Hakushaku to Yousei - Volume 20 - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 ♦ The horned owl, the moon, and the Blue Knight Earl

On the other side of the mirror, the walls were filled with mirrors which reflected exactly the same furniture and household items. Nico and Paul sat on the white chair that was in the room.
When Lydia and the others appeared in the mirror, Paul looked quite surprised, but he immediately smiled in relief.
“Everyone really is there.”
“Paul, I am really sorry for giving you trouble, but I need your help before we return.”
Paul nodded solemnly.
“Yes, everyone seems to be getting along well at the moment.”
“Getting along? Is everyone together? No way, could you leave me and Lydia to be alone together?”
When it came to Edgar, he would interrupt and make fun no matter when or where. Paul looked confused while scratching his head.
“Huh...but Lota is keeping close to Madam Lydia as if she’s protecting her.”
“As expected, that really is me.”
Lota nodded with satisfaction, and Edgar tutted.
“Paul, I’m handing Lota to you, do as you please.”
“What? Edgar, don’t just say that so casually!”
“Th--that’s right, Earl, you said that giving her to me isn’t so simple......”
Paul hid his anxiousness.
“What’s the matter, Paul, you don’t need me?”
Lota asked, who seemed to find this very unexpected. Paul’s panic grew, as his hands shook.
“......No, I didn’t mean that.”
“Then let me and Lydia take refuge in your room.”
Of course, Edgar wouldn’t agree.
“Lydia is mine.”
“If Lydia is left alone with you, who can’t restrain himself, she will definitely have a very hard time.”
“Even if I can’t restrain myself there are also limits.”
“What are you going to do until you reach your limits!”
The topic seemed to be continuing endlessly, which made Lydia begin to feel nervous.
“Everyone, wait......! Phyllis is here too, please don’t talk about it anymore!”
“Umm, I......”
After Edgar and Lota finally shut their mouths, Raven mumbled. He probably cared about his own current situation as well.
“Ahh, naturally, you’re by the Earl’s side. It’s alright, you’re working diligently.”
“Furthermore, you also know when to pretend to not see anything.”
After Nico said that, he laughed.
“Mr. Nico, has the me over there given you trouble?”
Raven seemed to be concerned about this too.
“Of course you have, if I accidentally get close to you, the you on this side will try to stroke me.”
“How envi-- No, I apologize.”
Raven lowered his head. Nico was in his gentleman mode which made him not care. He was clearly displaying an attitude of being amazing, yet when there is something that requires his help, he becomes really cowardly.
“Nico, I am going to say this clearly, it’s all because of you running away that Lota and Raven came into the mirror. Don’t put on an arrogant attitude when you are in a safe place, you should help me finish the things that ought to be done.”
After Lydia said that firmly, Nico’s ears and whiskered drooped quickly, like he was reflecting.
“I understand.”
“Paul, how is the situation over there?”
“The auction has already ended. I haven’t seen Mr. Chambers himself nor his luggage, but people have seen him running while screaming that there’s a curse and such, so the members of the paranormal club have been in an uproar, and many have already prepared to go back.”
“I see. It’s better that it’s suspended. So this way Phyllis’ possession won’t be sold without permission.”
“Mr. Paul, I want to see the painting that was exchanged for the map. There might be a clue in there about Luna.”
After listening to Lydia’s advice, Paul nodded and stood up.
“I thought it was best to have it within sight, so I have already brought it over.”
After Paul moved away, his figure was reflected in another mirror. He took the painting that was laid upside down from the table and raised it before the mirror.
A portrait appeared in front of Lydia depicting a man and woman wearing olden style clothing.
“It’s Luna!”
Phyllis suddenly called out.
“What! This woman?”
“Yeah, she’s Luna. I didn’t think that a portrait of Luna would be in this house.”
“This is a mysterious painting, its contents will change into that of a landscape. You have likely only seen the landscape painting.”
Why would it become a landscape painting? Lydia was thinking while listening to Edgar describe it.
“It’s a landscape painting of a moonlit night. It depicts the moonlight illuminating this mansion as well as the surrounding forests. But, what’s strange about it is that it’s a mirrored painting. The form of the mansion is exactly flipped from left to right.”
“It’s mirrored? Why?”
“I’m not sure, but the portrait is a mirrored painting as well.”
Edgar pointed towards the book cover.
“It’s really true. Would it be because Luna resided in the mirror?”
Luna is the mirror’s...... Lydia felt there was something important that had come to mind, but she couldn’t grasp it. Lydia was irritated and was too impatient to cover it up.
In short, if this painting depicted Luna, then the inside should have her fairy essence painted in as well. Lydia calmed down and thought about it again.
“Who is the man beside Luna?”
“It’s the former Baron of Rochester, who was the owner of this land in the past.”
He had thick eyebrows, large eyes and nose, and had the appearance of a dauntless and able-bodied man.
It really resembles someone......
When Lydia was in thought, she heard a slight creak. As she felt nervous about the unpleasant sound, Edgar yelled out.
“Everybody get down!”
Just when she thought she heard the mirror cracking, there was a shattering sound.
“Ahhh!”
The mirrors in the room shattered in succession, and the scattered pieces fell from the air. Lydia was pulled by Raven and hid behind the sofa with Edgar. Her eyes kept watch on Lota, and after seeing Lota and Phyllis get under the table, she was relieved.
Although the sound soon stopped, the mirror in the rooms were already smashed into bits.
Lydia raised her head and looked around. She found small, shadow-like Unseelie Courts snickering in the dark.
“What have you done!”
Lydia stood up and threw a exorcist tree fruit that she gathered in the courtyard.
Although they disappeared immediately, the magic of the goblins was unexpectedly getting stronger.
This place had originally accumulated evil magic because of the moonlight disappearing, and now that magic was suddenly amplified.
The red-eared bogey beast used Coen, and was trying to turn this place into a stronghold for Unseelie Courts.
“Lydia, the mirrors in the hallway are also broken. All the mirrors in the mansion probably might not have.....”
After she heard Lota say that, Lydia and Edgar both rushed out to the hallway. Upon heading to the hallway and taking a look, the large mirror that was originally hung by the grand staircase had also shattered. Perhaps all the mirrors in the mansion were destroyed.
While the outside gradually darkened, and it rained harder. Once it becomes night, the Unseelie Courts will gain more power.
“Even the surface of the swamp can’t serve as a mirror now...... Our connection with the real world seems to have been cut off.”
Approaching the broken stained glass window, Lydia looked down at the swamp and sighed.
“Was it the bogey beast who pulled Coen in that destroyed the mirrors? Is their goal to stop us from contacting the other side?”
“Edgar, this is because the you on the other side has Luna’s zircon. No matter what, they don’t want Luna to awaken. As long as the moon appears, their magic will be weakened.”
“In that case, if the things that the bogey beast hates are done, then Luna will wake up. They probably don’t want the zircon to be brought over to this side.”
However, is there a way to bring the zircon here, which couldn’t be reflected in the mirror? ......Moreover, the place where Luna’s essence is associated with isn’t known.
Kelpie, who was the only one who could cross the border freely, was an Unseelie Court, and probably can’t touch the zircon because of it’s radiance.
However, before considering that issue, he’s unable to move around because of the rain.
“Oi, that man is heading over here!”
At that moment, Kelpie jumped in through the window. As Lydia stared intently; she could see a large shadow-like object that was slowly dragging its body and approaching them.
“Wh--what is that.”
That object was probably Coen, but even the traces of it’s humanity had already disappeared, and was now a monster who was attracted to the surrounding evil with its powers strengthened.
The red-eared bogey beast was probably manipulating him, as it was sitting leisurely on his head.
Edgar and Raven locked the entry door in front of the hall, blocking the exit with furniture, took down the pikes decorated on the wall and placed it in front of the door in a cross. It wasn’t known if this could stop that monster.
“We need to run.”
Phyllis was afraid, but Lydia pulled his shoulders toward her.
However, Kelpie stood in Lydia’s way.
“If we abandon this guy and run away, the monster won’t chase us.”
“Kelpie, don’t be ridiculous!”
“That monster was originally the person who tried to kill this kid, right? So, he’d be subconsciously going after him.”
Phyllis widened his eyes in surprise.
“That’s the man who killed my mother......?”
“Earl, you must feel the same way. Sacrificing one or two people for Lydia shouldn’t be a problem!”
Edgar turned his head around and reached for the sword that was used as decoration on the wall.
“It isn’t a problem. But the awareness of not being prepared to risk one’s own life and sacrificing someone else is something I’m not willing to do.”
After returning to Lydia and the others, he unexpectedly smiled towards Phyllis.
“After all, Mr. Darnley entrusted you to me.”
“Grandfather......?”
“I received a letter addressed to me.”
Phyllis looked up at Edgar, finding it unimaginable.
“......You......”
“Phyllis, you don’t have to worry, we will protect you.”
As the building shook, Coen’s incarnation as a monster was already getting closer. The huge body could be seen beyond the small window, trampling the plants on the ground and waving about a pillar with a horned owl engraved in it.
When the monster approached the door, it suddenly stopped moving. The red-eared bogey beast looked up and glared at the direction of the roof.
A pair of brown wings fell from the sky, and immediately attacked the red-eared bogey beast.
The red-eared bogey beast screamed, as it fell off the monster’s head.
“It’s Owl!”
After the long-winged youth descended to the ground, he raised his arms high. The boy’s slender arms turned into a raptor’s limbs with sharp hooks and aimed it at the red-eared evil bogey beast’s throat.
But it was at that moment.
“Owl, it’s dangerous!”
Phyllis shouted.
Just after seeing the monster moving, Owl was suddenly knocked down by an arm like unknown thing.
Owl was sent flying and slammed onto the ground.
At that stage, he couldn’t move. Lydia broke out into a cold sweat, but now wasn’t the time for distractions, because she had to hurry and stop Phyllis, who tried to run to him.
“You can’t go, it’s very dangerous.”
“But, Owl will die.”
“No, the monster’s attention seems to have changed.”
The moment Edgar said this, the monster’s eyes were glowing red as it looked towards the mansion.
The monster was getting closer again towards them. Lydia and the rest were watching from the small window and as a result, they entered the corner of the monster’s vision and a harsh sound was heard.
The door of the hall entrance way shook, the furniture blocking the door immediately began to rock, and even the crystal chandelier was shaking.
“Lydia, go with Phyllis and Lota and escape.”
After Edgar said that, Raven took out a knife and stood at the door.
“Edgar...... that thing isn’t human, holding a weapon from the human world can only be for a peace of mind.”
“Yes, but even so, fairies still hate iron, that way we can buy time somewhat.”
Edgar took the decorative sword and stood in front of the door.
“Don’t worry, we will definitely return together.”
He cast an elegant smile towards Lydia, and she nodded her head. Kelpie unwillingly stood next to Edgar and said:
“Hmph, there really isn’t any other way. You people couldn’t even possibly buy time. Even if this place is dry land, it’s still their territory, and I’m quite useful here too.”
The force exerted on the door bent the pike, and it seemed that it would break at any time.
“Lydia, Phyllis, let’s go.”
Lota urged the two of them, and Lydia pulled Phyllis’ hand.
When they ran up the staircase, the main door was knocked down with a bang, the strong rain and wind blew past the lounge.
It was unknown if it was because his feet were limp as Phyllis stopped.
“Phyllis, they will think of a way, Owl will definitely be saved.”
“......But, Lydia, if anything happens to your beloved......”
“He will be okay, because he promised me. ”
However, Phyllis looked solemnly at the broken door.
The dark monster was about to invade. Edgar and the others assumed a defensive position.
The monster roared in an intimidating manner, which echoed throughout the hall. At that moment, Phyllis let go of Lydia’s hand and ran towards the monster.
Coen’s malice could probably recognise Phyllis, and it’s large black body reacted.
“Phyllis, don’t!”
Lydia wanted to catch up and stop him, but Phyllis was already standing in front of the monster. Although his face was pale and couldn’t stop trembling, he still stood firmly.
“......Th--this is my house, get lost!”
He desperately squeezed out his voice.
“I can’t forgive you, you killed my mother...... if you can kill your own son, then go ahead and try!”
“Son? ......Coen’s?”
Edgar murmured in astonishment.
Lydia was shocked to the point where she couldn’t say a word. The black mass in front of her staggered back, as it seemed to have felt a strong impact.
The Unseelie Court magic that wrapped around the monster weakened, making it turn into a black mist like state. Coen’s human appearance appeared vaguely, but the red-eared bogey beast immediately jumped by his feet.
Coen’s figure suddenly disappeared, like it had been taken away by the red-eared bogey beast, and Phyllis sank to the ground.

                                                                                                                                                 *
　

“I heard that man began one-sidedly pursuing my mother alone, but he was a man with status, so no one believed it and said that my mother had a prejudice....”
After Phyllis finally calmed down, he began to speak bit by bit.
There was a spacious room in the depths of the mansion, it wasn’t known whether it was a library, as the towering walls were crammed with books, but in the corner, there was a canopied bed.
Owl, who was injured, lead everyone here, then collapsed onto the bed.
It seemed that this place was probably Owl’s room.
Only Kelpie seemed to be reluctant to enter another fairy’s hideout, so he said that he was going on patrol, then disappeared off somewhere.
Owl said that he didn’t need to be healed, and curled up like a wild animal conserving its strength, motionless.
Rather than saying he accepted Lydia and the others, it should be said that he acknowledged that the enemy’s status was equal to his.
“Although Mother already had a partner whom she promised to marry, that man simply wanted to take Mother away...... Mother’s fiancé knew everything and didn’t intend to break off the engagement, so I always believed I was that person’s child all this time, even Mother’s friends and Grandfather think so too.”
If a man was to marry a pregnant woman, it would be normal to think him as the definite father of the child, otherwise it would be impossible.
However, Phyllis’ mother’s family name didn’t change, as it was always Miss Darnley.
Although she said that her fiancé was missing, was that person really missing?
“How did you know that?”
Edgar asked gently.
Phyllis looked towards the direction of the bed and glanced at Owl.
“It’s Owl......”
“He should know these things.”
Owl, who was motionless, suddenly cut in.
“Phyllis should be aware about the enemy that he will confront. He has always been lamenting about his father, whose whereabouts are unknown, and that if he were alive, he would come and save him. If he understood what nonsense that was, then he’d rely own his own strength to stand... that’s what I thought.”
Nevertheless, Phyllis avoided the facts and disappeared since then, only knowing how to be afraid, he couldn’t stop disguising himself as a woman, and gave up at the current situation.
However, he wasn’t the same as before as he had faced reality.
He first recognised his own identity, not until his determination to fight against Coen emerged.
“Phyllis is really brave because he saved us.”
“......The swamp will reflect everything. Luna had been watching the things that happen by the waterside for centuries, be it what happened to Phyllis’ mother or her fiancé, Luna knew it all. Her fiancé has already sunk under the swamp. It was the man who attacked Phyllis that did it.”
Owl whispered again, as if he was talking to himself.
“However, the other side of the mirror was a world that could be watched and not interfered with, even so, Luna still felt that she should at least save Phyllis, so I told everything to Phyllis, who was saved by Luna. If he wants to to return to the real world, then he’s bound to have a duel with that man.”
Were Owl and Luna acting as Phyllis’ parents and watching over him?
Phyllis’ true identity made the significance of Coen’s actions begin to waver. Not only was he unable to obtain Phyllis’ mother using all kinds of methods, he also planned to kill his own child without understanding the situation. Moreover, he understood that he was facing his fate of his own kin exacting revenge.
Coen’s human side that remained within the monster felt desperate and scared to be destroyed.
“Phyllis, Owl doesn’t hate you at all.”
Lydia whispered to Phyllis.
Phyllis stood up beside Lydia, slowly approached Owl’s side, gently touching his paralyzed wings, which couldn’t be folded back.
“I’m sorry...... Owl......”

He slowly moved his wing, stretched out his hand and lightly stroked Phyllis’ head.
“I don’t know how to get along with children, no..... you aren’t a child anymore.”
“Although the current situation should be celebrated, the problem still hasn’t been solved.”
Edgar peeked out of the small window.
“It’s been raining constantly, does this mean that the Unseelie Court’s magic is still in an active state?”
Lydia nodded.
“Coen’s evil thoughts are in the hands of the red-eared bogey beast. It will build up its power and definitely appear again.”
“The key to solving this problem is to awaken Luna. As long as we know the way, then we can take them out at once.”
After Edgar said that, he looked towards Owl.
“For this, we need your help, Baron Rochester.”
Lydia cried out in surprise and looked at both Edgar and Owl.
“The person painted together with Luna in the portrait is you, right? Are you willing to believe in us like before?”
Owl sat up and looked at Edgar with sharp eyes.
“You said before....what does this mean?”
“Long ago, my ancestors ought to have been friends with you. I am the Earl of Ibrazel, Edgar Ashenbert, and she is my wife, Lydia.”
Lydia still hadn’t fully understood the situation, she even forgot give her greetings when she was being introduced. Furthermore, although it was rude, she still stared at Owl.
The mature man in this painting was this winged boy?
But upon looking closely, his features and profile were quite similar. When Lydia looked at that painting it felt like that person resembled someone and it turned out to be Owl.
“The Blue Knight Earl’s bloodline should have already been severed. Since then, no one has visited this place as a friend for three hundred years, so I didn’t think that the Earl had descendants.”
Although Owl said this, but he didn’t hold any hostility against Edgar, and merely wanted to have a careful look at him.
“No one came? Even if it wasn’t the Earl, was there anyone who came from Ibrazel?”
At first, Lydia hoped that Diana visited, so she repeatedly asked the question, but Owl said that he hasn’t seen anyone.
What on earth did Diana want to do in Britain? This place seemed to have no clues.
Even so, there was still the map as a clue, in order to open up her fate with Edgar, Lydia hoped to do this with all her strength.
“We are the new members of the Blue Knight Earl’s family, and although there are no blood relations, I have inherited the Blue Knight Earl’s title and responsibilities.”
Edgar and Lydia lifted Diana’s locket for Owl to see. Although the place where the zircon was embedded was a hole, the material of the locket itself seemed to be reflected in the mirror, so Edgar was able to take it out from his pocket.
“This is something that you had sent.”
Owl gazed at the object.
“This thing...... is indeed what the Blue Knight Earl wanted, a present that Luna and I gave to him. Luna’s hair is buried in the lid, giving it a magical touch.”
He used that portrait as a trade and sent the magic map to the Earl’s family. Owl, no, Baron Rochester, why did he make people paint that portrait?
There basically wasn’t a need to think about it, because the Baron’s current situation was clearly explained.
“That painting, was it painted in order for you to become an inhabitant of the mirror world?”
Owl nodded slowly.
“I met her by the shore under the moonlit night. Ahh-- It was the most beautiful night that I have ever seen. I... I fell in love with her at first sight. I knew that the girl with that beautiful blonde hair wasn’t human, but it didn’t matter. She promised to stay for a month and lived in the house.”
He narrowed his eyes, as if he was looking far away.
“However, three months passed, then a half a year, then a year, and I couldn’t let her go. Afterwards, I realised that the moon hadn’t appeared in this land for a year.”
As the owner, this ought to have been a very serious matter.
“In the state of being surrounded by darkness at night, the number of thefts increased in the village, and rumors of monsters and magic objects became exaggerated. I thought the majority of it was the wild dogs’ doing, but the livestock being brutally killed made people uneasy. At about that time, the Blue Knight Earl came to this place.”
Edgar stared into Owl’s eyes, not wanting to miss out on any word.
With regards to the Earl’s family matter, whether it was his ancestor’s actions or character, he wanted to know as much as possible.
“The Earl said that Luna is an existence from the other side of the mirror, and that if she doesn’t return, the moon will vanish from the sky forever. The fairies that possess evil power will finally spread and contaminate my territory. I was forced to separate from Luna, but she loved me too.”
“So you went inside the mirror?”
“That’s right, under the Earl’s proposal and taking the mansion into consideration, I lived in the mirror world. A human’s form will experience aging, and their lifespan is very short as well, but this castle is the place that I grew up in, and is also the inheritance that my ancestors have passed down from generation to generation. I thought that this place became an appropriate symbol for starting a new journey of spending time together with Luna.”
“And so you became Owl. This mansion seemed to have been known as the horned owl’s castle in the past.”
The portrait thus portrayed him as a human as well as the horned owl of the castle.
“Hey, the monster is alive again.”
Lota, who was looking down from the window, called out. Meanwhile, the vibrations shaking the building spread to the room as well, which was surrounded by solid walls.
“I feel like that it simply wants to destroy this place.”
We need to hurry up.
“Owl, in order to read the map, we need Luna’s power. We promise that you that we’ll definitely make Luna return, so please tell me, what sort of fairy is she?”
Lydia pleaded with Owl, but he frowned, as if he was thinking hard.
“What sort of fairy? Luna is the moon, she is the moon of this land......”
“I know, but the moon of the sky is above the thick clouds, and even after Luna went missing it didn’t disappear, so I don’t think she is the moon, rather something with a deep connection to the moon.”
Owl went into deep thought, but he shook his head and said:
“I don’t know. Although I have already become one with this mansion, it was after I obtained the name Owl that I began living with this appearance. I can understand Luna having a true form, but not one I have ever tried to know.”
The clue that was their last ray of hope was gone. Even so, Lydia still continued to think hard.
“Edgar, the main point lies in the portrait. I think you can see Luna’s true appearance painted in the landscape painting. Is there a grass named after the moon? Or it might be some kind of object shaped like the moon.”
“What was most impressive was the building with the full moon. I don’t really recall the details, but the moon itself isn’t Luna right?”
Yes. But Lydia went into deep thought again. That painting seems like a landscape painting, but is actually a portrait, so the one that’s conspicuous like Owl should be Luna.
“......Perhaps..... that’s how it is? However.....we can only try and see!”
“Lydia?”
“Edgar, you need to make the you on the other side move. You have Luna’s zircon on you, right? Ahh-- but how do I tell you?”
Lydia looked anxious. Edgar said something to try and calm her down.
“Let’s go and try to find any unbroken mirrors, or something that can be used as a mirror.”
Edgar’s calm attitude could make Lydia feel at ease more than anything else; even if it was really hard to do alone, as long as she was with him, then everything could go smoothly.
“Lord Edgar.”
Raven will remain silent when necessary, but he suddenly interrupted this time. Then, he went into his pocket and took out a hand mirror.
Unexpectedly, Raven was carrying something apart from his dagger, which he kept on him at all times. Not only was Lydia surprised, Edgar looked amazed as well.
“Raven, why do you have this?”
“It was Miss Kelly who gave this to me.”
“Oh my, are you and Kelly are getting along well?”
“I previously saw her lend the mirror to Mr. Nico. As a result, she told me to not stare at her, and then she gave me this.”
No, the two didn’t seem to get along very well, but Raven seemed quite satisfied.
“As long I have this, Mr. Nico will be very happy.”
That pretentious fairy cat always pays attention to the tidiness of his fur. It seemed that in order for Raven to be a good friend in this way, he began carrying a hand mirror on him.
“Raven, this is truly wonderful. Your out of sync friendship with Nico is a big help.”
Raven seemed to be unaware when Edgar said that it was an out of sync friendship, but his praise might have brought him great joy.
“Lota, Phyllis will be under your care. Lord Rochester likely hasn’t recovered yet.”
Edgar then took the pocket mirror and spoke.
“Blue Knight Earl.”
Owl called for Edgar, does this mean that he already believed in them? However, he said something unexpected.
“Although no one from Ibrazel came, there was a person who came here seeking the map.”
However, this didn’t seem like an unexpected topic for Edgar.
“Was it a member of the McKeel clan?”
Lydia looked up at Edgar in surprise.
“Edgar, the McKeel clan is moving? You already knew?”
Sorry, he merely whispered.
“That person firmly said that the Blue Knight Earl had no successors, so if the map was given to someone with questionable motives, then it would it be dangerous. I didn’t know the map’s whereabouts, so I couldn’t help him.”
“Do you think that I am among those people with ulterior motives?”
Edgar, who said these words, seemed to be in pain. Lydia’s heart ached immediately afterwards.
The McKeel clan probably wasn’t their enemy, but now they weren’t allies either. Despite them being the family of Lydia’s mother, she had already decided to be part of the Ashenbert family.
No, rather than saying that she is a member of the Ashenbert family, it should be said that she thinks she is his only family.
Nevertheless, with regards to Edgar, perhaps the McKeel clan was the family he didn’t want Lydia approaching the most.
Was it because he knew someone from the McKeel clan visited this place that he asked Lydia to go back?
Edgar’s feelings originally seemed unclear, but now Lydia felt that she could understand a little.
Although they couldn’t touch each other, but Lydia got closer to him.
“Who knows, I thought perhaps you do. But this fairy doctor over here, who is also your wife, did her best for Phyllis, and changed him as well. I merely wanted to convey this matter.”
After Owl said that, he pointed towards the corner of the room.
“As long as you use the hidden staircase inside, you can take the shortcut and head for the building where the salon is.”
“Thank you, Baron Rochester.”
When Edgar and Lydia left, Raven also left without saying a word.

                                                                                                                                                 *

The mirror suddenly broke, causing them to lose contact with Edgar and the others, which made Paul and Nico on this side filled with anxiety.
The sun had set, and the surroundings became dark. The auction was already stopped, so apart from them, everyone seemed to have already gone home.
The waiters who were hired for today were still working, but they remained in the salon.
There was no one around, only the rain resounded throughout the spacious mansion.
“Mr. Nico, what should we do? Are the Earl and the others alright?”
“Yeah, I think they should be fine. If something happens over there, their bodies on this side might sustain injuries.”
Edgar was still the same as before, where he wasn’t willing to let go of Lydia. As long as he could hold Lydia’s hands, he would feel really happy, but at least he maintained his manners.
But perhaps this was because Lota was here. Lydia was willing to accept most of the body contact with Edgar, but if she looked a little troubled, Lota would intervene.
Naturally, Lydia got along with Lota quite well, but Edgar would be annoyed about this. He walked into Paul and silently pushed him in Lota’s direction.
“Whoa! Ea--Earl......!”
Paul fell to the ground, Lota clung onto his neck like she found a new toy, but she still didn’t let go of Lydia’s hand. At this moment, Nico’s body was suddenly floating in midair.
He was lifted up by Edgar, and thrown onto the top of Paul’s head. Lota happily stroked Nico’s fur, and Edgar took advantage of the discord to try and monopolize Lydia.
Nico spent a tremendous amount of strength to crawl out and shouted out in a voice of disgust:
“Ahhh, enough! All of you, hurry up and turn back to normal! I don’t want to be these guys’ babysitter!”
As he started grooming his fur, Raven immediately handed him the pocket mirror.
Even if his conscience was in the mirror, he was still silent and expressionless. He was probably in danger of his back being stroked, but to Nico, he felt that Raven was too normal compared to the rest of the guys.
“Ah, thanks, you really are clever.”
When Nico was fixing his disheveled fur and neck tie, he suddenly realised something.
“Huh? Th--this is a mirror! Paul, there’s a mirror that isn’t broken here!”
“Really?”
Paul escaped from Lota, and just when he looked at the mirror......
“Nico! That’s great, you found Raven’s mirror.”
Lydia’s voice came out from inside the mirror.
The mirror in Lydia’s hand was completely totally crammed with Nico’s face, and he spoke in one breath, his fur disheveled from head to toe.
“Lydia! What on earth is going on! All the mirrors are broken, I don’t know what to do, I was actually really worried!”
After Lydia and the others arrived at the salon, she stared at Raven’s mirror and saw Nico’s face. Regardless, Lydia breathed a sigh of relief.
“It was all caused by the Unseelie Courts. But I think I know Luna’s true identity now.”
“Really? Then hurry up and come back--”
Was he truly aware of being Lydia’s partner?
But Nico’s attitude was nothing out of the ordinary, and Lydia pulled herself together.
“Of course I’m trying, so I need you to help.”
“Ehhh? How can I help?”
“Bring me over with you as well.”
After Edgar said that, Nico shook his head with an attitude of it being impossible.
“There’s no way, the Earl full of ulterior motives won’t leave Lydia alone!”
“What, is that so? I’m over there too?”
“Lydia, it’s best that you don’t look.”
Nico tried to take the mirror and reflect Lydia’s situation, but Edgar snatched the mirror.
“Then you bring Lydia here.”
“Ehhh? How am I going to get Lydia’s attention?”
What was her own attention attracted by? Lydia thought for a moment yet still wasn’t clear about it.
“I--I see. Then bring Lota......”
She always felt that she could go along with Lota, but......
“Lydia, is Lota your favourite person?”
Edgar began to criticize, and Nico protested aloud once more.
“Please stop! These three together have already caused a scene!”
“Mr. Nico, I think that Madam Lydia would also want to rub her face on your fur as well.”
Raven suddenly said that.
“Raven, that’s probably something that you want to do, right?”
But Lydia was slightly interested in that.
“Um...... Well, shall we try?”
“What! You’re not willing to press your face towards me, but you’ll agree to rub your face against Nico’s fur?”
Edgar let out a dissatisfied voice again.
“I don’t want to! Don’t take me as a cat!”
“Nico, if you continue on like this, we won’t be able to return.”
Despite Nico being quite unconvinced, he seemed to have given up after Lydia spoke firmly. He turned towards Lydia with look of disapproval.
The mirror was too small, so his side couldn’t be seen clearly from here but Nico seems to have jumped onto Lydia’s knee.
It wasn’t long until there was the sound of a “Whoa”. Not knowing whether or not it was an optical illusion, Nico’s fur was seen from the mirror, seemingly raised vertically.
For a split second, a soft tail could be seen stroking Lydia’s cheek.
“......Alright Lydia, come over here.”
Nico strode off after saying that, and the mirror reflected his face again.
His mood seemed worse than before.
“For the time being, Lydia and the Earl are coming over.”
“I’m glad, that went smoothly.”
“That sort of tail could actually be a weapon to attract women.”
Edgar murmured that to himself, as if he seemed to want one. Nico revealed his fangs and said:
“Don’t even think about it! I won’t give it to you!”
“Nico, continue on like this and go towards the swamp. We’ll meet under the beech tree.”
Lydia and the others left the salon as well.
“We’re going to the swamp? What do we do afterwards?”
Edgar asked.
The way to awaken Luna was something that miraculously came to mind. Since the beginning, she had been checking whether or not if the idea was wrong by any chance. Now that she had finally gathered her thoughts together, she planned on speaking about it.
“We must call Kelpie over, then take the zircon......”
However, she spoke up to this point and stopped.
Because when they arrived at the grand staircase of the salon, there was someone crouching before the door. Lydia noticed orange hair draping down their back, and then ran over in confusion.
“Phyllis, what’s wrong? Where are Lota and Owl?”
“Things are not good...... help me.”
Just when Lydia put her hand over Phyllis’ trembling shoulders, a hairy arm reached out and grabbed her.
At first, she thought that it was Phyllis, but pointy red ears stuck out from its hair.
It was the red-eared bogey beast.
“Lydia!”
Edgar ran over, but the bogey beast grabbed Lydia and opened a black hole on the floor, trying to pull Lydia in.
Edgar reflexively grabbed Lydia’s hand.
Lydia immediately cried out. Edgar was also stunned, but it was already too late.
Edgar’s figure was about to disappear. Lydia desperately shouted:
“Edgar, Luna is a reflection, she is a moon fairy reflected by the swamp! You have to put that zircon......”
Just before Lydia was covered in darkness, Raven’s hand reached out. But in a split second, the two of them fell into a pitch-dark area.

“Ouch......!”
Lydia rubbed her waist while trying her best to get up.
(Hmph, you guys are a big hindrance.)
She heard a voice in the darkness.
“......You’re the red-eared bogey beast, aren’t you? What are you going to do to us?”
(Shall I pinch you mercilessly, or shall I scratch you? In any case, you’ll never be able to get out of here...... ah! Whoa!)
Lydia finally heard a scream, had Raven leapt at it?
Although she felt the presence of someone moving, her surroundings suddenly became quiet.
“Raven? Are you alright?”
Lydia asked while crawling towards the direction of the voice.
“Yes.”
“What about the red-eared bogey beast?”
“As soon as I grabbed him by the horns, his presence disappeared.”
Its vital point was attacked, and so it ran away?
A sound came through, revealing a slight flame; it seemed that Raven lit a match.
He lit a small candle that he took out from his pocket, with this, they were finally able to see the surroundings clearly.
“Raven, you really have everything.”
“Do you need anything else?”
Lydia laughed, she thought that as long as she spoke of something, it seemed that Raven would really bring something out.
Raven, who was reliable, walked by her side, which made her feel very grateful, and so she held Raven’s hand.
“Thank you, I don’t need anything right now. Aside from that, this place is surrounded by stone walls. It looks like a basement, but there isn’t an exit.”
Although Raven seemed a little confused, it appeared that he wasn’t like before, when he thought that touching Lydia was bad thing.
Perhaps he already understood that after Lydia and Edgar got married, he wouldn’t leave over a simple matter. He had a good impression of Lydia at the initial stage, and gradually considered her as family.
“This place probably isn’t in use, so the entrance is blocked.”
However, although she had Raven by her side, she wasn’t at ease.
“How troublesome. We can’t get out without the red-eared bogey beast’s magic.”
Just as Lydia was thinking, Kelpie’s voice came through.
“Oi, how did you get trapped in a place like this?”
“Kelpie! Where are you?”
“I’m on the outside. I saw the red-eared bogey beast jump out of the ground and found it strange, so I came to take a look. Because of that, I heard your voice.”
“Kelpie, how’s the situation with the monster?”
“He seems to have gone mad, I don’t know if he’s lost his mind or not. The red-eared bogey beast probably can’t control him either. If we don’t think of something quickly, the mansion might be destroyed.”
Phyllis gave Coen a shock, which might have made his human side completely crumble.
“Well, can you take us out of here?”
“I can’t, this land isn’t my territory. ”
That’s right, Lydia sighed.
“There really is no choice, I’ll go and catch the red-eared bogey beast.”
“Even if you catch it, will he obediently obey?”
“Threatening him will do.”
Compared to this, there were more important matters to be done. She finally met Kelpie, and that side had to be taken as the priority.
Lydia raised her head, determined.
“Aside from that, Kelpie, please go to the swamp.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Edgar is back on the other side, he should be waking up Luna, then the dark magic here will be purified. We will be able to return to our original bodies, and you won’t have to follow the red-eared bogey beast.”
“Did that Earl touch you? He really is man who can’t resist.”
But it’s not really like that.
“Then you already know the way to awaken Luna?”
“Yes....however I didn’t have enough time to tell Edgar everything.”
“What, if it’s like that then you won’t know if he’ll be able to complete it smoothly.”
“At any rate Kelpie, please help Edgar. I think we need to make the surface of the swamp into a mirror. Please use your magic to stop the rain for a bit, aren’t you very good at controlling water?”
“But I can’t use two kinds of magic at once. If you want me to stop the rain, I can’t speak to the Earl nor go back to the other side at the same time.”
“It’s possible as long as you stop the rain, Edgar will definitely know what to do.”
After Lydia said that in a definite tone, Kelpie paused and sighed.
“Tch, when did you become so much like a member of the Earl’s family.”
Although he whispered in a disapproving voice, his presence immediately disappeared.

In the cold rain, Edgar embraced Lydia’s body and walked between the plants.
He was now with Raven, who was holding the oil lamp, and Nico, as they were heading towards the swamp. At first, he believed that since he had already returned to this side, he should have left Lydia behind in the safe mansion, but now, even if Nico lured Lydia, she wasn’t willing to return.
She nestled against Edgar tightly, perhaps this feeling had some important purpose.
The reason for having such a reaction might be because the Lydia on the other side was worried about whether or not it would go smoothly for Edgar.
In that case, Lydia should be safe. She is a fairy doctor with fairy-related knowledge, and Raven was also by her side. Right now, she should be able to act calmly.
Lydia being taken away by the red-eared bogey beast really happened too suddenly, so there was no way for her to tell Edgar what should be done next.
Nevertheless, the important things have already been conveyed to him.
Perhaps Lydia had only thought halfway about the next steps, so Edgar tried hard to think about the following details.
Lydia said that Luna was the moon reflecting on the swamp, the portrait was a mirrored painting, and that Luna and Owl were both reflected from the swamp.
In other words, Owl wasn’t the embodiment of the mansion, but rather the personification of the reflection of the mansion by the swamp.
Luna leaned on Owl’s side; she was the moon in the swamp, that is, the reflected moon.
If the swamp didn’t reflect the moon, then it was understandable that the moon couldn’t be seen in the sky.
Edgar held onto the zircon firmly, thinking to himself while quickly moving ahead.
Before long, the sound of the rain was different. It changed from the sound of the plants getting drenched to the pitter patter of the water surface.
They hid underneath the beech tree. Raven avoided the rain while lifting the oil lamp. The pitch-black water reflected the light back.
“Earl, what are you going to do now? Are you going to wait for Lydia to come?”
Nico looked into the hand mirror, but Lydia did not appear.
Edgar didn’t know whether or not she simply escaped from that fairy’s hands. What’s more, it would be dangerous if she didn’t escape, so he had to awaken Luna as soon as possible.
“This rain...... doesn’t seem like it will stop.”
Edgar looked up to the sky as he whispered.
It will be okay as long as the zircon returns to what should be Luna’s existence. If she was a moon fairy reflected in the swamp, then putting the zircon into the swamp is fine.
However, there were no mirrors here, and even if the zircon was thrown into the swamp, it would just be buried by the mud.
In other words, it must be tried regardless of the consequences?
But if the gem is thrown in the swamp, then it can’t be retrieved. Lydia, Raven, Lota and Phyllis won’t be able to return either. Despite Edgar getting caught up in his worries, he already made his decision. There’s no choice but to do it.
At least a little bit is fine, I don’t know whether or not the rain will lessen. He looked at the water with a prayerful-like mood.
“Hey, the swamp has changed.”
Nico suddenly called out.
The surface of the water reflected the flame of the oil lamp that Raven was holding, and their figures were also reflected. Without knowing why, the numerous ripples caused by the rain all disappeared.
However the rain continued falling.
“This is...... what’s going on?”
Although he wasn’t clear of the situation, now wasn’t the time to hesitate. Perhaps this could be the bogey beast’s trap. This kind of thought flashed through his mind, but he also thought that this could be Lydia’s signal as well.
“Lydia, what I’m thinking is correct, isn’t it?”
The two reunited in the mirror world, and although they couldn’t touch each other, they were able to get close to each other using sincere words.
He felt that what happened that night wouldn’t cause a dent in their relationship and would become an insignificant marital quarrel.
So, he should understand Lydia’s wish now.
“No matter when, my feelings are the same as yours.”
Edgar threw the zircon forcefully. The reason why the gem emitted a golden light was because of the oil lamp’s flame.
The thrown zircon drew an arc and fell into the water that became mirror-like.
Edgar merely watched over attentively.
This strange period of waiting seemed quite long, and yet it seemed fairly short as well. By the time he noticed, the rain had already stopped.
By the time he felt his surroundings was strangely bright, he found a round moon hanging in the sky.
There was no wind, and even a ripple on the surface of the swamp water. The golden moon was clearly reflected on top.
“Edgar.....?”
Lydia spoke softly behind him.
Edgar turned towards her in surprise. He stared at the eyes that was looking up at him, then cautiously reached out.
“You’re...... Lydia, right?”
Can I touch her? Yes, it doesn’t matter anymore, Lydia is back.
He covered Lydia’s cheeks with both of his hands, and the pair of golden green eyes was immediately filled with tears.
Edgar pressed his forehead against hers. His face was against her hair, then he gently embraced her. He embraced her back, confirming the sensations of her whole body, then couldn’t help but hug her tightly.
Whether it was the delicate touch, the comfortable warmth, or her soft hair, everything was so adorable. It made his heart chaotic.
Compared to anything else, the thing that he wished to get back most was her heart.
“Lydia, let me hear your voice again.”
“Edgar, thank you......I believed that things would surely go smoothly.”
He confirmed the chamomile fragrance, and was aware of the slender fingers touching his back.
“You are not afraid of me anymore?”
“That… I was confused.”
Lydia buried her head in his arms, and answered with a nasal voice.
“I made you confused. But at that time, my love for you was the same as before and hadn’t changed.”
“Me too....... it can be immediately understood by doing that, and yet I took a long time.”
Lydia relaxed in his arms, and her whole body leaned against him. Edgar was also very happy at this, to the extent of wanting to push her down, relieved.
“......However, Edgar, there is something that I want to say.”
When she said that, even her ears turned red.
“What it it?”
“......When it’s that time...... please don’t deliberately tease me......”
“Yeah, I’m sorry.”
Even at the best of times, Lydia was nervous every night. It’s expected of her to not appear to be affectionate towards him as she normally would be as Edgar would pull her onto to the bed inconsiderably.
“Then will you kiss me?”
After worrying for a moment, she finally lifted her tear-dampened eyelashes.
“A kiss to make up?”
“Yes.”
Lydia went on her tiptoes. Edgar knew that she was only trying to kiss him on the cheek, so he took the initiative to bring his lips closer.
Lydia is so cute when she has a surprised look.
But I still have to be patient. Because if the two weren’t alone, Lydia wouldn’t lower her defenses easily.
After Edgar let go of Lydia, he walked over to Raven, who wasn’t looking in their direction, then quietly hugged him.
“I made you worry.”
Raven softly said these words.
In the corner of Edgar’s eye, Nico and Lydia were surprisingly hugging each other as well.

​
                                                                                                                                                  *

Under the moonlight’s purification, the Unseelie Courts’ magic waned. The monster that was Coen’s incarnation disappeared, and the red-eared bogey beast probably fled back to its underground lair.
Luna returned to the mirror world, and the moon returned for the first time in six years to this land surrounding the swamp. 
Lydia opened the locket under the moonlight, and the text appeared on top of the ivory.
Originally, it was said to be a map, but they didn’t expect that there would be text. Despite the surprise, it established the use of the pendant.
As long as the locket is opened facing the moonlight, the moonlight will penetrate the zircon embedded in the lid, making text appear in the ivory.
They could only see the magic map under the intertwined moonlight and light from the reflection of the moon. Under the sunlight or the light of an oil lamp, it would be invisible.
The text was in a language that Lydia and Edgar couldn’t read, but as long as they investigated carefully, they should be able to know the contents.
The next morning, Phyllis and the Wood couple, who worked for the Darnley family year-round, came together to send Lydia and the others off.
The Wood couple mentioned that they recently buried Luna’s zircon beside Mr. Darnley’s cemetery.
The zircon was something that Mr. Darnley picked up by the door on the day Phyllis disappeared into the mirror. Because he thought that it might have been related to what happened to Phyllis, so he carefully stored it away until now.
After Mr. Darnley passed away, the zircon was safeguarded by the Wood couple, who were the only ones that knew about what happened to Phyllis, but they found out that Chambers had intended on selling off everything in the mansion, so they hastily hid the zircon.
“As long as it was a perfect ending, then everything isn’t a problem, right?”
Phyllis revealed a bashful smile, this time dressed in men’s clothes.
He tied his long hair back into a bun, and his orange tie suited him very well; he really did look like a boy.
“Wow... you really are a man. Yeah, you’re handsome, Phyllis.” 
After Lota said that, he lowered his head in embarrassment.
“I am extremely grateful, thank you, everyone. Thanks to everyone I… uh, was able to come back.”
“No, Phyllis, you also did your best, this was all accomplished by relying on everyone’s strength. ”
“The one who gave me strength was you, Lydia...... ah.”
Phyllis accidentally spoke in his female voice and quickly covered his mouth with his hands.
“The tone will change later on. You have already spent six years in the mirror, there are still lots of things that you have to learn afterwards.”
Edgar put his hand on Phyllis’ shoulder.
“I will find a guardian for you. Regarding the issue of Mr. Darnley’s will and inheritance, as well as negotiating with the property manager, can you leave it to me?”
“Yes, Earl, please treat me well.”
Phyllis deeply lowered his head.
“Coen has already passed away, so you are free now, henceforth you are Mr. Darnley’s grandson, whom he cared for more than anyone else.”
Edgar’s words made Phyllis’ expression grow solemn.
Lydia deeply understood that Edgar wasn’t just a philanderer at these times. He would make people admire him greatly, regardless of their gender.
Perhaps this was because even if she didn’t know that Edgar was a person who went through so much, she could feel that his words weren’t superficial.
“In order to pay back Luna and Owl, I’m going to protect this mansion and land too.”
Phyllis said that strongly and vigorously.
“Well then, let’s go back, Paul.”
Lota pulled Paul’s hand.
“What? Just the two of us?”
“Do you have the courage to sit in the couple’s carriage?”
Paul realized the the combination of people for the return trip was different than when they came, and therefore he panicked. At that moment, Edgar interrupted and said:
“Paul, if you feel that being alone with Lota is dangerous, then you can take this carriage.”
“Dangerous? What are you saying that I will do?!”
“Would you like me to tell you what you did while you were unconscious? You were pressed against Paul’s body......”
“Ea--Earl, what are you saying! No, Lota, that was an accidental fall!”
Lota stared at Paul’s alarmed face.
“I see. So that’s what I did. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize......”
“Yes, but I might do that again.....”
“I don’t mind.”
“Great. Then we’ll return together.”
The two were talking about a confusing topic, then got into the carriage.
Edgar also tilted his head.
“Did Paul feel indifferent after being snuck up on and attacked? Does this mean he’s grown somewhat?”
“I don’t know either, because Lota’s hugs are playful.”
“Never mind, we’ll go back too.”
Edgar naturally took Lydia’s waist, and Phyllis stared at him the whole time.
“Ah, that’s right, Phyllis. I have acknowledged you as a man. However, if you want to be my rival, then you’ll need the ability to swim in the Thames river.”
What Edgar meant was that he was going to throw him in the river, but he cleverly used a roundabout way of expressing it while revealing a refined smile. Phyllis found this suspicious and tilted his head.
Although he was like that now, there will be a day where he will understand the so-called gentleman’s humour.

                                                                                                                                                ***

London’s moon was exactly the same as the moon that didn’t appear in the Hampshire wetland region for six years.
Although this matter was to be expected, Edgar still found it unbelievable.
As long as he was with Lydia, he was increasingly able to feel that various things in nature had souls, and therefore he continued to think about what kind of person the Blue Knight Earl was in the end.
This was a special family; they knew about the trends of the world invisible to the eye for the purpose of the human world, and in some sense, they have been working for Britain for a long time. Could he inherit the real sense of the title?
The glistening moonlight shone through the window near him. Compared to the warmth of the room made by the fireplace, he felt that the translucent feeling of the moonlight was more dazzling.
He sat on the armchair, skimming over a half-read letter under the moonlight.
For London, this was a really quiet night. Just as he was thinking about this, the door was opened forcefully.
“Master!”
Kelly burst into the room in a panic.
“Ah, Kelly, has Lydia finished with her bath?”
Kelly took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
“Yes, she’s already finished, but the Madam, she...... because she’s in great shock, she hid in her study!”
“Shock? What do you mean?”
Kelly frowned, and seemed to be glaring at the completely oblivious Edgar, then said in one breath:
“Madam has kiss marks all over her body! Although her dress is able to cover it without doubt, it’s inevitable that a lady would feel ashamed. In this situation, I can only ask you to cancel all the upcoming outings!”
“I understand...... I will cancel it.”
Edgar quickly replied, while thinking that he had no recollection of it.
Of course, he knew that apart from him, no one could touch Lydia’s skin; it definitely happened when his consciousness entered the mirror.
That being said, Lydia ran away from him, who basically couldn’t remember what he did, and besides, he felt that it was truly a pity to actually have no memory of such a joyous matter. 
“But, Kelly, there isn’t a need to be this shocked. Aren’t they there usually?”
Of course, Lydia was downcast for this reason once in the past, because she couldn’t wear the dress that she picked out in advance, but it shouldn’t be to this degree of shock.
“It’s different than before! Because she found one on her calf too.”
That’s basically a hidden area. Although Edgar thought so, perhaps not saying it aloud was the right choice.
For ladies, the legs were an area that had to be concealed more than the shoulders or chest, so Lydia was shocked, and Kelly was outraged as well.
Edgar was even more remorseful at how he had no memory of it. 
Did Lydia, who had no self-awareness, willingly let him do it? Normally  it would be absolutely impossible.
“I understand, I will climb the balcony of the study.”
Kelly nodded, which meant that this was the only way.
“Master, Madam Lydia is the mistress of the Earl’s family and must remain elegant in public, in short, please don’t leave marks like that on Madam.”
She left after giving clear words of advice.
“Good grief...... aristocracy really is troublesome.”
After Kelly left, a damp breeze came in. The windows were opened and the curtains were slightly pulled.
When he realized it, a dark haired man was standing on the balcony; it was Kelpie, who had turned into a young man.
“Are you finding Lydia troublesome?”
Kelpie looked at him in displeasure.
“Don’t get your hopes up.”
The sudden appearance of Kelpie made Edgar a little restless, because he didn’t want to see him for the last few days.
When Lydia was in the mirror, the one who stayed by her side and supported her was Kelpie.
Edgar was powerless at that time, so there wasn’t any other way. However, Lydia was surely worried, being alone in a place where even her companion, Nico, wasn’t there. At the time, the one who was protecting Lydia was in fact, Kelpie.
“I wasn’t hoping for anything. But if you say things like that, I’ll eat you until only your liver is left.”
Edgar laughed at himself.
“If you were human, you could have probably found an opportunity to obtain Lydia. At that time, she could only rely on you.”
Kelpie raised the corners of his mouth.
“Yes, she was completely relieved when she saw me. Even though it’s part of the fairy realm, the mirror world is also considered an unusual place, it’s quite hard to say whether or not Lydia’s knowledge is useful, and on top of that, there was a lot of Unseelie Court magic accumulated there, I think she must have been very afraid.”
He was really unwilling, but that was the limit to his abilities. Edgar listened calmly.
“In other words, it’s not like you didn’t not pursue her.”
Kelpie’s hair swayed in the wind, Edgar felt a magic presence silently bringing about anger. Why? Kelpie should be at an advantage.
“Honestly, you really make people angry. Lydia didn’t intend on relying on me at all, she was only using my abilities as a fairy doctor.”
“This doesn’t count as depending on you?”
Kelpie’s magic presence suddenly relaxed, then he laughed, seemingly finding it amusing.
“I thought so originally, but it wasn’t the case. After I saw the moon appear and Lydia return to your side, I understood. When Lydia was in the mirror, it wasn’t me that she was dependent and supported by, even if that girl was relieved at seeing my face, she won’t cry. But there was only one person that saw her in tears.”
Edgar was shocked. Since when did Lydia start crying in front of him straightforwardly?
“It doesn’t matter, I have already given my Kelpie abilities to Lydia, she can use them as she pleases.”
After Kelpie said that, he disappeared.
Even if it happened between husband and wife and Lydia who was in shock after the kisses, she had entrusted her heart to Edgar long ago.
As a human, Edgar always had his boundaries, and he didn’t have the power of the former Blue Knight Earl either, but even if he wasn’t perfect, he should be able to maintain his pure self as long as Lydia loved him. 
“Raven, I will bring Lydia over, please light the fireplace in the bedroom first.”
Raven appeared and blinked, seemingly worried.
“Lord Edgar, perhaps forcing it is not a good idea.”
“I won’t do it again. I hope that this is the last time that I will be climbing up the balcony.”

Lydia was shocked by the sound of the balcony glass shattering, and looked up in surprise.
Edgar opened the window lock from the inside using proficient skills of what seemed to be of a thief and then pulled open the glass door. He moved towards her without any explanation.
“Lydia, no matter how many times you lock yourself up, it’s useless.”
“Wh--what are you doing! Isn’t repairing the doors and windows troublesome?!”
Lydia called out in surprise.
“This is my house. I will destroy anything if needed, be it the windows or walls.”
“Well, it would have been fine if you came in through the door.”
Edgar had a look of amazement as he looked towards the direction of the door. He saw that nothing was blocking the door, thus he stared at Lydia in surprise.
“Weren’t you in shock because of the kiss marks and locked yourself in here?”
Lydia blushed.
She really was shocked to the point of feeling humiliated, as her mind was in chaos. Last night and this morning, she changed clothes in a room without mirrors, so she didn’t notice. But she wasn’t trying to refuse Edgar or make him perplexed, nor was she trying to hide in here like before.
“Would it be Kelly......?”
“Yes, I was scolded.”
There was no other way, because not long after Lydia was shocked, she silently ran out of the dressing room into the study.
“Um...... that wasn’t my intent...... I only came because I remembered that there was medicine here.”
“Medicine? Are you unwell?”
Edgar exposed a look of worry and she quickly shook her head.
“Er, well......you see, this is quite effective in treating marks from fairy pinches.”
Lydia picked a small bottle filled with ointment for Edgar to see, and he said in confusion:
“But, I think the marks on your body probably aren’t fairy pinches.”
He answered with a kind of explanation, making Lydia blush again.
“I know that! However, it might be effective!”
Edgar put the bottle close to his nose, then frowned and put the bottle away.
“The smell is unpleasant, don’t use it.”
He gently went by Lydia’s side with an agile dance-like movement and helped her sit on the sofa. 
Then he boldly reached inside the collar of her loose dressing gown. 
He was stroking her neck at first, but he immediately drew his hand back, this time confirming her arms.
“How terrible. It’s too immoral to not let me do anything beyond kissing.”
“It’s not someone else’s problem.”
“Yes, even if it was without consciousness, I can’t do things that I’m not wanting to do. That’s why it’s not like you also felt uncomfortable with it.”
He smiled happily. Every time he teased Lydia he was always having fun. Even though Lydia knew, she couldn’t help but blush in confusion.
“That, that sort of thing....I don’t know! I was in the mirror after all.”
Edgar should have been like this as well.
“However, Lydia you walked into my room and even planned on taking off your dress.”
“Liar!”
Lydia immediately straightened her body out, and he brought his face closer, saying:
“That’s why I want to kiss your legs again.”
“Wh--what are you saying!”
Flustered, she pushed Edgar back.
Despite Lydia tidying the collar of her dressing gown while blushing deep red and sitting upright, she still sat on the sofa where Edgar could reach. Perhaps she felt that she couldn’t run away just because of Edgar’s mean joke.
It was probably in order to be considerate of Lydia, who was like this, that Edgar stopped joking and changed the subject.
“It seems that Francis is going to come. He sent a letter. Good grief, we unlocked the secrets of the map after much difficulty, should it really be said that he’s quite clever?”
“Is he coming to London for a trip?”
Lydia regained her composure and faced him.
“No, the letter says that he’s going to open a practice as a doctor here.”
“Then we need to help him find a suitable house to rent.”
“You don’t have to consider so much for him, he is the type of person that achieve results with random actions.”
Lydia thought that truly seemed to be the case and then burst out laughing.
“I look forward to it. but I don’t know whether or not we can decipher the map with the help of his knowledge.”
Lydia felt that there was no need to be nervous about chatting about some things here and there with Edgar like this, and sincerely felt really happy. Moreover, Francis was different from Edgar’s other noble friends, he was a common friend as a married couple, so Lydia was close with him.
It would be nice if these kinds of people increased in the societies of London.
“Let’s not look forward to it too much first.”
Edgar grinned, then whispered with a solemn expression:
“It won’t be the McKeel clan heading for Ibrazel, but us.”
Someone from the McKeel clan knew that the Blue Knight Earl’s map was created in that land, so they appeared in front of Owl.
Although it was unexpected that they sought the fairy map, the Highlanders lived in misery due to the expansion of the Unseelie Court magic. Edgar established the wool industry on behalf of the Connaught clan, but there was no way for the entire group of islands to benefit from it.
The McKeel clan believed that it was good as long as the Prince disappeared, so they currently still see Edgar as an enemy.
“Would it be Mr. Patrick who visited Owl?”
It was possible that the other person called themselves someone from the McKeel clan, when in reality it was the Prophet. However, Lydia didn’t say this thought out loud.
“I don’t know. But regardless of who that person was, the McKeel clan ought to be quite afraid that I came into contact with the Blue Knight Earl’s essence.”
Because this meant that the Prince could obtain the fairy realm.
But, Edgar wasn’t the Prince.
“Edgar, it’ll be alright.”
After Lydia spoke with a firm tone, Edgar suddenly looked at her sorrowfully.
“I will be very gentle tonight, is that okay?”
“What!”
Being seriously asked that, her pulse sped up, and she tensed up again. 
But he, who rarely asked this kind of question, didn’t immediately put his thoughts into actions, which was quite strange, and simply waited for Lydia’s response.
Upon carefully thinking about it, yesterday he asked Lydia whether or not she was worn out, and then let her rest by herself after she nodded honestly.
Although most of the time, Edgar acted selfishly and in a forceful manner he honestly did care for Lydia’s feelings.
As Edgar’s approach confused Lydia many times, she made a fearful expression last time, which probably hurt him.
A person’s mood will swing up and down depending on the manner in which their lover speaks in and they may become uneasy. This sort of reaction only happens when they are in love, and this continue on, without stopping. Even in marriage, their feelings will never settle, rather it will fluctuate everyday. 
Nevertheless, as long as they didn’t let go of their tightly grasped hands, the two of them would be able to continue moving forward without changing.
Lydia’s favourite time was when they were chatting together. She also felt quite happy from the bottom of her heart when she was able to bond with him every night.
“You’re really gentle every night.”
After she did her best in saying these words, Edgar revealed a relieved smile, dropping a kiss on her cheek softly.