Akatsuki Translations

 

The funeral was held grandly.

 

The death of the current head of the family, and also a priest, was observed. Even the lowest in rank, the 【Nuu】, are sent off with respect as servants of God and contributors to the city. Her body, brought to the temple, was sent to the care of the Sun God Zerudia through the prayers of the designated priest.

 

” Oh, God, thou Almighty, we commend her mortal frame unto thee, that it may find its way back to thy celestial dwelling.” -Temple Maidens

 

The temple maidens line up and sing. A song dedicated to The One True God. A song to send the soul to the Sun, to watch over us from the sky with the One God. And a song to ride the sunlight bestowed from heaven, to return once more to the life of the earth.

 

” Thine radiant beam, cast upon us and life, doth nurture, mend, and bid a gracious welcome.” -Temple Maidens

 

The family offers prayers to the sky. To God, and to their own family. Hoping they will continue to watch over them, illuminating the future that lies ahead.

 

” Hark, O radiant Sun! Thy divine countenance, bestow thy luminous rays upon this earthly realm, transforming the morrow into a resplendent spectacle.” -Temple Maidens

 

The hymn of the maidens comes to an end. The Temple of the Spirits is enveloped in the blessing of Zerudia, the dazzling light of the Sun. In that warmth, the funeral comes to a close.

 

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“Grandmother has been welcomed by the Sun… She seemed so lively still.” -Family Member

 

“Just a while ago, I saw her darting around the engine section of the city. She was incredibly energetic.” -Family Member

 

“I saw it too. She was with her granddaughter, Lynne. Going around poking people, that demon of a grandmother…” -Family Member

 

After the funeral, the relatives gathered once again at the main Leyline house for a meal, which took on the aspect of a banquet.

 

The Leyline family has been part of this city-state since its founding, belonging to the prestigious Lineage of White. Despite their misfortunes, they held official positions. They weren’t subject to the birth restrictions of ordinary citizens. Naturally, over time, the family had grown significantly.

 

Familiar and unfamiliar faces gathered, food ordered from a restaurant was brought in, drinks were shared, old stories blossomed, sorrow was swallowed, accepted, and transformed into memories. It was a ritual. The deceased Rainkami was the head of the Leyline family, and being somewhat of an eccentric character, there was no shortage of topics about her.

 

As acting heads of the family in place of their grandmother, Lynne’s parents, too, had no time to grieve, busying themselves by making appearances here and there, bowing their heads.

 

In the midst of all this, Lynne sat at the end of the tables pushed together, quietly looking down, not exchanging words with anyone.

 

“Lynne, are you okay?” -Loyn

 

“Do you want something to eat? I’ll bring it for you.” -Lenan

 

Considering her state, the second son, Loyn, and the third daughter, Lenan, approached Lynne and spoke to her gently. Lynne’s response was not promising. She looked down and simply replied,

 

“I’m fine.” -Lynne

 

Her siblings were worried about the youngest’s state. When she spoke like this, it meant she was holding back tears. She didn’t show much expression on her face, but she was actually quite passionate.

 

She was the adorable youngest child, but at the same time, she was also the “sacrifice” to their terrifying and strict grandmother.

 

Grandmother Rain was strict and harsh with the family. However, when she designated Lynne as the 【Successor of White, 】 all her strictness became focused on Lynne. Her brother and sisters had repeatedly told their grandmother to be gentler and not to blame Lynne.

 

But deep down, they were also relieved that they were not the targets themselves.

 

Originally, the extremely strict educational policy of their grandmother was the cause of everything, and even so, the brothers and sisters tried to protect and shield Lynne as much as they could. However, they felt a sense of guilt and a pricking of conscience for having ultimately used their sister as a scapegoat.

 

However, Lynne herself, as if unaware of her siblings’ guilt, faced Rain’s guidance, which could even make adults cry, without a word of complaint and simply carried on. The decision for her to enroll in Lautaro and live alone in a dormitory was made between Lynne and Rain.

 

Lynne’s family, despite being her relatives, had aspects they did not fully understand.

 

Of course, it’s arrogant to think that just because they are family, they can understand her. Nevertheless, they couldn’t help but worry. Now that the grandmother had passed away, the brothers, sisters, and parents couldn’t fathom Lynne’s inner thoughts.

 

Nevertheless, they couldn’t just worry about her. The death of the current head of the Leyline was significant. This meeting, gathering all the relatives, was not just for emotional closure. As a renowned family, they had to determine the future course as well.

 

“By the way, about the matter of the head, what shall we do?” -Boron

 

The one who broached the subject was Boron, the head of the Lowsen family, which had branched from Leyline. He was an influential person in the family who had succeeded in creating what was known as a “budget version” of Leyline’s magic and turning it into a business.

 

With the characteristic short stature of the hobbits and a round, ball-like body, he asked while stroking his impressive beard, grown to command respect from other races. Normally, it was a question that needed no confirmation. If the head died without designating a successor, the title would pass to a child, usually the eldest.

 

In this case, it would be Lynne’s father, Durnan.

 

However, this country, and moreover, the “Disciples of White,” was a bit different.

 

The descendants of the Disciples of White, both male and female, utilized the power of the White Witch in the city, gaining and being recognized for their authority as a renowned family. In return, “one obligation” was born.

 

Namely, the duty to never let the “power of white” die out and to continue passing it on.

 

Therefore, the head of one of the “Disciples of White” was someone who inherited that technique from the previous head. And the one who inherited the power from the previous head, Rain, was―

 

“The one who inherited the power from my mother, Rainkami, is Lynne.” -Durnan

 

Durnan reported this with a slight hesitation. Concerned voices leaked out from the relatives gathered around. The reaction was natural. Lynne was among the youngest in the Leyline family gathered here. There were small babies and children not yet ten, so she wasn’t the youngest, but still, she was too young to be entrusted with the role of the head.

 

Although it’s not a rule, it’s common for the head of a family with an official position to become a 【Priest】.

 

The influence a Priest can have in this city is significant. Even those with the least authority are involved in running the state. The benefits and responsibilities are incomparable to those of ordinary citizens. It was definitely not something to be entrusted to a child who doesn’t know right from left.

 

“…………”

 

The girl herself, having been named, remained looking down. The anxiety and unrest around her were natural. Suppressing those, Durnan stepped forward, as if to protect Lynne.

 

“Of course, I will continue to act in her stead until she grows up. I have no intention of suddenly leaving everything to her.” -Durnan

 

Durnan had been acting as a substitute for his ailing grandmother for several years, and after undergoing training, he had connected with the 【Spirit】 and obtained the qualifications as a 【Priest】. Lynne was a child and a student with much to learn. He intended to continue substituting until she could make sound judgments. Being a precision magic tool technician himself, he had his fair share of struggles juggling dual responsibilities, but he was resolved to see it through.

 

“Don’t worry. Uncle Boron. I have no intention of tarnishing the Leyline name.” -Lynne

 

“You’ve always been serious yet stubborn… but still.” -Boron

 

Boron scratched his beard as he let out a small sigh. Whenever he made such a gesture, it was always when he had resolved himself to say something “big.” Durnan braced himself slightly and waited for his words.

 

“…This is just a suggestion, you know? But I think it might be time.” -Boron

 

“What do you mean?” -Durnan

 

Boron was silent for a moment. Then, as if gathering courage, he struck his chest hard and said,

 

“The original magic of the Leyline’s, the 【White King Formation】 that the head of the family inherits, perhaps it’s no longer necessary.” -Boron

 

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“Idiotic…” -Family Member

 

“…Inconceivable…” -Family Member

 

“Disrespectful!!” -Family Member

 

Those words caused more turmoil among those present than the announcement of Lynne as the next family head. There were even voices cursing him without restraint. Boron, perhaps having anticipated this reaction, closed his eyes and waited for the noise to subside.

 

“Please calm down,” Durnan urged, restraining the relatives, and finally the area quieted down.

 

“I understand everyone’s feelings. I am aware that what was said was an insult to our ancestors and to the White Witch.” -Boron

 

“Then why would you say such a thing, Boron! Even you have benefited from the grace of the 【White King Formation】 and achieved such success!!” -Jiren

 

Jiren, a fellow precision magic tool technician like Durnan and also his senior, spoke with barely contained anger. He, who handled the extremely intricate magical engravings, held particular respect for the technique bestowed by the White Witch.

 

“Of course, I understand. The Leylines, our discriminated race, was able to achieve high status so quickly because we were bestowed with that power.” -Boron

 

“Then why—” -Jiren

 

“But, how much does everyone here, present now, truly value the Leyline magic?” -Boron

 

Jiren fell silent at that.

 

The 【White King Formation,】 the Leyline’s magic, inherited from the White Witch. All the magic that currently branches within the Leyline family originates from here. However, none except Lynne, who received direct instruction from the previous family head, her grandmother, inherited its original characteristic as “ultimate magic for attacking.”

 

The reason is clear. It’s “useless.”

 

“After the dungeon appeared and before this city took shape, I heard that our ancestors’ magic contributed greatly. But those times are no more.” -Boron

 

The city-state, protected by the 【Barrier of the Sun, 】was completed, and the White Witch departed. With life becoming peaceful, the Leyline’s particual magic lost its demand. Disparities arose between them and the other disciples with more versatile magic, and ultimately, after losing in a power struggle, they resigned themselves to a lower status. Such is history.

 

The descendants born into the Leyline family focused most of their study on “how to transform the White King Formation.” They couldn’t just discard their identity as “Disciples of White,” yet treating it as is was limited in effectiveness, thus a desperate measure. It was only in recent years that their research bore fruit, and they began achieving success in various fields outside of combat. It had been a long era of hardship for Leyline.

 

“Respect is necessary, isn’t it? But endlessly venerating magic that isn’t used, doesn’t that seem a bit too clumsy? Especially when it costs a great deal of effort and――――sacrifice.” -Boron

 

The word “sacrifice” was spoken by Boron, not directed at anyone in particular. However, many turned their gazes towards Lynne. The harsh training of Rainkami, bordering on abuse, was known to all relatives. Their looks were sympathetic.

 

“Isn’t it just pretty words? Aren’t you, Old Man Boron, just aiming for the position of head of the Lineage of White?” -Trin

 

Then, a young witch, Trin, chimed in. She was one of the witches who had left home to become independent. However, in response to her slightly barbed words, Boron simply shrugged without being fazed.

 

“Of course, I’ve thought of that as well.” -Boron

 

“Wait a minute.” -Trin

 

“It was in my generation that our family’s business succeeded. But even before that, my parents and their predecessors continued to carry out blood-drenched research. I have pride in believing that those efforts are in no way inferior to mastering the 【White King Formation】.” -Boron

 

But still, he could not become the current head of the Lineage of White. Because he had not inherited the 【White King Formation】.

 

Because he hadn’t inherited a magic that was absolutely useless.

 

“It’s hard not to feel the injustice. You must have had your own thoughts too, Trin, when you left home.” -Boron

 

Mmm, Trin groaned and fell silent, as if contemplating.

 

“However, uncle. It’s true that we might have monopolized the position to some extent. But we have always tried to incorporate the opinions of all our family members as much as possible. We never ruled as tyrants. Were you still dissatisfied?” -Durnan

 

“That’s not it, Durnan. But that’s exactly why, now is the time.” -Boron

 

Boron shook his head at Durnan’s slightly sad expression.

 

“After long research, the technology of the Leyline magic circles has gradually increased its versatility. The day when we are pointed out as having declined may never come. But if it does, the issue I am talking about now will surely emerge.” -Boron

 

The utter impracticality of the “Magic of White,” the proof of the current generation.

 

In reality, it’s the magicians other than the current generation who contribute to the city.

 

Certainly, as time passed, this reality would become a source of conflict, without a doubt. No one present could refute that.

 

“From now on, if the Leylines continue to grow smoothly, and if problems arise afterwards, I don’t know if we can control them. So, it’s better to start this conversation now, at this timing.” -Boron

 

Fortunately, we are not on such bad terms that we would suddenly start killing each other. With a light joke, Boron said this, and a gentle laughter arose in the room. The Leyline house was on good terms to the extent that they could laugh and talk like this. This was because they had cooperated and rallied together through times of hardship and adversity.

 

Therefore, we can still decide things through discussion now. There were points in Boron’s words that made sense.

 

“But then, does that mean we’ll start doing that from this generation?” -Durnan

 

“No, that would be too hasty. For now, let’s have Durnan act as a representat—” -Boron

 

“Excuse me, may I say something?” -Mimin

 

While Durnan and Boron were hastening their discussion, a voice interrupted. It was the voice of a young girl, Mimin, the fourth daughter of the Leyline main family. She raised her hand as the two, who were about to delve deeper into the conversation, held back their words due to her intervention.

 

“What’s the matter, Mimin?” -Boron

 

“I understand that this is an important conversation. It’s fine to be passionate, but—” -Mimin

 

She spoke plainly, without raising her voice or getting angry, but she clearly stated what needed to be said. Though still not an adult, her young self was respected in this regard.

 

This time, too, she said what needed to be said.

 

“Isn’t it inappropriate to proceed with this discussion while ignoring Lynne, who will potentially become the head of the family?”

 

“Hmm.” -Durnan

 

“Mmm…” -Boron

 

Durnan and Boron fell silent at her remark. Her point was valid. They had unconsciously excluded her from the discussion, thinking she was a child, or because she seemed weak. But that was discourteous.

 

Regardless of age, at this moment, in this place, Lynne should be at the center. Proceeding with the discussion without her, ignoring her, was too presumptuous.

 

“……Sorry. It seems I was too heated as well.” -Boron

 

“Me too……Lynne.” -Durnan

 

Durnan gently spoke to Lynne, who was still looking down at the corner of the desk. Lynne remained bowed. As gently as he could, he touched her shoulder.

 

“Did you hear the conversation? I’d like to hear your opinion too. Do you have anything you want to say?” -Durnan

 

“……Yes, I do.” -Lynne

 

Then, Lynne said so and stood up. She swayed a bit unsteadily, and while her family around her showed concern, she ignored them. As the relatives listened attentively to Lynne’s words, she slowly continued――――

 

“There’s only one thing I want to say. ――――Uncle Boron.” -Lynne

 

“……Hmm, what is it, Lynne?” -Boron

 

――――Slowly, she grabbed a liquor bottle.

 

“WHICH FUCKING PART OF THE【WHITE KING FORMATION】 IS USELESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” -Lynne

 

“Wha-?!” -Boron

 

The liquor bottle flew. It hit Boron right in his slightly protruding belly. Plates scattered, and screams erupted.

 

Lynne was furious.

 

Why she was furious, no one in the room would understand. Only Lynne knew. ‘Only Lynne and Rainkami understood’.

 

A fact that only the successive heads of the Leyline family, the inheritors of the 【White King Formation】, knew. It wasn’t particularly secretive, but in reality, there was one rule for these successors.

 

A rule that wouldn’t make sense to anyone but the successor.

 

“W,w,w,w,w,what’s going on, Lynne!?” -Durnan

 

“Cal-calm down!?” -Family Member

 

“What happened!? Eh!? Lynne!?” -Family Member

 

“No, no, no, no! That plate is expensive!!” -Family Member

 

Successors of the White King Formation, heads of the Leyline family, have been, without exception,

 

“HOW DARE YOU MOCK THE LEYLINE’S WHITE KING FORMATION, YOU GOD DAMNED BASTARDSSS!!!” -Lynne

 

Worshipers toward the Leylines and the White King Formation.