Chapter 2: I Turned Ten
It’s me, Eurushia. The new year has come, and I’ve become a fourth-year student at the magic academy.
Half a year has passed since then, but of course, I’ve hardly attended the academy. ……After all, the whole academy arc was doomed from the start.
Anyway, putting aside such trivial matters, despite holding that grand naming ceremony that gathered the entire nation, we, the party of heroes, still haven’t set off on our journey!
It’s been half a year, you know? What have we been doing all this time? I tried summoning things that might be useful for the journey out of boredom and ended up in quite a mess, but otherwise, we haven’t done anything noteworthy. ……Well, I did realize that the affection of the sea creatures for me is a bit overwhelming.
Or is it that? Is it because we’re missing something? Even though we have a hero, a warrior, and a priest, do we need a mage or a martial artist too?
But leaving that game-like logic aside, the real problem lies with me and Rick……mainly with the third prince, Ludrick.
Yes! Most of it is Rick’s fault! He’s the third prince, a royal with a claim to the throne.
There have always been people who’ve pushed for Rick, who resembles our rough grandfather, to be the successor rather than the charming Timothee, who looks like Lady Elea. And now that Rick has been chosen by the spirits as the [Holy Warrior], they’ve doubled down on their belief that he’s the rightful heir. Sending the third prince abroad is out of the question! If anyone should go, it should be that insignificant princess from Versenia! ……Wait, hold on.
In any case, because of these opinions, we haven’t been able to depart.
But well, there are also those who object to the idea of Rick and me, both with claims to the throne, embarking on a journey that’s far from safe. ……Like my father, for example.
On the other hand, Rick’s father, my uncle, was all like [Show them your strength!], so maybe the delay in our departure is partly my fault too?
Even now, when I look towards the northern skies, I can see his miasma swirling in the distance, forming ominous black clouds. But surprisingly, the Holy Kingdom remains peaceful.
Originally, the Holy Kingdom of Taliteld, located in the center of the continent, is far from the land of the demons. Plus, it’s said that the entire country is protected by a barrier that repels monsters, so there hasn’t been a monster attack in hundreds of years.
……Though vampires seem to be fine. Even humanoid demons from the Demon Race have been able to enter without issue. The barrier’s full of holes.
Well, maybe it’s fine if they’re powerful and retain even a little bit of human attributes. I’ve never seen it, but if goblins or orcs managed to get in, it would be a disaster.
……Which is worse, being attacked by wild hippos or elephants?
Those guys will eat you regardless of gender (physically). They’re herbivores, but for some reason, they eat people!
Oops, I’ve gone off-topic.
But still, the reason the citizens aren’t panicking over those dark clouds is partly due to the kingdom’s deeply religious and gentle nature, but the main reason is that we have the [Hero], [Saintess], and [Holy Warrior]—all bearing the prestigious title of the [Holy Kingdom].
We’re on a completely different level compared to that so-called hero (laughs).
I wonder how my sisters are doing……hehe.
Even so, the ambassadors from the neighboring small countries, which lack military strength, seem eager to have their anxieties alleviated, as they’ve been frequently sending inquiries through my father and Duke Capel.
Looks like I might have to go on another saintess idol tour again.
……Do I really not have to sing?
Despite the seemingly carefree atmosphere of the Holy Kingdom, autumn has arrived, and I’ve finally turned ten! (Ta-da!)
This time, I tried my best to avoid having a large-scale birthday celebration at the royal castle. But now that I’ve hit the double digits and it’s my first birthday since officially becoming the [True Saintess], it’s inevitable that things would get extravagant!
When I hinted that the royal castle might be a bit too much, the Pope of the Costol Church chimed in with, [Then let’s hold it at the grand cathedral of the church, and make the day a national holiday so the whole country can celebrate!] With that unnecessary remark, the situation spiraled out of control.
If I were to enter the cathedral now, the anti-evil barrier would burn out, you know? (I have a record.)
So, I reluctantly agreed to have it at the royal castle, but things got way out of hand…… My grandfather, the Pope, and the other old men got way too excited, and in the end, the day became a national holiday called the [Saint’s Festival].
And on top of that! Duke Capel—who’s been purified in body, mind, and scalp, leaving him with a full head of hair—along with his reconciled brother, the merchant lord Zesh, and the merchant guild they roped into it, decided to offer free food and drinks in the streets and at the temple.
……Huh? What are they trying to make me out to be? A god or something? Lately, the snacks and “offerings” sent by the nobles have been suspiciously frequent……
Please, spare me……
And so, the [Long Live the Saintess Birthday Celebration] began, and with the merchant guild providing the food, the quality and quantity were off the charts.
The merchant guild…… It’s like a gathering of shopkeepers, right? But don’t underestimate them. They’re the ones directly managing the nation’s economy, and when we set off on our journey, they’ll be the ones providing our activity funds and supplies along the way, along with the church.
Still, it’s not that different from previous birthday celebrations. If anything, the number of attendees has skyrocketed, and I’ve started seeing the heads of large merchant guilds, who aren’t nobles, among the crowd.
——[May darkness never befall us]——
As I walked through the venue, I kept hearing that “spell” from all directions, so it seems that members of that [Society That Brings Darkness to the Light……or something] are also present here.
Looks like my hidden assets are going to increase again……
Anyway! When I entered the venue, I was escorted by the hero Noel and the holy warrior Rick. But the adorable Noel was quickly snatched away by the ladies and young misses. ……It reminded me of a piranha feeding frenzy.
Of course, Rick was also popular, but he firmly rejected the women swarming around him. Now, though, he’s been caught by the religious figures and the monstrous old men from the merchant guild, occasionally sending me pleading glances for help. But since I’ve been through this before, I’ll just watch over him warmly.
As for me?
I’m the picture of loneliness.
Why does no one come to me? Well, a few did, but upon closer inspection, their scalps looked familiar, so they were probably members of that society.
Shelly and Betty should be here too, but I haven’t been able to meet up with them yet. My father and mother are busy with greetings, so they can’t stay by my side the whole time.
Well, I see my friends and family regularly, so it’s fine, but being alone is lonely. I did catch a glimpse of Cordelia from the Capel household once, but she was swallowed up by the crowd of over five thousand people.
With so many people around, why does no one approach me? Hey, old man, you don’t have to bow with your grandchild! It’s fine to just talk to me normally!
There’s a void around me. ……It can’t be helped.
“[Let’s go, Nia.]”
“[Yes, Lady Eurushia.]”
Since it can’t be helped, I’ll take the initiative. My companion for today is Nia. But she absolutely refused to let go of the Golden Cat Sword, so instead of a dress, she’s wearing a knight’s uniform.
As for me, I thought a black dress might be a bit much, so I’m wearing the pure white dress (saintess edition) made by my mother and grandmother.
The black dress made by Tina and Fanny…… I can’t take it off. If I try, it transforms into a choker, so it’s not a problem, but having cursed equipment before even starting the adventure is a bit……
So, with Nia in tow, I moved through the void until I finally spotted a familiar face.
“[You’re here, Lady Mylene.]”
When I called out to the lock of purplish silver hair peeking through the crowd of men, they all flinched and made way between me and Mylene.
……What kind of reaction is that?
“[Ah, Lady Eurushia! I’ve been looking for you. It’s stuffy here, so let’s go to the terrace!]”
Mylene, who had been elegantly handling the men with smiles and gestures, suddenly spoke in a rushed tone—or rather, without taking a breath—and grabbed my hand, quickly leading me to the terrace.
But, it’s stuffy? ……It’s already autumn.
“[Mylene…… please don’t use me as bug repellent.]”
After shaking off the men and reaching the less crowded terrace, I removed my “saintess” mask, and Mylene also shed her “countess” facade, letting out a deep sigh.
“[Well……, it’s a hassle dealing with those shallow souls, isn’t it?]”
Mylene is fifteen this year. As a noble lady, she’s in the prime of her youth, blossoming into a beautiful maiden.
Known as the [Silver Princess], she’s a stunningly beautiful girl, and next spring during the New Year’s celebration—generally, nobles officially come of age after graduating from the magic academy—she’ll formally become the [Countess Auber].
She only has a few months left as a minor. Once Mylene officially becomes a countess, it’ll be difficult even for middle or upper nobles’ third sons to approach her, and the men aiming to marry into the Auber family are getting desperate.
In the past, Mylene would freely flirt with anyone, regardless of gender, as long as they had good lineage and looks. But ever since I taught her how to discern delicious souls, she’s become quite the gourmet……
“[Oh, by the way, the prototypes are finished. How about it?]”
“[……I’ll take them.]”
When I lightly tapped the black choker, two prototypes fell into my hand.
“[……Where did they come from?]”
“[……Who knows?]”
The choker is full of mysterious functions.
“[Honestly, making something like this in my territory……]”
Mylene made a sour face as she bit into the octopus leg I handed her.
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“[It’s fine, isn’t it? It’s profitable and delicious, right?]”
“[It’s profitable and delicious, and that’s what’s annoying!]”
The brave octopuses I summoned are being prepared and sun-dried in Mylene’s territory by vampires and the local villagers. We can’t do it in my territory because the sea smell would stick, so there’s no other choice.
Recently, we’ve also been sun-drying some of the excess seaweed that we couldn’t process in time, and now it’s become one of the important sources of income for the Auber County.
This batch of dried octopus is a trial product, thanks to Noah finally perfecting the seasoning liquid.
Why does it taste “delicious” even to us, beings of darkness? It’s because the octopuses responded to my summoning and wished to be of use to me, so a faint trace of their soul’s power remains. Amazing, isn’t it? Octopuses are incredible.
“But still, my hands still smell like the sea after making this…”
“Yeah…”
Poor thing…! Why are you even helping with this? Leave it all to your subordinates and the villagers. Why are you, a vampire, so diligent? Nia, you should at least try to hide that surprised look on your face.
Once the seasoning liquid can be mass-produced, we’ll leave the sales to you, so… well, do your best!
“Phew… I finally feel like myself again.”
Perhaps replenishing a bit of her soul with the dried octopus, Mylene lets out a relieved sigh.
“I envy how Eurushia-sama doesn’t have people crowding around her.”
Is this a boast about being popular? But it seems there’s a reason for it.
“Is it because of the rumors that the beast demons are targeting you, so people stay away?”
“Ehhh……”
That’s the reason? They believe the Saintess will handle it, but they’re scared of getting involved if they’re too close? Seriously, you should appreciate me more.
Anyway.
“If marriage proposals and clingy men are such a bother, why not look for a noble with a strong soul who could be turned into a vampire?”
“Not yet. I still have plenty of time at my age.”
Among noblewomen, who tend to marry earlier than commoners, it’s considered safe to settle down by the age of twenty.
“By the way… how do vampires grow and age?”
Mylene, you’re actually over a hundred years old, right? This isn’t just about looking young.
“I feel like I’m being teased here…”
“It’s just your imagination.”
“We don’t grow. Our bodies haven’t changed since we became vampires in our teens.”
“But you seem more mature than when we first met.”
“Well, unlike the others, I’m skilled in manipulating my body, so I can adjust it to some extent. Though I can’t turn into a baby.”
“Huh…”
“‘Huh’? What about demons? How do you change your appearance, Eurushia-sama?”
“I just grow normally.”
“That’s not normal!? Really, Eurushia-sama, you’re so careless…”
How rude. Being “carefree” isn’t so bad.
I think it’s because I have a “human attribute” from the “self” I used as a vessel before becoming a demon.
That’s why I grow normally, and my servants, who are synchronized with my soul, also change their appearances to match mine. But even with a human attribute, my core is still a demon, so my body, optimized to its best state, feels like it’s immortal as long as my soul exists…
“…Oh.”
Suddenly, the music in the venue changes.
This birthday party is filled with people of all ages, and now that I’ve turned ten, it seems it’s time for dancing.
“Those two… they’re your ‘friends,’ right? They seem to be watching you.”
Mylene whispers to me, hiding her mouth behind her fan.
We’ve retreated to the terrace, but as prominent figures, we can’t escape the eyes of the crowd. I’ve felt their gazes from a distance, but even among the many people surrounding them, Rick and Noel keep glancing at me.
“Why don’t you go to them?”
“…Fine.”
Mylene pushes me with a smirk. If I’m going to dance, it would only be with those two, but do they really want to dance with me? Oh, right.
“Mylene-sama? If you want to relieve some stress, why not go ‘play’ somewhere?”
She’s so serious, trying to perfectly balance being a “human noble” and a “creature of darkness,” which has put her in a troublesome state.
She should relax a bit. If she can’t, she should take a break from “work” and have some fun. Fortunately, her subordinates are competent.
With that thought, I give her a “knowing” smile, and Mylene looks puzzled for a moment before her expression shifts to one of realization, and she nods seriously.
…Uh, did my message get through?
I walk gracefully through the venue as the lively music plays.
At a noble’s evening party, a young lady wouldn’t dance until she’s over thirteen, but this is my party, and as the Saintess and Princess, “I” must lead the first dance before anyone else can join.
Under the gazes of envy and admiration from both men and women, I step into the center of the room. As the men hesitate, two boys step forward.
Rick and Noel… the Prince and the Hero.
The two I’ve known since childhood are now thirteen and twelve, desperately running toward adulthood.
How do I appear in your eyes?
A small princess to protect? A precious family member and little sister? A Saintess to revere?
When you learn my true nature, will you still accept me?
And… what choice will “he” make?
At that time… what choice will “I” make?
But for now—
I gently extend my hand to the two boys, who are subtly vying for my attention, and offer them a heartfelt “practiced smile.”
“Which of you will take my hand?”
And then… that day, news arrived that a small country in the northern part of the continent had been attacked by the Demons’s army.
TLNOTE:
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