Chapter 29 -
The place where we teleported the floating island became Dragon Grandpa's territory, and in one part of this land was a cavern.
"Is this much alright, Majou-sama?"
"Yeah, this is durable enough. Let's install the light magic tool as well "
"S-so ahead are the floating stones that made the island float......"
Teto and I had been building a tunnel to the floating stones in order to separate the connection between them and Dragon Grandpa.
"How, how did it turn into me helping out as well......"
"Well, Dragon Grandpa specifically nominated you."
As we walked down the tunnel maintained by Teto while installing light magic tools in the depressions on the wall, we arrived at a dome-shaped space where a huge green crystal was enshrined.
Though the mana supply was now suppressed by Dragon Grandpa since it was no longer necessary to keep the island floating, this huge green crystal was precisely the floating stone we were looking for.
"Gasp...... It looks so fantastical. By the way Chise-san, is that crystal the floating stone? It kind of resembles the crystal on the wand in your hand."
"Hmm? Did I not tell you? It's also a floating stone."
"No, you didn't! Hmm, wait. When even a crystal of this size was already targeted by others, then isn't this gargantuan-size floating stone even more of a danger magnet!?"
The floating stone was glowing in a pale green light for there was a deep connection between it and Dragon Grandpa so a fixed amount of mana was still being transferred to it even with Dragon Grandpa holding back his mana.
There were also many small-sized floating stones at the bottom part of the floating island that were resonating with this giant floating stone in the center. I reckon this resonance was the reason the whole island was able to float.
While I was contemplating this, Teto made a road to the floating stone. I was about to approach it when—
"Majou-sama~ Teto can't approach it~"
"Huh? You're right"
Yuishia and I also tried to enter the spherical space just like Teto, but we were pushed back by that space.
In the meantime, Teto seemingly had become addicted to the repulsion force in her attempts to enter the space as she was now quite enjoying the gentle pushback effect it was generating.
"Majou-sama, this is quite fun!"
"This... should be the repulsion force from the floating stone."
"Chise-san, what is a repulsion force?"
"Let's see. In simple words, it's like a barrier around the floating stone."
The said barrier's rigidity was different from normal barriers, but its purpose should be the same: to keep people away.
"What, then doesn't that mean we can't do what we came here for!?"
"Ah, I see. That's why Dragon Grandpa nominated you."
"Teto doesn't get it."
I was the only one who could interfere with and neutralize the repulsion force from the floating stone that had a connection with Dragon Grandpa. But then, it would be a tall task for me to keep the repulsion force at bay while also severing the connection between them.
In that case, the ones who could help me out were either Teto or Baretta who possessed vast amounts of mana.
They were once a golem and a service doll, so they could handle intricate work like this.
And yet, Dragon Grandpa nominated Yuishia on purpose.
"So we can only rely on Yuishia for this one, huh? Then I'm leaving it to you, Yuishia."
"Impossible! It's impossible for some like me! There's no way!"
"It's fine. We have plenty of time, and I'm sure once you accomplish Dragon Grandpa's request, the reason will present itself."
I channeled my mana into the «Magic Wand • Hisui» and generated another repulsive force to neutralize the floating stone's repulsion barrier.
"V, very well. ——«Fly»!"
"Good luck, Yuishia!"
"Good luck!".
Though not as proficient as I, Yuishia soared into the air and slowly headed towards the floating stone in the dome-shaped space. Teto and I cheered her on.
Then I gathered mana into my eyes to observe her work.
An innumerable number of green, tube-shaped mana passages were extending from the floating stone into the ground surface. It seemed like they were connected to Dragon Grandpa's soul and that was how it acquired the mana.
"What to do...... I don’t know if cutting them off is fine…"
In the end, it was just a connection in mana form, not a physical one. Yuishia then invoked a magic spell that had a thin, sharp blade form.
"So I just have to cut the—... kuch, so hard......"
Yuishia was using a pure, high-density mana blade which may not sound complicated but in itself held high attack power.
However, those mana tubes connected to Dragon Grandpa's soul weren't something weak, as just severing a single tube consumed more than 100,000 units of mana.
"Chise-san, I don't think I can do this anymore......"
"Great work. Let's go back to the surface, then we'll discuss it there."
We headed to where Dragon Grandpa was, who just said 'Yuishia, please continue like that' with a grin plastered on his face.
Yuishia, on the other hand, was completely exhausted just by severing one tube among the several hundreds of tubes.
I wanted to enter as well, but the repulsion force wouldn't let me do that, unfortunately. I didn't want to be forceful, since it might end up damaging the floating stone and consequently harm Dragon Grandpa's soul as well.
Just like that, Yuishia would spend her time severing those tubes once a week. In the beginning, Yuishia grumbled how she wanted to quit since each session led to her being completely exhausted, but she still did it under the expectant gazes of the floating island's former residents.
In the second year, maybe it was because she discovered a more efficient method as Yuishia managed to sever the tubes with relatively less mana and it even reached the point where she could cut two of them at once in her third year. She was getting better at it.
Then, in the fourth year——
"Chise-san, Chise-san. I think I kind of understand what Dragon Grandpa wants me to know!"
"You do? That's great."
It was the spring of the fifth year since we started our work to cut off the connection between the floating stone and Dragon Grandpa's soul.
When I turned 62 years old, and Yuishia 32 years old, the last tube was finally severed.
"Hurray. It's cut off. Ah!"
The floating stone, unable to generate mana on its own after completely losing its connection with Dragon Grandpa, dropped to the ground and was crushed into many pieces.
"Alas, even though it was such a precious thing. What a waste."
"A floating stone of such size is extremely dangerous to leave alone. In fact, what happened is for the best, in my opinion."
『GYAOOOOOOOOOOOOO――』(T/N - This line is in english in raw)
We raised our heads after hearing the roar echoing from the cave's entrance.
"Majou-sama, Dragon Grandpa is rejoicing!"
"Let's go, Yuishia!"
"Yes!"
We swiftly took the tunnel's stairs that we'd become familiar with and when we reached the exit, we saw Dragon Grandpa dancing in the sky.
Due to him being shackled to the floating island for so long, we just quietly stared at his form flying so freely which we weren't able to see until now.
Dragon Grandpa then descended in front of us after a final spin in the sky.
«You have my gratitude, Majou-dono, Protector-dono, and Discipline-dono. You have finally severed the fetters that had bound me.»
"I didn't do anything. Everything was Yuishia's hard work."
I said that, and gave Yuishia a push, putting her at the forefront.
«Once again, Disciple of Majou—... No, Majou Yuishia, I'm very grateful.»
"Y, You don't have to. Besides, I am not quite sure, but I think I felt something like a soul when I was cutting off those tubes.'"
Dragon Grandpa's mouth slackened in happiness after hearing Yuishia's words.
«That's why I requested Yuishia-dono's help, to make you feel it.»
"Huh?"
«It's a part of secret art called 'Soul Link', a technique to connect your soul with someone or something. There may come a time in the future when you acquire 'Immortality' or even as you continue to live for a long time that you don't want the person next to you to die ahead of you, it will come in handy at that time.»
'Just think of it as advice from a concerned senile old man. After all, Majou-dono and her Guardian-dono don't need this lesson since they're already aware of it,' so said Dragon Grandpa.
Hearing Dragon Grandpa's words, Teto and I looked at each other and couldn't help but smile a bit.
Even if neither of us had 'Soul Link', we didn't have any plans to be separated from each other ever and we didn't have any plans of dying either.
"Teto will always be with Majou-sama, absolutely!"
«Camaraderie is a beautiful thing, isn't it? I think I will enjoy the embrace of the sky for a while longer!»
With those words, Dragon Grandpa once again leaped up and flew through the sky, apparently to let the mythical beasts and residents know that he had been freed from the floating island.
After Dragon Grandpa left, Yuishia turned to us.
The first time we met her, she was just a 12-year-old little girl, and now, she has grown up to become a beautiful woman in her mid 20's. (T/N : Chise most likely mean by her physical appearance, since she's already 32 as mentioned before)
"Chise-san, Teto-san. I'm thinking of leaving for a journey to become a splendid magician that can be of help to people!"
I nodded at Yuishia's earnest gaze.
"Well, I had a feeling you were going to say that sooner or later."
"Yuishia looked like she had something to say for a while now!"
Yuishia's determination was visible to anyone.
That's why, it wasn't just us who knew about it,
«Meow~»
"Woah, there!? Kuro-san!? Even your wife Tora-san is with you!? What's the matter?"
«It might be impertinent, but we brought them here.»
"Baretta-san brought them!? Ah, ouch, ouch, it hurts, Kuro-san, Tora-san."
Baretta and the other maids already suspected that Yuishia would mention her plan to leave for a journey once they saw Dragon Grandpa soaring in the sky, so they also gathered here.
«Kuro-sama and Tom-sama are saying they want to join you on your journey.»
"Eh, is that so? I was going to leave alone, but do you want to come with me?"
« «Meow~» »
That's how much the Cat Sith couple, Kuro and Tora, were worried about her.
"And there's one more......"
As I said that, someone stepped forward carrying a bag so large that it looked like a tiny hill.
"Err...... What's that luggage on your back, Ai-san?"
Ai, the second to evolve into the demon race - Mechanoid after Baretta, performed an elegant bow while carrying a bag that was filled to the brim.
«Yes, I'm also thinking of joining Yuishia-sama on your journey since I want to update my worldview and information about the world for my sisters. I have already received permission from Master and Baretta-sama.»
"Eh, ehhhhhh! I didn't hear anything about it~!"
Yuishia was determined to go alone on her journey, but here she was with Kuro, his wife Tora, and the Mechanoid Ai appealing to join her on her journey.
It was especially so for the Mechanoid Ai. She has been taking care of Yuishia's every need ever since she moved to our residence and she already considered herself to be Yuishia's exclusive servant. She was determined to follow Yuishia no matter where.
«Yuishia-sama, with my presence, you won't have to worry about cleaning, washing, or cooking.»
"Cleaning, washing, cooking......"
«I can also help you out as an assistant in your magic research for the people and the world.»
"U......uggh!"
Now Yuishia was struggling with her choice to leave alone for a harsh journey.
«As long as you allow me to join you, I promise you will never lack a Mechanoid's quality clothes.»
".........I will be under your care in this journey."
After experiencing the merit and comfort of the clothes made by Baretta and the others, Yuishia could no longer return to her old clothing and thus caved in.
«Then, let's do the employment contract. I would like to request 30,000 units of mana per day as payment from Yuishia-sama. I will be your servant after the contract is complete.»
"A, alright...... I almost forgot you wouldn't be able to move in a low mana environment region for long. So I would have to supply it, huh? Furthermore—"
« «Mewo~» »
"Kuro-san and Tora-san will also need mana...... I, it's almost half of my mana daily......boo-hoo."
Realizing the journey wasn't going to be how she thought it would be, Yuishia's shoulders slumped in dejection as she quickly went through the mana contract procedure with Ai.
"Well, Ai has basically packed up all the things that will be needed in your journey, so here are the farewell gifts from me."
I created a magic bag with «Creation Magic» and handed it to Yuishia. It has been enchanted with user limit and time delay effects.
Since it was convenient, I also had Ai carry the same thing.
"And this is a seed of the world tree. If you ever decide to stay anywhere for a long time, then plant it there."
"It'll be useful in replenishing mana for Ai, Kuro, and Tora!"
"In addition, these are the robe and triangular hat Baretta and the others have made. I enchanted them, so they'll surely be of help to you."
"They're of a different color from Majou-sama's clothes!"
"This is a «Mana Crystal» you can use as a mana tank. It can store up to 100,000 units of mana so take your time in filling it up." (T/N - I think number should be a typo from author)
"Yuishia will certainly feel happy when you refill a lot of mana!"
"And......"
«Master, Teto-sama, Yuishia-sama is going to be buried under your gifts at this rate.»
Baretta stopped me, who was burning with intent to load my disciple up with as many things as possible to ease her journey, and Teto, who was adding explanations from the side.
I entrusted my step-daughter Selene to her biological parents quite early, while Yuishia was raised with sufficient time until she could become independent.
My relationship with Yuishia was going to be around 20 years long soon.
Each farewell so far left me with nothing but a sense of loneliness.
And finally——
«The teleportation magic of Majou-dono is amazing, but allow me to drop you off at your desired destination.»
“Dragon Grandpa! Alright, I'll be relying on you then!”
After saying her gratitude, Yuishia rode on Dragon Grandpa's back along with Ai. Then the Cat Sith couple, Kuro and Tora, took their place within each of her arms.
«I’m off then!»
“Chise-sensei, Teto-san! I will absolutely become an amazing person!”
“Good luck, but try not to force yourself, okay? You can come back at any time! Make sure to call me for help when you’re in trouble!”
“Teto will be looking forward to our reunion!”
As I waved my hand and saw her off, Dragon Grandpa vigorously leaped toward the southern sky, and soon disappeared from our sight.
“......There she goes.”
“It’s going to be lonely without her.”
Our life with Yuishia was fun. But seriously, she never changed her way of calling me ‘Chise-san’ even after she requested to become my disciple, and yet, to call me ‘Sensei’ at the very end… she was really sly.
“I just taught her fundamentals and even recommended her to not aim for «Immortality». That's not something worthy of being her ‘sensei’, but this girl really……”
“Majou-sama, you taught her everything you could think of!”
As I looked up at the sky and wiped my eyes with my sleeve, Beretta said.
«Master, I have something to suggest.»
“Hmm? What is it, Baretta?”
«The manpower of the maid group has been reduced now that Mechanoid Ai has departed. Also, the increase in population in the «Empty Wilderness» has brought about further work to take care of, so I recommend we expand the number of service dolls to cope with the increasing workload. Initially, I propose adding 20 service dolls, with a future goal of expanding the workforce to 100 service dolls.»
“Alright. I was slightly sad, but I guess there is another thing to keep me busy, huh?”
“I knew it, only a smile suits Majou-sama best!”
It was an encounter and a farewell.
But if it was her, who was both ambitious and earnest, I am sure she would acquire «Immortality» and come to meet us again.
I kept this feeling deep inside me.
