.
Maybe.
“What do you think the situation is?”
“Since it’s the early stages of the crack, there aren’t any visible abnormalities yet. But as time goes on, it will worsen.”
“I see. Then we need to solve it quickly…”
“Right.”
“…Do you have any suspects?”
“We’re investigating high-level mages who’ve been expelled from academia. Since it was a large-scale magic, they couldn’t erase all traces. But…”
“But?”
“They must be skilled. No one’s been caught yet. This is becoming a hassle.”
I felt relieved by his response. It seemed like “Relshiz Baltain” wasn’t on the internal investigation list yet.
I scattered the mana and messed up the magic formulas, so.
I wasn’t an idiot. I had erased all traces, so I had no choice but to try forbidden magic. If I hadn’t, I never would have attempted it.
At this rate, even if they continue the investigation, it will be hard to pinpoint me.
While the Association and Dawn Tower were focused on expelled wizards, I could find a way to send Shiz back and protect my life.
I felt a bit better than before. Maybe it was because Aska mentioned that the person behind this had “real skill.”
“Pfft, meddling with the timeline? Some real crazy people out there. The Dawn Tower will be busy for a while.”
“Seems so.”
“Will you be okay?”
At his awkward question, Aska’s gaze shifted to my side.
“Are you okay? What if someone sees?”
I followed his gaze and looked down.
“Hehe.”
Shiz, who had been quietly tucked under my arm, smiled brightly. I squeezed my eyes shut.
“I’ll hide her well…”
That’s right. I had brought Shiz along with me.
I needed to deal with the crack, but leaving Shiz alone while I went off was not an option.
Who knew what trouble this six-year-old might get into alone?
“Where is this? Are we going into that village?”
“Shh, we’re not here to play.”
“Hmph, but I want to play.”
“Be patient.”
I held the excited child in my arms and slowly walked down the hill with Aska. I didn’t forget to cast a recognition-distortion spell on Shiz to avoid being seen.
Multiple layers of magic covered Shiz’s body. Now, to others, she would look like a bag or large piece of luggage.
“Don’t speak once we enter the village, Shiz.”
“Why?”
“The recognition-distortion spell will wear off. If your bag talks, people will stare at it because it’s strange. Something like that.”
“Recognition… whatever is that?”
Ah, maybe it’s hard for her to understand.
I thought for a moment and then explained in a different way.
“From now on, you’re a bag. If you act like a bag until we finish today, I’ll buy you some sweet candy on our way home. How does that sound?”
“Candy? Okay. I’ll do it!”
Right after, Shiz hugged me around the neck like a backpack. Her breath was careful, and she seemed to be doing her best.
I wasn’t sure how long this cooperation would last, but I desperately hoped I could resolve the crack.
“Rel.”
Suddenly, Aska called my name. His serious expression made me tense up.
Please don’t ask about Shiz’s dad!
I hadn’t even prepared what to say yet!
“…What?”
“It’s nothing, just curious why you came with me.”
Aska slowed his pace a bit.
“You don’t like me, right?”
I was taken aback, speechless. He said it like it wasn’t even a question.
The reason I followed him was simply to fix the mistake I made.
But I couldn’t exactly say that.
“It’s because you turned a blind eye to my secret. Oh, and you made sure Shiz had food today. I thought I should repay you while I had the chance. Haha.”
“You once said you didn’t want any help from me, even if I saved your life. You said you hated me that much.”
“Haha, did I really say that…?”
I couldn’t argue and awkwardly laughed, but Aska furrowed his brows.
“…I did.”
“Huh?”
“If you’re thinking that I would expose your personal life, you don’t need to worry. Like I said before, I’m not that bad.”
“….”
“I mean, don’t worry. At least not about me.”
I stopped walking in surprise.
“Uh, okay, thanks?”
“Why does your thank you sound like a question?”
“Because… it’s weird?”
At my response, Aska chuckled and walked ahead. I felt really strange.
Aska had promised not to reveal Shiz’s secret, but I didn’t fully believe him.
I thought he would definitely tell the Duke and Duchess. Nobles always care about their honor.
‘A wizard, who was sponsored by the Duke of Willovis since childhood, suddenly has a child? If they wanted to cause trouble, they could easily use this against the Duke’s family.’
If Aska had been thinking about his family, he would have had no hesitation in revealing the truth.
No, given how often we clash, he’d probably want to embarrass me just out of spite.
But the Aska in front of me said he would keep the secret. And he was sincere, without any intention to deceive or tease.
I had no idea where this unexpected kindness came from in such a sociopath.
For whatever reason, this is a good thing.
Yeah, it was definitely a good thing…
‘But it makes me anxious!’
What are you hiding, Aska Willovis?
While I was panicking inside, Aska didn’t seem to care much.
He acted like it wasn’t a big deal, even though he had a hold on my weakness. On one hand, I was relieved, but on the other hand, my pride was hurt.
Now I get it. He still doesn’t see me as a rival.
When I thought about it, it had always been like that.
While I had desperately tried to beat Aska throughout the semester, he didn’t put much effort into his studies.
His mana sense was excellent, and his speed in learning magic was much faster than everyone else’s. It was like he’d been blessed from the moment he was born.
But me…
I glanced down at my chest.
Shiz, who was curled up in my arms, was looking around excitedly.
She had been inside the mansion all day, and now that we were outside, she was full of energy. But she was still covering her mouth with her hands, trying to act like a bag.
