Chapter 31
The labyrinth-like forest twists and intertwines in an unnatural way . The warm winds are humid and very unpleasant to the skin .
Burrowed deep into the congested forest, there is a squared clearing . The branches of the surrounding trees rise above the square, creating a dome-like cover . The foliage hides the blue sky, moreover, the clearing looks as if the sunlight hasn’t touched the ground in centuries .
A small child sits in the sloped centre of the clearing .
No more than ten years old, the child hugs it’s knees to its chest protectively . His long black hair extends over his shoulders up to the ground, to the point where it is difficult to tell if it is a boy or a girl . The little one is constantly swaying from side to side, and his eyes are a hazy opaque as if it were lost in thought .
“…M…Mmm…” The boy tries to say something, but the only thing that comes out of his mouth is a kind of unnatural groan .
It’s like he’s forgotten how to talk .
After a few more failed attempts, the child eventually stands up cautiously and begins to walk with dubious steps through the clearing .
At that moment, the wind shakes the branches of the trees and scatters the leaves . Some of them fall on the child’s shoulders and others become entangled in the child’s hair . Without thinking twice, the child takes the leaves and shoves them into his mouth . Then, the child picks up some nuts that are nearby and starts nibbling at them as well .
“Hmm…” After finishing the nuts, the child takes a lock of his own hair and starts nibbling at it . However, apparently the hair is not to his liking and the kid ends up spitting it out .
The child then proceeds to stroll through the clearing before finally returning to the center again . Instead of sitting down though, the child ends up flopping onto the floor lazily .
“Hmm~…” The child puts his thumb in his mouth and shuts his eyes .
The only sounds he hears are that of the wind blowing and the gentle shakes of the branches and leaves .
“So let me get this straight . She fights Demon Kings… Alone?” Belgriff asks almost disbelievingly . ‘One Demon King is already impressive…but multiple?’
“Yes,” Graham nods before taking a sip at his tea . “But I’m concerned that she will not be able to do so in the future . The Demon Kings are far more powerful than mere magical beasts, and there is only so much one person can accomplish . ”
According to Graham, the daughter of the Elven King of the Western Forest has been on a journey, recklessly seeking out combat . He had already confirmed multiple Demon Kings that have been slain . And if that story was true, not only was the idea of multiple occurrences of Demon Kings worrying; but the notion that an elf princess would be able to eliminate them on her own was even more unbelievable .
“Wait, wait… You’re telling me that this Elf Princess is this insanely strong? It took a bunch of S Rank adventurers and other high-ranking adventurers to eliminate one Demon King lurking near Orphen!” Duncan exclaims with a surprised expression .
“The magical power of Elves are different from us Duncan,” Belgriff explains, crossing his arms . He lets out a small sigh . “They are capable of accomplishing these feats because they know how to manipulate their magical power perfectly . ”
“So in other words… Elves are darn good magicians…”
“Ah, that is not entirely correct,” Graham intervenes . “If you were to summarize magic to its bare basics, it’s simply just the directionality of power within oneself . My ancestors called it ‘Ki’ . Surely you have met others who weren’t magicians that can cast magic on their weapons?”
Two pairs of eyes widen at the realisation . Even Belgriff is aware of the flow of magic that runs through his body, and he is also able to transfer that power directly to his sword . However, the power that both Belgriff and Duncan can manifest is completely different from the type of magic that a magician can use . At best, it can be compared to activating a magical tool with the power they have inside .
“Contrary to popular belief, the quality of a swordsman’s technique is not determined solely by physical strength . A true ‘Master Swordsman’ as your kind would put it, is being able to demonstrate his skill and power with the sword using only a little of his magical power . We Elves are able to manage the flow of our magical power more efficiently… The King’s daughter was born with an innate talent for that, and actively seeks out strong opponents . ”
“I see… So it’s possible to defeat a Demon King if one is able to properly manage his magical power?”
“It also depends on other factors . The strengths and weaknesses of each Demon King are also very influential . If it comes to be a particularly powerful Demon King, it will be impossible to defeat him in a one-on-one confrontation . Furthermore, the Demon Kings are practically immortal . They can lose much of their power, but from what we know so far, they can’t be killed indefinitely . ”
Duncan’s pales . “Ah, my bad . I might have gotten my hopes too soon… But since you’re following the Princess… the outbreak of the magical beasts in Tornela is due to a Demon King isn’t it?”
Graham shies away from Duncan’s gaze, shutting his eyes . He lets out a tired sigh . “I cannot say for certain . But the possibility is quite high . That’s why I’m here . ”
“Oh, Gods…” Belgriff whispers, pinching the bridge of his nose .
“Don’t lose your spirit, there’s nothing confirmed yet Belgriff . The magical beasts you’ve found are low-ranking, are they not?”
“I know . But you just said that the possibility is high…”
“Yes, the amount of magical power gathered points to that conclusion . But there’s also something a little off compared to the norm, so we’ll need to do some research first . ”
Belgriff looks worried, but after seeing the determined looks from the other two, he nods .
They must go into the forest if they want to solve the problem with the magic beasts .
The wheat fields on the outskirts of the village dance to the ever-increasing afternoon wind . The lush bean leaves shudder, as the cries of birds hunting prey sound through the air .
When they finally enter the forest, Graham closes his eyes and listens out for anything .
“W-What… What do you think Lord Graham?”
“I feel… a strange magic power further inwards,” Graham frowns . “I must say it’s quite odd, however . If the magical power were affecting the surroundings, it should have already transformed the landscape of the forest by now . ”
“Hmm?”
As far as Belgriff and the rest of the people who have entered the forest are concerned, the landscape has not changed dramatically . Even Graham, who watched Tornela from the side of a mountain, didn’t notice anything strange about the appearance of the forest .
The three of them trek deeper into the forest .
The further they ventured, the more it became apparent that the foliage was covering more and more sunlight . It didn’t take long for the afternoon sun to disappear completely from the trees .
In the distance, one can hear the bleating of the sheep . Looking back from whence the came, through the grove, one can see the quiet peaceful meadows .
“It appears that the magical power is contained and doesn’t reach beyond the forest,” murmurs Graham .
“Do you think it’s possible that the forest has become a dungeon?”
“No . I don’t believe so . The magical power is trapped within the forest and the magical beasts are attracted to it . If the trees show no signs of withering or deformation . ”
“So… Is all this due to the power of a Demon King or a high-ranking magic beast?”
“I can’t say for certain,” Graham admits . “Although this power is very similar to the one emitted by the Demon Kings, there are still many things we don’t know about them . ”
When Belgriff was about to respond, a sudden strong bloodlust erupted from deep within the forest . The three warriors all immediately turn towards it and draw their weapons by instinct, eyes hardened and focused from years of experience .
Several greyhounds burst out from behind the trees with blurring speed, leaping towards the trio .
With a barbaric roar, Duncan is the first to move and leaps at the leading greyhound, bringing down his axe in a devastating execution . Unfazed, the greyhounds continue their onslaught . One leaps at Duncan’s neck, aiming for an instant kill, but a flash of steel and Belgriff’s blade finds itself embedded in its neck .
Duncan grins wolfishly, forgetting where he was as he charges and decimates any beast he sees, Belgriff carefully follows and cover’s his companion with perfect synchronization .
Graham on the other hand swiftly dances and weaves through the horde, not making any extra movements necessary as greyhounds start dropping here and there .
The brawl barely lasts, and once it was done, the ground was littered with corpses .
“You two are very impressive warriors . I am pleasantly surprised,” Graham compliments as he wipes his sword with his sleeve .
“Please don’t jest,” Belgriff breaks into a smile . “Beside you, we look like a couple of kids playing . ”
“I can’t believe I got to witness the sword technique of the Great ‘Paladin’! Even with the size of your sword, your attacks are beyond fast! It’s, it’s…a Sacred Sword isn’t it? Can I take another look at it please?”
“Aha… If… If you must…” Graham seems a little confused, but he eventually hands his sword reluctantly to the star gazed Duncan .
It’s a rustic, unadorned sword . However, the blade is sharp, undamaged, and seems to be surrounded by a fierce and voracious aura, almost as if it were a hungry beast . Both Belgriff and Duncan hold their breaths .
Well, Belgriff does, Duncan kinda drools a bit .
“This sword has a life of its own,” Graham says as he takes it back . He swings, feeling its presence in his hand . Although it is a Broadsword, it disappears for a split second when Graham swings it . Every time the sword cuts at the air, the surroundings shiver at its presence and power .
“In one of the innermost parts of the Western Forest, there is a sacred tree known to my people as the Steel Tree . It feeds on the steel it finds in the ground and turns it into a kind of fruit . The steel obtained from this tree is of very high quality and is also incredibly difficult to process due to its durability . But if you can successfully make a weapon out of this fruit, it results in an almost indestructible and incredibly light weapon . ”
Belgriff and Duncan stare at the sword in wonder . The sword flashes suddenly as if giving the warning that if someone other than Graham touched it, the sword would cut that person in half .
Eventually, the three warriors decide to postpone the search for the time being . They leave the forest and return to the village . Now that they have the Paladin himself on their side, it’s almost guaranteed they will be able to determine the origin of the strange magical power .
However, Graham has the duty to search for Princess Elf . According to Graham, the Princess has excellent instincts when it comes to sensing magical power . So it is very likely that she will feel the power trapped in the forest and eventually come for it . Until then, Graham wants to keep things as they are, and he vows to help protect Tornela from any damage .
Belgriff and Duncan gladly accept the deal . It’s always good to have help from someone of Graham’s caliber .
There’s no denying the fact that Belgriff also has this inner childish desire to be next to a real hero of legends, but that’s something else .
“I know it’s a tad selfish . But if I want to catch that restless girl, I have to ambush her here… And possibly knock her out before she does anything else stupid…”
He grumbles the last part under his breath .
“Hahaha! I hope to learn a lot from you the whole time you’re here! In advance, thank you very much, Lord Graham!”
“No thanks is required, friend . Although, I don’t think you can learn much from this old elf…”
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“What are you being so humble for?! Your attacks were beyond mythical! By the gods, I thank you for the opportunity to allow me to witness the techniques with the sword of the ‘Elf Paladin’ and the ‘Red Ogre’!” Duncan yells in his thunderous voice .
Belgriff is giving his friend a worried look, hesitant to grab Duncan’s shoulder in the middle of his rant . “Uh Duncan, you can’t put me on the same level as Lord Graham . You know that don’t you? I’m not a great swordsman,” Belgriff whispers, scratching his cheek nervously .
“Have more faith in yourself Bel! Our skill might be dirt to that of Lord Graham, but your swordsmanship continues to grow and evolve . Besides, you received me in spite of my inopportune visit . You are a great inspiration…”
Mmm… I don’t think it’s such a big deal, Belgriff thinks as he continues to scratch his cheek . At that moment, the old adventurer remembers something and turns to see Graham . “Lord Graham”
“Yes?”
“This is something that has nothing to do with this, but… do you happen to know a female elf named Satie?”
Graham frowned as he thought . “Satie… No, I can’t say that I have . I’m sorry . ”
“Ah, I see… She was a friend when I was in Orphen . She was also an elf and an adventurer . It was for a short time, but we were in the same party . ”
“Huh… Do you know if she returned to Elven Territory?”
“N-No, I have no idea . It’s been a long time since we separated…”
“How long ago was that?” asks Graham with his head bowed and arms folded .
“About twenty-five or twenty-six years ago . ”
“I left this dukedom 30 years ago . I don’t know what has happened in this territory since then . ” Graham says with a grieving expression .
“Really? I see . ” Belgriff says with a wry smile .
“Sorry I couldn’t be of help . ”
“Ah, don’t worry about it… Alright . Duncan, it’s a little late, but let’s get lunch ready . ”
“Got it!”
“I hope our food is to your liking, Lord Graham…”
Graham halts, watching the two smiling adventurers . He smiles . “I appreciate it…”
Then he closes his eyes for a bit and soon gets lost in his own thoughts .
Inside the simple wooden building, there are strange tools stacked in a disorderly manner .
There are several flasks, glass tubes connected to each other, machines with wooden frames, huge iron spheres, and books with leather covers . The house is chaotic, perhaps because the owner didn’t bother to clean it, or perhaps in the midst of all this mess the owner knows exactly where everything is .
A small village is located a short distance from the city of Orphen . It’s a rural village where farmers grow vegetables and raise cattle to sell in the markets of Orphen .
However, this small town is also a place where a lot of magicians and sorcerers converge and the reason is that the ‘Ashen’ Maria, the former S Rank adventurer, lives in this town .
After acquiring an incurable disease due to the blood of a Dragon, Maria decided to stay away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of the major cities . However, Orphen’s complex and complete logistics are quite convenient for Magic Research, so Maria could not get far from that city in the end .
That’s why she got a house in this small town and now devotes herself to study and research day and night . Magicians everywhere heard about this and soon began arriving in town with magical books and magical tools in hand . Soon, right next to Maria’s home a huge academy was built .
When Angeline and the girls visit Maria, she is sitting in a lonely wooden chair with a lost look . The curious smell of medicinal herbs and balsams fills the room .
“Granny Maria…”
Hearing Angeline’s voice, Maria frowned and turned to look at her .
“Oh… Angie…”
“What’s the matter? Are you feeling sick?”
“My condition is still as bad as ever,” Maria sighs . All of a sudden she starts coughing loudly, before comically falling limp on her chair .
Miriam scowls . She begins to scurry around and open all the windows, letting in the gentle gusts of wind . Large amounts of dust trail into the air . After opening the last window, Miriam turns and glares at Maria with an angry look .
“Your condition is ‘as bad as ever’ because you stay cooped up in this dirty house you foolish old hag!”
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Regaining her vitality, Maria sits up . “Shut your mouth, you ungrateful disciple! Will you disrespect me every time you visit me?!”
“If you keep acting like a fool, I’ll keep calling you a fool! If you don’t get out of this house and get some sun, you’ll start to grow mold on your body!” Miriam yells, before grabbing a broom and proceeding to clean the room quickly .
“No! Stop!” Maria coughs, a spurt of blood slips out comically . “If you start moving my things I won’t know where they are anymore!”
Maria panics and scrambles to her feet to stop her disciple .
“Shut up~! I literally cleaned this place three days ago and it’s already this dirty! The books should be on the bookshelves! The empty containers go on the shelves if you aren’t using them! Your ability to create this mess is something beyond the capabilities of magic!”
“No! Don’t touch that you imbecile!” Maria weeps . “I was going to read that book later! And I was thinking of using that container! I won’t be able to remember where you keep my things! Stop!“
Maria starts coughing uncontrollably and keels over . Seeing her disciple clean up her place is causing her soul to leave her body . She can already see the light at the end of the tunnel .
“Haaaa~! Stop complaining you old hag~! If something is full of dust you can’t use it properly! Angie! Anne! Take this old hag out while I finish cleaning!”
Angeline and Anessa slowly drag Maria out of the room with a wry smile . Maria starts screaming again, but Miriam ignores her completely and continues to clean .
It’s good weather outside . The fresh lawn scent floats in the gentle breeze . Even if occasionally, strange medicinal smells are perceived, it is as if in the adjacent building they were carrying out some kind of experiments .
Maria is forced to squint when she sees the sunlight and begins to murmur . “That damned beast-girl, she is a nuisance… She always shares herself in a strange way when she is with me… “
“You know… Miriam hardly ever helps clean our house,” says Anessa with a smile . “In fact, she usually just leaves her clothes lying about all the time . ”
Angeline nods, a faint smile graces her lips . “It’s because Miriam really loves you, Granny Maria . Probably more than you love her . ”
Maria doesn’t say anything for a bit, letting the gentle breeze soak into her skin . She takes in a deep breath, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere .
“She’s a nuisance that one,” she finally says, a warm smirk greeting the sun . “Nothing more, nothing less . ”
The trio sees the blue sky from the porch, enjoying the weather . Nothing was said as the ambient sound of birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the laughter of young children sound .
Maria takes in another deep sigh . “Why the sudden visit girls? I don’t think you’re just here to clean up?”
“No . We’re here for this,” Angeline gets something out of the bag . It’s a translucent amber-colored mass that’s as hard as stone .
Maria takes it and looks at it carefully . “I see . A job?”
“Yes . The sap of the Ohma tree . Miri examined it and said that its purity is high…”
Maria breaks into a fit of coughs . Clearing her throat she gazes back into the house at her disciple . “Mmm, that’s right . You did a good job . ”
Maria sighs . Anessa shuffles behind her and starts to massage her shoulders .
Angeline sits on the floor in front of Maria and stares at her . Even in the heat of summer, Maria is wearing several layers of warm clothing and even has a muffler around her neck . Her illness does not allow her body temperature to rise, and although Angeline and Anessa are sweating profusely, Maria never seems to be overwhelmed by the heat .
Although Maria’s face looks like that of a 20-year-old, she is an older woman and is even more apparent with Anessa massaging her shoulders .
True youth isn’t just based on appearance, Angeline thinks . But even without the youthful appearance, I think Maria is a very attractive woman . Her mouth is a little vulgar, though .
“Why are you still single, Granny Maria?” Angeline pipes up .
Maria snaps out of her relaxed pose and falls into a fit of coughs . Worried, Anessa gently pounds on the older woman’s back . “Why… Why on earth would you ask something like that?
“Well,” Angeline continues, and Anessa flinches, knowing full well where this was going . “You’re a beautiful woman and you’re not that old . Don’t you have many suitors?”
“Well… Some men annoy me from time to time . ”
“But you never got married…”
“Do you really think there’s a man who could be a good match for me?”
“Yes! My Daddy is . ”
“Oh? Is that so?”
“Angie, you…” Anessa is suddenly speechless, growing paler by the second . Meanwhile, Maria frowns without knowing how to respond .
It was at that moment when Miriam, who seems to have finished cleaning, comes out of the house .
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“Angie I don’t think that’s a good idea . Allowing Mr . Bel to marry this old wench? There’s no point in your dad marrying such an old woman Angie~ . It would be in bad taste . Fufufu~ . ”
“You have a dirty mouth, you stupid disciple . Besides, aren’t you the one who keeps crying and begging me to look for a romantic adventure?”
“Guh! Well, I…”
Maria looks at Miriam with a mocking victorious smile . “Or maybe I should choose a man like those silly boys who are after your voluptuous figure . Before criticizing others, you should put your affairs in order first . It is not so easy to choose a companion, my foolish disciple . ”
“Shut up!” Miriam’s face becomes as red as a tomato and Anessa cannot help but laugh .
“You can’t beat the wisdom of the elders Miri . ”
Miriam groans . “I will find an amazing partner when the time comes! Just wait and see old hag!”
“Do whatever you want . I don’t need to be informed when it happens . ”
“Damn it ~!” Miriam treads hard on the ground while Maria smiles mischievously .
They get along very well . If Maria becomes my mother, Miriam will surely become my sister, Angeline thinks .
However, Angeline can’t help but feel a little strange when she thinks of Maria as her mother . It’s probably because she’s used to calling her Granny Maria .
Besides, Angeline is not sure which type of woman Belgriff prefers . Younger or older? Active type or quiet type? And now that she thinks about it, they’ve never talked about it before . But it’s also true that these kinds of conversations aren’t so common between parents and their children .
“What kind of woman does Daddy prefer?” mutters Angeline .
Maria’s eyes narrow . “What were you saying a moment ago? Are you looking for a girlfriend for your father?”
“Yes and you are one of the candidates, Granny Maria . An older wife than her husband is also marvelous…”
“Huh?!” Maria once more breaks down into a coughing fit from surprise . Anessa quickly starts rubbing her back more furiously .
“You can’t say that! This old bat needs special care and attention!” Miriam exclaims before pouting .
“But Miri . Even you said Tornela’s air would be good for Granny Maria…”
“Wah~!” Miriam waves her arms vigorously and interrupts Angeline’s words .
Maria, who seems to have calmed down a bit, lifts her face and stares at Angeline . Maria has a confused expression and teary eyes .
“Angie, why would you ever do that?! You mustn’t joke like that, or you’ll give everyone heart attacks!”
“But Granny, a woman has the right to find a partner… Regardless of age . ”
“Stop saying those things! Hell, when did you become such an aggressive girl… And if you consider me a candidate, then stop calling me Granny!”
“So you’re going to consider it?”
“No! You’re too troublesome a girl!”
Maria once more breaks into a fit of coughs, glaring at Angeline .
“Ms . Maria, you mustn’t get so upset . Angie, you too, stop being so impertinent . It’s not good to make fun of people . ” says Anessa .
“But,” Angeline pouts . “I really mean it…”
Yuri, Rosetta and now Maria, none of them responded well to Angeline’s proposal .
It is at this moment that the ‘Black Hair Valkyrie’ realizes that finding a wife for her father will be a rather difficult task .
The Team’s Corner*Translator’s Notes: Hello guys,First of all, I apologize for the long delay with the chapter . My father was admitted to the hospital and a couple of days ago I was finally able to bring him home . He’s going to need therapy, which means he’s going to need my attention and my time . I don’t think it means I’m going to stop translating, but it may take me a little longer to upload the chapters . I ask for a little patience these days (months) . If anything changes, I will keep you informed . In advance, thank you very much .