Chapter X: Inglis, Age 15—The Hieral Menace’s Sickness (3)
“You’re Cyrene’s older brother...? Well, you do remind me of her. You’re kind in the same way she is. Right, Chris?” asked Rafinha.
“I suppose...” Inglis could agree with that much.
She didn’t mind Cyrene and Rafinha getting along very well, but Theodore—no matter how similar he was to his sister—and Rafinha being close was unacceptable. A “close” relationship could change into something even closer—and Rafinha had absolutely no need for a lover yet.
Inglis recognized it was her own selfishness making her dislike the idea, but she disliked it anyway.
Despite Inglis’s internal feelings, Rafinha smiled at Theodore. She had let her guard down even further after learning he was Cyrene’s brother. This was rapidly veering off course.
“I must deeply thank you both for saving my sister’s life. I’ve heard she was transformed into a magicite beast, but where might she be?” Theodore asked.
“Here.” Inglis pointed to her chest, where Rin’s face was peeking out.
“Cyrene?! Ah, faint though it is, I still sense her mana... So this is what she’s become...”
“I’m sorry. Keeping her like this was all we could do to save her—” Rafinha began.
“No, that’s enough. Well done on your parts. As long as she lives, there’s still hope. I vow to find a way to return her to her original state!”
“If there’s anything we can do, please let us help!” Rafinha insisted.
“Absolutely. I’d appreciate it. Do you mind if I take care of her?”
“Not at all,” Inglis said, scooping Rin from her cleavage. She couldn’t refuse a request from Cyrene’s own flesh and blood. Inglis began to hand her to Theodore.
Theodore brushed Rin with his hand. “Now, Cyrene. Don’t worry, I’ll figure something out, so—”
Chomp!
Rin bit down on Theodore’s fingertip, and he yelped. “Ow! What’s wrong, Cyrene?”
However, Rin, brusquely ignoring Theodore, burrowed back into Inglis’s chest.
Rafinha didn’t understand. “Rin? Your brother’s here to see you!”
“What’s wrong?” Inglis asked.
Rin, trembling, shook her head and hid herself completely inside Inglis’s dress and squirmed around. “H-Hey, Rin! That tickles!”
Rafinha watched quietly and tilted her head. After a pause, she wondered aloud, “Maybe she doesn’t want to go back?”
Theodore continued to call out to his sister for a time, and Inglis and Rafinha urged her on, but the situation remained unchanged.
“It seems she’s acting a bit differently now... Perhaps I should leave her to you for a while.” Ambassador Theodore clearly loved his sister. It wasn’t a surprise that this turn of events was a disappointing one for him.
“That’s quite all right. We don’t mind,” Inglis said.
“That aside, there’s a mountain of things I must investigate. When the time comes, will you bring her to me?”
“Yes, certainly.”
“Thank you. Then, as worried as I am about Cyrene, I’m concerned for Ripple as well. We need to find a way to deal with this phenomenon—Miriela, would you mind helping me with this?” Theodore’s voice took a turn for the more casual as he spoke to the principal with what must have been the familiarity of an old friend. Miriela had mentioned that after all.
“Of course not!” Miriela said.
“Thank you. Thanks to your studies in Highland, your knowledge of our technology should be exactly what I’ll need.”
“Such high expectations! I’ll do my best.”
Prince Wayne cut in. “But what shall we do, Theodore? If magicite beasts continue to appear like this, you won’t be able to calm down and research.”
“I suppose. First, we must bring Ripple somewhere far away—we can’t allow the palace to fall under attack repeatedly,” the ambassador answered.
“I’ll go with her,” Eris offered. “If more magicite beasts appear, I can defeat them quickly. But...where should we go?”
No one seemed to have a ready answer.
“Ah, it’s fine, I can go by myself,” Ripple said, finally able to speak. Everyone turned to see her with her eyes open. The sphere of dark light covering her seemed to have vanished at the same time.
Eris rushed to her side as fast as she could and helped her up. “Ripple! Ah, thank goodness—are you okay?”
There was nothing notably unusual about Ripple. It was as if nothing had been wrong at all.
“I felt some kinda wave, pulling at me—but I can somehow remember what happened. Sorry, everyone. I’m a hieral menace, supposed to be here to protect the surface, but instead I hurt you all...” Ripple sounded shocked like everyone else.
“That was out of your control. It’s not your fault,” Eris said.
“That’s right! That didn’t happen because you wanted it to!” Rafinha insisted.
Leone agreed as well. “Rafinha’s correct. It couldn’t have been your fault.”
“Someone else made you do that,” Inglis said.
Ripple listened to each of their kind words in turn. “Thanks, everyone—but I can’t stand this. Why am I even a hieral menace, then? Wayne, tell me—where should I go? If there’s nowhere right, it’s fine if you destroy me or drop me off somewhere with nothing, totally alone.”
“That’s unthinkable! I could never treat a guardian of our country in such a manner. For now, let’s be patient. Until then, you should rest somewhere under strict guard,” Prince Wayne said.
In that case, the group needed to consider where to let Ripple rest and which guards to deploy.
Rafael was up to the task. “I’ll immediately select the force to be allocated and the location.”
Prince Wayne thanked him. “Yes, thank you, Rafael.”
Now, in this situation—Inglis took a step forward. “Pardon me. I have a suggestion, if you don’t mind.”
“I have no objections. Speak,” Prince Wayne replied, with a nod.
Rafael also nodded. “What is it, Chris?”
“Why not have Ripple stay at the knights’ academy until a solution is found?” Inglis’s eyes sparkled. With Ripple there, she could get some good combat experience from the magicite beasts that might appear without warning.
“At the knights’ academy?” Prince Wayne thought Inglis’s suggestion was a surprising one. He hadn’t considered that idea.
“Yes. With Ripple incapacitated, that reduces the forces available to the knights. Moreover, if you assign trusted knights to guard her, that would be yet another drop in their strength. In a worst-case scenario, that could hinder our national defense. I know the frozen Prismer from Ahlemin was transferred close to the border with Venefic, which would imply that Venefic is seen as a palpable threat. Therefore, shouldn’t we avoid thinning our guard? They could strike at our weakened defense. This situation may even be a trap with that goal in mind. I’m sure Venefic has its own Highlander ambassador—and might that ambassador be of the Altar faction you mentioned before?”
Prince Wayne listened carefully, nodding. He turned to their own ambassador. “Theodore? What say you?”
“She’s correct. I cannot rule out a large-scale plot,” Theodore replied hesitantly.
“Well said, then,” the prince continued. “As expected, the Bilfords have a wise squire. Wouldn’t you agree, Rafael?”
“Yes. For as long as I can remember, Inglis has been smart and talented with the blade. She’s always supported Rafinha,” Rafael replied.
Prince Wayne turned to the squire in question. “It must be quite a relief to Rafinha to have you along.”
“I simply do what I can.” Inglis bowed. However, in truth, she hadn’t needed to think too hard about the knights’ plan. It was a simple deduction, really. They had just heard about Highland’s differing sects; if the ambassador to Venefic was from Theodore’s faction, something as hostile as an invasion would probably not come to pass. The surface was like a good feeding ground to the Highlanders. Acting in concert to disturb it is something the various groups wouldn’t do. She had ruled a country as its king in her previous life, so she could grasp that much.
And after coming to that conclusion, she had originally been ready to ignore her suspicions, because Inglis Eucus had no intent of being involved in national affairs or politics. Even if left alone, Prince Wayne or Rafael would likely understand the situation after a short while. Inglis had simply grasped it a step sooner—but that one step was vital.
“Then, shall Ripple stay at the knights’ academy?” she asked again.
Her explanation had, of course, been for the sake of making her request more likely to be accepted. Asking gently after having gained some favor would be more persuasive than insisting upon it from the start. Whether her deduction was correct made no difference in this case so long as they recognized the value in her opinions.
Prince Wayne paused, weighing his options, before he spoke again. “I can understand the logic of using forces other than our regulars, so as not to weaken our defenses, but—”
“Please! We may still be unpolished cadets, but our feelings are as strong as anyone’s!” Inglis continued. Feelings like—of course—the desire to use the magicite beasts summoned by Ripple as a source of training for personal growth. Not knowing when a fearsome magicite beast might strike would be the most effective practice. She’d have a sense of tension for once. She had no desire to devote herself to the world and its people, but she didn’t mind if others assumed she did. She wasn’t lying—she was simply being vague.
Behind her, she could hear Leone and Rafinha whisper together.
“Hey, Rafinha. Inglis seems really serious today, doesn’t she? I’m starting to feel a sense of awe.”
“I think you’re mistaken about something again...”
“Huh?”
“This is Chris we’re talking about! She just wants to fight the magicite beasts that pop up around Ripple!”
“Huhhh?!”
“I know how she acts normally, but she’s sharp. She’ll give you some kind of reason to talk you into something and— Mmph!”
“Mmrrm!”
Inglis grinned, having clamped a hand over each of their mouths. “Come on, you two, this is a serious discussion. No whispering to each other.” Thankfully, Prince Wayne didn’t seem to have heard anything.
“Miriela, as the principal of the academy, what’s your opinion on this?” the prince asked.
“Well... Inglis’s opinion makes sense...but it would also expose many students to danger...” Principal Miriela was also avoiding a clear statement.
“It’s not just that,” Rafael said. “The area around the academy is urbanized. If the magicite beasts overflow from there, the capital’s citizens will be drawn in as well. I can’t agree. We must use our regular forces.” He was clearly worried about putting Rafinha and Inglis in danger.
Ambassador Theodore had his own thoughts on the matter. “However, to understand what’s happening to Lady Ripple from a technical standpoint, we are in need of a significant amount of equipment. Miriela, you must have a lab at the academy. A few tweaks and it should be fine—whereas elsewhere, preparations may be a great deal of trouble.”
“Would it be possible to bring Ripple to Highland for an examination?” Eris interjected.
The ambassador shifted uncomfortably. “Lady Eris, I’m sorry, but I believe it’d be better to refrain. To put it bluntly, members of the Throne faction would likely...dispose of her...if she were of use to an Altar plot. They may be in the same political camp as I am, but that doesn’t mean they’re people like me. If anything, people tend to act more like my predecessor, Muenthe.”
“I see...” Eris cast her gaze at the floor as Prince Wayne took over.
“Meaning, entrusting her to the knights’ academy is the swiftest way to settle the situation?”
“But possibly the one most likely to worsen it. Which answer is correct, we can’t know in advance. This isn’t an academic matter,” Miriela replied.
“Hmm... Our school days together up in Highland were easier than this.” Prince Wayne smiled. Theodore responded with his own grin.
“I suppose they were, but I believe this pressure is also proof we’re approaching our ideals.”
“I have to agree.”
Prince Wayne and Ambassador Theodore appeared to have something hidden within them. Inglis supposed she had felt something similar when young in her previous life. At a young age, King Inglis had taken on the fate of the country and its people and become completely absorbed in them. However, the era that Inglis had passionately served had passed. So even though she had no words beyond “This must be tough,” she wanted them to try their best. This new era should be defined by its own people. Her own goals were to watch over Rafinha and to do what she wanted.
“I’ve heard these girls not only saved Cyrene’s life, but also protected the former Chancellor Arcia during the recent incident. They also prevented the ship from crashing into the palace. That may not be a bad bet to take,” Theodore advised.
Inglis latched onto a particular remark from Ambassador Theodore. “The former chancellor? What happened to Chancellor Arcia?”
Prince Wayne explained, “He resigned. As you know, the recent events were not recorded. Thus, there should have been no need to hold Lord Arcia accountable—but he was insistent that he had set a poor example. I suppose the public explanation will cite health worries, but... He’s just and upright, swayed by no one. A true fit for the post of chancellor. It is a shame. I’ll be taking over his duties on a temporary basis.”
“And then, some of the work Wayne was in charge of will be reassigned to Holy Knight Bilford and Lady Eris. So everyone will be rather busy,” Theodore noted.
“Then leave some of it to us! I want to do something to help Ripple!” Rafinha insisted.
Inglis had expected Rafinha to say something like that. Even though their reasons were different, she’d known Rafinha would agree. Rafinha’s sense of justice wouldn’t allow her to remain silent in the face of Ripple’s situation.
“Rani, you still have a lot to learn,” Rafael warned. “You’re still gaining strength. That’s how you’ll become a true knight—that’s why you’ve been entrusted to Miriela and the others. Now isn’t the time to overdo—”
“That’s not it, brother. I’m grateful to Ripple, so I want to repay her! After all, she’s always been protecting this country, protecting us. It shouldn’t matter if I’m a regular knight or not, should it? I want to do what I can now!”
Inglis found herself chuckling as she watched them interact. She remembered when Rafael and Aunt Irina had gone back and forth like this. Irina’s position then was Rafael’s now, and Rafael’s position then was Rafinha’s now. Perhaps that was the result of growing up.
“Ha ha ha...”
“Chris?” Rafinha looked on, confused.
“What is it?” Rafael asked.
“Oh, it’s nothing. I was remembering when Rafael heard something similar from the duke and my aunt—it really takes me back,” Inglis explained.
“Huh...? I...I think I remember that happening now that you mention it—but you remember it well for being so young then, Chris...” Rafael said.
“I am proud of my memory,” Inglis replied.
“Anyway, brother, I guess that means you’ve turned into just as much of a stick in the mud as dad. Keep it up, and Chris won’t like you anymore!”
“Whaaat?!” Rafael yelped.
“That isn’t true. I like the duke.”
“Now isn’t that a relief, brother?”
“C’mon, c’mon, this is no time to talk about...” Rafael trailed off, uncomfortable.
Prince Wayne watched them bemusedly. “Ha ha ha. Even the ‘perfect holy knight’ Rafael is nothing before his family.”
“Ahh... I apologize for the awkwardness,” Rafael said.
“No, I don’t mind. It made me smile. Then, Leone. What do you think? I’d like to hear your opinion on this,” Prince Wayne said.
“Er... Me?”
“Yes. I want to hear what everyone has to think.”
After a pause, she answered. “I agree with Inglis and Rafinha. I’d like to repay my debts to the hieral menaces—and, more importantly, I’d like to have achievements of my own as fast as possible, and this seems like a chance to do just that.”
“That makes sense—if you want to clear your family’s name, I suppose it’s natural that you’d think of it that way.”
Leone’s family, the Olfas, had once been the pride of Ahlemin because of her brother, a holy knight by the name of Leon. But when he cast aside that role and joined the Steelblood Front, that perception had been flipped upside down. Now their whole family was eyed with suspicion as traitors. Leone had said she’d decided to become a knight in order to change that with her own achievements, and she was trying hard, even as her relationships at the knights’ academy suffered.
As far as Inglis could see, Leone was second only to her in drive among her fellow cadets. When Inglis did her own extracurricular practice, Leone often offered to join in. So her saying that she wanted her own achievements as fast as possible was quite expected.
“Since what happened was not officially addressed, your own exploits couldn’t be revealed either. This must bother you greatly. I’m quite sorry,” Prince Wayne said.
“Ah, no—in any case, I don’t think that would be enough to change everyone’s minds, and Inglis did most of— Mmph!”
Before she could finish, Inglis pressed a finger to Leone’s lips to interrupt her. She didn’t have to tell the whole story honestly. Leone was more than welcome to take the credit.
Leone needed it, and Inglis did not. Inglis needed not the notoriety from battle, but battle itself. If she could be proud of the results her own training delivered her therein, that was enough.
Inglis whispered, “Why not just say we all did it together? I don’t want to stand out. And you need to stand out, right?” All of the official fame and credit could be given to Leone, who was bravely moving forward and doing her best.
“Ah, pardon?” Prince Wayne asked.
“Er, it’s that...” Leone stammered. “I’d like to have an opportunity to prove my merit again. I’ll give eliminating the magicite beasts all I have.”
Inglis agreed. “I, too, would like a further opportunity. I will protect Ripple.”
“Well, it’s not really me you’d be protecting, ya know? It’s everyone else who’ll be in danger because I’m there.” Ripple’s phrasing was still a little bit playful, but her tone had none of its usual cheerfulness.
“I imagine you must feel guilty about that, Ripple. If we defeat the summoned magicite beasts without letting anyone, including the citizens, be hurt, there should be no worries. And I want to protect you,” Inglis said.
“Inglis...” Ripple started to tear up.
“So you’re even thinking of that...” Eris was impressed.
Inglis answered them both with a smile. She had no objection to helping Ripple when she was in distress, either. If anything, it wasn’t enough thanks for the good, tense training it would provide.
Clap!
A hand suddenly clapped Inglis’s shoulder from behind.
“You’re completely right, Chris! I can’t help but be moved, even though I know what you’re thinking! That’s right! We will protect Ripple!” Rafinha’s eyes gleamed, and her breathing had quickened. Inglis’s wording had struck a chord in her.
“Ha ha ha... Thanks, Rani.”
“I understand how you feel. Then, in consideration of your spirit, I will entrust Ripple to the knights’ academy. Theodore, aid them. I will explain to the king—to my father.” Prince Wayne delivered his decision in a dignified manner.
“Understood!” Inglis, Rafinha, and Leone answered as one. It was exactly as they’d hoped. And an exciting new course was about to be added to their training at the academy.
◆◇◆
“Things turned out like this, but I’m still not sure if it’s okay...” Ripple dipped her face halfway below the surface of the bath and began to blow bubbles.
“It’ll be fine. I’m ready at all times. Even now, if need be. You’re welcome to try,” Inglis replied, soaking next to her.
They were in the baths of the girls’ dorms at the knights’ academy. After the prince had come to his decision, their first stop after returning from the palace was here, to relax.
“Well, I can’t control it... So can you stop looking at me with those greedy eyes?”
“C’mon, Chris. Ripple’s having a hard time. Don’t tease her,” Rafinha scolded mildly.
“That’s not what I meant. We can think of this as good training, so there’s no need for her to worry,” Inglis said.
“I think that’s just you, Chris. Don’t include us in that,” Leone said, nodding in agreement with Rafinha.
Principal Miriela, who had been the one to suggest they immediately head to the baths, took Inglis’s side. “Well, depending on how you look at it, Inglis might be right. It’s sure to be valuable battle experience.”
“But... I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me... That’s not the kind of thing a hieral menace does...”
“It’s fine. If that phenomenon occurs again, I’ll immediately create a barrier and wall it off from the surroundings.” Miriela shook her Artifact staff back and forth to emphasize her point. She’d brought it with her—even to the bath.
Now that the principal was present, Inglis had to contend with the sexiness of a full-grown woman. She wasn’t quite sure where to look.
Miriela continued. “Then, after I keep our surroundings safe, my talented students Inglis and the others can wipe out the magicite beasts. That should prevent anyone from getting hurt.”
“Okay... But what about when you aren’t there, Miriela? You can’t stick with us all the time, right?” Ripple asked.
“Theodore is preparing us Artifacts with the same effect. By the way, I also requested a new Artifact for Leone!”
“Wow, thank you!” Leone replied.
“It’s a rare opportunity, so I have to get everything I can. Hee hee hee.”
Principal Miriela was pretty shrewd. It was definitely a good idea to have several barrier Artifacts.
Miriela continued. “We can prepare multiple groups to take turns watching over their surroundings. It’ll just be a little wait. And since you’re already waiting, why not treat this like a little vacation?”
“W-We can’t just blow it off like that...” Ripple said.
“It’s fine, we’ll try our hardest! We know that you’ll be sad if anything happens to us!” Rafinha said, sending a splash around her as she forcefully sprung to her feet. There was nothing wrong with her enthusiasm, but she was completely naked. It was embarrassing to look at her.
“But also,” Rafinha added, “this is a rare chance to enjoy ourselves. And we want to be closer friends with you...”
“Rafinha...” Ripple trailed off.
“So... Please cheer up a little?”
“Mm... You’re right. If I’m all mopey, it’ll get everyone down. Thanks, Rafinha. Hope you don’t mind me imposing?” Ripple smiled for the first time in a while.
“Of course!” Rafinha cheered.
Some people might have found Rafinha lively, fearless, honest, and cheerful personality grating, but Ripple and Eris accepted her, which Inglis appreciated. It was pleasant to see how much they cared for her and could protect her.
“But seriously, Rani, cover up. That’s immodest.”
“It’s fine! We don’t have anything to hide from each other! Chris, show off what you’ve got too!”
“Aaagh! S-Stop it, Rani! That’s absurd!”
“It’s fine, it’s fine! You too, Leone!”
“I-I’m good. You two go ahead!”
“Nope! No one can escape!”
“Eeek!” Leone yelped. She switched into her scolding mode. “Ugh, Rafinha! If you do things like that, Ambassador Theodore will be disappointed in you! And after he just praised you, sheesh...”
“Huh...? Really?”
“Yes, he’ll think you’re not modest enough.”
“Weeell, I guess I’ll stop, then...”
Inglis shouted in haste, “No! Here, Rani, you can look as much as you want and touch as much as you want! Don’t concern yourself with him!”
Ripple smiled as she watched the trio. “Must be nice to be young and cute. They look like they’re having fun.”
“They certainly do. Watching them lifts my spirits as well,” Principal Miriela replied.
“Aha ha ha. Feeling that way must mean you’re getting older, Miriela.”
“Ugh...! I know I’ve got a lot to worry about, but I’m still young at heart!”
“Oh? But on the outside, you’re all grown-up and beautiful. Hieral menaces don’t change at all, so I’m a little jealous watching all of you mature...”
“As I said earlier, please leave matters to us. Take a break. There are many excellent students at the knights’ academy who are just as skilled as this trio is. That’s a rarity in recent years!”
“Wonderful,” Inglis suddenly interjected. “Who and where are these students? In one of the senior classes? Any plans for joint practices?”
“Whoa! Inglis, you’re always so attentive to this sort of talk,” the principal replied.
“Indeed. To become stronger, I need to fight stronger foes.”
“N-Not allowed, young lady! Not with the situation how it is. Mock battles between students are forbidden. We can’t have you getting hurt.”
“What?! That’s—”
“C’mon, Chris, it’s fine. Magicite beasts will pop up. You can fight them,” Rafinha said.
“But Rani, the more fights the better! I’ll definitely grow more that way—life is too short to waste any time.”
“It’s silly to act like you might die tomorrow. You don’t need to get worked up. The seniors aren’t going anywhere soon. Just relax.”
“Mmm...” Inglis didn’t quite agree, having already experienced the rush of regrets—if one had done more of this, more of that—that comes at the end of a lifetime. That’s why she fiercely believed it was better to seize every opportunity.
Principal Miriela laughed. “Ha ha ha... You really do have an amazing personality, Inglis. When you’re not talking, you seem like this gentle, pretty little thing who wouldn’t hurt a fly, yet—”
“Why, thank you. That’s very kind.”
“That...wasn’t a compliment, Chris,” Rafinha pointed out.
“But she said I’m cute.”
“That’s the part you focus on?”
“Well, my personality isn’t going to change. Better to accentuate the positives.”
“Sometimes I wish it would a little bit...”
The two of them paused and then said together, “Hmm... That’s probably impossible.”
Rafinha sighed. “I guess so. After all, you’re you.”
“That I am.”
Ripple grinned. “You two get along so well. Anyway, if mock battles between students are no good, I’m fine with taking you on.”
“Thank you so much! Is now all right?! Where shall we fight?! How about right here?!” Inglis, anticipation clear as day on her face, jumped out of the bath.
“Uh, well, not at this second. After Miriela and the others can check me out and make sure it’s okay for me to move around like that.”
“C’mon, Chris, cover yourself up. That’s embarrassing!” Rafinha scolded.
“Phew, never a dull moment with them...” Leone muttered to herself with a sigh.
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