Snipped 1

I'm sorry that I haven't continued updating the main story yet. But, I wanted to scribble down something that's been stuck in my head. Can you guess which timeline this is?

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"Lady Aura. It's Stroh. There is an urgent matter. May I have a moment?"

Master Stroh knocked on the door with a somewhat solemn air about him. Unintentionally, I too grew tense. On the other side of this door was Lady Aura. That fact alone. It had been about seven years, hadn't it? I wonder if she would even recognize me. Surely, Lady Aura hasn't changed at all. After all, she is a demon, a long-lived race.

At the same time, something felt off. This place. It was a garden. I had seen it through the windows as I made my way here. A garden full of trees and flowers. Surely, just like the castle gate, it was created by Lady Aura's magic. But why would she be in such a place? I had thought for sure she'd be in the chapel or her private chambers. Could she be out for a walk?

"—Come in."

A voice I hadn't heard in a long time. And yet, it sounded as if it belonged to a completely different person. Yes, it was as cold and ruthless as a demon's voice. A cold voice, so far removed from the one I remembered.

Yes, I had forgotten. No, I had never known.

That Lady Aura was, unmistakably, a demon.

"────"

In that moment, I gasped—

My heart pounded. I grew dizzy, nearly fainting.

I couldn't breathe under the overwhelming, violent waves of mana washing over me. It was just like when I had faced Solitär a while ago. No, this was far beyond that. This wasn't deceitful words meant to trick me—this was direct violence.

I wanted to run away right then and there. If I stayed here, I'd be killed. The murderous intent embedded in that magic was strong enough to make me prepare for death. For the first time in my life, I felt it—the magic of death filled the air. Its aim was directed right at me. This was no ordinary demon. This was the bloodlust of a powerful demon, and I couldn't endure it.

"What do you want? If it's something trivial, I won't forgive you, even if it's you."

Lady Aura turned to face us with an irritated look, her gaze piercing. Her appearance hadn't changed from the last time I had seen her. Yet she seemed so different now. It was terrifying. Frightening. As if a beast were wearing Lady Aura's skin. Her eyes were those of a predator staring down its prey. Though her gaze wasn't directed at me, but at Master Stroh.

"No, actually, we have a rare visitor. They have expressed a strong desire to meet with you, Lady Aura."

Master Stroh acted as if he didn't notice the tension at all. No, he probably couldn't sense mana, after all. Even so, this murderous intent was different. Any living creature would instinctively react to it. And yet, Master Stroh continued to act as usual, as if nothing had happened. This wasn't something an ordinary person could do. Like Lord Heiter, he too was an extraordinary priest.

"Huh? Are you joking? Letting an outsider in here?"

Lady Aura's anger grew even fiercer in response to Master Stroh. If it were anyone else, they would have already been killed by the immense mana pressure she was emitting. Master Stroh absorbed and deflected it all, maintaining his calm smile as he looked at me, signaling that I could come forward. Yet, I couldn't take that first step.

I finally understood. Why Mistress Frieren had told me never to trust demons. I hadn't truly grasped the meaning of it. What it meant that Lady Aura was a demon. What it meant to be a demon. Lord Heiter and Lord Eisen had known. They had recognized and trusted Lady Aura, understanding that truth. Just as Lord Himmel once had.

So I had to move forward. This wasn't like earlier. The one before me was not that demon. This was Lady Aura. I knew that. I believed in that. So—

Step by step, I moved forward slowly. This time, I didn't stay behind Master Stroh but walked ahead of him, staring directly at Lady Aura. Without averting my gaze. My body was still trembling, but I didn't hide it. This is who I am right now.

"—Could it be... you?"

The moment she saw me, her mana wavered. Her eyes changed. It was as if she had transformed from a demon into a human.

"Lady Aura, perhaps the mana you're releasing is too overwhelming? Even the demon guards fled because of its intensity."

As if on cue, Master Stroh spoke up, saying something so out of place that I couldn't help but widen my eyes in surprise. His comment was far too inappropriate for the situation, lacking any sense of tact—just like Lord Heiter used to be.

"—Don't compare someone's mana to a foul smell. I'll kill you."

"My apologies. Unfortunately, I can't sense mana. But as it stands, our guest might start to dislike you if you continue."

"…You schemed this, didn't you, Stroh?"

"What ever could you mean?"

"Hmph... Don't pretend to be something you're not."

At that moment, the oppressive mana receded, as if the earlier waves of power had been a lie. It changed into something more familiar. It became the mana of the Lady Aura I knew. More than that, the exchange between them brought back memories. Those brief days, just one month long. Lady Aura, who was calm but somehow motherly. Miss Linie, who treated me like a younger sister. And Lord Heiter, who teased them both with a smile. Those days we spent together.

"Um…"

Just like back then, my shy self didn't know how to approach or start a conversation. Seeing me like that, she seemed somewhat exasperated.

"—It's been a while, Fern. You've grown. Has it been seven years?"

There she was, completely unchanged—Lady Aura. Despite being a demon, she spoke to me in words that were considerate of a human like me.

"—Yes. It's been a long time, Lady Aura."

That was the long-awaited reunion with my benefactor that I had been yearning for.

"Humans really do grow quickly... It reminds me of Lily."

As she sipped her tea with elegant movements, Lady Aura once again said this to me. It's different from seven years ago. This must be how Lady Aura conducts herself here in Freesia. But her words, her tone, have not changed. It's not the face she shows as a demon. No, surely both sides are part of who Lady Aura is, just like we humans have two sides to us.

"Oh my, have you forgotten about me, sister?" (Stroh)

"You're still the same brat as ever. At least you've outgrown lifting skirts." (Aura)

As proof, when Master Stroh, who was standing next to Lady Aura, made a teasing remark, she responded with an exasperated but playful retort. It was just like old times. Lord Haiter used to tease Lady Aura like that, always leaving her flustered. They must enjoy Lady Aura's earnest responses. Seeing them like that, I couldn't help but smile.

"Hmm? Is something funny?"

"No, it's just that Lady Aura hasn't changed at all. You're still the same as before."

Noticing my smile, Lady Aura gave me a curious look. Indeed, she hasn't changed. She's the same Lady Aura I remember and know. I was worried that the rumors and stories I had heard might suggest otherwise, but those concerns were unfounded. I could feel my tension slowly easing, just like in the old days.

"The old days... huh? So that's how seven years feels." 

"Ah, the privilege of youth. We can only envy it."

"Don't lump me in with you."

It seemed my words had caught Lady Aura's attention. There's a big difference between what we short-lived species consider 'the old days' and what long-lived species like Lady Aura do. Especially with Mistress Frieren—it's particularly severe with her. She's started to meet us halfway recently, but when we first met, it was a real struggle. She didn't honor any promises made by our sense of time. Compared to that, Lady Aura is truly remarkable. She perceives time in terms of years, like seven years.

Apart from that, I suppose she might have felt like she was being treated as elderly. Master Stroh had teased her again. Lady Aura has lived for five hundred years, but I have no way of knowing if that makes her old or not.

"But this garden really is beautiful. The flower field in front of the castle gates was also impressive. That's your magic, isn't it, Lady Aura?"

In an effort to change the subject, I looked around and asked. We were currently having tea in a corner of the garden. I imagine this is where they host guests for tea when visitors come. The flowers blooming here were just as beautiful as those near the castle gates. Undoubtedly, they were the result of Lady Aura's magic.

"You're very perceptive. It's even renowned across the country. It's become a tourist attraction now. But it wasn't here from the beginning, you know."

"Huh? Is that so?"

Master Stroh answered my question, but his response was unexpected. This flower field wasn't here from the start. I had assumed it was. Freesia has only been around for about thirty years since its founding, if I recall. So maybe they didn't come up with the idea right away. However, the reason was—

"Yes, if I recall correctly, it was after sister went to see Lord Haiter to revise the sacred texts. I was quite surprised when I saw sister's flower magic again after so long. I imagine something good must have happened."

"…Stroh."

"My apologies."

It seemed I was involved in this, too. I finally understood what Master Stroh was implying. At the same time, I remembered Lord Haiter's words. When I brought him the first flower I created after Lady Aura taught me her flower magic:

"Well done, Fern. You've even made Aura's heart bloom. It's something we could never do."

He had gently stroked my head as he praised me. I hadn't understood the meaning of his words back then, but now I do. I understand what this flower magic meant to Lady Aura and what it meant for her to entrust it to me.

Of course, to Lady Aura, it must be something she doesn't want to admit, something embarrassing. She's making a face that's hard to describe, like an older sister caught in a prank.

"You two really do get along well, don't you?"

Yes, truly, these two have a close relationship. It makes me a bit envious. Like real siblings, despite being of different races and looking nothing alike.

"We're just tied together by circumstance."

"We've known each other for a long time. I have fond memories of when she made me submit upon our first meeting."

Ah, this must be the creed of Freesia. The embodiment of coexistence between humans and demons. Even if they have different lifespans, values, or ways of living, they can live together. It's the continuation of the dream that Hero Himmel once envisioned.

"But we're grateful you've come, Lady Fern. Sister has been in a foul mood for the past three days. She's been venting her stress in this garden, and we couldn't have a proper conversation."

"It was just training."

"It's practically the same."

And with that, Master Stroh exposed what had been going on with Lady Aura earlier. Apparently, she had been training in the garden. That explained why her mana had been so turbulent. She must have been simulating a battle in her mind. No wonder the killing intent had been so overwhelming. The real question was, who was she imagining fighting? I didn't need to ask. The answer was obvious from the past three days.

"Enough about us. Now then..."

"…?"

As I pondered what to do, I caught Lady Aura's gaze. She continued to look at me silently, without saying anything. What could it be? Did I do something strange? I started to feel anxious.

"Hmm... So, you've become that elf's disciple after all."

Lady Aura spoke calmly, with an almost emotionless tone. It felt as if she had seen through something invisible. But more importantly, what caught my attention was how she referred to that elf. She deliberately avoided saying her name. There was no doubt that Lady Aura's feelings toward Mistress Frieren were woven into that choice of words.

"How did you know?"

"I could tell by looking. There are only two mages who suppress their mana like that—her and Linie... oh, and if I include that old nuisance, I suppose there are three."

I chose not to address that, but instead pursued the other topic. It was a reminder of the incident with Solitär. It must seem unnatural to demons, especially to those like the two great demons. Only Mistress Frieren, Miss Linie, and I practice this kind of mana suppression. Compared to those two, though, my ability to conceal mana is far inferior. It seems there's yet another person who does this as well. Judging by the way she called him an old nuisance, it must be someone quite elderly.

"Linie would be pleased to see this."

"She'd probably claim you were copying her."

The conversation naturally shifted to Miss Linie. Just as they said, Miss Linie would no doubt be pleased to see my mana suppression. In a way, it's like inheriting the art of mana suppression, making Miss Linie and I fellow disciples of Mistress Frieren. I could easily imagine the scene.

"By the way, is Miss Linie not here? I was hoping to meet her."

I asked again, curious. Since arriving at the cathedral, I hadn't seen her. She had always been with Lady Aura, so I had been looking forward to meeting her just as much as I had been to seeing Lady Aura.

"Unfortunately, she's not here right now. She's gone to Graf Granat as an envoy. She'll be back tonight, so please meet with her then."

"Yes, certainly."

It seems that Miss Linie isn't here, but is currently in Graf Granat. It seems she's an envoy as well, likely serving as one of Lady Aura's aides. If that's the case, perhaps we unknowingly passed each other in Graf Granat. We must have just missed each other. It's unfortunate, but if I stay here, I should be able to meet her.

"Still... you showed some signs back then, but I always knew you were a monster."

"Huh...?"

While resting her chin in her hand, Lady Aura speaks as if recalling something from the past, though her eyes seem focused on something not here. It appears she's talking about me. But I don't understand what she means and can only feel confused. After all, being called a 'monster' by someone like Lady Aura, one of the Great Demons—how many beings in this world could possibly fit such a description? It's hard to believe those words came from her. Did I mishear her?

"Sister, I think that was a poor choice of words."

"Quiet. I just misspoke, that's all. What I meant is, you're a genius."

"Me, a genius? No, there's no way..."

It seems she did misspeak. But in essence, it means the same thing. In other words, Lady Aura is calling me a genius. Why would she say such a thing? It doesn't suit me, not in the slightest. That title belongs to great figures like Mistress Frieren, the Great Mage, or Lady Flamme, the legendary mage. But...

"A third-class mage, the youngest in history, and you say that? Why not go ahead and take the first-class exam already? If it's that guy Serie, she'd pass you in a heartbeat just by taking one look."

To Lady Aura, however, it seems that's not the case. In fact, it seems she knows more about me than I do about myself. She even knows I became a third-class mage and that I was the youngest to do so. From the way she speaks, she likely has connections with the Continental Magic Association. Perhaps they're even long-standing acquaintances.

"Serie? Who's that?"

I can only tilt my head in confusion at the name. From Lady Aura's perspective, I'm probably supposed to know of her. But I have no clue.

"You mean the elf didn't tell you? How absurd... She's the founder of the Magic Association. She was the teacher of your teacher's teacher. She's a relic from the mythical age, still hanging on to life, the old fool."

With a somewhat exasperated expression, Lady Aura explains who she is. To me, it seems that from her perspective, I'm essentially a great-grandchild in terms of lineage among disciples. Not to mention, She's the same kind of elf as Mistress Frieren. That alone tells me how extraordinary she is. If such a person exists, it would have been nice if Mistress Frieren had told me. Then again, knowing her, she probably just forgot. Maybe she even dislikes this Serie.

"She sounds like an incredible figure."

"You don't need to show her any respect. She's a recluse who almost never appears in public. Must be an elf thing. Be careful around her though. Show any weakness, and she'll use you as she pleases."

"Sounds like you speak from experience."

I bet Lady Aura isn't fond of her either. I can tell from her tone and body language. Somehow, I get the feeling that this Serie might be similar to Lady Aura.

"I don't think I have to worry about that. I'm still far from being skilled."

"You're as childlike as ever. Or should I say, humble? You're nothing like Haiter, that drunkard priest who used to drink all day."

"That's not true. Besides, alcohol is the best medicine."

"...You're definitely his daughter."

"Indeed."

"...?"

They both give me the same look, but I can only tilt my head in confusion. Being called Haiter's daughter should be the highest form of praise, but for some reason, I feel a sense of unease. Did I say something strange? At the same time, I recall often being scolded for not acting childlike. Even now, I must still seem like a child to Lady Aura. Even to someone like Master Stroh, I imagine I'm still seen as a child. And I don't mind that. In fact, it makes me somewhat happy. Perhaps in front of this person, my heart will always remain a child.

"So, why did you come here alone? Isn't the elf with you?"

"Well..."

Once the conversation settles, Lady Aura asks me again. The force behind her question makes me hesitate. It's clearly a change in the air around her. I think it's because this is about Mistress Frieren. There's unmistakable hostility in her gaze. But I can't avoid answering. After all, what I'm about to request is about Mistress Frieren. As I hesitate, feeling overwhelmed...

"Before that, there's something I'd like to report. It's related to that matter as well."

"And what is that?"

Master Stroh interjects, almost as if coming to my rescue. This man is truly remarkable. Is every priest this impressive? His eyes seem to tell me to leave this to him. I have no choice but to accept his offer.

"It's about Lady Solitär. Until just a while ago, she was with Lady Fern."

"Tell me everything."

But the content of his report turns out to be quite different from what I had expected. I thought he would be talking about Lady Frieren. As I listen to Master Stro's report, along with Lady Aura, my thoughts unwillingly drift back to the events I would rather forget.

"I see... Fern, I apologize. It was my fault for being too lenient. I won't let her do as she pleases anymore."

"It's not your fault..."

With a harsh expression, Lady Aura speaks to me, different from how she was before. It seems she feels it was her own failure. Though I was careless as well, to Lady Aura, it appears the responsibility lies with her. Perhaps this is her face as a ruler, as the queen of Freesia.

"And how does the elf tie into all this?"

"Yes. It seems a few days ago, a request to detain Lady Frieren was sent from here to Graf Granat."

Master Stroh continues speaking, even as I still don't understand how this connects to the previous matter. He speaks concisely and clearly, a far cry from my clumsy explanations. But as he continues, Lady Aura's expression worsens. Her brow furrows, and her face twists as if she's dealing with a situation far beyond her expectations.

"So, that elf is currently caught, right?"

"Yes..."

"It seems that way."

It was probably half exasperation. Lady Aura leaned back deeply in her chair, crossing her arms as she spoke. Seeing her like that, I felt a sense of unease. But at the same time, I realized something. Lady Aura was probably not involved in this matter. If this had been her order, things wouldn't have turned out this way.

"As I recall, the negotiations with Graf Granat were left entirely to Lügner, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"I see... Without a doubt, this is his idea. He's such a troublesome ally, isn't he?"

"I believe you're right."

From their conversation, I was able to get a general idea. No doubt about it. This whole series of events was the work of that demon, Solitär. That's why Master Stroh brought it up first. Even Lady Aura has a hard time dealing with him. That demon must be a dangerous existence.

But that doesn't matter now. I must do what I need to do. I can't continue to rely on Master Stroh forever. I have to handle my own matters. That's something even a child would understand.

"Um... Lady Aura, could you please lift the order to restrain Mistress Frieren?"

After taking a deep breath to steady myself, I mustered my resolve and made the request to Lady Aura. I fully understood what this meant for her, how unreasonable my request was.

"──── Me? Why should I? That elf got caught because of her own actions. Besides, it doesn't go against the interests of Freesia. It's none of my concern."

After widening her eyes for a moment, Lady Aura gave an expected reply. Yes, this is all our own doing. It's not something that concerns her. Besides, Lady Aura has no reason to help Msitress Frieren. In fact, quite the opposite. For the past three days, Lady Aura has released an overwhelming amount of mana, making it clear how significant Mistress Frieren is to her. Truly, I shouldn't have even brought up the subject. I could feel her mana starting to become agitated again. Though it hadn't reached the point of murderous intent, the pressure behind it was filled with emotion.

"No... Mistress Frieren was captured because she tried to save me..."

Though I felt like I was being crushed by the pressure, I bowed my head and pleaded. That's right—if it had been just Mistress Frieren, this wouldn't have happened. She could have escaped. She couldn't resist because I was there. That's why I must save her as soon as possible, even if it means being disliked by Lady Aura.

Silence. With my head bowed, I couldn't see what expression Lady Aura was making. The only thing I could sense was her magic power. Eyes speak louder than words, and for a mage, magic power does the same. I could feel her confusion, her hesitation, as if scales were tipping back and forth.

"Are you sure, sis? After all, Lady Fern came all this way to ask for your help."

"..."

A weight was added to the scale. A heavy, definite weight, enough to tip the balance.

"Besides, don't we bear some responsibility for not being able to fully control Lady Solitär?"

"...You planned this from the start, didn't you?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

As if knowing this would happen all along, Master Stroh offered his assistance at just the right moment. I couldn't be more grateful to him. Perhaps even Lady Aura, who might have wanted to grant my request but couldn't, saw his help as a lifeline.

"…Fine. It annoys me to be used by that guy anyway. Stroh, bring me a letter. I'll sign it, so bring a pen."

"Understood, Lady Aura. Please wait a moment."

Lady Aura snorted, adjusted her seating, and issued the order to Master Stroh with great authority. Master Stroh responded smoothly, as though in perfect sync. This must be the formal relationship between the two. I noticed he had started addressing her as 'Lady' instead of 'Sister.' More importantly, this was proof that the two of them had granted my unreasonable request.

"Th-thank you so much, Lady Aura!"

"I told you before, there's no need to thank a demon. I'm only doing this for myself."

Even though I thanked her, Lady Aura refused to accept it, just as she had before, offering only a warning instead. I knew, as Lord Heiter once said, that this was her kind lie. The same Lady Aura I've always known.

"You should stay here for a while longer. It would be troublesome if Solitär kept following you. Even if that elf is heartless, she'll probably come to pick up her apprentice."

Casually, while eating an apple pastry from the table, Lady Aura made the remark. To her, it was probably nothing out of the ordinary. So I couldn't thank her again. Instead, I kept my gratitude in my heart. In return...

"Yes. I will continue to rely on you, Lady Aura."

Following the customs of Freesia, I conveyed my gratitude. Words that even a demon like Lady Aura could understand, something I learned from Miss Linie's diary.

"That child has finally become someone to be imitated... how annoying." (Aura)

Her words must have reached her. Like a mother being exasperated by her child's antics, Lady Aura muttered her familiar catchphrase with a nostalgic sigh as she closed her eyes.