Chapter 38.1
It was still early in the morning, however, many students had already gathered at the entrance of the Korwitz Forest for this year’s field trip .
The forest was a bit too far away to travel there by carriage, so everyone used a magic circle of teleportation to get there .
(So we’re finally in the Korwitz Forest, huh…?)
Leo was really excited today, after all, he wasn’t wearing a dress, like he usually did . He was going to search for his other Car-sama inside the forest, so he convinced Kai to let him wear something easier to move around . The young butler agreed that his master’s safety came first, so he made Leo wear the horse riding clothes* that was on the back of his master’s closet .
(*Tl/n: I don’t know which style of clothing is the right one, but HERE is the medieval one, and HERE is a more recent one . )
This year’s activities were going to be conducted in groups of 10, with no regards to the social standing of the students . Usually, the groups would’ve been divided between High Nobles, Lower Nobles and Commoners, but since Bianca didn’t want to be separated from Leonora, and because of the recent changes in status inside of the academy, they were all together .
The student’s camp, on the other hand, was set up next to a small plain, in front of the Korwitz Forest, so there weren’t any stone structures nearby… just nature . But because of that, many students were afraid of entering the forest, after all, they could get lost and hurt themselves . So to prevent that from happening, a huge pole with a red flag was erected in the middle of the camp, to serve as a landmark . That way, even the sheltered young ladies could explore the forest without the fear of losing their way back .
However, to Leo, the red flag was a bit pointless–
(–After all, this place is like a second home to me…) – Thought Leo, with a smile, as the nostalgic smell of grass entered his nose .
In times of need, some of the boys of the orphanage would venture into the forest to search for food, however, they always did that behind Hannah’s back .
The forest was a dangerous place, so if she found out that they went there, she would probably scold them . But Leo always managed to deceive her, by saying that they were going on a picnic .
It was already an habit for Leo to enter the forest and start looking for food, so he shook his head when he noticed that he was mumbling something about the edible grass beneath his feet .
(No, I’m not here to look for food! I’m here to search for the Lady of the Lake! So I need to focus!)
The real purpose of the field trip was for the students to learn new spells, but Leo couldn’t care less about that . Searching for the Lady of the Lake was his top priority right now and he was ready to start at anytime . Even the magic crest that Albert made for him was ready to be used at anytime .
Now Leo just had to find a way to slip out of his group–
“As I thought, anything looks good on you! You’re so cute in that outfit, Leonora!”
–But the First Princes of the Empire didn’t want to let go of him .
Bianca was also wearing horse riding clothes, however, her outfit was on par with her title… it was really expensive . Well, she never wore anything else besides her dresses, so wearing pants for the first time was something novel and exciting for her .
“Now that we’re on the same group, we can be together all day long!”
“…Un… . ”
At first, Leo didn’t want to go on the field trip, but after learning that he’d be able to meet the Lady of the Lake, he changed his mind . However, he didn’t expect that Bianca would ditch her job as the guide for the primary students, just for him . And with her by his side all day, he wouldn’t be able to sneak out of his group .
“Hmm… why are you, hugging me, Neh-sama?”
“To protect you, of course! That priest is coming with us to the field trip, so I have to be your shield!”
“You will, protect me, from that, priest…?” – Said Leo, in a confused tone, as he tilted his head to the side .
“Yes! You can rest assured, Leonora! There’s no way I would let Gustav get close to you, after what he did yesterday! I’ll protect you from that scumbag!”
Bianca was sure that Leonora was feeling offended by what Gustav said to her yesterday, however, she couldn’t be more wrong—
“Hmm, that, you got, it wrong, Neh-sama… I wasn’t, offended by, what Gus—”
—Leo actually wanted to thank Gustav for giving the magic crest back to him . But before he could say that, Bianca squeezed him even more tightly in her arms .
“—Why are you always like this!? You can’t leave those things bottled up! If you’re sad, you should say so!”
“H-hmm, that, I’m not–”
To begin with, Leo was a man, not a young maiden, so what Gustav said didn’t bother him in the slightest . Besides, those insults were just child’s play, compared to what Leo was used to . However, he couldn’t refute Bianca . The intensity of her gaze was so strong, that Leo could only nod in response .
“–Un… . ”
“That’s what I wanted to hear! …*Whisper*…Now listen here, Leonora, that man is constantly sending glances at you . There’s no doubt he’s feeling guilty for treating you like that . And I’m sure he’s probably planing on apologizing to you . But, you can’t forgive him that easily, okay?” – Said Bianca, as she glared at the holy knight who was just a couple of meters away from them .
Leo wanted to search for the lake with Gustav, after all, he probably knew where to find Carnelian . But that would have to wait a bit . Until Bianca’s grudge against Gustav was dispelled, Leo had to do his best to ignore him .
(Well, I don’t want to worsen her mood, so that’s fine for now…… . Ah! Speaking of which, I was in such a hurry yesterday, that I even postponed our talk about Chris! Maybe that’s why Gustav-sensei is glancing at me with that impatient look in his eyes! He probably wants to know more about her!)
It’d be a bit sad to let a man as old as Gustav, who still had his V-card intact, spend the entire day of the Spirit Festival alone, so Leo swore again, in his heart, that he’d introduce them to each-other as soon as possible .
But priorities came first . Leo had to find an opportunity to get away from Bianca and start his search for the Lady of the Lake .
However, an opportunity like that never came–
(Kuh…! What a miscalculation! To think they would trap me like this…!)
“Look here, Bianca-sama! Look at the size of my muscles! I think I’ve finally mastered the Body Strengthening spell!”
“Those are some nice muscles, huh? Keep on the good work . ” (Bianca)
“Look here, Leonora-chan! I managed to create a new version of your Spy Crystal*! If you cast this spell, it’ll replay the complete story of the Empire!” (*Tl/n: Ch-18 . 1)
“W-wow, that’s quite, impressive… . ” – Said Leo, with a stiff smile .
–The number of students who wanted to show off their spells in front of Leo and Bianca, in hopes of grabbing their attention, were endless .
(I’ve been thinking this for a while, but this field trip is more like a huge picnic, isn’t it!? Why call it a field trip to learn dangerous spells, if everyone’s just killing time!?)
According to the information that Leo gathered about the field trip, the students were going to try out new spells, under the supervision of a teacher, for about two hours, then they’d be free to do whatever they wanted .
Leo was planing on using that free time to sneak out of his group and enter the forest, after all, everyone would be too busy talking about their new spells to notice him… or so he thought . As soon as the class ended, a lot of students, from different grades, flocked towards him and Bianca .
(F**k! I don’t have time for this! The field trip will be over by sunset!)
Well, it wasn’t even noon yet, but still, Leo was impatient . He had to, at least, check the three main lakes of the Korwitz Forest by the end of the day . He even considered pushing everyone out of his way and running into the forest with all his might . But if he did so, Bianca would be forced to bring him back to the camp, after all, no one was allowed to enter the forest alone . So Leo decided to suck it up, like a man, and wait for the right time to make his move .
It was already noon and the sun was shining brightly in the sky .
To get away from the heat, Bianca and Leonora decided to sit on the shade of a nearby tree, on the edge of the forest . The other students were still playing with their spells though; they were just a couple of meters away from the two girls, but that distance was far enough for the two to have a talk without anyone interrupting them .
“What is it, Leonora? You’ve been glancing at the forest for a while now… . ”
(There’s something wrong with Leonora today . She’s glancing repeatedly at the forest and she’s also unusually fidgety…)
“Ah, no, I’m… I’m just, a bit worried… that’s all… . ”
“I see… so this has something to do with what you two* were talking about yesterday, doesn’t it?” – Said Bianca, with a concerned look in her eyes .
(*Tl/n: She’s talking about the conversation that Leo had with Gustav in Ch-37 . 2)
“Huh…?”
The little girl was visibly surprised, but Bianca didn’t stop there . She grabbed Leonora’s shoulders and looked straight into her eyes, before saying–
“–Please, can you tell me what is worrying you so much, Leonora?”
“E-eh, that… I-I don’t… . ”
“I know I don’t look like it, but I’m still the head of the primary students… and I also know I don’t have a lot of magic power, like my brother does, but what I have is more than enough to help you, so… you can rely on me, too… . ”
Bianca was desperate . There was something going on with Leonora recently, but the little girl didn’t want to tell her anything . Bianca knew it had something to do with the Lady of the Lake, since Leonora and Gustav were talking about it yesterday… but that’s it .
Albert seemed to know what was going on, but when Bianca tried to look for him, he was nowhere to be found . Well, Natalia knew where to find him, but she was a bit grumpy ever since she exited the church, so Bianca thought it’d be best to not disturb her .
“To tell the truth, I noticed from the beginning that there was something weird going on with this place… this forest is too quiet . Well, I know that forests are suposed to be weird, but… I have a feeling that something really bad is about to happen . So, you have to tell me if there’s something going on, Leonora, otherwise–”
‘Otherwise, it’ll be too late . ’ – Is what Bianca wanted to say . But before she could finish her sentence, one of the students who was breathing out flames from his mouth, suddenly lost control of his magic and everyone started screaming . (Tl/n: FFS! There’s always the one! Why the hell would you breathe flames out of your mouth!?)
“–What’s happening!?”
“I-it’s the fire, Bianca-sama! The fire isn’t vanishing!”
It was an incredible sight . The flames were suposed to go away after the caster finished the spell, but that didn’t happen . Instead, the flames gathered in one spot and formed a giant pillar of fire .
“What are you guys doing!? You have to cast a Fire Extinguishing spell! Hurry up!”
“I already did that, Bianca-sama! But the fire isn’t vanishing!” – Shouted a desperate girl, as she turned to look at Bianca .
Seeing that none of them could extinguish the fire, Bianca got up in a hurry and tried to cast a stronger spell . But before she could do that, she heard an inhuman voice–
—Rude, man cubs… get out of here .
—This land is not yours… for you to toy with .
–It was like like hundreds of people were speaking at the same time… it was eerie . Bianca was visibly scared, but she still looked around for the owner of the voice . (Tl/n: Imagine Dormin’s voice, from Shadow of the Colossus . )
“W-who are you!? W-what do you want with us!?”
—She can hear our voices… .
—What an unusual child… .
This phenomenon was so outside the norm, that Bianca even forgot to breathe . She had never experienced something like this . However, while she was contemplating the current situation–
“N-Neh-sama…?”
–The little girl that was standing by her side grabbed her sleeve .
—She is still sad… maybe this man cub can comfort her .
—Great idea… this child will be honored to serve our Lady of the Lake .
“T-the Lady, of the Lake…?” – Said Leo, in a surprised tone, as he listened in on the weird voice’s conversation .
“Leonora!? You can hear them as well!?”
Leo nodded in a hurry to affirm that he also could hear the voices, but in truth, he only became able to hear them because he touched Bianca’s arm .
(This is… a voice from the sky, isn’t it!? And they mentioned the Lady of the Lake! Which means, they are probably spirits!) (Leo)
Leo was a faithful believer of the Great Spirit of Coins, so, to him, this opportunity was a sign that his God was looking after him .
“I-I can, also hear, their voices, Neh-sama . And that’s, probably why, they want to, take you to, their Lady… . ”
—This child with black hair… she can also hear our voices .
—Shall we take her with us as well…?
Leo was surprised when he heard that . He almost couldn’t believe that he was going to get a free ride to the home of the Lady of the Lake, so he subconsciously tightened his grip on Bianca’s clothes .
(I’m getting a free ride to her home! Which means, I don’t have to search for the Lady of the Lake anymore! Moreover, if I do my job right, she’ll probably give me her blessing!)
Leo was brimming with so much joy, that he even started trembling… but of course, Bianca didn’t know that . She thought the little girl was frightened, so she grabbed her hand, and then said–
“–It’s okay, Leonora… I won’t let them take you!”
The Lady of the Lake was in a bad mood and she needed someone to comfort her, which meant that the voices were probably going to sacrifice Leonora to appease their deity and lift her mood .
(Khh…! So this is why she was worried earlier…!) – Thought Bianca, as she gritted her teeth in frustration .
It was then, that Bianca suddenly remembered the exchange of words that Leonora had with Gustav yesterday .
Now it all made sense .
Leonora already knew that the Lady of the Lake was in a bad mood . That’s why she wanted to know where to find the Great Spirit of Water… she wanted to sacrifice herself and save everyone… again .
(But that won’t happen this time! After all–)
“–I’m her big sister! And I’ll protect her at any costs! Wind Gale!” – Said Bianca, as she extended her free hand forward .
A powerful gust of wind then enveloped the fire pillar–
—What are you-!?
–It was like a mini tornado was compressing the fire, and it kept doing so, until the flames became as small as a ball .
Bianca then raised her hand up to the sky and the ball followed suit, before exploding in a huge show of flames .
After realizing that Bianca had dealt with the fire, some students started running towards the camp to tell the teachers what happened, while the remaining ones readied their spells… just in case they had to attack the source of this anomaly . Well, their spells weren’t as strong as the one Bianca used against the pillar of fire, but there were many of them, so whoever was messing with them was bound to, at least, suffer some damage .
—T-the rude, man cubs… they attacked us . – Said one of the spirits, in a fearful tone .
—Are you sure we should… bring them to our Lady?
—They are just jealous that… we are only bringing the two females .
—Maybe we should try to… bring all of them?
The moment Leo heard that, he entered in panic . He didn’t how many students the spirits could bring with them and he didn’t want to share his profits with everyone—
“N-no, you can’t! Take me! You don’t, have to, bring everyone, with you! Just take—!”
—So he begged the spirits to bring him alone .
“—What are you saying, Leonora!? Of course I won’t let you do that!” – Said Bianca, as she covered the little girl’s mouth with her hand, in hopes that the spirits hadn’t heard her .
(Why are you trying to stop me, Neh-sama!? This is my only chance to get a free ride! I can’t let an opportunity like this pass by!)
The spirits stayed silent for a moment, as if they were pondering about what the little girl had proposed to them, however, while doing so, they noticed something unusual about the girl .
—The child with black hair… we feel the Great Spirit of Light in her .
—She is beautiful as well… our Lady will be pleased .
—If we bring her to out Lady… we can save the trouble of bringing everyone .
(Wow, so I was right back then*! The Great Spirit of Light really has black hair! Lucky∼!)
(*Tl/n: Ch-33 . 3)
For the first time, ever since they traded bodies, Leo felt like thanking Leena for having black hair . But now wasn’t the time for that . He quickly got away from Bianca, then he raised both of his hands up into the sky, and said–
“–I’m ready! You can, take me to, your Lady!”
As soon as he finished his sentence, Leo was enveloped in a water bubble, then a gentle wind started blowing beneath his feet, which levitated his body above the ground .
(Woah, this is really fun!)
Leo still had the mentality of a commoner, so to him, these sorts of paranormal events were really exciting . But to Bianca, it was nothing more than watching her little sister, willingly, walking into the death corridor .
“Leonora! Wait…!” – Yelled Bianca, as she jumped to grab Leonora’s feet .
(What are you doing!? You gonna break the bubble, if you touch it!)
The water bubble was gaining more and more altitude with each passing second, but Bianca didn’t give up . She kept trying to grab the little girl’s feet to pull her out of the bubble, even though she could barely reach it .
“Wait…! Haa, haa… Leonora…! Don’t go…!”
When she finally managed to grab Leonora, Bianca did her best to pull the little girl out of there… but it was already too late .
With a loud Bloop, the two of them vanished from the plains, along with the bubble .
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