Chapter 217

"Huh, now that I think about it, it is strange that no one questioned why you stopped using your magic."

"Oh, they did, but that was long before you came here."

"So what'd you tell them?" He asked as he downed the last of the meat on the table.

"That I was a cursed child." She said as she looked around.

"Wow….. what does that mean exactly?" Tibaut asked.

"Tsk, I swear the more you speak the less of an idea I have of your upbringing. Even a child would have some idea of that topic. Were you raised in isolation of some kind?"

Tibaut awkwardly laughed and turned his face away.

Elizabeth sighed and continued. "Whatever, I'll probe your origins when we actually make a name for ourselves. It would be quite disheartening if you were a notorious criminal."

("I mean, this country seems incredibly far from Akumia, so I should be fine about the bounty. However, even if that country's bounty doesn't apply to me here, I did steal animals every now and again on my journey, from the villages I'd occasionally run into. But I probably wouldn't get a bounty for something like that, would I? Besides, the only thing they'd get a glimpse of was my red hair when they shouted at me…")

Elizabeth had visible concern on her face as Tibaut seriously contemplated her words.

"T-Tibaut…" she stuttered. "You aren't a criminal are you?" She asked with less conviction than before. He sat there in contemplation for a few more seconds.

"Well, if my name doesn't immediately jump out to you then it should be fine."

"Could you tell me your full name?" Elizabeth asked, pale-faced.

"Tibaut Agirow."

"Agirow? What sort of last name is that?" She asked. 

"What the hell do you mean? It's my family name, you bastard! (Ah, I was dreading this, but it seems this last name isn't super common. Oh well, she probably won't put up too much of a stink if she finds out what country it came from. If anything, I'll either just tell I'm from there or say I have some relatives from the country depending on how negatively she reacts.)"

"I see, well thankfully, I don't think I've heard of a fugitive with such an odd last name. (That's strange, I don't think I've heard of such a commoner last name yet but that's not a last name I've heard of with nobles either. It could be of a different language but I also imagine it could be due to my lack of knowledge of the nobility of Saxland. I suppose that can wait for now.)"

After doing some musing of her own she decided to drop the topic and continue with what she had to say.

"Where was I? Ah, right cursed children. Simply put, they're people that have lost their ability to use magic."

Tibaut leaned closer into her.

"What a minute, that can happen!?" he asked worriedly.

"It is rare but it is known to happen every so often."

"Wha- Why?" For someone as unfortunate as Tibaut, he wouldn't discount the possibility of such a thing happening to him.

"As far as most people are concerned, it seems to happen randomly. One day they just lose it, with no indication nor reason why. They don't feel ill nor do they notice any change within their bodies. It seems the Gods don't favour some people. (It's not like I can ask Lady Gabriel about it. That moment was the second time I've been in contact with her. And frankly, I don't think I'd use my time with her to ask questions about that condition unless someone close to me had been diagnosed with it.)"

"Damn, that's a crazy-sounding. Is there a cure?" He asked.

"None that is known commonly. Though I have heard of some regaining their magic, I can't assume it's common."

("Jeez, imagine having your magic and then being shafted like that.") Tibaut thought to himself.

"I've heard the notion that it happens more commonly among nobles and it does make sense. After all, nobles are more inclined to have magic than the average person." She commented.

"Huh?"

"Well, it is a fact that isn't acknowledged very often, after all, it's not like nobles commonly become adventurers and mingle with us. Getting back on topic, I believe those cultists may have gotten information about this information. After all, without your magic, you're no more than a regular person."

"(Now that I think about it, I'm technically a noble, Ezekiel was technically one and Albus was one…) Didn't say you only told people close to you?"

"Yes but based on the interaction I had with Tina a few weeks ago I believe Ezekiel wasn't exactly sparing in who he told it to. Tsk."

"Well, uh, he probably didn't mean to."

"Don't worry, I hold nothing against him. But who knew his killers would take advantage of something that came from his mouth." Elizabeth was intensely focusing on the empty space in front of her with her fists clenched.

("I get ya Elizabeth. These bastards are essentially mocking him by using this to attack you.")

"Stay here for a moment." She told him before walking away. He wondered if she was going for anything and quickly stood up when Tina rushed into the room.

She motioned to throw her spear at him but Elizabeth raised her voice.

"Break anything in the kitchen, and you're going to pay for it out of your own pocket!"

She grabbed the already-thrown spear by the very end of its shaft and managed to keep it from flying.

"Let's go outside Tibaut." She asked with sweat forming on her brow.

Feeling bad for her, he quickly walked outside and began their sparring.