NOVEL NEXT Ch60 - Report
Chapter 60: Report
Lena calmly and quietly began to weave her tale, recounting her encounter with the spirits. She skillfully blended fiction into the narrative, obscuring any details that shouldn’t be widely known.
She explained how she unintentionally stumbled upon a small Maiden’s Mistletoe during her visit to the Labyrinth: Blue Grotto. She described the incident with the cursed boar and how it led her to become involved. She spoke of reuniting with former companions, guided by Sylphine’s voice. She explained that Sylphine’s younger sister had only revealed herself because of Lena’s close relationship with the elder spirit. This, of course, was a fabrication. Regarding her uncanny insight into the sorcerer’s actions, she attributed it to “Sylphine’s special power,” which allowed her to glean more information than others.
The adventurers and the elderly mages listened intently, their eyes wide. The [Crimson Queen] was quite the storyteller, weaving the entire narrative like a captivating fairytale. While her explanation was vague in many parts, neither of the Sylphines objected, remaining quietly by her side. As a result, everyone seemed to accept Lena’s story at face value. That’s how much absolute faith the people of Anes Kingdom placed in the spirit Sylphine. When she finished, one of the elderly mages sighed in admiration.
“Ah…!
To think a new Mistletoe had sprouted within the Labyrinth: Blue Grotto. It was a blind spot.
Such a thing has never happened before, so it never crossed our minds.
Lena-sama, I apologize for my impertinent gaze earlier…”
“Fufu, it’s alright. You are forgiven.”
“W-We are eternally grateful…”
“…Um.
Could it be that both you, Jimmy, and Lena-sama, possess the title “Friend of the Spirits”…?”
Lena stopped stroking her familiars and looked up at Luca (alias: Jimmy). Luca, too, seemed unsure how to respond, a wry smile playing on his lips.
Since Lily was asleep, Luca’s plain-faced [Illusion] remained deactivated, but for the moment, the adventurers seemed more preoccupied with the spirits to comment on his appearance. One person might have prioritized the handsome man, but she was still unconscious.
“Friend of the Spirits” was a highly significant title in the world of Lanash. Bestowed only upon those whose pure souls resonated with the spirits, this rare title conferred the extraordinary benefit of unconditional affection from spirits worldwide. Even spirits who typically remained hidden would approach and speak to those bearing this title, sometimes even bestowing blessings. This was a sensitive topic for the spirit-loving people of the Anes Kingdom, so Luca remained silent for a moment, searching for the best answer. He didn’t have the title. But they needed a reason why Sylphine favored him.
The air grew tense.
…It was Sylphine herself who broke the silence.
‘Your eyes are beautiful, beautiful amethyst～♪
The gaze of a child of light, even spirits are captivated～♪
Your blood is sweet, sweet, the finest dessert～♪
Surely it draws everyone in, an irresistibly sweet taste～♪
We love both of you so much～♪
Beloved children, our precious friends.
La la la～♪’
“!!”
Sylphine, the Maiden of Wind and Water, sang with a happy smile, her rich leaf-green hair dancing in the breeze. Her younger sister sang brightly, while the elder sister, still leaning against the tree with her eyes closed, hummed softly. It seemed Lena and Luca had been presented with a fait accompli. Sylphine, winking, had likely done them a favor. A joyous bell chimed in their minds, though their smiles were distant.
<
<
Yes! It seemed their journey would continue to be eventful. Though, that wasn’t exactly news.
<
Wait a minute, things were taking a strange turn.
This was for Lena.
For the familiars.
And for Luca.
…They had been granted something incredible…
A great storm, a violent whirlwind, a super geyser, and a holy barrier of light.
Weren’t these ultimate magics or something? Queen Lena, shaken, burst into laughter, startling the elderly mages who had been moved by Sylphine’s “Friend Song.” Luca’s lips twitched.
” (Whoa…
…Um, it seems Lena’s awakening as Queen has increased her influence over Sylphine, who was ingesting her blood. Wow, that’s amazing. Sylphinesia isn’t subservient to you, but she has evolved into a Great Spirit… and gained a Light attribute. The Light attribute might be from overexposure to the Macho Men’s holy light. Sylphine has also gained a Light attribute. …Apparently, the blessing of the Great Spirit Sylphinesia unlocks the potential for Wind, Water, and Light magic in those under her protection.)”
” (Eeeeeeeek!?
H-How am I supposed to handle this…?!)”
” (Calm down. First, stop laughing.
You’ll wake the familiars.
…They don’t know about Sylphine’s evolution or the dangerous magic we’ve acquired. Now’s our only chance to cover it up.)”
“So, Sylphine-sama acknowledges you as friends?”
‘Hmm? Ufufu, my older sister is Sylphine♪
I’m Sylphinesia, the Creation Tree♪
Nice to meet you!’
“!!!”
“(Uh oh, this is bad. Your Majesty, please explain.)”
“(Passing the buck, are we?)”
“(Just kidding… Let’s figure this out.)”
Saying so, Luca stepped forward, subtly shielding Lena from the murmuring crowd. He discreetly activated the [Beautiful Person] and [Talk of the Town: Handsome] titles, leveraging his enhanced appearance with a dazzling smile. Why Luca possessed the [Talk of the Town: Handsome] title will be explained later.
He redirected all the attention from Lena’s laughter to himself. Ignoring the blushing men and the stirring guild receptionist, he began to speak. He seemed prepared to use even his own face if necessary. His encounter with someone who valued him as Luca Tiatheus, not just a “beautiful person,” had spurred his personal growth. His refined voice captivated the audience.
“Do you believe in the Queen?”
What a strange question. To the bewildered crowd, he began extolling the Queen’s virtues, sounding like a profoundly wise Hamal.
“Lena-sama, who stands before you, is a person of extraordinary destiny, possessing the qualities of a true queen.
Ordinarily, she appears as an ordinary girl.
However, that is but a temporary guise.
In times of crisis, she awakens as the Queen, wielding overwhelming power, protecting those she cares for with strength and kindness.
Her soul is noble and beautiful, captivating even spirits. The fact that Sylphine-sama first approached me was undoubtedly due to my association with Lena-sama. It is all thanks to the Queen’s grace.”
“Indeed…!”
Lena offered a knowing smile. …Let it be, she thought. Luca Tiatheus, you idiot! she screamed internally.
“How did Jimmy’s face become so handsome…?”
“In my case, this is, shall we say, a temporary form.
My true appearance is quite plain, but only when speaking of the Queen’s greatness do I attain this visage.”
“What!?”
“Hooray! Queen-sama, hooray!”
“Our faith isn’t strong enough…!”
“What are you idiots doing, archer brothers…?”
The archer twins, convinced they could become handsome by praising the Queen, started making a fuss, earning exasperated looks from the warriors. Well, whatever.
Luca was about to explain Sylphinesia, but the Macho Men’s lifespan expired at that very moment. They struck a final, powerful muscle pose before withering away. Everyone’s attention shifted. The men flexed their biceps in tribute to the Macho Men, and the Sylphines, bathed in holy light, took deep, satisfied breaths.
…Sylphine stood up quietly. Everyone’s gaze snapped to her. Her verdant eyelashes fluttered, her snow-white eyelids lifted, revealing sapphire eyes like a clear blue sky. Their captivating beauty held everyone spellbound. Sylphine’s body began to radiate a divine aura, becoming gradually translucent. Weakened by the barrier suppression, she shouldn’t have been visible to humans. As she regained her spirit form, she completely disappeared from human sight…
Only Lena, Luca, Sylphinesia, and the sleeping familiars could see the beautiful maiden smiling gently. When the adventurers and mages looked to Lena for an explanation, only the maiden’s beautiful voice echoed through the hall.
‘Thank you to everyone who loves us, the spirits Sylphine, and saved us from the dark one.
Thanks to everyone’s efforts, I am finally saved.
To the brave warriors and kind mages, my heartfelt gratitude…’
“Y-You are most welcome!
It is our duty as citizens of the Anes Kingdom to protect Sylphine-sama!”
The elderly mages bowed so low their heads nearly touched the ground.
“Might we be graced with your presence once more…?”
‘I’m sorry. Because I was alone within the spirit barrier for so long, all the Sylphines are weakened. Sylphinesia is a special case… but we Sylphines cannot be seen by humans for a while. My other sisters are in the same situation… The spirit barrier, you see, while protecting us, also prevented people from directly interacting with the Mistletoe, gradually weakening us, who rely on faith.’
The spirit barrier, maintained with good intentions, had been harming their beloved Sylphine! The mages were so shocked they nearly collapsed. Adventurers rushed to support them, but a gentle wind enveloped the mages, bringing them comfort. They teared up at the gentle gesture.
‘…Did we worry you?
It’s alright.
We know that the mages of the Anes Kingdom cherish spirits more than anyone.
Please don’t cry.
It’s because of your deep reverence that we Sylphines can still exist.
The dark-souled individuals who occasionally visited were unable to harm us thanks to the barrier. It served its purpose.
Thank you.’
“…You forgive us…!”
“How merciful…”
‘Fufu. We are the Maidens of Wind and Water, Sylphine.
We are spirits who love the Anes Kingdom and its people.’
Sylphine smiled, meeting her younger sister’s gaze. Sylphinesia responded with a joyful somersault.
‘Thank you all, always～♪ We love you～♪’
The moved mages sobbed. Sylphine enveloped their faces in a gentle breeze, caressing their wet cheeks and wiping away their tears.
‘…If you could welcome the Spirit Festival, when faith is at its peak, with the spirit barrier deactivated…
We Sylphines could regain our former strength.
We could appear before people with good souls and enrich the land even more.
…I know you’ve worked hard to maintain the barrier… but could you please deactivate or weaken it?’
“Understood…! We’ll make arrangements immediately!
Sob”
‘Wonderful! Thank you.
Sylphinesia, why don’t you introduce yourself?’
‘Yes, sister♪
Um, I’m Sylphinesia, the Creation Tree, a Great Spirit♪
Nice to meet you, everyone in the Anes Kingdom.
I’m a newly sprouted Maiden’s Mistletoe in a corner of the Labyrinth: Blue Grotto.
So, I can make the labyrinth bigger, change the scenery, and create new creatures♪
I have the power of [Labyrinth Making]♪
Amazing, right?
And I can move freely within the Anes Kingdom♪’
Everyone nearly fainted. This was a big deal. Only Sylphine smiled serenely at her sister. As her name, Creation Tree, suggested, Sylphinesia specialized in creation. Sylphine addressed the mages and her sister.
‘The Spirit Festival is coming soon, isn’t it?
Hmm, is it possible to deactivate all the spirit barriers by then…?’
“If we return to the royal palace, we can interfere with all the spirit barriers at once.”
“However, since it affects all the barriers simultaneously… that’s why we came here directly for this expedition.”
“Hmm…
If we want to make it in time for the Spirit Festival, we don’t have time for leisurely meetings.
If we bypass the usual procedures to deactivate the spirit barriers, we’ll have to negotiate directly with King Anes.”
‘Oh, so it’s possible.
Then… Sylphinesia, could you go on an errand to the royal capital? The king of this country resides in the royal palace in the most bustling city.
Go meet the king and ask him to deactivate the spirit barriers.’
“Oh, oh…! That would certainly expedite matters!”
The mages beamed, but the possibility of the king fainting and complicating things arose. …Well, it would probably be fine.
‘Yes, sister♪
It’s my first time going outside of Racheli, so I’m really excited♪
…But I’ll be lonely by myself, so I’ll take Lena with me♪’
“Huh?”
‘We’re off♪’
“…ーーーーーーっ！?”
Sylphinesia smiled brightly and, without waiting for approval, enveloped Lena in a whirlwind and lifted her into the air. Then, the two of them sped off at an incredible speed. ‘It’s a date♪’ she chirped as they left.
Lena’s familiars were cradled by the wind in midair. Luca reached out, and the wind gently released the four miniature creatures into his arms. He smiled wryly and told Sylphine to tell her sister to slow down on the way back so Lena wouldn’t be scared. Sylphine continued to smile serenely. She seemed to have a very laid-back personality. Since Sylphinesia’s main body resided within the labyrinth, she could communicate with her sister regardless of the distance between their spirit forms.
‘Oh my, she’s impatient…
I was hoping to have these mages accompany us as well.
Fufu, we shall request their escort another time.’
The elderly mages, having witnessed the incredible speed at which Lena was whisked away, shuddered. They resolved to request a “slow” journey next time. Lena had been the first victim.
In a beautifully decorated corner of the magnificent Anes Royal Palace, adorned with blooming flowers…
“…Ahhhhhhhhhhh!”
A high-pitched scream approached the throne room.
From outside the window.
…What’s happening!? The king, in the middle of a meeting, jumped up, and the royal guards drew their swords.
The next moment, a powerful gust of wind burst into the hall!
‘Geez, Lena. You’re being too boisterous.
…Ah! I finally found the king♪’
The king, abruptly addressed, spotted the green-haired maiden and his eyes widened. Sylphinesia’s divine aura was enough to mark her as someone extraordinary. The guards lowered their swords, their hostility gone.
“You…! N-no, y-your Ladyship is…!?”
‘I’m Sylphinesia, the Creation Tree♪
Please call this one Lena-sama♪
Nice to meet you!’
Through a small, inconspicuous window at the very top of the ornate stained glass—likely intended for maintenance workers—a leaf-green haired beautiful girl and a rather unwell-looking black-haired girl tumbled in. Sylphinesia introduced herself mid-flight, her hair swirling as she performed a somersault in the air before landing gracefully on the marble floor. She curtsied elegantly. Lena, who had been spun around, managed a deep bow despite her pale, nauseated face.
As the king, his guest, a robust man, and the knights stood speechless, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.
The Prime Minister, department heads, and other high-ranking officials came rushing in. The knights guarding the door couldn’t refuse them when they desperately demanded entry. Normally, they would have been scolded for their undignified behavior before the king, but seeing the officials tumbling and piling up on top of each other, the king seemed to have lost all his composure and sighed deeply. Well, their anxiety was understandable.
Sylphinesia hadn’t found the throne room on her first try and had been popping in and out of various rooms in the palace. ‘Oh? The king isn’t here,’ she’d said each time, prompting everyone to rush to the throne room. The king finally frowned, seeing the blushing older men captivated by the maiden who cheerfully waved, saying ‘We meet again!’
“How long do you intend to continue this unsightly display?
You are being disrespectful to Sylphinesia-sama.”
“W-We apologize!”
The officials scrambled to their feet, straightened their attire, lined up according to rank, and bowed deeply to the king and the spirit. They were clearly well-trained in such matters. The king nodded in satisfaction, apologized to his guest for the interruption, and, after receiving his understanding, turned to the maidens.
The black-haired girl sat slumped on the floor, looking unwell, while Sylphinesia stroked her back. Unaware that it was motion sickness, the king, concerned for Lena, spoke gently.
“May I address you as Lena-sama?
You seem quite unwell. Shall I have one of our healers attend to you?”
A specialized healing mage stepped forward and bowed. Things were escalating dramatically, but Lena, still nauseated, could only nod weakly. After receiving luxurious healing, she fully recovered and finally looked up, offering a strained smile. She had deactivated her [Crimson Queen] and [Onee-sama] titles to avoid appearing arrogant before the king.
“H-hello, King Anes. I sincerely apologize for intruding on such short notice and for the inconvenience! And thank you very much for the healing magic. I feel much better now. I am deeply grateful. There’s no need for honorifics. My name is Lena Todo. Please, call me Lena.”
‘Eh? Call her Lena-sama♪’
“Ugh!”
“Let us address you as Lena-sama. Is that acceptable?
What business brings you here?
And who is Sylphinesia-sama, the Creation Tree? Please enlighten me…”
“Y-yes!
…It would take a long time to explain everything in detail, so I’ll just summarize the important points. For further details, please inquire with the royal mages who visited Racheli.”
Flustered, Lena stumbled over her words. After clearing her throat, she began to speak, filling the air with a slight awkwardness.
…Lena, with Sylphinesia’s help, explained the situation. She mentioned that the curse incident in Racheli had been resolved for now, the danger posed by the escaped sorcerer, and finally, their errand: the deactivation of the spirit barriers. She chose her words carefully.
When she finished, the king nodded deeply. “Thank you for saving Sylphine-sama,” he said to Lena, expressing his gratitude. He then sincerely apologized to Sylphinesia, saying, “I am truly sorry for not noticing the spirit’s weakened state earlier.”
He declared unequivocally, as king, that the barriers would be deactivated in time for the Spirit Festival. He gazed warmly at Lena and Sylphinesia, who beamed. However, he proposed leaving a very thin barrier and posting knights to protect the Mistletoe during the festival, to prevent it from being targeted by malicious individuals. He also expressed his intention to explore new, less harmful measures after the festival.
Sylphinesia agreed.
‘Then I’ll protect my older sister and everyone else too♪’
She declared cheerfully. While those present were surprised, the Great Spirit Sylphinesia possessed enough power to influence all of nature within the Anes Kingdom. The king and his officials gratefully accepted her offer to strengthen the Mistletoe’s trunk and have wild animals monitor for intruders.
Having the spirit present certainly expedited decision-making. With all the high-ranking officials gathered in the throne room, there was no need for lengthy communication. It was refreshingly efficient. The Anes Kingdom would celebrate a special Spirit Festival this year, largely shaped by the maidens’ wishes.
The royal family of Anes Kingdom had gentle leaf-green hair and light blue eyes, reminiscent of Sylphine. These features had been passed down through generations, originating from royal ancestors who had received the spirit’s blessing long ago. The king, his light blue eyes glistening with tears, gazed softly at Sylphinesia.
“Are you leaving already…?”
‘Yes! My older sister and the others are waiting!
Come on, Lena, let’s ride the wind again♪
I’ll be careful with the speed this time, okay?’
“O-okay. I’ll do my best… My familiars are waiting, my familiars are waiting, my familiars are waiting…! …Alright, I’m ready.”
Lena, teary-eyed but determined, and Sylphinesia held hands and looked up at the top of the stained glass. They bid farewell to the king once more.
The king shed a tear, feeling as if the bond between spirits and humans had been rekindled. Sylphinesia laughed cheerfully, waving as she turned.
‘Everyone looks so sad!
I’ll come visit again!
Because I’m Sylphinesia, the Creation Tree, the Great Spirit of the Anes Kingdom♪’
Mimicking her sister, she winked. Sylphinesia tapped her toes on the floor as if skipping, then spun gracefully as she leaped out the window. A shining wind enveloped the two maidens and blew gently through the hall.
“W-wait, Sylphinesia, the spinning… the spinning… Aaaah! Kyaaaaa!”
‘Oops. Sorry♪’
…It felt as if a lovely storm had just passed. The king chuckled, feeling an unprecedented surge of elation. Having been acknowledged by the Great Spirit Sylphinesia and declared the protector of the Anes Kingdom, he felt as if he were walking on air. It’s the Anes blood, he thought, thoroughly pleased.
The officials, gauging the king’s mood, breathed sighs of relief. The robust guest spoke up.
“…Trouble seems to find Miss Lena wherever she goes. It’s almost a talent at this point.”
“Indeed. So that black-haired girl was the one who assisted in the Alice Stuart incident in Toilia.
Lena-sama, is it?
…To think I’d be led to address a young girl with such respect! Amusing things do happen.”
“I’m equally surprised.”
“Lena-sama is a fortunate beast tamer.
And her familiars are all terrifyingly powerful, evolving into demonkin within their short lifespans…
Weren’t you warned by them when you shared a carriage?”
“…Yes.
They said they wouldn’t forgive me if I tried to exploit their master.
Their intensity was such that I felt I would be killed if I didn’t agree.
And the succubus from the Demon Kingdom is quite smitten with her as well.”
“I was somewhat apprehensive hearing that someone with such power was traveling within the Anes Kingdom… but after this encounter, I feel reassured.
She is so favored by the spirits.
Lena-sama must possess a very pure soul. A good person, indeed. I envy her.”
“Indeed.”
The Toilia lord, who shared a wry smile with the king, had visited the palace to report on the Stuart Mansion incident. Lena, in her flustered state, hadn’t noticed him in his lavish attire, but it seemed her luck was still holding strong. Thanks to the Toilia lord’s prior report on Lena and his warning to the higher-ups not to interfere, she was spared any intrusive questioning about her identity.
The king braced himself for a busy period, what with the tourist development of the Labyrinth: Blue Grotto in Racheli and everything else. He welcomed such enjoyable work. He summoned his adult children, the prince and princesses, and assigned them to assist the various departments. The officials, hoping to gloss over their blunder with the celebratory spirit encounter, were later severely reprimanded by the king. The Anes Kingdom government seemed to have a rather relaxed atmosphere.
Everyone began preparing for the Spirit Festival with bright smiles.
Back in Racheli forest, Lena, breathless from the journey, was greeted by prostrate men.
“We express our deepest gratitude for the safe return of Sylphinesia-sama and the magnificent Queen!”
“Welcome back! We are so glad you both returned safely!”
“We are grateful for the wonderful reality that you exist in this world!”
“Hooray! Queen-sama, hooray!”
“Hieeeeee!?”
What was going on?!
Lena, still pale, looked at Luca and Sylphine.
“Um. A little sermon.”
‘Oh my, welcome back. You did a good job on your errand. Thank you.’
“Jimmyyyy!?”
Luca, with a nonchalant expression, said, “I even acquired the [Missionary] title,” earning a pinch on the cheek from the exasperated Lena.
▽ Lena’s Pinch Attack!
▽ Luca’s cheeks turned red!
Not from awakening as a masochist. Sylphine, finally relaxing, seemed to have reverted to her naturally easygoing nature and hadn’t stopped Luca’s antics. She simply smiled elegantly. This was a comedy… no, a tragedy.
But there was a purpose to his antics. Luca, cheeks flushed, addressed everyone solemnly.
“Everyone. The Queen currently conceals her noble soul. It seems that as ‘Lena,’ she wishes to be treated as she always has been, as an adventurer.”
“Alright, leave it to me!
Lass, good work. You look pale… Here, drink this potion.”
“What was it like riding the wind? Did the meeting go well?
Tell us all about it later!”
“Ho ho, well done.”
“Oh, Queen-sama!
Please awaken once more and accept me as your apostle!
…I wanted to see Jimmy’s incredibly handsome face too!”
One person hadn’t adjusted. The rookie guild receptionist had regained consciousness after Luca’s face was already hidden by the plain-faced [Illusion]. And Lily was asleep again. Hearing from the adventurers how handsome he had been, she was deeply regretful. Lena found herself clung to by the rookie. Luca covered his mouth, groaning.
“L… Jimmy…?”
Lena, startled, rushed to Luca’s side. The rookie guild receptionist was restrained by the men, who told her not to be disrespectful to the Queen. Luca gasped, finally sinking to his knees.
“…Sorry, I can’t… anymore.
Excuse me.
…Activating titles [Dexterous and Wealthy], Light Magic [Sanctuary]!”
“Eh!?”
What was he doing?
Luca created a small, glowing holy barrier about 1.5 meters in radius, using his magic sword as a focal point. He seemed to have skillfully limited the magic power he channeled. He enveloped himself, Lena, and the familiars in the shining barrier.
The Light Magic [Sanctuary] created an ultimate [Purification Purge] within the barrier, a powerful light attribute barrier, and also prevented any sound from escaping.
Feeling bad for Lena, who worriedly rubbed his back, Luca finally let loose the emotions he had been suppressing. He had been past his limit for a while, enduring purely through willpower.
“…Pfft… Kukuku…! …Ahahahahahahahaha!”
“!?”
Lena froze at his sudden outburst of laughter.
“Hahaha, ha… !
T-too funny…! Lena, your Queen persona… fufu, it suits you too well…
Kukuku, ahahahaha!”
“…That’s not very nice!
It’s not like I want to do this either!”
“N-no, I know that… but…!
…Kukuku, the gap between… your inner Lena and your Queenly behavior… is just… too much… Haa… I’m okay now.”
“Shut up.”
“Fufu!”
“Luca, you idiooot!”
Luca, doubled over with laughter, and Lena, furiously pounding his back. The commotion woke the familiars, who, confused, joined in, bouncing on Luca’s back along with Lena. Sylphine, a wind spirit, ignored the [Sanctuary] and picked up the sound, commenting on how close they were.
Let’s observe the reactions of those outside the barrier.
“Eh!? Lena, what are you doing…!?
Jimmy looks really sick. Hitting him so hard will only make him feel worse…”
“Idiot!
That’s not Lena, it’s the Queen.
Jimmy, exhausted, the Queen reappearing, her familiars jumping on his back.
The rest… you get it, right?”
“!?
Could it be… a reward…?”
“Remember the sheep familiar’s ecstatic bleating?
It’s the only explanation. The Queen is so merciful and kind that even spirits adore her, right?
Jimmy must have asked for a reward. Sylphinesia-sama is probably watching over them kindly…”
“Amazing! Queen-sama, amazing!”
“Crimson Destiny, awesome!”
A terrifying misunderstanding was unfolding. Let’s just say Lena ended up acquiring the [Sadist] title after this. Incidentally, the [Masochist] title went to Jean, the mage from Toilia whom Luca had been impersonating. Collateral damage.
When the [Sanctuary] dissipated, Lena was once again met with the sight of prostrate men and screamed. Luca, recovered, began his sermon, somehow bringing the situation under control. While things had calmed down, the men’s perception of Lena-sama seemed to have worsened. Finally, everyone calmed down and decided to return to Racheli. The elderly mages would be escorted to the royal capital the following day. The injured had already been sent back with a few escorts.
After bidding farewell to the Sylphine sisters and being seen off by their beautiful singing, everyone left the forest.
All that remained was for the dragon-slaying familiars to undergo their class change and then enjoy the Spirit Festival. Lena and her companions returned to the inn, laughed lightheartedly, and, finally at peace, slept soundly.