359 – Afterword: Urensto – 3

It was like trying to save someone from drowning only to be asked if you would be required to pay *them* a finder’s fee. Profoundly cynical.

Here I thought this was going to be a heartwarming drama about a family reunion, where she helps her sister to live a happy life. But in an instant, the atmosphere had morphed into a salary negotiation.

Yuna, looking rather flustered, offered a figure.

“U-uh, well, if I were to provide… this much, without any strings attached…”

“Acceptable. I find this level of support… rescuable.”

“Juel, you haven’t changed a single bit…?”

The financial arrangement for the rescue was concluded. Yuna looked somewhat crestfallen, as if this wasn’t quite the feeling she had anticipated. Almost as if she’d been swindled somehow.

Yes, there was no gratitude. Isn’t it only proper to repay a salvation-punch with a thank-you-technique? At this rate, Yuna would get discouraged.

“Ahem, ahem. Thank— cough— you.”

I blatantly nudged her from the side. When your sister returns triumphant, offering to extract you from this topsy-turvy household, isn’t a simple ‘Thank you, elder sister’ the least you could do?

The reply that came back was peculiar.

“I’d rather pay it back later than feel grateful. I’m sick to death of that ‘gratitude’.”

“…Why?”

“That you grew into a splendid noble is thanks to us, how can you dislike it, let alone not feel grateful, repaying us for raising you until now… do I need to explain further?”

I understood. She’d heard those words so much from her parents that she no longer wanted to be leashed by the name of gratitude. Furthermore, I sensed a way of thinking that wanted to tie all human relationships as things that were ‘possible to liquidate.’

It was a sad thing. It would take her quite a long time to open her heart to someone.

As I was gazing at her with a tender look, Yuna’s younger sister stared fixedly at me and said. Come to think of it, we hadn’t introduced ourselves.

“Who is this person?”

“Ah, yes. My boyfriend. His epithet is ‘The Mad Wizard’…”

“Ah, I’ve heard of you occasionally at the ball. That there’s a man who looks like a raven beside the Second Prince. Then, am I supposed to be this person’s mistress?”

“Hyaaack!”

Yuna hissed and blocked me as if guarding me. Yuna’s younger sister was surprised by that action and wore a subtle expression. It was understandable that she’d be taken aback when her sister, who had become a great mage, suddenly turned into a beast.

“…What, what is it? Suddenly.”

“I guess she didn’t want to increase the competition. Yuna’s sister, could you give me a more detailed explanation of that part? It’s not like you fell in love with me at first sight.”

“I simply thought it was the easiest way. With the engagement ceremony only a day away, to defuse the situation and move on without any particular trouble. Perhaps to borrow the political influence of the Prince’s aide.”

“What nonsense is that?”

Engagement? One day?

“…You didn’t know? Well, I didn’t know my sister had returned either. Father and Mother must have been keeping their mouths shut.”

Yuna’s younger sister, as if feeling a surge of irritability, chewed on the handkerchief she kept by her pillow as she explained. She’d been gnawing on it so much that the handkerchief was almost tattered.

It might be a little rude, but I faintly saw the image of a chihuahua overlapping with her.

She growled and said.

“Tomorrow is my engagement ceremony with that old man, Count Montauban. I heard it will be held in this Yurensto manor. I wondered why people who liked to boast to others were holding it at the manor instead of renting out the temple…”

“They wanted to show us off, I guess. They wanted to let the people attending the engagement ceremony know. That our family is interacting with the daughter of the Master of the Magic Tower, and she is even going to take a future aide to the next emperor as her husband. Something like that.”

“B, but they didn’t ask us for permission beforehand…”

“They didn’t ask for permission when they decided on my husband either. You know, sister. Those people have never asked their children for permission. No, perhaps it was so long ago that you don’t remember.”

“… … … …”

My head kept tilting. And my heart, too.

It seemed like Yuna’s anger gauge was rising rapidly as well. In the full-length mirror standing against the wall, the mirror Yuna was clenching her fist and shaking it. As if she would blow up this mansion whenever she was told.

I agreed. I was ready to overturn everything if Yuna just said the word. If it had been my matter, I would have already been running with the goal of overthrowing the family. But… those people were Yuna’s family.

The decision had to be Yuna’s. I cautiously asked.

“What do you want to do?”

“…First, we’ll get Juelle out of there. Juelle, I just want to make sure. You don’t… you’re not in love with your betrothed, are you?”

“I’d sooner pledge my troth to a rolling stone than marry that old geezer. At least it wouldn’t leer at me with such lascivious eyes.”

“Good, that’s settled then. Next is what comes after…”

The Urensto family, what to do with the Urensto couple. How to manage the shackles of blood. Yuna squeezed her eyes shut, wrestling with the question, before finally squeezing out an answer.

“I want to give them one last chance. Maybe they’re genuinely unaware. So, to Mom and Dad… I want to show them how much they’ve hurt us. And if they repent, I want to forgive them.”

“You’d offer them a chance?”

“…It’s not because I crave a family. Of course, wanting a happy family… it would be a lie to say I don’t. But… the reason I’m making this decision is because I want to be like you.”

“Like me?”

Yuna fidgeted with her fingers, pausing for a moment before looking up at me, her gaze earnest.

“I want to be someone who gives people chances…”

The corners of my mouth nearly reached my ears.

“Come here. How can you say such beautiful things? Sweet Yuna deserves all the pampering in the world. I don’t know how you came out of those people. My angel walking the earth.”

“Auuu…”

Pat pat pat.

I held Yuna close, showering her with affection while we plotted. Yes, we’d place the Urensto couple on the scales. We’d make them reflect on their actions. And if they repented and showed remorse, I would gain a family.

But if they didn’t change, even with the chance given, they would pay the price.

Behind that resolution.

“Um, could you two engage in your lovey-dovey stuff somewhere else…? It’s making me sick. Hello?”

Only Yuna’s sister’s muttering drifted quietly in the air.

—

Morning dawned.

I approached the window, where sunlight streamed in, and looked out to see a colorful array of carriages entering the estate, one by one. The nobles arriving for Juelle’s engagement ceremony and banquet.

I summoned a servant and asked what was going on.

The servant answered simply. “Today is Lady Juelle’s engagement ceremony.”

When I pressed him about not being informed, he only replied that he knew nothing about it.

If we hadn’t visited Yuna’s sister last night, we might have been quite flustered. But Yuna and I didn’t bother to pry any further.

The more people, the better. The Urensto couple probably intended to flaunt their friendship with us before many nobles, but depending on their answers, the situation could be completely reversed.

As the sun reached its zenith, the Urensto Count’s mansion had accommodated more than a dozen other nobles. Then, a servant arrived to inform us that the meal was prepared.

The players had gathered, and the stage was set.

“Let’s go, then.”

“Yes, let’s go all out and have fun.”

I took Yuna’s hand and we joined the meal.

—

A boisterous table. A sea of unfamiliar faces. Each clustered in their own groups, chattering and tilting wine glasses, but all eyes swung to us as we made our entrance. Whispers began to ripple.

“…Is that the Violet Tower Master I’ve heard so much about?”

“If that’s true, then the man beside her is the infamous…”

“Surely those are just rumors. Distorted stories. Judging by his hair color, he looks like a commoner. How could he possibly be in the Second Prince’s presence?”

Just meaningless prattle, really.

Yuna, feigning ignorance, turned to the Urensto couple.

“…There seem to be a lot of new faces here?”

“Ah, this is Baron Russell and Baron Viet. And this is Count Montheuve… Today is Juelle’s engagement celebration, so we sent invitations to acquaintances from the nobility. Five more are expected shortly.”

“No need to concern yourselves, make yourselves comfortable. Magician, too. Even with the engagement celebration, we won’t skimp on hospitality. Hosting honored guests while also celebrating an engagement is no easy feat, but the Urensto family is more than capable. Please, don’t worry.”

“… …”

We had to ask roundabout why we weren’t even informed about this engagement, only to be met with a display of how great they are.

Beside the wizened old Count Montheuve sat Yuna’s younger sister. Her corset was cinched so tight, her complexion was ashen. Just you wait, sister-in-law.

Yuna spoke plainly.

“You know, it would have been nice to have been told beforehand…? And, about double-booking the date.”

“We just thought you’d want to celebrate Juelle’s engagement. Surely you aren’t displeased with your sister’s good fortune?”

“Of course not, madam. You know how harmonious and considerate our family is.”

“… …”

Words caught in her throat. Her request for prior notice twisted into a question of whether she resented her younger sister. I squeezed Yuna’s hand tightly. A sign of support.

Yuna took a steadying breath and spoke.

“There’s something I need to discuss seriously.”

From the expression on Yuna’s face and the tone of her voice, the Urensto couple seemed to realize that whatever followed would not be to their liking. They made their displeasure quite obvious.

“…Must it be now? You should have given some warning. There are other nobles present.”

“『Zone of Silence』. They can’t hear a thing now. Is this better?”

“…Very well, let’s hear what you have to say. Go on.”

She drew a breath.

“It’s too much, I think. Mother and Father, you had too many expectations for us. And because of that, both I, Cisel, and Juelle have suffered a lot. Did you even know that?”

Spits it out.

The Urensto couple’s expressions morphed into confusion. Not the pleasant kind. It was the air of those who didn’t grasp why such words were being uttered.

They plastered their faces with awkward solicitousness, clearly wanting to salvage the situation.

“It must have been difficult. Yes, receiving a refined education and becoming a respectable noble is no simple task. But you succeeded thanks to it, so isn’t that a good thing?”

“It’s not just that. Sissel…every time she used her abilities, she manifested a parable that shaved away at her very soul. Her lifespan was drastically reduced.”

“That she put in so much effort makes Sissel truly someone to be proud of! A true child of the Urensto line. Though, we haven’t heard much from her lately. Is she perhaps recuperating? If so, tell her that rest is not always the answer. Her reputation is beginning to wane.”

Completely missing the point. In frustration, Yuna pounded her chest and cried out,

“…Her lifespan was reduced, I said?! If it weren’t for him, Sissel would have died young. She would have been dead! Is there… is there truly nothing you feel?!”

“…”

“I… I was sold to the Azure Tower and subjected to human experimentation. It was a terribly agonizing time. Is there truly nothing you feel from this story either?!”

“…”

How hollow that silent moment stretched. But there was no dramatic reaction. No remorse or empathy. Rather, Yuna’s younger sister was the only one who paled upon hearing her sisters’ stories.

And after that long, long silence, what was uttered was barely worth waiting for.

“…Ultimately, it turned out well, didn’t it? Both Sissel and you succeeded in elevating the Urensto family’s reputation.”

“Is that…right now…”

Enough.

Having changed into the robes of the Azure Tower, I stepped forward. Upon my palm, a refined Particle of Dark Virtue spun.

“Count Urensto, Countess Urensto. This black arrow contains the pain of your younger daughter, Yuna. It holds only the suffering that originated solely from you.”

“…What is the meaning of this?”

“It is difficult to fully empathize with others, I know. That is why I have prepared this. If you use it, perhaps you will be able to empathize 100%. You will be able to truly understand your daughters’ suffering.”

*Thwack!*

I embedded the Particle of Dark Virtue into the table in front of the seated Count and Countess Urensto.

This is your last chance.

“You can use this arrow, or you can choose not to. I trust you understand the consequences of each choice.”

“…”

What the Urensto couple chose, then, was this:

“Is this how you repay the kindness of those who gave birth to you and raised you? Know your shame, Yuna Urensto! We did not teach you to treat your parents this way!”

“We suffered greatly as well, you know. Do you think discipline is easy? Our hearts ached more than yours when we struck you! But it was all for your sake, so how could you do this?!”

Instead of using the arrow, they chose to flap their gums.

“Good grief!”

Crash──!

I overturned the table first. Plates and food, launched into the air, embroidered the heavens. The assembled nobles at the banquet gaped, mouths agape.

Yuna strode forward, grasped her younger sibling’s hand, and, together with me, began walking toward the mansion’s main gate. Then, she proclaimed,

“I, Yuna Yurenstow Violetiris, Archmage of the Amethyst Tower, hereby declare an eternal severance from my family!”

“⋯⋯ Knights! What are you doing! Subdue the disturbance! Silence her!”

“Stay right where you are. You all know what happens when you mess with an Ascended-class mage. Everyone, step aside! Even His Highness the Second Prince’s loyal hound, the ‘Mad Wizard,’ is severing ties with the Yurenstow County!”

*Thwack*──!

I blew the main gate off its hinges with a Petite Behemoth Punch and continued to walk. Should return to the lab as is, eat something delicious, and go to sleep. I came here, all geared up for this formal introduction, but it wasn’t worth a single bit of effort.

The Yurenstow couple, belatedly rushing out, shrieked.

“Do you think you can erase your blood ties just like that! Your eyes and hair speak volumes. Unless you erase that violet hue, you will forever be Yurenstow! All your accomplishments are Yurenstow’s!”

“Do you think you can survive alone without a family?! Come back, even if you don’t come to the manor. Just let us use your name, and we’ll forgive you!”

I had no such inclination and didn’t bother replying.

Clop, clop, clop. Flap, flap, flap.

Just as I was about to spit once and leave this place forever, one could say my timing was impeccable. A splendid carriage, pulled by eight horses, was approaching.

The crest and the imposing presence of the carriage froze everyone in place. It bore the emblem that only the Imperial Family could use. The nobles who had followed belatedly bowed their heads upon seeing it.

Emerging from the carriage, a radiant blonde. Our future Emperor, Prince Iridescent.

He glanced around and spoke.

“⋯⋯ I finished early and came, but, well, it seems there’s been an incident.”

I scratched the back of my head, abashed.

“Yeah. I messed up. You prepared so much and came all the way here… I’m sorry. I don’t regret what I did, but I feel bad that all the consideration you showed me has gone to waste.”

“There’s no need to apologize. And it doesn’t seem like a wasted trip. Stand before me.”

“Huh?”

*Shlink*.

Iridescent drew his longsword.

“I intended to announce this officially after I ascended the throne. But now that it’s come to this, I’ll do it beforehand.”

“N-nani?”

“In matters of this sort, one must firmly impress upon the audience who is superior and who is subordinate. Even if you sever ties with your family, you shouldn’t suffer any potential disadvantages. I will bestow a title upon you here and now, so you should take the hint and offer your respects accordingly.”

Ah.

“⋯⋯Yes, Sir!”

I promptly dropped to one knee and offered my respects.

Irid, with a solemn mien and gestures, evoking the charisma of a ruler standing above all people, spoke in a voice loud enough to be heard from afar, yet not a boorish bellow, but a dignified proclamation.

“Nameless mage. I express my gratitude for your significant contributions to the Academy’s growth, for the repeated vanquishing of notorious black magic overlords, and for your research that has benefited the Empire. And for countless other deeds beyond mention.”

“……”

“Thus, I bestow upon thee, Nameless mage, a Dukedom unaccompanied by land, and the family name, Blackraven.”

*Thump.* *Thump.* *Thump.*

Irid’s royal sword brushed past my shoulders and the crown of my head. Having completed the brief investiture ceremony, he said lightly,

“Now, see to it yourself.”

“Yes, Your Imperial Highness. I shall use it gratefully…!”

My chest swells. Not so much from the joy of receiving the title, but more so because my friend Irid would go this far; my heart feels somewhat choked with emotion. Irid has declared it. Attach yourself to this side, not the Urensto Earldom.

I rise immediately, draw Yuna into an embrace, and shout loudly,

“From this moment forth, this fair woman’s name is Yuna Blackraven Violetiris. From this day forward, she has not even a shard of honor to return to the Urensto Earldom. Let that be known!”

“W-Well, yes! I, I am Yuna Blackraven, ma-married, eek!”

*Whoosh.*

Taking Yuna and her younger sister, I billow my cloak as I board Irid’s carriage. Yuna’s younger sister rummages about inside the carriage for a moment, then –

*Patatter.*

She throws all the jewels, rings, bracelets, and other assets she received from the family out of the carriage window. Yuna barely manages to stop her from discarding even her dress and undergarments.

Irid watches the Urensto couple with a look of utter disdain.

“It seems this crazy mage, for all his bluster, is rather sentimental… It appears you have failed to treat him as a human being. Earl Urensto. Now that all three of your bright daughters have left, I daresay we won’t be hearing that name again.”

“Th-This… this…”

“Let’s depart.”

He too climbs into the carriage and signals for departure.

The nobles invited to the Urensto Earldom, exchanging furtive glances, began to leave one by one. Their present power might hold some weight, but their future is now severed, so what value do they hold?

They were ultimately left alone.

Thereafter, the Urensto family proclaimed their honor, but no one of note emerged to bear that name.

They insisted that Yuna Blackraven was their daughter, but no one believed them.

Thus, Urensto withered away in indifference, and eventually, in the not-so-distant future…

They will vanish without leaving even a single letter of their name.