It’s no good. I can’t maintain my sense of self, at this rate. I instinctively knew that. So this is what it’s been like, losing consciousness. It’s terrifying, being able to understand it for the first time. I’m in the High Elf Village, you know? And this is an especially pure area, so why can’t I control it? Ah, that’s irrelevant right now. I have to do something, something….
“Release it.”
I heard Schel-san’s voice. Eh, release? This? This rampaging magic power? It’s obvious that this whole area will be devastated if I do that. I can’t! I have to suppress it…!
“I said don’t suppress it. Hurry up and release it.”
But he’s telling me to release it. Why? Why would he say that?
“What are you…!?”
I also heard Gil-san’s voice, trying to stop him. That’s right, it’s too dangerous.
“Hmph, a mere insect, don’t voice your opinion.”
“…What are you going to do to Meg?”
I could feel Gil-san’s magic power swell. He was directing it towards Schel-san, not even bothering to hide his hostility. But Schel-san just glanced at him, a nonchalant look on his face, and then snorted.
“You think I can’t suppress this child’s magic power? Don’t be ridiculous.”
Eh, what did he just…? So basically, he’s…?
“Don’t think about irrelevant things. I wasn’t counting on your inadequate brains. Now hurry up and release it.”
Is he trying to… help?
While struggling, trying to suppress my magic power, I glanced at Pipi-san. She nodded powerfully, a solemn look on her face. Gil-san… he had a frustrated expression, but it looked like he’d understood the situation. He nodded slightly.
…Let’s trust him. Schel-san. I relaxed my shoulders.
Releasing my magic power was easy. It felt so much better, not having to hold back. Like taking everything out of an incredibly full bag at once. I’d given up, thinking “whatever,” and that made my heart feel lighter.
Of course, it wasn’t something as simple as that, because it’s my overflowing magic power that I released. It wasn’t calm at all. My magic power was rapidly leaving my body, and yet I wasn’t worried. That’s how ridiculous the amount I’d been suppressing was. Scary.
So what’s happening to all that magic power?
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen a tornado this big. It’s even more impressive than the ones Schel creates, isn’t it?”
“…Shut up, Pipi.”
“My my, sorry!”
With the help of Schel-san’s nature magic, it’d transformed into a magnificent tornado. That tornado, which was about twice the size of the giant tree, had engulfed a few of the surrounding trees, but aside from that, there was no damage as it rose into the sky. Heh~, this is beyond a natural disaster. And it’s my magic power that created this. Pipi-san’s nonchalant comment made me feel a bit relieved.
My body felt much better after a while. About ten minutes, maybe? That’s how long I’d been watching that tornado, something that could easily destroy two or three cities. It’s terrifying, thinking that it’s something I created, but the fact that there’s someone here who can control it helped me to stay calm. And more than anything, I’m proud that I didn’t lose consciousness. Though that was probably influenced by this environment.
“Ha-… fuuu…”
I collapsed to the ground the moment I cut off the flow of magic power. My body felt better, but I was mentally exhausted. Just as I was staring at the tornado, which was gradually losing its momentum, Gil-san came running.
“Meg, are you okay?”
I tried to smile, to reassure Gil-san, who’d asked that with a worried look. But I’m probably just making a silly, unassuming expression.
“I’m fine. I feel… much better. Just a bit mentally tired.”
“…I see.”
Gil-san slightly faltered. Maybe he’s thinking that he couldn’t do anything. I get it, I also often feel that way.
“So… would it be okay if you held me for a bit longer?”
So I’m going to properly convey my feelings to Gil-san. That I rely on him, that being with him makes me feel safe, that I need him. The right person for the right job, those are words that are deeply ingrained in me!
“…That’s no problem at all.”
That’s right. I prefer seeing that gentle smile on his face.
I then got down from Gil-san’s lap, my emotions having calmed down, and ran towards Schel-san. It didn’t take that long! I can’t keep him waiting!
“Um, thank you very much!”
I reached him and immediately bowed. He really helped me out. I feel so refreshed, like when a stiff shoulder finally relaxes. Though I wouldn’t know, because I’ve never experienced that before.
“Ten days.”
“Eh?”
I was startled by those words, said above my head, and quickly sat up, asking him to repeat. But he just walked away, towards his cabin. Eh? Eh?
“He really doesn’t use a lot of words. Sorry, Meg-chan, I’ll translate.”
Pipi-san, smiling wryly, came to my rescue. Apparently, he’s telling me to come back here in ten days and release my magic power again. How vague!
“But I see. It’s going to overflow again…”
It’s going to be back in ten days, even though I just released this much. So it means this isn’t a permanent solution. I guess that’s only natural. How disappointing.
“But you’ll be able to participate in the tournament with this. Because it’ll be stable for a few days after you release it.”
“! Really! Yes! I can keep my promise!”
I’m relieved that we were able to solve that issue. And besides, it’s not like there’s no solution. Dad’s going to tell us, eventually.
It’ll be fine, my Dream Walking ability, and my magic power.
And that shoulder I touched in my dream… I’m sure that dream was Father-sama’s. If it’s him, then it’ll be fine even if there are any after-effects. Yeah, I’m sure of it, probably.
“Gil-san.”
“Hmm?”
But I’m still a bit worried. I have to make sure.
“Can we… contact Demon Castle…? There’s something I need to confirm with Father-sama…”
I’m sure it’s not a problem, in terms of distance, but I feel a bit guilty troubling him with something that’s not related to the tournament. But he said I can always ask for help! I won’t be negative!
“It’s fine. So you want me to connect you to the Demon King?”
“That’s right,” I said this, happy even though I already knew that he’d agree, as he ruffled my hair. Ehehe, I’m going to launch myself at Gil-san! Ah, Gil-san therapy is the best.
“You two really are close. I see, so that’s why Schel’s in a bad mood.”
“? Does Schel-san dislike seeing people get along?”
It does seem like he’s not the type to act all lovey-dovey. I’m sure he prefers being alone. He probably dislikes spoiled children like me. Sorry, but it’s not something I can easily fix, because I’m a spoiled child thanks to how much I was pampered, and as a reaction to my corporate slave life. Forgive me!
“Hmm, it’s not really like that. Well, never mind.”
Eh? Really? Schel-san’s so mysterious. Hmm.
We returned to our room, because I was mentally exhausted after releasing my magic power. And so, I’m now sitting on the sofa I took out from my storage bracelet, wrapped in a blanket, hugging my Shadow Eagle plushie, and drinking the tea Gil-san made. How luxurious.
“My tea probably doesn’t taste that good…”
No, no, no! I have absolutely no complaints after you did all this!? And besides, it’s delicious! …Well, maybe it’s just that I can’t taste the difference. But I’ll put that aside.
“Let’s contact the Demon King after lunch. It’s not urgent, right?”
“Yeah! It’s fine! And you also… have things to do, right?”
It’s true that he’s not leaving the Village, but Gil-san also has things he needs to do for the tournament. I don’t have any plans to go anywhere today, so I’d like for him to focus on his work.
“Yeah, sorry. I’ll be nearby, so call out if you need anything.”
“Okay! Good luck with work, Gil-san.”
I’m not supposed to say things like that while relaxing leisurely. Sorry. Gil-san smiled softly, patted me on the head, and then left, putting on his hood and mask. Gil-san, in work mode, is so handsome. He’s able to easily switch between modes. Capable men really are good at that, I’m impressed.
“…It’s a bit too early for a nap…”
I, left alone, was wondering how I should spend my time. Because I might end up thinking negative thoughts if I’m just spacing out. So I decided to read the book I borrowed from Ortus, and leisurely enjoyed my time. It’s been a while since I’ve had time to relax like this!