Chapter 18 - Volume 1 (1/2)

Side Story 2 – Part 3

His jet black hair was so glossy it looked damp. That hair was proof that he held more magical power than anyone else.

To be honest, Arche still thought his hair was scary. She knew it was shameful of her to think that, but she couldn’t help it. Although she’d gotten better with it than before, there were still times it would terribly frighten her until she couldn’t bear it.

She would look at him in the arbor from between the plants with that fearful gaze. She was relieved that each time, he simply continued reading his book in silence, giving no hint of noticing her gaze.

She didn’t think it was possible in reality, but let’s say he laughed hypothetically, cried or got angry, showing that he too was human after all. But even so, his black hair would surpass his human emotions, making one unable to feel anything but fear. That was the power it had.

With black like that, beautiful yet terrifying, terrifying yet beautiful, he was a being unbelievably different from his fellow humans.

But that’s precisely why that gentleman was strong. That’s precisely why he was the royal palace’s head magician, that’s precisely why he was chosen as one of the heroes to defeat the demon king. That’s what he was like.

There was no way he’d die. No doubt he’d defeat the demon king with the other heroes and return safely back to this medicinal plants garden, back to her.

That was what Arche believed as she showed him a final smile with all her might, saying, 「Take care!」 and watched as he left.

That’s why Arche was shocked, ‘that can’t be,’ when rumors started spreading in the palace that Agedilus had died in the middle of a fight.

She tried countless times to think, ‘it’s just a rumor, there’s no way that could happen.’ But she knew that rumor was true when it was whispered around the palace as if it was true, and then she heard Agedilus’s disciple left to follow the party of heroes.

Inevitably, she was sad, so sad. She slumped into a depression to the point where she began neglecting Agedilus’s garden, the one thing she’d usually put her utmost effort into. She ended up being so sad that her father realized her unusual state and told her, 「Rest for a while.」

Days passed even if he wasn’t there anymore. She couldn’t even look forward to wondering ‘when will he visit this garden again?’ anymore. She was sad, but she couldn’t stay mourning forever. Before long, she started getting used to daily life again. That was when it happened.

Suddenly, the dark clouds enshrouding the sky cleared. Everyone saw a light fall in the far north. Just like before the hero had been chosen, when the holy sword was pointed at by the heavens. It looked like it pierced through the sky, dazzling but it didn’t hurt to look at.

And then, some time passed. What was that light? Why had the clouds suddenly cleared away? Was it, perhaps…?

Those doubts spread over the country. Then the king himself made a big announcement from the palace. That they had received news from the party of heroes. News that they had defeated the demon king.

The entire country – no, the entire world rejoiced at the news.

But Arche honestly couldn’t be delighted at the news. ‘That gentleman died, and yet…’ She couldn’t help but think that.

But her sadness was short-lived. Right before the triumphal return party of the heroes was held, she was informed of a certain truth. The truth that the wizard thought to be died, Agedilus Von Lancent, was alive. Now, finally Arche was overjoyed.

She did stand to one side of the parade, watching with her friends, but she deeply regretted not getting a better seat earlier.

Why hadn’t they just announced that he was alive when they announced the defeat of the demon king? Why had Agedilus’s existence been made so secret? Apparently, that was because on top of the difficulties he faced while he was thought to be dead, he also received a serious wound in the final battle. There were moments where it didn’t seem possible that he’d remain『alive』.

Deep inside the royal palace, the medical officers and wizards had used up their entire power on him, until finally his condition remained stagnant. But still they couldn’t afford to be optimistic, and so it was reported that he would be unable to attend the parade.

Arche was worried upon hearing that, and also thought it was unfortunate. But then, she felt the same amount of – no, even more happiness at the thought of him being alive.

Like that, some weeks passed. Until finally, Arche’s crush returned to his personal medicinal plants garden that Arche was looking after.

——It really, really is Sir Agedilus!