Kalin tells us the plan going forward, sounding cheerful for some reason.
Part of it is that the matter of bringing Taula back will be entrusted to me completely, so I can’t complain. Kalin also promised me all the back up she can provide in terms of resources and personnel.
According to her, this is part of the payment for the great accomplishment that is defeating a demon and saving the world from the threat of the tremors.
She tells me with an intense smile that the official reward will have to be negotiated further, and I nod without objecting.
The only problem comes from her next instructions.
“Rust, you don’t know, so I’ll explain. Princess Lily woke up soon after you arrived, but her words and actions were completely nonsensical. It was enough to bring her attendants, Zoroa and Lismist to tears.”
Kalin says with a smile.
“Lady Kalin, Miss Zoroa and Miss Lismist did not actually cry. At most, they were visibly shaken.”
Adds Ahri, and I quietly listen while thinking that’s not helping Kalin’s explanation.
“I finally understand what you mean, Rust. It looks like Princess Lily has almost no memories from after her childhood.”
“So she doesn’t have memories from after she was possessed by the ‘Third Seat of Immorality’, Lady Kalin?”
Ahri asks to confirm, with a puzzled look on her face.
“Yes. Princess Lily’s actions and words were more childish than usual, and she looked very frightened by her own body. I’m guessing that’s why.”
“Is this possible, Master Rust?”
Ahri moves her eyes from Kalin, who is sure of what she’s saying, to me as she asks me a question.
Kalin continues speaking before I can answer.
“And that’s why I’m thinking of using this.”
I don’t think Kalin is interested in how and why it happened. She ignores Ahri, and continues talking as she takes out a beautiful transparent stone that has been cut like a jewel. It’s the magic stone from the ‘Fourth Seat of Foolishness’.
“Where did you get…!?”
“Princess Lily was holding it. Rose gave it to us when you fainted.”
Says Roa, who has been quiet all this time. Apparently Rose retrieved it without me noticing it.
I’m kind of hesitant to touch it, so I stare at it and shake my head.
Kalin shrugs and continues.
“Let’s pretend this is the magic stone of the demon you’ve slain. You are the great hero that defeated the demon that possessed Princess Lily, and saved our continent from the tremors. And this right here is proof of that. As for Princess Lily, sadly, her memory is fuzzy as a result of her possession.”
“And that…!?”
I say unconsciously.
“I see, but will it work? Princess Lily in particular will be held accountable for all sorts of things, right?”
Asks Ahri. It seems she knows what Kalin is planning to do with the magic stone, and looks surprised.
“Princess Lily is the third in line for the throne. And thanks to Rust’s efforts, I have a lot of pull with a lot of people. Leave that to me.”
Kalin leans back, bumps her chest with her fist, and winks.
It looks like everyone is convinced.
Images of Kalin doing the same pose when we were in school run through my mind, and I feel a little worried. But I shake that off because I have to focus on bringing Taula back.
“Well then everyone, I will need your help with a few things. What are you going to do, Rust?”
I figure she’s asking me what I need to bring Taula back, and answer accordingly.
“…I want to take Roa along with me.”
“All right. Can I ask you to do that, Roa?”
Roa nods silently.
“Yes. Are we going out?”
“Pretty far.”
“All right. I’ll be away for a while, Ahri.”
“Master Halhammer, please take care of the Kagero Institute while I’m away.”
Roa and I say, before we leave Kalin’s office.
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