Chapter 90
Gremory examined the hardened ham from every angle.
“What is this? Did it die?”
Severian glanced at the ham and shook his head.
“Yeah, it’s dead. Probably just reached the end of its life. Didn’t you notice any signs before?”
“It did turn gray sometimes… But you seem to know a lot, huh? You even know about the lifespan of magical creatures?”
“My special ability as a royal is Intellect, you know. I’m smart and pretty knowledgeable.”
“Doesn’t look like it.”
“Maybe because I haven’t fully awakened yet. Think whatever you want. Anyway, about that story of the first emperor you guys mentioned—I’ve seen something like that before when I was younger… Wait, what are you doing? Are you trying to eat that?”
“I just want to try biting it. It looks crunchy.”
As Gremory tried to bite into the dead ham with her fang, Chession quickly took it away.
“If you’re hungry, let’s eat something nice at home. Anyway, Your Highness, how do you know about the story of the first emperor?”
“I saw it when I was twelve, in the Forbidden Archive in the palace. Even among royals, its existence is top secret. I sneaked in once after hearing scary rumors.”
“What did you find there?”
“There were black magic records left behind by the first emperor. I think the royal family tried to destroy them, but the magic was too strong, so they just sealed everything away in one place.”
Chession paused to think, then asked seriously.
“Would you be willing to go there again?”
“What? Why me? That place is super creepy! And dangerous with all the black magic!”
“There might be clues about the last soul fragment of the Demon God.”
Severian snorted and crossed his arms.
“Hey, that’s your problem. Don’t drag me into it.”
“With your Intellect ability, you should know this isn’t just our problem. The royal family caused this, so the royal family should help clean it up.”
“Ugh, fine!”
“The witches are still out there. They might attack again, and next time it could be worse. If their existence is exposed, you’ll be in danger too, Your Highness.”
“I know! But I still don’t want to go! And I can’t even fit inside that place anymore! The only way in is through an air vent, and it’s so small even a kid can barely crawl through!”
Chession looked naturally toward Gremory.
“Mori, what if you turn into a cat and sneak in?”
Severian immediately objected.
“She won’t be able to do anything once she’s in. All the records were in ancient script. Gremory, do you know how to read that?”
“Nope. You go in.”
“I told you I can’t fit anymore! I’ve grown since I was twelve!”
“Figure it out yourself. Ask the mages you bribed to shrink your body or something. We’re busy handling the falsely accused barbarians.”
“Oh please. You two could wipe out the barbarians in your sleep. Be honest—you’re just trying to slack off.”
Gremory turned into a cat and let out a big yawn in protest. Then she curled up beside Chession’s leg and started napping.
“I’m tired. I’ve been tense and using magic nonstop since yesterday.”
“I’ve been on edge since early yesterday too… Because of you!”
“Purrr…”
“……”
Silence fell. Chession gently laid a handkerchief over her small cat body.
“She must be really exhausted. Let’s talk more after we reach Edel Duchy.”
“Sigh… Fine. But I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Can I stay at your place for a while? In the holy barrier, I mean.”
Severian mumbled while staring out the window. Chession caught on quickly and smirked.
“Are you scared the witches might attack the palace?”
“No! I just want to avoid the nobles’ eyes. It’ll look better if we pretend to be discussing barbarian matters for now.”
“Well, since even Ibelia was attacked, I understand your concern. Stay as long as you like. It’s safe from witches here.”
“I said that’s not why!”
As sleeping Gremory shifted slightly, Severian shut his mouth. The carriage continued quietly.
By the time they arrived at the Edel Duchy, it was late afternoon. Gremory’s transformation wore off inside the holy barrier, and Chession carried her to a bedroom.
The mansion staff welcomed them back warmly—and very quietly, so as not to wake the sleeping Miss Mori.
Severian, who had asked for a “safe place,” shrank back the moment he learned the truth.
“What? Your mansion is full of ghosts?!”
“They’re not things, they were once people. Please say ‘souls.’”
“And what? That Iris girl you doted on is one of them?”
“Yes. She’s staring at you right now.”
To think the peaceful Edel mansion was a ghost nest… Severian gripped the armrest, sweating.
“W-Why is she staring at me?”
“She has a special ability. She can sense evil intentions. She said your heart looks pitch-black.”
“What?! My heart is pure!”
“I was joking. You seemed too tense, so I thought I’d lighten the mood.”
“Hah! Me, tense? Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not scared of some dumb ghosts.”
“Calling them ‘dumb’ is not wise. They’re listening. Keep it up and you might get sleep paralysis tonight.”
“…I’m not scared of them, okay?”
But Severian’s hands were trembling. Alice, who came to serve tea, laughed brightly.
“Oh hoho! So cute! That face is just my type—and now you’ve even added a scared expression? Even cuter!”
“Who is this rude woman?!”
“I’m a witch~ You can call me Alice.”
She poked his shoulder with a long finger, and Severian jumped back in fear.
“Chession! How many witc— I mean, how many ladies like this do you have around?!”
“Just Mori and Alice. Alice is Seara’s nanny and also helps as a maid.”
“So you raise ghosts, date a witch, and even employ one as a maid?! You’re one crazy guy.”
“Please watch your language here. I’m fine with it, but the ghosts might take offense. They’re quite fond of me.”
“…You’re one impressive guy, in so many weird ways.”
Alice laughed and left. Then Chession looked around the air and gave a command.
“You all can go now. His Highness looks very uncomfortable.”
That just made Severian more uncomfortable.
Either way, Chession got to the point.
“Ibelia needs to be brought here.”
“What? Why bring a comatose girl here?”
“Because we have the Sacred Lake of Purification in the Forest of Verdure. If she was cursed by a witch, it might help her wake up.”
“The Sacred Lake? Isn’t that inside the forest? Humans can’t enter, right?”
“I can. I’m on good terms with the Blue Wolf chief.”
“…So now you’re friends with monsters too?”
“Anyway, please pass a message to the royal family. Ask them to let us bring Ibelia here. Coming from you, it’ll go better than from me, since I was exiled.”
“Fine, just give me paper and a pen.”
Chession looked at Alice, who had been eavesdropping. She quickly brought the supplies.
Severian took them reluctantly and wrote a letter to the emperor, explaining that Ibelia might recover using the Sacred Lake.
Then he pulled out a golden matchbox—a magical item used only by royalty to send letters instantly. He lit a match, burned the letter, and waited.
Moments later, a reply appeared before his eyes. The emperor approved the transfer.
That evening, a carriage arrived with Ibelia.
Chession carried her alone into the Forest of Verdure. He didn’t bring anyone else—strangers would upset the Blue Wolves.
Soon, a rustling sound came from the woods, and Shally ran up to him. Chession greeted her with a slight bow.
“It’s been a while, Shally. I’m sorry, but may I use the Sacred Lake once more? It’s an emergency.”
Grrr…
Shally sighed and scratched her face with a paw, as if thinking:
What is this, a public restroom? You always come running when it’s urgent.
