NOVEL NEXT Episode 4: Homecoming
Episode 4: Homecoming
We arrived at Arania, the capital of the Arlight Territory, via Ortya and the Hertia Earldom. It took about three weeks by carriage. On the way, I used [Magic Armor] as a cushion or bed, so Seira was full of energy. Although she did get a bit bored after a while.
When we stopped by Ortya, I greeted Hale, who looked incredibly bored. Peace is great, but a lack of excitement isn’t ideal either. Maybe I’ll hold a [Fireworks] workshop here next time.
(Note: As you can see, [Fireworks] is counted as a skill. But, last chapter I’m just too lazy giving the “[..]”. There are just too many. Peace ✌︎︎)
It’s been years since I last came to Arania—five or six, maybe? I don’t feel particularly nostalgic since I was confined the whole time.
“Big brother, this is delicious!”
“Yeah, it tastes pretty similar to the food in Ortya.”
Holding hands, Seira and I enjoyed skewers from a street stall. The cityscape and the food in Arania are quite similar to Ortya’s. Since they were originally part of the same country, the cultures are probably alike.
We wandered around the city, making our way to the cemetery. By the way, I asked the skewer vendor where the cemetery was. He looked puzzled when he saw my face, though. I wonder why.
“This is the place… It’s still a huge mansion.”
“It’s so big!”
The cemetery was on the west side of the marquis’ residence. My former home was still unnecessarily large and had a tense atmosphere, unlike the more relaxed feel of the Border Count’s mansion, which seemed much more comfortable.
The cemetery was divided into two main areas. The large mausoleum at the far end housed the marquis’ family, surrounded by the graves of retainers and wealthy individuals closely associated with the family. The area near the entrance was for the common citizens.
The cemetery practices are not much different from those in Hartelia.
“…Let’s see, Lily. Here it is.”
“This is your mother’s grave, big brother?”
“Yes, it is.”
Mine’s mom’s grave was in a section for the servants. It wasn’t particularly grand, but it wasn’t shabby either. If it had been treated poorly, I would’ve had something to say about it, but this was acceptable.
After offering flowers and crouching to pray, I noticed the rituals were similar to my previous life.
I silently listened as Mine reported everything to his mom. A lot has happened. Oh, you don’t need to go into too much detail about the [Fireworks] or the orc incident. Also, Mine, you’re a siscon too, so don’t make it sound like it’s just me.
“…Okay, I’m done. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Are you done already?”
“Yeah, thanks for waiting.”
While Mine reported to his mom, Seira prayed with us. She’s such a good girl. I patted her head, making her giggle. She’s truly an angel. Sancrucel, by comparison? That’s a different category.
By the way, Seira’s parents’ graves are in Hartelion, or rather, a memorial since many bodies couldn’t be recovered.
Finally, I fulfilled my promise to Mine. Sorry for making you wait so long. From now on, I’ll occasionally—
“—Big brother Mine?”
“Hm?”
“???”
“””Ojou-sama?”””
The voice belonged to a red-haired girl slightly older than Seira. She had several guards and a maid with her and was dressed nicely. She must be a noble lady of the marquis’ house—my sister. Ugh, why now? I came when the ‘Sword Saint’ was away on purpose.
“Big brother Mine, it’s really you!”
“…How did you recognize me?”
“I knew it!”
“You—, you incompetent fool! What are you doing here!”
[[Oh?]]
[[You wanna fight?]]
[[Do it, Mine!]]
“Seira, it’s okay, don’t worry.”
“Okay!”
When the guards realized who I was and reached for their swords, the ‘Spirits’ instantly bristled. With Seira behind me, and despite her being protected by [Magic Cloak], these guys have a short fuse when it comes to her. Better be careful. Though, if they draw their swords, I won’t hold back.
“Stop!”
“But, Ojou-sama—”
“I said stop!”
“””…Yes, ma’am.”””
The girl ordered the guards to back down. She seemed surprisingly sensible for the marquis’ daughter.
“I’m sorry, big brother Mine.”
“””Ojou-sama!?”””
“Ah, it’s fine.”
The guards and servants hurriedly bowed their heads as they saw the girl bowing to me. It was their fault that they had caused their mistress to lower her head. Even so, they glared at me, not seeming to think they were at fault. Or perhaps their hostility towards me was just that strong. Either way, they hadn’t changed at all. Maybe I should make things clear.
“I’ll introduce myself. I am Mine Fireworks, granted the title of Honorary Baron of the Kingdom of Hartelia. This is my sister, Seira Fireworks.”
“”””—!”””
“Oh my! An Honorary Baron! You’re amazing, big brother! Ah, I apologize for my rudeness. I am Relina Arlight, second daughter of Blade Arlight.”
Relina greeted us with a smile and a polite bow upon learning of my status. Though her manner was slightly awkward, she seemed well-educated in this regard.
In contrast, the guards and servants were stunned. Take a good look at this emblem, will you?
And Seira, behind me with a smug look on her face, was adorable.
“Nice to meet you, Seira-chan. I’m Relina.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Seira!”
“If you’re Mine’s sister, that means you’re also my little sister, right? Let’s be friends, okay?”
“Yes! Relina onee-chan!”
“Ah, Seira-chan, you’re so cute!”
“That tickles!”
“[[Ah… how adorable…]]”
Relina’s gentle interaction with Seira showed that she was indeed a good person. Is she really that man’s daughter?
The three of us chatted for a while. The guards and servants seemed like they wanted to say something, but I didn’t care about their concerns.
Relina, currently nine years old, was the girl who waved back at me when I left for the capital. She said she learned my name by asking the servants multiple times. But how did she recognize me so quickly? I guess I haven’t changed that much?
Anyway, the fact that she didn’t bring up the ‘Sword Saint’ or Cain showed she was considerate of the situation.
“Oh, by the way, can I make my mother’s grave a bit more splendid?”
“Of course. Someone—”
“Oh, that’s okay.”
I stopped Relina from calling someone and used magic to quickly create a tombstone. I made it about twice as large as the surrounding graves. To indicate our connection, I added the Fireworks crest. I also decorated it with lilies, as Mine-kun requested, in honor of his mother. And, of course, I reinforced it thoroughly to prevent any foolish attempts to desecrate it. Any tampering would become an international issue, after all.
“Wow! You’re skilled with magic, big brother!”
“Right?”
“I haven’t used magic much myself…”
Seira was so cute when she showed off. Though, I am a construction-type adventurer, so this is my specialty.
Relina, a fencer with a fire attribute, had hardly practiced magic due to her family’s policies. Typical of the Arlight family.
Seira tried giving her some magic advice, but “squeeze and go” might be too vague. It’s cute, though.
“Well, we should get going.”
“Big brother Mine, will I see you again?”
“…It’s hard to come back here.”
Relina looked disappointed when I said that. I felt the same, but seeing me wouldn’t sit well with the ‘Sword Saint’ and those around him. Today’s encounter will likely be reported, and I don’t want Relina to bear the brunt of any backlash.
In the end, Relina and Seira promised to exchange letters, and we parted ways. I had the letters sent to the earl to avoid any tampering. Don’t do anything foolish, okay? This isn’t a challenge.
“Relina onee-chan was kind.”
“She was.”
“I want to see her again.”
“Don’t forget to write her letters, okay?”
“Yes!”
We stayed at an inn that night and left Arania the next day. The city didn’t have many tourist attractions beyond the central plaza. On the way back, we decided to take our time exploring places like the famous fountain in Hertia’s capital.
[[[Those guys have left.]]]
“Confirmed on this side too. Thanks as always.”
[[No problem]]
[[Mine has it tough]]
“Indeed.”
The marquis’ people had followed us, but they didn’t interfere. They were likely just monitoring us, aware of the grudge I held. While I wouldn’t deny my resentment, I wouldn’t risk turning Obraine into a battlefield.
Still, I would punch the ‘Sword Saint’ given the chance. Where might such an opportunity arise…