Chapter 229 – The Witch's Relic

Simultaneously with the Abyss Serpent’s collapse, the compressed water was released. A massive amount of water swallowed the lower part of the great hall like a tsunami, rapidly raising the water level.

Alvelinde’s form was—embedded and stuck in the shattered wall. The area where the serpent’s fangs had bitten into her had a gaping hole torn through it, and the rest of her body appeared to have suffered fatal damage from the water pressure and current.

As I approached with Ouroboros still in stance, Alvelinde closed her eyes and smiled.

“It was an enjoyable fight, but in this state, I cannot continue. He told me to avoid engaging the Demon Slayer… Indeed, he was right. Kuku…”

By “he,” she probably meant… not the Crown Prince of Silvatoria. Gardinis had also mentioned it—it makes more sense to think of him as the leader among the demons.

If that’s the case, then she likely had objectives as part of the demon group separate from the Crown Prince’s goals. Given that she came at the time of the seal’s release, perhaps she aimed to transport the Miasma Orb or, if possible, steal the Orb. Whether the Crown Prince knew about this or not is another matter.

“Did you bring the Miasma Orb with you?”

“…If you’ve already figured that out, this will be quick. If you want it, you can search through my belongings at the inn.”

…Just as I thought. Since the Miasma Orb is related to the seal, it’s problematic that we can’t simply destroy it recklessly. Nor can we just abandon its management. We’ll have to continue investigating the Miasma Orb.

“Still… I never imagined an exception like you would exist—Ah. So that’s what it means to be able to use Circulation. Patricia, was it? You too… carry the blood of those sorcerers.”

When my eyes widened, Alvelinde laughed cheerfully.

“What do you know?”

“Who can say? If you pursue the answers, you’ll likely find out eventually. After all, you’re probably the greatest obstacle to our plans.”

Alvelinde’s limbs began dissolving into particles of light from their ends, vanishing into the Magic Light Water Vein.

“It seems my time has come. It’s been a while… but I enjoyed it. I’m satisfied.”

With those final words, her eyes closed while maintaining a smile, Alvelinde scattered into the void.

I took a deep breath and shook my head. A stinging pain spread throughout my body.

While I had burns here and there and numerous small cuts… well, it was within acceptable limits. I gently patted the heads of Ouroboros, who was making worried sounds, along with Nemea and Capella to reassure them.

The method of wrapping the portion of Internal Magic Power I couldn’t contain internally around my body for control didn’t feel particularly burdensome either. Of course, this time I didn’t use my own body as a medium to cast magic, so it’s not a direct comparison.

Have I become stronger than before? And can I become even stronger going forward? I want to believe I’m moving forward. Strong enough to crush whatever schemes they’re plotting with the Miasma Orb and keep advancing.

“Theodore-sama!”

Led by Ashley, everyone came rushing over.

“I managed to finish it.”

“Please let me see your injuries.”

Ashley’s expression looked like she might burst into tears at any moment. Wanting to reassure her, I smiled back and began removing my jacket.

The glow of Healing Magic lit at Ashley’s fingertips as she treated the small cuts on my cheeks and shoulders, along with the burned areas on my arms, chest, back, and waist. When Ashley’s slender fingers touched me, the pain subsided. It had been a while since I received treatment for burns.

Healing Shell for burns was applied to me. The cool sensation felt pleasant.

Not just Ashley, but everyone wore similarly worried expressions.

Yeah. I feel like I’m always making them worry. That’s right. It would be best if I could win more easily. I really need to become stronger.

“I’ll become stronger. So you won’t have to worry.”

When I said that, Ashley gently leaned against me from behind and continued the treatment.

“—Finished. But please don’t push yourself too hard.”

Saying this, Ashley, who had moved away, showed a slightly troubled smile.

“Thank you, Ashley.”

“Yes.”

Ashley placed a hand on her chest and nodded slightly.

“What about everyone else’s injuries?”

“Regarding injuries, we’re fine this time.”

“Is that… so? That’s good.”

When I stroked Ashley’s hair, she smiled bashfully. First, I need to eliminate the recoil and perform Circulating Ki, which will also serve as rest and recovery. Since the footing is shallow water, I used Earth Magic to create a smooth stone platform.

I applied a Seal to Grace and embraced her along with Ashley. When I wrapped my arms around their shoulders to eliminate the recoil, they smiled back and buried their faces in my chest.

Hmm… Last time, Virginia, who Grace dealt with, was a vampire… and in many ways, she was someone who matched well with Grace. Compared to before, the recoil feels relatively mild this time.

When I embraced Marlene, she wrapped her arms around my waist and clung tightly. I stroked Marlene’s hair as she looked at me with a smile.

“Claudia.”

“Yes.”

Though her cheeks reddened slightly, she smiled and leaned against me somewhat hesitantly. I then activated Circulating Ki. Perhaps because teleportation was a major technique for Claudia too, she seemed to have consumed quite a bit of Magical Power. Performing Circulating Ki with multiple people like this creates synergistic effects. Each person’s fatigue decreases, and recovery speeds up.

Body warmth and soft sensations. Gentle fragrances that filled my nostrils. I gathered and elevated the flow of everyone’s Magical Power.

“…It’s warm.”

Grace’s quiet voice. Marlene nodded slightly. We continued like that, surrendering to the surge of Magical Power, performing Circulating Ki for a while before separating.

“Marie… are you okay?”

After all, Rosemary’s connection enhancement with her Doll was also quite a major technique.

“If you mean Magical Power consumption, it’s not that bad. I’ve already recovered quite a bit.”

She says that, but… hmm. It would probably be good to perform Circulating Ki with Rosemary too.

“Marie, come over here too.”

“Um. Circulating Ki… I suppose?”

“Yeah. Magical Power depletion can affect your physical condition later.”

“…Still. Being the only one is a bit…”

Rosemary seemed somewhat hesitant.

“In that case, how about doing it like we did at the lake?”

“Ah. Us too?”

“Yes. And we don’t need to hug like we did at the lake.”

Sheila and Irmhild said. Seraphina immediately perched happily on my shoulder. That seemed to satisfy Rosemary. She hid her mouth with her feather fan and sat down beside me.

Sheila took my right hand. Rosemary took my left hand.

“Um. Then would it be alright if I used my tail?”

“Anywhere you’re touching is fine.”

Irmhild said somewhat hesitantly as she wrapped her tail around my side. It had a smooth texture and feel…. Hmm. Then let’s begin Circulating Ki.

“…Really. It’s warm.”

“The fatigue doesn’t linger afterward.”

Irmhild responded to Rosemary’s murmured words. Since she seemed tired from the theater performance, I’d been performing Circulating Ki with Irmhild too.

We continued Circulating Ki like that for a while, and just as we finished, a communication came through on the Communication Device.

‘Lady Tephra’s Curse has disappeared. We have confirmed that the Curse on Marquis Zilbolt’s wife and daughter has also vanished.’

It was from Mercedes of the Knight Order. Probably because Alvelinde had been destroyed.

Caduceus had already notified them that the opponent was a Demon and had been defeated.

“Ah—It seems we need to recover the Miasma Orb. Apparently, the Demon brought it to the inn.”

I’ve caught my breath, so let’s get moving. That falls under my jurisdiction. I can’t leave it to others, nor can we just leave it as is.

“You’re safe. When I heard the report that it was a Demon, I was worried about your safety.”

Just as Alvelinde had said.

After recovering the Miasma Orb and heading to the Royal Castle, King Melvin in battle attire was the first to come running.

“The outcome is as you see. We sustained some minor injuries on our side, but as you can see, that’s the extent of it.”

When I showed him the Healing Shell, King Melvin closed his eyes.

“…You have truly done a great service.”

I handed the sphere emitting Miasma to the Mage Corps. The Mage Corps members wore tense expressions as two of them used Levitation to carry it away.

“Hmm. What about this luggage?”

“These are the Witch’s belongings. There are several points that concern me.”

“This is…”

When I showed him what I’d found, King Melvin’s expression darkened.

The scene at the central district inn was still in Confusion, but just as Alvelinde had said, we were able to discover the Miasma Orb among her luggage. That much went according to plan.

The other items were mostly… clothing, travel funds, passes, and other travel preparations. Among Alvelinde’s belongings, what caught my attention were what appeared to be catalysts made from processed Transference Stones, and passes issued by Silvatoria.

Though Alvelinde herself had vanished… these were physical evidence showing her connection with public figures from Silvatoria. They would serve as effective countermeasures against the Crown Prince.

“Passes and catalysts. Indeed, these are concerning… but for today, I will handle the cleanup, so please rest slowly and recover your energy. I will contact you with any findings about the Witch’s possessions.”

“Thank you.”

This time—compared to when we faced Gardinis, the injuries were lighter, but I had gone all out, darting around and firing High-Tier Magic with dual internal and external Magical Power, so I’d done quite a bit. If I can rest like this, nothing would be better.

“And also—we’ve received requests from Spirit Tephra and Marquis Zilbolt wishing to meet with you… but I told them to make it tomorrow or later. You all must be tired from today as well.”

Seeing off King Melvin’s wry smile, I left the Royal Castle.

I’ll have to go meet with Tephra and Marquis Zilbolt tomorrow or so.