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Hakushaku to Yousei - Volume 1 - Chapter 5




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P. 161
    Mannor Island was an island that had prominent cliffs bordering along the ocean shores.
    Seabirds were fluttering above the pale green island silhouette, which made it appear magical, like it was the fairy world, Ibrazel (Island of Happiness) of Lord Blue Knight, but from the turbulent waves that surrounded it, Lydia had gotten completely seasick.
    The only ship that sailed to Mannor Island was a small fisherman's boat, and it swayed tremendously.
    The waves around the island very violent throughout the year, and they were told that it was dangerous to cross the waters unless you were an experienced sailor. They finally arrived on the secluded island that only fishermen sailed out to, and by the captain's recommendation, headed to the only inn on the island.
    "This is a medicine decoction, but it relieves sea-sickness," said Mr Tomkins, a man just past his middle-age who was the owner of the inn and warmly welcomed them.
    "Thank you," said Lydia, half leaning up against the back of a sofa and accepting the cup of medicine.

P. 162
    "I'm surprised to see that only this young lady became seasick. It's rare for someone new to this island to be in the best of health after that kind of trip," said the inn owner, smiling towards Edgar and his group.
    Lydia also wondered why the three of them were alright. She could understand if it was Nico, a fairy cat, but Edgar, and Raven and Ermine were calm and composed as they went across the waves that could nearly roled over the ship.
    "Well, that must be because they've been through more near death experiences that could never be compared with a boat ride," whispered Nico, sitting beside Lydia.
    "Nico, that's not funny."
    "Oh, you're better already."
    She managed to somehow gulp down the sour medicine.
    "By the way, Mr innkeeper, isn't there a castle on this island?" asked Edgar.
    "Yes, there is. If you feel that this inn is unsuitable, would you like switch over to there?"
    Edgar gave him a cautious look.
    If he was talking about the castle, there was only the castle, and that was the Blue Knight Earl's. Of course, their objection was to search that castle, but Edgar must have become suspicious of the innkeeper who suddenly allowed them to use it.
    "Can anyone use the castle freely?"

P. 163
    "Of course not. It is the master of this island's castle. However, sir, coming to such a remote island like this, must mean that you are the descendant of the Earl family, am I wrong?"
    Being told right on the mark, everyone remained silent, but Edgar alone made a smile.
    "I see, you must have gotten endless visitations of imposters, claiming to be the Blue Knight Earl, to this island. No wonder you're so used to that kind of hospitality."
    "By the way, my family has served as the Earl family's butler for generations, so if you are proven to be our true lord, then I will be serving you from now on. Pleased to meet your acquaintance," said the innkeeper and took out a key from his coat pocket.
    "Here is the key to enter the castle. Please feel free to use it. We've had an endless number of people break the doors and windows, trying to find the legendary treasure, and the management got so out of hand that we've started to hand this out to those that claim to be our lord. And if you will excuse my rudeness, I'd like to mention that the number and type of all the furnishings and valuables indoors are accounted for, so please do not try to carry them out. You will need to remember that even if you wanted to, it will be impossible to carry them out of this island."
    "That is indeed good work. If you were my butler, I'd be in good hands," said Edgar, insolently.
    "I'm honored. Furthermore, if you plan to leave this island, please don't hesitate to let me know. I will be happy to provide you a ship."

P. 164
    "And that's how you make some of them give up?"
    "Unfortunately, as far as I know, the ones I've met have all washed up lifeless onto the shores within three days. So that doesn't happen, sir, I will be hoping that this won't be our last meeting."
    "Um, so, does that mean that all the people who went to the castle end up dead?" asked Lydia.
    "Yes, that's right, young lady. They must have been dragged into the sea by the merrows."
    Lydia remembered being told by the landlord yesterday, that when one hears the merrows singing in the castle, it's said that their bodies are found on the shores the next day.
    "Have you ever seen a merrow?" she questioned.
    "I don't know any pureblooded merrow, but all the island inhabitants share their blood. That's why this island, from the old days, couldn't be handled by the landlord at the time, and it was ceded to Lord Blue Knight. We are told that the island residents, along with the merrows, happily welcomed their new master."
    "Everyone has merrow's blood? So that means, innkeeper, do you have webbed feet and scales?"
    "No, only a fin on my back."
    "Impressive. Now that's a butler of the Blue Knight Earl family for you."

P. 165
    Lydia wondered if Edgar thought the man was joking. He only looked like he was fooling around. 
    "No wonder he smelled fishy," whispered Nico, quietly.

*****


    The green Jack will come from Spankie's cradle.
    Dance with the pixies on the moonlit night.
    Go beyond the Silkies' cross.
    Be careful of the Pookah's maze.
    Follow the Wyvern's foot marks.
    Turn right at the Fear Dearg.
    Go under the Dullahan's feet.
    Search for the leprechaun's treasure.
    Locate the sleeping bed of Clurichaun.
    Follow the banshee.
    Exchange a star for the merrow's star.

P. 166
    Otherwise the merrows will sing their song of lament.


    The castle stood on an elevated cliff on the hill of the island.
    The blue castle had a gothic architectural design with a steeple, and it looked down over the pale green island, making it seamlessly blend into the landscape.
    It was a beautiful building, the perfect, ideal country manor house.
    Lydia had finally recovered from her seasickness and had arrived at the castle with the others.
    "So this is the merrow's island. Lydia was right on deciding this location. There's no mistake that the sword is in the castle."
    Edgar looked over towards Lydia with a satisfied smile.
    However, to Lydia, the real difficulty starts from here.
    "Yes, this island is ‘the green jack.’ It's a green spirit covered in tree leaves. Looking at this island from the ship, I thought it looked exactly like a crouching leaf man."
    "I see, so that covers the first part of the coin's riddle. And the next one, what's a Spankie?"
    "It means will‐o'‐the‐wisp."
    "So we just need to look for a graveyard?"
    "No, I think Spankie stands for the spirits of children who died before their baptism."

P. 167
    "So they wouldn't be in a graveyard, but buried somewhere else," said Ermine, and walked over to a gate left open.
    The road that continued on from the gate, and even the garden that spread out on the other side of it was beautiful, it was unimaginable that the castle had been empty for three hundred years.
    The people on this island must have been taking care of it for the sake of their master who they believed would return.
    "But, this castle is a country manor house. Even if there was a child's grave, whose grave would it be?"
    "I don't know. Although, these graves could have existed before the castle was even built."
    "Or, it could be just a memorial stone."
    Edgar and Ermine walked along side each other. Ermine was dressed in men‘s clothing, but even her plain clothing and hair cut to her shoulders didn't hide her radiating female beauty.
    Looking at the two of them, walking so close that their shoulders could touch, Lydia remembered what she saw last night, and that made her be the only one in the group turning red in the face.
    She wondered what happened between them after that. Were they together until morning?
    "First thing is first, let's split up and look for the so called 'Spankie's cradle.' Lydia, you'll come with me."
    "Eh?!"

P. 168
    She jumped up because she was suddenly called by her name. It was like he knew what she was thinking, which made her feel embarrassed.
    "Why, why do I have to go with you?"
    "Because, you'd get lost."
    Raven and Ermine went their separate ways, heading off to different directions of the garden.
    Most likely, the reason Edgar wasn't going to let his eyes get off Lydia, could be because Nico eavesdropped on him.
    At the inn, Nico said he was going somewhere else and left their group.
    It was Nico's idea to bring along a band of brownies from the mainland town onto the ship and bring them to this island, and it looked like he went with them to make sure they were able to safely meet their relatives.
    While he was at it, he said he was going to collect information about the merrows of this island and what kind of role they had in protecting the Earl's sword.
    The brownies were fairies that lived on the same island. They may know something about the merrows that the human residents wouldn't.
    If the small fairy clans were also the residents of this island, then they should have lived as the fief of the Blue Knight Earl, just like the merrows.
    She was glad if her act of helping the fairies at that mainland landlord's house brought along any kind of help.

P. 169
    However, Nico wasn't as keen as Lydia in doing this job. He felt an extreme animosity towards Edgar. It wasn't only because he was nearly thrown into the hearth, but of the sole reason of the fur on his tail being burnt off. Fairies were beings that really were devoted to small trivial things and did not forget their grudges.
    So he must be wishing that Edgar would get into trouble and heavily suffer. Gathering information must be for that purpose.
    She wondered if Edgar realized Nico wasn't just an ordinary feline. Even if he didn't believe that cat's could talk, he still took caution and even became angry when the cat eavesdropped on them, and of course, was still taking precautions with Lydia as well.
    If that was the case, she decided to be by his side like he wished and find out what he was hiding.
    Taking a breath to build her bravery, Lydia decided to follow him.
    "Hey, aren't you frightened?"
    "Of what?"
    "The fake Earls that tried to steal the sword have all been drowned in the sea by the merrows. You heard Mr. Tomkins say that they were all killed."
    "If you ask me, I think they were fools. They must have fallen into the traps laid out to protect and catch the ones who came to steal the sword."

P. 170
    "So you're saying that it isn't the merrow's fault? And you're confident that you won't be the one catch by those traps?"
    Looking over to her, he gave her a winning smile.
    "If something were to happen to me, would you be sad for me?"
    "Huh? Why don't you say that to Ermine."
    "Ermine? Why?"
    "Because....she's your lover."
    For some reason, she felt like her voice was blaming him, which made Lydia embarrassed and lowered her head.
    "She's not. So you can be relieved."
    "Why do I have to be relieved about that!"
    "Just hoping."
    What is he thinking? Lydia thought, and tied a frustrated knit in her brows.
    "Now listen, you should stop saying something like that to tease people."
    "I didn't intend to tease. Then let's change the subject. What's your ideal type of gentlemen?"
    He hasn't changed the subject at all.

P. 171
    She was frustrated because she knew that Edgar was joking when he acted like he was interested in Lydia, yet she felt herself moved by his words.
    Maybe, that was because Lydia wasn't used to flattery.
    "A serious and honest person. ...It's improper to hug or kiss someone when that person is not your lover."
    "Hmmm, so that means, you were watching."
    She cut her own throat by saying that, making her even redder. He watched her amusingly, but didn't tease her any further.
    They slowly walked down the garden pathway.
    "Ermine is a valuable friend to me. I want to do everything I can that would make her happy."
    The side of his face that was facing straight was unusually serious.
    He claims that they are not lovers. But even Lydia could tell that she was special to him. She wasn't someone he joked or teased with, and embracing her didn't have any lewd meaning behind it.
    With Lydia's limited experience and imagination, she was no match against these people. But that could have been normal for someone like her, who could see fairies but didn't know how to befriend people.
    "I see, so she was someone important to you. Um, it wasn't like I was peeking at the two of you. I just happened to past in front of your room....    I'm sorry, it wasn’t my place to say something like that. I still don’t understand you at all, but, I think that the people by your side must be very happy."

P. 172
    Looking far off into the distance, he looked like he was deep in thought, but without changing his expression, he slowly turned towards Lydia.
    "Are there wings on you?"
    "Huh?"
    It was such a sudden, strange question.
    "I just thought you might be hiding beautifully colored butterfly wings on your back."
    Just then, she felt a completely different feeling from when she was called a fairy's changeling.
    Probably, he must have accepted Lydia as someone from a different world, by how she took people's words without doubting their meaning, and by not knowing how to keep up appearances before others, and by how she said things straight from her heart.
    Although his lines were embarrassingly flamboyant, she didn't feel offended at being compared to a faerie, making her be able to accept how she appeared to Edgar's eyes, as a mythical faerie being.
    When she was by Edgar's side, she would periodically feel like she could be reborn into a different person than how she was now. Even if she tried to think of him as evil, there were mixed feelings inside Lydia every time she tried to convince herself.
    When he seamlessly stopped at a random spot, Lydia also stopped.
    In the corner of the garden there looked to be something like a small shrine.
    There was a small angel statue placed on it. There was no mistake that it was the grave site for children.

P. 173
    "It says [This is for the mermaid children resting here in peace]. It looks to be like a memorial stone, but I wonder what it means by mermaid children."
    "You remember how we were told that there was merrow blood running in many of the island people? This must be the children who couldn't survive because the merrow blood in them was too strong. And if it was in the old times, then they probably couldn't even get baptised."
    "I see. If it was a secluded island like this, then all the island residents would be related. If consanguineous marriages continued, then I can understand how there would be certain diseases and deformities that started to appear."
    "Are you saying that it's not because of the merrows? ...Well, I don't know the whole truth, but the island residents believe in merrows. Aren't you intending to become the fief lord of those lands?"
    "Does the lord have to believe in fairies to be qualified? I don't think that matters. Whether it is mermaids, or diseases, if there are scales or fins on the island people, then that's just how it is here."
    How it is. He doesn't believe their tales but accepts them as who they are.
    She felt like she just heard something unimaginable.
    He doesn't believe it if he can't see it, but if even though it looks like scales and fins, he says he has no trouble in accepting that as reality. Lydia gazed up at Edgar in wonder.

P. 174
    Humans who don't believe in fairies, don’t acknowledge the beings they can't see them, but instead, choose to believe that they don't exist.
    That's why, they reject those that can see fairies. However, according to Edgar, he himself doesn't believe in the existence of fairies, but he doesn't mind if they do exist.
    That's why he doesn't make fun of Lydia.
    "....Perhaps, is that how you think of the spirit inside Raven?"
    "Raven? Ahh, did he talk to you about that?"
    "Yes, he said it was a terrifying spirit, and he was born under its control."
    "Hmm, that's rare. It looks like Raven has taken an interest in you. It must be because you also have a deep connection to fairies."
    There is no way he likes me, thought Lydia, but she kept her mouth shut. She was only given a warning not to do anything that would give trouble to Edgar.
    "I don't know if there really is a sprite inside Raven. I only need to know what kind of person he is, and what he needs, and what there is I can do."
    That's why he took on the responsibility of the sprite as well, Lydia thought, he really is fearless.
    But that could also mean he had a strong heart. No matter how the world was still unbeknownst to him, he still had imperturbable self-possession. His clear‐cut attitude was to just do what he can do.

P. 175
    For someone to have a clear, strong grip on to reality might seem easy, but was actually very difficult. Because people's hearts were easily frightened and corrupted, there were chances for evil spirits to take advantage of people like that. But if it was someone like him, then the evil spirits wouldn't be able to influence him.
    Even if he couldn't see fairies, suddenly Lydia hoped that he could be the real blood descendant of the Blue Knight Earl.
    If he was, then she would be eager to help them.
    "Anyway, there's no mistake that this is the Spankie's cradle. Which means, the next thing is 'Dance with the Pixies on the moonlit night,' what does this mean?"
    "Ah, umm, I think it means the fairy ring that's made by the pixies. On a clear moon night, there are marks left on the grass when the faeries dance."
    "A ring, huh, something like that?"
    Edgar pointed to where there were stones were lined up in a circle on the grass a ways away from them.
    "Yes, yes, I think so."
    When they approached it, Edgar took no caution and boldly took a step inside the ring.
    "Ah!"
    Lydia gave out a scared yelp, to which he turned around.
    "What is it?"

P. 176
    "....Nothing, it wasn't a real fairy ring."
    "What would have happened if it was?"
    "Sometimes people would get taken away by the fairies."
    "Hmmm, that‘s interesting. But, more importantly, Lydia, look at that. The scenery changes if you stand here."
    Lydia cautiously stepped into the circle. And then, the trees that she thought were randomly planted in the garden grounds, all lined up to make a straight clearing. Beyond that open clearing, they could see the building that had been hidden by the tree branches.
    On the castle building, there was a doorway that stood like it was welcoming them.
    No, coming closer, it was just a painting of a doorway. There was just a window built in the wall to pass the light through.
    "Now there's no way to get in."
    "In any case, the key we have only opens the front door. We'll enter from there and search around the location on the other side of this wall."
    The two of them was just about to turn to head that way.
    The nearby bush suddenly moved unnaturally.
    The ones that appeared from behind it were men dressed in black suits.
    First came out the Gossam brothers, in their group there was Huxley who stood in front of Edgar and Lydia, blocking their path. He turned his head to scan around them, and after making sure that Raven and Ermine were no where in site, he grinned victoriously.


P. 177
    "Hello, John, we meet again."
    "You really are persistent," said Edgar, raising one of his brows to show his irritation.
    "It seems like the 'Merrow's Star' is somewhere in this castle. We'll take it from here and find it. So it’s best you don't resist and release her."
    "Release her? That's strange of you to say."
    "You kidnapped Ms Carlton. And now you're forcing her to come along with you. A thief has kidnapped the daughter of an university professor! That's how society sees you."
    "But did you know Lydia, if you were captured by him, who knows what he would have done to you. Don't you think it was better to have come with me?"
    "A burglar had no right to say such a thing! Ms Carlton, you shouldn't believe what that man says."
    I wouldn't believe either one of you. Lydia was a little amazed at the nerve of these two men be able to play like they were innocent.
    "Raven, over here!" yelled Edgar, all of a sudden. Huxley and his men went into a cautious stance, scanning around them.
    There was no wind blowing, yet the trees around them gave a ruffling, moving noise from their branches. Just as they all were eyeing to find the source, one of the men at the corner of the group gave out a yelp and fell to the ground.
    "Bloody h**l, don't be daunted! It's just one man."

P. 178
    "Lord Edgar, this way."
    She didn't notice that Ermine was standing right behind them. She lead Edgar and Lydia into a small dirt road. They were just barely a few yards away from Huxley and his men when,
    "Lydia!"
    The voice that called her was very familiar to her. The one that was running over in her direction was her father.
    "Father! why are you.."
    "I was told that you were kidnapped..."
    Lydia took a step out with her arms out to her father, but Edgar stopped her by grabbing onto one of her arms.
    "Are, are you the kidnapper? Let go of my daughter!"
    "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Carlton. I really have been in great care thanks to your daughter."
    Edgar spoke calmly and greeted him like this was a sunny day in the park.
    "What are you after? I'll do anything you want. Just don't hurt my daughter!"
    "I'm terribly sorry for causing you to worry. But I'm serious about her. Please, Father, allow me to have your daughter's hand."
    "What in the world are you talking about?!"
    He kept going, and grabbed Lydia's shoulder, pushing her right up next to him.

P. 179

P. 180
        "I understand I should have properly gone to you first for your approval about us. But I had gotten so crazy about her, and lost track of myself."
        "Huh?"
        "If she wasn't by my side and didn’t calm the heat of my love, I would die in a heartbeat."
        Could there actually be someone, who after saying something so embarrassing, that would get away with this?
        "Wait, wait just a moment..." Paused Carlton.
        Lydia's father, who appeared to be in a disorderly state that even his daughter had never witnessed, kept opening and closing his mouth. 
        "....Do you really want a hoyden like her?"
        "Father!"
        "She is the most precious woman to me. She is the only woman who can save me with her deep love."
        "Hold on right there Edgar, you're making this sound completely different!"
        What was going to save him, of course wasn't Lydia's love, but her ability to find the sword.

P. 181
    "Well, I won't disagree that Lydia is the perfect daughter. However, young man, don't you think it’s irresponsible as a man to drag along an young, unwed woman, because you can't control yourself?"
    It seemed like Carlton was nearly on the verge of collapsing from this situation turning from coming in contact with a kidnapper to meeting a bachelor who was head over heels about his daughter.
    "Yes, I agree. I regret my carelessness."
    "This is all wrong!" cried Lydia.
    "John, let her go!" yelled Huxley.
    Huxley appeared in their view again, and to Lydia, frankly, he appeared like the savior to this chaotic situation. Of course, that was only just her mere imagination, because Huxley was pointing a pistol towards her.
    "Hold on, you’re aiming near Lydia."
    "I understand that perfectly, Professor. However, that man also can't allow your daughter to die. Because he's a stubborn, greedy little thief and he hasn't found the jewel yet."
    "Gossam, I can imagine what you must have said to convince Mr. Carlton, but you shouldn't do something that would reveal you'd do anything ruthless to get your hands on that jewel."
    When Edgar glared at Huxley with a smile like that, his sharpness and gracefulness became even more prominent.
    In that moment, he made it seem like he was the obvious winner if this were to be the site of a duel.
    "Hurry up and release her," barked Huxley, in an irritated voice. Carlton looked up at both of them worryingly.

P. 182
    Perhaps to try intimidate Edgar, Huxley put his finger on the pistol's trigger.
    "Hey, you, don't!" cried Carlton.
    The pistol that was aimed towards Edgar, was also pointing at Lydia who was right beside him. Trying to stop that, Carlton grabbed ahold of Huxley's arm.
    "Ermine, guard Lydia," whispered Edgar.
    "Yes, my lord." With a simple reply, Ermine pulled Lydia's arm. The last thing Lydia saw was Edgar pulling out the rapier from his walking stick. At the same time, she heard a gunfire.
    She wanted to look back, but Ermine pulled Lydia into the bushes so she didn't know what happened beyond that.
    However, as soon as they came out to a different dirt path, Ermine stopped in her tracks.
    She stood in front of Lydia, guarding her, and started to take some steps backwards, but they were completely surrounded by Huxley’s brothers.

P. 183

*****

    Lydia, along with her father, was locked inside a room in the castle.
    Huxley's men had taken the extreme measure and broke one of the building windows and entered the castle, taking up the position in the corner of the castle. It looked like they were attempting to corner Edgar and Raven who had managed to escape, and steal the 'Merrow's Star.'
    Carlton was deceived by Huxley, well, actually the Gossam brothers, and was brought here by them, and after finding that out, he breathed out a dispirited sigh.
    "So that means Gossam was using me."
    "Father, I'm sorry to get you involved into this."
    "No, you were dragged into this as well. I should apologize. I'm sorry, I didn't know my gemology research would cause something like this."
    Who knows what the cause of all this. It could have started from when Gossam tried to use Edgar as his research experiment, or when Edgar decided to use Gossam. However, that wasn't a problem at this point.
    Lydia walked over to Ermine who lay slumped on a sofa.
    Lydia and her father weren't hurt because the brothers must have thought the two of them weren‘t a threat, but Ermine was punched and kicked, and now her hands were tied-up and she lay unconscious. 


P. 184
    She wanted to untie her ropes, but Huxley said that if she were to do something like that, then he'd beat-up Ermine even worse.
    Lydia used her handkerchief and wiped the blood on Ermine’s bleeding lip.
    "So, about that young man earlier..."
    "No, it's not what you think, Father, he was just fooling around, I just accepted a job offer as a fairy doctor to help him."
    "Oh, thank goodness. Are you sure it isn't an elope?"
    "Of course it isn't! I'm not that kind of daughter."
    Relieved, the professor made a faint-hearted smile and pushed his round spectacles up that were low on his nose.
    "Even if he is a thief, to be called ‘Father’ by a kidnapper, is too much on my weak heart. If it was true and you were serious, I was worried if it was right for me to disapprove."
    "Oh, my goodness, father. Are you saying that you wouldn't mind my courter to be a thief as long as I chose him?"
    "I figured that he must have had a very good quality about him. Of course, it would be troublesome if the only good part about him was his looks."
    "I would never choose my husband just by his looks."
    "There's one thing that bothered me though..., isn’t he an aristocrat?"

P. 185
    "Yes, that's what he claims, and looking at the way he talks and how he acts, everything about him makes him look like one. But, father, are you saying it's a problem for him to be a nobleman than a thief?"
    "At times, they can be more dark and twisted than mere burglars. ...Although that can just be my prejudice. But, well, it doesn't matter if he was just joking."
    "He is serious."
    They didn't realize when she had woken, but Ermine had opened her eyes just a crack and interrupted them in a faint whisper.
    "Lord Edgar is serious when he says he needs you, Ms Carlton. He is willing to love you if that's necessary to have you do as he wants."
    If she didn't know his true background, then maybe Lydia could have happily enjoyed the sweet dream that Edgar would have showed her, and completel believed it and willingly come under his control.
    "Ermine, I already know. That I'm a tool to find the sword for him."
    "No, Ms Carlton, there are still things that we’re hiding from you. Perhaps, it was lucky for you to be captured by our enemies like this."
    She lowered her eyes like she was stricken with a deep sadness.
    "I don't want Lord Edgar to become a heartless, cold person... He really is a kind, compassionate person, but he has thrown away his heart for our sake, and I can't bear to keep on watching him deceive and hurt other people anymore."
    Nico had said that Edgar was still hiding something from Lydia, maybe this is what he meant.

P. 186
    "What is Edgar planning to do with me, Ermine?"
    Ermine frowned like she was stricken with a headache, but she sat up, and with a pressured look, she finally opened her mouth.
    "There are two versions of the information regarding the Blue Knight Earl's sword. There apparently were many copies made of that gold coin, the one that you saw with the fairy riddle on it. That probably was the reason why there were so many visitors to this island who were after the gemstone. But the other is a key, made of silver. Most likely, there are no other copies of this, only one exists. To be qualified as the Earl’s descendant one must have both the gold and the silver. We were also indicated that in order to get the sword we needed one final thing. Blood."
     "Blood?"
    "The sacrifice for the mermaids, or, as Lord Edgar thinks, we need to sacrifice someone or we won't be able to receive the sword."
    Merrows are said to collect the souls of humans, like humans collect jewelry. It was possible to interpret that they'd request a human soul from the Blue Knight Earl descendant as reward for guarding the sword.
    "Then...., are you saying, he planned to use me as that sacrifice?"
    Lydia brought both of her trembling hands together and made a tight fist.
    That big fat liar! What is the meaning of this!
    Anger boiled up inside her.
    Well, it wasn't like I trusted him, but if he was planning to do that from the beginning, then how miserable was this.

P. 187
    That meant there wasn't one bit of truth in any of his words.
    Losing her strength from this depressing news, Lydia slumped down onto a chair.
    "There is no gimmick or trick behind any of this. Merrows do exist. It's wrong to think you'd win the sword as long as you've met the conditions. If you aren't the true Blue Knight Earl, then all that's waiting for you is death."
    "Then that means it’s even dangerous for Lord Edgar to continue to looking for the sword. That's why, I..."
    "Yes, Ermine, that's why you told me the truth."
    You must really love Edgar. Lydia reconfirmed Ermine‘s feelings as she looked at the woman’s face that was tense with resolve.
    "Either way, it's not like we're able to escape from here, so we'll have no chance of meeting the mermaids," said the relieved Carlton.
    She didn’t know how much her father understood what Lydia and Ermine were talking about, but, he must have wanted to unravel the tense atmosphere between them and so he feigned as ignorant.
    “But Gossam is after the star sapphire that’s on the sword. So that man also needs the help of Ms Carlton. Of course, Lord Edgar would have no intention of backing down. That’s why, I thought now was the chance to tell you everything. Even if telling you meant my betrayal to Lord Edgar, as long as he would give up the sword, then…”

P. 188
    The door slammed open.
    The eldest Gossam son, Huxley, came striding in and stopped in front of Lydia.
    “Ms Carlton, I’m sorry but we are in a little bit of a hurry and I need you to come with me.”
    It looked like Ermine was right about her expectation.
    “I don’t want to. I’m not going to help you steal the legendary sword.”“Oh no, I’m going to have you help me whether you want to or not. I can’t guarantee your father’s safety if that man were to get his hands on the sword before us.”
    “...Hey! are you saying you’re holding my father as hostage?”
    “There will be no problems if you listen to what we say.”
    There was nothing else Lydia could do. 
    “If you get the sword, will you let us go?”
    “I promise.”
    “Lydia…, you don’t have to think about me.”
    “It’s alright, Father. I promise I’ll come back.”
    Not allowed a farewell embrace with her father, Lydia was immediately showed out of the room by Huxley. 

P. 189
    The ones that accompanied Lydia, was Huxley and three of his younger brothers. His other brothers must have remained behind to keep an eye on her father and Ermine. Or they could be looking for Edgar and Raven.
    However, Lydia thought that there was no point for Huxley and his brothers to look for Edgar.
    Because she knew where he would appear.
    She walked, heading to the south of the building, towards the spot Edgar and she was at earlier in the garden. The place with the window on the wall. From there, they should be able to see the fairy ring on top of the grass hill that she found with Edgar.
    “Hey, are you sure this is the way?"
    Huxley had his hand gripping Lydia’s arm so she couldn’t escape, and in his other hand he held a pistol. He must be taking precautions against any sudden attacks from Edgar or Raven.
    “Why don’t you just quietly come along? You won’t be able to tell the difference anyways.”
    “What a sassy girl. If you dare to trick us, you’re going to pay for it.”
    “I can tell that."
    She thought this man was an open book and much more honest than Edgar was. He didn’t go the roundabout way of putting Lydia in a good mood and be thinking of killing her.
    If he was going to only use her from the beginning, then he should of just played the villain from the start, and forced her to listen to him by frightening or blackmailing her.
    Then, I wouldn’t be this hurt, thought Lydia.

P. 190
    Am I hurt?
    Even though she said she didn’t trust him and even though she didn’t want to give a hand in his robbery, she was so happy when she felt he understood her purpose of being a fairy doctor.
    That’s why she felt like she could convince him that it was impossible for him to get the merrow’s sword.
    Their goals were different, and there was no way they could become allies, but she was hoping that he felt the same as she did in that she wasn’t able to hate him completely.
    But that was just Lydia’s imagination.
    She opened a door at the end of the corridor which opened up to a hallway built like a wellhole. It was strangely built, with stairs crossing and overlapping each other. From the corner, she could see the daylight coming through a window from outside.
    It was the spot where the door was painted on the outdoor wall.
    Huxley became even more cautious and pulled Lydia closer to him.
    The dark hall only had one window, and looked as if there could be anything looming behind the stairs or behind the pillars.
    “Brothers, search the back,” he ordered to his younger siblings.
    But, there was no reply or noise from them who should have been behind them.
    Huxley’s face turned cold and he turned his head around to see that the three of them were lying on the floor.
    Just when his eyes were looking down, Lydia felt the air beside her move. Just then, Huxley was flew away from Lydia and his body slammed down onto the floor.
    Still lying on the floor, he lifted up his arm that held the pistol, but that arm was pinned down to the floor by Raven’s foot.

P. 191
    He grabbed the pistol away from Huxley and aimed it back down at him on the floor.
    “Wait! he has my father as a hostage! If you kill him, they’ll kill my father and Ermine…!"
    But Lydia’s voice didn’t reach his ears, as he looked down with his cold, expressionless eyes and aimed his mark in the middle of Huxley’s brow with his finger on the trigger.
    Those eyes were the eyes of death; they made those who saw it realize that it was useless to beg for mercy.
    “Raven, that’s enough.”
    Edgar’s voice came from the stairways in the back as he slowly walked towards them.
    At his master’s order, Raven lowered his arm. But at that same time, he gave a powerful kick into the pit of Huxley’s stomach, knocking him unconscious. 
    “Lydia, I’m so glad you’re alright. I knew you would come back here again. Of course, I expected that there would be some company.”
    His golden hair sucked in the light and made it radiating. His beauty was perfect and his smile was dauntless.
    I won’t be fooled anymore, thought Lydia to herself.
    “But the situation has gotten bad even for you. If I don’t find ‘The Merrow’s Star’ and hand it over to Huxley, my father will be killed.”
    “So you’re saying that we must compete for the sword against each other.”

P. 192
    To find the sword, Lydia needs to solve the riddle and get the silver key that Edgar was carrying somewhere on him. Edgar shouldn’t know that Lydia knows about the key, it looked like she would have to pretend she was cooperating and then steal the key at the last moment.
    “But, Lydia, Ermine is also captured. Doesn’t that mean that both of us see them as enemies and make us on the same side? There is no need for you to give them the ‘Merrow’s Star.’ I think I’ll be able to help you rescue your father.”
    She couldn’t believe that Edgar would be worried for a stranger like Lydia’s father’s life. As long as he got the sword, he was sure to abandon her father.
    Since, he was the kind of person who was going to sacrifice Lydia.
    But for now, Lydia nodded.
    “The problem for now is if we can really find the sword,” said Lydia.
    "Let’s get started with the next fairy. What does the ‘Silkie’s Cross’ mean?”
    Going up the stairs, Lydia walked by Edgar’s side and further on. After passing several doors, she finally stopped in front of the door with the mark she was looking for.
    “I don’t see any cross on it?” said Edgar, puzzled.
    “This design is a mountain-ash tree. The door is also made of it. Silkies are ghost-like fairies, and they hate crosses made of mountain-ash trees.”

P. 193
    When she opened the door, there was a narrow passageway beyond it.
    The three of them hurried on.
    It wasn’t that difficult for Lydia to follow the path according to the fairy riddle.
    If one was a fairy doctor and had the routine knowledge as one, then this was not that difficult to solve.
    But the sword was supposed to be inherited by the Blue Knight Earl’s descendant, so it would be a problem if anyone could find it if they knew about fairies.
    Looks like the problem lies ahead, where the merrows are.
    “How was Ermine?” asked Edgar, as they continued walking.
    “She’s alive. But, you know how good she is using a weapon, and so they tied her up.”
    “I see.”
    He looked worried as the side of his face clouded. She sneaked a glance over to Raven to see how he was, but she couldn’t tell at all how worried he was about his sister from his face.
    “…She was worried about you, Edgar. If you try to steal the sword, who knows what kind of dangerous traps there will be.”
    “But, if I am able to inherit the title of the Blue Knight Earl, then Ermine and Raven won’t have to live back to back with danger. Especially for Ermine, then she would be able to dress like a lady, and grow her hair, and wins the hearts of many men. Then she would be able to find a man she could completely trust.”

P. 194
    But she only has eyes for Edgar.
    “Isn’t there another way? Wouldn’t it be simple if the person who is after you would just give up? Since unlike America, it’s illegal to own slaves in England.”
    “In these days, the only thing that can defy power is power. He isn’t that easy a man to defeat.”
    There was no way Lydia could picture what sort of terrifying man Edgar was talking about. Only that, more than just trying to escape from him, Ermine was more terrified of Edgar sacrificing someone.”
    Lydia could relate to those feelings of hers.
    They were definitely approaching closer to the hidden location of the sword.
    However, Lydia still didn’t have an idea of how to counter Edgar.
    Was she really going to be able to outsmart him and take away the sword? If she couldn’t, then just like he anticipated, was she going to become the sacrifice to the merrows and her soul taken out?
     Or, for Lydia to win against Edgar, would that mean he would be the one to die?
    That would mean Lydia was the one who killed him.
    “Be careful of the Pookah's maze
    Follow the Wyrm's foot marks.
    Turn right at the Fear Dearg.”
    One by one, solving the riddle, they walked on.

P. 195
    “Lord Edgar, please wait,” said Raven, suddenly.
    He took a few steps ahead of them and focused his ears to pick up anything around them.
    “There’s someone approaching us."
    Eventually Lydia was able to hear the sound of footsteps growing louder.
    There must have been a different route, it was the squeaking sound of feet going down stairs. Not before long, the presence of those footsteps approached a door that was by them.
    Raven moved without making a single sound, and stood ready by the door. Edgar drawed Lydia over to the side of the wall.
    Just when the door cracked open, Raven slammed the door open with his foot. He slipped into the next room through the open doorway and grabbed the stranger. He pinned his arm around the person’s neck.
    “Raven, it’s me."
    He was stopped just a second before he was about to pierce the person with his knife. Seeing that it was Ermine, he slowly unraveled his arm.
    Relieved, Edgar took the tension out of his shoulders.
    “Ermine, you were able to escape.”
    “Lord Edgar, I’m so sorry.”

P. 196
    “No, it’s alright if you’re safe.”
    “Uh, how is my father…?”
    “Only I was taken to a separate room. I used that opportunity. So, I think your father is still there as a hostage,” she replied, apologetically, and walked over to Edgar.
    “The Gossam brothers will eventually come after us. If they find us in this narrow passageway, then we can’t move. I think it’s better if we move to a more open space.”
    “But this is the way to the location of the sword. We’ll continue this route.”
    It looked like Edgar had no intention of taking a detour. He urged Lydia on and they continued to walk on.
    “We’ll only guide them to the location of the sword.”
    “We need to find it before that happens."
    It appeared like Ermine was discouraged to go because of her feelings of not wanting Edgar to get near the location of the sword. But she didn’t object to Edgar any further.
    “This isn’t like you, sister,” whispered Raven to her, which reached Lydia’s ears"
    “Yes, I know, to be caught like that,” said Ermine.

P. 197
    “That’s not what I meant,” said Raven, and didn’t open his mouth after that.
    Ermine had revealed important information to Lydia. Could it be that her brother had sensed the unrest in her from doing that?


    There was a strange painting of someone with no head. Lydia squatted down and inspected the wall below it.
    “This is painting of Dullahan?”
    “Yes, it’s a fairy without a head. And if we search its footing, ah, see, the wall opens up.”
    Lydia crawled through the opening. There were stairs that lead further downward.
    Climbing down the stairs, it was a dead-end which opened up to the outdoors.
    They were on a terrace that leaned out over the ocean waves.
    The island was originally situated on a cliff along the sea. It looked like this was the steepest place on the island out against the sea.
    Beyond the simple railing, there was only the dizzying view of the ocean waves against the cliff straight below. The strong, coastal winds roared mercilessly.
    “It looks like it’s a dead-end?"
    Just like Edgar pointed out, there was no way to go further from here. But on the other hand, there was no other paths that branched off from the way they
came.

P. 198
    The next phrase was ‘the Leprechaun’s treasure.’
    “Leprechaun’s are faeries that sow shoes. They’re said to hide their treasures in basements.”
    “Basement, huh. I hope it doesn’t mean that we’re suppose to jump from this cliff.”
    If we were to do such a thing, there’d be no mistake that we’d die. Since directly below them, there was the rough ocean currents that smashed up against the rocky cliff walls.
    Lydia concentrated and thought about the meaning behind the riddle, but after leading them here and becoming suddenly staggered, she had to confess that she was stumped.
    “Wait for just a bit. I need to think this over.”
    “If they reach us here, we’ll be cornered,” said Ermine with a worried expression, looking back behind them"
    “Let’s wait a while."
    All of them fell silent. Lydia was still in deep thought. She digged through her head, trying to remember the folktales about Leprechauns.
    After some time, Ermine spoke up again.
    “Lord Edgar, it was hopeless for us to think we could get the sword. …I don’t mind if I have to run in fear of being captured by Prince for the rest of my life. If you say doing this is for Raven and my sake, then, please, let’s stop here.”

P. 199
    “Ermine, don’t be stupid. You know best of the horror of Prince. Didn’t I promise that I’d free you from his clutches?”
    Ermine lowered her eyes as if in deep thought, but eventually raised her head.
    “Lord Edgar, I believe that will be impossible,” she said and looked over to Lydia."
    “Prince knows my wish and weakness. He knows that I find happiness in being able to abscond with Lord Edgar… To be able to share the same goal, to be able to help one another, and to have an insular friendship that doesn’t allow anyone else to break-in. He knew that I the happiest woman to be the only one in that circle and keep Lord Edgar to myself. If we were to be freed of Prince, that would mean you and I would just have a common master and servant relationship. He figured out that that was the thing I feared the most.”
    “…Ermine, what are you,”
    “I am so sorry, Lord Edgar. I was told that if I continued to keep my eye on you, then he wouldn’t do anything to us for the time being.”
    “No......, then Prince knows?” said Edgar with chagrin in his voice.
    When he said Prince’s name, even Lydia could sense the clear hatred and resentment steaming out from him. 

P. 200
    She could tell Edgar and Ermine were talking about the man who made them his slaves, but it wasn’t only that, it looked like for them, this man was someone who brought out the mixed negative emotions of hatred and fear in them.
    “Are you saying that all of our movements were being directly passed on to him?”
    “When you were about to be executed in America, it was your idea to use Gossam who was looking for a human subject for his experiment. But it was Prince who was the one who tell me about Gossam. And like that, that man will always rule over us. I can see how he enjoys watching us struggling to get free.”
    “…Then he must have known about this sword as well? And yet he’s spectating us from above.”
    “Yes, he knows. It seems like he thinks that the sword doesn’t really exist. However, with Ms Carlton’s help, you are undoubtedly making your way closer to the sword. And if you’re able to find it, then you might be able to cut your ties with Prince. But that means you will find out about my betrayal to Prince. That’s why I didn’t know what to do. If you would give up the sword, then I would be able to be by your side for just a little longer… But, more than that, I don’t want to put you in danger. Lord Edgar, to press on any further from here is for ones like us that are unrelated to Lord Blue Knight is reckless. I will take any beatings as a traitor. The only option we’re left with is…”
    All of a sudden, Lydia was taken into Ermine’s arms.

P. 201
    “Miss Carlton, please only hate me for doing this,”
    “Stop, Ermine!"
    By the time Edgar yelled out to her, Lydia’s body was pushed beyond the railing and pulled down towards the rocky cliffs.
    Her hands searched for something to cling on, but there was only Ermine’s body, and even she was trying to fall down with Lydia, so her effort was pointless.
    The view of the scenery flipped upside down.
    The sky inched down as she felt the sea inch down on her, and just when she felt sick from that long, long second, her body was suddenly pulled.
    Raven had just barely able to grab hold of her sleeve.
    At the same time he had grabbed Ermine’s clothing, and it looked like he was having an extremely hard time trying to not let both of them fall. On top of that, her sleeve looked like it was about to rip apart. Lydia desperately tried to reach her other hand up to grab the handrail.
    The one to grab that hand was Edgar.
    “Raven, I’ll got her."
    He took a strong hold of Lydia’s arm and carefully pulled her up.
    As she was pulled into his arms and the both of them fell back onto the terrace, Lydia unconsciously grabbed onto Edgar, and felt a warm relief wash over her as he stroked her hair to soothe her worry.

P. 202
    “Raven, what are you doing!”
    But she came to her senses at Edgar’s high voice.
    Raven had just barely been able to get a hold of Ermine’s arm. But he wasn’t trying to pull her up.
    That was because Ermine was trying to untangle and shake off her brother’s hand.
    “Please, Raven, set me free.”
    Even if she was saved, she won’t be able to be by Edgar’s side. Only Prince’s curse would follow her.
    “Don’t let go, don’t you dare let her die!"
    Edgar had taken one step over to them.
    In that moment, her arm slipped through her brother’s hand.
    Her body fell down to the bottom of the cliffs in a blink of an eye.
    Lydia closed her eyes.
    There was no painful cry, only the strong sounds of the ocean waves, and when she opened up her eyes again, there was only the tall, white crest of the waves that washed up against the rocky walls as if nothing had happened.
    Edgar slumped down onto the terrace floor.



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