Chapter 168 - Return (3)

"I'd like to hear why you want abandoned land. Did you discover some potential while drifting through it?"

The fact that it wouldn't need management was most important to me. I needed to avoid getting entangled in political conflicts over land. The fief received with knighthood typically only provided enough to maintain minimum livelihood. How much difference would tending orchards or vineyards make to my living?

But I couldn't express these thoughts directly.

"The numerous medicinal herbs growing in the primitive environment, and the undiscovered mineral veins captured my interest."

Grand Duke Gainax's lips moved with satisfaction.

"Choosing challenge over stability. A choice showing manly spirit."

It wasn't about challenge—I just found a place that could be left alone, but this felt strange. 

Why does he seem so pleased?

"..."

"The circulation system requires earth's mana, and that power surely comes from mana stones condensed underground."

"..."

"Finding those mana stone veins alone could bring enormous wealth. Indeed."

Wait, this is different from what I thought. I trust he's not deliberately overvaluing abandoned land to show favor.

"Good. Your request will be reviewed with the treasurer and reflected accordingly."

"T-thank you."

"Our business is done, you may go. My daughter seems quite bored, so I hope you'll keep her company during your remaining time."

"...I'll keep it in mind and comply."

"It's not an order, just a suggestion. She doesn't have much time left, so I hope she can spend it well."

"...May I ask one thing?"

"Go ahead."

"It might be a presumptuous question."

"I'll allow it."

"Is the Duchess’ illness truly incurable? Is there really no way?"

"It sounds like you're reproaching us for not finding a method that might exist."

"I apologize."

"No, such desire isn't wrong. However, we've tried every possible method and ultimately found nothing. Your master was one of those who spent years trying to find a way to purify the 'Goddess' Blood’. Even she couldn't find a solution."

Silveryn spent years trying to cure this disease? Then why is her relationship with Bibi so poor?

"Teacher spent years on the Duchess’ problem?"

"Ah, the Archmage was obsessed with the problem for personal reasons."

Silveryn's personal reasons...?

Grand Duke Gainax continued.

"The solution might exist in the elves' archives. They say all the world's records are there. But that's beyond the reach of the Principality, or perhaps even humanity."

What are these elven archives? Is it a realm beyond even Erzsebet, Eternia's communicator and an elf?

No, if it were possible, Silveryn would have asked first.

"Is the archive forbidden to humans?"

"It's a place that's been cut off from human interaction for over 400 years. Not only is entry forbidden, we don't even know where it exists, and we can't be certain a cure is there."

This must truly be the final possible solution.

"...Though insignificant, I'll add my strength to finding a cure for this illness."

The Grand Duke nodded but didn't seem expectant. I also didn't think I could find a solution. After all, even more remarkable people hadn't found an answer.

Dozens of knights stood at regular intervals along both sides of the carriage path. Bibi and her servants waited for us in front of the carriage.

Silveryn glanced at Bibi and me before saying, "Come up after you finish."

Then she got into the carriage first.

Once Silveryn disappeared from view, Bibi approached me with a small ribbon-tied box.

She seemed to have words to say but couldn't readily speak them.

"Your Grace."

"..."

"I'll visit again during the break."

Only then did the shadow on her face disappear.

"If you break your promise, I'll have you executed."

She must be joking, but her expression was too serious—Bibi apparently wasn't skilled at jokes.

Then she handed me the small box.

"What is this?"

"My modest gift. Open it."

I untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside were a platinum Stitch and a bracelet of the same material.

Given the magic formula engraved on the bracelet, it wasn't an ordinary item.

Looking at Bibi's wrist, I noticed she wore an identical bracelet.

"It's an artifact that connects lives. If something happens to you, my artifact will turn black, and vice versa."

"..."

"I made it out of concern for your safety. If something happens, I need to know whether to help or not. I'd like to put iron handcuffs on you, but circumstances don't allow..."

"What about the Stitch?"

"It's proof that you're someone I've authenticated. When you need help in the Principality, show that Stitch. It will be of great help."

"I'll remember."

She cleared her throat and added, "And that Stitch connects directly to me."

"..."

These Stitches are accumulating—I might forget what each is for later.

"I'll send word occasionally."

"...I'll do the same."

Though the farewell ended there, she watched me as if with lingering regret. Sometimes it was better to part with some regret. That regret would hastened the next meeting.

I climbed into the carriage. Bibi stood with folded hands, weakly watching our departing carriage.

I put Bibi's platinum bracelet on my left wrist, where two bracelets now hung including Erzsebet's artifact. I didn't want anything on my right wrist as it would interfere with wielding my sword.

Silveryn watched me and said, "You seem to have become quite close with the Duchess."

"Actually, I promised to visit again during break."

She quietly nodded.

"That's fine, but while forming bonds with good people is good, don't get too deeply involved."

"...Pardon?"

"The Duchess’ remaining lifespan might be less than ten years. If you grow attached, there will only be pain afterward."

"But couldn't we have a good relationship while she's alive?"

"The Goddess' Blood affects not just the body but also the mind and personality. When death approaches, Bibi won't be the person you know. It's not just watching someone die that's painful. Watching someone you love fall apart is also tremendous pain."

"How does it change them?"

"If you're going to see Bibi more in the future, it's better not to hear."

"..."

It was a terrible story. Did the disease break down even one's personality? I looked back at the carriage again. Though we'd gone far, Bibi remained in place watching us.

And suddenly I recalled the story about Silveryn's past.

"I heard that you... once researched the Duchess’ illness."

"Yes. I was probably more dedicated than anyone."

"Is there really no way? No possibility through the elven archives or secret magic?"

"The elven archives are a realm forbidden to humans. Even Erzsebet was banished from elven territory for associating with humans and can never return."

"Did humans have a war with elves?"

"No, they hate humans even more intensely than that. The few elves you meet in this continent are all descendants of banished clans."

"..."

"And there's no guarantee answers exist there. It's just that it's the place with the most extensive records in this world, so we maintain a slight hope."

Bibi's future wasn't very hopeful. Though I knew this, facing the reality concretely made my mood sink further.

"How did you come to research this disease, Teacher?"

Silveryn looked out the window with a quiet expression and said, "...Because my brother suffered from the same disease."

After that, I asked no more questions. Her advice in the carriage came from direct experience.

I had once found what I assumed to be a portrait of Silveryn's brother while searching the library in the Wiesel mansion. I knew he died young for some reason, but I never imagined it was the same disease as Duchess Bibi's. Various questions followed one after another, but I couldn't voice them.

Perhaps because I'd stirred up unnecessary matters, Silveryn's mood had somewhat sunk. A light rain fell outside for a long time, barely enough to block with a broom, and at some point, a strange distance grew between us.

I wanted to ask how far Silveryn would accompany me and where we'd part, but couldn't bring myself to speak.

If I opened my mouth, it felt like Silveryn would immediately say she wanted to be alone and tell me to get out of the carriage. The atmosphere had changed that much.

As we left the Principality's capital and passed through a quiet town, Silveryn stopped the carriage.

And she said to me, "My disciple, aren't you hungry?"

"What?"