Interlude: Tortte's Case

My name is Tortte Parson. I’m working hard as a Saint apprentice in a remote region on the edge of the Holy Kingdom.

Recently, something made me really happy – I got two juniors!

Until now, it's just been me and Master Tia living together. I’ve endured countless grueling lessons, or rather, Master’s unreasonable demands. But when I realized that now we could share both the hardships and the joys, tears welled up in my eyes.

This means I have to work even harder to be someone they can rely on! Even though we’re the same age, I’m their senior, their older sister!

Watching them be surprised, struggle, and even recoil from Master’s lessons made me realize I wasn't wrong to go through all that. That’s why I believe I, who overcame these trials, can surely be a dependable senior for them!

––Or at least, that’s what I thought back then.

Recently, something sad happened… it’s that my two juniors turned out to be geniuses…

“Truly astonishing. Emmy, Ange, I knew you both had potential, but to grow this much in such a short time…”

“Hmph! You can praise me more, you know!”

“It’s all thanks to your teachings, Master.”

Emmy puffed out her chest and leaned back proudly, while Ange demurely offered a humble reply.

Huh? Wait a minute? It feels like these two have already reached the minimum standards Master expects. Could it be that “hopeless cases” was actually a lie!?

It took me three whole years to be recognized by Master! And yet, how is it that in just over a month, they are already catching up to me at this pace!?

“Excellent progress, but you must not become complacent and continue to strive for improvement. Emmy, your handling of 《Purify》 has improved, but your imagery for 《Barrier》 to contain the purified magical power and 《Blessing》 is still lacking. You should refine and elaborate on imagery that better suits you.”

“…Hmph, got it.”

“Ange, you’ve become quite skilled with 《Barrier》. I was impressed by your control the other day when you used it to coat a hoe, efficiently tilling the field. However, 《Purify》 still seems to be your weak point. As for 《Blessing》, just like Emmy, find imagery that resonates with you.”

“Thank you for your guidance.”

Even though Master pointed out their flaws, Emmy gave a curt reply, but I could sense her burning with motivation.

Ange also bowed politely, but I saw her subtly clench her fist.

I thought they were both initially resistant to Master, but somehow they’ve come to accept her. Emmy got on board relatively quickly, but Ange kept her distance for a while.

Moreover, ever since Ange closed that gap, she's been laughing with Master more often. Seriously, when did that happen? Even I don’t see Master show expressions like that very often!

It’s kind of irritating, but I can’t let myself feel this way. To be jealous just because they’re doing better than me, when they’ve only just arrived in this unfamiliar environment… My own small-mindedness is revolting.

As I shook off these conflicting emotions, I felt drained and couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh.

“Tortte.”

“Huh? Y-yes!”

“You’ve taken good care of them both. It’s likely thanks to your excellent 《Blessing》 talent. You’ve done well.”

“Y-yes…!”

I was so surprised to be praised by Master out of the blue. Ugh, I hope my expression isn’t too awkward…! I massaged my cheeks with both hands, and they felt hotter than usual.

“You’ve worked hard until today. Let’s make tomorrow a full day off.”

“Eh!?”

“A day off…?”

“Yes. Though, there’s no entertainment in this remote region, so you can only rest your bodies.”

For Master, entertainment isn’t needed; daily training is enough for her.

Wait… ? Could it be that I’ve also become accustomed to that kind of lifestyle…? But, taking care of the fields is something I enjoy, you could even call it a hobby, so it’s fine… right?

“Since we have the opportunity, why don’t you go to the village at the foot of the mountain tomorrow? We’ll eventually need to go to gather supplies anyway, and you can take the chance to greet them and have a look around.”

“The village at the foot of the mountain, the one you deliver the harvest to?”

“Yes. It’s a small village, but there are many things to see.”

Master makes us do farm work as part of our Saint apprenticeship, but if we keep producing crops, naturally we end up with a surplus.

So, the excess harvest is sold to merchants or delivered to the village at the foot of the mountain to be consumed.

Even so, with three of us working now, no matter how much we distribute, a huge amount of harvest still remains. What solved that problem was the Lesser Dragon, who settled in as Master’s pet.

That creature really eats a lot. Just a while ago, it was supposed to be hunting, but lately, it’s just been eating vegetables and sleeping all day.

It only hunts when it feels like it, or gets leftovers when Master goes hunting, living such a luxurious life… wait, am I feeling a bit murderous…? We’re working so hard, so why is that Lesser Dragon just eating and sleeping all day?

“Tortte, I’ll leave the village tour to you tomorrow.”

“Eh? Oh, yes. The village tour, right. Okay.”

I was a bit distracted by murderous thoughts towards the Lesser Dragon, but I quickly replied to Master.

Anyway, the village at the foot of the mountain, huh. I haven’t gone down there because I had to take care of the two of them, but if we go to the village, maybe I can get them to make me some snacks. We’ve been working this hard, so I think it’s okay to have such a small wish.

＊　＊　＊

“We’re here! Emmy, Ange. This is the village at the foot of the mountain.”

The next day, I brought Emmy and Ange to the village.

The two of them looked around at the village, observing with interest. But as they continued to observe, their expressions gradually became stern.

“…There are a lot of empty houses, aren’t there?”

“And many of the fields are untended.”

“It seems like more people used to live here, but now there are less than twenty. Master brings in the harvest, so they only grow a small amount for their own consumption.”

“What happened to the original residents?”

“When the knights stationed at the fort where we live were withdrawn, the villagers also moved to the capital. Those who remain either chose to stay or are drifters with nowhere else to go.”

“If the knights are gone, there’s no one to protect this place. A village of this size can’t gather enough forces to defend against the monsters in this area, I suppose…”

Emmy muttered quietly, and a shadow crossed Ange’s face.

This is something decided by the nation, so I guess there’s nothing we can do about it. But for Ange, it might not be something she can consider irrelevant.

The people living in this remote region can live peacefully today only because Master is here. It’s no exaggeration to say they’ve been abandoned by the nation. Seeing this reality before her eyes, it’s only natural that a princess would have thoughts about it.

“Certainly, the monsters inhabiting this area are a threat, but Master has personally erected a barrier, so they can’t enter the village.”

“This peculiar barrier, it really is Master’s.”

“I still need much more training…”

Master’s barrier is truly dense and palpable. As a Saint myself, feeling Master’s barrier existence only makes me realize how immature I still am.

It must be the same for Emmy and Ange. Next to me, they both wore solemn expressions.

As we stood in front of the village, a woman called out to me.

“Oh, isn’t that Tortte-chan?”

“Nanna-san! Long time no see!”

Nanna-san is a gentle middle-aged woman with tea-brown hair streaked with gray, and she exudes a very motherly aura. She’s very kind, and always treats me to sweets when I visit the village.

“Have you been well? Lately, it’s only been Tia-chan coming down.”

“Yes, I’ve been quite busy with various things…”

“I heard Tia-chan has new disciples? Are these two perhaps them? What are your names?”

“I’m Emmylie.”

“My name is Angelina.”

“Emmy-chan and Ange-chan, got it! I’m Nanna, my hobby is making sweets. Be sure to stop by my house before you leave. I’ll prepare some sweets for everyone to take back.”

“Thank you, Nanna-san!”

Yes! Master also likes Nanna-san’s sweets, so she’ll be happy!

“…Hearing Master being called ‘-chan’ feels kind of off, doesn’t it?”

“It doesn’t suit her at all…”

“If you say that to Master, she’ll corner you, so you should be careful…”

As I rejoiced, Emmy and Ange whispered to each other with unconvinced expressions, so I warned them.

Honestly, I agree with them, but if you say it out loud, she’ll aggressively press you. It’s best to keep quiet to avoid trouble.

After parting with Nanna-san, who waved goodbye, we proceeded into the village. Then, Emmy, who had been looking around, muttered.

“It’s kind of peaceful, isn’t it… though there aren’t many people.”

“Yes. It’s probably because of Master’s barrier, but it feels very calm.”

“Perhaps the reason you two feel that way is because this village is untouched by the hustle and bustle. But everyone in the village has been very helpful to us. We protect this village and provide them with the harvest from the fields, and in return, they make things we need for daily life.”

“Oh, like what?”

“Hmm, let’s see. The first person I should introduce you to is Dwayne-san, I guess.”

“…Dwayne-san?”

“Yes, he’s an amazing old man who makes all sorts of tools. He’s also the one who built the Lesser Dragon’s house.”

“Ah, that thing Master carried back from somewhere and assembled…?”

While we were exhausted from farm work, Master assembled a house all by herself.

It was so large, enough for a Lesser Dragon to use as a bed, that I remember the two of them being bewildered. How can she assemble something like that so effortlessly? Even I was a bit taken aback, but the Lesser Dragon seems to like it, so I guess it’s fine…?

Thinking about such things, we headed towards Dwayne-san’s workshop. Smoke could be seen rising from the chimney of the workshop, which was integrated with his house.

I reached the workshop door and knocked loudly, making sure it would be heard. Otherwise, he wouldn’t notice.

“Dwayne-oji-san! It’s Tortte! Can I come in!”

“Tortte, is that you? Come on in.”

Hearing his permission, we stepped into the workshop.

Inside was a middle-aged man with a stocky build and dark brown hair. His arms and legs were probably twice as thick as ours, and his face was very stern.

He looked so intimidating that an ordinary child would probably burst into tears just from being glared at. In fact, he is quite a difficult person to deal with. But he gets along well with Master.

“Long time no see, Dwayne-san.”

“Oh, it’s been a while since I’ve seen your face, lately it’s only been Tia coming down.”

Dwayne-oji-san stopped his work, wiped the grime from his hands with a hand towel, and then turned his gaze sharply towards Emmy and Ange.

The two of them stiffened slightly under his gaze, which could easily be mistaken for a glare, but Dwayne-oji-san didn’t seem to notice and opened his mouth.

“So, these are Tia’s new disciples. This one has a rather troublesome look about her.”

“…From my perspective, it is your very existence that is surprising. Master Craftsman Dwayne-sama.”

“Oh, you know my name, do you? You must be royalty, or something like that?”

As if to say “interesting,” Dwayne-oji-san grinned mischievously.

Huh, Master Craftsman? Is Ange aware of someone amazing?

“Why do you know about Dwayne-oji-san, Ange?”

“Tortte, this person is a highly skilled blacksmith who even received direct commissions from the royal family. I’d like to ask why *he* is in a remote place like this…?”

“Hmph, I can’t be bothered with the work of the royal family, who have become completely timid. There were no youngsters with potential and guts, and then I heard rumors about Tia. When I met her, she turned out to be quite interesting. I just stayed here because I took a liking to that girl.”

“Master’s skills are recognized by a Master Craftsman to that extent…”

“More like my skills are still not enough for her! She’s a worthy challenge!”

When it came to Master, Dwayne-oji-san’s grumpy demeanor changed completely to a smile. I see. Master is someone who is recognized to this extent by such an amazing person, I realized anew, and I was impressed.

“So, you didn’t just come here for no reason, did you?”

“Ah, yes, that’s right. Today is to introduce the two of them, and Master asked if you could forge weapons for them, so I brought them along. Would you be willing to take a look?”

“Yeah, I don’t mind.”

“Eh, really?”

Ange’s eyes widened in surprise. It’s a rare reaction for her.

Seeing that, Dwayne-oji-san grinned.

“Tia has acknowledged you two, right? That means you have potential. Just don’t show me any pathetic performances that would make me think I’ve done useless work, okay? I hate doing useless work!”

“You’ve got some nerve, don’t you? Saying that much, you must be quite the master craftsman, right? Can we expect great things from you?”

“Gahahaha! Good spirit! Youngsters should be like that! You better not lose your nerve either!”

Dwayne-oji-san laughed off her combative attitude. Ah, he probably prefers someone like Emmy.

Next to her, Ange swayed as if she was about to faint, covering her face with one hand and shaking her head from side to side.

“To think, I would come to possess a weapon made by Master Craftsman Dwayne…”

“If Ange says that much, it sounds pretty credible.”

“Hmph! Compared to Tia, you’re both still chicks in shells, but it’ll be more than enough for you!”

“…I’ll surpass you someday.”

“Hahaha! That’s good! I’ve got something to look forward to!”

Dwayne-oji-san laughed in good spirits. It seems like he’s taken a liking to Emmy and Ange. I’m glad, but at the same time, I feel a little bothered. Up until now, I was the only childish one, so it feels like he’s been taken away from me.

It’s not good to think like that, but my heart doesn’t listen to reason. I have to become more mature…!

"Well, they are both very dedicated to martial arts." I muttered internally. Handling weapons just isn’t my forte.  Lost in thought, I noticed Dwayne-oji-san turn his gaze toward me.

“Tortte, you’re properly maintaining your weapon, aren’t you? Though, your weapon is under that eccentric’s jurisdiction, not mine.”

“…Jurisdiction?”

“Tortte-chan’s weapon is an ‘Artifact,’ after all. I only made the base, the staff part.”

“Artifact!?”

“Could it be, there’s a craftsman here who can process Artifacts?” Ange exclaimed, surprised.

Artifacts are magical tools crafted using magical power.  Craftsmen specializing in them are said to be in short supply, and skilled artisans are highly sought after.

Artifacts are also used by Master to maintain the barrier around this village. They're that indispensable to people's lives, and skilled craftsmen are supposedly in high demand.

That must be why the two of them are so surprised.  It’s not something you’d expect to find in a remote village like this.

“Wait. Tortte’s weapon is an Artifact, does that mean it’s a ‘Sacred Tool’…?” Emmy asked, her voice filled with dawning realization.

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. And it’s even higher quality than the ones used in the churches,” Dwayne-san replied casually to Emmy's question.  Upon hearing this, Ange pressed her hand to her forehead as if she had a headache.

“You say that so lightly… Sacred Tools often have secret crafting methods, and high-performance ones can even be designated as national treasures,” Ange pointed out, exasperated.

“Eh!? Is that so!?” I exclaimed, taken aback.

“Sacred Tools are special even among Artifacts, you can’t make them without the cooperation of a Saint,” Emmy explained.

“In the Holy Kingdom, which has always revered Saints, Sacred Tools are especially worshipped as divine objects. If it were known that an individual possessed one, it wouldn't be looked upon favorably…” Ange added, her tone serious.

“Sacred Tools can amplify and sustain a Saint's power, and in large cities, they're used to constantly maintain barriers…” Emmy continued, elaborating on their significance.

“…Could it be, are they also used for the barrier around the fort and this village?” Ange asked, her eyes widening slightly.

“Um… Master just makes them normally though…?” I blurted out unintentionally, and both Emmy and Ange’s gazes seemed to drift into the distance.

Master really does seem to have left common sense somewhere behind. It seems I've stumbled upon another fact I probably shouldn't have known.

“Tia is only preparing the materials, okay? The reason you need a Saint's cooperation to make a Sacred Tool is because purification by a Saint is necessary to prepare the materials,” Dwayne-san clarified, seemingly trying to downplay the situation.

“…Still, it’s information that’s giving me a headache,” Emmy groaned.

“If you’re saying that, you’ll faint when you meet old lady Moril,” Dwayne-san let slip a name, causing me to jump reflexively.

“Ugh… is Moril-obaasan still the same as ever…?” I asked, a hint of dread in my voice.

“She’s always the same.  Do you think an old hag like her would change easily?” Dwayne-san chuckled.

“…Wait, Tortte. Did you just say ‘Moril the hag’?” Emmy asked, narrowing her eyes at me as she processed Dwayne-san's words.

“Huh? Yes, she’s an Artifact researcher living in this village, but…?” I replied, confused by Emmy’s reaction.

“Artifact researcher…” Emmy repeated the words I’d spoken, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. She then tilted her head, tapping her fist lightly against her lips as if in contemplation.

Intrigued by Emmy's demeanor, I called out to her. “Emmy? Is something wrong?”

“Ah… that person, she might be a distant relative of mine, probably from my grandfather’s generation. If she’s an Artifact researcher, it’s definitely her,” Emmy stated, a hint of surprise in her voice.

“Eh!? But Moril-obaasan doesn’t have horns, does she!?” I exclaimed in surprise.

The Moril-obaasan I knew was an eccentric, someone who barely listened to others. She was so absorbed in her own interests that she seemed indifferent to everything else.

However, she possessed vast knowledge, not just about Artifacts, and could talk for hours.

There was a period when Master diligently went to learn from her, and I accompanied her. Every time, I ended up fighting off sleepiness.

“Didn't you know? That old woman hides her horns with an Artifact. Apparently, she infiltrated the Holy Kingdom because there was technology she desperately wanted to know,” Dwayne-san revealed casually.

“You knew about that, Dwayne-oji-san!?” I asked, astonished.

“Yeah, Moril-babaa showed off her horns as a party trick when she was drunk once,” Dwayne-san chuckled, as if it was a trivial matter.

“Wasn’t she supposed to be hiding her identity!?” I exclaimed, bewildered.

“Well, when you live here, past histories and stuff become less important, you know…” Dwayne-san shrugged, implying a certain laissez-faire attitude prevalent in the village.

“That’s true, but still…!” I trailed off, realizing the extent of the village's nonchalant nature.

People living in this village don't pry into each other's pasts. There's an unspoken understanding to avoid such topics, but this felt too lax!  Are they all too unconcerned, becoming desensitized to everything?

“Since she’s family, you should at least say hello, right? And you could also have her look at Tortte’s weapon,” Dwayne-san suggested to Emmy, bringing the conversation back to the present.

“That’s true… I’m a little curious too. Could you take us there, Tortte?” Emmy asked, turning to me with a request.

“Ugh… fine, I understand…” I replied, my reluctance evident in my tone.

Noticing my clearly hesitant attitude, Ange tilted her head, asking, “Tortte, do you not like this Moril person?”

“She’s the type who won’t rest until she’s thoroughly investigated anything that catches her interest.  I don't know what's so interesting about me, but she's constantly asking about my health and being persistent. She’s not a bad person, but…” I explained, trying to convey my complicated feelings.

“Is it possible she's just worried about you…?” Ange suggested, offering a different perspective.

Maybe…? Well, Moril-obaasan isn’t a bad person, but still…

After finishing our conversation with Dwayne-san, we headed towards Moril-obaasan’s house.

The surroundings were haphazardly cluttered with things that looked like both trash and crafting materials. The curtains were drawn shut, obscuring the inside of the house.

It all screamed suspicious, but with no way to escape, I knocked on the door.

“Moril-obaasan…? Are you there…?  You don’t have to answer if you are not…” I called out hesitantly.

“Heeheeheehee! That voice is Tortte, isn’t it! Welcome, welcome! The door’s unlocked, so come on in!” A cackling voice responded.

“Ugh… she’s here… Excuse me…” I mumbled, opening the door and stepping inside.

The one who opened the door with a bizarre laugh was a petite old woman wearing a black hooded robe. This was Moril-obaasan.

Her pale brown hair was streaked with white, and her deep, mesmerizing purple eyes seemed to draw you in. Her expression, which looked like a toothy grin, was both friendly and unsettling.

Moril-obaasan noticed the two behind me and turned her gaze to observe them intently.

“Oh my, this is a rare sight!  There was a possibility of one being born, but to actually see a Saint’s Vivre in person for the first time!” Moril-obaasan exclaimed, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“…Greetings.  Are you Moril Ashharl, by any chance?” Emmy asked, her tone slightly formal.

“Heeheehee, such a nostalgic way of addressing me! I haven’t heard that in ages! Well, I have no intention of claiming to be royalty anymore!  The name Ashharl is as good as abandoned! Just call me Moril-babaa, child of someone’s end!” Moril-obaasan chuckled, waving off formality.

“Then, I shall take you at your word. I am Emmylie.  To think I would meet you, the very definition of eccentric and bizarre, in a place like this,” Emmy replied, a hint of tension in her voice.

Emmy seemed somewhat tense. Moril-obaasan, finding her reaction amusing, smirked.

“Excellent, fascinating children you are. Visit me anytime you’re free! If you’re feeling unwell, I’ll examine and treat you right away! Though, sometimes I’m not free, so it depends on the situation!” Moril-obaasan declared, her energy almost overwhelming.

“…She’s quite high-strung, isn’t she,” Ange murmured, slightly taken aback.

“I understand why she’s legendary back home. She truly is the eccentric, bizarre type…” Emmy whispered in agreement.

I couldn’t help but concur with them. Moril-obaasan was truly eccentric, or rather, forceful. Being energetic is good, but she was almost too much.

“Lately, Tia hasn’t visited me. I’m troubled, troubled, because I’m running out of materials. Ah, so the reason she hasn’t shown her face is that she’s taken in new children. Commendable, commendable!  She’s started nurturing successors, hasn’t she, that girl! Well, that’s good! Tortte! Can you tell Tia for me?  I’m out of materials, so I need her to bring some when she gets them!” Moril-obaasan rattled on, her thoughts jumping from one topic to another.

“Y-yes, I understand… By the way, what materials are you short on?” I asked, trying to steer the conversation.

“‘Dungeon Cores’!” Moril-obaasan announced, her voice ringing with excitement.

“Pfft!” Emmy choked.

“Cough, cough!” Ange coughed violently.

“Emmy!? Ange!? What’s wrong!?” I asked, startled by their sudden reactions. Dungeon Cores, were they something that shocking!?

“Wait, you’re making Artifacts using Dungeon Cores!?” Emmy exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“Possessing Dungeon Cores privately is a capital offense, punishable by death, you know!?” Ange added, her voice filled with alarm.

“Eh!? Master often brings them back though, are they that dangerous!?” I asked, completely bewildered.

“Tortte, why don’t you know!?!” Emmy exclaimed, her voice rising in incredulity.

“More importantly, where is Master getting them from!?” Ange questioned, her tone laced with worry.

“Eh…? U-um, Master just brings them back when she notices them…?” I stammered, trying to recall Master’s nonchalant attitude towards these supposedly dangerous items.

Hearing my answer, Emmy and Ange both simultaneously facepalmed.

“Huh!? That woman, is she an idiot!? No, I always thought she was unbelievable, but this is even more so!” Emmy groaned, shaking her head in disbelief.

“In other words, that means Master is single-handedly conquering dungeons, doesn’t it?” Ange concluded, her voice laced with a mixture of awe and concern.

“Y-yes.  It seems she avoids places designated as forbidden zones, but she clears dungeons that appear in the surrounding areas as if she’s thinning out weeds…” I explained, trying to downplay Master’s seemingly reckless actions.

“‘Thinning out weeds’…?” Ange repeated, her voice barely a whisper.

“Conquering dungeons…?” Emmy echoed, equally stunned.

“Heeheehee! For Tia, conquering dungeons around here single-handedly is nothing at all!” Moril-obaasan cackled, as if confirming their suspicions.

“…There are many things I want to ask, but Moril-babaa-sama, what kind of Artifacts are you making using Dungeon Cores?” Ange asked, trying to regain her composure and steer the conversation back to Artifacts.

“This one here!” Moril-obaasan declared, holding up a plain-looking bracelet.

I took it in my hand, but couldn’t figure out how to use it. As I looked at it questioningly, Emmy and Ange peered over as well, equally puzzled.

“…What’s this? What kind of effect does this Artifact have?” Emmy asked, examining the bracelet closely.

“This, my dear, can create a different dimension inside the bracelet.  You can store things inside it, see?” Moril-obaasan explained with a mischievous grin.

“…………Huh?” Emmy blinked, a dumbfounded expression spreading across her face as she stared intently at the bracelet.

Ange’s eyes widened, and she took a step back from the bracelet as if recoiling from it.

Amused by their reactions, Moril-obaasan’s grin deepened.

“The mechanism itself is the same as a dungeon.  Though, it doesn’t have the same capacity as a dungeon, of course,” Moril-obaasan added casually.

“If something like this truly exists, it should be a national treasure!?” Emmy exclaimed, her voice filled with shock.

“National treasure, eh!  Certainly, not many people besides me could make it!  However, it requires a Dungeon Core to make, and you need to register a user to use it. It’s not that convenient, you see,” Moril-obaasan shrugged, downplaying the significance of her creation.

“Just how much can you store inside it…!?” Ange asked, her voice trembling slightly with awe and apprehension.

“This one uses a Dungeon Core from a relatively large dungeon, but even so, it only has enough capacity to hide small weapons,” Moril-obaasan explained, nonchalantly.

“No, even that would be more than enough for an assassin to have…” Ange pointed out, her voice hushed with concern.

“It means you can conceal a deadly weapon… It’s ridiculous, if something this outrageous were to circulate, it would be a huge problem,” Emmy added, echoing Ange’s alarm.

Eh!? This person was making something so dangerous!? Scary!? And Master knew about this too, right!? Master is the one bringing the materials!

“Listen carefully, both of you. Dungeon Cores are not something individuals should possess. This is absolutely top secret. Make sure you never mention this to anyone else,” Ange warned sternly, her royal demeanor suddenly asserting itself.

“Y-yes… I, I understand…!” I stammered, feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation.

“I can’t possibly talk about something this terrifying. I want to pretend I never saw it…” Emmy muttered, her face pale.

“I’ll make sure to emphasize this to Master properly.  Master probably understands what she’s doing, but…” Ange sighed, a hint of resignation in her voice.

“…Probably,” Emmy agreed, her tone skeptical.

“That woman is truly audacious, or rather, fearless…” Ange murmured, shaking her head in disbelief.

Ange’s warning was serious. It must be a problem of considerable magnitude if she was this concerned.

Emmy was also groaning, her face twisted as if she had bitten into something bitter.  Seeing our reactions, Moril-obaasan cackled again.

“You have well-behaved disciples. Tia is truly blessed. Well, tools are just tools, you know? As long as you can handle them with caution, you’re free to use them as you wish!” Moril-obaasan declared, her words strangely philosophical despite the alarming context.

“…I’ve been shown something outrageous out of the blue, and now I have a headache,” Emmy groaned, rubbing her temples.

“Heeheehee! If you feel unwell, I have a good medicine, though I haven’t tested its effects yet!” Moril-obaasan offered cheerfully, her eyes gleaming with a hint of scientific curiosity.

“Don’t try to use people as test subjects so casually!” Emmy retorted, her voice sharp.

“Tortte, your weapon is safe, right!?” Ange asked, turning to me with a worried expression.

“Um, p-probably…?” I replied hesitantly, my voice wavering slightly.

Ange looked at me with concern. I think it should be okay. It's not twisted to that extent… probably.

…It’s okay, right?  Uncertainty crept into my mind, and I couldn’t help but glance at Moril-obaasan.

Moril-obaasan grinned, baring her teeth. Her expression was truly frightening.

“How unkind of you to say! That staff is a one-of-a-kind piece, custom-made for Tortte.  Truly, Tia cherishes you dearly,” Moril-obaasan declared, her tone surprisingly sentimental.

“Master cherishes me…?” I repeated, a question mark hanging in my voice.

“The time will come when you understand its meaning. So, treasure that staff, okay? Someday, it will become your strength,” Moril-obaasan said, her tone taking on a strangely prophetic quality.

“Haah…” I responded, still unsure what to make of her words.

“Well, well, the introductions are over, aren’t they? I’m busy. Go home now, young ladies,” Moril-obaasan said, as if she had grown tired of entertaining us and wanted to dismiss us.

Knowing that further conversation would only irritate her, I urged Emmy and Ange to leave Moril-obaasan’s house.

As soon as we stepped outside, both of them simultaneously exhaled deeply and slumped their shoulders.

“…I’m suddenly exhausted,” Emmy sighed, rubbing her temples again.

“I concur…” Ange agreed, her voice weary.

“Seriously, does that Master of ours not know the meaning of self-restraint?” Emmy grumbled, shaking her head.

“Well… she *is* Master,” I offered weakly, acknowledging the inherent unpredictability of our teacher.

Even knowing the common sense that should be followed, Master would casually disregard it depending on the situation.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to act like that. Whether it was boldness or sheer guts, I was once again reminded of how extraordinary she was. Though, I couldn't bring myself to praise her directly.

As I pondered these thoughts, Ange quietly shook her head.

“No, while her actions may be unconventional, I don’t think what Master is doing is wrong,” Ange stated, her voice surprisingly firm.

Hearing Ange’s words, Emmy’s eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe her ears.

“Seriously, Ange, you’re defending Master?  I can’t believe it, coming from the Ange of the past,” Emmy remarked, a hint of surprise in her tone.

“…Thanks to Master, I’ve resolved myself to face anything,” Ange explained, her expression determined.

“Resolved yourself?” Emmy questioned, tilting her head.

“Yes, I’ve resolved to follow Master, no matter what may come,” Ange declared, her voice filled with conviction. It was an expression I’d been seeing on Ange’s face more frequently lately.

Something must have happened between her and Master. I didn’t know what it was, but it seemed to be a positive change. Her usual demeanor had become brighter as well.

“What Master is trying to do, what she is doing, may seem absurd, but it’s something that will eventually become necessary for the world. If things continue as they are, Gran Noah’s decline is inevitable,” Ange continued, her voice taking on a serious tone.

“…Is it okay for you to say things like that?” Emmy asked, slightly concerned.

“It doesn’t matter, it’s undeniable that this is a problem that cannot be ignored. Gran Noah is pushing the Saint, whom they used to revere, to the background, advocating for centralization while abandoning one remote region after another. If Saints and knights are withdrawn from the frontier, the increase in dungeons in rural areas cannot be stopped, and they may become lands impossible to set foot in,” Ange explained, her words painting a grim picture of the future.

“That is…” Emmy trailed off, her expression thoughtful.

“Of course, I’m not saying protecting the Saint is unnecessary, but if no action is taken regarding dungeons, it will be too late. That’s why Master is aiming to become stronger on her own, isn’t it?  Saints are the only ones who can purify dungeons, after all,” Ange concluded, her voice resolute.

“Well, we just learned that she’s actually doing it…” Emmy muttered, referring to Master's dungeon clearing activities.

“Someday, we too will likely follow in Master’s footsteps and challenge dungeons,” Ange stated, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

“Eh!? W-we’re going to delve into dungeons…?” I stammered, my voice filled with apprehension.

“Oh, that sounds interesting. Depending on the size of the dungeon, those who conquer them can even be awarded the title of hero. I never thought I’d be aiming for something like that, though,” Emmy grinned mischievously, striking her fist against her palm.

Ugh, after all, Emmy is a demon, she’s naturally warlike…

“Why the long face, Tortte?” Emmy asked, noticing my less-than-enthusiastic expression.

“I’m not good with fighting… I don’t have special powers or goals like you two…” I confessed, feeling a pang of inadequacy.

“Really? I think it’s amazing that you can keep up with Master’s lessons, though?” Emmy countered, her tone genuinely surprised.

“That’s right. It’s because Tortte is here as a disciple that our training is also being refined, I believe,” Ange added, echoing Emmy’s sentiment.

“Do you really think so…?” I asked, my voice still hesitant.

It sounded like just comforting words, but maybe that was just my own narrow-mindedness speaking.

As I pondered these thoughts, we continued walking through the village. The scenery of deserted houses standing forlornly, a testament to the dwindling population, only deepened my melancholy.

No, I can’t show a gloomy face, or they’ll worry. I have to stop by Nanna-san’s place before going back to Master.

“Speaking of which, Tortte, how long have you been living with Master? You’re not from this village, are you? Where did you live before living with Master?” Emmy asked casually, as if a thought had suddenly struck her.

Emmy’s question caused my expression to stiffen involuntarily.

I tried to hide it instinctively, but it seemed they had already noticed. Emmy called out to me, her expression slightly awkward.

“…Sorry.  Maybe you didn’t want to be asked?” Emmy said, her voice softening.

“No, it’s just that, I haven’t really talked about myself to people before…” I mumbled, trying to explain my hesitation.

“If you don’t mind, would you tell us? About Tortte,” Ange asked, her gaze direct and earnest.

“Ange?” Emmy echoed, surprised by Ange’s directness.

“Tortte knows our circumstances, and if we’re going to be together as comrades from now on, I feel like I want to know,” Ange explained, her gaze unwavering.

Well, it’s true that I know almost everything about their situations, but they know nothing about my past, so it's understandable that they’d think that way.

But my past isn’t something worth talking about. That’s why I felt so reluctant.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, we won’t force you…” Emmy reassured, her voice gentle.

“No, it’s okay. It’s just, it’s not that big of a deal, you know. I met Master three years ago, and at that time, I had been abandoned by my parents and was all alone,” I began, my voice quiet.

“…Abandoned?” Emmy repeated, her brow furrowed.

“Yes. It seems I was a failure in my parents’ eyes. We were a normal family until then, but one day, they suddenly tried to kill me…” I recounted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“What the hell is that…?” Emmy muttered in a low voice, her brow furrowed in anger. I forced a wry smile and continued my story.

“I don’t really know the reason myself. When I was abandoned, there was just too much happening, I can’t remember the details from back then very well. After escaping from my parents, I just wandered around aimlessly, and when I thought I couldn’t go on anymore, Master picked me up. Master was on a journey to this remote region at the time, and she said she couldn’t leave me alone and decided to raise me herself,” I explained, my voice tinged with a mix of sadness and gratitude.

I still clearly remember the day Master extended her hand to me.

I had been glared at with such hatred, told I was unwanted, and almost killed. My parents were terrifying, and I was so afraid of dying that I just ran away.

The sadness of being abandoned, the fear of death – I didn’t have time to care about those feelings. I just wanted to run far away, and I vividly remember running until I was completely exhausted.

Then, I couldn’t move another step, and when I realized that the fear of death I had been feeling was unavoidable, all I could think about was wanting to be free from it.

That’s when Master passed by.  She reached out her hand to me, who was covered in mud and wounds, without caring about getting herself dirty, and rescued me.

Master initially considered leaving me in a nearby town because she was on a journey.

But, having just been abandoned, I clung to Master, who had saved me, not wanting to be separated from her.

After more events, Master learned that I possessed Saintly power and proposed to take me in as her disciple. That was the beginning of my relationship with Master.

“At first, I thought if I was abandoned by Master too, I would have nowhere to go… but Master was kind to me, and even said we would become family,” I continued, my voice softening as I spoke of Master’s kindness.

“…So that’s why Tortte’s surname is the same as Master’s,” Ange realized, her voice gentle.

“Yes. That’s why I want to be Master’s strength. But I’m not good at fighting… I’m a little envious of you two. I wish I could fight like you two…” I confessed, a hint of longing in my voice.

I didn’t have the same talent as them. Perhaps what Master really wanted to nurture were people who could replace her. I’d been thinking that especially lately.

In that regard, I lacked talent for combat. Even if the opponent was a monster, I felt a sense of revulsion at harming living creatures.

So, I think Master nurtured me to develop at least my strengths. This was something that depended on innate talent. No matter how envious I was, it couldn’t be helped.

Lost in these thoughts, Ange suddenly murmured, “I understand how you might feel envious of us. But, I think Tortte is amazing too. It may be because of your disposition, but the 《Blessing》 you bestow is, I believe, incomparable to ours.”

“If we’re just comparing 《Blessing》, we don’t even come close to Tortte,” Emmy agreed, nodding in affirmation.

“Eh…?” I blinked, completely taken aback by their unexpected praise.

“Master also said that when it comes to 《Blessing》 alone, Tortte has more talent than even herself,” Ange added, solidifying their point.

“Master said that…?” I repeated, my voice filled with disbelief.  This was too much to believe. I couldn’t even imagine it.

“Also, and this is a secret… Master is actually not very good at 《Blessing》,” Ange revealed in a hushed tone, her voice conspiratorial.

“Is that so!?” I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise.

“Ah—, that actually might be true,” Emmy chimed in, nodding thoughtfully. “Of course, Master can use 《Blessing》 more than averagely, but compared to 《Purify》 and 《Barrier》, it feels inferior,” Emmy elaborated, confirming Ange’s revelation.

“Even so, her extraordinary ability is thanks to Master’s tireless efforts. She herself has hinted at something similar. That’s probably why training Tortte may have been difficult. It’s hard to hone something you’re not naturally good at,” Ange reasoned, offering a different perspective on Master’s teaching methods.

“…Is that so?” I murmured, still processing this new information.

“Yes, that’s why I don’t think you’re not special at all,” Ange stated firmly, her voice reassuring.

“That’s right. Honestly, it makes a huge difference whether Tortte is behind us or not, you know?” Emmy added, echoing Ange’s sentiment.

I was at a loss for words, unsure how to react to Emmy and Ange’s praise.  Unaware of my inner turmoil, they continued.

“It’s because Tortte is here that we can also give it our all. We rely on your 《Blessing》 that much, you know?” Ange explained, emphasizing the importance of my support.

“Master must feel the same way too. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be raising you so strictly, right?” Emmy added, offering a different angle on Master’s strictness.

“Yes. She could have easily prepared a path for you to live as an ordinary Saint in a peaceful place, after all,” Ange pointed out, highlighting the alternative paths that were available to Master.

“So, the fact that you’re still by her side is proof of her expectations for you, isn’t it?” Emmy concluded, her voice gentle and encouraging.

After saying that, Emmy ruffled my hair affectionately. Ange watched with a gentle smile, not attempting to stop her. I felt as if my chest had been suddenly squeezed tight.

As if to confirm that sensation, I clutched at my chest. I could feel my heart pounding against my hand.

I never expected to hear such words. Happiness welled up inside me, and I couldn’t help but feel my lips curve into a smile.

“Master is quite dense in some ways, so it’s easier to be direct with her,” Emmy advised, her tone lighthearted.

“Master wouldn’t dismiss Tortte’s feelings, I believe,” Ange added, echoing Emmy’s sentiment.

“Maybe you’re right…” I murmured, a small smile playing on my lips.

I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.  Being dense yet perceptive—that certainly described Master perfectly.

I suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, my cheeks flushing with warmth. But if these two hadn’t made me realize this, I might have continued to feel even more ashamed of myself.

“Thank you, Emmy, Ange,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

“You’re welcome. And, you know, you can relax more, okay?  Rank and status don’t really matter here. We’re fellow disciples of the same Master, right?” Emmy replied, her tone casual.

“That’s right. Let’s do that to deepen our friendship,” Ange agreed, her voice softening.

“Ange, stop with the honorifics too, okay?” Emmy teased, nudging Ange playfully.

“This is already a habit…” Ange mumbled, slightly flustered.

“…Pfft, heeheehee, ahahahaha!”

I couldn’t help it, I burst out laughing loudly.

Classmates, peers learning under the same Master. When they put it like that, the idea that I had to be their older sister, or that I was inferior to them, seemed so trivial.

Surely, from tomorrow onwards, such petty worries would disappear. A sense of certainty blossomed within me.

I was truly glad to have met these two. I thought so honestly from the bottom of my heart.