***Final Arc, One Who Obtain Happiness, Chapter 258 End of a Heroic Epic***
At that time, the estate was filled with a gloomy atmosphere, like a cloud obscuring the sun.
Anne, Elvena, and Selene too.
Only she was smiling happily, as usual.
‘――I believe that Her Majesty wanted to save Argan-sama.’
The old woman sat up in bed, looked out the window, and said that.
‘Once the political affairs were over, she would always stay by Argan-sama's side. ...She rarely smiled at us, and sometimes she looked like she was in deep thought.
‘She’s a kind person’, she continued, smiling.
‘Of course, I do not believe that I can understand all of Her Majesty's feelings, but...it is undoubtedly true that Her Majesty loves Argan-sama deeply.’
The old woman——Anne closed her eyes as if recalling something.
‘Because I've been watching her from her side all this time. ...I'm sure that Krische-sama, Selene-sama, and Elvena-sama understand Her Majesty too.”
‘Right. Kreschenta is not honest.’
‘Fufu... When Argan-sama was well——whenever I made a mistake as a attendant, Her Majesty would say, 'Even a good for nothing Argan-sama could handle something like this’, that ‘if it’s Argan-sama she would do it like this’.’
Anne smiled happily, then sadly.
Looking at her own palm.
‘...But since Argan-sama disappeared, Her Majesty no longer mentioned Argan-sama's name.’
Then she reached out to Krische’s cheek and caressed it.
‘...Her Majesty, even now, decades later, is still suffering from this. That’s why, I would like to talk to Krische-sama.’
Looking at Krische, as if seeing someone figure overlapped with hers, Anne continued
‘If Her Majesty is still suffering from this...I believe there are only two people in this world who can save Her Majesty.’
Anne said, bowing her head.
“Krische heard from Anne. That perhaps Kreschenta was the one.”
Kreschenta eyes widened as she froze, and Krische hugged her tightly.
"...sorry, Kreschenta."
Krische stroked Kreschenta’s head along with her hair, her voice strained.
"...Why, is Onee-sama, apologizing, too"
Her younger sister's body was shaking, and so was her voice.
‘She's scared’, Krische thought, as she tried to warm her body.
――Recalling the color of the snow in her hometown.
Looking up at the night sky, recalling Her’s and Bery's smiling face fondly, Krische narrowed her eyes.
"It's Krische’s fault... Forcing Bery, making her suffer. Forcing Kreschenta to do such things, all of it”
‘Full of regrets’, Krische said.
"Bery probably intended to die... She probably wanted to accept death... Even when we went to see Regalave, she said she wanted to go on a trip and come back... She called it a trip, wanting Krische to listen to her selfishness."
She visited various people who was approaching the end of their lives.
It was strange how happy and cheerful they seemed, how they talked about their memories and pared with a smile.
At times like that, she recalled Bery's words.
“Krische, asked a lot of selfish things to Bery, but Krische never heard Bery being selfish at all, and even when Bery was being selfish...Krische still said selfish things, even though it was a request from Bery, and Krische troubled Bery.''
Krische didn’t think Bery wanted to die either.
But she was probably willing to accept it.
That’s why she wanted to make memories at the end, saying such things――But Krische locked her up in the mansion.
――If Krische had accepted that, what would have happened?"
Bery would have met her end happily and satisfied, and Krische would have accepted it.
She would have grieved for a while, lived her days, and eventually, Krische too would have reached the end.
There would have been a bit of loneliness, but there would have been normal happiness, just as Bery probably imagined, without suffering.
A normal life and a normal happiness as a normal human being.
A normal loneliness and a normal sadness.
Everyone was an adult, and Krische was and always was a child.
Thinking that of wanting to continue such happy days without any sadness or hardship.
And it was Krische, not Kreschenta, who with such selfishness made the person she cared about suffer.
"...The bad one is Krische who is unable to accept it. Bery suffered because of Krische’s selfishness, and Kreschenta tried to help Bery."
"That's not true! I――"
"No, it's not. However, Kreschenta just wanted someone to be angry."
"Hg..."
Even though Kreschenta thought it wasn't her fault, it felt like something was stabbing her in the chest.
She wanted to vent, she wanted to be forgiven.
But Bery wasn't angry. She didn’t even forgive Kreschenta.
Bery just snuggled closer, still whispering that she loved her, whispering that she believed in her, holding it all in.
"But Krische won’t get angry at Kreschenta. ...Surely Berry also didn’t get angry at Kreschenta."
――Bery, who never get angry, was probably the scariest person in the world.
If Krische had tried to throw herself into the abyss, Bery would probably tie Krische’s arms with chains and fasten them around her own neck.
On top of that, she would still smile calmly and whispered, something like ‘I believe you, Krische-sama’.
No matter how much Krische pull and torment her, Bery would looks back with a smile on her face.
Stroking the chain lovingly and smiling.
No matter what path Krische would take, she would follow it silently, letting the sound of the chains echo.
Before Krische knew it, it would feel like it was her own neck that was tied up.
Even if it was infinitely painful, there were chains that she couldn't remove.
She didn't forgive anything, accepted everything, let her walk, and just watched from behind.
If there were thorns hurting her on the way forward, she would bleed as she was pulled along, showing off that she was bleeding.
She would make the chains let out a sound just to let Krische know she was there.
And then, she would laugh and say that where Krische wanted to go is where she should be.
Even if Krische were to step out of the rail and fall into the abyss, she wouldn't care.
"...Krische knows very well that Bery is that kind of person."
But being whispered such words of love, being told that she was believed in, was such a happy thing.
She entrusted everything about herself to this not normal Krische.
‘――Fufu, but I often hear from people say that I'm not normal, in both a good and bad way.’
Having met and parted with various people——looking back at it now, Krische thought Bery's head was also quite strange.
Even though she was so smart, her way of thinking was the complete opposite of Krische’s.
Placing so much importance on things that have nothing to do with profit or loss, letting others hold all the things that were important to her.
Doing only things that would lead to loss, even though she knew it.
Even if Krische looked around the world, she probably wouldn't find anyone that weird.
But Krische couldn't help but love that strange part of Bery.
Krische was incredibly proud and happy of the chain that tied her to Bery.
That's why Krische couldn't bear to walk without her.
Selene said that eternity is stagnation.
That’s probably true, Krische thought.
Krische had watched everyone age and grow, while she stood still.
Sher remained motionless, waiting for Bery to return to the other end of the chain.
Surely Kreschenta was like that too.
“The reason why Kreschenta still say she hate Berry is because Kreschenta would be really troubled if Kreschenta didn’t hate Berry, right?”
Kreschenta’s body stiffened as Krische said that.
Then she hugged her tightly.
"Krische, doesn't even want to think about losing Bery. Krische can't even imagine killing her. To Krische, Bery is much more important than Krische."
If Bery felt pain, Krische to, wanted to feel pain.
Krische would rather have her place than for Bery to die.
Krische believed that no matter how painful it is, Krische could endure it.
But how would Krische felt if Krische had to kill someone so important to her with her own hands?
“...That's why Krische understand how Kreschenta feel about not wanting to accept it. But no matter how much Kreschenta tried to forget, no matter how much Kreschenta tried to pretend that Kreschenta hated Bery... Kreschenta wanted to let Bery rest because Kreschenta loved Bery, right?”
"No...I...I..."
"It’s not wrong. ...Kreschenta is a very kind child after all."
Something stained the chest of her nightgown.
That feeling of heat.
The body she embraced trembled, her younger sister's hand grips the back of her nightgown tightly.
She pondered over her words.
The reason she said things that would chain Krische, saying to Krische to just forget it, was because more than anyone else, it was Kreschenta who wanted to forget it.
She didn't want to remember the fact that she was the one who killed Berry.
Being selfish, and spoiled too.
That it seemed like she hated being alone.
That except for when at work, she would rub her body against Krische, being so clingy without thinking about anything, unwilling to let go.
It had been like that ever since Selene was gone.
She might have felt that she wanted to monopolize Krische, just as she said.
She was half doubtful――but once she actually made Kreschenta truly angry, she knew right away.
"Hg...Argan-sama, she said she was fine...but every night, she was, in so much pain that, she couldn't even think...so painful"
Krische presses her cheek against the small head.
The sound of sobbing and sniffles filled the air, and Kreschenta gripped her hands that was on the back of the negligee tightly.
“Argan-sama, tried to endure, but, Onee-sama, seemed like about to die, doing research... and when I thought, both of you, would disappear...”
She narrowed her eyes at the memory.
This must have happened when she tried to find out the truth about soul without understanding it.
She was then saved by Kreschenta――Bery's death happened soon after that.
It was a situation that could have happened at any time, and Krische also couldn't think of anything.
After that, after she had a chance to resolve the issue and calmed down, she remember being scolded by Kolkis about it.
‘――I understand how you feel, Krische-sama. The result was beyond perfect, and both the soldiers and I are grateful. ...However, I would like you to understand Selene-sama's feelings a little more. ...That person is doing her utmost for you and Bery and the others.''
Krische had ended it forcefully, but in hindsight, it seemed to minimize the damage and buy time, avoiding a decisive battle and aiming for a strategic victory.
Adequate precautions had been taken.
It was a situation that could have been handled even without Krische, and Selene was doing what she was supposed to do as a general.
If she had heard the policy from Selene beforehand, she might have left it to her.
Now that she thought about it, the attack was probably an attempt to get lure Krische out.
Even when Krische apologized later, she didn't notice because Selene didn't make any excuse saying ‘it’s okay’.
Krische’s stroked her younger sister's head and closed her eyes.
She had so much to apologize for.
Krische didn't try to see anything.
Not Selene, not Kreschenta――not even Berry. She pushed everything to Kreschenta because she didn't want to see Bery suffer.
“...But, that's not it...I, couldn't bear it. When I thought about it, I was scared, I knew she was going to suffer every day, but, I put it off...and yet, Bery, said, ‘Thank you’.”
Regrets came to her mind one after another, and just like that, the chest of her nightgown became wet.
――She was hopelessly stupid, she thought.
At least, the one who caused her younger sister so much hardship was Krische.
"Bery, thank you, I love you, she said...but, I made her, suffer, and suffer..."
Just as Krische couldn't imagine killing Bery, Kreschenta couldn't imagine killing Berry either.
She was so clingy and pampered every day.
But if she had seen Berry suffering like that every day...Krische could easily understand her feelings.
Because she understood, she forced everything on her younger sister so that she could run away from it.
What she didn’t want to see, she forced it on her younger sister, making her endure it.
She wondered how Kreschenta felt every time she learned that her research wasn't going well.
Every time Krische told Bery that, she would laugh, saying that she would wait forever.
It was painful seeing that smile, she couldn't help it, so she kept repeating, ‘Just a little more’.
She wondered what was Kreschenta feeling when she conveyed that to Bery.
There was no way she was okay.
Kreschenta, unlike Krische, she couldn't even escape into her research.
"……sorry"
She held her younger sister's head tightly as she cried.
She had no other words.
"Hg...why, is Onee-sama apologizing. It's all, because of me――"
"...Kreschenta is suffering because of Krische, all of it is Krische’s fault."
That stubborn little sister was crying so unsightly.
Without being able to endure it, her cry that escaped her mouth, echoing.
How much pain had she caused her?
When she brought back Bery who she had killed――when she knew it was truly just a little more, just how did she feel.
"Kliche is terribly selfish, the worst. Krische’s selfish but Krische doesn’t listen to other’s selfishness... Krische made Bery suffer a lot, made Kreschenta suffer, and Selene too."
She had hurt so many important things, she thought.
Even now, in her arms, the younger sister she had hurt was crying.
"...Still, Krische wanted to see everyone again. Krische want to meet everyone and say that this is how Krische really wanted to spend the everyday....Hurting everyone, making everyone suffer, all of it, all of it is for this reason."
‘That's the excuse Krische wanted’, she continued.
“Maybe one day, like Kreschenta said, everyone would say that they can’t stay along with Krische.”
Accepting various things and experiencing normal happiness as a normal human.
Maybe accepting everything at this was actually the right thing to do.
Hurting and tormenting so many people, perhaps it had been a mistake.
Everyone was trying to accept it. They were satisfied.
The only one who wasn't convinced――who couldn't accept it, was Krische.
"...But still, even so...Krische wanted to meet everyone again and say”
This was an incredibly selfish thing, she thought.
However, she wanted to say that what caused Bery such pain, what caused her to go down such a thorny path and hurt her, was because there was a place like this at the end of that path.
Krische just wanted to take her to the happy place that she dream of and said here it is――she couldn’t let it end like this.
If that was not good, then it was fine to end it there.
All of it was just excuses, it was shameful and pathetic, but even so, she wanted to convey what she had dreamed of.
"...Krische wanted to say, let's all live happily ever after together in this peaceful mansion."
She wondered, when did she became this kind of person.
She was a far cry from the ideal she once dreamed of.
She was not admirable, she was weak, she was pathetic, she was spoiled, she was selfish――even knowing that Selene and the others accepted her, and Krische become more and more dependent on them.
She felt like she was drowning in all the things she need to give back to them.
Krische’s sure Kreschenta understood as well.
That they were getting weaker and weaker.
Feeling like they could do anything, that there was nothing they couldn't do, but the desire to rely on someone that wasn't actually needed grew day by day.
“Krische know Kreschenta wished for the same place.”
To hope and to wish for.
At least Kreschenta was thinking the same thing as Krische, that much was certain.
"...Kreschenta wants to meet her, but Kreschenta doesn’t know how to face her, that’s why Kreschenta is crying, because it's painful, right?"
If as Kreschenta said, if she didn't feel anything, she wouldn't have killed Bery.
Just following Krische’s desire, she wouldn't have cared――she would have kept Bery alive just as she was told.
She wouldn’t have suffered like this yet.
"Kreschenta doesn't have to cry like that. ...It's Krische who forced all the hard things on Kreschenta, so if Kreschenta get scolded, it's Krische who is wrong, not Kreschenta."
Krische wondered what Bery said to Kreschenta.
At least she was sure Bery was not angry or sad.
Only one thing was certain.
"Besides, Bery is different from Krische. Berry understands Kreschenta’s feelings, and Bery he doesn't hate Kreschenta. Bery even now still loves Crescenta."
“There’s, no…”
"Yes, there is...As Kreschenta said, Bery is a very strange person."
Was she right or was she wrong?
to Krische, Krische herself was the least trustworthy person.
She was stupid, she was crazy, she was not normal.
Because Krische was that kind of person.
So she didn’t know if this was the right choice or not.
――Even if everyone in the world says that Krische-sama is wrong, I will still.
However, that words she said were absolute.
She was so honest, beautiful, and confident that Krische couldn't complain about anything.
So she believed that it's definitely not wrong to believe in those words.
Bery loved Krische, and she loved Kreschenta just as much.
Berry wouldn’t be angry at what Kreschenta did, wouldn’t hold any grudge, wouldn’t feel sad.
‘...Why, is Onee-sama, apologizing, too’
She apologized for making her go through so much pain and conveying her love.
"...Kreschenta also knows that Bery is a very weird person, so Kreschenta also loves Berry that much too right?"
“Hg...”
While hugging her trembling body, she slowly floated down.
She gazed at the pillar of magical power gushing out from the Heavenly Pole, carved the spell with one hand into the sky, filling every corner of the space.
“If Kreschenta say you don’t have the face to meet Bery, then just say that Krische forced Kreschenta. ...It's more constructive than wondering if it's right or wrong here, and we can't move forward until that's over.''
‘Both Krische and Kreschenta are stupid’, she smiled and continued.
"Even if we worry alone or together, we won't get any answer."
Selene said that eternity is stagnation.
That’s probably true, Krische thought.
But Selene didn't say that it was a misfotune.
"...In that case, it would be much better to think about things while Selene complains that Krische ideas are stupid, that you're a child, that there's nothing to do about it."
Then she would laugh and said ‘do whatever you want’.
She would said that Krische was selfish, stupid, and childish, but still she would smile gently as usual.
"So let's go meet everyone, Kreschenta...together with Krische."
The spreading spell crosses space and travels to various parts of the world.
Nourished by the vast magical power produced by the Heavenly Pole, it envelops the stars, carves into the atmosphere, and seeps into the gaps of the earth.
The outer shell of the gigantic Heavenly Pole cracked, and the trunk of the great tree wriggled.
The branches and leaves grow as if to swell, and from beyond them a line of magical power stretches through the air.
Using the magical power sucked up from the Origin as nutrients, the huge tree swelled up, melting the earth into magical power, and spreading out countless roots.
The Heavenly Pole from all over the world resonated, and a blue geometric pattern covered the entire world.
The large tree grew blue buds on its branches and leaves, and blossomed in rainbow colors.
The branches and leaves of the large tree covered even the royal capital, and the girl walked from the gap to the side of the trunk.
The string hanging from the girl's neck melted, and blue magical crystals floated into the air.
As the girl waves her hand, below her eyes――one of the mansions in the center of the city loses its color and disappears into a blur, along with the yawning Suiko.
Shaking her silver hair, the girl released her hand from her younger sister.
The magic crystal in the hands of the girl with peach-colored hair flew, and in an instant
"Kreschenta"
The girl nodded silently at that voice.
New spells were engraved in the sky around the magical crystal, and as if melting into space, the magic crystal disappeared――then she hugged her older sister's body again.
‘Good girl’, she said and looked down once again.
On top of the city's outer wall――she saw a white-bearded old man standing on top of a tower.
It was not clear from this distance what was happening under the canopy of the great tree or the figures of the girls below it.
However, the old man put his hand on his chest and saluted.
The girl smiled quietly while still holding her little sister and returned the salute.
"……Goodbye"
Not just to the old man, but to many things.
Looking at everything below her and beyond the horizon, the girl said that one word.
She faded into space, disappearing into the sky along with the girl she held in her arms.
The star itself shone for a moment――and then gradually fade.
A large tree with dancing flowers in full bloom and a mansion that has disappeared.
That was all that was left of them.
"Where has Her Majesty gone?! And what is that..."
The Royal Palace Council――in its large hall, seats made of transmuted rock were lined up in a semicircle and in the shape of a staircase.
Naturally, everyone there had confusion on their faces.
It was still early for a meeting, most of them hadn't slept since last night, and they were here at dawn.
A little north of the royal capital. A huge tree that covered the entire royal capital.
There was no doubt that it had appeared by cracking the outer shell of the Heavenly Pole.
Instead of a pillar of light stretching towards the sky, they could see a huge amount of magical power being emitted from the branches and leaves to the surrounding area.
Blue trunk and green leaves.
Flower petals shining in rainbow colors were raining down on the royal capital.
Petals――whether they were actually petals was uncertain.
The petals held in their hand seemed somewhat translucent, and their texture was uncertain.
A dense magical power emanated from them, and those knowledgeable in magic research believed that they existed not as physical matter but as something between matter and spiritual.
And in the royal territory, the mansion where Queen Crescenta lived disappeared, along with the garden, including the Suiko, leaving a large hole as if it had been hollowed out.
It was no wonder they were surprised.
It is fortunate that there did not seem to be much public confusion.
They were unaware that the Queen's residence in the royal domain had disappeared, and similar incidents had occurred before.
That tower piercing the sky, and even the tree that grew overnight to engulf the city.
Regarding that, Queen Kreschenta had not said anything to the people, and somehow, that anomaly had become an accepted part of their daily lives.
“Be quiet!”
As soon as he entered the room, the elderly man raised his voice.
He still exuded an undiminished vigor, and his gaze was sharp.
It was Aleha Remin, the central general.
Under his arm was a crimson box with the kingdom seal engraved on it.
Their eyes quieted down at his voice, all turning their gaze towards him.
Next, the kingdom's marshal, Norgan Verreich, entered the room――it was not particularly strange that they're here.
They were also members of the Kingdom's Council and had the right to vote.
The chairman, who had been pretending to be calm but was shaken up, looked a little relieved.
Chairman Lobinis was the grandson of the famous general Felworth Keithriton, and unlike his grandfather, he was not adept in martial matters and, one might say, he had a timid disposition.
He was entrusted with the council and excelled in practical matters, being a good-natured and reasonable person, but he was inexperienced in dealing with such chaos.
There had never been any confusion in the assembly where Kreschenta occasionally appeared.
He looked at the small box Aleha was holding and asked.
"Duke Remin, is that box from Her Majesty the Queen...?"
"Yes. It was previously entrusted to me by Her Majesty the Queen. If something like this were to happen, the Chairman would open the box in Parliament and reveal what was inside."
Aleha said and handed the box to Chairman Lobinis.
No one asked why Aleha had something like that.
Everyone knows that the Queen had deep trust in him, and in terms of his status as a warrior alone, he surpassed the current Marshal, Norgan.
Although he was originally from the Empire, it would not be strange for him to sit in the Marshal's seat due to his military prowess, if it weren't for his age, which was older than Selene.
Lobinis gestured for everyone to take their seats, and Aleha and the others sat down.
Lobinis placed the crimson box on the desk on the dais, looked over at them, and break the thick sealing wax that was wrapped around the box and fastened the string.
Inside was a rolled up bundle of parchment.
And the royal seal.
Lobinis swallowed hard and, without touching it yet, examined the parchment lightly before furrowing his brows even further.
When he untied the string that was holding it together, he inspected the parchment briefly before reading it out, and his eyebrows furrowed even further.
"...There is no doubt that it is Her Majesty's handwriting. First, as the chairman, I will read it out as instructed."
When he said that, he noticed that there was a magic crystal under the bundle of parchment.
He saw that the text told him to take it first, so he picked it up and,
“――!?”
Immediately, it shines and collapsed into magic power.
The blue light created a mist and formed an image――in front of Lobinis.
The figure it was forming was Kreschenta, the Queen he knew well.
She frowned and looked displeased as she turned her gaze to the left.
『Why did this I have to... 』
『I can’t rest easy leaving it to you guys, so I want to leave it just in case. It’s an order, don't complain. 』
A calm voice.
Those who knew and those who didn't, all expressed surprise at the voice of the Kingdom's Marshal, Selene Christand.
『Towards me, the Queen... 』
『I told you to listen to me properly. You――』
『Um, Selene, Kreschenta it’s already recording, but』
The Queen widened her eyes for a moment and her face stiffened.
Then she smiled, the complete opposite of before.
『...I think everyone is surprised that suddenly a large tree covered the sky and that me and Onee-sama disappeared.』
The virtual Kreschenta spoke in a dignified voice, as if nothing had happened, just like when she showed up at the meeting yesterday.
Everyone was stunned and looked at the face of the person next to them.
Among them, only one person――the old general smiling bitterly.
It was a message that Selene had him create to prevent the country from being in turmoil in case the two suddenly disappeared.
Aleha was also there when they made this, but he was silently watching, so his voice wasn't included.
『But rest assured. This is as planned. It was planned in advance for when the Council had stabilized and most of the national policy was released from my hands. Perhaps this should be called a test from me to all of you. 』
Over time, Kreschenta, who had absolute power, gradually began to delegate political decisions to Congress.
That's because they had planned for them to disappear from this country someday.
She laid the groundwork to maintain the appearance of a loosely parliamentary country――of course, she might have wanted to be freed from such chores, but that was the goal anyway.
Originally, Crescenta was supposed to stand here and speak, but Selene, perhaps feeling uneasy, made her write a message like this.
Considering what happened yesterday, Selene fears were probably right.
『My sister and I will be traveling around the world for a while, doing various research. It will be approximately 30 years before we return――until then, I would like all of you to continue to take charge of the kingdom's affairs as you have always done. 』
A commotion spreads, and Kreschenta laughed.
『All of you are already doing quite well at this point, and by the time you see this, the council should be even more stable. It's because I felt confident enough to entrust this to you. 』
A seductive smile on her lips.
『But don't forget that this is a test. ...If you do something that will disappoint me, I will come back early and remove the bad fruit. 』
The council fell silent.
Even now, decades later, many people know about the rumors of the Great Purge, which were not talked about publicly.
No one doubted her god-like power, as she could build a tower that pierces the sky in one night and create a giant tree that covered a city.
『That's all. Please make it seem like I'm handling politics as usual for the people. The enclosed royal seal will be kept by the Council, and the chairman will act on my behalf as needed. The enclosed parchment contains various decisions and details for the future. ...That's all. 』
‘Well then, everyone, please take care.’
With that, she smiled gracefully and bowed her head for a moment.
When she raised her head, she called out ‘Onee-sama’.
『Please delete what I just said. From the moment before I started speaking... 』
『Kreschenta, Krische made it so that it will disappears after it’s played, so if that happens, we’ll have to retake it… Ah, if it’s already over, Krische’ll turn it off. 』
『P-Please cut it quic――』
At the end of this exchange, the virtual image disappears, and there was silence.
Everyone looked confused, and Aleha was the only one shaking his shoulders and holding back laughter.
Krische hates reshooting because it seems like a hassle, and Kreschenta who demanded reshooting no matter what.
An exasperated Selene who took it from Krische, put it in the box, and wound it around with a string.
And made the sealing wax by using a duplicate royal seal that she had apparently made from magic crystal.
He narrows his eyes, remembering it as if it was yesterday.
Honestly, the last message was very typical of them.
It's not like they come back every 30 years.
The plan was to prevent sudden confusion and reckless behavior.
Given enough time, even those who were here would become accustomed to a kingdom without a queen.
Their era was slowly coming to an end――after a hundred years, the world would surely change into a new era.
If one said it's selfish, then it was probably selfish, and if one say it's troublesome, it was a nuisance.
However, the girl's unwanted heroic epic finally could come to an end.
From now on, it's only about their own wishes and happiness.
No one in this world has the right to bind them forever.
"...Thank you for your hard work, Krische-sama."
He said that in a voice that no one could hear and bowed his head to the empty space where there was no one
"Chairman, the message left by Her Majesty the Queen."
“Y-yes.…Well then I’ll read it out loud.”
Aleha urged the confused chairman.
To steer it towards the new world without them.
***Final Arc, One Who Obtain Happiness, Chapter 258 End of a Heroic Epic***
At that time, the estate was filled with a gloomy atmosphere, like a cloud obscuring the sun.
Anne, Elvena, and Selene too.
Only she was smiling happily, as usual.
‘――I believe that Her Majesty wanted to save Argan-sama.’
The old woman sat up in bed, looked out the window, and said that.
‘Once the political affairs were over, she would always stay by Argan-sama's side. ...She rarely smiled at us, and sometimes she looked like she was in deep thought.
‘She’s a kind person’, she continued, smiling.
‘Of course, I do not believe that I can understand all of Her Majesty's feelings, but...it is undoubtedly true that Her Majesty loves Argan-sama deeply.’
The old woman——Anne closed her eyes as if recalling something.
‘Because I've been watching her from her side all this time. ...I'm sure that Krische-sama, Selene-sama, and Elvena-sama understand Her Majesty too.”
‘Right. Kreschenta is not honest.’
‘Fufu... When Argan-sama was well——whenever I made a mistake as a attendant, Her Majesty would say, 'Even a good for nothing Argan-sama could handle something like this’, that ‘if it’s Argan-sama she would do it like this’.’
Anne smiled happily, then sadly.
Looking at her own palm.
‘...But since Argan-sama disappeared, Her Majesty no longer mentioned Argan-sama's name.’
Then she reached out to Krische’s cheek and caressed it.
‘...Her Majesty, even now, decades later, is still suffering from this. That’s why, I would like to talk to Krische-sama.’
Looking at Krische, as if seeing someone figure overlapped with hers, Anne continued
‘If Her Majesty is still suffering from this...I believe there are only two people in this world who can save Her Majesty.’
Anne said, bowing her head.
“Krische heard from Anne. That perhaps Kreschenta was the one.”
Kreschenta eyes widened as she froze, and Krische hugged her tightly.
"...sorry, Kreschenta."
Krische stroked Kreschenta’s head along with her hair, her voice strained.
"...Why, is Onee-sama, apologizing, too"
Her younger sister's body was shaking, and so was her voice.
‘She's scared’, Krische thought, as she tried to warm her body.
――Recalling the color of the snow in her hometown.
Looking up at the night sky, recalling Her’s and Bery's smiling face fondly, Krische narrowed her eyes.
"It's Krische’s fault... Forcing Bery, making her suffer. Forcing Kreschenta to do such things, all of it”
‘Full of regrets’, Krische said.
"Bery probably intended to die... She probably wanted to accept death... Even when we went to see Regalave, she said she wanted to go on a trip and come back... She called it a trip, wanting Krische to listen to her selfishness."
She visited various people who was approaching the end of their lives.
It was strange how happy and cheerful they seemed, how they talked about their memories and pared with a smile.
At times like that, she recalled Bery's words.
“Krische, asked a lot of selfish things to Bery, but Krische never heard Bery being selfish at all, and even when Bery was being selfish...Krische still said selfish things, even though it was a request from Bery, and Krische troubled Bery.''
Krische didn’t think Bery wanted to die either.
But she was probably willing to accept it.
That’s why she wanted to make memories at the end, saying such things――But Krische locked her up in the mansion.
――If Krische had accepted that, what would have happened?"
Bery would have met her end happily and satisfied, and Krische would have accepted it.
She would have grieved for a while, lived her days, and eventually, Krische too would have reached the end.
There would have been a bit of loneliness, but there would have been normal happiness, just as Bery probably imagined, without suffering.
A normal life and a normal happiness as a normal human being.
A normal loneliness and a normal sadness.
Everyone was an adult, and Krische was and always was a child.
Thinking that of wanting to continue such happy days without any sadness or hardship.
And it was Krische, not Kreschenta, who with such selfishness made the person she cared about suffer.
"...The bad one is Krische who is unable to accept it. Bery suffered because of Krische’s selfishness, and Kreschenta tried to help Bery."
"That's not true! I――"
"No, it's not. However, Kreschenta just wanted someone to be angry."
"Hg..."
Even though Kreschenta thought it wasn't her fault, it felt like something was stabbing her in the chest.
She wanted to vent, she wanted to be forgiven.
But Bery wasn't angry. She didn’t even forgive Kreschenta.
Bery just snuggled closer, still whispering that she loved her, whispering that she believed in her, holding it all in.
"But Krische won’t get angry at Kreschenta. ...Surely Berry also didn’t get angry at Kreschenta."
――Bery, who never get angry, was probably the scariest person in the world.
If Krische had tried to throw herself into the abyss, Bery would probably tie Krische’s arms with chains and fasten them around her own neck.
On top of that, she would still smile calmly and whispered, something like ‘I believe you, Krische-sama’.
No matter how much Krische pull and torment her, Bery would looks back with a smile on her face.
Stroking the chain lovingly and smiling.
No matter what path Krische would take, she would follow it silently, letting the sound of the chains echo.
Before Krische knew it, it would feel like it was her own neck that was tied up.
Even if it was infinitely painful, there were chains that she couldn't remove.
She didn't forgive anything, accepted everything, let her walk, and just watched from behind.
If there were thorns hurting her on the way forward, she would bleed as she was pulled along, showing off that she was bleeding.
She would make the chains let out a sound just to let Krische know she was there.
And then, she would laugh and say that where Krische wanted to go is where she should be.
Even if Krische were to step out of the rail and fall into the abyss, she wouldn't care.
"...Krische knows very well that Bery is that kind of person."
But being whispered such words of love, being told that she was believed in, was such a happy thing.
She entrusted everything about herself to this not normal Krische.
‘――Fufu, but I often hear from people say that I'm not normal, in both a good and bad way.’
Having met and parted with various people——looking back at it now, Krische thought Bery's head was also quite strange.
Even though she was so smart, her way of thinking was the complete opposite of Krische’s.
Placing so much importance on things that have nothing to do with profit or loss, letting others hold all the things that were important to her.
Doing only things that would lead to loss, even though she knew it.
Even if Krische looked around the world, she probably wouldn't find anyone that weird.
But Krische couldn't help but love that strange part of Bery.
Krische was incredibly proud and happy of the chain that tied her to Bery.
That's why Krische couldn't bear to walk without her.
Selene said that eternity is stagnation.
That’s probably true, Krische thought.
Krische had watched everyone age and grow, while she stood still.
Sher remained motionless, waiting for Bery to return to the other end of the chain.
Surely Kreschenta was like that too.
“The reason why Kreschenta still say she hate Berry is because Kreschenta would be really troubled if Kreschenta didn’t hate Berry, right?”
Kreschenta’s body stiffened as Krische said that.
Then she hugged her tightly.
"Krische, doesn't even want to think about losing Bery. Krische can't even imagine killing her. To Krische, Bery is much more important than Krische."
If Bery felt pain, Krische to, wanted to feel pain.
Krische would rather have her place than for Bery to die.
Krische believed that no matter how painful it is, Krische could endure it.
But how would Krische felt if Krische had to kill someone so important to her with her own hands?
“...That's why Krische understand how Kreschenta feel about not wanting to accept it. But no matter how much Kreschenta tried to forget, no matter how much Kreschenta tried to pretend that Kreschenta hated Bery... Kreschenta wanted to let Bery rest because Kreschenta loved Bery, right?”
"No...I...I..."
"It’s not wrong. ...Kreschenta is a very kind child after all."
Something stained the chest of her nightgown.
That feeling of heat.
The body she embraced trembled, her younger sister's hand grips the back of her nightgown tightly.
She pondered over her words.
The reason she said things that would chain Krische, saying to Krische to just forget it, was because more than anyone else, it was Kreschenta who wanted to forget it.
She didn't want to remember the fact that she was the one who killed Berry.
Being selfish, and spoiled too.
That it seemed like she hated being alone.
That except for when at work, she would rub her body against Krische, being so clingy without thinking about anything, unwilling to let go.
It had been like that ever since Selene was gone.
She might have felt that she wanted to monopolize Krische, just as she said.
She was half doubtful――but once she actually made Kreschenta truly angry, she knew right away.
"Hg...Argan-sama, she said she was fine...but every night, she was, in so much pain that, she couldn't even think...so painful"
Krische presses her cheek against the small head.
The sound of sobbing and sniffles filled the air, and Kreschenta gripped her hands that was on the back of the negligee tightly.
“Argan-sama, tried to endure, but, Onee-sama, seemed like about to die, doing research... and when I thought, both of you, would disappear...”
She narrowed her eyes at the memory.
This must have happened when she tried to find out the truth about soul without understanding it.
She was then saved by Kreschenta――Bery's death happened soon after that.
It was a situation that could have happened at any time, and Krische also couldn't think of anything.
After that, after she had a chance to resolve the issue and calmed down, she remember being scolded by Kolkis about it.
‘――I understand how you feel, Krische-sama. The result was beyond perfect, and both the soldiers and I are grateful. ...However, I would like you to understand Selene-sama's feelings a little more. ...That person is doing her utmost for you and Bery and the others.''
Krische had ended it forcefully, but in hindsight, it seemed to minimize the damage and buy time, avoiding a decisive battle and aiming for a strategic victory.
Adequate precautions had been taken.
It was a situation that could have been handled even without Krische, and Selene was doing what she was supposed to do as a general.
If she had heard the policy from Selene beforehand, she might have left it to her.
Now that she thought about it, the attack was probably an attempt to get lure Krische out.
Even when Krische apologized later, she didn't notice because Selene didn't make any excuse saying ‘it’s okay’.
Krische’s stroked her younger sister's head and closed her eyes.
She had so much to apologize for.
Krische didn't try to see anything.
Not Selene, not Kreschenta――not even Berry. She pushed everything to Kreschenta because she didn't want to see Bery suffer.
“...But, that's not it...I, couldn't bear it. When I thought about it, I was scared, I knew she was going to suffer every day, but, I put it off...and yet, Bery, said, ‘Thank you’.”
Regrets came to her mind one after another, and just like that, the chest of her nightgown became wet.
――She was hopelessly stupid, she thought.
At least, the one who caused her younger sister so much hardship was Krische.
"Bery, thank you, I love you, she said...but, I made her, suffer, and suffer..."
Just as Krische couldn't imagine killing Bery, Kreschenta couldn't imagine killing Berry either.
She was so clingy and pampered every day.
But if she had seen Berry suffering like that every day...Krische could easily understand her feelings.
Because she understood, she forced everything on her younger sister so that she could run away from it.
What she didn’t want to see, she forced it on her younger sister, making her endure it.
She wondered how Kreschenta felt every time she learned that her research wasn't going well.
Every time Krische told Bery that, she would laugh, saying that she would wait forever.
It was painful seeing that smile, she couldn't help it, so she kept repeating, ‘Just a little more’.
She wondered what was Kreschenta feeling when she conveyed that to Bery.
There was no way she was okay.
Kreschenta, unlike Krische, she couldn't even escape into her research.
"……sorry"
She held her younger sister's head tightly as she cried.
She had no other words.
"Hg...why, is Onee-sama apologizing. It's all, because of me――"
"...Kreschenta is suffering because of Krische, all of it is Krische’s fault."
That stubborn little sister was crying so unsightly.
Without being able to endure it, her cry that escaped her mouth, echoing.
How much pain had she caused her?
When she brought back Bery who she had killed――when she knew it was truly just a little more, just how did she feel.
"Kliche is terribly selfish, the worst. Krische’s selfish but Krische doesn’t listen to other’s selfishness... Krische made Bery suffer a lot, made Kreschenta suffer, and Selene too."
She had hurt so many important things, she thought.
Even now, in her arms, the younger sister she had hurt was crying.
"...Still, Krische wanted to see everyone again. Krische want to meet everyone and say that this is how Krische really wanted to spend the everyday....Hurting everyone, making everyone suffer, all of it, all of it is for this reason."
‘That's the excuse Krische wanted’, she continued.
“Maybe one day, like Kreschenta said, everyone would say that they can’t stay along with Krische.”
Accepting various things and experiencing normal happiness as a normal human.
Maybe accepting everything at this was actually the right thing to do.
Hurting and tormenting so many people, perhaps it had been a mistake.
Everyone was trying to accept it. They were satisfied.
The only one who wasn't convinced――who couldn't accept it, was Krische.
"...But still, even so...Krische wanted to meet everyone again and say”
This was an incredibly selfish thing, she thought.
However, she wanted to say that what caused Bery such pain, what caused her to go down such a thorny path and hurt her, was because there was a place like this at the end of that path.
Krische just wanted to take her to the happy place that she dream of and said here it is――she couldn’t let it end like this.
If that was not good, then it was fine to end it there.
All of it was just excuses, it was shameful and pathetic, but even so, she wanted to convey what she had dreamed of.
"...Krische wanted to say, let's all live happily ever after together in this peaceful mansion."
She wondered, when did she became this kind of person.
She was a far cry from the ideal she once dreamed of.
She was not admirable, she was weak, she was pathetic, she was spoiled, she was selfish――even knowing that Selene and the others accepted her, and Krische become more and more dependent on them.
She felt like she was drowning in all the things she need to give back to them.
Krische’s sure Kreschenta understood as well.
That they were getting weaker and weaker.
Feeling like they could do anything, that there was nothing they couldn't do, but the desire to rely on someone that wasn't actually needed grew day by day.
“Krische know Kreschenta wished for the same place.”
To hope and to wish for.
At least Kreschenta was thinking the same thing as Krische, that much was certain.
"...Kreschenta wants to meet her, but Kreschenta doesn’t know how to face her, that’s why Kreschenta is crying, because it's painful, right?"
If as Kreschenta said, if she didn't feel anything, she wouldn't have killed Bery.
Just following Krische’s desire, she wouldn't have cared――she would have kept Bery alive just as she was told.
She wouldn’t have suffered like this yet.
"Kreschenta doesn't have to cry like that. ...It's Krische who forced all the hard things on Kreschenta, so if Kreschenta get scolded, it's Krische who is wrong, not Kreschenta."
Krische wondered what Bery said to Kreschenta.
At least she was sure Bery was not angry or sad.
Only one thing was certain.
"Besides, Bery is different from Krische. Berry understands Kreschenta’s feelings, and Bery he doesn't hate Kreschenta. Bery even now still loves Crescenta."
“There’s, no…”
"Yes, there is...As Kreschenta said, Bery is a very strange person."
Was she right or was she wrong?
to Krische, Krische herself was the least trustworthy person.
She was stupid, she was crazy, she was not normal.
Because Krische was that kind of person.
So she didn’t know if this was the right choice or not.
――Even if everyone in the world says that Krische-sama is wrong, I will still.
However, that words she said were absolute.
She was so honest, beautiful, and confident that Krische couldn't complain about anything.
So she believed that it's definitely not wrong to believe in those words.
Bery loved Krische, and she loved Kreschenta just as much.
Berry wouldn’t be angry at what Kreschenta did, wouldn’t hold any grudge, wouldn’t feel sad.
‘...Why, is Onee-sama, apologizing, too’
She apologized for making her go through so much pain and conveying her love.
"...Kreschenta also knows that Bery is a very weird person, so Kreschenta also loves Berry that much too right?"
“Hg...”
While hugging her trembling body, she slowly floated down.
She gazed at the pillar of magical power gushing out from the Heavenly Pole, carved the spell with one hand into the sky, filling every corner of the space.
“If Kreschenta say you don’t have the face to meet Bery, then just say that Krische forced Kreschenta. ...It's more constructive than wondering if it's right or wrong here, and we can't move forward until that's over.''
‘Both Krische and Kreschenta are stupid’, she smiled and continued.
"Even if we worry alone or together, we won't get any answer."
Selene said that eternity is stagnation.
That’s probably true, Krische thought.
But Selene didn't say that it was a misfotune.
"...In that case, it would be much better to think about things while Selene complains that Krische ideas are stupid, that you're a child, that there's nothing to do about it."
Then she would laugh and said ‘do whatever you want’.
She would said that Krische was selfish, stupid, and childish, but still she would smile gently as usual.
"So let's go meet everyone, Kreschenta...together with Krische."
The spreading spell crosses space and travels to various parts of the world.
Nourished by the vast magical power produced by the Heavenly Pole, it envelops the stars, carves into the atmosphere, and seeps into the gaps of the earth.
The outer shell of the gigantic Heavenly Pole cracked, and the trunk of the great tree wriggled.
The branches and leaves grow as if to swell, and from beyond them a line of magical power stretches through the air.
Using the magical power sucked up from the Origin as nutrients, the huge tree swelled up, melting the earth into magical power, and spreading out countless roots.
The Heavenly Pole from all over the world resonated, and a blue geometric pattern covered the entire world.
The large tree grew blue buds on its branches and leaves, and blossomed in rainbow colors.
The branches and leaves of the large tree covered even the royal capital, and the girl walked from the gap to the side of the trunk.
The string hanging from the girl's neck melted, and blue magical crystals floated into the air.
As the girl waves her hand, below her eyes――one of the mansions in the center of the city loses its color and disappears into a blur, along with the yawning Suiko.
Shaking her silver hair, the girl released her hand from her younger sister.
The magic crystal in the hands of the girl with peach-colored hair flew, and in an instant
"Kreschenta"
The girl nodded silently at that voice.
New spells were engraved in the sky around the magical crystal, and as if melting into space, the magic crystal disappeared――then she hugged her older sister's body again.
‘Good girl’, she said and looked down once again.
On top of the city's outer wall――she saw a white-bearded old man standing on top of a tower.
It was not clear from this distance what was happening under the canopy of the great tree or the figures of the girls below it.
However, the old man put his hand on his chest and saluted.
The girl smiled quietly while still holding her little sister and returned the salute.
"……Goodbye"
Not just to the old man, but to many things.
Looking at everything below her and beyond the horizon, the girl said that one word.
She faded into space, disappearing into the sky along with the girl she held in her arms.
The star itself shone for a moment――and then gradually fade.
A large tree with dancing flowers in full bloom and a mansion that has disappeared.
That was all that was left of them.
"Where has Her Majesty gone?! And what is that..."
The Royal Palace Council――in its large hall, seats made of transmuted rock were lined up in a semicircle and in the shape of a staircase.
Naturally, everyone there had confusion on their faces.
It was still early for a meeting, most of them hadn't slept since last night, and they were here at dawn.
A little north of the royal capital. A huge tree that covered the entire royal capital.
There was no doubt that it had appeared by cracking the outer shell of the Heavenly Pole.
Instead of a pillar of light stretching towards the sky, they could see a huge amount of magical power being emitted from the branches and leaves to the surrounding area.
Blue trunk and green leaves.
Flower petals shining in rainbow colors were raining down on the royal capital.
Petals――whether they were actually petals was uncertain.
The petals held in their hand seemed somewhat translucent, and their texture was uncertain.
A dense magical power emanated from them, and those knowledgeable in magic research believed that they existed not as physical matter but as something between matter and spiritual.
And in the royal territory, the mansion where Queen Crescenta lived disappeared, along with the garden, including the Suiko, leaving a large hole as if it had been hollowed out.
It was no wonder they were surprised.
It is fortunate that there did not seem to be much public confusion.
They were unaware that the Queen's residence in the royal domain had disappeared, and similar incidents had occurred before.
That tower piercing the sky, and even the tree that grew overnight to engulf the city.
Regarding that, Queen Kreschenta had not said anything to the people, and somehow, that anomaly had become an accepted part of their daily lives.
“Be quiet!”
As soon as he entered the room, the elderly man raised his voice.
He still exuded an undiminished vigor, and his gaze was sharp.
It was Aleha Remin, the central general.
Under his arm was a crimson box with the kingdom seal engraved on it.
Their eyes quieted down at his voice, all turning their gaze towards him.
Next, the kingdom's marshal, Norgan Verreich, entered the room――it was not particularly strange that they're here.
They were also members of the Kingdom's Council and had the right to vote.
The chairman, who had been pretending to be calm but was shaken up, looked a little relieved.
Chairman Lobinis was the grandson of the famous general Felworth Keithriton, and unlike his grandfather, he was not adept in martial matters and, one might say, he had a timid disposition.
He was entrusted with the council and excelled in practical matters, being a good-natured and reasonable person, but he was inexperienced in dealing with such chaos.
There had never been any confusion in the assembly where Kreschenta occasionally appeared.
He looked at the small box Aleha was holding and asked.
"Duke Remin, is that box from Her Majesty the Queen...?"
"Yes. It was previously entrusted to me by Her Majesty the Queen. If something like this were to happen, the Chairman would open the box in Parliament and reveal what was inside."
Aleha said and handed the box to Chairman Lobinis.
No one asked why Aleha had something like that.
Everyone knows that the Queen had deep trust in him, and in terms of his status as a warrior alone, he surpassed the current Marshal, Norgan.
Although he was originally from the Empire, it would not be strange for him to sit in the Marshal's seat due to his military prowess, if it weren't for his age, which was older than Selene.
Lobinis gestured for everyone to take their seats, and Aleha and the others sat down.
Lobinis placed the crimson box on the desk on the dais, looked over at them, and break the thick sealing wax that was wrapped around the box and fastened the string.
Inside was a rolled up bundle of parchment.
And the royal seal.
Lobinis swallowed hard and, without touching it yet, examined the parchment lightly before furrowing his brows even further.
When he untied the string that was holding it together, he inspected the parchment briefly before reading it out, and his eyebrows furrowed even further.
"...There is no doubt that it is Her Majesty's handwriting. First, as the chairman, I will read it out as instructed."
When he said that, he noticed that there was a magic crystal under the bundle of parchment.
He saw that the text told him to take it first, so he picked it up and,
“――!?”
Immediately, it shines and collapsed into magic power.
The blue light created a mist and formed an image――in front of Lobinis.
The figure it was forming was Kreschenta, the Queen he knew well.
She frowned and looked displeased as she turned her gaze to the left.
『Why did this I have to... 』
『I can’t rest easy leaving it to you guys, so I want to leave it just in case. It’s an order, don't complain. 』
A calm voice.
Those who knew and those who didn't, all expressed surprise at the voice of the Kingdom's Marshal, Selene Christand.
『Towards me, the Queen... 』
『I told you to listen to me properly. You――』
『Um, Selene, Kreschenta it’s already recording, but』
The Queen widened her eyes for a moment and her face stiffened.
Then she smiled, the complete opposite of before.
『...I think everyone is surprised that suddenly a large tree covered the sky and that me and Onee-sama disappeared.』
The virtual Kreschenta spoke in a dignified voice, as if nothing had happened, just like when she showed up at the meeting yesterday.
Everyone was stunned and looked at the face of the person next to them.
Among them, only one person――the old general smiling bitterly.
It was a message that Selene had him create to prevent the country from being in turmoil in case the two suddenly disappeared.
Aleha was also there when they made this, but he was silently watching, so his voice wasn't included.
『But rest assured. This is as planned. It was planned in advance for when the Council had stabilized and most of the national policy was released from my hands. Perhaps this should be called a test from me to all of you. 』
Over time, Kreschenta, who had absolute power, gradually began to delegate political decisions to Congress.
That's because they had planned for them to disappear from this country someday.
She laid the groundwork to maintain the appearance of a loosely parliamentary country――of course, she might have wanted to be freed from such chores, but that was the goal anyway.
Originally, Crescenta was supposed to stand here and speak, but Selene, perhaps feeling uneasy, made her write a message like this.
Considering what happened yesterday, Selene fears were probably right.
『My sister and I will be traveling around the world for a while, doing various research. It will be approximately 30 years before we return――until then, I would like all of you to continue to take charge of the kingdom's affairs as you have always done. 』
A commotion spreads, and Kreschenta laughed.
『All of you are already doing quite well at this point, and by the time you see this, the council should be even more stable. It's because I felt confident enough to entrust this to you. 』
A seductive smile on her lips.
『But don't forget that this is a test. ...If you do something that will disappoint me, I will come back early and remove the bad fruit. 』
The council fell silent.
Even now, decades later, many people know about the rumors of the Great Purge, which were not talked about publicly.
No one doubted her god-like power, as she could build a tower that pierces the sky in one night and create a giant tree that covered a city.
『That's all. Please make it seem like I'm handling politics as usual for the people. The enclosed royal seal will be kept by the Council, and the chairman will act on my behalf as needed. The enclosed parchment contains various decisions and details for the future. ...That's all. 』
‘Well then, everyone, please take care.’
With that, she smiled gracefully and bowed her head for a moment.
When she raised her head, she called out ‘Onee-sama’.
『Please delete what I just said. From the moment before I started speaking... 』
『Kreschenta, Krische made it so that it will disappears after it’s played, so if that happens, we’ll have to retake it… Ah, if it’s already over, Krische’ll turn it off. 』
『P-Please cut it quic――』
At the end of this exchange, the virtual image disappears, and there was silence.
Everyone looked confused, and Aleha was the only one shaking his shoulders and holding back laughter.
Krische hates reshooting because it seems like a hassle, and Kreschenta who demanded reshooting no matter what.
An exasperated Selene who took it from Krische, put it in the box, and wound it around with a string.
And made the sealing wax by using a duplicate royal seal that she had apparently made from magic crystal.
He narrows his eyes, remembering it as if it was yesterday.
Honestly, the last message was very typical of them.
It's not like they come back every 30 years.
The plan was to prevent sudden confusion and reckless behavior.
Given enough time, even those who were here would become accustomed to a kingdom without a queen.
Their era was slowly coming to an end――after a hundred years, the world would surely change into a new era.
If one said it's selfish, then it was probably selfish, and if one say it's troublesome, it was a nuisance.
However, the girl's unwanted heroic epic finally could come to an end.
From now on, it's only about their own wishes and happiness.
No one in this world has the right to bind them forever.
"...Thank you for your hard work, Krische-sama."
He said that in a voice that no one could hear and bowed his head to the empty space where there was no one
"Chairman, the message left by Her Majesty the Queen."
“Y-yes.…Well then I’ll read it out loud.”
Aleha urged the confused chairman.
To steer it towards the new world without them.
