“Come on, admit it already, Ruelde. Even if Carriel does come back now, there’s no place for him in the Empire anymore. And you, more than anyone, should know that.”
Inside a forest cave with a fire crackling between them, the two sat facing each other.
The small girl with radiant silver hair and the trademark green eyes of fae and elves had her pointed ears slightly narrowed.
However, despite her youthful appearance, she was an ancient being who’d weathered several centuries and was also known as a grand mage.
Geoffrey Day Adelvais.
The mentor of the Mage Empress and one of the great sages who offered guidance and counsel to the nine heroes without fail.
The fact that there wasn’t an elf among the warriors who saved the world was, by their inherently arrogant nature, something the elves found embarrassing.
But at least they could save face because Melinos, the so-called Mage Empress, was Geoffrey’s prized disciple.
Before all this, Geoffrey was known as an eccentric for even taking human students, and Melinos was thoroughly ostracized. But then she became not only one of the most powerful mages on the continent but also the Empress of the Empire.
…And so, the elves shamelessly praised Geoffrey’s foresight.
…Which made Geoffrey feel less bemused and more like gagging. But hey, how long have his kin been this shameless?
If you’re picking two races that excel at wishful thinking and self-justification, it’d be dwarves and elves.
Dwarves and gnomes are different, by the way.
Similarly, when I say “elves” here, I’m not necessarily referring to the entire elven race, but…
“……”
Opposite her, the man stared expressionlessly, locking eyes with Geoffrey.
He was the epitome of a hero—a warrior among warriors, the leader of the nine heroes, known as the Knights of Glory.
His snow-white hair and golden eyes shone like molten gold.
Even though he was nearing forty, he looked like he could pass for someone in their twenties.
Not that his physical abilities were anything close to those of youngsters—rather, they were downright monstrous.
His attire was designed for mobility and nocturnal travel, avoiding any metal or iron.
Yet, nothing about his seemingly ordinary leather and fur clothes was actually simple. Take, for instance, his pitch-black clothing woven from the melted scales of a giant serpent beast into fine threads.
Despite its practical design, it exuded an intimidating elegance, even with minimal embellishments.
Even the windbreaker cape he’d set aside during their rest was extraordinary in material, despite sharing a similar color palette.
Well, we could go on forever about this.
That guy might as well be a walking treasure trove.
But does all that even compare to what he holds in his hand right now?
This sacred sword, proof of his status as a hero, is the very artifact that pierced the Demon King’s heart, neutralizing it with devastating power.
Worthy of its divine title, if anyone else tries to wield it, it crumbles into sand and flows back into the earth, only to reform later as if showing off.
“That isn’t a reason to give up.”
Ruelde’s calm reply earned him a tongue-click from Geoffrey.
“How many times must I tell you? Who said anything about giving up? It’s simply impossible for him to return to the Empire given the circumstances.”
“Who decides what’s impossible?”
“So what’s your plan? To march back now, get engaged to Ellie, marry her, and call it a day?”
“She will be ready.”
This much was certain—an unshakable promise.
Ruelde knew well what Carriel thought of Elhehrmina.
Ironically, what Carriel felt about her was harder to pin down these days.
“If that kid comes back on his own, it’ll be either for revenge or some other purpose—not to win your approval or reunite with family. I guarantee it.”
“…That…”
His gaze wavered.
“He didn’t leave on impulse. If you read the letter he left behind, you’d know he was waiting for Hermine’s due date. If she hadn’t been pregnant, maybe he would’ve run off sooner.”
The point being, he wasn’t swayed by the Demon King’s manipulation.
Carriel had long intended to leave and meticulously planned it.
…And according to Ruelde’s knowledge, only Elhehrmina and that child noticed this early on.
So, they could predict exactly when he’d depart and preemptively intercept him.
“As you know, our neighboring royal family hasn’t fallen yet, has it?”
“…”
“One of the Tribe of the Forest’s bloodlines ties into that royal family. We’re considering marrying the kid off to solidify the alliance and offer a dukedom.”
“To whom? To Carriel, you mean?”
“He’s qualified enough. After all, saving the World Tree is undeniable proof.”
“…Is this some scheme to control or unsettle Carriel?”
“…Hmph.”
Geoffrey rubbed his forehead.
“Our old geezers may harbor such intentions, but as long as I’m around, that won’t happen. In fact… if anything, they’ll be the ones getting exploited by him later, not the other way around.”
“…”
“And this isn’t just one deal we’re offering.”
Right on cue:
“I’m back.”
An elegant blonde elf, contrasting sharply with Geoffrey’s youthful appearance, entered the cave carrying a wild boar over her shoulder.
“And here’s another thing.”
“…Why am I suddenly involved?”
Hamren Ruslef Ehah.
When Geoffrey decided to visit the Empire, Hamren came along as part of the entourage.
While primarily serving as protection, Hamren was also Geoffrey’s senior disciple.
“The Luslefp region might’ve been annexed by the Empire, but it still feels awkward. So, if Carriel becomes king of the Eastern Kingdom and receives the Luslefp title, making him a double national and ennobled consort, wouldn’t that bolster the Empire while granting him authority and discretion? Sounds good, doesn’t it?”
“…Still, Carriel can’t live within the Empire. Moreover…”
What happens to the engagement—or relationship—with Elhehrmina?
Offering a new name and identity essentially means renouncing the name “Carriel.”
In essence, Carriel would become someone who cannot truly be called Carriel anymore.
Even Ruelde and Hermine would find themselves unable to address their son as purely their son in formal settings.
Of course, unofficially, the familial bond would remain clear.
But history would see them as strangers unless someone digs deep into the secret.
“We could also create a secondary duchy or kingdom out of the Luslefp region, making him a dual monarch—but that risks territorial disputes down the line, so I don’t recommend it.”
“That’s not the end of it, is it?”
Ruelde shot him a sharp glance.
“You’re catching on quick.”
So, the kid finally became political too, huh?
Pursuing justice and righteousness while staying political is incredibly difficult, though.
“We’re planning to break down the isolationist tendencies of the elves—the Tribe of the Forest.”
“…So Carriel is necessary for that?”
“Recognizing and rescuing the World Tree is something even elves couldn’t achieve. If there’s any human the elves would willingly bow to or kneel before—it’s him.”
“It sounds like you’re treating him like royalty.”
“More accurately, we’re thinking about the child born from Carriel and the queen eventually inheriting the throne. This is a secret, so don’t go blabbing about it. Only a few people in our nation even know this.”
…I’ve heard absurd things, but this takes the cake.
Why would Geoffrey divulge this to Ruelde, who’s politically savvy enough to sense ulterior motives?
This goes beyond Carriel marrying the Empress and becoming her consort; this is monumental.
“This should suffice… Even if his name disappears from history, you should understand this, right? It doesn’t mean he ceases to be your son. Instead, he’ll become a truly unprecedented figure.”
“…So, you’re admitting my mistake as well?”
Ruelde sighed softly.
“Do you really think Carriel will accept this?”
“We’ve maximized the conditions and are prepared to negotiate or persuade him. Initially, this is our way of repaying a debt. If he doesn’t like it, we can consider other leniencies—as long as it doesn’t burden him.”
“At least you’re aware of the potential burden.”
“Of course.”
As Hamren added more logs to the fire and the flames grew fierce, she tossed the wild boar onto it.
Until then unnoticed, the spectacle of the whole pig roasting drew everyone’s attention.
Interrupting once more, Hamren looked at both of them and said:
“It’s not really about the terms, is it? Did Carriel leave because he lacked rights or was desperate? That’s not the case, is it?”
“…”
“…”
“If the Golden Beast really did take over his body, then all this discussion is meaningless. Escaping reality like this won’t change anything.”
“You…”
Geoffrey opened her mouth to retort but closed it again.
“…”
If there were signs, Melinos’ prophetic dreams indicated Ruelde had somewhat braced himself.
Though not intending to kill, perhaps it’d be better for Carriel to stay away from the Empire after all.
Returning to the Empire would likely lead him straight to the Papacy—or worse…
Even if everything went smoothly and Carriel turned out fine, shedding his old identity would take time.
…Ultimately, Geoffrey’s words implied that even if things worked out, the situation would remain tricky. Dropping the “Carriel” identity and starting anew might be better.
And to make sure there’s no regret, they’d lavish him with thorough treatment…
‘Isn’t that strange though?’
To extend such leniency?
This puts both Ruelde and the Empire in play.
There’s probably awareness of both sides, and conversely, it shows how highly they value forming bonds beyond mere alliances through blood relations.
Carriel’s worth—though still uncertain—is significant.
But hearing about the future child of the queen and Carriel? This wasn’t something to overlook.
‘Is this merely because he saved the World Tree?’
Nope. Yeah, that’s enough reason… sometimes.
“Lord Ruelde, there’s no need to overthink this.”
At this moment, Hamren clarified with sharp clarity, dispelling Ruelde’s slight confusion.
“Consider it as just another option. The teacher’s tone may seem high-handed despite her young appearance, but she’s trying to console you in her own way.”
“You little brat! Look at yourself talking!”
“Lord Ruelde has wasted enough time already, which delayed things significantly. Shouldn’t we focus now instead of wasting energy on unnecessary worries?”
“…That’s true.”
Ruelde quickly shifted his thinking.
Watching him and Hamren, Geoffrey seemed visibly annoyed, clicking her tongue repeatedly.
“That scheming woman. She’s already started playing politics with her father-in-law.”
Hamren immediately countered.
“Why must you always twist things negatively? Did I say anything wrong?”
“No one said you did. It just pisses me off.”
“Well, if you’re feeling lonely, why not find a partner or spouse? You’re so beautiful; what’s holding you back from settling down?”
“What?! Why is this conversation going there? I said no, remember? Besides, sticking to purity is important if I ever raise my voice among the elders.”
“Pure blood, pure virtue… yeah, that’s pretty ridiculous.”
“And I’m part of that ridiculousness? That’s why I’m trying to dismantle it—but this kid isn’t cooperating.”
Suddenly, the arrow turned toward Ruelde.
“Wait, is this my fault?”
“…Sigh. Fine. Let’s drop it.”
What’s got her so irritated?
“…”
Still, seeing how composed Ruelde remains even in this situation, he’s definitely a hero, isn’t he?
Geoffrey often remarked about the nine heroes:
[Without that Ruelde kid, those hotshots would’ve all gone their separate ways or accomplished nothing, failing miserably. My disciple joined because of his broad-mindedness. Is that all there was to it?]
Back when everyone was drowning in despair, he alone remained hopeful.
When others feared failure and defeat, he focused solely on defeating the Demon King.
His mindset is different.
His approach to the world is different.
So, he might seem dumb, but…
[He was dumb enough not to look around, so he never feared obstacles. All he ever saw was the goal.]
And others, moved by his courage or recklessness, somehow followed him despite knowing better.
Being called the leader of the heroes wasn’t undeserved.
“…”
But even he doesn’t have infinite patience, does he?
Still, he knows better than anyone that he can’t falter.
Just thinking about Hermine, Carriel’s mother, makes that clear…
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")
