Buildings higher than the tallest trees.

Crowds with more people than a hill of ants.

And colours, sounds and smells more bountiful than the lushest of springs…

Truly, the pinnacle of human civilisation is everything my esteemed father said to be, and I admire him all the more for trying to recreate it for our kind. More amazing is the fact a humble kobold such as myself could be allowed this experience. I would never have dreamed of it as a child, a-and even now I’m not too sure. I-I feel like a trespasser, especially when…

“Don’t wander too far, Harry. You’re going to get lost in the crowd.”

“Y-yes, Min- Mother.”

… I have to masquerade as a human child, wearing a straw mask in the semblance of a dragon.

“Dear me, it’s getting rather crowded. Here, hold my hand, Harry.”

"Y-yes, mother."

“Minna, aren’t you taking this a little too-”

“Hold his other hand, okay Sen-sweetie?”

“Y-yes dear.”

Although the edges of her mouth are stretched in a distinct curve, it appears Sen still feels imposed ever since he proposed that Norf play the role of my father. Looking behind me, Norf and Sig are watching with similarly raised cheeks, likely out of bemusement. I-It’s humiliating, but I am indebted to them for allowing me to join. They even bought different clothes and changed their hairstyles for my sake.

“Hm? Hey, look over there, you guys-”

“Sweetie.”

“… I mean, dear. They even have festival games! Shall we check them out?”

“If you insist “father”, but it seems to only allow children. Why is that so?”

“Well Harry, it would be hardly fair if someone with an appropriate skill were to participate. More so if they know magic which is invisible to most of people. That’s why they’re limited to kids who have yet to develop their bodies. Do you get where I’m going with this, “my son”?”

“I-I see… Huh? Surely you’re not asking me to-”

“It will be fine, it will be fine. Besides, the vendor is probably cheating those kids of their change. When I was your age, there was this one geezer who was clearly-”

“Good grief, you’re still upset about that, Sen? Having Harry demolish that guy’s livelihood is not going to bring back your childhood savings.”

“Yeah, I know it’s petty, Minna, but don’t you remember asking me to win that one doll for you? I know it’s fifteen years late, but-”

“M-must you bring that up? Besides, a doll isn’t even one of the prizes…”

“… Are you two childhood lovers?”

Sig’s simple question stuns Minna speechless as her complexion begins to redden. Sen seems ready to respond, but upon seeing Norf shake his head, he immediately closes his mouth.

“Sorry, sorry, my bad. The answer is obvious enough anyway.”

“H-hold on," stammers Sen, "what do you mean by-”

“Anyhow, it seems you all put more than a few penz into the little fellow’s skills.”

“Oh, you have no idea, Sig," answers Minna. "After all, he travelled with us through the Vivian Forest, and held his own back in Kasseus.”

“Wow, really? Man, that’s totally roc. No wonder he's feeling bad for the others. Harry here must have some en’lite skills.”

“N-not at all, Sig. I’m untalented in the ways of magic, and although I wield a sword, my skills pale in comparison to my siblings.”

“Eh? But kid, ain’t your master a mage? What’s he been teaching you?”

“H-he’s currently instructing me in the ways of spiritual energy. Although I am making progress, I am a far cry from my father, my master or older sister.”

“Harry, you’re underestimating yourself far too much,” says Minna as she puts her hands on my shoulders. “While it’s nice you are so modest, you’ll only feel worse if you keep comparing yourself to others. If you think about it, Sen is inferior to some, if not many, adventurers in the same rank…”

“Hey!”

“… but I’ve never held it against him, and I’m sure Enbos feels the same.”

“I know, Minna... I once lost myself to the throes of envy, and it was Enbos who saved me from that darkness. A-although I’m talentless, I stopped wallowing in my weakness and swore that if I am a hundred times lesser, than I shall work a thousand times harder to overcome it.”

“Even two times is too much. I’m glad you’re so inspired, but please remember that all the effort in the world is not worth you hurting yourself. Okay?”

“I-I understand.”

“Good child. Now, let’s forget the games and buy something to eat instead. It’s sure to be more entertaining than humouring Sen’s old grudge.”

Taking my hand, Minna leads me and everyone else towards the food court at the end of the street. A myriad of exotic aromas and heart-warming scents greet me long before we reach the first stall. There is so much to choose, so much to see. Truly, the reach of mankind is vast.

“What would you like to try, Harry?” asks Minna.

“I-I don’t know, mother. There is so much I want to try b-but I don’t want to spend too much of Enbos’ hard-earned penz.”

“What are you talking, son? Don’t you see all the kids being spoilt by their parents? We’ll gladly treat you just for tonight.”

“I see. Thank you, father. I will be sure to reimburse you once the festival is over.”

“L-look son, you don’t to… Hm? What’s the matter, Norf? Where are you- Oh, good job! Hey, look over there, everyone!”

“*Sigh* Dear, what are you- Oh no.”

“Is that a fried squid stall?” I ask.

“It sure is! I didn’t expect to be sold so far from port, but you have got to try one.”

“Good grief Sen, did you forget about the last time you and Norf ate squid? You stuffed yourselves silly and fell foul of poisoning.”

“Come on now, Minna. We’re in the middle of a city, not a wilderness. Besides, it’s already cooked and we have Lili to rely on if things turn sour. By the way, have you ever tried some?” Sen asks Sig, interrupting Minna’s furious rebuke.

“Nah, man. It sounds so drake. I would have gone for fried slime myself, but I’m game, Wouldn’t dare call myself a jobber if I didn’t.”

“That’s the spirit. Come on, Norf. We have to be quick…”

“… I better go along just to be safe. Please sit tight, you two.”

Despite Minna’s objections, Sen heads off with Norf and Minna in tow. Unfortunately, the guard at the front of the queue appears to be having a jovial conversation with the vendor, which may take some time. In the meantime, Sig and myself are watching from a distance.

“… Hey kid.”

“Y-yes, Sig.”

“How old are you really? Twelve? Thirteen?”

“I-I’m a little younger, actually.”

“Wow, really? Man, I was already aiming low, but you’re really mature for your age. You worry about your future as much as a drunk soothsayer.”

“I-I’m sorry for sounding so precocious.”

“Nah, don’t be. It rocs actually. When I was your age, I lived without a care in the world, and I kept going until my coming of age. By then, I was absolutely mupped, and I’ve regretted it ever since.”

“W-why so?”

“Well, I could tell you, but… Nah, I shouldn’t. It’s a pretty drab story. No point in boring you with my self-centred spiel...”

“Not at all, Sig. I would be honoured to hear your tale.”

“… You know what, kid, this may be the first time somebody has ever said they wanted to hear me out. I think you and I might be on the same stream.”

“I-I see.”

“Still, you’re only a whelp, albeit a well-spoken one, so I’ll try not to sound too en’lite. You see, Harry, after spending my childhood having the time of my life… *Sigh* I don’t know. I guess I was empty on the inside. I didn’t know why I was “here” and I distracted myself by living in the moment. Like a wild dog. Man, I was real ruffian, but even then, I was but one of many ruffians, and one of many Sigs, who did nothing with their drake lives. I didn’t know if this name, this face… everything I’ve done, and everything I could do… actually made me "me". Do you get what I’m saying, kid?”

“I… I know how you used to feel, Sig. I have eleven brothers and sisters who exceed me in every respect. At my lowest, I-I felt worthless and often wondered if I was truly their kin…”

“Man, that’s heavy. It’s a good thing we both found our Path. Me? I found my way thanks to a wandering pastor. Of course, growing up in the Theocracy and all, it’s not like nobody ever tried preaching to me, but where my local priest got me to recite the same scriptures over and over again… my teacher never quoted a single line. He was totally illiterate, and yet he reached me like no other. That’s when I realised my life’s goal was to spread the Word without all the “thee”s and “thou”s, and make something en’lite.”

“I see. Is that why you speak the way you do?”

“Hevyah. A thousand years ago, the scriptures would have been total fine, now it’s a relic. I have to do more than refine the Word, but make it truly timeless. Honestly, I wish I had opened my eyes sooner. I would have gritted my teeth and become a sanctioned preacher, so that my insight could be added to the Church’s annals. It’s too late for me, but you have all the time in the world, kid. You just got to take it smooth and look outside the well.”

Time…

“… I-I understand. I will take your wisdom to heart. Thank you for telling me, Sig.”

“Anytime, little dragon.”

Oblivious to my true nature, Sig looks on while I quietly reflect on my subpar development.

I do not know how long this journey may be, but I’m only five years away from my prime at most. While my father’s strength never seemed to waiver, I-I am not a kobold of his calibre. Swordplay, spirit arts, body and mind… I can’t dedicate myself to all these disciplines at once. I cannot continue my hapless pursuit of power. While Enbos can instruct me on spirit arts and magic, he has admitted I may never learn high rank skills. As for physical techniques, my siblings have only ever taught me the basics. W-what path should I choose?

“Hey guys, sorry for the wait.”

“Nah, my jobber, didn’t notice a thing. Thanks for buying one for me.”

“Let’s hope it was worth it. You have no idea how much that vendor was charging at first…”

“Yeah Minna, and even for me, it would have been stretching it. I’m glad you were there to negotiate. Anyway, without further ado, have at it!”

Sen and Norf begin eating with obvious relish, and after some hesitation, Minna and Sig take their first bite. I bring the skewer closer to my mouth and…

“Itadaki- huh?”

“*Gulp* No need to worry, Harry. The squid tastes great.”

“O-okay, father.”

Except it’s not squid, or at least not entirely. My esteemed father has grilled the delicacy before, but this smells nothing alike. Although there are a few genuine pieces, the rest are cleverly crafted imitations made from common ingredients that I can identify. I’m sure the vendor was running out of stock and had no other choice, but it’s amazing that nobody else can tell the difference. By looking outside the well, the vendor was able to bring the same joy to others with only the ingredients he had…

“Harry, are you alright?" asks Minna. "You’ve been staring at your skewer for a while now."

"C-could it be because of your, erm, “constitution” that you can’t-”

“N-no, father, I’m fine,” I say as I enjoy the profound meal. “I feel as if the scales have fallen from my eyes. I’m truly grateful for encountering this dish.”

“Same here, my man. Now then, what should we try next?”

“Huh? That sound…”

“Did you notice something, Harry?”

“I-I do not know what, mother, but there is a lot of music, drumming and rumbling in the distance. Like many wheels moving in unison…”

“Oh, oh, it must be the parade! Come on, you four, we have got to see before it passes!”

Dragged along by Sen, I offer direction toward the source of the sound. Sure enough, we emerge to find a line of carriages displaying a chaotic array of sights and sounds. I-I have never experienced so many sensations at once. The symphony of discord blaring over a hundred wheels grinding the cobblestone. The constant motion on every individual carriage. The stifling excitement I can smell in the air as the distance between a thousand watchers draw ever closer. It’s disorientating, almost intoxicating, and I unconsciously tighten my grip with Minna’s and Sen’s hands. As embarrassing as it may be, I must admit their warmth is like an anchor in this festive visage.

“It’s beautiful. Don’t you think so, dear?”

“Yeah, Minna. It’s moments like these that make me glad I became an adventurer.”

“It would be nice if we could see the parade next year. Maybe alone…”

“I get what you mean. It’s pretty crowded and- W-why are you giving me that look?”

“*Sigh* It’s nothing. By the way Harry, would you like to sit on Norf’s shoulders? He seems to be offering.”

“N-no, I’m fine mother. I can see enough from here.”

“Are you sure? One of the floats seem to be doing a short performance. They look like knights fighting a couple of…”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, just crash and burn!”

Confused by the sudden outburst, we all turn to find Sig spitting at the ground with a furrowed brow. He appears rather different compared to his usual demeanour.

“Utter krakenpot. I take it back, kid. This is exactly why the Church’s teachings and annals shouldn’t be centralised.”

“I-is something the matter, Sig.”

“That, my friend,” he says while pointing at the float of fighting knights, “is one of the most mupped things in the history of the Lysium Theocracy. Granted, we’re in the Reinsol Kingdom, but it kills me to see that after ten short years, widespread revulsion has turned into cheap entertainment.”

“Eh, really?” quips Sen.

“Now that I take a closer look, it seems it was commissioned by the Church of Eden…” observes Minna.

“Um, Sig, what is that float supposed to portray?” I hesitantly ask.

“… It’s not a pleasant story, but it’s one all of you need to know. You see, that insulting farce is butchering the memory of the Cleansing of Aegror, one of the most blatant atrocities committed by the Cleansing Swords.”

“Wait, you mean the priory that Maximillian Iudico leads?”

“The very same, Minna. Although it wasn’t Iudico himself who was in charge of that infamous mess, they have long been known as the bloody hand of the Church. They didn’t save Aegror so much as burn it to the ground…”

“I don’t understand, Sig. Why would they be forced to torch the village? Did they fail to contain the undead?”

“If it were just homes, that would be fine, Sen, but I think Sig is trying to say there were innocent causalities from the flames.”

“*Sigh* That’s the thing, Minna… There was never any undead. It was-”

Fwoosh!

All of a sudden, a high-speed object flies from the closest alleyway and lands on the rooftops across the street. Although few have noticed the mysterious projectile, Sig stops mid-sentence and is watching the shade with narrow eyes. I-I can’t make out the object myself, but there seems to be a change in Sig’s posture.

“… I’m sorry, everyone, I have to go. It seems something urgent has popped up.”

“What is it, Sig?” asks Sen.

“I just saw something especially unpleasant, but don’t let it ruin your break. I’ll be waiting outside the garrison at midnight. Take care.”

Before we can say another word, he slips into the crowd and disappears from site. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left with lingering questions as the enigmatic float rolls away. Just what did Sig see on that roof?

“I wonder what that’s about. It seemed pretty urgent.”

“Indeed, Sen, but I have a feeling it has something to do with the holy knights.”

“Damn it, so you’re saying that they already found out?”

“Maybe, but we don’t know for sure.”

“I’m starting to worry for my master. It’s not easy for him to hide in plain sight.”

“True Harry, but there’s nothing we can do except wait. Sig was probably trying not to worry us so that we can enjoy the Primera Carro.”

“I-I suppose so, Minna.”

“Anyway, let’s go back to the food court and try some new things. I’m sure Enbos would appreciate a few skewers.”

“Unfortunately, Sen, I’m certain he wouldn’t. He would much rather a new spell book.”

“T-that’s one expensive souvenir. Does he have any other hobbies?”

“I wouldn’t know...”

“Eh?”

“B-but I think he would enjoy a book of any kind.”

“By the spirits, son... I think I’m starting to see where your seriousness comes from. Still, assuming he’s not practicing magic or being chased by holy knights… what do you reckon he’s doing right now?”

It’s well into the final hour. Although the festival continues, the city-wide jubilation has withdrawn to a dozen or so hot spots. Dozens of stalls are taking down their signs and weary visitors are turning in for the night. Among the retreating crowd, an elderly couple are casually strolling down a quiet street. They suddenly divert into a small alley, and emerge on the other side as completely different people.

“… There’s no one around. It should be fine now.”

“Thank God. Honestly, I didn’t think throwing your sword would prove a sufficient distraction, but evidently I was wrong.”

“Oh, you didn’t notice, Lili? They were tracking our location all along. The hilt of my sword was marked with something incredibly faint. I didn’t realise until I started looking.”

“Truly? But when did they- Could it have been when Maximillian was examining your possessions during the interrogation?”

“Possibly.”

“Good grief. He truly as devious as he is deplorable. He must have been hoping to catch you in the middle of a questionable act.”

“Yeah, and in retrospect they got quite close. Luckily, they weren’t tailing us since we left the inn, otherwise we’d have a much bigger problem.”

“Indeed. Nevertheless, Maximillian is going to push for answers. Although it was Sig who incapacitated the guard, he will surely lay the charge on you and seek punishment.”

“Geez, you really don’t trust him, do you? Anyway, now that I’ve seen through his trick, he’ll probably rely on more comprehensive, and overt, means of surveillance. So, while we still have time...”

I reach into my pocket and take out her family pendant. She gives a slight start and reaches for the base of her neck, evidently forgetting about the important heirloom. I drop the amulet into Lili’s hands and watch her breathe a sigh of relief. It’s no longer contaminated by the core’s curse, and I took extra care to sever the emergency signal.

Honestly, she’s incredibly lucky that lieutenant didn’t decide to examine her status. Of course, the same applies for Hachirou so I better prepare something in the future. But right now…

“I think it’s about time you told me a bit about yourself.”

“… Yes. I did promise an explanation, but before I speak… may we first find a place to sit?”

I readily nod, and after some quick scouting, I lead Lili to a flight of stairs running down toward the city canal. The lower elevation obscures us from this side of the canal, while opposite is an empty warehouse district. We both sit on the second to last platform, feet dangling over the water.

“I-I suppose I should start with my family. As you already know, I am the only daughter of the Ascleson family, one of the five great Saintlines of the Lysium Theocracy. Although the highest levels of governance are not monarchical by design, the great Saintlines are an exception. They are comparable to the grand dukedoms of the Reinsol Kingdom, with populous territories, constitutional responsibilities and a house cathedral.”

“I see. It’s no wonder the holy knights treat you like a VIP. And a Saintline would be…?”

“A venerable lineage descended from the greatest prophets and saviours in the Theocracy’s storied history. In the case of the Ascleson line, we bear the blood of the first Iranor, one of the oldest bloodlines in the Theocracy. Our house is known for producing many a great healer.”

“*Whistle* Good lord, Lili. You really are a blessed soul. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought a higher power gave you a start.”

“I suppose, but putting your mean insinuation aside, God’s guidance is not solely for a favoured few. Life begins with nought but dirt to pave their own way. For those who find more than nought, their steps shall convey. While I admit God has blessed me with the chance to live as a human, my Path will ultimately help usher others on toward Eden.”

“A moral responsibility, in other words. I guess that’s a nice way of justifying the privileges of the upper class.”

“The meaning is wider than you think, Enbos. Although your beginning was far from ideal, it is extraordinary nonetheless. Despite all your qualms, I believe a greater fate awaits you too.”

“It depends on the god.”

“Dear me, Enbos, must you always be so snide? Even after learning of my family’s standing, you’re still as blasphemous as ever. One would think to show more consideration toward their future patron, but it seems you’ll remain as aggravating as ever...”

Or so she says, but her faint smile and relieved tone do not escape my notice. As hypocritical as it may be, I can’t help but shake my head to her insecurities.

“Hm? Now that I think about it, why is a high-class lady trotting across the Reinsol countryside?”

“H-huh?”

“I mean, given that you’re descended from a line of wandering healers, so I’m guessing your journey is some sort of rite of passage. Nevertheless, you don’t have an entourage and your emergency beacon is largely useless within the Reinsol Kingdom. The preparation seems kind of threadbare for the only daughter of a distinguished house.”

“Um… Y-you see Enbos…”

“Lili?”

“While it’s true I’m expected to contribute to the Church in some manner, i-it does not necessitate I do so as an Iranor. Even managing my family’s territory could be deemed God’s work.”

“So that means…”

“T-the truth is, my becoming an Iranor cleric… was a decision I made… um…”

“...”

“… w-without informing anyone else.”

“… So, you snuck off.”

“I-I guess?”

“…”

“W-wh-what’s with that blank look of disappointment!?”

“Oh, it’s nothing, you runaway princess. I’m just seriously considering if I’m stuck in an elaborate fairy tale, written by some sadistic, omniscient hand.”

“Can you please not insult me and God in one fell swoop!?”

“*Chuckle* No need to look so embarrassed, Lili. I can already guess what your circumstances were like, and in the end, you chose this life to follow in your mother’s footsteps. Far from ridicule, I respect the fact you found the strength to let go of your only refuge.”

“… Truly?”

“Cross my core. I just hope you kept in touch with your house since.”

Looking back on her overexcitement towards the Primera Carro, it’s easy to guess what her childhood was like. Her mother left at a young age and there’s no way she could have mastered something as powerful as until much later. I’ve often wondered if Lili being a half-elf was enough to explain her sense of social isolation, but now it makes more sense. She’s different on a biological, societal and spiritual level, and as humble as she may be, she’s deeply defined by this fact.

In our moment of silence, an eruption of cheers draws my attention to the distant skyline as magical lights drift into the night. Despite our lower elevation, the elusive clocktower can still be seen over the rooftops, ticking ever closer to the day’s final toll.

“… I’m sorry, Lili.”

“Hm?”

“I don’t think we can attend the trade exhibit. If we had just waited that holy knight out, we might have made it.”

“Oh, I don’t mind. Enbos. From the way I see it, it was no great loss to you at all.”

“… Wait a minute, could it be that this entire festival jaunt was not for you… but for me?”

“*Giggle* I wonder, although it was a most enjoyable experience for myself as well.”

“Good grief, you’re far craftier than any inquisitor. So, why didn’t you just ask me directly?”

“Because you would have been far too reluctant if I had. Even if you agreed, you would have paid too much mind to the matter, thus defeating the entire point.”

“And that point being?”

Not answering immediately, Lili looks at me in contemplative silence. Although she is smiling, her crystal-blue eyes seem several shades darker.

“For one night, I hoped you would forget what it’s like to be an undead… and remember what it’s like enjoy life as a human.”

“… I see. You’re worried I’m already changing for the worse.”

“No Enbos. I’m worried that you want to. Ever since your ordeal in Kasseus, you’ve been disillusioned with your own humanity. Although you’re not incapable of feeling joy, you’re all too ready to discredit it, and now, you treat your ego like a crumbling mausoleum. More so than your perceived moral rot, it is your detachment which concerns me, because even if you manage to restore those once pristine walls… you won’t love yourself, and you don’t intend to either.”

“… I won’t deny your words,” I say. Her expression grows ever more concerned. “Although I’m a little confused about your latter point. Are you worried I have nothing to live for?”

“For your own sake, you dot not,” she says bluntly. “But for others, you stand tall in the face of despair, for only in our eyes does Enbos exist, and that he is boud to this world. It is the reason you will act for my sake but not your own, and I suspect it’s also the impetus behind your necromantic studies.”

“In other words, I’m driven by self-interested selflessness. Funny, I didn’t expect such a utilitarian analysis from you.”

“I-I didn’t mean to sound so cynical. Please understand your mentality doesn’t undermine your innate compassion, but it does exacerbate one of your worst tendencies: your willingness to forego your own wellbeing. Even with an untiring body, even when you’re not fighting against impossible foes… it scares me to think you spend every private moment and every sleepless night single-mindedly chasing your goal. It goes beyond obsession and resembles desperation, almost like you’re expecting salvation…”

“… No longer will I be assailed by pain, weakness or the need to sleep. Instead, I will be able to serve God with every moment of my existence…”

“… the human condition is an ever-present burden. Whilst others overcome their weakness through faith or experience, you are different. You didn’t overcome your faults so much as discard them…”

“… What would you have me do, Lili? Keep pretending I’m still Tyler? Ignore my true nature until my next inevitable “accident”?”

“I’m not telling you to live in denial, Enbos. But what I can tell is that you have chosen to tread a murkier Path. You’re testing the limits of your morality to define what it means to be “human”, a riddle that has eluded philosophers for thousands of years. I won’t preach to you about the sanctity of life. However, I sincerely hope that at the end of your trying journey… you'll embrace the thoughtful, squid-loving little brother inside of you.”

“I see…”

She realised I was trying to desensitise myself. Even though I let that necromancer reduce himself to ash and stained my hands in more cultist blood since, I was still uncertain where to draw the line. I wasn’t reassessing my ethics so much as forcefully grinding them, like an amateur sculptor with a block of ice. Although Lili is not against my direction, she earnestly believes that I can become “Tyler”, regardless of what I am now...

“You still think I can reconcile with this murderous disdain.”

“No being is born without vice, Enbos, but you’re far too fixated on the "truth". It’s not so wrong to live as a lie, because if you truly believe you can embody that mirage, then it is no longer a falsehood… but an ideal.”

“Or self-delusion. It might be impossible.”

“If it means embracing an identity you can cherish, then anything is worth the effort. I’d imagine your dearest would be relieved as well.”

“By the spirits, you really do know how I tick. That being said, it’s not like I haven’t given it any thought…”

After facing Tascus, I now have a locus to rebuild my sense of morality, and thanks to Sen and the others, my reputation has been embellished in song. It’s far from a new start, and even further from absolving me of all my sins, but at least I’m stumbling in the right direction.

“… How much longer will your illusion last?” I ask whilst looking at my reflection in the canal, blurred by faint ripples to resemble a pale face.

“The enchantments are beginning to fray, but if I had to offer a time, then around midnight.”

“… Pft! Hahaha!”

“W-what is it? Did I say something amiss?”

“I finally get it now. You’re not the Blue Fairy; you’re my Fairy Godmother.”

“You know, Enbos, sometimes you’re as incomprehensible as Sig. Now that I think about it, you’ve mentioned the word “fairy” several times. Are you trying to describe me in some way?”

“Nah, it’s just a reference from where I come from. Besides, you’re nothing like any fairy I know.”

“I see…

W-wait a moment, Enbos. D-did you just say you’ve met an honest-to-God fairy!?”

“Oh shoot. Erm…”

“Where! When! How on Garea did you manage to meet such a fantastical race!? Was it in this lifetime or-?”

“Woah, woah, calm down, Lili! You’re going to dislodge my collarbone.”

Well, that changed the mood quickly. Her eyes are sparkling with almost childlike fascination, and it takes a quick poke to the head to snap her out. Realising her behaviour, she quickly regains her composure and puts on a straight face, ears slightly tinged red.

“*Ahem* Please forgive my misdemeanour, Enbos. I let my curiosity get the better of me.”

“It’s all good. Given your aspirations, it makes sense you would be interested in meeting more demi-humans. Oh, and for the record, the fairy in question was my first friend since I rose from the grave. Like you, I saw through her powerful illusions, while she saw through my troubled heart.”

Of course, not before I snatched Si out of the air and scared her half to death, but let’s just omit that. I’d hate to wipe that tender smile off her face.

“Honestly Enbos, you never fail to surprise me. My dream is to become a bridge between races, and yet it seems you are closer to that ideal than me.”

“You found me and Hachirou, didn’t you? Besides, your goal was never to seek out demi-humans, but to encourage humanity to accept them. That is something only you can do as a member of society.”

“… Honestly. And you dare call yourself a monster.”

“Yeah, I’m also a heretic and a suspected criminal. Speaking of which… we should head back.”

Answering with only a nod, we begin making our way back to the main street. Although there are less people than below, there are still plenty willing to celebrate well into the night. A few mana carriages, floats still attached, are being driven back to storage.

“It seems we won’t be able to reach the city garrison by midnight, Hansel.”

“I suppose, although now that the ruse is up, there really isn’t any urgency. “Max” may try to slap charges like you said, but I already have a solid defence prepared.”

“Really, Hansel?”

“Yeah. Besides, I’m interested in what the festival has left in store. A lot of people are looking in the direction of the clock tower and counting down. Do you reckon they’re going to cast manaworks?”

“Honestly, I do not know myself. I’m looking forward to the surprise.”

“Same. Will your magic hold until then?”

“Of course. Anything for my little brother.”

“Thank you, Gretel. For everything…”

“FOUR…!”

“THREE…!”

“TWO…!”

KABOOOM!

“… Eh?”