After talking about smaller details regarding the library for about 10 minutes or so, the mood went back to normal. Though we did talk it out in a serene manner, it was pretty obvious that this is in fact still an elite place, honestly. Sure, it may not have anything history changing since as Mio said, that kind of information is found only in the Commander exclusive library or something like that…whatever, regardless of the place, you get the point, right? There's none of that.
But even without it, as far as I became aware from the little details we bothered asking about, it seems like pretty much close to any other information can be found within. Maybe not stuff like, uhm, I don't know, military records of other kingdoms? Those are probably in the branches of each individual kingdom, but putting aside invasive stuff, you can get close to any answer to most questions there.
Oh and yeah, there are also just any copy of any book made in this kingdom, and their originals too but generally not really consulted if not by diehard fans. So even an average rich kid that has too much money on his hands can just get a subscription, and read fairytales inside.
Either way, after we moved on from the library as a whole, the conversation's main topic revolved around our situation, now as nobles once again. For starters, dad and mom were reminded of how much paperwork they unfortunately actually have to catch up on. As you can imagine, they weren't exactly hectic about it… but neither that morally down either, honestly. I guess they were already aware of it from the start, just not really willing to face it until it became their problem. I respect that, you know.
But they aren't the only ones that are going to get busier because of it. Be it as it may, although this is something His Majesty could do too, in order to avoid corruption and other annoying to fix schemes, either Maia or Mio themselves will take direct charge of the rewarding process.
In particular, it's the property refunding that's going to take more time to process. Why you may ask? That's because of course, most nobles in this entire Kingdom now own a piece of what was formerly ours. And that means that the process needs to actually be monitored properly, to avoid fraud, since you know, these guys probably don't want to give us back our former properties.
For the record, they are getting a refund for them, you know? It's not like we're just going to take our properties back and walk off. But nonetheless, you can't really trust them with it either, for obvious reasons. It seems like both Maia and Mio are pretty pained by having to deal with it, given how they haven't decided which one will have to do it, but hey, I guess that's just part of the work.
On a more interesting topic, depending on who you ask at least, banquets also rose up in the conversation. You know those events that rich people hold for either a birthday or just whenever they have too much free time? Yeah, that. Honestly, romance historical manhwas may have damaged a lot of people's perception of them to some extent, since realistically, they're probably nowhere near as romantic or fun in real life.
But at the same time, a party is still a party I guess. Maia's banquet for becoming the Commander's Lieutenant was postponed due to our circumstances, but now it is something we have to do. However, coincidentally, we also need to hold one for our return amidst the nobles, no? So as you may have guessed by how I'm wording it, yes, we decided to merge the two.
What's the difference between a banquet for the Ashford family and one for the Ashford Eldest Child's new position anyway? It seems like all of the Sentinels are friends of Maia's anyway, so they would've partaken in the Ashford one too if we separated them, not just the required Maia one. May as well just merge them, to save energy and time for everyone.
The only thing that's up for debate- well, probably not actually, but I still am not sure about, is Mio. Obviously, she's most likely going to attend as Luna, but I don't have any proof for it. Though if I was to let out my most honest thoughts regarding the matter?… don't laugh about it, I know it's a bit corny, definitely not weird though, since it's the girl I love, okay? Well… I'm really just curious about what dress she'll wear, if she does come.
Although Luna is nowhere as beautiful as Mio if we're going not just by objectivity, but even my personal preferences alone, which Mio aces, Luna is still breathtaking. The first day we met, she wore a one piece simple dress, didn't she? It looked really good on her, man… but this is going to be a more formal, and elegant type of event no? So that means it won't just be a casual beautiful dress, but a real dress. The only thing that romance historical Manhwas didn't twist (probably) is how beautiful the dresses are at these types of banquets.
Putting the dress thing aside also, considering how my birthday is also close, and the twins' is also only a few weeks after that, it seems like we're starting off this year with a lot of festivities. Whether that's a good thing or not is up to debate, although I'd honestly rather train or spend some time with Mio- or Luna? I don't even know. It doesn't seem like she intends on being Mio around me yet after all…
Nonetheless, this is all just a speculation, and I could be wrong. But well, yeah, who am I kidding? That's very obviously the case. So I guess it's best to refer to her as Luna when talking about the future? I don't know how our solo conversation will go yet, but I doubt this will change, honestly. It's yet another gut feeling.
"Well then, it's about time we go."
That was about all that was relevant enough to be mentioned from our general discussion. As Maia got up first and spoke up, our parents followed her right off.
"That's true. It's been around 3 hours already, huh?"
"I wonder if the twins are already home…"
"Well, maybe it's a good thing if they aren't, you know? Mom. You can start making those tarts you promised if they're still being taken care of."
Maia's smug reminder was, well, a bit of a low blow even from her… but understandable to some degree, since mom did promise to make the tarts to be fair.
Sighing with a smile then, mom replied in a resigned tone.
"You sure don't stop thinking about strawberries, do you? Should I also start calling you a "strawberry gorilla freak" like Cael does?"
"No, no, wait a second. No one said anything about the gorilla part?! You had no reason to include that too…"
But both our parents had already walked to the door by then, as Maia also caught up to them with a slight hint of betrayal on her face.
"Hurry up, my dear little daughter. You ain't gonna manage to eat any tarts if you're here all night, you know?"
"I'm right behind ya… but, ah, Cael. You're still down? Are you not gonna come with us?"
"Ah, well, I think I'd like to stay a little longer. I want another cup of tea."
Acting as if you didn't already know I'd be planning to stay behind… they really aren't giving me any answers, huh?
"Eh? Aren't you being a little greedy? Taking a hold on our busy Commander just for a cup of tea. Mio is pretty busy, you kno-"
"Stop teasing him so much, Maia. You know we both cleared our schedules for today."
"Hmm? Is that how it is? I guess I may have forgotten or something then."
"Right, right."
"Ouch- what the hell was that for, old man?!"
"If your little brother wants another cup of tea then let him have it. We should get going by now though. The media should be hopefully gone by now too. Also, a little smack ain't gonna kill ya, miss Lieutenant."
"A little fire ain't gonna burn you either, sir Ashford-"
But before she could finish, mom hit both of them in the head at once, opened the door and dragged them by their collars outside.
"Shut up both of you already, or I'm not making any tarts tonight, you hear me?!"
"'Y-yes mam!!'"
"Mio, we're leaving my boy with you for now! Enjoy your tea, both of you!"
"Take care on your way home!"
And as for the door? It closed itself on its own, as soon as they were out of sight. I was trying to think of how to even start this conversation, still looking towards the door… but it seems like I was wasting my time.
"Now then…"
Before I could even turn my head around, I already felt it. A certain someone was already attached to me, sitting where Maia was a few moments prior, but with a key difference. Her head was laying on my shoulder.
"Should I make you another cup of tea, like you asked?"
To think I'd get speedblitzed in a cuddle…
"The tea can wait. I'd rather savor it while I have free movement access to both my shoulders, you see?"
"Hmm… I guess that's fair."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"You're pretty close, aren't you?"
"You think so? Isn't this how close we always are though?"
"…so you're not planning on hiding it either, huh?"
"I never planned on it. I just never had any intention of telling you yet. But if you found out on your own, I have no reason to deny it."
"I've had a gut feeling telling me so, but I'm still going to ask just to be sure."
"What is it?"
"The alter ego is Luna, not Mio, right?"
"Hmm… What makes you think that? As far as you're aware, Mio could be the alter ego, and Luna the real me."
"I have absolutely 0 concrete proof or reasoning for it. All I have is a gut feeling, telling me that Mio is definitely the true you."
"You sure have some really healthy guts then."
As I thought…
There's no doubt about it. The answer may be vague, but the indication is clear. Luna was Mio's Alter ago/Persona, or whichever other word you want to use.
"I've been forced to have great guts, you know? With the dragon prince attacking our village and all."
"That's true. I'm sorry about that. It's my fault that so many casualties took place that night."
"Your fault? As far as I'm aware, you're the only reason we're still alive."
"No, that's not true. After all, if you hadn't interfered with the blue haired lizard when you did… Bartholomew would've died before I'd get there. The real reason whoever survived did in fact survive is you, not me. You're the one who saved them."
"I… didn't save anyone. I just did what was obvious."
"Though I don't really think picking a fight with the blue haired lizard can be considered obvious."
"Regardless… I still don't see a reason for you to credit me. At the end of the day, the one who saved everyone is you. The reason why Maia became a lot stronger and smarter when she came back, that's also because of you, right?"
"Well, I can't give you the details, but you can say that. Maia's change is because of me, but it's probably completely different from what you may be imagining."
"Can't give me details, huh? You're the second person- wait, can I even call her a person? Well, regardless, you're the second individual that told me something similar."
Before replying this time, she actually stared at the table for a good 3 seconds or so, in silence.
"Beating around the bush instead of just asking me, huh? You sure are cunning in your own way."
As I thought… Mio does know about the White haired woman.
"Am I beating around the bush?"
"Neither me or her can tell you everything… yet. But as far as I'm aware, she already told you something regarding that, didn't she?"
"Yeah. She promised she'd tell me eventually."
"I see."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"You're really not trying to beat around the bush that much, yet still clearly not intending on telling me too much either… So what exactly is your goal here?"
"Would you believe me if I said I just wanted to be alone with you and have a chat?"
"I definitely would."
"Then what if I said I'm planning on killing you right here and now?"
"Then I guess that's the end line for me. I've lived a fairly good life for almost 8 years."
"You sure are submissive, aren't you?"
"No, not particularly. I have no idea why I feel the way I do towards you after all, but what I do know is that I feel as if I can accept anything, if it comes out of your mouth."
"That's a pretty dangerous quirk to have. What if I'm deceiving you?"
"If being deceived feels as comfortable as this, then who cares?"
Sighing, she then repositioned herself. With her head resting on my thighs, she looked straight up.
"Alright, alright, I give up. The whole villain act isn't for me. I prefer heroes anyway."
"I felt as if you'd say that, haha."
"Do you not have any more questions?"
"I do. I have an annoying amount of questions."
"Then?"
"But honestly, it's because I have so many of them, that I think it's best if I don't voice most, if not any."
"That's one weird way to put it."
"But you understand, right?"
"That goes without saying."
Another break of silence. But this time, a hint of curiosity did take over, making me ask one of my many questions. Or at least, the one that I felt would be the least mood changing, given our current conversation topics so far.
"If I was to ask something, I guess it would be about the attack, now that I think about it. There's something- no, I guess a few things that I'm curious about."
"Go on. There isn't too much I have to hide about that, so it's actually a pretty good occasion."
"Must be my lucky day then. For starters, I'm curious about the barrier that Alduin made."
"Hm… it was an annoyingly good one, honestly."
"If it was good enough to annoy you then it must be the real deal, huh?"
"That barrier, it may have been the most advanced one I've ever seen, excluding any of my own."
"Excluding your own, huh…"
"You know about the existence of the spirit realm, right?"
"I do know about it, but not really any details. All the information I have about it is from a few years ago, from dad."
"Well, putting aside the reliability of the information you have, whether it's about the spirit realm or anything else for that matter, I can explain in more detail how that barrier worked."
"Or anything else? Hearing that is a little worrying, you know? How unreliable of a source is dad…"
"Well, don't think too much about it, for now at least. Though I do have to say that whatever you know about a lot of things is most likely wrong."
"Like?"
"I said don't think too much about it… are you listening to me?"
"Of course, I am. But I figured you'd eventually give in if I pressed you a little about it."
"That's sexual harassment-"
"No, no, there's a clear leap in conclusion here?! Not to mention, it would be verbal harassment at most, definitely not sexual!"
"Hmm… if we're going to talk about sexual intent and what not, should we bring up what happened when you saw me right before I gave you the sword?"
"Wha- y-you saw that…?"
Although she didn't reply, her grin most definitely confirmed my conclusion. Dang it, she successfully avoided answering my question and took over the conversation lead…
"Seriously though, if I was to give you the full list of wrong information you have we'd be here for a while, you know? I'm not really a fan of that kind of heavy lore dumping either for that matter."
"Is that so… fine, fine. You can go on with the barrier explanation then."
"As you wish, my dear."
Smirking for a second before returning to her usual serene smile, the explanation began.
"The spirit realm exists parallel to all human realms, at the same time. Without going too deep into that, just think about it this way. The spirit realm doesn't follow classic space time rules. There are no multiple ones, regardless of space or timeline. It's just one continuous place, essentially infinite."
"Thought you said you're not a fan of big lore dumps."
"This is necessary, unfortunately or not. I can't answer your question without the background."
"My apologies then."
"Apologies accepted. And so, once again skipping a bit of this and a bit of that, we get to a common ground regarding the spirit realm. Only those with insane affinity to mana as a whole can even manage to maintain a connection to it, for more than a second or so. Generally speaking, half humans and monsters are the ones that meet those requirements, but even then, affinity alone won't cut it."
"You see, having great affinity simply grants you the possibility of access, or a pathway for spiritual connection. For humans generally it's a pretty rare thing, but if you do manage to meditate into a connection with it, the pathway would definitely augment your own mana density and pool."
So far it's not too different from what I remember from dad… but she is leaving out a bit of this and a bit of that apparently, so I guess I can't say for sure.
"You need a strong mana density to actually survive either contact or connection to the spirit realm, let alone have any kind of authority in it. Putting myself aside, the fact that the blue haired lizard managed to even raise his barrier within the spirit realm at the same time with the one here is undeniable proof of his strength."
"Though you wouldn't think he's all that from his personality… putting aside how creepy his mana density is as a whole."
"I can't disagree… but regardless, it's because he raised the barrier in both realms at the same time, that I had a hard time getting there in time. I didn't expect a barrier of such high level from him after all, so until I went inside the spirit realm, pinpointed its location, went back to our realm, helped Maia, allowed "her" to go in before me, then also letting Maia in… well, I definitely wasn't lazing off."
"You sure had it rough, huh…"
Her voice speed accelerated by at least 5 times towards the end…
"So when I say that I wouldn't have made it in time to save Bartholomew if you didn't arrive when you did… I mean it. Even for me, it took me a lot longer than expected to find that place in the spirit realm."
"I see. Thank you for your hard work."
She looked at me with a slightly disappointed expression, then with a pout, she extended her hand and squished my face.
"Seriously… you really don't want to take any credits, do you?"
"A-s i sai-d… I really have no reason to. Not to mention, the sword you gave me- oh, which by the way, that's the other thing i was curious about-"
But before I could finish my sentence, letting go of my face and opening her palm with her arm straight up, my sword appeared in it.
"Is it…?"
"Why're you asking as if you can't tell? You feel off without it by your side anyway, no?"
Almost shoving it in my face, clearly intending for me to take it, I gave in fairly fast. I can't deny that I'm more comfortable with my sword after all.
"Giving a weapon to someone inside your office… Are you sure that's not some kind of rule violation?"
"Oh! How stupid of me! You're right, I may have to face a scolding from the commander- oh, right…"
"You little… I didn't ask for that much sarcasm!"
With my other free hand, I then not so sneakily began my attack. What did I do to be precise? Of course, I began squishing her face back, the same way she did to me earlier! Thankfully I had pretty comfortable access to it since it was on my lap and all.
"It-s fi—ne… no-t t-to mention…"
She didn't just take it without a fight though. Brushing my hand aside in a surprisingly gentle but effective manner, she did the same thing but with both hands this time.
"Now that you're officially nobles again, you can actually carry it around with you anyway."
"W-wait… r-really?!"
"Really. Young nobles, especially males, more often than not do get some form of combat training as is. In order to make it easier, there's a law that permits them to carry their personal weapons around, even if they're not an adventurer or recruit."
"Isn't that a bad thing though? Considering who the nobles in this Kingdom are…"
Also, for the record, yes, her attack did stop. That's the only reason I could coherently speak now.
"Well, I can't deny that they're not the most reliable, and definitely not honest people… but the law itself isn't worth abolishing. It's been a thing since before I became commander anyway, and as I said, it does benefit you. Plus, I'm not going to assume the kids of corrupted nobles are inheritedly rotten too."
"That's fair enough. It's not like I think the whole families of those guys are rotten either for that matter. But while we're on the topic, going back to my sword-"
"Let me guess. "How did it fix my mana problem?" Is that it?"
"Maia did give me a rough explanation, but well, you did say something about unreliable information earlier so…"
"Although not as reliable as me, Maia is usually around 80% reliable when it comes to information. She does usually ask me for confirmation either way."
"Then-"
"But as far as I'm aware, she didn't tell you the exact way it works. If you wanna know the full picture I don't mind telling you, as long as you can keep up with the explanation at least."
"That's not an issue then. I am curious after all."
"To put it simply, you have an underdeveloped mana stomach and pool. Both of them are equally underdeveloped. That sword was enchanted by myself, with a special binding spell."
"Binding spell? Does that have anything to do with why I passed out after unsheathing it?"
"That was because of the binding itself. Its spell bound itself to your mana stomach and pool, which temporarily knocked you out. And since you were already well tired you just fell asleep afterwards."
"That makes sense. Though a warning would've been nice."
"I'll keep that in mind, although there probably won't be a next time for this context… but regardless, you want to know how the spell works, no?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Basically, by taking advantage of the mana I infused in it myself, it constantly stimulates your own mana stomach to produce mana at a normal rate. Of course though, it will only fill it up to your mana pool's capacity. Your mana pool capacity also dictates your mana density, which dictates your strength level, and so on. There's more than enough of my mana in it to stimulate yours for the rest of your life, but it won't be needed for that long."
"Hm? What do you mean by that last part?"
"You'll have to wait a few years to find out. Unfortunately, you hit a no reply question. Too bad for you."
"Eeh? I figured there'd be some no reply questions, but to think I'd hit one so quickly… is my luck really that bad?"
"Luck, huh? I guess you can definitely say you don't have a lot of it."
"I would've preferred if you denied that one."
"I know."
"But you know… I don't think I can consider myself pitiful. Even with all my misfortune."
Honestly, it would be arrogant for me to do so, for that matter.
Don't get me wrong, amidst being born in a bloodline of banished nobles, facing discrimination, being born without one of the most basic things that most people have, not even having a properly functional mana stomach or pool, and don't get me started on all the training I had to go through just to reach this point… but even then.
I can't pity myself.
And it's actually…
Thanks to her.
Banished nobles? That's a thing from the past, starting today. Guess who was the supreme judge that made sure we'd fairly get our justice?
Her.
Discrimination? That's about the same thing. Although I can't deny the fact that it did in fact cause an ever so slight amount of distress a few times before, it eventually all boiled down to a single outcome.
It all was fine, because she was there.
"Even though until now almost no one besides your family, your friends and villagers even wanted you near them?"
Even though we were attacked by the damn Dragon Prince himself… which honestly, I wouldn't blame anyone for getting discouraged by that alone if they were in my place. That guy, he's so fucking obviously last boss coded. Or at the very least, final fight? Well, you get the point.
"That part was honestly the easiest to deal with. So what if people hated me because of my hair? As far as I'm aware, it doesn't make a difference as long as it doesn't actually harm me or those I care about."
Although once that discrimination did in fact hurt Nala… granted, the damage was minimal since it was just a large guy intentionally bumping into her on the street.
But even so.
When I was about to make a mistake.
When I lost my cool, and was about to genuinely cut his head off for also insulting Nala on the ground.
She stopped me.
"That's a pretty weird boundary, ain't it? Most people would already perceive those two as the same thing. Discrimination and harm… the line is pretty thin."
"That… may be true. I can't really come up with anything against that. But even then…"
"Discrimination isn't even the biggest issue, you know? Though of course, needless to say he's nothing compared to me, for your current self the blue haired lizard is inconceivably strong. Getting attacked by him, and most of your village destroyed, and residents killed… that's something most people would pity."
"That's also true… I'd appreciate it if you stopped saying nothing but facts actually… I'm kinda starting to sound like a parrot over here, you know? With the whole that's true thing-"
"But it is true, isn't it?"
If it was anyone other than me- hmm, i guess there's no point in bothering, huh?
"Well, yeah."
She is right after all.
Honestly, that was obviously the hardest thing I've ever been through so far. I ended up with most of my bones broken, and completely unable to move. Not to mention the fact that even after he was gone, he genuinely left behind a whole horde of wyverns and a few adult dragons. That man seriously needs to tone down his intensity once in a while.
"And you still don't think you're someone that should be pitied? Not to mention, the fact that you can't use elemental magic, and have an underdeveloped mana stomach. You've been set back so much that most people would've given up a long time ago in your place."
Once again, she isn't wrong.
But even so, once again.
Even if I almost got killed back then. Even if I can't use elemental magic, and probably won't ever learn any magic for that matter. Even if I have little to no mana, and even if I have an underdeveloped mana stomach.
All of those issues were solved… in a single night.
By her.
"I wouldn't blame anyone for giving up in my shoes. But I would still be disappointed, if I gave up, and resulted in pitying myself."
"Why?"
I wonder why.
No, I guess I don't need to.
Before I could reply, I involuntarily let out a sigh, but not one of annoyance, exhaustion or anything along those lines.
Honestly, I'm not really sure how to describe it myself.
But regardless of that, my hand moved on its own, downwards.
With my insect finger pointing straight towards her forehead, and my lips curled upwards, I then finally replied.
"Because there's no way I could pity myself, when I have you."
No matter what issues I've been through until now ever since my reincarnation, from the moment she appeared, even through a fake persona, even if not as "Mio", she was still always there when needed the most.
There's simply no way I could pity myself, with her by my side.