Episode 14: The Task No One Could Achieve in 250 Years
So it is said.
—That castle was the castle of the lord who ruled this area until about two hundred and fifty years ago.
Due to a family feud, many people died, and numerous curses were generated.
Those curses still swirl within the castle, making it impossible for anyone to live there. Moreover, from time to time, the curses leak out of the castle, contaminating even the surrounding fields.
Since it became a territory under the direct control of the king, the country has been using the national budget to erect a barrier to prevent the curses from leaking. However, the barrier needs to be re-erected periodically, and the cost is not insignificant.
Therefore, as a reward, the castle will be handed over to anyone who can exorcise the curses. However, these are curses that even the court mages could not exorcise. Facing them is, of course, a life-threatening endeavor.
Furthermore, if the curses reoccur after someone takes possession of the castle, the owner is obligated to take measures to prevent the curses from spreading to the surrounding area. If damage is caused by the curses, the owner must compensate for that damage.
If the reoccurring curses cause significant damage, the owner may even face the death penalty.
Please proceed with caution.
“A request issued in the name of the King of the Valmiris Kingdom, huh? Certainly, a castle that keeps spewing curses is nothing but a burden. I can see why they’d want to foist it off on someone.”
“A task that no one has been able to accomplish in two hundred and fifty years, huh? But if it’s Akito-kun, I’m sure you can do it.”
“Yeah. I might be able to.”
After all, I was the one who exorcised the curse of Saint Mizuha, which the True Holy Order couldn’t.
No matter how much I boast about curses, it wouldn’t be overconfidence.
Right now, Mizuha and I are renting a room at an inn.
But if we get the castle, we can live there.
A house for the two of us. It’s like a dream. Like a newlywed story.
It’s embarrassing, but I want a house where we can live together.
So, Mizuha and I are going to the guild’s receptionist to get more details about the cursed castle.
“Eh, you’re going to challenge that castle!? But, well, if it’s the first Saintess and her attendant, it’s not reckless, I suppose.”
The receptionist gave us a map of the castle.
Many of those who had challenged the cursed castle before had not returned. She also told us scary stories about how those who did return had suffered mental breakdowns.
“Ehehe. Even though I have enough dignity to be recognized as the first Saintess, Akito-kun was mistaken for my attendant.”
On the way to the castle, Mizuha wore a triumphant smile.
Certainly, Mizuha looks like Mizuha, so if she keeps quiet, she has the full dignity of a Saintess.
On the other hand, I’m an eleven-year-old child. I have no dignity or presence. It’s no wonder I look like an attendant. It can’t be helped, but I do mind it. To laugh at something someone is self-conscious about is the work of an evil Saintess. I have to retaliate.
“An attendant, huh? It’s a shame we didn’t look like lovers.”
I muttered with a straight face.
Then, Mizuha’s face turned as red as if her blood was boiling.
“L-Lovers!? If we looked like lovers… that would be a problem!”
“Why? Does Mizuha not want to be seen that way with me? I want to be in that kind of relationship with Mizuha, but is Mizuha different? Does Mizuha not like me that much…?”
“I-I do like you! I want to be in that kind of relationship! But being seen that way by others… it’s e-embarrassing…!”
Mizuha covered her face with both hands. So she can’t see anything.
Good.
After all, Mizuha’s reaction was so cute that my cheeks were also getting hot. I managed to avoid giving her an opening. It’s a great victory.