Alice Tale in Phantasmagoria Chapter 136

Chapter 136

s.h.i.+n, the meeting room fell into such silence as to ring in the ears .
I was called to the location of Alseid kingdom’s strategy meeting, as a person of interest in the previous Wilmington withdrawal battle .
In a corner of the royal castle, there’s an extravagant room with one side made from gla.s.s .
It takes in lighting from the courtyard and, has a sort of design that makes the available resources easy to view .
Though I suppose it becomes an uncomfortably hot place depending on the season……
And so right now, the important n.o.bles are gathered in this room .
They’re grim, enough to think bitter bugs or such managed to jump into each of their mouths .
The commonwealth’s attack, Sacrament’s rebellion, the chimera menace .
This is the result from having reported that as it is .

――It’s no good is it .

I was staring at that scene, with cold eyes .
Having not properly exchanged opinions up until now, the surrounding people begin and end discussions with whispers and small voices .
However, how can we alone be saved? That sort of self protective color is strong .
It’s a meeting that’s unrewarding enough to be pitiable .
I turn only my gaze to look at the girl beside me on my right, while forcibly killing a yawn .
I wonder just, what she’s thinking under that poker face……
It’s not the case that she’s partic.i.p.ating in the meeting or anything and while saying that, it’s not the case that she’s dozing uninterestedly either……that girl was dispa.s.sionately observing the state of the meeting .
The highest rank personage among those seated here .
Of course――it’s Krancesca・Wilmington .
That girl’s『flower』could, withstand critique as a work of art .
She’s not something cliche like beautiful or cute but, from her eyes to her hair, she’s reminiscent of a rose in full bloom .
her gently tied side tail highlights her splendor and as always, the mole under her eye incites a sensual feeling while displaying a maturity beyond that girl’s age .
Though she’s a girl with an age gap sufficient to be the granddaughter of some of the people here, her sense of presence isn’t something that can be taken lightly .
……She doesn’t speak though .

「Ther, there’s nothing to be feared! Look, the Fairy of Silver Lightning is right here! Let’s have her simply route such like one or two hastily a.s.sembled armies for us!」

Irritating .
All of a sudden, an oily n.o.ble ossan raised his voice .
I sensed a lack of guts of the sort that couldn’t endure the strange silence .

「Ooh, I suppose so . According to what I’ve heard, didn’t she repulse a legendary beast called the Yamata no Orochi in the east . No, is she not the second coming of the legendary high elf . 」

It seemed like my anger max out as one after another of the feeble minded n.o.bles acted like everything was fine .
This isn’t something like a discussion, it’s just and only that they want to escape the heavy atmosphere .
Furthermore I’m being used as an excuse for that .

「There’s no mistake that

she will easily route the enemy and suchforth for us, like Witch of Ice and Snow-dono……!」
「――――Tsu」

――――You said, it was easy right?
I couldn’t contain myself .
I unconsciously emitted a large portion of my magic power that I hadn’t grown used to yet and, cracks formed in the window gla.s.s .

「Hiii!?」

The greasy n.o.ble was intimidated and fell from his chair .
His fearful gaze, stabbed me like a thorn .
A gaze carrying, fear and disgust like he was looking at an inhuman being .
That became a voiceless voice and reached my heart .

――You monstrosity .

「……」

I noticed that for the first time, I understood Till’s matter just a little .
Am I an enemy, or an ally, such an anxious gaze is sticking to me like clay .

Gashan――!!

Everyone’s gazes were drawn together by the sound .
It was a powerful sound, almost as if it was tearing their gazes away from me .
I look and, one area of the prided window overlooking the courtyard, had broken off .
An extravagant medal with the commonwealth’s crest in it has fallen among the broken gla.s.s .
It’s undebatably an abandoned article .

「――I apologize, my hand slipped . 」

……No no, what are you saying?
This conversation isn’t in the sort dimension of an example like your hand slipping is it?
I saw, an overhand full power pitch without a shred of smartness come from my side .

「I a.s.sume the cost to replace this must not be ridiculed . This is troubling . Then shall we strike a deal here, on the matter of having Alice provide recompense . 」
「Haue……?」

My magic power had already dispersed, when a strange voice came out .
I might have made a rather stupid face .
The culprit――Kran, expressed quite the entertained face and, looked at me .

「How is it everyone-sama? Is she not an adorable life form, my fiance . 」
「Fue!?」

To say if I should take this matter seriously or as a joke in this sort of officious place……!
This strange sense of unease ended up becoming suspicious behavior, to an extent unlike what’s come before .
I knew that their gazes had ended up gathering again .

――Cer, certainly .
――If I observe her again, her beauty is at a level that cannot be expressed in words isn’t it……
――To say it as beauty or to say it as adorability……
――Seriously, as a male the princess-denka is as enviable as she can be .
――Terrifying, that sort of sensation……she’s not like that is she .

With this I’m hearing unpleasant gossip come in this manner……
Say that I’m being exposed to my own rumours in a place where I can hear them means I can’t settle down……
I tried resentfully glaring at the Kran who created the source of this .
……A really incredibly beautiful smile came back .
Scary……

「Fufu, then everyone-sama, we have received the situation from Alice’s report so, I believe that comprehension has been achieved . As countermeasures will be considered on a later day, let us disperse from this place . 」

As

/> As Kran displayed a composed smile, she ended readily bringing this place to a close――

◇■◇■◇

I chased after the Kran who backed down so overly readily .
That’s obvious .
And so I have a dissatisfied face .
I’m being self aware of my inflated cheeks .

「Ufufu . You are making quite the adorable face there, Alice . 」

Forcing my way into a certain office in the royal castle, I directly confront her from the sofa across from her .
You’re in the wrong! And there’s the voice of the girl I’m confronting as she observed the condition of the full force confrontation .

「……」
「Do you need, some candy?」
「No need!」

As if she’s trying to placate a child!?

「I see, it seems that you are in a bad mood……would it have been better to offer my conjecture?」
「That’s not it!」

Mou!
Kran you always always always～～～～～!!

「Fufu, then good day, my most beloved partner-sama . And also Ilya, you have done well in protecting Alice . 」
「I have not done……my power was insufficient . 」

…… Kran’s always aware of the time to pull out, as if she’d ascertained my boiling point .
By rousing the Ilya waiting in the rear, this side couldn’t do anything but gather up feelings with no place to go .
……Truly, she’s a troublesome princess-sama .

「It is not something to be humble about . On that battlefield, you were there at Alice’s side for her as usual . How much was she saved with just that……I cannot begin to think of it . 」
「Your words are too much, Krancescsama . 」

Kran silently lowered her eyes and, she’s saying her thanks to Ilya from her heart .
This is Kran’s incredible aspect .
Though her position is her position, that girl does nothing to separate herself from others .
The thing she thinks about in terms of politics is cla.s.sification, not discrimination .
As a way of thinking among her generation, that’s an excellent thing .
As expected……she’s the treasure that caught Marisan’s eye .
……Marisan .

「――And Alice . I offer up our grat.i.tude as the representative of all the citizenry, to your magnificent teacher . 」
「Kran……people like you……」

I don’t sense of smidgen of humor, there’s nothing except for grat.i.tude with feelings from the heart .
It’s the feeling of being saved .
Even at the meeting just before, she may have been angered for me .
But, Kran also……

「Kran……I, I myself couldn’t become any power at all . Wilmington and, Marisan as well……」
「That may be reality then . However, reality is nothing but reality . Surely our eyes should be turned toward not the result but, the dedication of the people there in that place . 」

If there’s dedication that creates reality, then I suppose there’s also dedication that achieves nothing at all .
Till’s dedication .
Gate guard-san’s dedication .
The lakesh.o.r.e’s old lady-san’s dedication .
Marisan’s dedication .
But those values aren’t ranked .

「……I suppose so . But it’s frustrating . 」

I want to make that be something

be something with meaning .
I ground my teeth .

「I as well, Alice . I do not intend to resent people at this point but……surely『power』filled with evil intent must be struck down . 」
「Un . 」

I nodded strongly .

「I will make my request without holding back . Please lend me your power . To take back everything, that power, could you entrust it to me? Alice・Einshaulsama . 」

Looking at Kran being respectful, I end up being troubled .

「My power isn’t the sort of thing that’s lent to others . Since I use this power, for my own purposes . 」
「Ara, was I perhaps turned down?」
「Hai, probably . 」
「Seriously, you are a stubborn person to have decided this, Alice . 」
「And that goes for Kran as well doesn’t it . 」

Kran is smiling, as if she knew my reply from the beginning .
……Everything from today’s meeting, might have been for Kran to make me reaffirm the situation and the resolution I’ve been given .
By none other than myself .

「Kran . 」
「What is it?」

I managed the act of, naturally expressing a smile .

「I love you . 」
「……」

Uwaa, she’s making a rare face issn’t she .

「……To what extent is it okay then?」
「Ha……?」

What is Kran trying to say……?

「Is it to a kiss? This is a tentative suggestion but, this room is completely soundproof . There is also a lock set in the door . 」
「I get the sense that understanding just what Kran is saying is dangerous . 」
「Ufufu, something like understanding is not necessary . 」
「Aren’t you being a little ardent……」

Kora kora, don’t stand up .
Don’t come over here!

「Wa waa, Kran! Scary scary! Have you not forgotten Ilya’s presence!?」
「I do of course, grasp that . 」

You knew then!

「Hawawa……!」

Kran came over my knees, in the s.p.a.ce of my legs where I’m sitting .

「It is rather hard, constantly being apart you know?」
「～～～～tsu」

She said it like she was whispering in my ear and, bit my earlobe a little .

「……But I am relieved . The truth is, the preparations to offer comfort with my whole body and spirit are complete . 」

A slight smile .

「Were you let down because I was unexpectedly well?」
「Fufu, it was around about such that I thought back, to just who is there around you . 」

Kran turned her gaze toward Ilya and, seemed like she was bringing someone else to mind .
Such a Kran was, embraced from my direction .
It’s Kran’s smellー .
Even her scent is somehow n.o.ble .

「Alice……?」
「Etto, should I say it’s because I was the one who came today prepared to comfort Kran……」
「……」
「That is, she’s still, merely missing so, to say there’s hope kuuwa～!」

If you embrace me with your full power my bones will break you know!
Because Kran you have significant power!

「Alice is mean……」
「It’s Kran that moved . 」
「You’re mean……」

Kran came to hide her face in my shoulder .

「Nee Kran />
「Nee Kran . I’m saying something irresponsible but, I believe Marisan is surely alright . 」
「……」

……I ended up seeing it right in front of my eyes though .
No reports have come in from Marisan as of yet .
Of course, I suppose that’s suspenseful in it’s own way .
But――

「Believe in the world first oneesan, that you believe in okay . 」

Her head moves, and I felt the sensation of Kran’s nod .

「……How, impudent . 」
「Fufu～ . Since I thought, Kran wanted to become the pampered me . 」

I offered a yosh yosh and stroked Kran, as she came to hold onto me such that it was a little painful .

「I am, grateful . Alice……」
「You’re welcome . Kran . 」

I ended up causing somewhat uncomfortable feelings in Ilya but, I pa.s.sed the time for a while while feeling Kran’s body heat that I hadn’t felt for some time .

◇■◇■◇

On the way back at dusk .
Perhaps I should say I had a premonition, perhaps I should say it was instinct .
I suppose that was probably, something that happened because it was meant to happen .
The shadows of 2 people stretch from up an unpopular path going up a hill, with the setting sun at their backs .

「Fire」

There was no need for dialogue .
A Fire that was exceedingly strong despite being called just a low rank magic .
However without avoiding that, without repelling it, I boldly accept it from the front with only my magic power’s defense .

「――tsu!」

In that manner, I advanced my legs for a bit to a distance where conversation would be possible .

「――Fairy of Silver Lightning……Die!」

The blue haired, blue eyed girl, came to attack while swinging a huge axe that didn’t suite her small statured body .

「I will not allow this rudeness! Please fall back!」

Ilya went forth from the rear with her lance readied .
The axe’s slash was repelled with excessive ease .
Unlike before, Ilya also seems to have sufficient power doesn’t she .
Before the 2 masters, the 2 retainers ready their weapons and confront eachother .
Our eyes finally met, over the shoulders of those 2 .

「Troublesome isn’t this……somehow, I got such a feeling . 」
「Right . 」

The crimson girl replied curtly, to an extent that didn’t seem like her .
And then she promptly entered a combat posture .
She causes numerous flames to float up around her, while using multicast .
She really is, a wondrous magician .

「Eclair……」

Eclair was blocking the path ahead of me, with an expressionless expression .
Of course, it isn’t such a case as that her will has been bent or such a case as that she’s being confused .
That girl is standing there, of her own will .
I immediately understood that much when my eyes caught sight of her .

「Alice――please go to the side of your beloved person who makes you feel safe . 」

Eclair faced her multicast toward me and released――

s.h.i.+n, the meeting room fell into such silence as to ring in the ears . I was called to the location of Alseid kingdom s strategy meeting, as a person of interest in the previous Wilmington withdrawal battle . In a corner of the royal castle, there s an extravagant room with one side made from gla.s.s . It takes in lighting from the courtyard and, has a sort of design that makes the available resources easy to view . Though I suppose it becomes an uncomfortably hot place depending on the season And so right now, the important n.o.bles are gathered in this room . They re grim, enough to think bitter bugs or such managed to jump into each of their mouths . The commonwealth s attack, Sacrament s rebellion, the chimera menace . This is the result from having reported that as it is . It s no good is it . I was staring at that scene, with cold eyes . Having not properly exchanged opinions up until now, the surrounding people begin and end discussions with whispers and small voices . However, how can we alone be saved That sort of self protective color is strong . It s a meeting that s unrewarding enough to be pitiable . I turn only my gaze to look at the girl beside me on my right, while forcibly killing a yawn . I wonder just, what she s thinking under that poker face It s not the case that she s partic.i.p.ating in the meeting or anything and while saying that, it s not the case that she s dozing uninterestedly either that girl was dispa.s.sionately observing the state of the meeting . The highest rank personage among those seated here . Of course it s Krancesca Wilmington . That girl s flower could, withstand critique as a work of art . She s not something cliche like beautiful or cute but, from her eyes to her hair, she s reminiscent of a rose in full bloom . her gently tied side tail highlights her splendor and as always, the mole under her eye incites a sensual feeling while displaying a maturity beyond that girl s age . Though she s a girl with an age gap sufficient to be the granddaughter of some of the people here, her sense of presence isn t something that can be taken lightly . She doesn t speak though . Ther, there s nothing to be feared Look, the Fairy of Silver Lightning is right here Let s have her simply route such like one or two hastily a.s.sembled armies for us Irritating . All of a sudden, an oily n.o.ble ossan raised his voice . I sensed a lack of guts of the sort that couldn t endure the strange silence . Ooh, I suppose so . According to what I ve heard, didn t she repulse a legendary beast called the Yamata no Orochi in the east . No, is she not the second coming of the legendary high elf . It seemed like my anger max out as one after another of the feeble minded n.o.bles acted like everything was fine . This isn t something like a discussion, it s just and only that they want to escape the heavy atmosphere . Furthermore I m being used as an excuse for that . There s no mistake that she will easily route the enemy and suchforth for us, like Witch of Ice and Snow dono Tsu You said, it was easy right I couldn t contain myself . I unconsciously emitted a large portion of my magic power that I hadn t grown used to yet and, cracks formed in the window gla.s.s . Hiii The greasy n.o.ble was intimidated and fell from his chair . His fearful gaze, stabbed me like a thorn . A gaze carrying, fear and disgust like he was looking at an inhuman being . That became a voiceless voice and reached my heart . You monstrosity . I noticed that for the first time, I understood Till s matter just a little . Am I an enemy, or an ally, such an anxious gaze is sticking to me like clay . Gashan Everyone s gazes were drawn together by the sound . It was a powerful sound, almost as if it was tearing their gazes away from me . I look and, one area of the prided window overlooking the courtyard, had broken off . An extravagant medal with the commonwealth s crest in it has fallen among the broken gla.s.s . It s undebatably an abandoned article . I apologize, my hand slipped . No no, what are you saying This conversation isn t in the sort dimension of an example like your hand slipping is it I saw, an overhand full power pitch without a shred of smartness come from my side . I a.s.sume the cost to replace this must not be ridiculed . This is troubling . Then shall we strike a deal here, on the matter of having Alice provide recompense . Haue My magic power had already dispersed, when a strange voice came out . I might have made a rather stupid face . The culprit Kran, expressed quite the entertained face and, looked at me . How is it everyone sama Is she not an adorable life form, my fiance . Fue To say if I should take this matter seriously or as a joke in this sort of officious place This strange sense of unease ended up becoming suspicious behavior, to an extent unlike what s come before . I knew that their gazes had ended up gathering again . Cer, certainly . If I observe her again, her beauty is at a level that cannot be expressed in words isn t it To say it as beauty or to say it as adorability Seriously, as a male the princess denka is as enviable as she can be . Terrifying, that sort of sensation she s not like that is she . With this I m hearing unpleasant gossip come in this manner Say that I m being exposed to my own rumours in a place where I can hear them means I can t settle down I tried resentfully glaring at the Kran who created the source of this . A really incredibly beautiful smile came back . Scary Fufu, then everyone sama, we have received the situation from Alice s report so, I believe that comprehension has been achieved . As countermeasures will be considered on a later day, let us disperse from this place . As Kran displayed a composed smile, she ended readily bringing this place to a close I chased after the Kran who backed down so overly readily . That s obvious . And so I have a dissatisfied face . I m being self aware of my inflated cheeks . Ufufu . You are making quite the adorable face there, Alice . Forcing my way into a certain office in the royal castle, I directly confront her from the sofa across from her . You re in the wrong And there s the voice of the girl I m confronting as she observed the condition of the full force confrontation . Do you need, some candy No need As if she s trying to placate a child I see, it seems that you are in a bad mood would it have been better to offer my conjecture That s not it Mou Kran you always always always Fufu, then good day, my most beloved partner sama . And also Ilya, you have done well in protecting Alice . I have not done my power was insufficient . Kran s always aware of the time to pull out, as if she d ascertained my boiling point . By rousing the Ilya waiting in the rear, this side couldn t do anything but gather up feelings with no place to go . Truly, she s a troublesome princess sama . It is not something to be humble about . On that battlefield, you were there at Alice s side for her as usual . How much was she saved with just that I cannot begin to think of it . Your words are too much, Krancesca sama . Kran silently lowered her eyes and, she s saying her thanks to Ilya from her heart . This is Kran s incredible aspect . Though her position is her position, that girl does nothing to separate herself from others . The thing she thinks about in terms of politics is cla.s.sification, not discrimination . As a way of thinking among her generation, that s an excellent thing . As expected she s the treasure that caught Maria san s eye . Maria san . And Alice . I offer up our grat.i.tude as the representative of all the citizenry, to your magnificent teacher . Kran people like you I don t sense of smidgen of humor, there s nothing except for grat.i.tude with feelings from the heart . It s the feeling of being saved . Even at the meeting just before, she may have been angered for me . But, Kran also Kran I, I myself couldn t become any power at all . Wilmington and, Maria san as well That may be reality then . However, reality is nothing but reality . Surely our eyes should be turned toward not the result but, the dedication of the people there in that place . If there s dedication that creates reality, then I suppose there s also dedication that achieves nothing at all . Till s dedication . Gate guard san s dedication . The lakesh.o.r.e s old lady san s dedication . Maria san s dedication . But those values aren t ranked . I suppose so . But it s frustrating . I want to make that be something with meaning . I ground my teeth . I as well, Alice . I do not intend to resent people at this point but surely power filled with evil intent must be struck down . Un . I nodded strongly . I will make my request without holding back . Please lend me your power . To take back everything, that power, could you entrust it to me Alice Einshaula sama . Looking at Kran being respectful, I end up being troubled . My power isn t the sort of thing that s lent to others . Since I use this power, for my own purposes . Ara, was I perhaps turned down Hai, probably . Seriously, you are a stubborn person to have decided this, Alice . And that goes for Kran as well doesn t it . Kran is smiling, as if she knew my reply from the beginning . Everything from today s meeting, might have been for Kran to make me reaffirm the situation and the resolution I ve been given . By none other than myself . Kran . What is it I managed the act of, naturally expressing a smile . I love you . Uwaa, she s making a rare face issn t she . To what extent is it okay then Ha What is Kran trying to say Is it to a kiss This is a tentative suggestion but, this room is completely soundproof . There is also a lock set in the door . I get the sense that understanding just what Kran is saying is dangerous . Ufufu, something like understanding is not necessary . Aren t you being a little ardent Kora kora, don t stand up . Don t come over here Wa waa, Kran Scary scary Have you not forgotten Ilya s presence I do of course, grasp that . You knew then Hawawa Kran came over my knees, in the s.p.a.ce of my legs where I m sitting . It is rather hard, constantly being apart you know tsu She said it like she was whispering in my ear and, bit my earlobe a little . But I am relieved . The truth is, the preparations to offer comfort with my whole body and spirit are complete . A slight smile . Were you let down because I was unexpectedly well Fufu, it was around about such that I thought back, to just who is there around you . Kran turned her gaze toward Ilya and, seemed like she was bringing someone else to mind . Such a Kran was, embraced from my direction . It s Kran s smell . Even her scent is somehow n.o.ble . Alice Etto, should I say it s because I was the one who came today prepared to comfort Kran That is, she s still, merely missing so, to say there s hope kuuwa If you embrace me with your full power my bones will break you know Because Kran you have significant power Alice is mean It s Kran that moved . You re mean Kran came to hide her face in my shoulder . Nee Kran . I m saying something irresponsible but, I believe Maria san is surely alright . I ended up seeing it right in front of my eyes though . No reports have come in from Maria san as of yet . Of course, I suppose that s suspenseful in it s own way . But Believe in the world first oneesan, that you believe in okay . Her head moves, and I felt the sensation of Kran s nod . How, impudent . Fufu . Since I thought, Kran wanted to become the pampered me . I offered a yosh yosh and stroked Kran, as she came to hold onto me such that it was a little painful . I am, grateful . Alice You re welcome . Kran . I ended up causing somewhat uncomfortable feelings in Ilya but, I pa.s.sed the time for a while while feeling Kran s body heat that I hadn t felt for some time . On the way back at dusk . Perhaps I should say I had a premonition, perhaps I should say it was instinct . I suppose that was probably, something that happened because it was meant to happen . The shadows of 2 people stretch from up an unpopular path going up a hill, with the setting sun at their backs . Fire There was no need for dialogue . A Fire that was exceedingly strong despite being called just a low rank magic . However without avoiding that, without repelling it, I boldly accept it from the front with only my magic power s defense . tsu In that manner, I advanced my legs for a bit to a distance where conversation would be possible . Fairy of Silver Lightning Die The blue haired, blue eyed girl, came to attack while swinging a huge axe that didn t suite her small statured body . I will not allow this rudeness Please fall back Ilya went forth from the rear with her lance readied . The axe s slash was repelled with excessive ease . Unlike before, Ilya also seems to have sufficient power doesn t she . Before the 2 masters, the 2 retainers ready their weapons and confront eachother . Our eyes finally met, over the shoulders of those 2 . Troublesome isn t this somehow, I got such a feeling . Right . The crimson girl replied curtly, to an extent that didn t seem like her . And then she promptly entered a combat posture . She causes numerous flames to float up around her, while using multicast . She really is, a wondrous magician . Eclair Eclair was blocking the path ahead of me, with an expressionless expression . Of course, it isn t such a case as that her will has been bent or such a case as that she s being confused . That girl is standing there, of her own will . I immediately understood that much when my eyes caught sight of her . Alice please go to the side of your beloved person who makes you feel safe . Eclair faced her multicast toward me and released