Chapter 50

Dyran Magic Kingdom, the capital Dyran.

The people who live there tend to be somewhat serious and upright. Crime is also low. Due to the influx of foreign goods, commerce is thriving. The market is vibrant yet orderly, a city that could be described as a picture of order.

This is because the people fear and respect the king and queen.

Queen Bazalde, the strongest witch who has defeated all enemy nations and mercilessly burned those who opposed her, is a living legend. The citizens of the capital know the fear she instills all too well.

Ten years ago, the enemy army approached the capital's defenses, numbering a mere thousand. But each soldier was a fierce warrior, determined not to return alive. Their fierce cries echoed through the capital, causing its people to tremble. Both the king and queen were away, preparing for the decisive battle with the enemy army. It was a complete surprise attack.

But the queen, sensing this, returned with only a small contingent. From a distance of several kilometers, she turned the thousand soldiers into ashes. Since then, the citizens of the capital have been filled with both gratitude and even greater fear towards the queen.

On one hand, the loyal citizens have enjoyed prosperity, but on the other, there are many informants, and the poor and homeless are always oppressed. Even those of high status are cautious and stubborn to avoid displeasing the royal family and being burned. As a result, there is no room for flexible thinking or vibrant culture, and only foreign goods are revered. Anyone who stands out, regardless of their status, is suppressed, and the city is filled with people skilled in self-preservation. This is the negative side of Dyran.

The royal palace, a symbol of order and fear, is a large and sturdy building, but lacks grandeur. No one wants to decorate this castle.

However, a short distance from the royal palace, there is an elegant villa that is quite different from the capital.

The outer walls are painted white, giving a refreshing impression. Passing through the ornate gate and walking along the tiled path, one can see a colorful garden to the side. Flower beds are in full bloom with seasonal flowers, and neatly trimmed trees line the path, showing that maintenance is never neglected.

At the end of the path stands a red brick mansion.

"Ha... I have to move to the palace from here next year. I can't stand it."

The mistress of the house sighed openly in front of her guest in the parlor.

But even her sigh exudes grace and dignity.

Her fiery orange hair is abundant and majestic, like a lion's.

Her sharp, slanted eyes resemble those of a predatory feline.

Her limbs, extending from her dress, are slender yet firm, showing no sign of fragility.

Though she has the beautiful features of a girl in her late teens, she exudes a commanding presence.

"Would it be a lie to say that you are in a good mood, Lady Eirina?"

Ionia smiled amusedly in front of Eirina, the future queen and mistress of the house. Eirina, in turn, smiled sarcastically.

"Say it properly in front of the servants. And watch your language. No matter how famous you are as a painter, you could be killed if the wrong person hears you."

"I'm sorry, but that's just my nature."

Ionia shrugged without a hint of remorse.

"But don't you still hope to ascend the throne, Lady Eirina?"

"Of course. ...I'd rather read books, look at the garden, admire paintings and sculptures, and host banquets. I find the battlefield troublesome."

"Indeed."

"That's why I want you to succeed, Ionia, the leader of the rebel army."

Eirina's face twisted into a malicious smile.

"I never thought I would be under your protection. I will never forget the debt of gratitude for saving my life."

"I was the one who was surprised. I thought I had captured a rebel leader, but it turned out to be a famous painter of the moment."

A chill ran down Ionia's spine.

Eirina could kill Ionia at any moment.

This place is the lion's den.

Ionia and Eirina met about three years ago. As the outcomes of wars with various countries became clear, and post-war measures and the pursuit of remnants became pressing issues for the Dyran Magic Kingdom, Eirina, despite her young age, was already active in various fields due to her magical prowess.

Eirina did not subdue enemies with overwhelming power like Queen Bazalde. Her strength lay in her wisdom. She deciphered ancient texts to revive several lost magics and invented new ones. The magic of the Black Claw Knights, the "Hounds," was also created by Eirina.

Both the king and queen highly valued her contributions. Eirina played a significant role in the kingdom's many victories. Moreover, Eirina was the only surviving relative of the queen's beloved sister. Talented and bearing a strong resemblance to her sister, Bazalde loved Eirina more than her own daughter, both as family and as a magic apprentice.

"I was prepared to die when I was chosen as the successor to the witch Bazalde. Though, I always have to be prepared to die when I meet you."

"That's a good thing. Cheer up. Do you have enough money?"

Eirina used her magic to find the rebels, but she missed Ionia, one of the top leaders. Not only that, she provided him with money, travel permits, fake documents, and even used her fame as a painter to actively help him. This is the main reason the Black Claw Knights cannot capture the rebel leaders.

"Yes, thanks to you. And the method to deal with the 'Hounds' was also helpful."

"They can't make complex judgments. When a scent splits or mixes, wild animals are much smarter. However, the convenience of magic is significant."

"It's terrifying to be pursued, though."

"Why be afraid of a dog? The one you need to fight is the great witch who rules this island."

"Indeed. The world is full of terrifying things."

"Defeat your master before my coronation. If you can't, your life is forfeit."

"Of course."

"The current people revere and fear the queen and king as gods. They would offer their lives if asked. ...But that's not enough. No matter how unified this island is, it can't compete with the countries on the mainland. If they attack by sea, steal resources, and enslave the people, the entire Algenes Island will be destroyed within a century."

The reason Eirina protected Ionia was her conviction that the current ruling system of the Dyran Magic Kingdom would not last long.

King Alan and Queen Bazalde are overwhelmingly powerful. The kingdom relies too much on individual strength and lacks organizational power. The same monstrous strength is required of their successors.

Eirina is a genius among mages. But even so, she does not match the current king's power. Eirina's talent lies more in her qualities as a researcher than as a practitioner. As an outstanding researcher, she realized that if time passes and technology other than magic develops, the era of victory through individual bravery will pass.

"But the recent battle ended in a disappointing result, didn't it?"

"…I repeatedly warned that it was premature, but I couldn't stop it."

"Your master probably sensed that the anti-magic mirror would be used. She also knew she could counter it with her power. But there was no guarantee of victory. Your master won the gamble."

"Yes, I couldn't match Bazalde's power. It's not just the 'Blazing Light.' As a commander, she is in a different league."

"What do you plan to do?"

Eirina asked in a joking tone, but her eyes were not smiling.

"We had the advantage of terrain but not of timing. We need to fill in the gaps."

Ionia shrugged with a cool expression, but Eirina's mood soured at his nonchalant attitude.

"Be more specific."

"…We didn't fully unlock the true power of the anti-magic mirror. It was originally a living creature, a shell."

"So?"

"The Dragon Breath Shell grows by receiving the breath of dragons. But the dragon's breath is not just one type. It can breathe fire or ice, and the shell's contents adapt to each. The shell can absorb various magical energies, controlled by the main body. Even the shell from a dead Dragon Breath Shell is a threat to mages, but a living one is far more versatile."

"But living Dragon Breath Shells don't exist, and even if they did, could you control them?"

"Haha, that's impossible. …But we can deceive the shell."

"What do you mean?"

"Magic has ripples, like the lines on the palm of a human hand. Each user has subtle but distinct differences. The Dragon Breath Shell perceives these and gives commands to the shell to neutralize the dragon's breath. The contents of the shell perform intricate calculations, like a 'demon.'"

"…Where did you learn this? The Dragon Breath Shell is full of mysteries."

"Do you want to know? I can explain if you become a full ally."

Ionia's obvious smile made Eirina's eyes narrow.

"…If you can do it, you would have done it already. Even if the Dragon Breath Shell's nature is as you say, it's impossible to achieve in reality."

"Why?"

"Magicians who have mastered barriers and defensive spells can do something similar, but only after understanding the opponent's nature through repeated sparring. It's like a dance or a ritual. Or like asking different instruments to perform a perfect duet without practice. Can you do that with the 'Blazing Light,' which burns instantly upon contact?"

"No, but I could withstand Bazalde's full attack."

"But it didn't reach. The rebels' main force also judged it to be difficult, which is why they overrode the moderates and attacked. You are on the verge of destruction."

Eirina tapped her neck lightly with a closed fan.

"Of course. If you think I have no plan, I'll show you the results."

"…You can do it?"

"Yes. It's not a pipe dream."

Eirina observed Ionia's smile intently but then relaxed and smiled.

"Well, I'll look forward to it."

"But it's strange. Why is the 'Blazing Light' so powerful?"

"I don't know either. Why can my master use such power…"

"Wouldn't it be faster for you to inherit the crown and learn the 'Blazing Light'? If there's a trick, you should be able to use it too."

Eirina frowned at Ionia's words.

"I don't know… I might not be able to use it. If it's a mystery I can handle, someone will eventually figure it out. If you can figure it out, people from the mainland will too. It's better to reform the country now… but"

"But?"

"If you can't figure it out, I will inherit the crown and the witch's name. I will kill you, burn the ships from foreign lands, and destroy anything that harms me. No matter what calamity it brings in the future, I will leave it to the people of that time. I don't care about the future."

A smile appeared on Eirina's lips.

A natural, charming smile that suited her age.

A cold sweat trickled down Ionia's back.

"I love this country and this world. I love your paintings. I would even want to lock up all the artists, including you, somewhere. But it's not worth more than my life. So, cheer up."

"I'll keep that in mind. …Shall we stop the serious talk? I'm tired from being so tense."

"You're impolite to be tired in front of me. But, it's fine. Did you prepare the gift?"

"It's my best work. Please take a look."

Ionia took out a dress from a large bag.

"Oh…!"

Eirina let out a genuine exclamation of amazement.

This was a dress made from a yuzen-dyed fabric crafted by Jill.

The pure white silk fabric was adorned with vibrant irises.

"How is it?"

"It's better than I expected… Show it to me closer."

"Of course."

Eirina examined the painted parts with excitement.

She gently touched it with her fingers, checked the texture, and sighed in admiration at the quality.

"Amazing, Ionia. I knew about your talent for painting, but to make a dress like this… Ah, what a waste."

"It's an honor to receive your praise… But I only drew the design. A tailor friend made the dress, and I relied on a connection to get the fabric."

"Connection? Who is it?"

"The heir to the throne you deposed."

"…What?"

Eirina muttered, her face blank.

"Princess Jill. Or, former Princess Jill, I should say."

Ionia's playful words made Eirina frown.

"…I thought she was exiled from the capital?"

"Yes. She received a forest next to Shelland as her domain and is living happily, obsessed with making clothes and accessories."

At first, Eirina's face was blank.

But then she frowned, clenched her fists, and slammed the table.

"Ugh…"

"Did I upset you?"

Ionia felt a moment of unease, thinking he might have gone too far.

"…If she weren't royalty, I would have kept her as a seamstress… I didn't know she could make something like this…!"

"Ah, I see."

This was one of Eirina's bad habits. She generously supported artists, musicians, and craftsmen she liked. She also genuinely admired Ionia's paintings, more so than their political alliance.

"Come to think of it, she was also good at embroidery… I overlooked that."

"You were rivals for the throne, weren't you? The distance between you and Princess Jill is a bit strange."

"I don't hate her. But considering my master, being too close would leave a bad legacy. It wouldn't be good for either of us."

Eirina propped her cheek on her hand and looked out the window.

"I might have to kill her, or she might have to kill me. I don't want to get too emotionally involved."

She murmured sadly.

"Being a king is a fateful business."

"Exactly. I envy you for being willing to do anything to protect the woman you love."

"Isn't that true? It's worth risking your life and your future."

"You say that so boldly…"

Eirina sighed.

Ionia watched her with a smile.

"What? What's that look? It's impertinent."

"Nothing, I was just wondering what your face would look like if I told you there's another dress made by Princess Jill."

"Show it to me. Quickly."

Ionia took out another dress as requested.

It was an aloha shirt.

Ionia had liked the one he borrowed from Jill and begged for one.

"This… This is…"

The design, inspired by ocean waves, captivated Eirina even more than when Matthew and the others first saw it.

"How… wonderful…!"

"Isn't it? Ah, this is my personal item, so I can't sell it."

"Give it to me."

"…It's a men's shirt?"

"I'll have it altered by a seamstress."

Eirina tried to push the conversation forward, ignoring Ionia's words.

But Ionia shrugged with a relaxed expression.

"That's not what I meant… It's a bit of a problem. I was told not to resell it. While I might break a promise to an unimportant person, I can't break a promise to a former princess."

Ionia's words implied that he might be willing to part with it under certain conditions.

He never said he wouldn't give it up.

"Of course, I'll pay a good price, and I won't wear it in public."

"I'd like to learn some interesting magic."

"I was planning to teach you a few anyway, so that's fine."

"I also want some foreign goods. I want to negotiate with a foreign merchant."

"I'll set it up for you, so clear your schedule."

"Thanks. I don't want to be stingy with gifts."

Eirina smiled.

"You're quite indulgent with the woman you love. Despite the terrifying name of the Black Claw Knights."

"I inherited that from the leader."

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