MaruMA:Volume15:Chapter 8 Chapter 8

After the night of the chaotic battle gave way to dawn, the country of white sand at the ends of the ocean changed drastically. This is the first time in Seisakoku history that slaves helped soldiers to save the Emperors life. Not just the slaves, but the equestrian people and the soldiers all know what happened last night, so it has become an undeniable truththat the ones who were never recognized as shinzoku saved the Emperor.

The country might not change suddenly, but it is indeed changing, slowly listening to the voices of the oppressed.

Give my life to this child.

Sitting on a narrow staircase in the secret port for pirates and smugglers, Hazel Graves is reading a certain womans diary. Her finger wanders over the surface, reading aloud any beautiful scenes as though it is poetry,

Give my everything to this child When faced with the death of a loved one, any person would descend into a grief where you have to choose between a rock and a hard place.

Wolfram and I, with two girls grabbing our waists, walk slowly on the uneven stone steps. The salty sea breeze sure feels comfortable.

I wonder who helped her fulfill her wish. Her son was revived, but Alazon didnt die immediately. Although this situation is slightly surprising, the fact is that her heart didnt stop immediately. Instead, she weakly, slowly passed away. For example, by the end of that year she couldnt move her legs, and by the next year it was her arms. Soon her insides started to rot and slowly she died. She thought of her sons life as more important than her own, so she helped him extend his life. Whoever it was that helped her fulfill that wish, its just too tragic.

If you ask me, its more of a horror movie than a miracle.

The young Empress Alazon was very lively, but afterwards she rarely showed up in public anymore, so this is the reason why.

Does it have something to do with the Box?

Well, who knows? According to His Eminence the Sage, that Box can only destroy, right?

It seems so.

In that case, maybe it was a god they worship, or the soul of a royal in the tombs or the underground tunnel. Think about it, that woman carried a dead baby into the underground tunnel that could fulfill her wish! And besides, that unlucky Box may have some functions the Sage doesnt know about. Or else

With a melodic sound, Hazel closes the diary and hands it to me,

It could be a miracle brought by Alazons own power. I really cant say for sure Eh?

As though its her first time seeing them, she stares at Jason and Freddy, asking,

So youre the two lovely young ladies who were worried for me?

The twins are surprisingly docile and timid, their usual arrogance completely gone, as though they understand its not good to probe into someone elses help. Although I dont know who taught them that, but how polite of them.

You girls told me to help Venera, right? That Venera, is this person here Hazel Graves?

The twins raise their heads in unison,

Hope you can help her.

Right, with majutsu.

With majutsu?

Again they nod at the same time.

Thats right.

What do you mean by help? What do you want me to do? Help her abolish slavery in this country?

No.

That, well do ourselves.

What impressive determination.

Then

Heal her.

Thats right, heal her. Heal Veneras body.

Even if they ask me to, but Venera Hazel Graves was just fighting valiantly on the battlefield, it sure doesnt look like shes sick. As for the person in question, she cant understand the common language, so her expression is one of surprise,

If its possible, could you say that in this countrys language? Oh, right, those children seem unfamiliar with the Seisakoku language, in that case English is okay, too, Your Majesty. Are you talking about me? You are talking about me, right?

They want me to heal your body.

But I dont remember being sick?

They say its not a sickness.

My translation makes the twins nod even harder.

No, we see, Veneras soul.

Right, light of the soul.

Its weakening.

Since the first time we met, the light has been weakening, bit by bit.

So you think its a sickness.

They did do something like a fortune telling before.

The one who had his fortune told back then wasnt me, but Wolfram. But back then not only werent they talking about weakening or whatnot, they even said he had a kings aura, so surely that must have made him happy?

Is what they say accurate?

Hearing my question, Wolfram thinks back for about ten seconds, his arms crossed over his chest and his left leg stretched slightly ahead, a hint of a smile on the corners of his lips,

No, its not accurate at all.

It cant not be accurate!

One of the twins, probably Freddy, seems really angry, and cant help but protest. But Hazel interrupts her,

Are you done talking about me?

Not yet, Hazel. According to these children, your soul UhUm, something like the light was really weak since the beginning, anyway they suspect that youre not feeling well somewhere.

They said my light is really weak?

Hazel Graves frowns, her mouth tightly closed, as she pulls her hair upwards with her hand,

How troubling.

Her eyebrows droop as she says, perplexedly,

Children, thats called aging.

Eh?

If you know how long Ive lived, you would definitely be in for a shock. Just among the slaves in this country, I should be the oldest. Im far older than those nobles who enjoy all the best food in the palace, and have the best medical teams waiting on them twenty-four seven. Not only that, even if you go investigate the most resilient family, the Graves, there still isnt anyone who lived longer than me. However

The old lady winks like a child,

Its true that I dont know how long mazoku lifespans are.

Mazoku lifespans are longer than you can imagine. As humans go, however, you are rather long-lived.

Hazel disappeared from Boston before World War II. Although Im not too sure how to calculate the time in this world, seventy years have passed on Earth. If she was sixty-something-years-old back then, she would be at least a hundred and thirty years old now, and thats well enough to get into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Still, whats surprising isnt her age, but her strong body despite her age. She can live in such a tough environment even though shes over a hundred years old, doing back-breakingly hard work, even leading the slaves on a trip with us, and fighting to rescue her comrades. I cant say that shes as strong as a mazoku, but compared to humans on Earth, such a strong body is nothing short of a miracle. Its not just the body of flesh and bone either, even her mental resilience is highly admirable.

But Hazel Graves is telling everyone that her body is weakening. Shes not sick, but aging.

My eyes, nose, brain, limbs and waist all are. Oh, right, here too.

She raises her fist and beats her chest. Does she mean her heart, or her spirit?

Because Im old, my limbs are already shaking, and they become powerless if I use them for too long. So even if the flames of my soul become weak, its nothing to be wondered at; in fact, its completely normal.

Jason and Freddy seem to have figured out what she meant by the simple words she used, hugging my waist as they say,

Heal her, we cant save her.

Yuuri, use majutsu.

Venera, hope. Venera is this countrys hope.

Everyone says so.

Those golden eyes shine with pleading and hope, until Im at a loss on how to reply.

AhThat cant be cured.

Hazel herself has her hands on her waist, smiling really happily. Its the triumphant smile of a grandmother thinking, Although my grandchildren said some unattainable fantasy things, but they really are such adorable and bright children.

Anyone would become an aged elderly person, that is something unavoidable, and uncurable. Although the rate Im aging at is really slow, but after a long period of time, what will come will come.

Hazel

Since the light of my soul is weakening, that means that Ill have to embrace that moment soon. I have finally reached a place where I can see the gate to heaven.

But to those of us who cant see something as troublesome as the soul, you are still strong despite your age, and also very beautiful.

Conrad, used to dealing with women, walks past and nonchalantly says something pleasant to the ears. That is an advanced speaking technique that I cant achieve, all I know is that he spoke really well.

Hazel, I cant heal your aging, but there is one thing I might be able to do.

Hazel Graves raises an eyebrow in surprise.

I dont complete my sentence, I might be able to take you back to Earth, because I dont have the confidence. Even Murata and myself cant be certain when, at what point in time well land, and with so many uncertainties in the conditions, I really cant be sure I can bring an old lady I just met on the Star Tour successfully. Its just that, if she wants to return to Earth, there might be a hope of succeeding.

Your suggestion is indeed very tempting, and I am very grateful, but I want to stay in this country.

Although I dont know what are the chances of succeeding Eh!?

I am shocked into raising my head by the unexpected answer, but the adventurers wrinkled mouth curves into a mischievous smile,

I dont plan to go anywhere. If I return to Boston, those young relatives of mine may welcome me, but

She looks at someone in the distance beyond my shoulder, Im guessing Conrad, or maybe shes looking past him as well, looking for some other illusion. She sighs, and sings for a short while, but immediately stops.

Since Ive started this challenge, I might as well make it a long journey.

You have a point.

But isnt it pretty interesting, trying to become this countrys Lincoln?

You want to become Seisakokus president?

No, I dont want to be anyone great like that. But until now were still not sure if we should make someone else as Emperor to replace Yelshi, maintaining the emperor system, or step in a little and make it back into a monarchy. In any case, I just hope to release the people from this illogical caste system.

Hazel looks around the small port from the narrow stone steps as she speaks. The people who just left the facility are loading cargo into the mazoku vessels, or accepting unneeded rations and supplies from the ships. As for the equestrian people who recovered really quickly, they are discussing something on their horses that still refuse to move forward. In such a crowded place, itll probably be faster to move on your own two feet.

After Ive seen these children released from this tyranny with my own eyes, I plan on a quiet retirement.

It shouldnt take too long, right?

I dont know, only God knows.

Once the dust has settled, you will come to Shin Makoku for a visit, right? Its a great place, and the weather is beautiful.

Shin Makokus good qualities flood my brain, and I realize that if I want to explain how wonderful my hometown is, its probably not something I can finish saying in an hour or a day, but I cant say it clearly either, because the more I think back the more I want to just go back already, until my nose starts to burn.

Dont ever forget, Venera. You are the goodwill ambassador, after all, you have a duty to come to my country and meet the king.

I also want to have a chat with His Eminence, and listen about my granddaughters adventures.

Ill warn you beforehand, Muratas story is really long, so you must stay in Shin Makoku for quite some time. Just come to my country for a good rest, there are the hot springs women love so much there, too.

You have a point.

Hazel Graves nods lightly, pulling her hair upwards with a smile.

Lord Weller, who walked past me just now, is now talking to Captain Sizemore near the mazoku ships.

Although I cant order you, could I ask you for a favor as a friend?

Of course you can.

Then please remove everything sharp, including the tables and chairs.

I know, leave it all to me, I have experience escorting those wounded in battle too. Um not just those who were wounded physically, but in other areas as well.

Captain Sizemore nods, his expression grim. Although I dont purposely want to lighten up the atmosphere, I still speak up in a cheery tone,

Conrad!

Conrad turns around to look at me with a steady smile.

Wheres Josak?

It seems hes been taken into the vessel Captain Sizemore arranged for. Hes very quiet, its just he looks dazed. Really, causing everyone so much trouble.

Even Miss Gisela couldnt heal him, huh

Even if she could heal his body, we cant fight poison with poison when it comes to his memories and spirit.

Poison!? Then Miss Anissina

No one knows what will happen. Although I cant be sure, you tend to have an idea already in your heart.

Conrad murmurs a famous tragedy.

Shakespeare?

Although its slightly different, all we can do now is gamble on it. Anyway, even if we have to do it by force, we must bring him back to Shin Makoku, we cant leave him on foreign soil no matter what.

Of course.

When I remember the way Josak looked when his eyes were splashed by the liquid Adlabert brought, and he was rolling on the floor in pain, all the hairs on my body stand on end. But its already much better than earlier, that moment when we were separated in the underground tunnel.

Compared to the despair from back then, the uneasiness I feel now is much lighter.

Its okay as long as hes by my side, its enough as long as hes still alive.

And then I clear my throat, changing the subject,

Speaking of which, what does Lord Weller plan to do from now on?

Until Shou Shimarons close guard land, I still have to watch Saralegui.

The job of a bodyguard sure is tough. Ah~~ But since you were trained by me before, you should be used to it now, right?

No way, the pleasure in it is completely different.

Our conversation is like a child who likes to prank people. To the mazoku, this may be a meaningless experience, but I cant be a rookie forever. I researched economics a little, and I know politics more now. So I nonchalantly ask the suspicions I have from the term politics.

I say, Conrad, what do you mean by I went to sow seeds? Dont tell me you want to gather up your supporters, and, um try to regain the throne?

Of course not! Im not made for that.

He denies it in surprise, but if were judging if someone deserves the throne based on their talent, Id be the least qualified. He tells me,

Its impossible, Im a narrow-minded man. I dont want to get any position, just to spread my true intention. I want to tell them, my father and grandfather craved peace, not invasion. But its really rather difficult to gain their trust You really are a great person.

Conrad lowers his head slightly, his eyes narrowed and his smile bitter, exactly like the oldest son. That thought takes me off-guard, and in my daze I forget to ask something really important.

Um

I know, the Shimaron ships seem to have arrived.

The extravagant-looking ships block the narrow port until theres no space left, meaning Saraleguis ministers have arrived.

Once the handing-over is complete, my mission would also be over. At that time, I will catch up immediately.

Its okay if you take your time.

I forgot to ask, does his catch up mean coming back to my side?

But someone has to stay behind.

I have to stay behind!?

Dont you? Because you and the mermaid are the equestrian tribes messiah, right?

Why the heck do I have to stay behind!? Its not like their village was damaged, theyre completely unharmed, yknow!? Why do I have no choice but to stay behind as their designated chef!?

Anyway the term messiah is just a title, its just that this incident made you into an accidental hero, and after this their deals with Yelshi and the former slaves will decide the direction of this country, am I right? If youre there to offer opinions from the side, I would be much more at ease. Because youre talented, and one of the Ten Aristocrats, plus youre really familiar with politics and governing territory. Wolfram mentioned before, the nobles usual work is like the administrator of the territories. Youre really good at delegating, arent you? So I think you would stay behind, and help their administration from a side.

Adalbert hardens his expression as he uses his finger to touch his proud chin, asking,

Why must I listen to the Maous orders?

Eh? Did I make any order? I dont remember, I just said, I think you would stay behind, yknow?

I am the man who betrayed the mazoku, yknow!

So what?

If all goes well, I could even make this country anti-mazoku, yknow!

Its all right, go ahead.

I dont have any sense of uneasiness, that really is what Im thinking. If he can do it, then go ahead, but he definitely wont do it.

Besides, you already made a family here, didnt you? I heard, Adalbert! I heard you have a stern daughter and cute grandchildren? How mean of you not to tell meAs expected of the muscleman, the impressive butt-shaped chin! Good job, Grantz young boss! From now on, youll be living the Doki-doki!? Mermaid Life.

Hearing me say that, Adalbberts expression becomes very strange

But I immediately hear something similar from Saraleguis side, apparently the Shou Shimaron king Saralegui is somewhere nearby, putting his grieving little brother to sleep. Since hes acting like the perfect older brother, his men who finally reached this port to receive him arent blaming him.

Youre really not nervous at all? Theres a high chance I would replace Yelshi as leader of this country, yknow!

If you really did that, it would just mean you have to fight it out with Venera and the others. And we dont know if you could decide the winner quickly, it might end up taking a long time, and in that case, what about Shou Shimaron?

Ill leave the best people in the country, its not like Im the only capable one.

Im not talking about the people you leave in the country, what Im asking is, can you yourself leave your hometown?

Otherwise I could follow the original plan, and have Shou Shimaron and Seisakoku form an alliance, making conditions favorable to our Shou Shimaron. That way, well have the shinzoku as powerful firepower, and we twins will govern twin countries to control the worlds superpowers. Shin Makoku and Seisaskokus alliance will fall behind Shou Shimarons, you know?

Its okay, as long as you two get along, after all you are brothers. Go ahead and make up for the blank days in the past as family members, as country leaders that get along. Just like how me and my brother are so close.

I hope you two will become good brothers who would discuss how to make a move in front of me before doing it, who know each other so well you could be each others body double.

If you want to make any strange contracts, Venera and the equestrian tribes wont say quiet. To be honest, I dont know how much longer Yelshis own dictatorship could have lasted. But I think you are really skilled politically, much better than I am. I trust that you have the ability to stabilize this country.

Its obvious that Saralegui figured out what Im thinking long ago, but he still pretends, So?

Support your lost little brother. You should lead him towards the right direction.

Really, this pathetic little brother is just too much.

Dont forget, theres a group of people who were tortured by your pathetic little brother for many years. Oh, right, this.

I hand the pale red ring and the leather-bound book to him. Murata helped me take off the ring. He strung silk thread between the finger and the stone, winding and tying a little before pulling it off. Thank goodness the ring came off before I decided to chop off my finger, it was a great help.

I think Alazons diary should be given to you for safekeeping. The contents are really long, extremely long. Your mother Alazon

Saraleguis reply is even more decisive than I imagined,

I knew long ago, I knew she was dead.

Why?

Father told me. He told me what happened to the person who sent us away from Seisakoku, I heard it was a sickness that made the body die gradually. Today its the leg, tomorrow the arm, this year the lips, next year the eyelids.

What a terrible sickness.

Maybe its not a sickness, but a curse. In any case, in the end it wasnt just Mothers physical body, but even her spirit was corroded. She even said she could see the dead, that the dead were surrounding her. It was after that I was chased out of the palace, the reason being I dont have the power I should have. That person even said, You are not my child!

He seems to be remembering a scary nightmare from the past, continuing to narrate that terrifying nightmare that he has almost forgotten,

I still remember it clearly to this day. She let three-year-old me stand in the darkness, pulling my hair from behind so my head was facing up, and said over and over, You are not my child, Saralegui! So I definitely wont take you away!

Could that be she couldnt let you be taken away?

Why would you think so?

Read this diary if you have time. Its okay if you want to read it at night, just read it slowly on your own, this is already yours.

Then Ill take it. Oh, yeah, Your Majesty Yuuri.

I had turned around and was about to leave when Saralegui asks me unhesitatingly. Although he just faced the fact that his mother died, hes still a truly greedy, and truly intelligent man.

Do you know what happened to the Box? While I was caring for my little brother, it seems to have vanished.

About that, who knows.

Just then Wolfram waves at me, so I leave the scene without replying. I really want to throw it somewhere, but I cant just leave it alone either. That is the sealed, ominous Box that the mazoku destroyed, and sealed. I really want to forget about it, but I think about it with every step, and it presses down on my chest every time I breathe, making me gasp for breath.

Is your stomach okay?

As soon as were out of Saraleguis field of vision, Wolfram immediately looks apologetic, even saying,

Sorry.

OhThat? Oh, right, Wolf, that punch really hurt! Although I was at fault too in the tunnel that time, you were wrong to hit me in the stomach. That is totally DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

Although its not serious or common, Wolfram looks surprised to hear an unfamiliar term. What a bother, since Im used to talking to Hazel, Im starting to use a lot of Earth terms now.

DOMES what does that mean?

HmSomething like in the country or a product of the country, I guess!

I already told you many times, I will formally ask for my due punishment once we get back

No need, it doesnt matter if its official or not, its okay whenever you want to apologize.

Hes about to say something formal again so I pat his back hard without hesitation, and it gives me a feeling of reality, like Ahright here. Im here, and so is Wolfram.

Because were already back.

Were all here, be it Conrad, Murata or Josak.

I cant say for all of it, but I brought us back with my own strength.

Uh-huh.

The sea breeze caresses Wolframs hair, and he nods his head firmly in reply, very naturally extending his hand to me, standing on the side of the port,

Come home, everyone is waiting for you.

Nobody knows how things will turn out in the future, but this country will definitely change.

I follow the creaking staircase as I climb upwards, preparing to return home.