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"*Sniffle, sniffle*..."

Tom told everyone present about Shina\'s situation, which he had learned from his girlfriend, while handing his own handkerchief to Mimuru, who was in tears.

About the blood covenant ritual and the subsequent changes that had affected Shina\'s body. About Shina\'s great-grandfather and his attendant who had come to bring her back.

After hearing what had happened from Mimuru, Mars and the others all had difficult expressions on their faces. Tima\'s eyes widened and she put her hands over her mouth, speechless.

"To think that Shina-san was in such a state…"

"Well, if she was presented with a love scene between the Red-Haired Princess and Nozomu in such a state, it\'s no wonder she became desperate~~!"

"Lo-, love scene!?" "Waaa~~"

While most of the people present had stiff expressions on their faces, Feo was the only one who seemed to be in a cheerful mood.

He was still speaking in the same relaxed manner, but Tima and Mimuru overreacted to his words.

"Tima and that cat over there need to calm down a bit. Well, I understand the situation. Certainly, Nozomu would be distressed if he knew that Shina was in such a state."

Mars quietened the excited Tima and Mimuru while turning his gaze to Tom.

Unlike Tima, who was emotionally involved with Shina, and Mimuru who were in tears, the men were quite calm.

As far as what they heard from Mimuru, there was a high possibility that Shina herself had accumulated too many emotions and exploded.

However, it seemed unlikely that she would leave Arcazam since she had rejected her relatives\' offer to take her back.

"Well, she denied the elven elder\'s offer to bring her back, so if it was just a temporary emotional outburst, she\'ll probably come back sooner or later after she calms down, right?"

"No, we can\'t be sure about that~~!"

"That\'s right! We should all be looking for her!"

Mimuru and Tima vehemently objected to Feo\'s statement that there was no problem in leaving the matter unattended.

Camilla, who was listening to the conversation, was also fidgeting and shaking her body restlessly, but she did not quite understand what was going on. As for Lisa, who was standing next to her, she was shrugging her shoulders as if to say, " It can\'t be helped."

"Well, what should we do? I don\'t mind skipping class..."

For the time being, it would be better to tell Nozomu what had happened to Shina. Mars and the others thought so, but at that moment, a woman\'s voice echoed from behind them, speaking to them.

"There you are."

It was Inda, a female teacher who was in charge of the second class of the third year and an assistant to Jihad.

She came from the direction of the school and exhaled loudly as if she had finally found them.

She took one look at Mars and the others and squinted slightly.

"I was looking for all of you because I have something to talk about. It was urgent... but where are Nozomu-kun and Shina-san?"

"He didn\'t show up today either. I heard that Shina also left the dormitory early in the morning. So, what\'s the matter?"

Hearing that Nozomu and Shina were not there, Inda\'s eyes narrowed even more.

Perhaps stimulated by Inda\'s sharpened gaze, Mars and the others also became tense.

"I have to talk to you about Shina-san. There is something I need to tell all of you, so please follow me.

After saying so, Inda turned on her heel as if she didn\'t want to waste time talking with Mars and the others and didn\'t even listen to their replies. She looked impatiently different from her usual calm and composed self, and Mars and the others followed after Inda, feeling their own uneasiness growing even more.

===============================

Indah led the way to Jihad\'s office.

Following Inda\'s urging, Mars and the others opened the magnificent oak door and entered the room.

"Jihad-sensei, we found them."

"Thank you, Inda-sensei."

The moment they entered the office, Mars and the others all turned their heads in unison. A good-looking elf was standing next to the desk where Jihad was sitting.

"Who?"

"Y-, you!"

While Mars and the others tilted their heads at the elf who was in the office for some reason, Mimuru, who had an idea who he was, bared her canine teeth and scowled.

Next to Jihad was Shina\'s prospective fiancé, Rauls Forium.

He greeted Mars and the others as they entered the office with a smile on his handsome face like a stage actor.

"We meet again, Shina\'s friend. Have you been well?"

"What do you mean by "well"!? You sly elf!"

"Sly, you say... You sure hated me a lot. I was just doing what I thought was best for her..."

"You...!"

"Mimuru, calm down. I see so you\'re Shina\'s prospective fiancée ... So, Jihad-sensei, what did you want to talk to us about?"

Mimuru, who was now boiling with anger, was about to confront Rauls, but Tom, who was standing beside her, restrained her and then turned to Jihad, the man who had summoned them.

In this brief exchange, it was easy to guess that the elves were partly responsible for Shina\'s disappearance, but it was also easy to see that the problem did not seem to lie there.

"It seems that the elf over here had something to talk about Nozomu-kun and Shina-kun... So, what is it?"

"A lot has happened, so they can\'t be here right now. For the time being, Let\'s listen to what he wants to say first, and then we\'ll look for them... Is it a troublesome story?"

As if taking over Jihad\'s conversation, Rauls answered Mars and the others\' questions.

"A little, yes. Frankly, this could lead to problematic issues between the elves and Arcazam. One of our elvish elders, Triforium-sama, is desperate to get Shina out of Arcazam."

"I already know that. We heard it from Mimuru."

"Right. Then, do you also know that Triforium-dono decided to take Shina out by force?"

"... I see, so he\'s that serious? I mean, if your goal is to bring back Shina, why are you here?"

Even against someone who was clearly superior to him in terms of position, Mars was not afraid of him. Rather, he expressed his wariness and glared at Rauls from the front.

On the other hand, Rauls, too, accepted the hostile glare directed at him with a gentle smile. Even as he was, he seemed to be accustomed to this kind of hostility being directed at him.

As if in response to Mars\' question, Rauls quietly began to speak out his mind.

"It is not my intention to bring her back by force, or rather, I should not do it. She is now a student at Solminati Academy. Even if the elven elder voices the justification that it is a family matter, if we try to take her home by force, ignoring her will, it would be considered kidnapping."

And at the same time, if he did so, it would lead to a grudge between the elves and Arcazam, and by extension, the other races. That was something that Rauls, who was entrusted with negotiating with the other races, absolutely had to avoid.

"Not only that, but the elves had a history of ignoring the advice of other races during the Great Invasion. We can\'t afford to add more shame to that."

Saying so, Rauls smiled a self-mocking smile.

The young man has been negotiating with other races for some time now, and the behavior of Triforium must have been becoming unbearable for him.

"How do you think he\'s going to bring her out? Even though she\'s losing her power, I\'m sure Shina will put up quite a fight, won\'t she?"

"The current her has completely lost her connection with the spirits. In a state where she can\'t even cast magic properly, she would be no obstacle to Triforium-sama, who can use spirit magic. Even if she resisted, Triforium-sama would probably use spirit magic to seal Shina\'s will."

"What a horrible thing to do."

"That\'s how serious he is. That person has always been concerned about the fact that he let Shina go from his hand, and moreover, there are two volcanoes in this city that are on the verge of erupting. A gigantic volcano called the Dragon Slayer and a gigantic volcano called the Death Demon Princess who has taken an interest in it..."

When Rauls clearly stated that Nozomu is a Dragon Slayer, the gazes of Mars and the others turned even more fierce. Only a few people in this school know about this fact. It is unlikely that anyone outside of the school would know about it.

"Did you tell them?" Mars turned his gaze in silent protest to Jihad, but Jihad silently shook his head and denied it.

"… Spirit magic, huh?"

Given that Jihad was not the one telling them, the remaining possibility was the unique magic that the elves possess. But Rauls shook his head and denied Mars\' words.

"That\'s just the trigger. It was the king of the spirits behind him who brought us the information about him being the Dragon Slayer."

"That old man Zonne, huh… What\'s the reason?"

"He says he can\'t let those who want to spark a fire near him."

Hearing Rauls\'s words, Mars and the others looked bitter. That means that Zonne has decided to cut off his hands regarding Shina.

He would not cooperate with the search, and in some cases, he might even interfere with their efforts to contact Nozomu.

Even though Zonne is currently teaching Nozomu about spirit magic, he was originally a guardian sent to him by the Dragon race.

"That\'s the way it is. At least we know that the elven elders are trying to kidnap a student from our academy. The academy is currently busy preparing for negotiations with both Kingdom of Forsina and Dizzard Empire, but we can\'t just leave it unattended."

"All right. We will cooperate with you. I have an idea where Nozomu might be going."

Now that they know what\'s going on, Mars and the others have no choice but to cooperate.

Mars decided to break the ice and think that although Zonne might interfere, they would have to do something about it.

Besides, if they could stop Triforium, it would eliminate one of Zonne\'s concerns, and that would solve the problem after all.

"The problem is Shina, whose whereabouts are unknown..."

"I\'ll go. I should be able to help."

"Alright"

It was Rauls who came forward. He is an elf and can use spirit magic just like Shina and Triforium.

If he could also communicate with spirits, he would certainly be useful in finding Shina and Nozomu.

Some of them, including Mimuru, looked reluctant, but Mars immediately decided to accept his help.

"However, Triforium-sama\'s spirit magic is more powerful than mine. If he resists me with all his might, it will be tough on me..."

"I\'ll see what I can do about that. Jihad, how many guards can you move?

"Twenty or so."

"Seems like not much..."

There are at least a thousand guards to maintain the huge Arcazam.

And considering that they would have to search all over Arcazam if they were not careful, this number is far too small.

At Mars\' remark, Jihad frowned and a bitter expression appeared on his face.

"It\'s because the negotiations between the Francilt and Waziart families have been moved forward. Apparently, there has been a big move over there as well. They were supposed to take place the day after tomorrow, but they\'re going to start today."

"… What the heck."

According to what Mars heard from Feo, the negotiations should start the day after tomorrow.

Jihad let out a big sigh and then opened his mouth with a tense look on his face.

"Irisdina and Somiriana Francilt have been banished from the Francilt family. It seems that Victor-dono has taken drastic measures to ensure the safety of his daughters."

"No way... Where are Ai and Somia-chan now!?"

The first to react to these words was Irisdina\'s best friend, Tima.

She was surprised and frustrated, and as she stepped forward, Jihad continued to explain in a low voice in an undisturbed manner.

"The two are now in the custody of the Parline family. [Starlight] has confirmed that they are both asleep."

After being informed of their safety, Tima\'s shoulders somewhat eased up, but even so, the impatience that clung to her face remained strong.

On the other hand, as things began to unfold in rapid succession, Mars and Feo felt that the uneasiness that had been tingling deep in their chests was finally beginning to bare its fangs.

"The fact that the negotiations have been pushed forward has caused some confusion on the side of Arcazam. Currently, the majority of the guards are being positioned in a blockade around the Francilt mansion for their own safety."

"Even if it turns out that vampires are not just a race that seeks blood, as has generally been the case, long-held perceptions are not easily changed. And moreover, Vitora that showed up at the opening festival instilled an instinctive fear in everyone who attended."

Inda added to Jihad\'s explanation.

The presence of Vitora, who is so powerful that even if she herself did not even bother to look at her surroundings, her mere presence there was enough to make others feel fearful.

To use an analogy, it was as if a giant shark was passing by your side while you were relaxing in the ocean floating in the water. Even if the shark was not interested in its small prey, a normal human being would have panicked.

"On top of that, Arcazam\'s council is in disarray right now. Some are even bending the very principles on which Arcazam exists, shouting for the Francilts and Waziart families to be driven out."

The latent fear brought about by Vitola has had a profound effect on those who normally govern the city as wise men.

Arcazam\'s principle for its existence. This city was built for the purpose of fostering human resources and developing research, but its main philosophy is to mobilize the power and will of the people of the continent in order to counter the threat of demonic beasts.

It is an ideal that has been raised at the end of many sacrifices. However, the fundamental fear that people have is beginning to overthrow even that ideal.

The successive explanations of the jihad further heightened Mars and the others\' sense of uneasiness.

"It sounds kind of bad..."

"Yeah, anyway, let\'s go find Nozomu and Shina."

Everyone present nodded in unison in response to Mars\' words.

"Arcazam is currently occupied with trying to contain the chaos caused by the Francilt and Waziart families that have been brought forward. I\'m sorry, but we need to leave it in your hands."

"We understand."

"Jihad-sensei, I\'ll go with them."

With a small nod, Mars and the others leave Jihad\'s office.

Inda and Rauls followed behind them. The cooperation of Inda, who has a good position in the school, and Rauls, who is one of the rare elves, is indispensable in order to smooth out their actions.

After watching them leave the office, Jihad slowly stood up and slowly looked out the window.

His gaze fell on the building of the Gloaurum institution, which was attached to the Solmianti Academy.

================================

The outer edge of Arcazam.

Shina had arrived at a large, open, grassy plain and was sitting down on the grassy ground. The chilly winter air and the coolness of the cold earth somewhat eased the heat in Shina\'s heart.

"Phew... I took a day off of school... Fufu..."

Shina\'s face broke into a smile as excitement welled up from deep within her chest.

She went back to her dorm after telling her great-grandfather that she would never return, but early the next morning, before her roommate woke up, she went to town.

Perhaps it was because she had spoken her mind out loud to her great-grandfather, or perhaps it was because she gave herself a night off.

Contrary to her own expectations, the tingle that had been nestled deep in her chest had somehow subsided. Rather, it was as if the bottled-up feelings had been washed away, and her heart was at peace.

"I like him, after all. I want to be with him forever. Even if I can no longer be of any use to him, even if I have to abandon my dreams..."

That was her answer as she faced her feelings once again after Lisa\'s bluntness.

Her own people would undoubtedly criticize her. She was throwing away the pride and longing of the elves.

But even so, Shina decided to stay with Nozomu. She had to give up her own dream. However, once she had made up her mind, her mind naturally became more at ease.

"A nice breeze. Kinda worried about Mimuru though. Maybe I still am..."

Shina lay down on the ground and looked up at the morning sky, feeling the cool but gentle breeze.

She gently ran her fingers along her own lips, remembering the feel of her lips on Nozomu\'s.

(I haven\'t been able to see him lately. I wish I could see him...)

Remembering Nozomu\'s face smiling calmly in her mind, love and craving seep out of Shina\'s heart. At the same time, Shina remembered that she had not told him a big secret.

(The meaning of the blood covenant ritual and its consequences. I have to talk about it properly. And also about my feelings ...)

"Truly, you are strong..."

The image of a red-haired girl came back to Shina\'s mind.

It was only after she lost her connection to the spirit that she realized the fear and joy of falling in love with another person. And the strength it brought.

Although she was an elf, she had to face the same loneliness as human beings, so she was able to know the weakness that humans have and to see their strengths.

She has already made up her mind. All that remains is to take action.

"... Alright."

Shina raised herself up with a strong determined smile on her face.

Beyond her gaze, she could see Triforium, who had arrived at that place before she knew it.

Shina was unfazed by the sudden appearance of her great-grandfather, but rather greeted her only remaining family member with a smile on her face.

"This is the last time. You must return to the village."

"I refuse. This is where I belong."

The exchange had already been repeated many times. However, there was a calmness in Shina\'s voice that had never been there before.

Triforium\'s eyes narrowed as he listened to her voice, which held a strength that he had never heard before.

"Shina, as I said yesterday…"

"Yes. Indeed, I am helpless now. I can do nothing. Even so, I will remain here."

"........."

While Triforium was silent, Shina continued to speak out her mind in a calm, yet powerful tone.

Shina\'s clear and concise lines, which had been causing anxiety in Triforium\'s heart, soon became a certainty.

And that certainty was something he did not want. In other words, Shina had truly made up her mind.

"By his side is where I belong. Even if he should pass away first, even if my body should perish by his blade that has lost its self, I will still be by his side."

Even if I die, I will stay by the side of my loved ones. I will stay.

There was no hesitation or guilt in her eyes, just pure, loving affection for her loved one.

"........."

In the face of Shina\'s eyes, which were completely determined, a scene from ten years ago came back to Triforium\'s mind. Her older sister was also a kind woman with such compassionate eyes.

At the same time, as was typical of elves, she was stubborn and prepared to accept any outcome once she made up her mind to do so.

Because of this character, she died.

The country of the elves, centered around a single great tree, was destroyed by the great invasion of the demonic beasts. When the great tree, which had brought absolute sturdiness, fell, she shared her fate with the burning country. It was to let more of their brethren escape.

"Great-grandfather, I am sorry. And thank you for your concern."

Shina no longer harbored negative feelings toward Triforium, which had raised its voice so loudly. Even if it was unacceptable, she was simply grateful for her family\'s concern for her well-being.

In the eyes of Triforium, the look of enlightenment on Shina\'s face reminded him of the last time he saw her sister.

The thin smile on her face, the way she stared straight into his eyes, everything about her was a mirror image of her sister\'s. The old elf\'s heart was stirred with sadness, relief, and frustration.

"By all means?"

"Yes."

"I see, I see now. Words can no longer stop you."

As he contemplated and looked up to the sky, Triforium thought about the only remaining blood relative left in the world, the girl.

Triforium was acquainted with Shina when she was in the village. She had lost her spirit magic and was treated like a pest in the hidden village.

She was neither ostracized nor insulted.

However, the pitying looks she received were more than enough to drive her away from the village, where she had lost everything.

Shina, who did not feel she belonged in the elven hiding place, decided to go to Arcazam with the goal of regaining her former homeland.

Naturally, Triforium was against it. The deep-rooted distrust of other races greatly contributed to this decision, but above all, Triforium feared that Shina, who was in a state of emotional instability, would suffer irreparable damage as a result of her departure from her village.

As it turned out, Triforium was unable to persuade Shina. In the seven years since the Great Invasion, Shina had acquired more than enough power to defend herself, even if she could not use spirit magic.

Shina was not easily persuaded by Triforium, and after a day-and-night argument, she eventually left for Arcazam, running away from her village halfway across the continent.

At that time, he told himself that she would be all right, believing in the strength she had acquired over the past seven years.

But this time, the threats that loomed around her had already completely blown away any reason the old elf had given her.

So, realizing that it was impossible to persuade Shina, Triforium resorted to his last resort.

"If that\'s the case, then I have no other choice. I will bring you back by force. That\'s my promise."

"Promise?"

"That\'s right, with your sister who fought and died alongside the Great Tree..."

Triforium raised his own magic power and began to summon the spirits around him.

Led by the magical light emanating from his wrinkled old body, sparkling particles of light began to gather.

The harbingers of spirit magic began to appear. However, even in the face of magic that was obviously directed at her, Shina showed no particular sign of resistance.

"You won\'t resist?"

"I, who have lost all my powers, cannot resist. There is no way to stop great-grandfather\'s magic. Nevertheless, I will not bend my heart."

In the face of his beloved great-granddaughter\'s declaration, Triforium activated the spirit magic he had prepared.

The spirits that had been dancing around the area rushed toward Shina at once and flew around her as if they were enveloping her.

Gradually, the light of willpower disappeared from Shina\'s eyes.

"I\'m sealing your consciousness, and then I\'m taking you home. I\'m sorry. You can resent me for this.

[Whistle of Manipulative Heart]

The magic used by Triforium is a magic that seals the psyche of the target and makes it behave as the user commands. It is a spirit magic named after the capricious fairies who playfully frighten people with their whistles.

However, its effectiveness is beyond compare. Within the range of its effect, it can seal the will of one or two hundred people and turn them into puppets, and because it borrows the power of powerful spirits, it cannot be countered by ordinary countermeasures.

The effect of this magic is far more powerful than the hypnosis magic that Rugato had used in the past.

Having sealed Shina\'s will, Triforium tried to head for the south gate with Shina, in order to get out of Arcazam.

"We are leaving this town, Shina. Follow me."

However, contrary to Triforium\'s order, Shina did not move an inch from the spot.

Thinking that the magic was too weak, Triforium commanded the contracted spirits to once again try to block Shina\'s will. However, no matter how many times he commanded the spirits to do so, the answer he got back from them was, "The magic is working properly".

"What does this mean? Is it because of the connection with that Dragon Slayer? Or perhaps..."

He spoke to the spirits flying around him, but the only answer he received from them was that it would have no further effect. Most likely, Shina\'s sealed wills were defying Triforium\'s commands.

Triforium looked both dismayed and given up at the stubbornness of his great-granddaughter, and began to walk toward the south gate of Arcazam, taking her by pulling her hand.