NOVEL WEB Chapter 66: The Girl Who Sees
──Myura Holy Kingdom, Meydrad Castle.
Even now, in the throne room behind him, a meeting centered around the Holy King is likely still ongoing. Its subject is easy to guess──the Kingdom of Myrstia. For his beloved homeland, it is a barrier, a discussion about his magical powerhouse of a country.
In terms of magical technology like magic tools, warrior training, and outdated discrimination against subhuman species, they are inferior in every aspect. Yet there is one thing. The threat of overwhelming magic power forces surrounding countries to ingratiate themselves.
Even the Empire, while officially a friendly nation, is in blunt terms, more of a vassal state. The relationship between Myrstia and other countries is far from amicable. He thinks such a world where this country prospers should not exist.
However, thinking about this is not his role. That’s why he left the throne room.
“…Nicole”
The regular communication with her, who went to Myrstia, had been cut off. That was the news in the earlier meeting.
Ideally, he would want to go and check on her safety immediately. But that’s not allowed.
Being a rare Oni race, he has no blood ties with her, a human. Yet, she is his “sister.”
Carrying a weight like a heavy stone in the pit of his stomach, a deep, dark frustration, he stops for a moment──then hears the sound of the thick door opening behind him.
“Ah, Fortis!! It’s a big moment!!”
A lively voice echoed.
There stands a small boy, not even half his height. But he knows appearances mean nothing. For that boy-like figure is an elf, older in age than him.
“What is it?”
“Before that, your horns! Let me touch them!”
“Alright.”
Fortis, without any sign of displeasure, stoops down.
“Wow! They’re really cool!”
“…”
“Give me a shoulder ride!”
“Alright.”
Fortis is slightly embarrassed to be complimented on his horns, but due to his pride, he doesn’t show it on his face.
Aside from the two horns protruding from his forehead and his nearly three-meter-tall stature, he looks no different from a human. Yet, in some countries, he would be refused entry, like in the Kingdom of Mirestia where discriminatory sentiments are rampant.
“So, Kirill. What’s going on?”
While giving a shoulder ride, Fortis begins to walk slowly, paying utmost attention to ensure Kirill doesn’t fall off.
“Actually, I’m going to use my friend’s help to attack ‘Gilbadia.'”
“What!? No!!”
Fortis’s angry shout echoes.
“You know, with your magic…”
“It’s okay. That’s why I said it. It’s my friend’s big moment.”
“…Still, we have too little information. There’s also the matter with Nicole. And why does it have to be you…”
“It’s to help Nicole.”
“…”
The information obtained from Nicole’s regular communications. “The Darkness” is going to the Empire to witness the Sword Saint Festival. Rationally, he understands that there is no better opportunity to rescue Nicole.
However, understanding is all he does. It’s not something he can easily accept.
“Also, this is about gathering the missing pieces of information. In fact, maybe that’s the real purpose. Are there other threats, technologies, besides ‘The Darkness’? We know too little.”
“Then I should go!”
“No, that’s not good. Your power is as an individual. It’s not suitable for this kind of mission.”
“But──”
“Besides, you’re planning to go to the Empire, aren’t you, Fortis?”
“──! Why do you know that…?”
“I just do.”
“…”
It’s clear from his voice. Any further argument would be mocking the young boy Kirill’s resolve.
Therefore, Fortis says only one thing──
“Make sure you come back.”
“Yeah. Don’t worry, I’m strong.”
The territory of the Empire isn’t particularly vast, but most of its cities are thriving. However, none can compare to the imperial capital, Elis Teera, especially at this time. The reason is too obvious. In this country known as “The Land of Knights,” the significance of the “Sword Saint Festival” is immense. Naturally, many dignitaries from other countries are present.
“Ah, so annoying.”
Watching this scene through a window, a girl grumbles, roughly sitting down at her dressing table and crossing her legs. She picks up a comb and adjusts her asymmetrical, white-streaked bangs a few times. In doing so, she instinctively checks her expression, often told she looks stern. She hasn’t told anyone, but it’s something she’s a little concerned about.
Her slightly pointed ears, characteristic of a half-elf, are adorned with numerous piercings. She changes a few of them depending on her mood, but it seems she’s keeping them as they are today.
After putting on her favorite choker, her left eye, usually hidden by her bangs, emitted a faint golden glow. Reflected in it was a fluffy entity emitting green light, a spirit.
“You guys are quiet and cute, which is nice.”
She possessed a special power.
Fundamentally different from magic or skills, it was a “gift” bestowed by the heavens, rightly called “Spirit Eyes.”
This rare ability allowed her to see and interact with spirits.
And because she had the Spirit Eyes, she was the first to notice the extraordinary anomaly.
“Hm, wha──Haaaaaaaaaa!?!?”
Just as she thought the sunlight streaming through the window was getting intensely bright, it started changing colors rapidly.
However, she instantly understood that it wasn’t sunlight. It was an unprecedented, massive light created by a vast number of spirits, unlike anything she had ever seen.
“What is that… what’s happening…”
The girl muttered in a thin, almost breathless voice as she plopped down on the floor.