[Stage 3-3] My Resolution, Alice’s Determination
Since then, as I’ve been learning about dark attribute magic with Reina, I’ve come to understand a few things.
First, the activation condition.
It is that the caster’s and the target’s eyes must reflect each other.
This is the biggest hurdle of dark attribute magic. That’s why Flone must have built up a history of actions to gain the trust of her puppets.
The effectiveness is also affected by the magical power of the caster and the target. The more magical power the target has, the more the caster will consume – this principle is similar to my [Magic Burial].
Another characteristic is that since it has staying power, magical power is consumed continuously while the effect is active.
I believe this is why Flone did not use dark attribute magic on Mashiro.
And while “brainwashing” is possible, multiple commands cannot be executed simultaneously. But it is still a powerful magic nonetheless.
There are two ways to cancel the brainwashing by dark attribute magic.
One is the death of the caster. It makes sense that killing the one who cast the spell would automatically cancel the brainwashing.
The other is cancellation by the caster themselves. This is a bit different from other magic.
After all, there are few types of magic with lasting, permanent effects, and magic typically involves a phenomenon that occurs after the incantation.
In other words, the noblemen who have had their memories erased by Flone cannot be restored unless she dies or decides to on a whim.
… However, Reina and I have discovered one method.
That is to use “[Magic Burial]” to cancel it.
Dark attribute magic is still magic, after all.
So “[Magic Burial]” should be able to effectively erase the effects.
And we’ve concluded that the possibility is extremely high.
“So Flone must have disliked me, who has the ability to cancel magic, as an uncertain factor because her dark attribute magic might not work on me.”
“That’s a natural conclusion. But now it’s confirmed.”
“Ah… I’m the one most compatible to fight against Flone.”
To think that the technique I created to survive in this world would end up being useless…!
In the not-so-distant future, I’ll probably be dragged into the battlefield.
If my wish comes true, I absolutely don’t want to set foot on the battlefield.
But the more I learn about dark attribute magic, the less I can say that.
If I leave Flone be, the world will undoubtedly be dominated by her.
It will transform into a world far removed from a harem or an easy life in another world.
What awaits is a world permeated with the scent of death.
Therefore, someone who can stop her must stand up.
“… Shall we take a short break? Brooding won’t give us good ideas.”
“… Yes, let’s go above ground. I’m a bit hungry too.”
“It’s snack time, after all. I’ll try my hand at it as well.”
“Thank you, Reina.”
The clock I had brought with me, based on the previous lesson, was showing the time as the day was starting to wane.
… Now that I’ve understood dark attribute magic to some extent, I need to report to my father.
Of course, the fact that my “[Magic Burial]” is an effective means will also be included.
If I inform my father of that, this leisurely, relaxed time like a long vacation will soon be over.
Even though it’s for the sake of securing a happy future with everyone… facing a life-or-death battle still weighs heavily on me.
“Lightning Strike Flone” is stronger than any opponent I’ve fought so far.
Bluntly put, she’s on a different level.
If I were to fight such a powerful enemy and end up defeated, what then?
I would no longer be able to have Mashiro’s brightness, Karen’s kindness, or Reina’s smile.
Or I might have my memories stolen, and end up hurting the three of them against my will.
Flone would undoubtedly do something like that.
If I can think of it, she might even come up with something even more cruel.
“……………….”
The oppressive pressure weighing on my shoulders is different from before.
My steps towards the surface felt heavier than usual.
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“… Ouga-kun?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Hya~h!”
“Whoa there…!”
Just as I was about to enter the office from the hidden room, Reina stopped me from behind.
When I turned back, Reina suddenly hugged me.
“Reina? What’s this all of a sudden?”
“I think it’s fine whether or not to report this time.”
“… No, Reina. I have to do it.”
“Is that so? But the kingdom created an unfair society where those without magical aptitude are disadvantaged, and now they’re conveniently relying on you only when they’re in trouble. That’s a bit much, don’t you think?”
“That’s…”
“… But I understand. I’m sure Ouga-kun will choose the option that will save everyone.”
The strength in Reina’s arms embracing me increases.
Due to the close contact, I can’t quite make out her expression.
“But please remember this. From that day on, my life has been entwined with yours, Ouga-kun. — If you ever feel the urge to run away, let’s flee together.”
“…………”
“No matter what choice you make, I’ll always be by your side. Even if I die, I’ll still be there for you.”
“…………Yes.”
I embraced Reina’s slender body tightly in return.
Until just a while ago, I had thought her so delicate and fragile. But the warmth I feel from her now is reassuringly sturdy.
“……Thank you, Reina. Your words have given me more than enough strength.”
“You’re welcome. …But I think Mashiro-san and Karen-san would have done the same if they happened to be here.”
“Haha…I should go ask them later.”
“Please do! Everyone has abandoned everything to follow you, Ouga-kun.”
…I am loved, aren’t I.
A truly pointless fantasy crosses my mind.
The sight of myself fleeing from the battle, from Flone.
…How pathetically weak my back would look.
I don’t want the others who adore me to see such a shameful retreat, even if they respect my choice.
This is the pride of the villain I aim to become.
Does someone as pitiful as me have the right to claim the role of a villain?
Seizing what I desire is my path to supremacy. Being taken from is unacceptable.
Haha…Very well then. Let’s do it, Flone.
I won’t let Mashiro, Karen, or Reina slip from my grasp.
And I’ll stay true to my beliefs, and shatter your ambitions…!
My resolve is set.
The resolve to fight, and the resolve to face the three of them.
If I emerge victorious from the battle with Flone, I’ll marry the three of them.
I had been making plans this summer to cross that line with them.
My foolish self had merely been pretending not to notice,
when deep down I knew the feelings I hold for Mashiro, Karen, and Reina.
“…Alright. I’ll talk to Father again when he returns.”
“Your expression is much better than before. It seems you’ve found some clarity.”
“Thanks to you.”
I stroked Reina’s head as she clung to me.
But we can’t stay here forever.
I peered through a crack and confirmed the office was empty, so we returned to the main hall.
“Let’s go get some fresh air before having tea. I’d like to loosen up a bit. That room felt suffocating.”
“Is that so? I enjoy it though. The cramped space lets me be closer to you, Ouga-kun.”
“Haha. Teasing me won’t get you anywhere, Reina.”
In my past life, I’ve been told similar things countless times, only to keep misunderstanding.
…But from now on, even if it’s a misunderstanding, I’ll see it through!
Likely, Reina has come to have feelings for me, now that I’ve saved her.
So for now, my goal should be to change her “like” to “love”.
For any other woman without such attachment, I wouldn’t hesitate to have her serve me through the use of power.
But with Mashiro, Karen, and Reina…I want to have a proper romantic marriage.
Since I’ve decided I want to marry them, the circumstances have changed from before.
The problem is that I have little experience in romance…But I’ll learn along the way.
“…Ouga-kun, could it be that you’re rather dense?”
“Apologies, did you say something?”
“No, I was just thinking I’ll have to try harder myself.”
I had been so absorbed in my thoughts that I missed Reina’s words.
…Damn, this is a minus point for me too.
From now on, I can’t afford to tune her out like that.
For now, let’s go out to the courtyard and bask in the sunlight…Hm?
As I exited through the front door, I saw Alice there, receiving several envelopes from a delivery person with a serious expression.
There are two types of delivery personnel who come to the Vellet household.
One is the noble-exclusive courier who delivers important documents to Father, Mother, and the like. The other is the one who brings mail for the commoner servants.
This time, it’s the latter. That’s why Alice is the one receiving them…
“Alice? Is something the matter?”
“……Lord Ouga.”
Alice turns to me with a startled look,
before quickly reverting to her usual self. However, the bundle of envelopes in her hands is being tightly clutched against her chest, slightly crumpled.
“I was receiving some mail. Looks like letters for the other servants.”
Alice never receives any mail.
She has been renamed, and Chris Lagnica no longer exists in the family registry.
…Could it be that she’s feeling lonely?
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