The Returnee Wants Peace

“Hahaha, so that’s what you were worried about?”

“…”

Making her previous anxiety seem foolish, grandfather was alive and well.

Rosha let out a sigh of relief after hearing his robust voice from the crystal ball in Cedric’s room.

Ah, I was worried for nothing!

“Thank goodness… I was so anxious, thinking something might have happened to grandfather. But why did you pass on the title of Count already?”

“Ho ho, do you know how old this old man is? I’m eighty-one years old. A frail old man would have been in a coffin long ago at this age. Why would I still be a Count at this age with a grown grandson?”

“Haha…”

“Cedric has been acting as the Count for years anyway, so it’s not bad to hand over the family at this point.”

“…That’s a very simple reason.”

So, he meant to pass on the troublesome position and work to his grandson and enjoy a leisurely retirement.

‘Is that why Cedric’s face clouded? Because he’s working while grandfather is having fun?’

“Ahem, it’s not like I’m just playing around.”

As if bothered by Rosha’s muttering, grandfather hastily added as if making an excuse.

“I still have my position as a council member, so I must continue with political activities. The old men in the council, though few remain, won’t listen unless it’s another old man. That’s why I’m staying in the capital with Duke Feriel even now.”

“To think your youngest granddaughter has awakened after three years, this is truly joyous news.”

Duke Feriel’s voice was also heard from the side.

To explain now, they were communicating via long-distance through the crystal ball. This crystal ball was a product developed and sold by the magic academy in the capital.

‘I heard they’ve made quite a few other inventions too…’

She was curious. She thought she should visit the academy sometime soon if she got the chance.

Just then, Duke Feriel casually asked Rosha:

“So, what does Lady Roshanak plan to do from now on?”

“Hmm… I haven’t thought deeply about it yet.”

“I see. Then, how about keeping the fact that you’ve awakened a secret for a while, while you consider what to do? Without proper preparation, there will only be confusion.”

“I agree. I’ve already silenced the household members, so let’s reveal it slowly.”

Cedric, who had been quietly listening from behind, stepped forward.

In fact, Rosha also agreed with the Duke’s words.

Given her reputation from her great achievements in the early Trials, revealing that she had suddenly awakened without any preparation would likely cause quite a commotion.

But it seemed Duke Feriel had another reason.

“Good, good. We need to lay the groundwork for the marquis title anyway.”

“…Marquis title?”

“Oh my, Lady Roshanak. Have you already forgotten? Didn’t Aper County play a major role as the instigator of ‘that incident’?”

“…”

Although not explicitly stated, it was clear enough that ‘that incident’ meant the rebellion.

‘Strictly speaking, the rebellion instigator was Froy…’

The Aper family had merely jumped on the bandwagon a little earlier than others.

“After that incident, there were many opinions to raise Aper County to a Marquisate in recognition of their contributions. Though the Count himself dismissed it, saying we’d discuss it again after you returned.”

“Ahem, there might be some who oppose it now… I’ll carefully lay the groundwork in the council.”

“Then I’ll speak to Her Majesty the Emperor separately. She’ll probably want to see you in person when he hears you’ve awakened.”

“Hmm, that’s right. For now, our youngest should take good care of herself. You might have to come up to the capital soon.”

Although her physical condition was very good thanks to the elixir, she replied that she would do so.

Soon, with warm greetings, the communication ended.

As she collapsed onto the sofa, feeling drained, Cedric softly began:

“Now, do you believe that grandfather is alive?”

“…Yes.”

It was a tremendous relief that not only grandfather but all her family was alive.

She wasn’t sure about Froy yet… but at least most of the people she knew seemed to be safe.

She felt deeply reassured. Cedric sat down next to her and slowly continued:

“Then can you tell me what happened to you? First of all, what happened to your eyes?”

Her golden eyes reflected in his. She had thought he would be curious about it anyway.

“This… it changed as a result of the ability I had becoming internalized.”

“The ability you had, you mean [the Guiding Lantern]?”

“Yes. I used that ability too much during that time.”

In paradise, which often enthralled people, there were frequent occasions to use the lantern. As a result, the ability had been upgraded to a form that could be used almost constantly.

‘Thanks to that, I became sleepier… but occasionally when it was dangerous, this ring would send a signal.’

Rosha fiddled with the platinum ring on her finger.

Froy had definitely said it would only get hot when they were close, but she wondered if this ring might have additional functions.

After briefly explaining about her eyes, Rosha asked:

“By the way, where is Froy now?”

Now that she had confirmed her family was safe, she needed to find Froy. The content written in the notebook was quite concerning too.

“Well, I don’t know that either. We’ve only exchanged news by letter, and even that was quite a while ago.”

“When was that?”

“About two months ago, I think.”

Two months. It’s short, but it’s enough time to accomplish something if one intends to.

‘What on earth is he doing that he still hasn’t shown up?’

It was then.

Suddenly, a shooting star with a blue tail was seen rapidly approaching outside the window.

No, what is that?

“…I told him not to travel like that.”

Cedric muttered, looking at the sky following Rosha’s gaze.

Right after that-

Boom!

Something fell in the mansion’s front yard as if a meteorite had struck. As the light and dust cleared, it was instantly recognizable who it was.

‘It’s Cassis.’

Now that she looked, there were quite a few deeply dug traces in the front yard. It seemed he often used this kind of transportation method, but this time his target was clear.

Bang!

Soon the door opened, and Cassis strode in and hugged Rosha tightly.

He smelled of battle, a mix of blood and sweat. She had heard he had minor injuries, but he didn’t seem to care at all.

“Wait, you need treatment first…”

She tried to push him away, but she could feel him not letting go, maintaining his grip. A small sniffling sound could be heard.

Rosha, pausing for a moment, then carefully placed her hand on his back.

She was happy.

Although it was a series of difficult situations, still, to have people who cared for her like this.

“…Hey, you slept way too much even for sleeping.”

At Cassis’s chiding voice, as if he hadn’t just sniffled, Rosha couldn’t help but laugh.

* * *

She was able to hear about Froy’s whereabouts from Cassis once he had calmed down somewhat.

“The Duke said he was going to look for the traitors. Said he had something to find out. Ah, those guys fled when the Emperor disappeared. There were three of them…”

“When did you hear this?”

“Hmm… about two or three months ago. Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve seen the Duke.”

She asked Koko, who had returned with Cassis, but he also said he didn’t know.

‘This is troublesome, I can’t announce that I’ve awakened in a big way either…’

No matter how she thought about it, this was the only method available now.

Whoosh-

Although they said spring had come, it was still cold here in the northern mountains. The snow was slowly melting, but the wind was still chilly.

“We’re almost there. It should be visible soon.”

Indeed, as Koko, who had gone scouting, said, a black fortress soon came into view.

That’s right.

To say it now, Rosha had decided to go directly to Froy’s castle. Like a home visit.

And that too, riding in the Count family’s carriage along with several knights.

-Brother, I’m a magician, so I can go alone just fine.

-What are you talking about? It’s not that I doubt your magic skills, this is a matter of appearances. You absolutely can’t go alone.

Cedric had allowed her to visit Froy’s castle but had stopped her from going alone. In the end, she had no choice but to go with the family knights who had volunteered as escorts.

By the way…

‘I’ve never been to Froy’s house before… will it be okay?’

It should be fine since she had sent a letter in advance notifying of her visit. Anyway, she just hoped she wouldn’t be turned away at the door.

Rosha looked at the black fortress that was getting closer and closer.

A knight in black armor was standing outside.