Standing in the city centre, with the grand fountain behind me, I quickly realized that I was in quite a troubling predicament.
Now that I had fulfilled the Dragon Stone's instructions and left the slums after a tearful goodbye with my dear sister… what the hell was I supposed to do now?
I couldn't go back there, that was definitely not an option.
Hmm…
Thinking logically, with my combat abilities and magic, the best thing for me to do now was to become a knight, but I didn't really want to be part of those people, considering that most of them were a pretentious bunch.
And there was also the issue of being found out as the former prince… but it had been quite a while, and the prophecy never said anything about staying hidden my entire life… but on the other hand, I might get in trouble considering that I also kidnapped Felt…
Damn, this was tough.
For now, I think it would be best to stay discrete.
I had lived twice as long in this world in the slums compared to my time as a prince, so it wasn't as if I needed to live lavishly to be comfortable.
Then… should I just travel around?
I could probably sell my skills to passing merchants as a guard to get some free rides, and in terms of making money, I could always go hunting or do odd jobs.
Hmm… while I haven't been too interested in the world around me, I did hear that Crusch Karsten was doing well, having taken more responsibility in her family's domain.
I had known her from my past, if only briefly with the few banquets we had been a part of, as well as that one time that we had trained together.
She was a cute kid, although a bit serious for a girl who should be a 'normal' child, unlike my reincarnated self, but due to that, I would like to think the two of us got along pretty well.
But still… it had been over eleven years since I met her, and aside from utterly destroying her in a duel, it's not like I was someone memorable to her.
In that case, she probably forgot about me, so she probably wouldn't find me out if I visited.
And if she did… well, I can only hope she was as kind and trustworthy as the image I had of her in my mind.
— Crusch Karsten —
The lands of the Fourtour Plains, a beautiful scene of lush, rolling hills that I was proud to have under my family's domain.
It was meant to be a simple survey through the bordering lands of the Karsten Duchy where I could inspect the lands and meet with the local lords, a responsibility my parents had graciously gifted to me thanks to my recent accomplishments.
But how… how did it end up like this?
"T-They won't stop! Crusch-sam- Gahk!"
As I watched another of my soldiers have their arm bitten into by that despicable monster, I couldn't help but grit my teeth in anger.
How unlucky… and how dare this 'Great Rabbit' attack my beloved lands, my beloved people… the things that I have sworn to protect…
I wouldn't allow it.
"Completely… unacceptable!"
With a great shout, I raised my sword, feeling the wind compress under the will of my Divine Protection and magic before I swung down, launching a blade of wind to cut down the rabbit that was attacking the soldier.
But where one died, another two appeared, hopping down the hills towards this region's main town with never-ending ferocity.
Just how many people had died from this thing?
How many towns reduced to bloodstains and empty houses?
How… how was this acceptable?
Was this not something worthy of the people being protected against?
No, it must be, for I would not be fighting otherwise.
But in that case…
"Then what the hell is that damned dragon doing," I muttered under my breath.
It was a blasphemous thought, and an even more blasphemous thing to voice out loud, but I couldn't control myself at the moment.
Many had already died, both soldiers and civilians, yet the supposed great defender of our land was nowhere to be seen.
Yes… perhaps this was also due to my incompetence, but still…
No, such thoughts were useless.
There was still a battle to fight, and still people to save.
Looking into the distance, with the many rabbits closing in on the frontline, I once again raised my sword.
"I am Crusch Karsten! Heir to the Karsten Duchy! And as is my duty, I will not allow these lands to fall into peril!" I shouted, hoping to inspire the few men that stood by my side as I released another slash of air.
With the wind howling, my attack quickly struck true, bisecting five rabbits at once as they closed in on the retreating masses.
But despite that, it wasn't enough.
I… wouldn't be able to save them all on my own.
There would absolutely be more casualties.
At least Ferris was behind me to treat the wounded, but that was useless to those who had already been completely devoured.
If only that Sword Saint, or any other of the Royal Knights were here, perhaps-
My thoughts were cut off as a man suddenly appeared in front of me, thrusting his spear forward and instantly killing a rabbit that had sneaked past the frontline to attack.
Before I could react, he once again disappeared, only to reappear next to a squad of the town's guards, delivering a slash that cut down the three monsters that were about to pounce on them.
What?
What… was that?
I was not hyperbolic when saying he disappeared… it simply wasn't at the level of being fast.
It was even faster than that, as if he could move in the blink of an eye.
And his spearmanship, an art of weaponry that was quite rare, was incredibly skilled.
Who was he?
Did I really have someone like this in my group? Or was the nearby town harbouring a hidden powerhouse?
"Just my luck… I can't believe it," he said as he reappeared at my side, turning his head to look at me. "Crusch Karsten… I take it that you wouldn't mind my assistance?"
With him now facing me, I was able to see a bit more of this mysterious man.
With sharp, red eyes, and short choppy blue hair, clearly having been cut by his own hand, I couldn't tear my gaze away from his face.
Not that I was falling in love like some kind of fairy tale story… No, while he was quite pleasing to the eyes, I was not such a weak-willed woman.
Instead… he had caught my attention as I couldn't help but see the extreme resemblance in his face to my dear friend, Fourier.
But that wasn't important right now.
With his speed and strength… perhaps, the casualties could be lessened greatly.
"That would be much appreciated," I said. "I will thank you and ask for your name later. For now, I ask you to assist me in driving this disaster away from here."
He smiled, unbothered by my demanding tone. "Well, if it's an order from Crusch-sama, then who am I to refuse?"
I was confused at how… familiar he seemed, but before I could think about it further, he once again disappeared, blinking to one end of the battlefield as he cut down another group of the monsters.
Of course, I wasn't one to idly sit by as another acted with such bravery.
And so, the fight continued, but with a much more favourable outlook thanks to our new ally.
It wasn't as if he could completely defeat this disaster alone, but he was incredible at ensuring the survival of the men in the front lines, appearing right in time to save anyone who was overwhelmed, and slashing through the rabbits with his glowing spear.
That was… Yang magic, wasn't it?
And teleportation no less…
How interesting.
I don't think I have seen that type of magic used so skilfully since… him.
Ha.
Being able to reminisce about old friends like this in the middle of battle… he truly was an amazing help if I was able to act so carefree.
The battle continued, and while the civilians were soon evacuated, with less and less soldiers losing their lives, we were still being pushed back.
And that was when the spearman appeared at my side.
"Crusch-sama… it seems they are targeting me," he said, wiping the sweat off his brow. "At least when I'm close to them, that is."
"Targeting you? What have you done to earn the ire of the Great Rabbit?" I asked, releasing another blade of wind to cut down a group of that monster.
Or would they be considered individual monsters?
No, that didn't matter.
"Nothing," he said, narrowing his eyes. "But considering how they've been acting… I can only assume they're attracted to mana."
That… was entirely plausible.
It would explain why the Great Rabbit was always drawn to such large populations, as well as how they suddenly disappeared after leaving their mark of destruction, as there would be no more mana to be attracted to.
"I see… And? What use is that information at the moment?" I asked.
"Well… I do have an idea," he said, his face set in a serious frown. "Just give me some time, and I might be able to reverse this situation."
I stared at him for a moment, trying to think of what his plan could be.
Was he planning to run?
No, that wouldn't make sense.
He had more than enough chances to run before, and he didn't seem like a knight in his shabby attire, so he bore no responsibility to fight, yet he had continued to fight with us thus far.
I… believed I could trust him.
"Fine. I will try my best, spearman," I said. "Although, do try not to die. I would like to know your name before you do."
"Haha… well, ideally, I would like to live after you learn of it too," he said, performing a light bow. "But yes. As your will, Crusch-sama, I will neutralize this disaster."
And then, he disappeared.
How cheeky… that was absolutely something that could be considered as disrespectful, especially with that condescendingly serious tone.
It was the same one those infuriating local lords used on me, thinking that I was too young to be a real noble.
But oddly enough, when he said it, I couldn't find it in myself to be mad.
Instead, I could only feel a smirk grow on my face.
A smirk of excitement.
Excitement?
In a place like this?
Where so many had lost their lives?
How shameful.
But still… I couldn't help it.
Such was the effect of this mysterious blue-haired spearman's presence and his confidence that bordered on hubris.
With him gone, I once again faced the threat ahead of me with my sword drawn and my men at my side.
While the numbers of the Great Rabbit had been greatly depleted, with swathes of emptiness marking where that man and I had focused our attacks on, they were slowly being replenished, as the volleys of magic and arrows from the now-organized ranged units were not enough to keep up.
But that was fine.
I was nowhere near the strongest, despite my best efforts.
The title of that went to the monstrous Sword Saint of the Astrea family.
But if it was just a few moments to buy time… then I could do it.
The heir to the Karsten Duchy was not someone who should, or could, fall so easily to such adversity.
And I… was that heir.
"So you will not take another step forward, beasts," I declared, infusing as much mana as I could into my sword.
As I concentrated on my blade, I noticed that all the rabbits had suddenly stopped, all turning to stare at me with their beady red eyes renewed with vigor.
What would you know?
That spearman was correct.
Well… that certainly helped my confidence, but I still had my part to play.
These vermin, intruding on my beloved homeland…
"I will not allow it!"
With a great shout, I then unleashed my charged strike, releasing a blade of wind that easily outmatched anything I had output before.
"Grk-!"
Slumping to my knee, I felt my body creak under the strain of the mana I had used up with one strike, my gate burning from the sudden depletion of mana.
Of course… doing such a thing wouldn't come without any consequences.
But thankfully, I was not the only one to feel pain from that strike.
The sea of rabbits that had stretched before me was reduced to a few stragglers, the fields bathed red in blood and covered in grime.
If it was any usual invasion, this would be the end of the battle, and we would be hailed victorious… but the Great Rabbit was no ordinary beast, as the few that were left quickly replaced their lost members, forming yet another horrifying sight.
"Ha… how frightening," I said through breathless pants.
Usually, this would be where despair began to set in at the face of such unfairness.
But thankfully… my bet had paid off.
As in the distance, a small flash of light formed, quickly growing to an impressive size and a brightness that forced one to look away, only accompanied by a strained shout.
"Al… Jiwald!"
And then, the ball of light was released, shooting into the distance and basking the land in light as if a second sun had formed.
And as for the rabbits… they all looked at it in a daze before eagerly leaping towards the light as fast as they could, heading towards the uninhabited forest to the north.
"Haa… fuck…"
Hearing the haggard voice of the very man that brought us such a victory, barely audible from the cheers of the surrounding soldiers, I got back up to my feet to turn towards him, as he had appeared beside me, likely not to get caught up in the waves of the monster.
He was alive… that was good.
"It is uncouth to say such words in front of a noble lady," I said with a teasing smirk.
"My apologies… oh great Crusch-sama… haa… that last stunt just took a lot out of me," he said, taking a deep breath as he stood up to face me. "But it worked, huh? That's fortunate."
I raised my brow at this. "Were you really willing to place your life on such a bet?"
"Of course," he said, his red eyes narrowing as he looked back toward the town. "If not for doing something like this, then what use does my strength have? Besides, fending off one of the three great Mabeasts… that's a pretty good story, is it not? I feel like my future children will love hearing that before bedtime."
With the sun shining overhead, beginning to crest the horizon as dusk began to settle, I couldn't help but feel stunned at this man before me.
Romance… it was not. Though I was sure such words, mixed with such strength and appearance, would cause any ordinary woman's heart to flutter.
No, instead, I was enamoured with the mere presence of the young man.
If such people could exist in this nation, and eagerly fight to defend it… perhaps the Lion Kings of the past could once again return, and there would be no need to rely on century-old contracts… but instead, we could rely on our own strength.
"Though, I would rather live," he added, rubbing his head with a small smile.
…Or perhaps I was mistaken.
At least he was truthful, as I could feel the wind around him blowing as evenly as a summer breeze.
"Well, either way, I thank you greatly for your assistance," I said, lightly bowing my head. "And speaking of that… just what is your name?"
"…Selian. Just Selian," he said, smiling at me. "And there's no need for modesty, Crusch-sama. You were quite amazing as well."
I took the compliment with a graceful smile, but inside, I was quite confused.
He… he seemed already fine, for the most part, despite releasing such an enormous amount of mana.
How was that possible?
While I had some skill in wind magic, I was by no means a magician, yet even I could feel the might of that last spell, and the amount of mana it would take… it was absurd.
And that constant use of teleportation magic…
Well… I suppose that wasn't my business.
"I suppose we should return to the town then, Selian-dono," I said, turning to the gathered soldiers. "But first… an announcement of our victory is in order, don't you think?"
"Hmm? Yeah, I guess," he said with a shrug. "Are you going to make a speech, Crusch-sama?"
"Hmm… you don't need to add any honorifics, Selian-dono. You have earned that much at least," I said.
"Oh… then, in that case, can you stop using 'dono' as well? It makes me feel odd, Crusch-s… san," he said.
Hmm. Interesting.
He was quite amusing to have around.
In fact…
"If it makes you feel odd, I can only guess you are not a knight despite having such skill with the spear and magic?" I asked.
"Huh? No, far from it," he said, shaking his head.
Far from it?
He must be a commoner then… even more amazing.
"I see… then, would you like to be one? I would be more than happy to take you in under the House Karsten," I offered.
Having him alongside Ferris… yes, that would truly be a wonderful pair of knights to stand at my side.
"Ah… I think I'll have to refuse, although the offer is tempting," he said, looking off into the distance. "I don't think I would fit in with that group."
"Hmm… I think you would be rather suited to it… but alas, I accept your refusal," I said. "And as for a speech… well, is there any need for it?"
"I… guess not, huh?" he returned.
Out across the plains, the grass coated in the blood of ally and foe alike, many soldiers and fleeing civilians were present, each overflowing with emotion.
Some were overjoyed with relief at the end of such a harsh battle, while others cried to mourn the loss of those who had died.
It was quite a sight, and not one I planned to disturb with my words.
That could be saved for later tonight, as a celebration was sure to follow.
Instead-
"Crusch-sama!"
"Crusch-san!"
Hearing two familiar voices, I turned to see my two dearest friends running towards me.
"Ferris… Fourier-sama… what are you two doing here?" I asked in surprise. "Is everyone healed?"
"Y-Yes! But when the soldiers said the battle was over, and you hadn't returned…" Ferris said worriedly, tears beginning to spill from his eyes.
"He did quite an exceptional job, if I must say. A performance fitting the student of 'Blue'," Fourier added, nodding his head.
"Oho? Is that so?" I said, smiling at the demi-human boy. "Then, you have my thanks. Well done, Ferris."
"I-It wasn't much…" he said, averting his eyes in embarrassment before his gaze landed on Selian.
Ah, right. Introductions.
"How rude of me. You two, this is Selian. He was instrumental in today's battle, and I'm sure many more would have died without his assistance. In fact, it was him that drove away the Great Rabbit," I said, pushing the man forward. "And these are my two dear friends. Ferris Argyle, an amazing healer who is also my attendant, and Fourier Lugunica, the fourth prince of the nation."
Oddly enough, I noticed that Fourier wasn't acting his usual self, where he would introduce himself with grandiose.
Instead, he was oddly… contemplative.
How odd.
But that word was something I could use many times for that man, so I thought nothing of it.
"Nice to meet you two. And despite what she said, her skills were just as impressive," Selian replied. "Don't put yourself down, Crusch-san."
So he wasn't surprised at Fourier being a prince… I would say that it was odd, but then again, Selian didn't show much reaction to me being the heir to one of the strongest families in the nation either, so it wasn't completely out of the question.
I guess he was simply impervious to the splendor of nobility and royalty.
Admittedly, compared to how most would react, to have him be so comfortable… it was quite refreshing.
I gave him a small smile. "That wasn't my intention-"
"'San!?'," Ferris shouted, his tail bristling in anger as he pointed to Selian. "That's 'sama' to you! This is Crusch Karsten, the heir to the Karsten Duchy! Give her the proper respect!"
Ah… I should have predicted this.
Ferris, while I thought of him as my dear friend, was quite loyal to me.
"Ferris… it's fine. He has more than earned my respect, enough that I wish to communicate casually amongst each other as comrades, just as I allow you to," I said, not harshly, but sternly.
His loyalty was sometimes a bit… overbearing.
But he meant well.
"If you say so… Crusch-sama…" he said with a pout.
And he still hasn't stopped with that respectful tone…
"Well, I personally have nothing but thanks for you. Although, I admit, you two getting close so quickly is a bit depressing," Fourier said, walking up to Selian.
Depressing?
What was he talking about?
"Nevertheless, as the fourth prince, and someone who was sure to be in the path of destruction, I thank you for-"
Fourier's words suddenly cut off as he extended his hand, his face frozen in what looked like shock.
"Fourier… what is it?" I asked.
"Uh… n-nothing, just… I want to have a private chat with such an admirable figure, is all!"
He then gripped Selina's arm, and before I could voice a word of protest, began pulling him towards the city.
Huh… how odd.
"What was that about, Crusch-sama?" Ferris asked.
"I… am not sure," I said before shaking my head. "Nevertheless, let us head back into the city. While the battle is over, there is still much to do in terms of recovery, as well as notifying my parents about what happened here."
As we began walking towards the city, I couldn't help but think back to Selian.
He was young, likely around my age, but had skill and power well beyond his years, and a maturity and bravery to match.
He was a respectable young man.
I hope that I could see him again, if not at the celebration, then at least sometime in the future.
— Selian —
Having dragged me past the wall and behind a nearby barracks, Fourier finally came to a stop, taking a moment to collect his breath before turning to look at me.
"You… you said your name was Selian, right?" he asked.
"That is true," I said.
"Ha… I see…" he murmured.
Yeah, I somewhat expected this.
He was always the smart one, after all.
Fourier Lugunica… he was my older brother, and the sibling that I was closest to in age, with him being only a few years older than me.
When I was a child, we got along quite well, and we often played chess together, as well as practising magic and martial arts… although he always skipped those classes whenever possible.
Still, while he was a child back then, he was mature for his age, and always tried to make time to play with me.
Plus… he was quite clever, even as a child, hence why we frequently tied in chess despite my reincarnated knowledge and maturity.
While that was definitely thanks to my lack of skill in the game, his intelligence was still quite amazing to keep up with me.
So him figuring something out about me… it wasn't completely out of the cards, and I was quite worried when I saw him.
But I was just glad that he kept things between us… or, at least, it seemed that way for the moment.
"You're… you're actually Altair, aren't you," he said. "My supposedly dead brother…"
Yep, definitely clever. I guess that grew with his age as well.
"Yes, I am," I said before releasing a sigh. "But please do keep it secret. I… have not been hiding just for fun."
"Not for fun, eh? Then for what reason?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "And why did you leave in the first place? Is it connected?"
"Yes… you remember that I was the keeper of the Dragon Stone, correct?" I said, to which he nodded. "I am simply following its order. It wanted me to escape and stay hidden. After this long, my instructions have ended, which is why I'm here… but I'd still prefer to not flaunt my identity."
Besides, I had a feeling that if I was once again forced into royalty, I would be quite bored.
"The Dragon Stone told you? Hmm… and I can only assume that you took her as well… Aurelia, that is," he said.
…He was annoyingly clever.
"Precisely. I ensured she grew up happy and healthy, for your information, so don't get too angry about me kidnapping our cousin," I said.
And now that Felt had grown into her own person… she really was more suited for life outside royalty anyway.
"Ha. I always had a suspicion about it, especially considering your skills and how attached you were to her," he said, shaking his head. "But still… that is quite the amazing story. It would be unbelievable if it was anyone else, but if it's you…"
His voice trailed off as his lips curled into a smirk.
"Still, you seem to have grown even more, judging by how Crusch praised your skills. She doesn't do that lightly, you know," he said. "Ah, and I apologize for Ferris' behaviour. He is quite… overprotective of Crusch. There's a story behind it, but it's not my place to tell."
"Ah, I figured," I said, waving my hand. "Don't worry, I didn't really take offence to it-"
Wait.
Hold on a moment.
"…'He'?" I asked, unsure.
Did I simply hear him wrong?
"Ahaha! Ah, I truly do enjoy the reactions that Ferris garners," Fourier chuckled. "Yes, he is a male, through and through. Although he does act and dress as a girl, as you probably guessed."
I… was incredibly confused.
Was it some sort of fetish for Crusch?
I mean, I wasn't against transgender people, but that concept didn't apply in this world.
Although seeing that… I would have to reassess that thought.
But wow… that was actually a boy… I would have to be careful in the future.
"Well… I see… I am sure he has broken many hearts then," I said.
"Haha! You can't even imagine," Fourier laughed, patting my shoulder a few times before his expression turned serious. "Then… Altair, my dear brother… while I do not care about the games and instructions that you've been tasked with, I must ask… are you happy?"
Was I happy, huh?
"What's with that?" I asked, confused.
"What's with what? Isn't it only natural for an older brother to be concerned about his long-lost sibling?" he said, leaning against the wall. "So? Are you happy? If not, you can always ask for my help. And after today, I'm sure Crusch will be just as generous… even if it makes me a bit jealous."
Tilting my head down, I began to think about what had happened in this second life of mine so far.
It wasn't much, to be honest. Outside of training and keeping Felt happy, I hadn't really done much.
But thinking about Felt… the smile she had after she wrote down her first word… when she giggled after playing a game together… how happily she clung to me…
And now, there were even more people that I was able to help, such as Crusch, and the gentle smile she showed after the battle was won.
So if I had to say…
"Yes, I am. Happy, that is," I said. "But… I guess you could say I am missing a purpose."
Before, I was able to devote myself fully to Felt's happiness and safety, but now… well, I was quite lost as to what to do.
And since I was the fifth prince, with no hope for being in line for the throne, it wasn't like I could relieve that feeling by returning to my original family and aiming to rule the nation into prosperity.
Especially after the troubles I caused…
"Missing a purpose, huh? Well, I used to feel that was as well," Fourier said, nodding his head. "I am the fourth prince, so even though I could easily get an administrative position, nothing like that really called to me, and it still doesn't."
Ah… right, this guy was in a similar position to me, wasn't he?
"Used to… what changed?" I asked.
"Hah!" he chuckled, dramatically swiping his bangs to the side with his hand. "I found myself a lady!"
…
"Sorry… a lady? Like… wanting to be with them romantically?" I asked.
"Exactly!" he replied. "There is no better feeling than devoting yourself to a woman! Especially when they are beautiful, kind, strong-"
"I get it," I said, interrupting him with a frown. "And so? Who is this lucky lady?"
"Ha. You've already met them, my dear brother," he said, snapping his fingers with a wink. "It is none other than that very Crusch-san! The one that stole my heart from the day I saw her amidst the picturesque garden, like a scene from a fairy tale!"
"Uh… oh," I said, unconsciously taking a step back.
His enthusiasm was quite… amazing.
Yes. Amazing was a good word for it.
"Good… for you?" I said, a bit unsure.
How exactly was one supposed to respond to that?
I've had a couple girlfriends during my past life, at least through high school, but I don't think I was as enthusiastic as this guy.
"Yes, it is quite good for me," he said happily.
"Right… well, are you two married? Or are you just engaged right now?" I asked.
At that, his smile faltered.
"Well… you see… she has yet to notice my affections, so that won't happen until later in the future, if all works out well," he answered, avoiding my eyes.
…What?
They… they weren't even together?
"But! That is just one of her charms!" he said, quickly regaining his passion. "So yes, being devoted to that is something worth working towards… don't you think?"
"I… I guess," I said. "Thanks for the advice, brother. You're… quite amazing."
I mean, if it works for him, that's great, but I doubted I would be able to follow the same path as him.
With a brief silence descending between us, I then noticed how dark it had gotten as the dusk had begun to settle on the land, not helped by the shadow of the town's walls.
"It's getting late, is it not?" Fourier said.
"Yes… it seems that way," I replied.
"Hmm… well, while I would love to spend more time with you, considering your desires, it would be best that you leave before the banquet of victory begins," he said, his tone melancholic. "Considering how you're sure to be the star, it will only be troublesome, and it might even reveal your identity if you're unlucky."
I see… well, I wasn't really planning on joining it anyway.
"Then… I'm guessing you have to go?" I said.
"Of course! It's not every day that I get the chance to see Crusch in a dress! Even if it's not a guaranteed chance…" he said before shaking his head. "But alas, it was wonderful to meet you again, Altair. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask your big brother here."
I gave him a smile in return.
"It's Selian now. It would be best that you use it," I said, wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug. "Goodbye, brother."
"Indeed. And do find yourself a purpose… Selian. And let us meet again once you do," he replied, squeezing me in return.
And with that, we separated, with Fourier heading towards the central manor as he waved back to me, while I went towards the gate of the celebrating town to return to the road, or perhaps stop at a nearby inn for lodging.
Unfortunately, while I had not known it at the time, his proposal to meet again would remain unfulfilled… as that would be the last time I would ever see my older brother.