Akatsuki Translations

“… Since then, our busy days seemed to increase with each passing day. We were burdened with various tasks, from purging the corruption among the court magicians to repairing relations with the knight order.” -Farsa 

“Aye, indeed. After that, Farsa’s exploits were remarkable, cleansing the rot from the court one after another. Numerous accomplishments were duly recognized, elevating Farsa to the position of the leading court magician. As for myself, I became the commander of the White Lily Knight Order. Farsa had always possessed exceptional talent, so it was a natural outcome, but I still believe that without the setbacks we faced back then, I might not have grown to where I am now. Truly, I am deeply grateful to have met Farsa,” replied Zenobia, gazing earnestly at Farsa. 

Though Farsa didn’t particularly relish those memories, they held special significance for Zenobia, as the two had overcome adversity together. Their trials were no ordinary feat, for they had transformed deeply entrenched corruption within a mere four years – a path fraught with hardship and challenges. 

There had been multiple attempts on Farsa’s life, especially without any backing other than Princess Aurelia, he was marked as an enemy by the other magicians. The attacks against Farsa were substantial. 

However, Farsa’s current position as the chief court magician was a testament to overcoming all those hurdles. 

Moreover, Farsa’s ability to charm women had improved significantly as he dealt with female assassins and employing women to assassinate men proved to be an effective strategy. As a result, many nobles fell from grace due to the betrayal of these assassins, and now, no female assassins were sent after Farsa. 

“I agree; meeting Zenobia may well be a turning point in my life. If it weren’t for that, I might have left my days as a court magician and spent my time idly.” -Farsa 

“Th-this is a turning point in your life, you say… F-Farsa-dono, aren’t you being a bit hasty? We are not in such a relationship yet… huh? Ah!” -Zenobia 

Because Farsa’s notion of a turning point in life and Zenobia’s understanding of it seemed different, the two were still engaged in a conversation that didn’t quite align. 

However, something triggered a sudden realization within Zenobia, causing her to cry out. 

“Zenobia, what’s the matter all of a sudden?” Farsa asked, looking concerned at the blushing Zenobia. 

After a moment’s hesitation, Zenobia finally started to move and spoke again, “Farsa, do you remember the promise we made after defeating the Land Turtles?” 

“Hmm? The promise of a rematch, right? Of course, I remember. It’s almost your birthday, so I intend to give you my all during that duel.” -Farsa 

Though Farsa was generally the type to hold back, he was well aware that Zenobia’s sword skills had reached a level that could be called supreme. In a no-holds-barred fight with long-range magic, Farsa would undoubtedly emerge victorious, but in a close-quarters battle with weapons, the outcome was uncertain. 

In their first duel, Zenobia was still in her growth stage and lacked composure, making it relatively easy for Farsa to handle her. However, four years had passed since then, and Zenobia had grown significantly in both body and mind, and her proficiency in strengthening magic had also greatly improved. 

During their journey, Zenobia’s primary focus had been on Julia’s training, and she hadn’t actively engaged in defeating monsters. Nevertheless, her swordsmanship has been hailed as the best in the Valois Kingdom. 

The turning point that earned Zenobia the position of the White Lily Knight Order’s commander was undoubtedly the Royal Tournament. 

The competition gathered only elite knights and was held in a tournament format, personally attended by the King. Just being chosen as a participant in the tournament was a significant honor for a knight, but Zenobia went on to defeat one opponent after another, claiming victory. 

Her achievements resonated throughout the kingdom and even beyond its borders, propelling her to become the commander of the White Lily Knights and eventually the exclusive instructor of the hero. 

As a teenager, Zenobia’s rise and accomplishments were unprecedented, growing to be on par with Farsa, one of the Aurelia faction members. 

It was no doubt that Princess Aurelia’s claim to first place in the line of succession was not solely attributed to Farsa’s accomplishments, but also to Zenobia’s undeniable contributions. 

In the Kingdom of Valois, a new generation was emerging, centered around Princess Aurelia, and they were showing great promise. With the presence of the hero, Julia, people began to hope that the long history of battles with the demons might finally come to an end. 

“It pleases me to see that you will fight with all your might… No, I mean, regarding ou-our mar-marriage,” stammered Farsa, feeling flustered as he tried to broach the topic. 

One of the individuals bearing these great expectations was Zenobia, a highly skilled knight. However, whenever the subject of Farsa came up, her confident demeanor seemed to fade away. At this very moment, there was no knight with the strength and dignity said to change the course of Valois’ history anywhere to be found. 

Presently, only one lovesick maiden blushed and gazed up at Farsa, stuttering and looking at him with upturned eyes. The members of the White Lily Knights, which she led, respected Zenobia more than any male knight, but how would they react if they witnessed her current state? 

“Marriage?” questioned Farsa with confusion. He couldn’t recall when such a topic had come up, and his memory held no answers. 

Despite being disliked by aristocrats due to his non-noble lineage, Farsa, at the age of twenty-four, received numerous marriage proposals publicly. Understandably so, as a self-made individual, he lacked unnecessary ties and offered lower nobles an exceedingly attractive prospect as a potential spouse. 

He held the title of Viscount, was exceptionally talented in magic, becoming the chief court magician, and furthermore, he was the right-hand man to Princess Aurelia, first in line to the throne. Forming a union with Farsa meant a high probability of eventually taking a significant role in the Valois Kingdom, becoming a shortcut to advancement for nobles of modest means. 

However, Farsa had rejected all marriage proposals and had no intention of tying the knot at the moment, so it was natural for him to be unaware of any arrangements. 

“Wait a minute! I’ve been wondering what you two are up to since Zenobia hasn’t returned yet. Farsa-nii, and Zenobia too, what on earth are you doing??!” yelled Julia as she burst into the dressing room, clearly annoyed. Behind her followed Princess Aurelia and Palmina, suggesting they had been eavesdropping. 

“Julia, your constant stomach growling made us worried, so we came to check on you, but it seems an unexpected event has occurred,” -Palmina 

“You’ve been making so much noise with your rumbling stomach! But anyway, it sounds like you’re having an interesting conversation. I want to hear all the details!” -Aurelia 

Farsa let out a deep sigh, realizing trouble was inevitable. Despite having been deeply troubled and downcast just moments ago, he was now faced with a situation that resembled a comedy. Their reminiscing had taken an exceptionally long time, but Zenobia’s bombshell statement was not the only problem at hand. 

Having just emerged from the bath, Farsa’s upper body was still exposed, while Zenobia’s clothes clung to her body after having held him closely. The two were oddly close, seemingly engaged in something suspicious, all of which compounded with her previous marriage announcement, providing ample grounds for misunderstanding. 

“Wait, please! There’s more to this story! Let me explain properly, and please, everyone, calm down!” pleaded Zenobia, desperately trying to clarify her words. On the other hand, Farsa remained exceptionally composed as he proposed, “I think I should change my clothes first. It wouldn’t be wise to continue this conversation like this. And, if Julia is hungry, why don’t we have our meal first? We can talk afterward, right?” 

Five individuals had gathered in an unexpected place – the dressing room of Farsa’s house. It was far from being a tranquil setting meant for leisurely conversation. 

The reason for Zenobia’s visit to Farsa’s place, to begin with, was due to a hungry stomach that belonged to none other than Julia. 

“Ugh, indeed, I’m starving and would love to have a meal, but… I’ll make sure to hear about this in detail later!” -Julia 

Farsa’s statement was reasonable, and Julia reluctantly relented, prompting Aurelia and Palmina to obediently follow suit. 

Subsequently, Farsa and Palmina set about preparing the meal, while Zenobia, seemingly lost in thought, contemplated the upcoming conversation. Aurelia dispatched a messenger to the royal palace, and Julia groaned on the sofa. 

As the Hero’s party traveled together, they all had a basic understanding of cooking, as they took turns preparing meals during their journey. Nevertheless, Palmina and Farsa handled the cooking most frequently. 

Farsa, having spent centuries in seclusion in the past, had become accustomed to cooking for himself during that time. Palmina, on the other hand, had numerous opportunities to cook at the church’s outreach events and orphanages. 

Zenobia, having been raised in a household of a viscount, had limited exposure to cooking. Julia, too, lacked much experience, so it would be an understatement to say their culinary skills were not particularly impressive. 

During their travels, meals were vital for sustaining their daily energy, and naturally, they all yearned for delicious food. 

As for Aurelia, being a princess, she never cooked, and her decision to send a messenger to the palace likely stemmed from the consideration of potential delays in her return. 

For the patrol guards who were monitoring the vicinity near Farsa’s house, suddenly being tasked with delivering a letter from their own country’s princess to the royal palace was an unfortunate twist of fate. Despite the common occurrence of the princess sneaking out of the palace, any kidnapping or similar event involving her during such time would be a major problem. 

The guards who read Aurelia’s letter would undoubtedly hurry to Farsa’s house, but that was a publicly known noble residence and not the appropriate location for the current gathering of the five individuals. 

The guards would likely find themselves, as always, at the mercy of Aurelia’s playful schemes. 

“So, um, could you explain everything to us once more so that we can understand?” -Julia 

Having enjoyed the homemade dishes prepared by Farsa and Palmina, Julia’s face initially reflected satisfaction, but it soon tightened with anticipation as she turned to Zenobia and asked her question. 

Sitting side by side, facing the three others, Farsa and Zenobia were prepared to be questioned. Meanwhile, Palmina offered her usual smile from Julia’s right, and Aurelia remained silent, holding a cup of post-meal tea. 

“First and foremost, I want to make it clear that what I’m about to discuss is unknown to Farsa-dono as well. So, even if something happens, I want you to understand that I take full responsibility,” Zenobia earnestly explained, gesturing towards the three individuals sitting across from her, all of whom nodded in understanding. 

Taking a deep breath, Zenobia began discussing the earlier marriage proposal announcement. 

“You see, I… I once challenged Farsa-dono to a duel and lost. Princess Aurelia may already know this, but it happened about four years ago.” -Zenobia 

“Of course, I remember. It was when I sent the two of you to investigate the forest and return with the defeat of the Land Turtles. The entire kingdom was in an uproar at that time.” -Aurelia  

The conquest of the Land Turtles undertaken by Falsa and Zenobia—technically, only Farsa had defeated them, but the public narrative stated they did it together—caused a considerable commotion. The two managed to subdue a creature that had plagued people for years, and on top of that, the then-twenty-year-old Farsa and the thirteen-year-old Zenobia were hailed as heroes. What made it even more extraordinary was that a mere twelve-year-old princess, known for her capriciousness, had foreseen the victory. 

It marked the beginning of the Aurelia faction’s rise in the court, and both Farsa and Zenobia were personally rewarded by the King. 

While the investigation of the forest only caused a slight delay, it was a place where tremendous calamity could have occurred. The upper echelons of the kingdom, including the King himself, were likely sweating nervously upon hearing the news. 

“Somehow, I think that duel might be the cause of it all, but is the responsibility you mentioned related to that?” Farsa asked Zenobia, already having guessed a good portion of the situation. 

“Yes, well, later on, I realized that my hasty assumption about marriage was incorrect. However, I… I ended up telling my father about it. You see, to challenge me to a duel back then… well, it’s the same as… proposing marriage. Of course, my father was well aware of this… I said that after I turned eighteen, I would have a rematch with Farsa-dono and then, um, get married,” Zenobia explained hesitantly, stumbling over her words and shifting her gaze from side to side. 

While Julia and the others were not privy to the details of the exchange between Farsa and Zenobia at the time, they could grasp the gist of the situation from this revelation alone. 

Especially Julia, who looked wide-eyed and stunned by the news. 

To Zenobia’s father, Count Ctesiphon, Farsa was the only man he recognized as a suitable partner for his beloved daughter. Having declined countless marriage proposals and even vanquished suitors on her own at the Knight Academy, it was only now that Zenobia began to seriously consider marriage. 

For Count Ctesiphon, who had only Zenobia as his biological child, having an heir was undoubtedly a joyous prospect. 

“But, Zenobia said earlier that she realized it was a hasty assumption… could it be…” -Julia  

“Yes, indeed. Since then, my father and I haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk properly. I’ve been busy, and… I completely forgot to clarify the misunderstanding,” Zenobia admitted awkwardly. 

For Count Ctesiphon, who was still under the mistaken impression, Farsa was considered Zenobia’s fiancé. And now, four years later, this misunderstanding became the seed of a new predicament, leaving Farsa to hold his head in his hands. 

As Julia and the others had been gathered together, Count Ctesiphon, despite being retired, would also undoubtedly be summoned to the upcoming anti-demon conference. They would inevitably come face-to-face in the near future. 

A battle different from the conflict between the demons and humans was looming on the horizon in the capital city.