Author's note:

This is Shiroki's one-sided impression of Vier as he encountered him for the first time in consideration of the

present event and circumstances.

Ellen re-enters!

Shiroki’s POV

The personage before me was unlike any spirits I had ever encountered. He was incredibly strong. He simultaneously dealt with all spirit beasts in one spell. He truly deserve to be crowned as the new spirit lord. And now I clearly agreed with Foul why it would be a bad idea to incur his wrath. Given my current strength, I am nowhere near his level.

I couldn’t move as fear welled up inside me. Fear and respect. However, I could not help but felt bitter since the fact remained that he killed the previous spirit lord and took Ellen away. Though I realize that Ellen was not mistreated in any way seeing how close the two of them seemed. I actually felt rather jealous. It definitely did not miss my eyes.

Ellen never left his side and seemed to rely on him. Even when she was asked to get away to a safer distance, she was reluctant. Thinking about it again, the palace was devastated so it would be very unkind to leave a lady there by itself exposed to danger and the wilderness. She might not have been taken by force. I suddenly felt weak at the turn of events as I slowly feel the pain on my injured shoulders.

I had been urged to save Ellen that I had not taken notice of my injuries. Ellen came rushing towards me with a worried look. Really, I am glad that she is safe. She called out my name with her sweet voice looking over my wounds.

Looking at her, another question lingered inside me. How does she feel towards the great-spirit? Don’t get me wrong but her great grandfather was killed. How could she be so collected and accepting without a hint of resentment towards the one that killed her family? How could she, instead of hatred, filled with warmth and reliance towards him? I shook my head at the thought.

It had been a couple of Diems. They probably had confronted the subject and settled on the matter and come to an agreement or something. Otherwise, Ellen could be hiding her animosity towards him seeing how powerful her opponent is. But this is Ellen we are talking about. She is the honest type. She could not hide her resentment even if she wanted to. She is like an open book. So that couldn’t be it. I felt a slight head ache as various questions kept popping up in my mind. In the end, the great-spirit remained mysterious to me.

Suddenly, I felt a chill went up my spine as an overwhelming presence approached. I looked up and saw the great-spirit looking down at me.

[You must be Shiroki] Vier.

[Eh?] I accidentally let out a stupid sound. I was taken by surprise at his recognition of me.

[You knew of me?] I asked hesitantly. I need to tread carefully around him.

[Ellen spoke of you. Recently] He stated matter-of-factly, maintaining his prideful and cold expression. I was wide-eyed in surprise and turned towards Ellen. She spoke about me? Ellen noticed my gaze and smiled warmly. She looked very happy. Seeing her like this, I suddenly felt relieved. The great-spirit began relaying appropriate instruction to his subordinates.

Again, he turned to me and called out my name. I jolted out of reflex and replied in a flustered manner. It can’t be helped! His presence is way too strong! I…I am not being weak or anything!

[You may rest, here] he simply said and nodded towards Ellen. He seemed to be considerate of my state even though I could be his enemy. Maybe he did not think of me as such seeing how he knew of my relationship with Ellen.

[It would seem you have things to discuss as well] He continued. As he said that, I was reminded of the reason I came to this place. It was to take Ellen back. The great-spirit seemed to understand my purpose of coming here as well. Determination returned to me as I replied.

[Yes, thank you] I decided to trust him and dismissed my subordinates leaving with only 5 of my close ones.

Ellen simply continued to smile in glee as she guided me to a room to rest. I glanced towards him one more time to see that he was yawning and scratching his head and left towards one of the many rooms. His frighteningly overwhelming presence earlier seemed like a lie. This great-spirit, might be more carefree than I thought.

...

...

Ellen's POV

...

I almost died from heart attack. Though I knew that a horde of beasts were coming to attack us, it was still rather frightening to be in the midst of battle. I am not a spirit warrior nor a spirit magician like Balamore-san so I could not do anything to help. Even when I thought of using my ability to heal the spirits that were injured, not many actually suffered from wounds, just minor scratches and cuts. It made me realizes just how capable they are. But then again, I still cannot approve of their behavior towards me! I am not some kind of rare species to fawn at! Honestly! I huffed at the thought.

...

A huge chimera appeared! Other strong spirit beasts began to crowd into the household as well! While I stubbornly clung unto Lord Vier, Balamore kept other spirit beasts at bay with spirit magic. Some were repelled while some were ruthlessly killed. Lord Vier clicked his tongue sometimes at the horrible smell. His face would contort in a hideous manner in intervals at the bad smell while he defends against spirit beasts attacks. I began to observe him attentively at a close distance, not moving away from him.

...

Could it be...he has olfactophobia?! (fear of odors).

...

That is not the kind of weakness I could ever expect from a Great-spirit...

...

Anyways, Lord Vier is very strong and capable. He did not even break a sweat contending against so many spirit beasts at once and according to my knowledge, they are all around 6 to 9th rank spirit beasts! I feel the safest by his side.

...

...

Shiroki came in the midst of battle. I could not helped but gasped when I recognized his figure. His robe were covered in dirt and he looked to have sustained injuries and bruises as well as traces of blood originating from his shoulder. As I began to worry, Lord Vier insisted that I distanced myself from him at least 10 meters away as he needed to deliver the final blow to the spirit beasts before us. Never did I imagine that he would obliterate all the beasts around 1km of us. Oh my once, great-grandfather, be honored that you were slayed by this person. I offered a silent prayer.

...

...

Shiroki on the other hand seemed out of it. I wondered what happened as I rushed to his side. I treated his injuries normally since Shiroki have not realized my abilities yet. I did not want to startle him. Also, because of what happened last time...

...

I felt ashamed of having such doubts even towards Shiroki-san. He is my first friend. He even said he loves...loves me. Ah geez! My cheeks feels hot!

The incident was quickly taken under control and Lord Vier's servants were ordered to clean up and take care of the aftermath. After a few words between Lord Vier and Shiroki-san, I swiftly and happily brought Shiroki-san to a room to rest. I am most happy and glad a battle did not occur between them. I could use this opportunity to explain things to Shiroki-san. About the raid on the palace, about me, and about Lord Vier's real identity.