Chapter 26: Ashley's Feelings
"When someone possesses strong magical powers, they sometimes experience symptoms similar to Ashley's."
When I asked Rosetta for her opinion on Ashley's condition, she said such a thing.
It seems that it's not necessarily because of possessing strong magical powers... It's a complex matter where the combination of strong magical powers and one's constitution tends to cause it.
"In other words, having frequent fevers or physical ailments is a secondary effect of your constitution... In that sense, magic and medicine cannot provide a fundamental cure. As a possible solution, one could train in magic control and strengthen the mind and body."
"Why am I continuing the treatment with circulating qi?"
When I asked that, Rosetta narrowed her eyes slightly.
"I think your method is very effective. I also studied magic circulation. There were few references, and in the end, I found out it wasn't suitable for my aptitude. That's why... I'm surprised that you can use it."
"...Then, I will continue Ashley-sama's treatment."
"I think that's good. Such encounters are quite rare."
... Rosetta's reasons for aspiring to healing magic, the true purpose of her mother's amulet that suppresses her abilities... Maybe they are all connected.
Rosetta never asked me how I learned magic circulation or the circumstances surrounding it.
- Does she think my motive was for my mother's sake?
That's not true. However, if I could use it, I wanted to become capable of using it earlier.
So, surely, this power is also what I desired.
Rosetta smiled gently, but then her expression changed as if she had remembered something.
"Oh, it would be helpful if you could stay here a little longer."
"Is there something else?"
It seems Tarucotte's matter has been resolved, and I have asked Rosetta everything I needed to ask.
I don't think there's any reason for us to be in an empty classroom.
"Well... It's not like something is going to happen to you two. It's just that when we meet—"
"—It becomes troublesome, my lord! There is no relation just because we happened to cross paths!"
"What are you saying? If my unworthy son has caused trouble, he should at least offer greetings, shouldn't he?"
Rosetta pressed her forehead as she heard the voices coming from the hallway.
"...Even though I told them not to inform."
...I see. We happened to cross paths, huh? So the person himself has come here directly.
"It's this way!?"
The door to the vacant classroom was forcefully swung open, and a middle-aged, overweight man barged in. He had a respectable appearance, but exuded a rough atmosphere.
"Oh, it's Count Maurice."
As I surveyed the room, my gaze stopped at him.
Although he had been wearing an unmistakably dissatisfied expression until then, as soon as he spotted me, he broke into a smile. However, his eyes remained devoid of any laughter.
"Hey, it's you. The one who stopped Talcott."
While maintaining that grim expression, Maurice approached with his arms wide open.
"Lord Maurice, he is—"
Rosetta tried to intervene, but Maurice continued to smile.
"What is it? I'm just expressing my gratitude to my benefactor. Step aside, please."
"No, I wanted to talk—Ah."
"Seems like you have business with me."
I didn't want Rosetta to get involved because of me. I motioned with my hand to stop the hesitant Grace and Ashley and stepped forward in front of Rosetta.
Well, well. How audacious. He's just a bothersome fellow who thinks he's clever.
"Hmm. I am Maurice Toram Cardiff, the head of the Cardiff Earldom."
"I am Theodore Gardener."
A self-introduction adhering only to formalities.
I'll greet him accordingly.
"It seems Talcott caused you some trouble. Well, it's truly remarkable at that age. It's a relief that neither of you got hurt."
Um, let's see. In other words, he's more concerned that we both emerged unscathed rather than Talcott's actions and punishment.
He must have thought it had a bearing on his own reputation as Maurice, and his younger age may have played a part as well.
Or rather... if he's only concerned about such trivial matters now, there are other things he should be worried about.
"Since it was within the confines of a regulated match."
That's true.
If the use of highly lethal magic is assumed, I would choose a way to fight that could subdue me more reliably.
"Is that so? Is that so? It's quite excellent and commendable. It seems you have also mastered the etiquette. That's quite something."
"I appreciate your words."
"But I can't recall. The Gardener Earldom had two legitimate sons, if I'm not mistaken. Which one are you?"
"...Neither."
"Oh? So, you're a bastard of the Gardener family?"
Maurice narrowed his eyes, lifting the corner of his mouth. The expression on Maurice's face was one of mockery.
"Oh, by the way, I heard something before. It's about another person from the Earl Gardner's family... If that's the case, it's troublesome. I came here to greet you specifically because I thought you were one of the siblings, and it wouldn't be polite to make a mistake. It seems I misunderstood."
What a misunderstanding. Did you know from the beginning... about my origin?
I was wondering why you came. In short, you're here to provoke me and get back at me or to gain some benefit.
If that's the case, it's a miscalculation. Do you think I feel inferior just because I'm a bastard...?
"Your mother was famous for being a saint... She wasn't of noble birth, right?"
"Count Maurice!"
"Regarding Lady Lisa!"
A reproachful voice from Rosetta. Grace also knocked over her chair and stood up.
Ignoring them, Maurice smiled and spoke to me.
"About five years ago, I think. I was here, so I escaped the danger. In the countryside... even in my territory, it seems there were many lowly people who died in large numbers. Oh my, that was truly unfortunate."
- .
Lowly... you say? Died in large numbers?
Do you, someone like you, dare say that? You, a pampered pig who fattened up in the center.
Are you talking about my mother's way of life? Her way of death?
This guy... I'll...!
"What do you understand?!"
With a head turned completely white, I was constructing a spell that could definitely obliterate the pig in front of me.
What cooled my head was that voice full of anger.
Huh... Ashley?
Ashley, with tears welling up in the corners of her eyes, shouted like that.
Looking at it, Grace, who had her hand on her ring, and Rosetta, who was about to attack, were frozen in surprise by Ashley's fierce demeanor.
"What do you understand?! About Lady Lisa! About us! Because of her, many people were saved! It's not just that! She avenged my father and mother! Your words and actions insulting her! Have some shame!"
Ah... I see. She knew.
That's why Grace also liked her.
"Young lady... Do you know who you're speaking to?"
"Do you yourself understand what you said? As the head of the Baron Shilun's family, I cannot overlook your insulting remarks about our benefactor and my parents!"
"The Baron Shilun's family...?"
Maurice momentarily frowned.
Either because he couldn't predict the situation with an unexpected hidden card, or he clicked his tongue, he left the room.
He didn't express it explicitly, but it was like he was openly insulting another nobleman in person.
From the perspective of the Earl's family, even though they were from a lower lineage, it seemed clumsy to accumulate losses at this timing, perhaps.
But... I understand. I understand it.
In this situation... I will let it slide, considering Ashley's face as she got angry for my mother's sake.
However... you have clearly become my enemy.
Definitely. You will definitely pay for your current words and actions.
"I'm sorry, Theodore-sama, I..."
Ashley covered her mouth and let out a small sob.
"There is no need for Ashley-sama to apologize."
Grace is also forcefully trying to remove a ring, causing blood to drip from her nail. Rosetta is taking deep breaths to calm her anger.
*Sigh* It's quite a mess. If Ashley's voice had been a little later, someone among the three would have crushed that pig. Even if it had happened, there would be no regret or remorse, but it is undoubtedly troublesome.
- Stay calm. Because Ashley got angry and said what she wanted to say on my behalf. Just handle it calmly.
If it were just about me, it would be fine to charge ahead. But what would happen to Grace and Rosetta if they were put in a difficult situation as a result? I won't even pay the slightest compensation for disposing of that pig.
I take a deep breath.
"...Grace, give me your hand."
"I'm sorry, I..."
"It's fine. I understand."
I take the hand of Grace, who is supporting Ashley's shoulder and whose hand is hanging weakly, and use healing magic.
She shouted over there. If it hadn't been Ashley, who was supposed to be the farthest away from Mother among us, she would undoubtedly have gone all the way.
Because someone other than a family member understands what Mother did and what she accomplished to the extent of risking her life. And it was someone like Ashley, a quiet child.
"...Thank you, Ashley-sama."
Ashley shakes her head slightly. She apologizes, but for some reason, she ends up being the one apologizing. She probably doesn't even understand why she's apologizing.
She seems a little confused.
It's probably the first time she has been so angry. Even though Ashley didn't do anything wrong.
I gently wipe her cheek with a handkerchief, and she raises her face in surprise, tears streaming down once again.