Chapter 35: New Wind 1
During the three days following the catalyst's ritual at the cemetery, he responded to inquiries from the former Söderholm castle that had accumulated, and to Netzel's idea (an outlandish idea to build a theater for ballet performances in Baron Helson's estate, Gwendolyn's family home). Christo spent his time searching through the library at the academy and other places for information before responding to the idea without making any mistakes.
Whenever he found time to spare, he would accompany Patricia to the ruins outside the city walls to have her practice magic. They had to limit it to once every three days or so to avoid attracting the attention of the guards, but he didn't want her to rush into anything, so he asked her to take it easy.
At night, the two of them eat together facing each other, and when they're done, they get naked and crawl into the same bed.
They had s*x on the first and third day.
On the second day, they did not have s*x, but they hugged each other, stroked each other's bodies, and talked and laughed about anything until morning. On the second day, despite repeated kissing and petting, neither of them was able to dissipate, so on the third night, they had a rather intense intercourse.
They were living like newlyweds, but on the fourth day, a letter arrived, saying that Melvina would be back soon, and the lovemaking (?) with Patricia came to an abrupt end.
“Mel is coming back!”
"Yeah. I heard that they had settled the matter over there. She can't write a letter about what happened, but she will tell us when she comes back here."
Christo put Melvina's letter on the table, which he read by the light of the lantern.
The table is not from Christo's own room, but from the tavern on the first floor.
It is now the time when the eighteenth bell rang.
It was time for dinner.
Patricia, who was at the counter cooking a fish dish, comes out toward Christo, wiping her wet hands. When she finished reading Melvina's methodical text, her shoulders slumped in relief.
“I was worried because she went to negotiate with Finn Lou. I wondered what I would do if he poisoned her at the negotiating table. I'm glad to see that she's safe......"
"Yufimia, [Dragon Slayer], and the lords also went there. As expected, he can't do that. From Finn Lou's point of view, Melvina is also a blood-related sister."
As long as the princess is there, poison tasting must be done carefully.
Christo was not without concerns, but in the end, he respected her wishes and sent her to the negotiations.
"Don't underestimate Finn. He doesn't have a human heart."
"Fuu, is that so."
"Ah."
"What's wrong?"
"Does that mean that this life with you is over?"
"Depends on your choice, but once Melvina comes back, it will be."
"I-Is that so? It's a pity. But you and Mel should live a life like lovers, after all."
Patricia was smiling with a hint of sadness.
Melvina's presence must be that big in her mind.
On top of that, since she is having s*x with Christo, she doesn't know what a woman's heart is.
"If you want a [meal], we can do it anytime you want. It's not far from here to the entertainment district. We can even do it in the ruins outside the walls of the royal capital."
"That's right."
Patricia brings a dish of grilled fish and mushrooms seasoned with butter and salt to the table.
Christo thanked her and then looked at her seriously.
"Have you reached a conclusion by now? You will tell Melvina that you survived, right? What else would you do? Do you want to put on a facade of innocence and leave the past behind you?"
"――――"
Patricia brought her own food and took a seat across from him.
She was silent with a difficult look on her face.
“As for Melvina, we can deal with that after tomorrow. We can postpone your decision on the other matter."
"I would like to hear your opinion, Christo."
“You want my opinion, the devil?”
"Yes. I'm sure I can use it as a reference."
"The devil will say whatever you want him to."
Christo said, and Patricia nodded.
"That's all right."
"I understand. If it were me, I would first think about the advantages and disadvantages of each option."
"Advantages and disadvantages."
"That's right. If you hide your true identity, you can lead a safe and secure life in the shadows, without causing a fuss and without being the object of the public's strange gaze. Instead, you will not be able to interact with anyone except Melvina and me. You will not be able to live your life in the academy. You will have to live under a false identity for the rest of your life."
"If I reveal my background, there is a possibility that I will be exposed as a demon, right?"
"The information that you are somehow incapable of using the holy arts will be made known. Then, those who know the story of Godfred Salvatori and the traitor saint might wonder what if. If you were detained by the Church and subjected to an intense physical examination that would be contrary to humanity, they would realize that your life force is not that of a mere mortal."
"But," Christ continues.
"I have thought of a way to avoid the physical examination itself. We will use the parental love of your parents and King Naaza and the Holy Tree Church's plans. And you will play the victim."
"King Naaza and the Holy Tree Church's plans?"
“Here comes my speculation. The next target of the human race after the truce with the dragon race in the north is the [Night Empire] in the south. There are good spices, rich granaries, wine, and warm seas and their bounty of oceanic products. The humans will try to somehow create a cause to fight Salvatori and crush the vampires by sheer numbers before the dragon race can make a move."
Christo continued.
"That's where the [Godfred Salvatori], as I called myself when I confronted you, comes in. It is said that the [White Knight] also used vampire-like powers, and there are suspicions that vampire forces may have been behind the recent attacks. The church and the kingdom may want to complain to the [Night Empire] about why they attacked the mountain of the holy tree despite the truce they have signed. But you and Kat are the only survivors from the battle with Godfred Salvatori. And looking at the newspapers, the credibility of Kat's statements is being questioned."
"I see. So you expect that the Church and the Kingdom will demand that I testify that we were attacked by Godfred Salvatori together with Kat?"
"That's right. The Church and the Kingdom will demand that you testify, whether it is true or false, that you engaged [Godfred Salvatori]. At that time, you will put a condition. You will testify as you were asked to do, and from then on, you want them to leave you alone, both physically and mentally wounded. This is the wish of a tragic girl with a harsh fate. You can't just bounce this off of them and say, [No, I don't want to do that]. You will be arrested and locked up and experimented on to find out why you can no longer use the sacred arts. It will be better if Count Lowell, Yufimia, or a third-party nobleman by your side."
"However, in order to negotiate as Christo thinks, it seems necessary as a precondition that the church and the kingdom want me to testify to the information that we fought with [Godfred Salvatori]. But..."
“The interview with Kat should have already been completed. The church and the kingdom must have known that I called myself [Godfred Salvatori]. On top of that, they have been unable to contact Leopoldo Salvatori. Or only to be laughed off as just another unreliable statement. As long as there has been no movement on [Night Empire], I guess it's one or the other."
"Do you think the addition of my testimony will change things in any way?"
"You're the first wife of the noble and honorable hero, and the treasure of the Lowell family, the brilliant Patricia. That doesn't give you the same credibility as Kat's statement."
"So what if the kingdom has no intention of attacking the [Night Empire] in the first place? What if they intend to keep the peace in both the North and the South? Wouldn't my and Kat's information be worthless?"
"No. It would be a card to call Leopoldo Salvatori himself or his trusted subordinates to the Kingdom of Yggdrasil and check them. If the human side wanted to get along with the vampires in the first place, they would not limit the export of slaves. The vampire side is getting weaker day by day because of the low export of slaves. Humanity, after silencing the dragons, will put pressure on the vampires nine times out of ten."
As for the dragon race, the longer the cease-fire lasts, the more the country will become full of females and will have no choice but to decline. Humanity will be fine as long as it is fighting an endurance war.
Vampires, on the other hand, have inherent abilities that are troublesome, as well as financial resources.
They also have rich and fruitful land.
The dragon race has a much superior military prowess alone.
Vampires have more than just military might.
For the human side, it is natural to want to do something about it before the dragons put aside their pride and make a pact with the vampires.
Patricia cast her eyes down in hesitation.
“I understand that there is a probability of avoiding the exposure of my true identity. But wouldn't it only cause pain to my father and mother if I returned, unable to use the holy arts?"
"Where in the world are there parents who are not happy that their daughter, who they thought was dead, is still alive?"
"...I know some."
"Is your father and mother like that?"
"No. But it might cause trouble."
"If you're talking about the trouble of not being able to marry, there's nothing wrong with that, because I'll take you eventually."
"…………"
"Choose whichever you like. Hiding your identity is an option with no mistakes. Ninety-eight points. The options for revealing your identity can be 100 points or 60 points. And if the worst happens, I'll always be there to save you, so you won't get zero points."
"――――"
Patricia closed her eyes.
After a few seconds of silence, she opened her eyes and nodded.
"In the first place, I couldn't possibly think of the misfortune that might befall me if I revealed myself."
"What do you mean?"
“Father and Chief Wailde will turn against Finn Lou if left unchecked. That path must not be taken. Finn Lou will see them as an obstacle, and he will destroy them. If I don't stop Father, there will be a bloodbath in the Lowell household."
"Finn Lou could be the one who killed your son. Are you going to give him the benefit of the doubt?"
When Christo asked, Patricia's green eyes filled with cold murderous intent.
"No. Someday, I will make him suffer the same fate as Shifu. I have no intention of forgiving Finn Lou or the White Knight. But if I charge forward without looking around and following my emotions, I will only fail. To attack, I have to be ready at the right moment and be thoroughly prepared.”
“When Finn decided to kill Shifu and Nito, he probably planned to deal with Count Lowell and Chief Wailde at the same time. If they rush in now, there is a high possibility that they will be caught in the enemy's trap and be destroyed."
"Yes. I have come to a conclusion. As Patricia Lowell, I will stop Father."
Patricia straightened her posture, looked Christo squarely in the eye, and declared.
"Let's make it public that I'm alive"
"Is that fine? You can also postpone your choice."
"If I put it off, my father and Finn might start killing each other."
"I could ask Count Lowell to keep quiet about you, coming back alive."
"No. My father will not accept that. Melvina would understand if I asked her, but it would be pointless for my father and mother. They are like that."
"I understand."
Christ nodded. "I will guide you in a better direction so that your resolve will not be wasted."
“Don't worry if I fail. This is my choice. I have chosen to live my life as Patricia. I will not run away, I will go the way of the sun."
They don't know if her choice is the right one.
No one knows the exact future.
But with this, history has changed, albeit in a small way.
Christo raised his glass of wine.
Patricia also raises her glass of water.
"To the New Patricia Lowell."
"Cheers."
There was no clinking of glasses.
The flame of the candle was flickering, and the sound of Christo and Patricia's throbs echoed quietly in the background.
× × ×
There is no more broken Patricia.
It may be a temporary first, but her body is filled with the power to live, and she knows the direction she needs to go――.
"――――"
In the evening of the next day, Patricia, who had conveyed her decision to Christo, was waiting alone in the ruins on the edge of a wheat field outside the walls of the royal capital.
This was the place where Christo and Patricia had spent three days during their hostile relationship.
The inside had been cleaned up, and weeds were peeking out naturally from the stone floor.
Patricia was wearing the equipment she used when she and Setanta went into battle, and she was feeling calm in the center of the room.
According to Christo, Princess Yufimia, Count and Countess Lowell, and Melvina was in the royal capital after the negotiations with Finn were over.
Yufimia was to report to King Naaza about what had happened.
Mr. and Mrs. Lowell―― probably to report to King Naaza about the human malignancy of Finn, who was to succeed as the hero, and to advise him that his other brother should succeed as the next hero.
Christo had already exchanged letters with Yufimia and Mr. and Mrs. Lowell, and it was said that the groundwork had almost been laid.
While Melvina was participating in the discussion at the Hero Family, it seems that he was exploring the wilderness, just like when he found Kat.
That Christo is now going to report that he found Patricia to Yufimia and the others.
Soon he will come to these ruins with everyone.
(When I meet my father again, what should I say to him?)
Patricia had spit out the seed of the devil-slaying holy sword and is no longer able to use the holy arts.
Her son was also killed.
She couldn't protect her husband Setanta either.
She's just a defeated Female Knight.
She had worked hard to live up to the expectations of her father and mother, but she had not been able to live up to them at all, but show her disgraceful face.
It will probably cause a lot of trouble in the future.
(Should I just say "I'm sorry"?)
She remembers her mother, who was strict about etiquette.
She remembers her father, who gave her combat training.
They would forgive her.
And they will be deeply disappointed in Patricia, who is no longer of any use.
But that's fine.
From the very beginning, she was always a disappointing girl.
(They're here.)
Patricia, who was closing her eyes, hears the sound of countless military boots.
There was also the high-pitched sound of iron being scraped against iron.
Many soldiers were coming toward her from across the wheat field.
The sound of horses' hooves was getting closer and closer.
Two horses.
They stopped in front of the ruins.
Someone lands on the ground and went into the ruins.
"Patricia!" "Patricia!"
The ones who rushed into the room where Patricia was waiting were a large brown-haired man and a red-haired woman who looked just like Patricia.
It was her father and mother.
Taking a deep breath, Patricia silently walked over to the two, knelt down, and begged for forgiveness.
"I am terribly sorry"
"――――" "…………!"
Patricia continued with her head bowed.
“I was supposed to be going to give birth to the next generation of heroes who will be the foundation of this country, protect my husband Setanta, and together we will fulfill our responsibility to protect the country. For this reason, I married into the Hero Family on behalf of the women of the Lowell Family. I was determined to do my utmost to fulfill the duties assigned to me so that I would not bring shame to father and mother, and everyone in the Lowell Family. However, I could not protect Setanta, I lost Shifu, and finally, I lost the power to protect the country. Father, Mother, I know that you have already heard this from Lord Christopher, but I have spit out the seed of the holy sword, and the holy arts――"
"That kind of thing doesn't matter!"
Her mother―― Beatrix let out a scream.
She had ruined her makeup with tears.
Beatrix crawled over to Patricia and hugged her tightly.
"I...! The newspaper said you were dead! I thought you were dead! I had lost the will to live!"
“M-mother.”
"I'm glad... I'm really glad you're alive."
"――――"
In Patricia's mind, Beatrix always gave the impression of being stern and lecturing her on what it was like to be an aristocratic lady.
She never showed any tears.
She was either angry or speaking what was reasonably necessary.
"Sister-in-law."
A small voice from the entrance.
There was a figure of Melvina with tears in her eyes.
Beside her, Christo stood like a shadow.
Melvina took a step forward to run towards Patricia, but looked at Count Lowell and held back. With Christo's hands on her shoulders, she wipes her eyes with her handkerchief as she looks at Patricia with a tearful smile.
"Patricia."
As she was comforting her mother, who was crying loudly in her chest, a voice came down from overhead.
It was her father, Count Lowell.
“Father. I am sorry. I have not been able to fulfill the responsibilities given to me――"
"Patricia."
Her father called his daughter's name once more, then kneeled down and put his arms around Patricia and Beatrix.
Her father's face, dressed in formal attire, was gaunt, and large dark circles had formed under his eyes.
She had never seen her father, who had always been so strong, so weak.
"I'm sorry."
"If it's about Shifu, it's not father's fault."
"No, it is my fault. When I was told that you had died, I felt I had to protect my grandson. But...... it was too late. Shifu was said to be floating face down in a tub. His arm had a mark on it where it had struck the edge of the tub hard. Perhaps due to his resistance."
"――――"
"I have to apologize not only for my grandson. ――I shouldn't have made you the hero's wife. When I was still young, I made a promise to the previous hero, Leroy, in the heat of drinking. Forgive your foolish father who put his friendship with his comrade-in-arms before his love for his daughter."
“Father, please don’t apologize. I have no complaints about being the hero's wife."
"You're a good girl. You are too good for me."
“…………”
"――Sorry to interrupt."
The man's voice, full of dignity, drew all eyes to the entrance of the ruins.
Patricia's eyes widened as she saw a crowned figure enter the ruins through the gap in Count Lowell's arm.
"King Naaza."
"It's been a while, Patricia Lou. I am glad to see you are safe."
Mr. and Mrs. Lowell, wiping away their tears, let go of Patricia's arms and bowed.
Both Christo and Melvina were also bowing in the corner of the room.
Behind King Naaza, a beautiful chestnut-haired woman―― Princess Yufimia appears.
Behind her were Archbishop Eneko, Count Netzel, and Melvina and Christo's teacher, Laranoa.
“Everyone, please raise your heads. This ruin is so narrow. Take it easy."
"Your Majesty. Why are you in a place like this?"
"I heard what happened from the [Hero of the North]. You were found lying in the wilderness with the seed of the Holy Sword spit out, right?"
Patricia nodded at the king's words.
"Yes, but I don't remember anything."
"It's natural because you were unconscious."
The fat man―― Count Netzel sent a pitiful gaze. "Ah, you have heard about your son?"
"Yes. Shifu is dead. I hear he drowned in the bathtub."
"That's right. Your husband, Setanta-dono, has almost become a holy tree and is in a state where we can't tell who is he from his appearance. It may be a cliché, but I offer my condolences."
"Thank you."
“Your Majesty. My daughter is extremely tired, both physically and mentally. If possible, I would like to feed her something nourishing right away and let her rest in a warm bed. I would appreciate your consideration."
"Umu, I understand. I will end this conversation immediately."
"You may have heard by now that the war with the dragon race in the North is over."
Eneko, the white-bearded archbishop, opens his mouth with a good smile.
"There has been no war in the north for some time. But it seems that it was the vampire forces that attacked the mountain of the holy tree...... One crisis after another. We must urgently inquire into this matter with Duke Leopoldo Salvatori of the Night Empire."
"However, Kat Wailde's testimony is very suspicious. There are many statements that do not match the facts, and it is doubtful whether Leopoldo can be drawn out with only her statements and the [White Knight] confirmed by Yufimia."
King Naaza continues.
"According to Christopher, you certainly met a person called [Godfred Salvatori], right? And then you were annihilated."
"Yes. There is no doubt. He called himself [Godfred Salvatori]. [Sei-shoku] pointed out that it was the name of a deceased, but he said that he died once but was resurrected."
"Resurrection" "Hoho..."
King Naaza and Archbishop Eneko exchanged glances.
“This is something we will have to confirm with Duke Leopold. It may be that he has revived a legendary criminal by means of some forbidden technique. We would like him to hand him over to us, along with the saint who betrayed us."
"Your Majesty, Archbishop. I am sorry to repeat this, but my daughter is tired. She has lost her son and, as you can see, she is in such a state of agitation. Please be considerate."
"You'd better get some rest today."
Netzel interrupted.
He pointed to Laranoa, who was standing beside him.
"When you recover, Laranoa-sensei will examine your body. It's just a simple examination. Right, Laranoa-sensei?"
"Yes."
King Naaza nodded and tapped Patricia on the shoulder.
"You've worked hard. It's been a painful result, but I'm your father's friend. If you have any trouble, feel free to tell me or Yuffimia."
"Patricia."
Yuffimia sniffled and hugged Patricia.
“Setanta has become a holy tree.”
"……Yes."
"I'm sorry, too. I was responsible for commanding the operation. Because I sent you to the bypass road, you ended up fighting an unexpectedly strong enemy."
"No. Please don't blame yourself."
"I'm really sorry.... it wasn't supposed to be like this..."
“Your Highness Princess Yuffimia…”
The two beautiful girls hugged each other and cried.
Behind them, King Naaza and Archbishop Eneko were talking about sending a diplomatic note to the "Night Empire".
Mr. and Mrs. Lowell again put their arms around Patricia.
In this way, the reunion ended without a hitch, and it ended so easily that it was disappointing.
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