After Hana had pointed Scarlett to the direction where Subrina was currently located, she gently held the hem of her dress and quickly rush towards the 20-layer wooden staircase, once she was at the top floor, she saw a white square door with a small doorknob in her line of sight. she placed her hand at the door and softly knock.
However, there was no answer, she gently touches the knob. as she exhales a small breath before opening the door. once Scarlett had opened up the door, she was quickly greeted with the sight of a beautiful figure of a beautiful silver hair girl quietly sitting on a small bed with a face that lacks any expression. Her beautiful violet eyes did not reflect anything.
Seeing her friend in such a state made her feel a sense of sadness as she gritted her teeth and clench her fist cursing her own powerlessness. Was there really nothing she could do she ask herself; her friend was always so happy whenever they were together, she could still remember all those happy memories they shared together shared. But the person before her now was not like the happy gentle free-spirited girl she remembered.
Scarlett slowly walked towards the girl setting on a small wooden bed with a daze look on her face the room was small and lack furnishers there was only her bed drawers and a small closet. There was also a small glass window the curtain was drawn slightly only a small sunlight escape through the small open gap.
"Subrina it's been a while.... have you been taking care of yourself?"
She asked with a somewhat forced smile.
"…."
There was no response, she didn't even look in her direction. maybe she will eventually talk if she keeps going, she thought.
"I want you to know that I'm always here for you whenever you need me."
Scarlett said while still keeping her smile on her face.
"...."
"Subrina is there anything i can do for you?"
She asked with a desperate look.
Subrina however did not reply to her question her face still remained expressionless as it was. Even though they were both facing each other her eyes did not even register her presence before her. A surge of wavering emotion gush from her body Scarlett wanted to cry but decided to remain strong before her best friend.
(Why? why did she have to end up like this? She was always so kind so gentle, why did something so awful had to happened to her? she had the brightest smile just seeing her smile always made me happy. it's not fair why did this had to happened? I wanted to see you more I wanted to talk to you more, that smile of yours that always made me want to smile. It would make me so sad if you were to completely lose your smile.)
While she had been in deep thought with a sorrowful look on her face, she hadn't realized that tears were slowly running down her fair white cheek in a straight line.
She bites her lips so hard that it felt like her lips would bleed. what could she do she wondered again that same question repeated in her head. She then noticed a few photo albums by the side of Subrina's bed on the wooden drawer. The photo showed Subrina and her family they were all smiling happily, she was with her older brother he had a handsome face with brown hair. Her mother was a beautiful woman with long silver hair that reaches her waist while her father had a refined face with short brown hair. There were also photos of Subrina and herself together, those were their best memories together.
"I promise I will find a way to bring you back."
Scarlett declared with confidence as she clenches her fist even tight.
***
After their talk Scarlett made her way back downstairs, she still had a gloomy expression on her face, traces of tear mark still remained on her cheek after she saw me, she showed a forced smile.
"So… how did it go?"
I hesitantly ask.
"Well, she's not talking but.... I think she will be okay."
She said with a low voice.
"I see...."
Reading the room, I decided it was best to not pry any further as I didn't understand how much pain Scarlett was going through. Thinking back on it in my previous world I was not really close to anyone, so I never went through the pain of losing someone before.
"I tried everything I could.... but I guess her heart is going to take longer to heal."
Hana had a sad expression on her face. I wondered what kind of relationship they had. But they seem really close.
"Hana thanks for all your help. We'll be leaving now."
"I'll be waiting for your next visit your highness. However, I want to give Sir Haruto something before he leaves."
"Really?"
I cocked my head as I am not sure what she wanted to give me. Hana went over to a long glass counter where there were several accessories with small gemstone planted within them. She then picked up a silver ring which has a red gemstone planted within it. then slowly walked towards me.
"With this you should be able to suppress the mana leaking from your body."
She said as she handed over the silver ring to me.
"I see thank you."
I said with a bright smile.
I was really worried about monsters being able to sense me because of the strong mana leaking from my body, but with this I no longer needed to
worry. I let out a sigh of relief.
"Isn't that a magic nullification crystal?"
Scarlett asks while tilting her head curiously.
"Yes, it is I'm sure it will come in handy since Haruto has a large amount of mana."
"Thank you, Miss Hana."
I said as I did a light bow, Hana then nodded in return.
I then gently place the ring around my finger which was a perfect fit. I could feel, my body getting slightly lighter.
"Seems like a perfect fit."
She said with a bright smile.
Scarlett and I then went on our way towards the exit.
***
1 hour had pass since we left Lady Hana's store Scarlett had been unusually quiet while we were on our way. She had a gloomily expression on her face. I could easily guess why she was like that, but I was debating whether to bring up that topic or not, however the silence atmosphere was too much for me to handle so I decided to finally say something.
"U-um.... Scarlett do you really think she'll be okay?"
I ask hesitantly.
After hearing my sudden question Scarlett then stop walking while she brought her hand under her chin and went in deep thought.
"I'm not really sure...but I don't want to give up on my friend. I'll do everything I can to get her back."
Scarlett declared I could feel a strong sense of determination in her voice and her eyes didn't look like someone who had given up, I can tell she was serious about bringing her friend back.
I then smile faintly at her words.
"Right then there's no need to worry I know you can do it Scarlett; I'll help you out with whatever I can."
"Thank you, Haruto."
She said with a bright smile.
I was extremely happy seeing her smile, a gloomy face doesn't suit her. if possible, I want her to smile like that all the time I thought, however this is a new feeling to me I wonder why I care so much, had I been in my previous world I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten involve so why do I feel like I want to do something now.
Could it be that I'm getting soft? or could it be that I'm just attracted to Scarlett? Who knows but it will take a while for me to get use to this new feeling I'm having.
I had been in deep thought. But then I felt a sudden chill.
It's the same feeling from before, a little earlier I had a feeling someone was watching us from a far distance.
I turn my sight to the nearby buildings. As I observe my surroundings vigilantly. the streets were very crowded as the citizens and tourist from outside and inside the kingdom pass by. No one seem to have notice they were being watch. No, it's probably safe to say that were being watch.
Scarlett then notices my face has become rather serious and ask.
"Haruto did something happened?"
She asks curiously while tilting her head slightly.
"Scarlett, I think were being watch."
I said in a faint voice so that only Scarlett could hear.
"Huh w-what do you mean?"
She asks in a panic her voice trembled slightly.
"I don't know who it is.... but I'm sure someone's watching us."
I said calmly.
(What should I do? I think the best course of action is to find out where the spy is and find out what they're after. If I were to guess the spy was probably on a high building somewhere to keep us in their field of view. I would like to confront them myself, but I can't leave Scarlett here by herself, for now I'll just observe on till they decide to make a move) I thought as I analyze the situation calmly.
"Scarlett lets go maybe we can lose them in the crowd. Or perhaps they'll make a move first it doesn't matter what happens I have to keep you safe."
I said with a serious face.
"Okay."
She said in a low voice.
We both had begun moving for 10 minutes the spy had also been tailing us as soon as we began moving, I decided to walk amongst a large group of people in order to get off the spy's trail.
However, we were unable to lose them. it seems I was right the spy was on a high building he was able to see us perfectly.
The spy seems well experience I'm actually impress at this rate I'll have, to confront them but thinking of the dangers of doing that made me not want too I'm not so confident to say that I'm now strong enough to face anyone in a head on fight. Especially when up against someone with enough experience. I've only been training for two weeks so I'm still not sure if I'll be okay in a head on fight. It would be one thing if it was an average thug, but a well-trained spy would be a problem.
I've been keeping an eye on the spy using magic sense. he seems to be keeping a fair distant. probably being cautious were still a long way from the royal castle, if I were to guess the spy is most likely after Scarlett however, I never thought anyone would be so brave as to come after the kingdom's princess in Broad day light, but it seems I really have no choice but to fight.
We could probably find a royal knight but I'm not sensing any nearby even when using magic sense, it seems there aren't any in the surrounding.
It's such a hassle.
However, I still don't know the spy's true intention coming after a member of the royal family is a serious crime one could easily get arrested for life or worst executed. Since Scarlett is a princess, a kidnapper could use her in many ways against the king.
This really is a huge pain. I desperately tried to suppress the urge to sigh.
Scarlett had a stiff expression on her face there was also sweat running down her brow, it seems she's rather frighten but I guess that is to be expected anyone would be when they know there being watch, however I will protect her.
"Scarlett I'll go confront the spy you get away as fast as you can."
I declared; however, Scarlett wore a blank look on her face.
"W-what are you saying Haruto its too dangerous, we should escape together."
Scarlett immediately object to my words in a desperate tone.
"I'm sorry Scarlett but it seems I can't, the least I can do is give you time to get away.'
I said with a gently smile.
Come to think of it, it was the same back then wasn't it. When we first met, I was powerless, but I was still able to save her, and now once again I'll do everything I can to protect her.
"Now go Scarlett get out of here now!"
I Said raising my voice.
Scarlett looked like she wanted to say something but when seeing my serious face, she swallowed her words with a face that looked like she was about to cry.
"Come back safely okay."
She said while holding back her tears.
"I can't promise you I will, but I'll try."
I said with a faint smile.
Though isn't that what a soldier usually says to their lover when they are about to go on a suicide mission.
I thought with a force smile.
Scarlett then begun to run towards the street corner where there were a lot of people, she was making her way to the direction of the castle grounds.
She went towards a path with a large group of people, soon her figure completely faded from my field of view.
Now that I confirmed that Scarlett was gone, I then turn my attention on to the spy who was quietly standing on a nearby building, he had his line of sight in the direction where Scarlett ran towards, I knew immediately he was after Scarlett.
I then slowly bent both my legs as wind gently began to wrap around my feet. I then jump towards the spy, using the wind to accelerate my movement to move at blinding speed. I then made my way towards the building the spy was quietly standing on, I gently landed before the spy. He wore dark clothing that conceals his face however his built look very muscular.
"So, you're the one who's been spying on us. Why don't you tell me why you have your eyes on the princess."
I said calmly.
However, I can't see his face, but I can somehow tell he had an uninterested look on his face I couldn't help but feel like I was being look down upon.
"Why do you get in my way? After all this has nothing to do with you."
The figure said while tilting his head to the side.
"Well, she's my friend isn't it natural to protect someone you care about."
I said with a faint smile on my face.
"She's your friend huh.... you humans never change even after three hundred years."
He said while staring at me.
(You humans, does this mean he isn't human) I thought as I try to comprehend his words.
What does he mean by three hundred years could he be talking about the war that took place three hundred years ago just who is this guy.
"Well, it makes no difference if you get in my way, I'll just kill you too."
He said with a sinister smile on his concealed face.
Seeing that look on his face gave me a bad feeling the clothing coving his face moved slightly I knew immediately what kind of expression he was making. the aura coming from his body was abnormal it doesn't seem like something a normal person would have.
He then holds out his hand in front me.
"Black strike!"
Suddenly a 2-layer magic circle appeared in front his palm and four black shadows appeared before me swallowing everything that comes into contact with it, I immediately sense the dangers of that attack and dodge the shadow coming towards me by jumping several meters into the air. The shadows also decided to jump after me I was unable to move freely in the open air with no choice, I Wrap my body with a mass of powerful wind to shield against the shadow. They were all blown away by the torrent of wind and hit the hard ground they all disburse by the powerful impact leaving a huge crater in the ground.
The figure then begun to stare at me with deep interest as he realizes something.
"Ah I remember now you're that kid who saved that useless princess from my subordinates the other day right?"
The figure asks in a surprise tone.
"Huh?"
What is he talking about I was slightly confused.
"You remember when the princess was being attack by those two fools right?"
He asks once again while tilting his head.
Is he talking about when Scarlett was being robbed by those two thugs in the back alley.
I thought.
"So, you're the one behind that incident too huh?"
I asks as I angrily glared at the figure not hiding my hatred.
I remember the pain those two thugs cause me in that alley, so he was the cause behind it.
However, he simply shrugged his shoulder with a relax face under my cold gaze.
"Of course, I wanted to kill her and deliver her head to the king, I would be delighted to see their reaction."
He said not hiding his motives.
While giving a small smile.
"Are you kidding just what do you think a human life is worth?"
I said angrily.
"A human life you say? humans are weak creatures, aren't they? As the weakest race you all have no right to stand up to the ones who are called strong."
He said, there were a lot of hostility in his voice. It was clear he didn't think much of humans.
"What?"
"Three hundred years ago, we would have won if those annoying heroes didn't get in the way."
He said while clenching his fist angrily.
I did read about that the heroes were able to stop that war by sealing the demon lord's army thus ending the great war.
"I don't know about that war, nor do I care. What exactly does that war has to do with now? Why go after the princess?"
I ask. Finding out their motive would be a huge help to resolve the situation.
"I don't see why I have to tell trash like you anything, however you won't live long so I guess It doesn't matter whether I tell you or not."
He spoke as a sinister smile appeared behind his covered face.
"You see all we want is to start another great war, ever since you humans won the last great war your nations have become rather peace full hasn't it, you humans have become even more softer than you already are. The thought of us demons lost to you humans make me sick we are the superior beings!!"
He said while shouting.
So, my theory was correct he really was a demon then. But how is he here, from what I read in those historical books all the demon race was sealed away by the four heroes weren't they so how come he is here now?
I crocked my head in confusion.
Did they somehow manage to break the spell that's been sealing their movements I thought that's the only conclusion I can find unless--
"Enough talk!"
The figure began to lose his patience as he holds out his right palm.
"Dark burst."
A magic circle then appeared before the figure's palms; black shadows then came straight at me with intents amount of heat. I quickly begun to chant my spell while I place both my hands against the ground.
"Mother of earth covers me from all harm earth wall!"
I shouted slightly.
A magic circle then formed below both my palms.
The ground then begun to move forming a giant wall before me, which manage to shield me from the attack from the figure.
I wasn't very confident in my earth magic compared to my wind magic however it was able to stop the attack just now. I felt relief.
The ground was burnt black by the attack from the figure it seems it was a high-level spell the figure used however I doubt it was an advanced level spell since my earth shield was able to stop it despite being a low-level spell. I read that the only way to stop an advanced level spell was with another advanced level spell or one of an even higher level.
When I look at the direction of the figure, I notice he was not there anymore. I quickly begun to use magic sense to figure out the location of the figure. I then notice there was a large amount of mana gatherings in the vast open sky as I looked up towards the sky while carefully observing the surrounding. I notice there were small traces of shadow forming in the open sky.
(Did he become the shadow; I've never heard of someone being able to turn their body into an element before.) I thought to myself.
The shadow then begun to form the shape of a person.
"Hahaha....if your able to survive this then I'll at least knowledge you as a worthy enemy."
He said with a nonchalant expression. I was a bit curious as He was Currently standing in midair.
"Mother of earth crush, my target giant boulder!!"
The figure said while shouting.
A 3-layer magic circle then formed in midair as a giant boulder of 20 meters then began to form in the open air.
(So, he's also an earth user too huh three magic circle that's an advanced level spell my usual spells won't work.... in that case.)
I then began to gather the mana in my body as I prepare my most powerful spell.
"Mother of wind blasts my target windstorm!"
A three-layer magic circle then appeared in front my palm.
As a massive torrent of wind then shot Straight at the giant boulder falling at high speed.
The two spells collide with each other.
Creating a massive shock wave the boulder then begun to crack as the windstorm penetrate and made Its way through the center of the gigantic boulder creating a giant hole. The bolder then crumbled away in second creating a huge amount of dust.
The figure widens his eyes in surprise as his spell was completely overwhelmed by my attack.
"Hmmm.... this kid might be more interesting than I thought. Now that the princess is gone there is no need for me to linger here any longer, perhaps It would be better for me to retreat for the time being. but I'm certain we will meet again wind user."
The figure said with a small smirk.
As his body slowly disappears into shadow leaving nothing behind.
Once the sky was cleared from the huge dust created by the two spell that clash with each other. I immediately began to observe my surrounding there was no trace of the shadow that was in the sky my magic sense didn't pick up on the figure's mana all traces of the figure were completely gone.
(It seems he decided to flee, it's such a shame I wanted to capture him, but I guess it's okay as long as Scarlett is still safe)
I thought with a faint smile.
The building was a complete mess it seems our earlier battle cause quite a bit of damage to the surroundings. We also cause quite a bit of panic to the people in the nearby surrounding.
The civilians were in a panic some ran into their homes and went in hiding while others tried to run far away from the area, the commotions cause the knights to be alert as they tried to calm down the bystanders.
Knowing that the danger had passed I quickly began to head towards Scarlett direction using the wind to glide swiftly through the air.
While it was possible to use the wind to fly unfortunately, I was nowhere near skilled enough to do that.
The least I could do was gently glide through the open sky by wrapping my body with wind magic.
Soon I saw Scarlett figure standing in the town square with a worried look on her face.
When she saw me, her face immediately changes into the expression of relief.
I gently landed before her.
"Princess, are you okay."
I ask with a faint smile on my face.
"Y-you idiot! please don't worry me like that again."
She said as she rushes towards me then holds me in a tight embrace while tears were running down her white cheek.
I widen my eyes in surprise at the sudden embrace. I could feel her body warmth through her dress.
Being hug like this made me a bit embarrassed to be honest.
(I guess I did worry her quite a bit huh, I feel really bad for always making her worry I'll at least try to be careful from now on.)
I thought quietly.
"I'm sorry I made you worry so much, but as you can see, I'm just fine."
I said as I gave her a reassured smile.
Seeing my smile, she then gently began to wipe away her tears that were running down her cheeks.
"I'm so glad you're safe Haruto."
"Yeah, now we should report this to the king don't you think?"
I said with a smile.
We both decided to head straight back towards the royal palace to report what had happened to the king and queen immediately.
***
"To think they decided to attack inside the kingdom."
The king said with a bitter face.
"Yes, this is quite troubling."
The queen said with a shock face.
We both had given them the complete explanation of what had transpired while we were in the capital together. I had also given them the details of what happened when I faced the spy, the facts that the spy was a demon was so shocking that it was a bit hard to believe of course demons hasn't been seen since the great war three hundred years ago, so it was no surprise.
We were now currently seated in one of the reception rooms of the royal castle. Scarlett was seated on my left while we both face the King and Queen. Hot chocolate tea had been prepared by the maids as we have our discussion.
"I don't get it how could someone from the demon race suddenly appear, didn't the heroes seal them away three hundred years ago?"
Scarlett said with a worried face.
"I agree from what the legends claimed all the demons were sealed away."
The king said agreeing with Scarlett's word. It's been bothering me as well, the books all said the heroes were able to seal them away, but could it be that the legend wasn't actually true. But no one has seen the demon race since three hundred years ago and that's a fact.
"Well, there's no point thinking about that since we don't have an answer, I think we should focus on how we are going to deal with them. If the demons are free nothing stopping them from bringing an army to attack a nation."
The Queen said trying to bring the discussion to the main point.
I agree since the demon race is free nothing stopping them attacking any nations they want; from what I could see he obviously hold some kind of resentment to the human race. The people of this world needed to rely on the powers of the four great heroes to defeat the demon lord three hundred years ago. They would probably need to rely on them once again.
I am a little curious as to how strong the heroes are, if they were able to stop a war all on their own, they must be immensely powerful.
"The demon was really strong; I don't know how any well-trained knight would match against them but I'm sure that demon didn't use his full power."
I said recalling the demon I had faced in the capital.
It was obvious he didn't go all out I don't think I would have been able to beat him if he had.
Actually, it would be wrong to say I won after all that demon was just toying with me the whole time. Though he did use some powerful spell I don't think he was seriously trying to kill me.
After all I'm still inexperience in combat I doubt I would stand much chance against an average knight let alone one with experience.
"We shall send out a few knights to investigate the capital. I'll even increase security around the capital."
The king said while sighing tiredly.
"Oh, there is one more thing I want to report. Though I don't know if it's true or not."
I said hesitantly. It was more like a theory I came to while I was talking with that demon.
"What is it?"
The king said while crocking his head.
Princess Scarlett and Queen Annie both turn their attention to me.
"Well, you see regarding how the demons were able to break free from the seal what if someone help them and started working along with the demons."
I stated calmly. Though I Didn't have any prove regarding my conjecture it was the conclusion I came up with based on his statement, but it would explain how they were able to break free from the seal.
The king then folded his arms and went into deep thought.
"Hmmm.... your theory makes sense however I can't imagine anyone would do something like trying to work with those monsters."
The king said with detest.
"Yeah, besides the nations has been in peace since the war ended."
No one would want to start a war all over again, that would be foolish. It would only endanger many innocent lives and cause many casualties. Everyone has their family to protect so no one would do something that would put their loved ones in danger.
However, I can't overlook the fact that some people would want to start a war. After all, not everyone wants world peace it would be naïve to think that everyone has justice in their heart after all there are some people who enjoy the thrill of battle.
There will undoubtedly be those who wish to bring ruined to the peace everyone worked so hard to keep.
"I agree I can't see any benefit in the other kingdoms working alongside the demon's race."
I guess that's true I also can't imagine those guys would work alongside a human who were responsible for their sealing three hundred years ago.
but that doesn't mean an individual or an organization wouldn't be responsible.
"I'll contact the other nations kings. so, let's put an end to this topic for now. Now let's talk about what reward we should be giving young Haruto here for his great efforts."
Huh? I tilt my head in surprise at the sudden spotlight.
I then sat up straight on my chair as I gave my response.
"Ahh... your majesty I don't really need a reward to be honest."
I didn't have anything I particularly needed at the moment and having the king reward me personally is a bit much.
"Is that so? we still have not reward you for saving Scarlett from those thugs back then haven't we."
Queen Annie said while smiling lightly.
"Haha.... I already told you, don't worry about it, besides allowing me to stay here is good enough of a reward."
I laugh nervously. as I respond.
"There is no need to hold back you know, you can ask for anything you want. As long as it's within my power as a princess I shall grant it to you."
Scarlett said while staring at me with a desperate look.
"E-even if you say that...."
I really don't need a reward is what I'm trying to tell them but the look on their faces makes it difficult to do so.
"Well then Haruto How about you become a knight for our kingdom. I can grant you the title of a high-ranking knight if you so desire, you'll also be able to acquire a lot of remuneration. so, what do you say?"
"Sorry but my answer won't change."
I said hesitantly.
"Are you sure? I could make you Scarlett personal guard, you know?"
He said with a slight smile.
Scarlett face turn bright red while watching my expression where she was seated.
The king looked at me with anticipation going along with the reward would be beneficial especially since I don't really have anything or anyone in this world. However, I have no intention of staying in this world forever. I will make it back home I haven't given up yet.
I still need to find out why I'm here and who was it that summoned me. I'll probably have to travel through the neighboring kingdoms to gather as much information as possible. the probability of me being summoned by some other nations but was accidentally transported here by mistake is still likely. Becoming a knight would get in the way of traveling, a knight is only allowed to travel with the permission of the royal family, and I would probably only have limited freedom. as soon as I become more custom to this world, I wanted to start traveling.
"Unfortunately, I can't since doing so would put a lot of responsibility on me, wouldn't it?"
I ask while tilting my head in wonder.
"You've got a point. if that's the case, can I assume that your planning, to leave this kingdom eventually?"
"That's right I hope that one day I'll be able to travel through the neighboring lands. so, if you have to give me a reward, I ask that you please keep it in moderation."
I did try to refuse in the politest way possible, so I didn't disrespect the royal family. This was an invitation from the king himself after all it was a huge honor.
"I see so you don't want to be burden with the responsibility that comes with being a knight am I correct?"
The queen said in understanding as she brought her teacup to her mouth elegantly.
I nodded in responds.
Most knight are put on the battlefield by the royal family and are even expected to put their lives on the line to protect their masters and their kingdom it's no different from being a everyday soldier or a police officer in my previous world. The current me is also inexperience and lacking in ability I'm afraid I'll only hold the others back or get in their way, I'm also not generous enough to risk my life for a complete stranger. The last time I did that I almost died I really don't want to experience that feeling ever again.
I thought to myself. With a bitter face recalling that moment.
"Well then, if you're not interested, I won't force you, you can let me know if you ever change your mind."
The king humbly said.
Scarlett stared at me intently from where she was seated, I'm sure she must be curious about what I wanted to do. However, I pretended I haven't notice her stare it's probably not the time to talk about that.
"Anyway, I have an important announcement to make. Scarlett your sisters will be back in four days."
The king said in a happy tone. changing the topic of the conversation.
"Really my sisters are coming back. That was quick."
She said with a faint surprise in her voice. However, her eyes shined happily.
Sisters so does that mean there are more princesses in the royal family?