Chapter 9

Now But a Distant DreamA -the fellowship- Transport magic wasn’t as convenient as society thought. A magical rite tied two distant places together via enchantment, and “cargo” passed along the semi-physical corridor that opened through it. This allowed a long journey that would normally take months to be shortened and made it possible to send both people and things to faraway places— Well, certainly, hearing just that made it sound like dream technology. It even felt like this was the pinnacle of man’s evolution. But of course, the world is not so generous. Sometimes the location of the rite had to change depending on the position of the sun or the moon, or the ritualists had to activate their venenum almost to the point of being burned alive to make it work, or they had to take on the large burden when the subject of transfer was a living thing. A harsh reality always hid in the shadows of dream technology. That was why there were only two types of people who could benefit from the transport magic on this continent: those from the communication bureau who needed to send crucial information quickly and a small portion of the military and adventurers who could change the tide of battle alone or in a small, elite team. Outside of the Tihuana District on the edge of Empire territory, an abandoned cabin. “Weren’t we supposed to gather at noon?” There were three people in the cabin. Willem, one of the trio, looked around the room with a tired expression. No matter how many times he checked, there were only three of them, including himself. Four whole faces were missing from the number that should have been there. “Are the others late? Oh, whatever.” “Wait, wait, wait! Why are you talking so calmly and shamelessly?! You only got here after the sun started setting!” “And if you keep your mouth shut, the other four will never find that out.” “Where did you get that idea?! The truth won’t change even if we decided to tell the same story, and we don’t even have a reason to keep our mouths shut!” “I don’t really care, but can you stop screeching, Suowong? Cutting across the continent with transport magic has really given me a headache.” “And whose fault do you think that is?!” After briefly raising his voice, the young thaumaturgist Suowong dropped his shoulders weakly. Fluffy blond hair; light-blue eyes; a small, lean frame; and androgynous facial features: It might have seemed like his appearance would make him popular with the opposite sex, but regardless of time or place, he always wore the same pure-white cape, its hem dragging on the ground behind him, spoiling those good looks. “Talking with you always ends up like this. I’ve never met anyone else who could break my stride like you—Black Agate Swordmaster.” “Haven’t I told you to stop calling me that?” “You’re talking nonsense again. It’s a stylish name; what are you unsatisfied with? Well, cool as it may be, it is, of course, vastly inferior to my true name—the Magus of the Polar Star. But I suppose nothing can be done about that, since that’s a difference in ranking.” “Okay, just shut up already. Now you’re giving me a different kind of headache.” “Hmph! What is that supposed to mean?!” Suowong continued to grumble and complain, but Willem paid him no more mind and turned his gaze to the third person in the room. “So you did come, Lillia.” “Hmm? Whaya meen?” The girl, who was munching on biscuits as she read a book for some reason, looked up. Her hair, red like burned bricks, wavered slightly. “I told you it was okay to run away, didn’t I?” “Ahh, that ahain?” She bit into the pieces she had in her mouth. “Well, I had to come. If I don’t do this, who will?” “Me.” “Still saying that? But you can’t.” He gulped. Thrust before him was the naked truth, and he had no response. “I’m sooo sorry I’m here on the battlefield without a care in the world. Gosh, I mean, I am an incredible genius overflowing with unprecedented talent, after all,” Lillia said obnoxiously, then cackled. Willem was dumbfounded, but what remained clear was the bitter taste in his mouth as he groaned in response. “Look here, you…” “Hey, that’s not how you should be talking. Though it might be a fallen country, I’m still a genuine member of the royal family. Have some respect.” “Uh-huh. As for Her Highness, her character is as terrible as usual today.” “Oh my. Perhaps it’s due to the rotten people around her? She must choose better companions with whom to spend all her time.” “Does she? Then I guess she won’t be needing these.” He produced a package of cookies from his pocket and waved it gently. “Almaria gave these to me for everyone to share, but I don’t have any obligation to share with people who aren’t my companions.” “Allie’s cookies?!” Lillia lunged forward. “Willem, we’re friends forever!” “Ugh. Your personality, character, temperament, disposition, and even nature aren’t worth commending. But I do sort of respect how quick you can switch up your attitude.” “And while you’re respecting me, why don’t you give me your daughter, Dad?” “A Brave would never hand over his child to such a dangerous character.” “Hmm. Oh well.” Before she even finished speaking, Lillia had turned the bag inside out and emptied the contents into the biscuit tin. “Those are for everyone. Leave some for Emi and the others.” “I know, I know.” Lillia gave a noncommittal answer and began stuffing the cookies in her mouth. A moment later, Suowong yelled, “No fair!” and joined in. “Come on, guys.” It was the usual banter among companions. “…Hey.” “Hmm?” “Why do you fight, Lillia?” “That again? It doesn’t really matter, does it? People can stand on the battlefield even without a reason, and they can fight well enough with the right talents. Isn’t that good enough?” “If you’re serious, then sure, that’s enough. I’m not convinced, but I’ll accept it anyway. But just listening to the way you talk about it—” “Makes it sound like I’m lying, you mean? What kind of lie?” If he knew, then this wouldn’t always be so difficult. When it was clear there would be no response, Lillia smugly spat, “See? You should just keep quiet, stay behind me, and be my herald. Oh yeah, and do Seniorious’s adjustments and that massage of yours. That’s all you’re worth, really. Just stick to what you’re capable of.” She sniffed again arrogantly. He didn’t have a response. There were lots of things he wanted to say. Like how her usual grinning mug looked like it was about to burst into tears for some reason—but he didn’t know why that was, so he couldn’t point that out. No matter how much they fought together on the battlefield, no matter how much they joked around like they did just now, he never knew what Lillia was thinking. “Hey.” “Hmm? Now what?” “I really do hate you.” “Ohh.” Lillia suddenly broke into a wide, bright grin. “I knew it!” For some reason, she said that full of pride. What was Lillia thinking about? What was she hiding? In the end, Willem never knew.