Chapter 73

In the end, the cause of the sudden melting of the lake's ice remained unknown.

The most plausible theory so far is that a volcano beneath the earth became active.

In any case, due to the trouble, they decided to return home as soon as possible. They were also concerned about Yutos' health.

The group decided to depart from Lake Haginoru earlier than planned.

It seems that another investigation team will be dispatched.

Marivel acted as if the conversation she had with Allo that night never happened.

So, Allo didn't mention the appearance of the wolves either.

At that time, the wolves had bloodshot eyes and seemed to be acting abnormally. ——But Marivel couldn't say that.

The most mysterious event this time was the sudden melting of the lake's ice.

As they were about to get into the carriage, Yutos patted Marivel's head.

"Things didn't go as planned. Are you disappointed?"

When asked with concern, Marivel smiled easily.

"I managed to do some fishing, and it was fun. The fish were delicious too. I want to show them to Mother and Father as soon as possible."

"I see."

"It's good that no one was hurt and nothing happened."

As she called out to the knights, they all placed their hands on their chests and bowed their heads.

Marivel must have been quite frightened when she fell into the lake.

Yutos stood at the entrance of the carriage, reaching out his hand to Marivel.

"I'll have them investigate and report back. Don't worry."

Marivel took his hand and tilted her head.

"You said it might have been a volcanic eruption... but are the fish okay?"

The water in the lake was as cold as ice.

Indeed, there were no signs of a volcanic eruption, and the water temperature of the lake hadn't risen. If it were an active volcano, fish carcasses would have washed up on the shore.

That's why they couldn't respond. If there had been any signs of abnormality beforehand, they wouldn't have approached.

"You're smart, Marivel."

"At that time... didn't the polar bear set fire, causing the ice to break?"

When she tried it out, the knight waved his hands frantically.

"N-no! I'm not that powerful a user!"

Well, that's true.

The royal family is strong in fire magic, and even the current strongest, Ultimati, would find it difficult to melt all the ice in the lake.

"I was just asking."

Marivel smiled and brushed her hair back. Her silver straight hair fluttered in the air.

With Yutos' help, Marivel got into the carriage.

She had been exposed to danger every time she went out.

Being kidnapped was a common occurrence, and explosions and attacks often happened on trips.

Most of the time, the assassins came from abroad, trying to kidnap the golden-eyed Marivel.

Most of these incidents happened far from Marivel and were quietly dealt with. There was probably some kind of conspiracy this time too.

She thought about whether it would be better not to go out if something happened every time. She considered tagging along with the former king's travels, which had heavy security, but it ended up like this.

Still, it was good that no one was hurt this time.

When she said she would stay in Pensilnia like Cynthia, Cynthia looked sad and Rias said it wasn't necessary.

—"I'll protect you perfectly. Don't worry, do what you want to do."

Even so, if someone might get hurt because of her, she couldn't easily go on long trips.

But as Rias said, this time, even though it was on a squadron scale, the security was strict, with the captain of the knights accompanying them.

The quick response from the time she fell into the lake until they came to her rescue was probably due to Dancar's leadership.

So, it's okay.

Marivel looked at the distant lake from the moving carriage.

The lake seemed to be freezing again, with ice floating here and there.

No matter what happens, the people of Pensilnia will protect her.

Even if Marivel is powerless, and even if Allo has dark powers...

The next day, Marivel was greeted by Cynthia at the Pensilnia mansion.

Rias had gone out to meet her halfway to the town, so she must have been quite worried.

"—I heard you fell into the lake. It must have been scary."

Marivel can't swim. She had said she didn't like getting wet until today.

"Allo saved me. He didn't let go and pulled me to the shore."

When Marivel said this, Cynthia bowed her head to Allo.

"Thank you, Allo. Thank you so much."

"N-no, no, no. It's nothing. I just..."

Allo seemed unable to bear it any longer, so Cynthia raised her head and smiled at the two, who looked energetic.

"Come on, let's go inside and relax. It must have been cold in the northern region."

Cynthia had never been there. She had been looking forward to Marivel's stories, so Marivel was eager to tell them.

The royal carriage had already left, and the remaining Pensilnia knights had started unloading the luggage.

Marivel, unable to wait to reach her room, talked non-stop about the carriage ride, fishing, and the scenery of the north as they walked.

"Grandfather caught four, and I caught six!"

"Oh, six!"

"The fish in the lake are a bit smelly. But when smoked, they are very delicious and last a long time!"

"Then Eidan can have some too."

"Yes. Oh, I wish I had caught enough for everyone."

Saying this, Marivel looked at the passing servants.

"If it were for everyone, all the fish in the lake would be gone."

"Your thoughtfulness is appreciated. Thank you."

One of the passing maids said this and bowed her head with a smile.

Marivel's excitement didn't fade.

"Oh, it was so much fun."

"Weren't you lonely by yourself?"

"Allo, Lena, and Grandfather were there. Not at all!"

Hearing this, Cynthia felt both happy and a little lonely.

"Mother, weren't you lonely without me?"

Feeling seen through, Cynthia opened her eyes wide.

"Yes, the mansion was quiet and lonely without Marie!"

Saying this, she hugged Marivel, who giggled.

I'm glad you're safe. Cynthia hugged Marivel's soft body tightly.

Even after a few days, the investigation yielded little results.

Late at night, after the children had gone to bed, Cynthia and Rias were in the study that day.

Lately, they had been spending their nights staring at reports.

"That village has a small population, and if someone came in or out, it would be immediately noticed. ——They say no strangers were seen."

"They also said there were no signs of people around the lake."

The Shan Kingdom, which is most hostile to Fandrag, is located to the west. Lake Haginoru is quite far from there, and the country is still in turmoil and struggling to recover. It seems unlikely that they have the resources to launch an attack here.

The northern country is quite difficult to reach, requiring a treacherous mountain crossing. Crossing the mountains in winter is suicidal.

Still, there must be some paths. Ultimately, it's unclear who did it, and the method of melting the thick ice on the lake is also a mystery.

"It's a strange story that there are no clues at all."

Usually, some kind of trace is left behind.

"The only clue... is the information that animals have become more aggressive. Livestock attacks have increased, and parts of the village walls have been damaged, but that's about it."

"Aggressive..."

Cynthia looked serious as she thought.

Eidan is 12 now. The resurrection of the Demon King is probably three years away.

But if there are signs...?

"The Demon King appeared, people fell ill, and animals turned into monsters and attacked people—"

That's the extent of the information Cynthia remembers.

—Animals turning into monsters and attacking people. What does that mean? Is this different from the aggression?

"Cynthia...?"

After a long silence, Rias, worried, called out to her.

"Ah, sorry. I was thinking..."

"What's on your mind?"

For a moment, she thought about saying it was nothing. But Rias' eyes were filled with concern.

"...The aggression of the animals. ——I hope it's not a sign of something."

"A sign, you say."

Rias looked puzzled.

Cynthia had been researching ancient documents in the royal palace for a long time.

But she found out very little.

There was once a Demon King, and the power of light destroyed it. It's a fairy tale known to the public, like a children's story.

The reason the power of light is revered in Fandrag is said to be because it defeated the Demon King and founded the country in ancient times.

Some argue that the Demon King is a metaphor for a natural disaster. But in the novel she read in her previous life, the Demon King and the hero definitely clashed with swords.

At the very least, it must have had a human form.

"Is there any disease spreading?"

"Disease? I haven't heard of any such thing."

"I see..."

The illness that followed the appearance of the Demon King might not be just a disease. If it were just a disease, it could be cured by healers, and a saint wouldn't be necessary.

"Cynthia, if you have something on your mind, please tell me."

Cynthia looked into Rias' dark brown eyes. Now, she no longer doubts his strength, trust, and love.

But she doesn't know how to express it.

The word "Demon King" itself is unfamiliar. In her previous life, it was like a magic user.

"...I can't seem to explain it well."

"That's fine. Even just the words that are on your mind."

Rias genuinely seemed worried and wanted to help.

Her hand was gently held, giving her strength.

"Darkness, magic... such ancient information."

"Let's investigate."

Even with just fragmented words, Rias nodded firmly.

"For the past few years, we haven't had much success investigating in Fandrag. Let's gather ancient information from spies in other countries."

He hugged Cynthia's shoulder, stroking it as if to comfort her.

"Cynthia, I don't know what you're worried about, but if it's on your mind, I'll do everything I can, even if you can't put it into words. Leave it to me."

Even if her words are insufficient, he believes her absolutely.

"Thank you."

Cynthia buried her face in Rias' chest.