Chapter 21 (1/2)

November 13, 2018

Translated by Shufen

As usual, I headed to the magic institute to deliver the bento.

I was going to check in with Ordias-sama to see if there has been any progress. It looks like he is out of the office today. Normally, he wouldn’t really be at the institute at all.

Instead of seeing him, I see Luna-san and Collie-san sitting down facing each other.

What on earth are you doing?

“Hello.” (Haruka)

“Oh, Haruka~ Hello! I’ve been waiting for the bento!” (Luna)

Luna welcomed me while smiling with big shiny eyes.

She takes the basket of bentos and starts taking the bentos out.

I was curious to see the board game they were playing.

It is a square board that’s drawn similarly to shogi or go. There were game pieces that look like eyes. It’s contains the faint lights of white and blue. It’s very beautiful.

Collie noticed me staring at the board and laughed gently.

“This is a board game using magic. Each one of these pieces is a position. It is a game that keeps track of that position.”

Oh, Reversi…

I wonder if this game uses the same system.

“We normally use the white and blue stones to hold the positions, but since we’re magicians, we are using magic to make it look like this.” (Collie)

Collie pushes one of his game pieces with his fingers. The square that was blue changed to blue.

Wow! It looks like an illusion.

“It must be nice that you can use magic.” (Haruka)

“Do you want to try it Haruka? We use this board a lot and it stored a lot of magical powers. It’s easy for ordinary people to move it.” (Collie)

“Oh, is that true?” (Haruka)

When I was the Priestess, I could use simple magic. I thought it was like a dream at that time, but can I still use magic in this world? I secretly held my breath in anticipation. I tried to imitate Collie using my finger on one of the squares.

-But the blue light didn’t change to white at all.

“Was that a little too much?” (Collie)

Collie muttered an apology while frowning.

“I…don’t have any magic at all.” (Haruka)

“Well, that’s right. It’s just a matter of getting used to it.” (Collie)

A matter of getting accustomed to it? But I used to use it in the past, I’m already accustomed to it. As I thought, I’ve become an ordinary person.

I knew it, but it was still painful.

“Come to think of it, Haruka, did you meet Sotini?” (Luna)

Luna, who came back from hanging out bentos, asked me this question while opening up her bento.

Sotini? It’s a name I’ve never heard of before.

“No, who is it?” (Haruka)

“Oh, if you haven’t met her, it’s probably better if you don’t. It’ll surely be troublesome for you if you do. I’ll say, if you ask me, I think it’s better to not know such a bigotry and obstinate magician at all. Apparently, having a maiden heart isn’t easy. Perhaps she is one of the victims of regrettable love.” (Luna)

I still don’t understand the story.

“Sotini is the name of the female priest for the royal palace.” (Collie)

Collie gave me some information about her.

“She’s an enthusiastic follower of Ordias-sama.  Even though she seems to be a very competent and dignified priest, but you can hear her whispering about marrying Ordias-sama. It’s hard to say that she’s a chaste virtuous woman who serves God… she’s a very passionate person.” (Collie)

A follower of Ordias-sama! There’s such a woman?

Well, he does have a good looking face.

It may not be strange to be admired from afar.

As for me, I’d like to vote for Luna’s ruthless comment.

“It seems like Sotini is hostile towards Haruka. The selfishness of a maiden in love is a universal fact.” (Luna)

“Huh? Why me? Hey, Luna. I’ve never met him before.” (Haruka)

I’d like to hear everything from Collie, but I’ve heard enough so far. Why would I be regarded as an enemy by the female priest? I’ve never seen her before.

“If you haven’t met yet, it would be better for you to be informed. Sotini is suspicious of Ordias-sama’s relationship with Haruka. Ordias-sama, who she been longing for a long while, never turn to look at her. But, to hear that a young lady who is a commoner caught his attention…” (Luna)

“Wait a moment, are you referring to me like that young lady from a commoner’s family?” (Haruka)

“Hey, Haruka.”

How did it happen?

The bento box delivery to the magic institute still happens a couple times a week and I’ve only seen Ordias-sama twice. It’s surprising that my meetings with Ordias-sama became known to people outside of the magic institute.

“It’s not a joke. It’s impossible. First of all, Ordias-sama is over thirty, isn’t he?” (Haruka)

“Haruka…that’s quite a few words.” Collie muttered while pulling on her cheeks.

Oh, but of course, there’s plenty of wonderful people in their thirties in the world.

“Anyhow, that’s why Sotini seems to be looking around for Haruka. There’s also a priest’s duty during the day so I think it’s not easy to meet Haruka during your bento delivery. But just in case, be careful if you do. In any case, it’ll be best to escape before being completely beat up.” (Luna)

Please refrain from the thought of such a troublesome thing.

“Haruka, were you originally acquainted with Ordias-sama? Collie asked curiously.

“Huh?” (Haruka)