Chapter 41: Rodollan (3)
Chapter 41: Rodollan (3)
Karaka tightly gripped Ronan’s right arm. Without waiting for Ronan to say anything, he brought the lifeless body of the cursed eye to Ronan’s hand. The fractured eye of the Curse Eye instantly turned blue.
Feeling something being sucked out from within, Ronan swung his arm in discomfort.
“Damn, what is this?”
Thud!
The corpse of the cursed eye was thrown to the ground. The blue color that had overtaken the cursed eye gradually expanded, reaching the whites and even the torso.
“Oroluk…”
The foamy, bubbling corpse began to melt away. Ronan furrowed his brow.
“Ugh.”
Soon, all that remained in the spot where the corpse had been was a bluish liquid.
Karaka, who had been alternately staring at Ronan and the cursed eye’s liquid, spoke up.
“Lord Ronan.”
“There is no need to call me ‘Lord’.”
“That’s not it. Are you okay? Do you feel any changes in your body?”
“Huh? Not really… I mean, there’s a slight itching in my eyes, but nothing significant.”
Karaka tilted his head, a look of bewilderment on his face as if he couldn’t comprehend the situation.
“How… have you been living like this?”
“What?”
Even his calm face during the explosion of Edwon’s head was now twisted in confusion. After scanning Ronan up and down, Karaka’s expression grew more serious.
“Lord Ronan, you are currently under a curse. And a very powerful one, at that.”
“What?”
Navirose, who had been listening, furrowed her eyebrows. Ronan pointed to himself with his index finger and let out a hollow laugh.
“A curse…? Me?”
“Yes. I’m not sure what curse it is, but it’s certainly a powerful one. I’ve seen cursed eye rush forward a couple of times, but I’ve never seen one dissolve under a curse like this.”
The liquefaction caused by the overload of the curse on the cursed eyes. It was a rare phenomenon that could only be found in centuries-old academic texts or precedents.
Karaka added that the outcome would likely have been the same even if the cursed eye had been brought while alive. Ronan pointed to the bluish goo and said,
“Damn, so what happens to me now? Am I supposed to live each day with the fear that I might wake up covered in this blue diarrhea?”
Karaka shook his head.
“It’s unlikely such a thing will happen… However, I can’t provide a definite answer since I don’t know the specifics of the curse. Have you ever felt any restrictions in your actions or speech?”
“Restrictions?”
“Yes. Generally, the curse would involve restrictions related to a specific type of metal, like not being able to run or touch iron… something that everyone else can naturally do, but you can’t.”
Ronan and Navirose looked at each other almost simultaneously. Even without asking, they could understand each other’s thoughts.
The phenomenon of the unknown entity that had been following Ronan like a shadow even after his return. A state of mana inability where he couldn’t see, sense, or control unrefined mana.
Reading Navirose’s expression, Ronan nodded.
“No, there’s nothing like that.”
“Hmm… Is that so? It’s quite miraculous that such a powerful curse hasn’t caused any issues for you so far. I suggest you consult an expert.”
Karaka briefly explained about other curses that might potentially affect Ronan in the future. Sudden manifestation, delayed-onset terminal illnesses, exploding bodies under specific conditions, and more. It wasn’t a particularly pleasant story.
Karaka once again urged Ronan to consult an expert, finishing his words. He gently stroked Cyril’s trembling ear and smiled.
“Anyway, it’s fortunate that we’ve captured two of them. Whatever remains to be told, we can learn from our dear Cyril.”
“No… please…”
“Hehe, to extract your secrets without blowing your head up, it will take quite some time.”
Cyril seemed to have already collapsed mentally. Until she spilled every secret, until all the restrictions on her were lifted, she wouldn’t be liberated from Rodollan, alive or dead, as Karaka had declared.
Of course, Ronan was unaware of the truth.
“Well, take your time, but please make sure to find out.”
“Of course. But, I do have a question.”
Ronan was adjusting his attire. Suddenly, the smile disappeared from Karaka’s face. He looked at Ronan and slowly opened his mouth.
“What is Ahayute?”
“What?”
“I overheard you asking Edwon. You were about to answer that question, but then his head exploded. It seemed to be in-depth information about a group called Nebula Clazier. I’m curious how you knew about that.”
For a moment, Ronan’s words were stuck. The question was so sudden that it seemed unintentional.
“Ah… that?”
He still couldn’t reveal the truth. It was too absurd to use even as a story for a fairy tale.
In truth, I came from the future, ten years later, where three bald men with wings tear through the sky. Ahayute is one of them. Haha. What a ridiculous name, isn’t it?
…How could I spout such nonsense with a straight face? Instead of clearing suspicions, I might end up sitting next to Cyril as a fellow suspect. In search of a solution, Karaka raised an eyebrow.
“Lord Ronan?”
‘I’m screwed.’
He needed to come up with a plan. The scraps of memory in his mind raced as fast as his lightning sword. Eventually, Ronan came up with the best response and sighed deeply.
“…It was a few years ago, actually.”
“Hmm?”
Suddenly, a deep melancholy clouded Ronan’s face. Karaka raised an eyebrow. Following Ronan’s response, Navirose’s expression also stiffened.
“I used to live in Nimbera with my parents, before the great fire happened.”
Of course, it was a blatant lie. Ronan had never left Nimbuten until his current age, and he had no memories of his parents’ faces. Taking a moment, Ronan forced a sad smile.
“After the flames had subsided, I finally set foot on the scorched fields. That’s when I saw her for the first time – an elf named Cyril, wearing a robe similar to the one she has on.”
“Wow…”
“I heard the name Ahayute there. I couldn’t catch much of the conversation, but that foreign word stuck out clearly.”
Karaka’s frozen expression began to soften. The key to convincing lies was that there had to be an element of truth mixed in.
Ronan considered his wanderer days as a stroke of luck. Even after all these years, the people of Nimbera hadn’t forgotten Nebula Clazier’s arson.
“…So, you knew about it from there. It’s understandable, considering the unforgettable memory. You’ve been through unfortunate events because of those cruel criminals.”
Ronan’s impassioned speech wrapped up with a plausible ending. After all, it was true that he was an orphan, and he had good reasons to hold Nebula Clazier responsible. Observing Karaka’s expression carefully, Ronan’s efforts seemed to have paid off.
“I see… I can understand why you’re so fixated on this. You’ve experienced unfortunate events due to those heartless criminals.”
“Sorry for the delayed response. It’s not a particularly pleasant memory.”
“I should be the one apologizing. Due to the nature of my profession, I tend to ask questions that resemble interrogations.”
Karaka’s expression softened once again. Ronan let out a relieved sigh. Karaka then took out a document from his desk and recorded the information they had gathered today.
“Well then, have your curiosity been somewhat satisfied?”
“Yes.”
Ronan nodded. While not all truths had surfaced, knowing that ‘The Arrival of the Stars’ referred to the Advent Incident was a significant breakthrough. Furthermore, now that the Empire was aware of Nebula Clazier’s involvement, large-scale operations to eliminate the cult would likely commence soon.
“Capturing more members of Nebula Clazier should be a top priority.”
The best scenario would be if the Advent Incident itself didn’t happen. While that might not be possible, dismantling Nebula Clazier’s base of operations or capturing its members and interrogating them in Rodollan might yield more valuable information.
Their business concluded, Karaka once again escorted Ronan and Navirose outside the fortress. As they stepped out, the brisk sea breeze blew against their faces.
“Be careful as you leave. As I mentioned, the information we’ve obtained in Rodollan will be compiled into documents and sent to various sectors soon.”
“I’m indebted to you. Please remember that.”
“Not at all. It was an honor to meet you of all things. Lord Ronan, please make sure to visit those skilled in dealing with curses.”
“Understood. Thank you, Karaka.”
With that farewell, Navirose and Ronan left Rodollan. The griffin carriage, which provided a rather uncomfortable ride, took them back to the city.
Even if they took an obstacle-free sky route, reaching Jido would still take a considerable amount of time. Looking down from the sky, Rodollan Fortress appeared as a tiny speck on the horizon.
The red sun was setting, casting its twilight scales over the waters. Ronan turned his gaze out the window and spoke.
“Could it be that I can’t manage mana due to a curse?”
“I believe so.”
“Hmm. I don’t have any memories that could warrant such a curse.”
“…”
Navirose swallowed the words she was about to say. She had recently heard the news that Karudan’s hair, which he lost when he fought Ronan, wouldn’t grow back. Ronan wiped his eyes and continued speaking.
“To be honest, it’s a bit frightening. Did you see Karaka’s expression? Damn, even if I threw poop at the wall, he wouldn’t have been that surprised.”
“Do you have any clue about the curse?”
“···No.”
Ronan sighed. Despite having been cursed since his childhood, he couldn’t recall accumulating any deeds deserving of such a terrifying curse, even after considering his past lives.
As they enjoyed the griffin’s flapping wings, Ronan turned his gaze back to Navirose.
“Oh, thanks for covering for me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I told you not to let Karaka know that I can’t use mana.”
“Revealing weaknesses is a warrior’s basic rule. By the way, why did you tell such a lie?”
“A lie? Ah, did you figure it out?”
Navirose nodded. She was referring to the fabricated past that Ronan had presented to Karaka. In any case, it was a chilling insight.
“How did you know? I thought it was flawless.”
“There are ways. You’re not new to telling lies one or two times. Karaka, as a Rodollan investigator, must have been quite skilled in that regard.”
“Well… You’re right. I didn’t want to tell him the truth, just in case. Should I tell you?”
“It’s fine. You must have your reasons.”
With those words, Navirose turned her gaze out the window. The more she looked at him, the more she thought he was a decent person, but at the same time, a question arose in her mind.
“Why didn’t someone like him appear during the Advent Incident?”
In fact, it had been a persistent thought. Looking back now, it was quite rare to find someone among the current prominent figures who resembled their appearance during the Advent Incident.
Navirose herself, the headmaster of Philleon, Krava Kratir, and the current Swordmaster, Zaifa, also didn’t resemble their past selves. During their time as punishment troops, there had been nothing strange about it.
“What sort of scheme did Nebula Clazier concoct?”
Well, a decade was enough time for anything to happen. Ronan clenched his fists, consumed by the questions that kept piling up. Observing his restless behavior, Navirose narrowed her eyes.
“Why do you keep rubbing your eyes?”
“I don’t know. Ever since I touched that cursed eye, it’s been itching…”
“···Right after we return, look into the curse. Philleon must have at least one specialist in that field. I’ll let my assistant know too.”
“Yes… Thank you.”
“Stop rubbing your eyes.”
It wasn’t until late at night that Ronan and Navirose finally arrived at Philleon. The next morning, as soon as the sun rose, Ronan headed to the first combat arena, where Navirose’s class was held. He spotted Adeshan, busy arranging his weapons.
“Long time no see, Adeshan.”
“Oh, you’re here already, Ronan. I’ll be done quickly, so just wait a moment.”
Adeshan greeted Ronan with a raised hand. Beneath the hair tied up due to work, her snowy-white nape was visible. Remembering their first day of reunion, Ronan spoke up.
“How have things been lately?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“Is that idiot Karudan or whatever not bothering you anymore?”
“Ah, Karudan hasn’t been in class for quite a while. Other students who used to hang around him are gradually approaching me. Thanks.”
“That’s a relief.”
Seeing her after a while, Adeshan still exuded an atmosphere that was hard to adapt to, youthful and fresh. Ronan wordlessly began assisting Adeshan with her work.
“Oops, you really don’t have to help…!”
“It’s okay.”
“Sorry. I heard you were in a hurry… You said you were cursed?”
“Yes. To be precise, I realized I had been under a curse.”
“It really worries me… Can I really ask for your help? If you just sit over there…”
“Over ten years I’ve been fine, and now it’s just this one thing.”
With both of them working, the task was quickly finished. Adeshan led Ronan to the section of the campus where the buildings for magic-related studies were concentrated.
“By the way, where are we going?”
“Um… Pillar Park. We’re meeting there. There’s a professor in the magic department who’s deeply knowledgeable about curses. I heard he’s quite eccentric, so I wanted to ask my junior to guide me.”
Pillar Park was literally a park within a space dominated by huge pillars. Ronan raised an eyebrow.
“A guide? You need a guide to find one professor?”
“Well… I’m not very familiar with the magic department, and also… I heard he’s a very unique individual.”
“Among magicians, there are quite a few oddballs. Damn, suddenly I’m getting scared.”
“Hehe, since you’re a very remarkable junior, I’ll surely guide you well.”
Adeshan nodded with a proud smile, as if She was genuinely proud of her junior. Arriving at Pillar Park, Adeshan looked around.
“Hmm? We agreed to meet here… Hasn’t she arrived yet?”
In the tranquil Pillar Park, only Ronan and Adeshan were present. Suddenly, a pillar behind Adeshan seemed to ripple like a wave, and out popped a young girl.
“Adeshan unnie!”
“Ah!”
The girl was wearing the black robe of the magic department’s uniform. Her dark violet hair flowed like water. The girl who appeared out of thin air grabbed Adeshan from behind.
“···Huh?”
Ronan’s eyes widened at the vaguely familiar face. Adeshan gently smiled as he stroked the girl’s head.
“Eli, you scared me.”
“Hehe, I learned a new spell this time. Wasn’t it surprising?”
“Yeah. Impressive, as expected of you, Eli.”
The girl named Eli giggled softly. Ronan, his eyes widening, looked back at Eli. With her eyes shaped like a cat’s, the girl was indeed someone he knew.
“Please take care of the guidance today. I heard the situation is more serious than I thought.”
“If it’s Adeshan unnie’s request, I’ll do anything. Now, please follow me.”
Eli finally turned her head towards Ronan. And then she froze. Since the possibility of twins couldn’t be ruled out, Ronan cautiously called her name.
“Elizabeth?”
“···Huh?”
Elizabeth’s face began to blush. Her lips, which had quickly let go of Adeshan’s arm, slowly opened.
“Ronan…?”
Ronan remembered her. The top freshman of the magic department. Elizabeth de Acalusia.
She had been the heiress of the Acalusia family, which ruled over the Acalusia Domain, treating those without talents as livestock and ruling with the demeanor of a lion.