Vol 2 Chapter 12 (1/2)

Chapter 12

City of Water Mermila VI [Song of Feelings Dedicated to the Grave]

“…When I lived in the Empire it was a society which oppressed demons. And though there is a great variety of human beings, demons and their magic are seen only as tools. Humans reigned as the ruling cla.s.s, while demons were treated as slaves.” (Hiragi)

Hiragi muttered while placing a bunch of small white flowers to the grave at Mermila on the way back from the capitol.

It was the evening after escaping and we had returned to the village of Rene. At the request of Hiragi, we again visited Mermila after waiting for nightfall.

Although I peeked into the ruins of the research inst.i.tute at that time, the figure of Desiree was nonexistent. That guy must have left.

However, what are you saying?

Rather than searching for a bloodthirsty, shouldn’t I have stayed with Hiragi who seemed slightly wilted? (デジレを血眼になって探すよりも、若干しおれたような印象を受けるヒイラギを放っておけなかったというか) What are you saying?

I heard that she had wanted to visit Mermila in order to visit this grave. Because I didn’t need to go anywhere, I decided to wait and watch from behind as she visited the grave.

The moon is s.h.i.+ning on this beautiful night. It’s a half moon.

“…I hadn’t heard about the treatment of demons.” (Shuten)

“The Imperial Academy only compiles a history convenient to the Empire, as Shuten had said.” (Hiragi)

“Well, that’s true.” (Shuten)

I was a little surprised to hear of the Imperial Academy’s history in such a place, but I guess we can deal with it. Although the Marshall is like That…I had heard the First Seat controlled the Academy, but is it that the Marshall has no power? Doesn’t that mean the former Emperor is useless?

“I am also no exception. Being caught and enslaved, I was saved at that time by a human being. That was Garland…the General of Time.” (Hiragi) (TL: like the Hero of Time? :3) (それが、ガーランド……時の将軍)

Hiragi said so, looking back briefly.

The splendid tombstone lit by moonlight sat there silently. The scene brought by the tombstone on the hill framed by her silver tails was beautiful and kind of sad.

“It was pretty rough, and I was planning trying to escape if an opportunity arose…But at that time he hit me once. I don’t remember how many times he was blown away by my fox-fire.” (Hiragi)

“That’s an enviable relations.h.i.+p.” (Shuten)

“You’re terrible…It was then, that Talos V started a certain project.” (Hiragi)

“Project?” (Shuten)

“The ‘Primary Imperial Research Project.’ In actuality it was meant to forcibly remove the magical powers of demons. Talos V had these separated from the soul and collected in order to create a magic nucleus…so magic no longer dwelled in the soul. As a result, demons with a strange magic were made just like me.” (Hiragi)

“And then?” (Shuten)

“The other demons almost died, but Garland guarded me…though in the end it was unnecessary as Talos V was enthralled by my Charm magic.” (Hiragi)

“…is that so” (Shuten)

“That’s right, you guessed it. That was the time I was slandered as a courtesan.” (Hiragi)

Her laughter was heavy.

What kind of words should I say to Hiragi’s back?

I cannot choose good enough words. But, I do not like this dark atmosphere, I hate it.

“He must have been a good man. So stick out your chest and report that you are alive now because of him.” (Shuten)

“…Yeah.” (

Hiragi)

Hiragi crouched before the grave, placing her hands together quietly.

The enemy probably won’t attack any more, but to keep anyone from interfering with Hiragi paying her respects I will silently keep watch for awhile.

The night breeze has cooled down a little.

(Hiragi POV)

Long time no see…How transparent should I be?

Just yesterday I was really here. Though I guess I was on the verge of being taken by Talos. I had just finished complaining in front of your grave before being able to talk in this way. I was trapped in a rock for about a hundred years after being sealed, and I was getting weak from the technique placed upon me…now I am not even half of the strength from when we met.

There is no doubt Talos is involved, but he has made a strange organization. Even if it is Garland, I don’t know if they can be beaten.

The exclusion of demons has created such a selfish story.

Because of such an organization, now the Empire is one big country. Wasn’t there also an emerging country called the Republic? I was slightly surprised to learn it was swallowed recently.

This is part of the “report” I can do for Garland.

…And, there is one thing I forgot to mention, one thing I couldn’t say. But, it is one thing I want to say.

…Thank you.

Why?

You might think there is not much for me to thank you for. But anyway, thank you so much. You protected me, and gradually helped me become “human” properly. (TL: As opposed to a beast or slave/object)

There were times that were painful, but maybe that’s why I was able to meet many people. I think it is thanks to people like you, that I am able to live.

Thank you very much.

Thank you for holding out a hand. Thank you for giving me a warm daily life.

Thank you for protecting me. Thank you for giving me the feeling of joy.

Thank you for helping me…Thank you very much.

My life until now was a painful one, but that was a year staying with good people.

…Even if it’s not through a gla.s.s, I really wanted to tell you properly rather than in a graveyard. It’s terrible that you died while I was sealed. I did not know anything, but that monstrous little girl is alive…that truly is a mystery.

Then, as for what I could not say.

I couldn’t say it before when you were alive, was because I was embarra.s.sed and am still embarra.s.sed, even if the results were already visible, though the cause is gone now.