Vol 5: Chapter 66
★ Anastasia ★
She returned to the High Elf mansion for the first time in several years, but after just one day, she became accustomed to living there.
The mansion made only of wood was extremely durable because it also combines special materials with magic. A perfectly transparent windowpane, which is rarely seen in other countries, was used here. But this is a special glass made using the abundant mana of the High Elves.
The people of Sylvis Kingdom, the elves, consider it the utmost pleasure to serve High Elves, so the elves deliver new products and replace them every few years with elaborately designed curtains, paintings, furniture, etc.
「Your Highness, we shall take our leave.」
The maids, who were also elves, bowed and left the room after attending to Anastasia.
「That kind of life seemed like a lie.」
She felt strange that the exciting days in the “Back World” spent with Reiji and the days of being treated as a guest in the Lev Magic Empire felt like a dream.
「But considering the long life as a High Elf, it may all have just been a small event…」
She had already reunited with her father, the King, and her other siblings, but their response was to restrain her as expected of royalty. Only the twins, Yuri and Matvey, were pleased to see her, but soon afterwards they turned sad. Asha thought they sympathized with her, as she would have to fulfill her duty as a High Elf.
「Still, I cannot escape my duty.」
She could do nothing but watch as her whole family sang the Chant. She was frustrated. She wanted to sing with everyone.
But that desire was incompatible with her desire to stay with Reiji forever. She had to choose one—so Asha decided to voluntarily return to this mansion if it could help save Reiji’s sister.
The matter of the “secret elixir” that restores vitality has already been conveyed to the king. The king had his usual kind look, but Asha wondered if he was truly this old last time. The king has always been a man who was difficult to read, and this time as well, he immediately promised to “prepare” the “secret elixir” that Asha wanted.
All she has to do next is send the elixir. Then she will be able to fulfill her role.
And Reiji will be pleased to see his energetic sister. And he will embark on more adventures.
「……No.」
She couldn’t help but imagine herself next to him. The more she imagines it, the sadder she gets. The memories she was trying to forget were vividly revived in her mind.
The nights she spent alone with Reiji. The first time she actually had a task was to fill the bath with hot water in Dragonewt City. In the Dark Elf village, she ended up fighting against a giant goat.
And then… she remembered that night. That night when Reiji came to her room in the Lev Magic Empire.
The night when she regained her “voice”.
The voice which Reiji easily restored to her was nothing short of a miracle to Asha.
He never boasted about it, and never expected anything in return. He just smiled and said, “I’m glad.”
Remembering that moment causes her emotions to swell. She was unable to contain herself.
Asha closed her eyes and tried to forget them. Calm down, calm down, it will only hurt for a little while — she repeatedly told herself.
「…Hmm, what is that?」
Asha suddenly felt something at that time.
The inside of the mansion is usually quiet. There should be quite a few elves working, but they are trained to work silently.
But at this time, she felt as if the mansion was noisy.
Asha left her room. No one was present in the large corridor.
She pinched and lifted the hem of her long dress. Her wooden shoes made tapping noises as she walked.
As Asha walked down the long corridor, a maid who seemed to be in a hurry ran from the opposite direction. When she noticed Asha, she turned her face down.
「What’s wrong?」Asha asked.
It was rare for a maid to run, and it was also rare for a maid to see Asha and react like that.
Asha’s heart started racing, thinking that something out of the ordinary must have happened.
The maid was mumbling for a while, but that may just be the surprise from hearing Asha “speak”. So far, only the king, her siblings, and a few maids have actually heard her speak.
「…No, it is nothing. Please return to your room.」
「Why do I have to return to my room if it is nothing?」
「That is…」
No further information could be obtained from the hesitant maid. Asha ignored her and walked ahead. Asha turned the corridor three times. Beyond that was the entrance hall. She was on the 2nd floor, so she was able to look down at the front door. The mansion was clearly noisy.
She wondered what had happened.
Asha kept walking—then she heard the voices of Polina and the Secret Service.
「——You can’t meet Her Royal Highness Anastasia.」
「——No, His Majesty has given permission.」
It seems that Matvey was talking. A question appeared in Asha’s head. Matvey does not need permission to meet her, and Polina should not have any reason to stop him.
But the next moment, she was so surprised that her heart nearly stopped.
「Let’s go, Matvey-san. There is no point arguing back and forth. And I don’t want to keep His Majesty waiting too long.」
It was impossible for her to forget that voice.
——Don’t be afraid, it’s okay.
That night, she took his hand and regained her “voice”.
——Asha!
She asked Reiji to call her by her nickname. Thinking about it now, she realizes how embarrassing it was. But she was still happy that he called her so.
——No matter how long the journey, it is made one step at a time. You just have to walk steadily.
When she was disappointed with herself, that is what Reiji said.
He had supported and encouraged her at every step of the way.
It was natural for a High Elf of the royal family to guide the dark elves, but that only seemed like a burden to her who was an outcast. But because of Reiji’s words, she accepted the role.
To take it step by step, to move forward.
As such, the “duty” of the High Elf royal family may also be a “step”.
She began to think that she should fulfill her duties step by step.
By the time she noticed, she had already begun running.
Upon coming to the atrium of the entrance hall, Asha grabbed the railing and looked down.
Many of them looked up at her, probably noticed the sound her shoe made.
The secret service, the maids, the butlers, and her siblings.
However, there was only one person reflected in Asha’s eyes.
The only person she cared about with all her heart.
「Reiji-san!」
Everything was alright just having him here.
She had resolved to take her own “step” without him. But when she actually saw his face, her determination crumbled like sand.
「Reiji-san…why are you…」
Although there were many things to say, her words got stuck in her throat, and instead she burst into tears.
「Asha.」
Although he was surrounded by so many people, Reiji had run up the stairs and was already in front of her. To the extent that the Secret Service was actually astonished.
「Perhaps you didn’t want me to come…」
Reiji’s face with a wry smile had not changed at all.
「But I am here.」
Asha jumped into Reiji’s chest. Though her emotions were running wild and fireballs would surely manifest, scaring the elves – she couldn’t stop herself anymore. She was certain Reiji was using【Wind Magic】to put out the fires with a troubled look. Hands full of kindness and warmth tremblingly held her shoulders – after all, that is who Reiji is.
(I love you… from the bottom of my heart! Only you!)
Asha could no longer deceive herself or hide her feelings.
