Chapter 274 |
TL: TangSanFan
ED/PR: Tanthus
『Side Story』 Pursuing the Butterfly (1)
Walking along a quiet street, I once saw a stray cat chasing after a butterfly. Its gaze fixed on the fluttering wings, the cat diligently gave chase, but regrettably, it rarely managed to catch the delicate creature in its adorable paws. In the end, the cats are lured by the butterflies to gardens blooming with flowers, where they end up gazing peacefully at them as they flit about in the clear blue sky. The butterflies, their wings beating vivaciously, look like flowers taking flight, and so the cats wander ceaselessly through the flowerbeds in pursuit. These creatures, without homes or places to return to, continue their chase unbound by anything… As they do, the scenery around them gradually changes, to the point where it becomes difficult to estimate how far they’ve come from the place where they first began their pursuit. But that doesn’t matter to them. The ground beneath their feet is home, and chasing butterflies for hours on end brings no significant change to the lives of stray cats who wander without a destination. Like always, they fall asleep under the sky that serves as their roof, and once the sun rises, they leisurely stroll along the streets again. Such is life, lived as though being swept along by the passing of time. That is, indeed, the life of a stray cat.
* * *
“Executioner Zellan.”
As the new school year begins, the scenery of Sylvania Academy is markedly different. Students’ faces are brimming with vitality, and the staff members seem invigorated as well. This early semester atmosphere, still filled with people’s liveliness, will soon fade as it becomes increasingly busy. Like flowers that bloom in the warmth of spring, these traces of youth are difficult to fully appreciate except during this time. Those who romanticize their academic life will wax poetic about this being the most beautiful and radiant time.
“My old comrade… This must be the work of that guy… Cough… Cough…”
Separate from the vibrant atmosphere inside the academy, there stood a man looking like he was about to die at any moment. His name was Krayd Roxster, my senior professor. His cheekily cut beard jutted out at the chin, a sorry sight to behold. He had been suffering from a hangover since morning, groaning as if on the brink of death. When he saw me walking by after smoking a cigarette in a corner of the faculty building, he waved his hand to greet me. I, for my part, was walking along with the curriculum for this semester’s Elementary Elementary Studies tucked under my arm.
“I’m not sure where you managed to obtain the corpse of such a high-level spirit, but there’s no one on this Acken Island capable of handling an item of that caliber.”
The object, though simply a small bead in shape, possessed immense value. Specialized magical processing was needed to utilize it properly.
“Guh… Wait… my stomach’s too queasy…”
“Did you drink yesterday too?”
“Yes… yesterday, the day before, and three days ago as well…”
It no longer surprised me to see Professor Krayd drunk before the start of classes. He teetered on the edge of vomiting before slumping onto a bench, letting out a deep breath.
“It’s something I found in Phulan.”
“Wow. Considering you’ve already been swept up in the political disputes in Oldec, and on top of that, you managed to visit Phulan during the break, it seems our junior professor had a very productive vacation.”
“It was just a side trip while taking care of some college work.”
I might as well have talked about being busy during the break, but I knew Professor Krayd wouldn’t care about such details.
“Anyway, my comrade Zellan had exceptional skills in processing artifacts like this one. I still remember how much I owed him during the Einz War.”
Explorers Glast, outlaw Krayd, Executioner Zellan. These were the names of three wizards rumored to have killed the most number of the Einz species.
I’ve heard countless times about the great deeds accomplished by them with the help of Guardian Obel Forcius during the northern Einz subjugation. Glast met a tragic end, while Krayd had retired from the front lines to take up teaching.
But where was Zellan and what was she up to now?
“By now, she must have aged quite a bit… not quite an old lady, but certainly a grown woman.”
“Do you have any idea where she might be?”
“Well… she came and went without a trace… But I’ve heard that for the past few years, she’s been wandering the Rameln Mountains, researching something about the great mage Gluckt.”
That person, despite her age, still seemed full of energy and enthusiasm. After saying this, he lit another cigarette. Professor Krayd now appeared nearly zombie-like.
“Gluckt Eldervain?”
“Yes. That mage, whose name is known by all who aspire to practice magic in this continent. Apparently, there’s quite an amount of artifacts and magical tools left by him.”
Gluckt Eldervain was a mage whose expertise spanned every category of magic. It’s likely that he reached a high level of proficiency in relic studies and magical engineering.
“So it’s rumored that the finished products resulting from his research are hidden somewhere in the Rameln Mountains.”
“I’ve never heard that before…”
“I hadn’t either. If such rumors were widespread, treasure hunters would have scoured the Rameln Mountains for Gluckt’s treasures.”
Even if that was an exaggeration, those mountains must have been thoroughly searched. A single book written by Gluckt Eldervain just before his death was worth thousands of gold coins, attesting to his incredible value as a mage.
If his valuable possessions were indeed buried somewhere in the Rameln Mountains…
“I suspect Zellan must know something, even if we’re only hearing rumors.”
What exactly she knew was unclear, but it seemed that Executioner Zellan had been roaming the Rameln Mountains, following the traces of Gluckt.
“Hmm…”
“Have you thought of something?”
“Not really. As you know, my family has been looking after a disciple of Gluckt Eldervain.”
“Ah. That cat-like, fickle one.”
Her name was Lucy Mayrill. She was once a powerful mage who might have dominated the world, but now she is taking a break, restoring her magical power that was exhausted for some mysterious reason.
“She actually spent years in the Rameln Mountains being taught by the grand mage Gluckt, so she probably knows the location of Gluckt’s dwelling.”
“If Zellan heard that, she’d be absolutely thrilled.”
“How about I propose that she processes the corpse of Tyr Kalax in exchange for the information on Gluckt’s old residence?”
“She would not only agree but probably even demand a bonus.”
I felt I had gained some insight into the character of this “Executioner Zellan.”
Full of curiosity, adventurous spirit, but also possessing a good heart as a human being. It was said that she pleaded with the Cledric Monastery to protect many of the Einz she had slaughtered.
This had been her way – pursuing a path marked by both her adventures and her conscience.
Despite earning the nickname “The Executionar,” she had shown mercy to the young Ains untouched by the world’s corrupt ways.
“Of course, even if it was Gluckt’s old residence, it’s hard to think that anything would be left behind…”
“Is that so? On the contrary, I’d think a great mage like that would have left something behind.”
According to what I heard, Lucy had abandoned the residence immediately after Gluckt’s death… There was a good chance it had remained just as it was when Lucy left. Of course, if it had been a simple log cabin, it might have fallen apart over the years due to decay.
“The issue is… how do we find this person named Zellan?”
The problem was that the semester was already in progress.
With so many academic obligations piled up, it was not possible to just abandon them and leave. As I have always said, I am someone who works as much as I receive.
“Well, it’s not urgent right now, so you can take your time to think about it. Unless, of course, there’s a reason you must process that relic right away?”
“That’s not it, but…”
I sat on the bench, lighting up a cigarette, and began to speak.
“I’ve had a few ideas about… high-level spirit formulas…”
As I lightly gathered magical power at the tip of my fingers, a little wind stirred, then calmed again.
I had become completely accustomed to handling the power of the high wind spirit, Merilda. If that’s the case, it’s time to think about the next step.
Professor Krayd, listening quietly, let out a snort of laughter.
“You really are crazy.”
“…”
If one had to point out who was crazier among the two of us, in truth, Professor Krayd would likely be the closer match.
“Anyway, for the time being, we should focus on getting through the academic schedule… We’ll have to think about it slowly. To talk to Lucy, I need to return to my family home, and I have no plans to return any time soon.”
“Well, that’s how it is. But as you know… things in this world don’t always go according to plan.”
“… Why do you say such unsettling things?”
“Just saying.”
Professor Krayd, sprawled full-length on the bench, laughed heartily.
At any rate, he was a man of great fortune.
* * *
“Professor Ed, I’ve finished organizing the documents you requested. Shall I bring them to your office?”
“No, give them to me now. I’ve got to review them while my hands are free.”
“Understood. Just a moment, please.”
The research room in the academy, provided for my use, had six assistants assigned to it.
One of the smartest among them, who had been instructed to bring documents, was arranging them on my desk, sorting them by topic.
“Uh, Professor Ed. May I ask a personal question?”
“What is it?”
“While reviewing the academic records of the Sylvania Academy, I saw the records for senior Lucy Mayrill…”
He was quite sharp and capable. I was planning to keep him around for a while.
I listened to his question, intrigued by his curiosity, and then Lucy’s name popped up.
“What… did Senior Lucy feel like during her student days?”
“……”
“All the students probably saw her as a role model being the legendary senior she was…”
In Sylvania Academy, the senior Lucy Mayrill had already become something of a legend.
Despite not even graduating and leaving as a dropout, she had reached the stature of an idol among the students.
It made sense. Since her admission to Sylvania Academy, her achievements surpassed that of a top student and reached those of a true notable.
In the end, she even resisted the Divine Dragon Bellbrock for hours and nullified the holy magic of the great sage Sylvania… If she continued to grow and unlock all her talents, no one dared to hastily predict what kind of monster she could become.
As such, rumors about her abounded in the academy.
Her intellectual appearance, her dignified carriage. Always considerate and beautiful, she was the chief mage of Sylvania who represented the students with a smile full of grace.
… Rumors tend to be exaggerated, but if anyone who truly knew Lucy Mayrill heard them, they would find the content utterly ridiculous.
Of course, from the academy’s perspective, there was no reason to deny the fact that they produced such a great mage, so the rumor was allowed to inflate further.
“She… was like an idol to me…”
“……”
I momentarily lost my words, to the innocent and curious gaze of the girl.
If asked what Lucy Mayrill’s student life was like… I couldn’t say she was diligent, not even as a courtesy.
But crushing the dream of this romantic young girl wasn’t so easy either…
“… Lucy…”
That’s right… after all, I am now a person of the academy. It’s only fitting to act in a way that benefits the academy.
And regardless of the truth, if it motivates the students to dedicate themselves to their studies… that’s good enough…
No one is harmed… Sometimes honesty isn’t the answer.
“Yes, Lucy… was indeed an excellent mage. Truly a role model for all mages…”
“Ye… Yes, I knew it… I’ve always wondered what kind of person she was…”
It’s fortunate that her astronomical penalty points and absences are not recorded in the student records.
Perhaps dropping out was a divine move.
“With little effort, she mastered every spell, but she was diligent and never neglected her training.”
Yah… my conscience pricks me a bit…
But since there’s no chance of meeting Lucy Mayrill, holed up in the Rothtaylor mansion without magic… I suppose this much can be considered motivation for study…
“Will I… ever be able to become a mage like Senior Lucy?”
“If you put in the effort, it’s possible. There’s no such thing as a vain goal in this world, so work on it diligently day after day.”
“Yes… Even though I’m just a meager mage now, I will work hard to become someone like Senior Lucy!”
The assistant clenched her fists, fire burning in her eyes.
That’s right… that’s all that’s needed…
* * *
With the start of the semester, the days Ed Rothtaylor returned to the mansion became exceedingly rare.
It was inevitable, given the grueling academic schedule he had to maintain.
The thought that I miss Ed― was naturally expected.
“……”
Lucy Mayrill, in her pajamas, was lying on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
It had been years since she lost her magic and took refuge in the Rothtaylor mansion. Although she had gained the capability to use basic magic, considering her previous immense power, it was still a minuscule amount not worth mentioning.
She created a small flame with her fingertips and floated it in the air before clenching her fist and extinguishing it.
It had taken her years, but she finally managed to use basic magic. Even that was of great significance to Lucy.
A veteran of a hundred battles can subdue a wild beast with just a kitchen knife.
Lucy, whose senses for magic application were at their peak, could find endless uses for even a slight amount of magic.
Simple fire magic and basic stealth magic became entirely different when cast by Lucy’s hands.
“……”
Having stayed in the Rothtaylor mansion for some time, she had begun to notice the living patterns of the maids.
After a long time without seeing Ed Rothtaylor’s face, she felt a tingling in her nose.
As she continued gazing blankly at the ceiling, she eventually muttered:
“… Maybe I’ll escape..”
… A harbinger of a major disaster awaited.
Comments 1