Chapter 204

Giving meaning (7)

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“This is what happened at Baron Planzel.”

Yenica Palover who was sitting across from the campfire didn’t look very good. She didn’t know what to say so she just looked at Belle’s face with a tearful look on her face.

Seeing that Belle wondered if she had said it for no reason.

Although he says it was nothing anyone can see that Bell’s personal life was extremely dark.

If it weren’t for Belle who had a strong heart it wouldn’t have been surprising if she had lost her will to live.

Although he was an illegitimate child Baron Planzel sacrificed himself to save his daughter who was born through his blood.

In the end he was able to avoid handing his daughter over to the greedy nobleman... She had to give up her life in return.

It was such a tragic and sad story that Jenica could not help but feel intimidated.

“I’m sorry Belle. I didn’t know it was that kind of story... I was begging you to stop by... ”

“You don’t have to be so sorry. In fact it’s embarrassing for the other person to hear this so I usually don’t do it. and... “It’s not something that really hurt me.”

okay? but... I think I would have been very hurt if I were in Belle’s position... ”

“Well I was very shocked at the time. but... As I said there are some parts of this story that I didn’t tell Master Ed. “That part was intentionally omitted.”

Belle pushed a few more firewood into the campfire and used her magic to make the fire stronger. He had to keep the embers burning longer since it was still deep into the night.

“They said it was omitted on purpose... ? Why bother? “Is there something you didn’t want to tell Ed?”

“Because it changes the message of the story.”

Bell did not bother to add additional explanation to Yenika who tilted her head.

The reason Belle bothered to reveal her past history to Ed was because she wanted to warn him never to make such an extreme choice as suicide again.

As long as you live the day will surely come when you will see the light of day.

So survive. Even if it seems like there is no happiness in this boring world and only trials are swarming before our eyes.

Hold on to your feet grit your teeth and somehow stand firm and survive.

“It’s important to survive and continue your life. However it is not a statement that is accepted by everyone in the world.”

bell... “What do you want to say?”

“It’s not a very big story. Baron Planzel had already suffered from a long-standing illness. Even if he had not committed suicide he would have passed away not long after.”

At those words Yenika was left speechless.

That’s what Belle didn’t tell Ed.

In any case Baron Planzel was a man sentenced to life indefinitely.

This means that he was a person who looked back on life at the end of his life and was ready to accept death.

“When a person is close to death no matter who he is he reflects on the life he has led.”

bell... ”

“Baron Planzel probably wanted to give some meaning to his life.”

Just by changing the premise about Baron Planzel’s lifespan the impression given by the story of his death is completely reversed.

It was only then that Yenica realized why Belle had not told Ed this story.

And I also understood why Belle was able to talk about this tragedy in a healthy state without feeling sad.

For Bell the story of Baron Planzel’s death was not a sad and unfortunate story of tragedy.

It was a heroic story of a noble man who chose his own place carried out his will and left.

Bel Maia’s room is still decorated with a dagger engraved with a wildcat symbol.

It was the Planzel family dagger that her father Valmid Planzel smiled kindly and placed in Belle’s hand as a keepsake on the day she was about to leave.

After finishing the story I looked up and saw that the sky was filled with salt-like stars.

*

“Abbot Austin... It’s called suicide... ?”

There are no ears to hear.

Still someone might accidentally hear it. If that happens it is dangerous.

Impatience rose in Persica’s heart. However Ed Rosstaylor did not seem to care at all.

“How did you know that Abbot Austin was hiding a demihuman child?”

Ed Rosstaylor who was praying immediately hit a fastball. Princess Persica and Tune had no choice but to hold their breath.

“What did you mean?”

But the response is smooth. He didn’t stutter or show any signs of embarrassment.

“Are you in any way connected to Zelan the Cutter? “If it weren’t for him no one would know the secrets hidden by Cleric’s Monastery.”

“You’re talking about an unknown story.”

“Honestly you can talk about everything openly. “I have already confirmed that no one is inside the chapel.”

I’ve heard a lot of rumors about Ed Rothtaylor.

Anyway I knew very well that he was a mysterious and strangely perceptive person.

However I didn’t know that he would attack me like this from the first meeting... Princess Persica held her breath.

“One thing is certain you are in a trap. “Princess Persica.”

“... ”

“Are you trying to escape from the trap that Abbot Austin has set for you?”

The reason why Lucy Mayril stayed quiet even when she was immediately accused of being a murderer.

This is because Persica is already cornered even if she stays still. At first I couldn’t understand the inside story but when all my thoughts were organized it became completely clear.

“Isn’t the reason you attended this prayer meeting in the first place to appease Abbot Austin by using the excuse of hiding the demi-humans? “To request formal support for me at the upcoming imperial meeting.”

To Abbot Austin all the nuns at Cleric Monastery are like his daughters.

that... The same applies to all children even those of the demi-human race.

“I will keep all of this a secret and turn a blind eye even after I take over the throne so if you persuade me to formally support you... Even if Abbot Austin fully supports Princess Fenia her heart cannot help but be shaken.”

“You’re telling an interesting story.”

Princess Persica reacted leisurely but inside she was greatly embarrassed.

Above all there are no clues at all to infer these things from Ed Rosstaylor’s point of view.

Where did the information leak out?

At least in this monastery only Tune knew all this information. However it is difficult to think that Tune would have betrayed him.

There was absolutely no advantage to betrayal and above all he was always guarding Persica by her side.

“It’s definitely a reason to come a long way. “If I can get Abbot Austin on my side the voices of those who support Princess Persica within the Telos Church will become quite loud.”

However the situation did not go as Princess Persica intended.

When Abbot Austin the target of appeasement was found dead... All plans went to waste.

This happened shortly after the Princess of Persica visited Cleric Monastery.

“Didn’t the appeasement plan work out as you hoped?”

“If you try to insult and humiliate me any longer I will not stand by. Although this is not the imperial palace... “You probably know that my authority is nothing compared to that of Duke Rosstaylor.”

“It is not an attempt to disdain authority. “I am here to negotiate.”

Ed Rosstaylor who was praying slowly opened his eyes.

He doesn’t look embarrassed relaxed or mocking.

I just talk about reality calmly and calmly.

The true identity of Ed Rosstaylor whom I had only heard about through rumors... It was very different from what the Princess of Persica had imagined.

He never panics. Even in the presence of the Princess of Persica whose worldly authority is sky-high.

“Looking at all these circumstances it becomes possible to infer that Abbot Austin committed suicide in response to the threats of the Princess of Persica.”

“It’s a leap of logic.”

well. In the long run Abbot Austin will have to continue to be swayed by the Princess of Persica’s imperial family even after she takes power.”

The demi-human rebellion that came close to assassinating the emperor still remains a wound in the hearts of the people of the empire.

The Cleric Monastery which holds the secret of protecting the demi-humans who have now become enemies of the empire must be swayed by the words of Princess Persica until the day she dies.

Zelan’s request was accepted. This happened solely due to the abbot’s personal deviation.

Abbot Austin was not there to watch quietly.

so that... chose.

“It’s not like Princess Persica didn’t think of that possibility.”

“Tune!”

– Evil!

Tune pulled out a knife and held it to Ed Rosstaylor’s neck.

An atmosphere sharper than that razor-sharp blade permeated the chapel. Tune’s blade was pointed at Ed Rosstaylor’s neck without even an inch of movement but Ed still didn’t move a single inch.

“Princess Persica. “I don’t want the situation to degenerate into armed conflict.”

Ed Rothtaylor always speaks the truth calmly.

“I am several times stronger than that escort knight of yours.”

Ed Rothtaylor spoke calmly looking up at the statue on the podium in a polite manner without even making eye contact.

Tune is a famous and talented person in the Imperial Knights. He is a swordsman who has been a prodigy since he was young.

However Ed Rosstaylor’s insinuating words are full of confidence. It is not an expression of confidence or an expression of arrogance. It is simply reciting the facts as they are.

“Otherwise why are you so obsessed with arresting Lucy Mayril?”

The corners of Princess Persica’s eyes trembled slightly.

“Other nuns may not know but at least Princess Persica who saw Lucy in the Rose Palace knows? Lucy Mayril is not the kind of person who deserves to be arrested like that. “He is a wizard who can destroy this entire monastery with a single wave of his hand.”

Nevertheless Princess Persica proudly ordered the arrest of Lucy Mayril.

Even though I know how useless that instruction is.

“Didn’t you know in advance that Lucy Mayril wouldn’t resist?”

Lucy’s strange lack of self-defense.

From Persica’s perspective to what extent could she have anticipated Lucy’s response? There wasn’t even the slightest hesitation in her actions.

“If Lucy pleads innocence and reveals the truth the abbot’s plans will all come to naught.”

The abbot’s plan was simple.

It is even more dangerous if it is left on the roof in this state for a long time.

No matter how much of a magic genius you are you cannot put back into your body the blood that has already been spilled.

The pale expression on Abbot Austin’s face was embarrassing for Lucy.

But what was most perplexing was what Austin said next.

“I couldn’t believe it when Old Man Glokt said he had taken on disciples but really... “Even if you look at me you’re just as much of a weirdo as Yeongtaeng.”

Austin recognized Lucy.

Even if you were a living history book it would not be easy to recognize a girl named Lucy Mayril at a glance.

Recently he has made a name for himself in the central part of the empire and is also famous as the Chief of Sylvania... Recognizing Lucy in my fading consciousness could be seen as something close to a miracle.

An acquaintance of Archmage Glokt Elderbane.

That alone made Lucy unable to help but widen her eyes.

“That old man... He probably didn’t have the talent to teach magic... “Child you must have suffered a lot too.”

It also looked quite vague.

Lucy tried to save Austin’s life by gathering her magic power and bandaging his wounds but the 109-year-old’s body had already suffered more than enough fatal blows.

“Still it seems that Lord Telos has heard my prayer as the disciple of that young man appeared like this at the end of my life.”

“... Don’t talk too much. Blood... They keep trying to come out... ”

“Oh my. Considering my old relationship with Old Man Glokt would you be able to grant just two of this old man’s last wishes? ?”

The possibility of survival had already been completely ruled out. Even in that situation the calm and benevolent tone continues. It is indeed age.

“The child who inflicted this wound on me is still wandering around on the roof of the monastery. It’s somehow being glossed over by rumors that it’s a ‘ghost’... It won’t last long. “Can you catch him before that and take care of him?”

Lucy who always had a blank expression on her face narrowed her eyebrows as if she was anxious. It’s so rare that we only see the blunt Lucy show such emotions once a year.

“... “That’s easy.”

“Okay thank you. And again... Lastly I want to sit comfortably in the chair in my room and close my eyes. Could you please move me to a room... ?”

“You have to go to the hospital not your room.”

“It’s a favor. “It’s because I have something to do in my room from now on.”

“Tell me and I will do it for you.”

“It’s sad but this can only be done if this old man goes there himself.”

It was a waste of time to argue like that. This is because the life in Austin’s eyes was slowly disappearing.

Lucy gritted her teeth and unleashed her magic using spatial magic to move Abbot Austin’s body to the room.

A shabby and frugal room. The body of Abbot Austin was placed in that side room which had nothing to boast about other than the beautiful moonlight coming in.

He was lying down on the wooden chair he often sat on while praying and he was giggling and trying to laugh loudly.

“Kkkkkkkkakkak.”

Abbot Austin who was smiling as if he had the best of luck in the world soon took a deep breath.

The desk in the room was piled high with letters from the Princess of Persica. It contained a story about the demi-humans and a question about Abbot Austin’s cooperation in the future imperial power dispute.

Lucy skimmed through the contents and then looked back at Austin.

Austin who was stretched out as if he was sitting in an armchair spoke.

now... Get out. “Nothing good comes from staying here too long.”

“What are you doing in your room... ?”

At those words Austin smiled and added.

“I have to protect my daughters.”

It was at this point that Lucy realized what Austin was thinking.

It is obvious what will happen to the monastery the moment a dead body with scars from the beast’s claws is discovered. Since there is no way for there to be wild beasts in this monastery which was artificially built on a rocky island it would not take a long time to conclude that this was the work of the demi-humans.

Above all there is a separate penitence room for demi-humans in the basement of this monastery and if the imperial army were to search it would not be an easy task to find a group of monks with animal ears.

Therefore the most important thing is not to make it public. If you are going to come up with an alternative it would be better to arrest the Princess of Persica to prevent her from exerting her influence on the monastery.

The method is... It is clearly decided.

Austin reached out to the desk with difficulty and burned all the letters the Princess of Persica had sent him in the large candlestick next to him.

“Oh my. Go now. “I want to be alone.”

Lucy watched quietly... Soon he nodded biting his lower lip tightly. Austin probably doesn’t want to show Lucy what happens next.

That was the moment when Lucy was about to lean out toward the window.

“You probably have the same concerns as the Glokt old man from when you were young.”

Although the story was said slowly in a voice that was becoming husky Austin’s words struck Lucy right in the heart.

“Aren’t you afraid of the emptiness that will eventually come into your life and the repetition of a life that just continues without meaning? “I will be afraid of reaching such a high level that only boredom will remain in life itself.”

Lucy looked at Austin who was giggling and laughing with surprised eyes.

“That said don’t try to artificially create meaning in life or wander around looking for it. ... The meaning of life is not something you find but something you give it. “Yes you give it meaning.”

“... What is that... ”

“If he came in on a wagon from Sylvania he must have been chasing that duke master after all... ?”

To what extent did he even know that he was hiding in the wagon in the first place? Come to think of it Austin didn’t stray far from Ed’s wagon when he came to meet him on the shore.

They were watching the inside of the carriage. I just assessed Ed’s personality and concluded that there wouldn’t be any problem.

He really is a surprisingly deep old man.

The blade of wisdom accumulated over many years was sharpened like this.

“For a guy like that the meaning of life is pretty good.”

The sight of him smiling leisurely even while bleeding from the corner of his mouth was a truly Austin-like farewell.

So the old woman sent the girl away.

With trembling hands I close the window manage to clear my blurry vision and open the bottom drawer.

Inside is a ceremonial dagger. I hold the handle of the dagger with my wrinkled hand.

The target point is the lower abdomen where there is a wound.

Fortunately the perpetrator’s hands were small so the area of ​​the wound was small. It’s just that deep.

By driving a dagger into it the ‘marks of being attacked by a wild beast’ disappear and only the ‘dagger stab wound’ remains.

The category of suspects is expanded to include any human being who can hold a dagger in his hand.

Suddenly the starlight outside the window catches my eye.

Abbot Austin grinned as the sight he always saw whenever he sat alone in his room and prayed was even more special today.

If you look at the wrist holding the dagger up it looks bony and skinny. There was a time when I was as white as jade but I feel like life is truly colorless.

Nevertheless when it comes to the end if I can proudly declare that I have protected my daughters.

Couldn’t we say that it was a truly meaningful life?

It has been a while since all of my close friends who lived long lives left for heaven.

I’m a little late but I think I can laugh loudly and shout to their faces that I’ve had a good life.

It felt really good.

And Austin tightened his grip on the dagger.

*

“I couldn’t do anything.”

Lucy’s hair flutters around her cheeks as she looks down at the night sea while holding her knees.

Lucy was dazed with her head resting on her knees... Finally he opened his mouth again.

“Me. “I could blow up this entire monastery if I wanted to.”

“I guess so.”

“If you use all your magical power... “I can travel distances that would otherwise have to be traveled by carriage in a moment and I can handle dozens of high-level magic circles at once.”

“Yes it is amazing.”

however... “I couldn’t do anything.”

Lucy Mayril could do nothing. Although he possessed great magical powers and enormous strength he could do nothing but sit still.

If he rashly steps forward and makes the matter public all of Austin’s hard work and sacrifice will be in vain. If the monastery’s demi-humans are revealed to the world in any way Austin’s death will be a dog’s death.

That’s why Lucy kept quiet until the moment she was pointed out as a suspect.

Because you never know how your remarks will be interpreted and how they will change the situation. Because everything was unknown territory.

Now that things were going as Austin intended there was nothing he could do but leave the situation as it was.

“He was an acquaintance of Grandpa Glokt whom I met for the first time... “We haven’t even talked much.”

“It’s a shame.”

“... “I wanted to save it.”

“No matter how hard I tried it didn’t work but there’s nothing I can do about it.”

As we continued to agree I sat side by side with Lucy and looked at the night sea.

Before we knew it it was low tide time. The soldiers on the coastline one or two at a time were setting up campfires and preparing to come over to the monastery.

From a distance the sight of soldiers raising torches one by one is magnificent. The sight of a group of torches burning along the sandy beach exposed above the water makes it seem as if fire is spreading across the sea.

We sat side by side for a while looking at the scene.

“Ugh huh.”

– Drop drop.

Soon tears like chicken droppings poured out of Lucy’s eyes.

The tears flowing out of the eyes are lumped together and flowing down. I didn’t necessarily look embarrassed when I saw that.

“In the world... “There are so many things that cannot be done with strength alone.”

In the world where politics are entangled ideologies and ideas conflict and good and evil intentions swirl there are too many things that cannot be done by force alone. This is because humans are complex and the human mind is difficult.

For a girl who has just begun her journey into the world stories about the world that involve such things are very difficult.

It is the process of a girl becoming an adult.

It’s a process that everyone goes through but that doesn’t mean it’s not sad.

I pressed and stroked Lucy’s head and let the tears well up.

I wrapped my arms around Lucy’s shoulders and hugged her and looked at the night sea together for a while.

It looks like the top of the spire of a magnificent monastery. The night scenery was also quite spectacular.

There were quite a few shooting stars falling in the sky leaving behind quite long tails.