Chapter 19: The One Who Rules the Kin of Twilight – 01
The martial arts tournament had been a grand spectacle, and by the day after the day after, the arena hosted an award ceremony and closing event, bringing the event to a safe conclusion.
Given the incident involving the Candlestick of the Netherworld, I had expected subsequent festivities to be canceled, but that was far from the case. For three days and nights following the closing ceremony, the Imperial Capital was alive with celebration.
As the champion, I had no choice but to attend the banquet gathering the participating competitors and the feast hosted by the imperial family at the castle. While it wasn’t my first time as the guest of honor, I still found myself struggling to get used to it.
Especially at the castle party this time, I was frequently teased about my relationship with Princess Marishielle, which left me mentally drained. As a result, I spent the entire following day sprawled out on the living room sofa at home.
Meanwhile, Larni, Karma, and Sakurahime had gone shopping in the city, and Mariane was at the guild. The only ones at home were Freinir, Shizuna, Geshura, and three servants.
“Lord Soushi, you seem quite exhausted since yesterday. While I believe your achievements are remarkable, I think it would be best for you to take a break for a while,” Freinir said, sitting beside me as she offered her comfort.
“Thank you, Frei. My body isn’t particularly tired, but my mind is a bit worn out. I’ll take it easy today.”
“I think taking a week off would be reasonable. You’ve worked hard enough to deserve it.”
“It seems that participants in martial arts tournaments typically rest for about that long. Jaze mentioned the same thing.”
“Is that so? But your mental fatigue… Are you perhaps worried about Marquis Fulcrum?”
As she spoke, Freinir made a gesture as if in prayer.
Regarding the Fulcrum family, it seemed they were being treated as if they had already been assassinated, with a fake impersonating them. Given that many commoners had witnessed the events at the arena, it was impossible to cover it up. Therefore, it appeared that a soft announcement would be made to the public soon.
The troubling part was that this incident revealed the Candlestick of the Netherworld’s capability to assassinate high-ranking nobles of the Empire. It seemed the Empire was urgently considering countermeasures regarding this.
“I feel quite sorry for them. However, by the time we realized what was happening, they were already gone from this world. There’s nothing we can do about that.”
“Indeed… When I think about how they were already deceased when we met at the banquet, I cannot forgive the wickedness of the Candlestick of the Netherworld.”
Freinir seemed to feel a profound sense of righteous indignation towards the Candlestick’s manipulation of the dead. I, along with the other members, likely shared the same sentiment, and as part of Soul’s Guidance, we would have to confront the Candlestick.
“However, I suspect that your fatigue isn’t solely due to that, is it?”
As if she had been listening to our conversation, Shizuna, the Oni priestess, sat down beside me with a knowing expression. Being a princess of Oz Country, she had a sharp understanding of political matters.
“It seems you were asked about it repeatedly at yesterday’s banquet. So, did Princess Marishielle bring it up with you?”
“No, not yet. In fact, I feel like if I don’t have the intention to pursue it, it won’t come up at all.”
“Lord Soushi, what kind of conversation are you referring to?”
When Freinir tilted her head in confusion, Shizuna placed her hand on my shoulder and answered in her stead.
“The conversation about marrying Princess Marishielle. It seems she has publicly declared her intention to marry a man stronger than herself. As the Emperor, she would surely want to forge a strong connection with someone like you, who stands unrivaled as a hero. You were being prodded about that all day yesterday.”
“Oh, that conversation… What are your thoughts on it, Lord Soushi?”
Freinir asked, her expression tinged with a hint of anxiety. I had assured everyone that I would never neglect them, but it was only natural for her to be concerned.
“I never intended to propose marriage myself. However, if the topic arises, I can’t simply dismiss it.”
“I see… So you are indeed considering marriage…”
“Frei, there’s no need to be disheartened. A man like Soushi would never settle for just one wife. Besides, Soushi has responsibilities to uphold, and I believe he has the capacity to manage them. You mustn’t give up.”
“Please don’t fill Frei’s head with strange ideas. Frei, even if I were to marry someone, I would always be by your side. You don’t need to worry.”
As I pulled her close, Freinir closed her eyes and leaned against me, seemingly reassured.
“Thank you, Lord Soushi.”
“Honestly, Frei was the first person I met, so I think she should be more proactive. Larni seems to be surprisingly concerned about that sort of thing.”
Shizuna’s words were oddly suggestive, but I chose to ignore them. Delving into that topic felt risky.
As I lounged about, Mariane returned from the guild, accompanied by Grand Master Lady Dorozitte, suggesting we might hear some new information.
“Fufu, it seems even the legendary hero is quite worn out after being poked and prodded yesterday. Mariane was quite concerned as well.”
“Whether or not I’m a legendary hero, being prodded like that is quite bothersome. However, just because the situation allows for it doesn’t mean there are any concrete discussions.”
As I replied, Lady Dorozitte settled into the sofa with a knowing smile.
“Well, let’s leave it at that. I doubt His Imperial Majesty has said nothing at all, though.”
“Since nothing has been formally stated, I can’t say anything beyond that… By the way, has there been any progress regarding the Candlestick of the Netherworld?”
In response to my blatant attempt to change the subject, Lady Dorozitte shrugged and began to speak, her brow furrowing slightly.
“There’s been no particular movement on that front. It seems that Marquis Fulcrum has been in that state for at least a year. The story goes that during the previous lord’s absence, the mother and child fell victim to the Candlestick of the Netherworld. Then, the impersonated mother and child were responsible for the assassination of the previous lord.”
“That’s a dreadful tale. However, if that’s the case, the other nobles must be in a state of fear. Anyone could become a target for assassination.”
“It seems the Candlestick of the Netherworld has a strong connection with the Undead, so they plan to keep adventurers with Holy Attribute Magic close by as a countermeasure. I think that’s a reasonable approach. More importantly, I’m very concerned about the fact that the Candlestick of the Netherworld opened the Gate to Another World and summoned a ‘Demon.’ What do you think, Lord Soushi?”
“Well…”
I had brushed it aside at the time, but it was indeed a shocking revelation. That ‘Demon’ seemed far beyond anything a mere human could handle.
“First, we should note that the individual known as Isunani referred to it as the ‘Gate to Another World’ and the ‘Door to the Netherworld.’ Furthermore, it seems that the ‘Lost Princess’ they seek resides in that ‘Netherworld.’ We should keep a close eye on that. In any case, we must locate the Candlestick’s stronghold and eliminate them.”
“That’s true. However, what concerns me is that the ‘Demons’ that have appeared so far may not be related to the Candlestick of the Netherworld. After all, Isunani mentioned that the incident at the arena was their first successful attempt. If that’s the case, even if we deal with the Candlestick of the Netherworld, the Gate to Another World will likely continue to open. Therefore, I believe it’s absolutely necessary to investigate the Gate to Another World and the Otherworld itself.”
Lady Dorozitte leaned forward, her words growing more intense. Mariane sighed beside her, likely indicating that her curiosity was slightly ‘running wild.’
“One day, we will need to investigate it. However, if we could conveniently find the Gate to Another World, we could plan to investigate it, but as it stands, it’s a matter of luck. It’s a difficult situation.”
“That’s why I think if we could obtain the technology to open the Gate to Another World from the Candlestick of the Netherworld, we could conduct our investigation. Don’t you think so?”
“That is certainly true. However, I believe it won’t be easy…”
As expected of the Grand Master, she seemed to be contemplating something extraordinary. I had tried to express my reservations, considering Mariane’s feelings, but Lady Dorozitte continued speaking, seemingly undeterred.
“Trusting in Divine Fortune, you will surely find yourself at the Candlestick of the Netherworld, won’t you, Soushi? So, when that time comes, I want you to acquire the techniques by any means necessary. Since this is a direct request from the Grand Master, I hope you can consider it.”
“Y-yes…”
I see, so that’s the angle she’s taking. Well, I must admit, it’s something that piques my interest as well, so it seems I’ll be accepting the request.
However, I can’t help but be astonished by Lady Dorozitte’s strong curiosity and her flexible way of thinking in this situation. The Candlestick of the Netherworld probably never anticipated being targeted in such a manner. Reflecting on that, I do feel a slight sense of relief wash over me.