The Expelled Boy Does All Sorts of Things with the Onee-sans He Saved. - Chapter 88 & 89 & 90 & 91

Chapter 088: In the Empire

At that time, in the Empire.

“What did you say!?”

The man sitting on the throne stood up with a look of utter shock.

“We lost to Zelgon!?”

“…I have no excuse.”

“Excuses are unacceptable!! Have the general take responsibility and commit suicide!”

“No!!”

The soldier who came to report was stunned by the Emperor’s outrageous order.

“There is no way my Empire can lose. The unification of the continent is my long-cherished desire. Anyone who delays or fails that goal is unnecessary.”

“But—”

“I said no excuses!! Hurry and—”

“Now now, please wait, Your Majesty.”

“Kaiser!? You dare give me orders?”

“Your Majesty. If you make everyone commit suicide, you will not win the hearts of the people. A ruler must also possess generosity.”

“…Tch.”

The Emperor glared at Kaiser, but the mage remained completely unfazed. The Emperor let out a deep, irritated sigh and reluctantly gave in.

“…Fine. Do it that way then. Now get out of my sight!!”

The soldier was chased out of the room without even being given a chance to speak.

“Damn it!!”

“Your Imperial Majesty. Please calm yourself.”

“What is it, Kaiser? Do you want to laugh at me?”

“Not at all. As expected, Shuriman’s presence is quite troublesome.”

“Then assassinate him!!”

“That would be impossible. Such methods do not work on a Contractor like him.”

“Are you mocking me!?”

“Therefore—”

Kaiser smiled wickedly.

“Wouldn’t it be better to summon beings who can rival him?”

“Hah?”

The Emperor looked confused. At that moment—

“Reporting!! Our operatives in the Grand Duchy have been captured.”

“…!!”

Unable to hide his irritation, the Emperor stood up and marched toward the messenger.

“Don’t fuck with me!!”

“Guh!!”

The man was punched by the Emperor and rolled across the floor.

“Every single one of you is incompetent!! Useless!!”

“What about the operatives?”

“They were captured and sent to prison.”

“Hmm. Then we shall rescue them.”

“Kaiser. What are you saying?”

The Emperor could not understand Kaiser’s words. In his mind, failure meant immediate disposal. Yet Kaiser said “rescue them”? He was convinced there must be some ulterior motive behind those words. However, arguing with Kaiser would only cause more trouble, so he stopped pressing the issue.

“By the way, were there any promising collaborators in the Grand Duchy?”

“Yes. The Marquis of Toscani, and—”

“Oh?”

“A man named Dan = Marq = Arbonne appears to have sufficient value for use.”

“I see.”

After listening to the report, Kaiser smiled again.

“Then let us begin Plan 2. For the sake of unifying this continent and achieving our Empire’s long-cherished desire.”

Kaiser boldly took command right in front of the Emperor, as if he were the one truly leading the nation. Though the Emperor felt some irritation, he decided to let Kaiser do as he pleased due to his trust in the mage.

On this day, a secret order was issued to all generals of the Empire: “Prepare for the coming war.”

“Lady Adelheit.”

“…What is it?”

The woman had only recently become an Imperial general, but the order had already reached her. She had long black hair and amethyst-purple eyes, with an eyepatch covering one eye. Wearing a white coat draped over her shoulders and sitting deeply in her chair, she gave off an aura far beyond that of a newly appointed general.

“A letter from the Chief Court Mage and Prime Minister.”

After receiving the letter from her subordinate, she let out a sigh.

“So it’s finally happening.”

“……”

“How deplorable.”

After reading the sealed orders, she spoke with clear exasperation.

“Rosaria. This country has started to go mad without you.”

She spoke toward the picture frame placed on her desk, addressing her absent friend.

Chapter 089: The One Who Creates Swords and the Holy Knight ①

“Let’s end today’s lesson here.”

“Thank you very much.”

I finished my Rouge language lesson with Elena-sama.

Several days have passed since I arrived in the Grand Duchy. Maria-sama and I were permanently exiled from the Holy Kingdom and now live here.

Both His Grace the Grand Duke and the head of the Belladonna family, Lady Louisa, have treated us — former leaders of an enemy nation — with surprising kindness. I still don’t fully understand why they would be so good to people they once fought against. I suspect they have some ulterior motive, but I am still grateful.

During the inquisitorial council in the Holy Kingdom, we could have easily been sentenced to death. Yet the inquisitors chose to let us live and ordered us to atone while alive.

If that is our mission, then we must live. I need to think about what I should do here. Maria-sama has already started working as a healer at the guild’s treatment facility under Alphonse-sama’s aunt.

As for me… what should I do?

“Shia? Is something wrong?”

While I was lost in thought, Elena-sama called out to me.

“I’m sorry. I was thinking about something.”

“If you’re worried about anything, please feel free to consult me anytime.”

Elena-sama gave me a gentle smile. Because I had been manipulated by Vols, I had been instilled with strong hatred toward Elena-sama — though not to the same extent as Maria-sama.

What can I do to atone for what I did to her? Every time I think about it, my expression darkens, and I end up worrying Elena-sama.

“To be able to hold a conversation in Rouge after such a short time… You really do have excellent memory.”

“No, it’s because Elena-sama is such a good teacher.”

Unlike me, Elena-sama had learned the language almost entirely by herself (with some help from Alphonse-sama) in a very short period. She is the real genius. The woman once praised as one of the greatest in history is far more amazing.

“…If you keep making such a dark face, you’ll worry both Maria and everyone else.”

“You’re right…”

Elena-sama had other business after this and left the room. I began self-study to improve my Rouge language as quickly as possible.

“Th-thank… you very mush.”

Although Ancient Sanova is the root language of the continent, the pronunciation differs in many places. I must master it as soon as possible.

“Excuse me, Lady Artemisia.”

There was a knock at the door. When I looked outside, the sky had already grown dark. One of the maids of this house entered.

However, I still don’t understand why all the maids except Head Maid Sophia wear such short skirts. No — I shouldn’t comment on that. It would be rude to pry too deeply when they are taking care of us.

“Dinner is ready.”

“Understood. I’ll come right away.”

After that, I had dinner together with everyone, including Alphonse-sama and Maria-sama.

Since becoming Knight Commander, I rarely had the chance to eat with a large group. It had been a long time since I last sat at a table with so many people.

After dinner, I took a bath, brushed my teeth, and got into bed. Thanks to the fatigue from morning training and studying, I fell asleep almost immediately.

That night, I had a dream — a dream of those short but happy days from when I first met Elena-sama until we parted.

～～～～～～～～～～

I was born in a small monastery church in a rural part of the Holy Kingdom. I have no parents. From the time I became aware of my surroundings, I was already living in the monastery with other boys and girls in similar situations. We studied and prayed together.

When I turned 10, the time came for children in the Holy Kingdom to have their abilities appraised. A priest from the church would perform the appraisal. This was how those with talent and those without were identified. Naturally, having talent made one’s future much more favorable.

It was my turn. The priest instructed me to place my hand on a stone tablet. I did as I was told. After a while, the dull light stopped, and—

“This is!!”

The priest cried out in astonishment. The sisters around him also began to murmur excitedly.

“Artemisia. From now on, you must also begin sword training. You are one of the rare few who possesses a skill!! If you train hard as a knight, you could even become Knight Commander one day!!”

“Knight Commander?”

“Yes. You are going to become a Paladin!!”

The head of the monastery grabbed my shoulders and spoke with great excitement.

From that day onward, I began extremely rigorous training in order to enter the most elite unit in the Holy Kingdom — the First Knight Order. The monastery arranged a dedicated sword instructor just for me, and I followed a special schedule.

“Stand up. If you want to become Knight Commander, you can’t give up after something like this.”

The instructor was strict. I was knocked down countless times.

During skill training as well—

“You must visualize it clearly. That is essential for forming swords.”

“Yes.”

My skill, Sword Creation (剣製), allows me to replicate swords I have previously possessed. At that stage, I could only manage to create ones of the same size.

For the next three years, I repeated this harsh training every single day.

～～～～～～～～～～

When I turned 13, a shocking event shook the entire Holy Kingdom.

News spread that the Pope’s own granddaughter had started a revolution against him. A new female Pope was then enthroned.

But that wasn’t what shocked me the most. At the same time, the new Commander of the First Knight Order was a girl only three years older than me.

Just like previous commanders, she would accept challenges from anyone who wished to fight her.

For the first time in my life, I felt bitter jealousy. I had been taught that only those with extraordinary talent and experience could reach that position — yet a teenage girl had achieved it. I became desperate to know what kind of person she was.

“Mother Superior. I am going to Lutetia!!”

“It’s still too early. Wait another two years.”

The people at the monastery and my instructors all tried to stop me.

But at that time, I couldn’t afford to wait patiently. Ignoring everyone’s attempts to stop me, I took the money and food I needed and left the monastery, heading for Lutetia with my sword.

Chapter 090: The One Who Creates Swords and the Holy Knight ②

Five days had passed since I left my hometown.

A massive city wall finally came into view ahead of me.

“So that’s Lutetia…”

With my heart filled with anticipation, I headed toward the capital. After undergoing inspection at the gate and proving I was a citizen of the Holy Kingdom, I was finally allowed inside Lutetia.

“Amazing…”

The number of people walking along the stone-paved roads was incomparable to my small village. There weren’t just people — there were many horse-drawn carts and carriages as well. The clothing worn by the townspeople was also completely different. I even saw high-ranking clergy of the Anis faith walking around — people of higher status than the priest from my monastery. It was my first time seeing them.

And ahead of me stood my destination: the grand cathedral. The pure white headquarters of the Anis faith towered majestically.

The sight filled me with an indescribable sense of excitement. This is where I…

I steeled my resolve and continued forward. The buildings lining the streets were different in both design and materials from those in my hometown. While captivated by the scenery, I made my way toward the cathedral, carefully avoiding the crowds.

After walking for some time, I reached a large plaza. There, a great number of people who had come to challenge the commander had gathered — just like me. Large, muscular men and slender women; people from all over the Holy Kingdom who were confident in their skills had assembled here.

Then, a group emerged from the direction of the cathedral, marching in uniform armor. I could see the red flag symbolizing the First Knight Order.

One of the knights shouted toward us:

“Form ranks!! Her Excellency, Elena = Shell = Valois, Commander of the First Knight Order, has arrived!!”

The knights created a path down the center. From the other side, a figure riding a white horse approached.

Long golden hair flowing down to her waist and striking red eyes — even from a distance, her beauty was unmistakable.

So this was the girl who had become Commander of the First Knight Order at just 16 years old.

“I am Elena = Shell = Valois. Everyone, please show me your full strength today.”

Though her face still retained some youthful innocence, the aura she radiated was undeniably real. She was far stronger than I had imagined.

“Now, we will decide the order. Those who wish to challenge, come forward!!”

The time had finally come to determine the order of challengers. I dashed forward without hesitation.

“There are lots in this box. Please draw one.”

Following the knight holding the box, I reached inside.

“Once you have drawn, please wait for a while.”

A number was written on the paper. It seemed challengers would face Elena-sama in order of their numbers. My number was…

“120”

It looked like I wouldn’t be fighting first.

～～～～～～～～

In the end, I became the very last challenger.

The time had already reached the afternoon. With so many people, it would be difficult to finish everything in one day.

“Then, the first challenger!!”

“Yeah!!”

The first challenger was a large, muscular man wielding a club. The match would take place in the center of the plaza, so not only the challengers but also many residents of Lutetia had come to watch. This was probably to show the people the strength of their Knight Commander and give them a sense of security. Because of that, she — as Commander of the First Knight Order — carried immense pressure to never lose.

“Are both sides ready?”

“Yes.”

“Anytime.”

Elena-sama held a large shield and sword, looking every bit the embodiment of a Paladin.

“Heh, you’re still green. You won’t survive on the battlefield with just appearances.”

“You’ll understand once we fight.”

“Begin!!”

The moment the signal was given, the man charged forward, club raised high. Elena-sama didn’t move. Was she aiming for a counter?

“Uoooooooooh!!”

A powerful strike, muscles bulging, came crashing down. The impact kicked up a gust of wind and a cloud of dust.

“Kuh!!”

What strength…! But my worry was unnecessary.

Elena-sama had calmly blocked his full-power strike with her shield.

“Something of this level cannot defeat me!!”

“What!?”

“Haa!!”

Elena-sama swiftly pushed the club back with her shield, then placed her sword against the now-exposed man’s neck.

“…It’s over.”

The fight had ended almost instantly. In the blink of an eye, she had seized his vital point. And most impressive of all was the physical strength required to block that blow. Despite her slender appearance, where did such power come from?

“Winner, Elena = Shell = Valois!!”

Cheers erupted — mostly from the citizens. The challengers, however, swallowed hard. Just how strong was she? She probably hadn’t even fought seriously yet. What would her full power look like?

“Next challenger, step forward!!”

The next person walked to the center. However, after seeing the previous match, several challengers had already lost their will to fight.

Meanwhile, I was thinking:

“Amazing!! She really is incredible!!”

I was excited. She was stronger than any of the instructors back home.

Originally, I had no interest in joining the knight order or rising to the rank of commander — a position revered by the common people as a Holy Knight. But when I heard that Elena-sama had become commander, I felt both frustration and curiosity. And now, for the first time, I felt genuine excitement. I wanted to fight her. I wanted to know what kind of person she was.

While I was leaning forward eagerly, Elena-sama noticed me and gave me a gentle smile.

I looked forward to facing her with great anticipation.

After that, Elena-sama continued to overwhelmingly defeat challenger after challenger. Most were older than her and likely had more combat experience, yet she defeated them all.

By the time the person before me finished, the sun was already beginning to set.

“This is the final match, Elena-sama.”

“Understood. You there, young lady. Please step forward.”

Despite having defeated so many people, she didn’t look tired at all.

“Your name?”

“Artemisia.”

“A lovely name.”

I drew my sword and took my stance. Elena-sama did the same.

“Begin!!”

And so, my long-awaited match against Elena-sama finally began.

Elena-sama’s basic style seemed to be receiving and blocking the opponent’s attacks. In that case—

“Haa!!”

I immediately activated my skill and created swords in the air. This was something I had cultivated through harsh training.

“This is!?”

For the first time that day, Elena-sama showed clear surprise.

“Go!!”

At my command, three swords flew toward Elena-sama. She quickly blocked them with her shield, but I immediately created more and launched them without pause. While she was distracted, I closed the distance and attacked from the opposite side of her shield arm. I continued launching swords to prevent her from shifting her shield, then swung my own blade.

(I can do this!!)

The moment I thought that—

Clang!!

My attack was blocked by something hard — it was Elena-sama’s sword.

“I’m impressed. So you possess a skill?”

“Yes!!”

Elena-sama grinned, then went on the offensive for the first time. Her attacks were fast. I could barely keep up by creating swords to defend myself.

“Only a handful of people in the entire knight order can block these attacks.”

“I’m honored.”

As my stamina and magic power were steadily drained, I desperately clung on against Elena-sama.

“Haaaaaaa!!”

Even so, it was fun. To be able to clash with someone using my full strength like this.

I attacked with everything I had. However—

“Too naive!!”

Instead of simply blocking, Elena-sama used her sword to hook and lift my blade, knocking it out of my hand.

“Ah!?”

A dry clang echoed across the plaza.

“Winner!! Elena = Shell = Valois!!”

Elena-sama’s victory was announced. I had lost. I had lost to my instructors many times before, but this defeat felt completely different. My vision blurred as tears welled up.

“How old are you?”

“…I’m 13.”

“Three years younger than me. Yet at your age, you’re already stronger than most of the others here. You must have undergone incredible training.”

“Thank you… very much.”

Then Elena-sama suddenly leaned in closer. Her previously sharp expression softened into that of a normal 16-year-old girl.

“You seem to be traveling very light. Do you have a place to stay tonight?”

“Ah!!”

Only now did I realize — I had only brought enough money and food for the journey here. I had completely forgotten about what would come after the challenge.

“What should I do…”

As I became depressed, Elena-sama chuckled softly and said,

“If you’d like, would you come stay at my house?”

“Eh!?”

I was stunned. The surrounding knights also couldn’t hide their surprise.

“Commander!? What are you saying all of a sudden?”

“She is a rare talent. It would be a great loss to the Holy Kingdom if we let her slip away here.”

Elena-sama declared confidently.

“You want me… in the knight order?”

“Yes. However—”

Elena-sama smiled.

“Would you become my personal attendant and train under me?”

This became the catalyst for me joining the knight order and beginning my training under Elena-sama.

Chapter 091: The One Who Creates Swords and the Holy Knight ③

One week had passed since I began working as Elena-sama’s attendant.

“Artemisia = Chris = Richard?”

“Yes. Even though I’m an attendant, I belong to the First Knight Order. I need a surname to introduce myself, right? I have received permission.”

“But… Chris?”

“I took it from the name of the head of your monastery.”

“Is that really alright? And Richard?”

“That was granted by Her Holiness the Pope for you.”

Maria-sama had given it to me. Elena-sama had probably arranged it.

“Thank you very much.”

I was so happy that tears welled up in my eyes.

“If you cry now, it will be difficult going forward.”

Elena-sama said with a smile, then continued,

“From now on, you will work as my attendant. Let’s go, Shia.”

“Shia?”

“It’s a nickname. Do you dislike it?”

“No!! Thank you very much!!”

She gave me a nickname. Just that made me incredibly happy. I hurriedly followed behind Elena-sama as she walked ahead.

“Shia, today we are guarding Maria-sama.”

“Y-Yes!!”

Guarding the Pope was a duty only given to a select few. I took on the task with great tension.

“By the way, did you send a letter to the monastery?”

“Yes, yesterday. It should arrive in three days.”

“I see.”

She chatted with me, perhaps to ease my nervousness.

“Commander, Her Holiness has arrived.”

“Understood. Everyone, take your positions!!”

“““Yes!!”””

I hurriedly moved to my assigned spot. As a member of the knight order, I was wearing armor — brand new and shining. The other knights kept glancing at me.

Actually, in the two days prior, there had been complaints from within the First Knight Order saying they could not accept me. Elena-sama then proposed sparring matches with me, using it as training. She allowed the use of skills and told the others to fight with full strength.

Thanks to my skill, I barely managed to win against those who opposed me. After that, I was officially accepted into the knight order.

Once I was in position, a carriage approached from the direction of the cathedral. It was the carriage of Pope Maria I. Unexpectedly, it stopped right in front of me.

“Eh?”

My mind went blank in surprise. The carriage window opened, and Maria-sama peeked out.

“So you are Elena’s disciple?”

“Disciple?”

“Oh? Was I wrong?”

“She is my attendant.”

Elena-sama, riding behind on horseback, corrected her.

“Maria-sama. Please refrain from personal matters while on duty.”

“I’m sorry. I was simply curious.”

She smiled softly. Like Elena-sama, she still had a trace of youthfulness.

“Excuse me. Let’s depart.”

The window closed, and the carriage began moving again. Once we passed through the castle gates, the First Knight Order — including Elena-sama — formed a tight escort formation around the carriage: front, back, and sides. I followed from the rear on horseback.

The escort mission was to travel from Lutetia to the port city of Masseria. Since there was a risk of bandit attacks along the way, we could not let our guard down.

(I cannot fail.)

My first mission began under heavy tension. The journey to Masseria took four days. Nothing major happened during the trip. With hundreds of First Knight Order members escorting, bandits would not dare attack — or so I thought.

However, on the return journey from Masseria to Lutetia, it happened.

“Bandits!!”

The relaxed tension instantly tightened. Dozens of bandits came rushing down a steep slope. The road here was narrow — they had targeted that weakness. From my position, I could see them descending. Their target was Maria-sama.

(Dangerous!!)

I instantly activated my skill and fired swords toward the bandits.

“Gah!?”

One sword pierced a bandit’s throat, causing him to fall from his horse. The horse panicked and collided with another, throwing its rider as well. Caught completely off guard, the bandits quickly fell into chaos and were easily captured.

“Fuu…”

I let out a breath.

“You’re amazing!!”

“Was that your skill just now?”

The surrounding knights suddenly crowded around me. Since this was my first time experiencing this, I panicked, unsure how to respond. A short while later, Elena-sama arrived.

“Well done. Excellent quick judgment.”

I had been praised by Elena-sama.

“Later, Maria-sama wishes to speak with you. Come to the tent.”

“Yes!!”

Afterward, I received words of gratitude and a medal from Maria-sama. It became one of my treasured possessions.

From then on, I continued working as Elena-sama’s attendant while also serving as a member of the First Knight Order. At the same time, Elena-sama began personally training me.

“Starting today, you are forbidden from using your skill.”

“Eh?”

I was confused by the sudden order. However,

“I noticed you were becoming too dependent on your skill. So for a while, it’s prohibited.”

For the next year, I focused on sword training without using my skill, working hard to improve my physical abilities and overall strength.

“Next, we will strengthen your skill.”

After that, we worked on enhancing my skill so that I wouldn’t become unbalanced. Elena-sama carefully considered my growth and guided me step by step.

Under Elena-sama, I learned many things. I learned how to cook for her sake. I learned how to sew. Nothing made me happier than having her eat my cooking and praise me.

I also witnessed the harsh and cruel side of the First Knight Order. There was a war with the Empire while I was under her command. I participated in it during my third year in the Order. The Empire was led by the woman known as the “Black Panther of the Empire,” Rosaria = Anna = Felville. At the time she was a strategic advisor, but she held nearly the same importance as a general.

We were defeated. There were casualties even in the First Knight Order. People I had spoken with the day before were dead the next day. That night, Elena-sama came to my tent out of worry. I clung to her and cried. She held me tightly until I stopped.

Under her, I learned about joy, sadness, and so much more. Three years passed like that. Then that day came.

It started with a certain event. A man named Vols became a cardinal. Not long after, the engagement between Maria-sama and Vols was announced. It was sudden. Elena-sama was clearly shaken.

“Elena-sama?”

“Why? Why, Maria!!”

She was restless and filled with anger.

“But… this was Maria-sama’s own decision, wasn’t it?”

“That man is dangerous. Does Maria not realize it!?”

Elena-sama seemed to sense something off about Vols.

Later, Vols and Maria-sama announced their engagement to the public from the terrace. The citizens cheered loudly in celebration. Strangely, when I heard it, I genuinely wanted to celebrate too. Elena-sama was nowhere to be seen during the announcement.

Some time after that, Elena-sama disappeared. She stopped coming to the First Knight Order’s headquarters. Days passed without the commander, and voices of concern arose, along with criticism calling her “unfit to be commander.”

Just as the Order began to fall into chaos, Cardinal Vols announced that Elena-sama was a witch.

Elena-sama? Shock spread throughout the Holy Kingdom. Around that time, I was summoned by Cardinal Vols.

As we sat facing each other across a table, he said,

“I want you to become the new Commander of the First Knight Order.”

“Eh!?”

There were many people more suitable than me. I tried to refuse at first. However,

“Maria trusts you.”

“Maria-sama does?”

“Yes. It seems you once saved her life. She remembers that moment well.”

“……”

That made me happy. But like Elena-sama—

“Elena has been quite angry lately, hasn’t she?”

“!!”

I looked up in surprise.

“That’s because Maria wouldn’t do as she wanted.”

“No, Elena-sama would never—”

His words crept into my mind, casting a haze over my memories of Elena-sama.

“You were being used. Maria used you to break free from Elena’s control.”

“No… that’s not…”

“I recognize your true worth. It’s alright. There’s nothing to fear. Your rightful place is by my side.”

Vols extended his hand. With my mind clouded, I took it.

～～～～～～～～～～

“…………”

I had a terrible dream. I was covered in cold sweat. When I checked the clock, it was the middle of the night.

“I should take a cold bath.”

I went to the bathing area and washed my body with water. Even at night, the Grand Duchy was hot in summer, so the cool water felt pleasant. After drying my hair, I left the bath and headed back to my room, where I ran into Alphonse-sama.

“Why are you up?”

“I was studying and couldn’t sleep.”

When I was ten, I spent all my time training. He is different — he devotes himself earnestly to academics and magic. Despite being born into privilege, he doesn’t act arrogant.

“Hey… would you like to go outside for a bit?”

Alphonse-sama invited me. He took my hand and led me out. When we sat on a bench in the garden, he asked,

“How do you find the Grand Duchy?”

“Everyone treats me well, and it’s very comfortable here.”

“I’m glad.”

“Umm…”

“Yes?”

“Why are you all so kind to me?”

He thought for a moment and said,

“Because I wanted to.”

“…I tried to kill Elena-sama, and I also invaded this country, you know?”

“That’s true. But Elena cares about both of you. She suffered the worst at your hands, yet she doesn’t treat you badly. It would be strange if I did.”

“But the people of the Grand Duchy…”

“There are probably some who won’t forgive you. Some will criticize the Belladonna family for sheltering you.”

“Then—!!”

“But that’s fine.”

“Eh?”

“If you prove later that it was the right choice, it will all be forgiven.”

“!!”

“So first, think carefully about what you want to do from now on.”

“Well then, good night,” he said, and returned to his room.

Is he really only ten years old? No — it’s the opposite. Even at ten, he is that mature.

My future, huh…

I looked up at the moon and thought. Maria-sama seems to have found something meaningful in the work Alphonse-sama introduced her to. As for me — I already know what I must do. I want to atone first. And then, I want to start over with Elena-sama. Therefore,

“Alright!!”

Having made up my mind, I returned to my room.

The next day, before the Rouge language lesson, I said to Elena-sama,

“I would also like to become an adventurer together with you.”