Akatsuki Translations

Meanwhile, as Zenobia ran through the forest, seemingly fleeing from something, she unconsciously utilized enhancement magic, propelling herself deeper and deeper into the woods with astonishing speed. 

Fortunately, she managed to evade any other monsters, and by the time her magical energy finally depleted, her footsteps came to a halt as she reached the deepest part of the forest. 

“Haa, haa, haa… Damn it! Why… haa, why did a mere mage… with such power… my older brother… my older brother…” -Zenobia 

Kneeling on the ground, gasping for breath, Zenobia muttered to herself, her mind drifting to something other than the recent duel. 

Still unable to fully process her thoughts, Zenobia repeatedly slammed her fist onto the ground, her expression filled with frustration. 

Lost in her own turmoil, Zenobia likely had no idea where she was at the moment, but such matters held no relevance to the approaching monsters. 

With resounding thuds that shook the earth, creatures moved towards Zenobia at an unexpected speed, contrasting their massive bodies. 

“What! No way… Land Turtles!” -Zenobia 

Hearing the loud noise, Zenobia, despite her fear, noticed the approaching creatures. Before her eyes stood fully grown Land Turtles, making the previously encountered Owlbears seem like mere cubs. 

These creatures measured at least ten meters in length, their massive bodies trampling the surrounding trees as they moved without a care, using their four legs. 

Now, two Land Turtles appeared before Zenobia. 

Aurelia’s earlier speculations seemed accurate; the appearance of Land Turtles in the forest during their breeding season caused an alarming disturbance. However, another unfortunate turn of events awaited Zenobia. 

“Damn it! They’ve already hatched!” -Zenobia 

The surroundings of the Land Turtles were covered in hundreds of shadows, revealing themselves as the hatchlings of the Land Turtles. These hatchlings already possessed fully grown claws and fangs, indicating that they were close to becoming independent. 

If left unattended for a few more days, they would undoubtedly appear in nearby villages, relentlessly attacking humans and livestock. 

“Now… Now, if I can take them down alone, I can expose that arrogant magician… Huh?” -Zenobia 

Trembling voice and fueled by her determination to counter Farsa, Zenobia reached for her waist, intending to defeat the Land Turtles. However, as her right hand swung through the empty air, Zenobia realized for the first time that she had let go of her sword. 

“No… No way… Ah, ah, aaaah…” -Zenobia 

Collapsing weakly, falling onto her backside, Zenobia’s face contorted in despair. With almost no magical power left and without a weapon, there was no way for a human to withstand the monsters. 

Her opponents were several hundred Land Turtle hatchlings and two colossal fully grown adults, each measuring over ten meters in length. It was evident that within seconds, Zenobia’s entire body would be torn apart and devoured while still alive. 

“No… No, I don’t… I don’t want to… help, help me…” -Zenobia 

Fluid trickled from Zenobia’s eyes and nose, and in the grip of overwhelming fear, her lower body and the ground beneath her grew damp. 

Her voice trembled, and her teeth clattered together. 

Even if she wanted to retreat, her limbs lacked strength, rendering her nothing more than prey awaiting consumption. 

“F-father, m-mother, b-brother, hel- help me…” -Zenobia 

The one present now was not an honorable knight who devoted her life to the sword but a frightened young girl. 

Whether Zenobia’s extraordinary talent with the sword had brought her good fortune or misfortune, she had never faced a life-threatening situation until now. 

For someone who had always overwhelmed her opponents, experiencing the first taste of death’s terror was overwhelming. Those who stood on the battlefield were considered true warriors only after crossing the threshold of death, but Zenobia, lacking emotional maturity, found herself devoid of any means to resist. 

And time, mercilessly, did not wait for Zenobia to regain her composure. Hundreds of Land Turtle hatchlings leaped toward their prey, aiming for their next meal. 

“Hii!” -Zenobia 

“Fimbulwinter!” 

Overwhelmed by fear, Zenobia had closed her eyes and screamed, but upon hearing the voice from behind her and feeling the cold air enveloping her, she opened her eyes again. 

“W-what… is… th-this…” -Zenobia 

Whether due to the recent plunge into fear or the disbelief in what her eyes beheld, Zenobia let out a hoarse voice, filled with astonishment. 

Just a few seconds ago, the Land Turtles that had been closing in on Zenobia suddenly froze in place, and turned into frozen sculptures. 

However, the impact of this event had no effect on Zenobia, who was merely a few centimeters away. The area where the Land Turtles had been was beautifully reflecting the sunlight, perfectly unaffected and indicating the activation of magic with impeccable precision. 

However, within the realm of Zenobia’s own understanding, or rather within the common sense of the Valois Kingdom, it was inconceivable that a magician capable of handling such powerful magic with such accuracy existed. 

If such things could be done easily, then the tactics taught to knights would be rendered useless, as this magic was clearly far beyond the norm. 

“Phew, it seems I made it just in time. If you stay here any longer, you’ll be frozen. Shall we return to the town quickly?” 

A man, donning a white and red robe that marked him as a court magician, draped it over Zenobia’s body and called out to her in a gentle voice. 

When Zenobia turned toward the source of the voice, she saw the very court magician she had despised, smiling as he knelt down. 

“Fa…Farsa…is that you?” -Zenobia 

“Yes, indeed. I am Farsa.” -Farsa 

“Farsa-dono… Uwaaaah!” -Zenobia 

Zenobia, overcome with emotion, threw herself into Farsa’s chest, tears streaming from her beautiful emerald eyes. 

Although taken aback, Farsa tenderly embraced her small frame and began to gently stroke her head. 

He couldn’t help but think that this was the best way to soothe a child, and he found himself inexplicably calm. 

“There, there. It’s alright now. Everything is fine.” -Farsa 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” -Zenobia 

“It’s okay, really. I’m not upset about anything.” -Farsa 

“Uu, uu…hic…haa, haa…hah!” -Zenobia 

Finally calming down, Zenobia suddenly realized something and leaped away from Farsa, blushing as she covered her lower body with her hands, her movements jittery. 

It seemed that she had wet herself when she was attacked by the Land Turtles earlier, and now the memory of it embarrassed her. 

“Zenobia, do you have a change of clothes?” -Farsa 

“In…the inn…in town.” -Zenobia 

Farsa, understanding the situation, asked about the availability of spare clothes. They had left their belongings, including changes of clothes, at an inn near the forest where they were staying. 

As expected, Zenobia’s answer confirmed his assumption. Taking the girl in her current state to town would not be ideal, and Farsa contemplated the best course of action. 

“Well then, there’s a small stream nearby. Shall we go there? Can you stand?” -Farsa 

“I-I would be grateful. I can walk normally…kyaa!” -Zenobia 

Zenobia, who obediently took the offered hand, stood up but stumbled, once again throwing herself into Farsa’s chest. 

Her frightened cry was unexpectedly adorable, and while Farsa entertained such carefree thoughts, he contemplated the most efficient way to proceed. 

Zenobia’s current state was a result of the backlash from the enhancement magic she unconsciously used when running through the forest. The excessive use of magic had led to her current condition. 

The enhancement magic she had used was powerful enough that Farsa couldn’t catch up to her until they reached the depths of the forest. And yet, even after using such magic, she suffered only this level of backlash, a testament to the immeasurable talent possessed by Zenobia. 

“Hmm, alright, let’s do it this way.” -Farsa 

“Eh? Fa…Farsa-dono, what are you…? Hyaa!” -Zenobia 

Farsa lifted Zenobia with both arms and stood up, beginning to walk. 

It was what they called a princess carry, and it was the first time Zenobia, as a noblewoman, had been held in such a manner by a man. 

Zenobia, having grown up as a Marquis’ daughter, had never lacked suitors, and marriage proposals had flooded in like mountains. 

However, Zenobia, who followed the path of the sword, had no interest in such frivolous matters and had rejected them all through her father, Marquis Ctesiphon. Yet, even when she attended the knight-training school in the royal capital, she had been directly approached for courtship countless times. 

Growing weary of it all, Zenobia declared that she would accept courtship only if someone could defeat her in a sword duel, discarding everything else. 

While it would have been acceptable if it were older active knights pursuing her, there were no suitable suitors among the students of Zenobia’s age. Her exceptional strength became the talk of the town, and at the young age of thirteen, she was appointed to the Order of the White Lilies. 

“Ah, ah, ah!” Zenobia stuttered. 

And now, Zenobia, who had challenged Farsa to a duel and lost, found herself in a life-threatening situation, rescued and held in his arms. Various emotions swirled within Zenobia’s heart, on the verge of eruption. Therefore, even if she blurted out incomprehensible things, it was inevitable under the circumstances. 

“Fwa, Farsha-dono! It’s the first time I have been beaten in that manner before. Since that’s the case, you should take responsibility for defeating me! Naturally, you must be prepared for that, right?” -Zenobia 

“Hmm? Oh, of course, now that I’ve won, I’ll handle it accordingly. I don’t mind if you follow my lead.” -Farsa 

In duels among the demon race, the loser traditionally followed the winner, and that was how the Demon Lord’s army had incorporated many demons. Farsa surmised that Zenobia’s notion of responsibility was likely related to that, so he conveyed that she would be under his command. Although he had no intention of giving her any specific orders, having such a presence among the knights could prove useful in various ways, or so Farsa thought. 

However, the timing was unfortunate, and the misunderstandings between Zenobia and Farsa only escalated. 

“I-I see, Farsa-dono, you’re quite proactive! I-if that’s the case, then I must prepare myself as well! But, I have a favor to ask. Can you wait until I grow a little more as a knight? It’s unbearable for me to remain defeated by someone who is an outsider like you. Though I accept the shame of my defeat, won’t you consider waiting?” -Zenobia 

“Huh? Ah, well, I don’t want you to keep challenging me too frequently–” -Farsa 

“–O-of course, I’ll make sure not to be a nuisance! Y-yes! Let’s have a rematch in five, no, four years! By that time, I’ll be a respectable adult, much stronger than I am now! I’ll be almost fourteen in just a little over two months, and in four years, I’ll be seventeen or eighteen. It would be better for you, Farsa-sama, to face someone of that age rather than a mere child like me.” -Zenobia 

Honestly, Farsa couldn’t understand why Zenobia was so fixated on age. However, if the rematch would be four or more years in the future, it meant he could enjoy an easier time until then, and he saw the appeal in that. 

Without any knowledge of Zenobia’s life at the knight school, Farsa assumed that she wanted to challenge him when she had fully matured. 

“Sure, I don’t mind. In fact, it would be quite appreciated. Let’s wait until you turn eighteen; it’ll be a good milestone.” -Farsa 

“I-Indeed, Farsa-sama would prefer a partner who is more of an adult. So, let’s keep this matter between us until that time. I still hold the position of a marquis’s daughter, and it would be troublesome if such matters were spread around recklessly. However, I promise to convince my father by that time.” -Zenobia 

Engaging in duels as nobles seemed to involve a lot of troublesome customs, Farsa mused, half impressed and half exasperated by Zenobia’s words. 

And thus, neither of them spoke of the duel any further until the promised time arrived, four years later. 

“Hahaha, I look forward to that time. Nevertheless… you’ve changed a lot since we first met in Princess Aurelia’s room. I never imagined you would be so talkative, coming from the silent person you were until yesterday.” -Farsa 

“That… well… it was sort of… no, it was an outburst. I apologize.” -Zenobia 

Zenobia, nestled in Farsa’s arms, wore a deeply apologetic expression as she uttered her words of remorse. 

And Farsa realized that the present Zenobia, rather than her initial demeanor, was her true self. 

“An outburst… directed at me, or rather, at magicians?” -Farsa 

“…Yes, you’re aware that knights, on the battlefield, stand at the frontlines to protect magicians, right?” -Zenobia 

“…That seems to be the case in this country.” -Farsa 

Farsa added in his mind that it was an unimaginable notion among demons. 

With a robust physique and abundant magical power, demons often fought by themselves, wielding weapons and casting spells. 

Therefore, when Farsa joined the Demon Lord’s Army, he found himself in a situation where he had to correct his one-sided reliance on magic in battles. However, things were different in the human kingdoms. 

Mastering both magic and swordsmanship in less than a hundred years of life was challenging, and unlike the demons, humans required more sleep. 

That’s why magicians primarily honed their magic skills, while knights focused on training their swordsmanship and physical strength, dividing their roles in battles. 

Even in the esteemed knight order of the kingdom, while enhancement magic was essential, many members were unable to use anything else. 

And as for the magicians, it goes without saying that they secluded themselves in their laboratories, detached from physical prowess. 

“…I had an older brother. He was so skilled in both swordsmanship and academics that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t match him. He was someone who could be called the pride of the Ctesiphon family, or rather, my pride…” -Zenobia 

As Zenobia spoke these words, her eyes were tinged with deep sadness. 

“It happened four years ago. Suddenly, a large number of monsters appeared within the kingdom’s territory, and my elder brother led the knight order to suppress them. The strategy was simple: the knights would attract the monsters while the magicians cast spells, that’s all.” -Zenobia 

Four years ago, similar to the Land Turtles, dangerous monsters were causing chaos within the kingdom, and Farsa remembered that. 

“It was reported that the monsters had impenetrable skin, and the knight order could only buy time. That’s why it was a joint operation… But my brother died in that battle. The magicians, judging the situation to be disadvantageous, fled from their positions, leaving him to die…” -Zenobia 

Even Farsa, who had little interest in humans, knew this story. 

The imbalance of casualties between the shield-bearing knight order and the magicians leisurely casting magic from behind had been a source of discontent. The incident during the monster suppression mission further exacerbated the rift between the two groups. 

As a result, the monsters were eventually defeated with the help of reinforcements, but nearly ninety percent of the knights who went ahead perished, while all the magicians returned alive. 

It was clear that the magicians had abandoned the knights and fled, and although the magicians were subsequently punished, their use of magic was already limited due to their small numbers. 

One of the court magicians who led the group was sentenced to death as a scapegoat, while the other apprentices were considered to have merely followed orders and received reduced pay or fines. 

And even now, seeing the former humans living comfortably within the palace walls, the knights couldn’t help but feel unsettled. 

Especially for those like Zenobia who had lost family members, it was natural for them to harbor an intense hatred towards magicians. 

“I see… That must have been… tough. I don’t have any siblings, so I can’t relate, but I still remember how sad I felt when my father passed away. If it had been someone’s fault, I think I would have hated them so much that I wanted to kill them. Well, my father died from an illness, so I can’t seek revenge against a disease, of course.” -Farsa 

Farsa smiled at Zenobia while speaking, something he rarely did. Revealing his own past was out of character for him. 

However, at that moment, Farsa naturally voiced his own history. 

He had always been cautious with his words, living in a way that wouldn’t expose his true identity. 

“I see, Farsa-dono, you also lost your family… I had always believed that magicians were selfish and only interested in personal gain and promotion. But… Farsa-dono is different. As a magician, you challenged the monsters and selflessly came after me to save me. Even with my rude behavior… Yes, that’s why I want to say it again: I am truly sorry, and I sincerely appreciate it.” -Zenobia 

Farsa held the same opinion about magicians, considering humans to be a rather selfish and petty race, blinded by their desires. 

While there were certainly decent humans, humans tended to be more troublesome than anything else, and he believed that demons, as a whole, led a more carefree existence. 

However, the girl in his arms, who was now smiling wholeheartedly, shared the same thoughts as Farsa. 

And strangely enough, she exuded an aura that attracted people. 

“I didn’t do anything to deserve gratitude. I was merely following Princess Aurelia’s decree and conducting a forest investigation.” -Farsa 

While saying that, Farsa averted his gaze from Zenobia and looked away, his cheeks slightly flushed. 

“I never expected Farsa-dono… to be bashful. It’s quite surprising. “ -Zenobia 

“If you keep saying things like that, I might just leave you here and go back home first.” -Farsa 

“S-Sorry! I went too far with my teasing! So please don’t say such mean things!” -Zenobia 

Seeing Zenobia’s desperate expression, Farsa couldn’t help but burst into laughter. 

The girl who had previously only worn a stern expression was now frolicking like a child in Farsa’s arms. 

And with both of them wearing smiles, they continued their journey through the forest without a break.