Chapter 16: At the End of the Battle

Over half a year has passed since that fierce battle and the death of Barnes. Many things have happened since then.

First, Zeke was promoted to the rank of Count. Specifically, he received the title of Count from Margrave Carmel.

It seems that in the Kingdom of Barcus, much like in the UK, high-ranking nobles can hold multiple titles.

Do I know if it’s exactly like the UK? Who knows? I didn't study peerage laws back in Japan.

Essentially, Margrave Carmel didn't pass the title to his own son; he gave it to Zeke. Naturally, the Royal Family approved it, and thus, Count Zeke Bryant was born.

Normally, the title would be attached to a territory name—like "Count [Territory Name]"—but apparently, if you have a specific request, you can choose your own designation. Though, you need to have made significant contributions to get away with that.

Furthermore, Zeke received the governance rights to Almeria from the Margrave.

Margrave Carmel claimed he was "done with dungeons" and handed the responsibility over to Zeke.

I heard later that the Margrave’s only son is a complete failure of a human being. The Margrave desperately wanted to pass the title to him, so he appointed him commander of the knights for the Almeria Dungeon defense to let him earn some glory. Apparently, the son was so terrified he refused to come out of his mansion.

Seeing that, the Margrave gave up on his foolish son and transferred the Count title to Zeke instead.

However, he still has high hopes for his granddaughter, seeing a glimmer of promise in her. She’s currently twelve years old. Come to think of it, I recall hearing that the Margrave’s grandchild failed the entrance exam for the Lister National School. I wonder if it was her?

With this, the House of Bryant became the only noble family in the Kingdom of Barcus to possess two dungeons within their territory.

Starting with [Blue Fang] and [Red Wing], who had grown unsatisfied with the Ilgusia Dungeon, top-tier adventurers began migrating from Ilgusia to Almeria one after another.

Second, the Almeria Dungeon itself. It has returned to its former state.

The four of us only dove down to the second floor after the incident, but there were no more ant monsters. We found ant eggs scattered all over the second floor, but we disposed of them all personally.

Also, after the Queen Ant, Arlin, vanished, she dropped two magic stones.

One was a large black magic stone, the same size as those from other Queen Ants.

The other was a small, glowing black magic stone. The reason Arlin appeared to emit black light might have been because of this stone.

【Name】 Artificial Magic Stone
【Special】 —
【Value】 —
【Details】 A magic stone created through a specific special method.

When I showed this appraisal result to Zeke, he told me to never speak of it to anyone.

Third, the matter regarding Barnes, Ellie, and the beastmen.

Margrave Carmel had promised that if Barnes performed well during the defense of Almeria, he would be released from slavery. The Margrave honored that promise, granting freedom to the deceased Barnes and his daughter, Ellie.

As for the other beastmen, they said they were willing to serve Zeke, so he bought their contracts. Zeke is currently debating whether to make Guy, the leader of the [Black Three-Wolf Stars], the head of a slave knight order or have him help manage the dungeon.

Furthermore, when I conveyed Barnes's final will to the Margrave and Zeke, it was decided that Ellie would be placed in my care after her emancipation.

At first, Ellie would only open up to me, but she gradually warmed up to Clarice and Ike as well.

Once she grew a bit closer to Clarice, the two of us focused on breaking Ellie's curse.

We tried 《Heal》, 《Cure》, and even 《High Heal》—a spell I found in an intermediate Holy Magic tome—but there was no sign of the curse lifting.

But then, a miracle happened. When Clarice's Holy Magic reached Level 9, she gained the title 【Saintess】.

【Saintess】 A title given to the one who stands at the pinnacle of female Holy Magic users in this world. Recovery magic cast by the user also cures status ailments.

Thanks to this effect, the curse was successfully broken, and Ellie returned from her lion form to a human form.

As a human, Ellie had short blonde hair, a shade lighter than mine. Her eyes were a striking blue-gray. Her eyes were fully healed, with no scars remaining. She was an energetic-looking beautiful girl, yet she was quiet—almost unrecognizably so compared to her beast form.

She had human ears, not animal ones. No tail, either. Physically, you couldn't tell she was a beastkin at all.

However, perhaps because she was a beastkin, she was tall—about the same height as Clarice, who was already well-developed for her age thanks to her Holy Magic—and Ellie was… well, "developed" in various ways.

Once the curse was lifted, Ellie became even more clingy. It seemed she couldn't settle down unless she was touching me. She wanted to be with me when we dove into the dungeon, when I went to the toilet, when I took a bath, and even when I slept.

The day we succeeded in breaking the curse, Ellie walked in on me while I was washing my hair in the bath. I was genuinely terrified. Even if we used to bathe together when she was a lion, and even if she is only eight years old, there are limits.

That was bad for a number of reasons, not least of which was the potential to upset Clarice. And more than anything, I couldn't trust Ellie from the bottom of my heart… or rather, I was suspicious of her Unique Ability.

One day, Clarice and I steeled our resolve and confronted Ellie together.

We asked her if she was a reincarnator.

Ellie admitted it readily.

It seemed Ellie herself thought she was just a "rebirth," as she didn't retain many memories of her past life.

When I asked about the memories she did have, it turned out her previous life was also in this world. Is that what they call Samsara? Well, regardless, knowing that allowed me to trust her.

Though, just because I trust her doesn't mean we can bathe or sleep together…

On another day, when Ellie tried to crawl into my bed again, I politely refused her.

"…Papa said… take care of Ellie… he said leave it to you…"

She appealed to me with tears in her eyes.

No, look, I did say "leave it to me," but I don't think he meant that!

Besides, I have Clarice. If I keep being vague and end up hurting her more later, it’s better to be clear now.

The next day, when the three of us were together, I had a serious talk with Ellie.

"Ellie, I have Clarice. I like you too, Ellie, but I like Clarice the most. No, I love her. In the future, Clarice and I are going to get married."

The Bryant family had already "filled in the outer moat" so thoroughly that Clarice now called Zeke "Father," Maria "Mother," Ike "Brother," and was called "Big Sis" by Lina. But this was the first time I had clearly conveyed my feelings to her directly.

Clarice blushed at the unexpected confession. She looked happy—please, god, let that not be my misunderstanding!

However, Ellie's reaction to my words was unexpected.

"…I know… Ike… told me… Concubine…"

Eh? Concubine? What's a concubine?

"What is… a concubine?"

When I asked Clarice, she explained that nobles can take secondary wives, or "concubines," in addition to their legal wife. The number of concubines allowed depends on the rank.

A Baron can have one wife and one concubine. A Viscount, one wife and two concubines. High-ranking nobles, Count and above, have no limit. There are also "mistresses," but that implies only a physical relationship without official marriage status.

"Concubine, huh… Well, I'll think about it…"

In the end, things got vague again, but I did manage to clearly convey that Clarice is number one. Let's call that a win.

Ellie should have been nothing but a nuisance to Clarice. Yet, Clarice didn't treat her coldly; in fact, she actively looked after her.

When Ellie learned that Clarice and I were going to take the entrance exam for the Lister National School, she declared she would take it too. But there was a problem: she couldn't read or write.

Clarice taught her diligently, and now Ellie can manage to read.

Clarice would stand in the kitchen trying to get vegetable-hating Ellie to eat her greens, or wake Ellie up when she slept in.

Ellie opened her heart to Clarice's kindness, and I began to see changes in her expression.

She started showing Clarice the smiles she used to show only to me.

This relieved not just Clarice, but Zeke and Maria as well. They had been worried she wouldn't open up to anyone but me.

Though, Ellie only really opens up to those close to the Bryant family. If she's going to live a school life, she might struggle without a bit more sociability. Clarice and I discussed that we need to get her used to others gradually, even if we can't force it all at once.

Since Ellie regained her human form, the four of us—me, Ike, Clarice, and Ellie—started diving into dungeons more often.

First the Ilgusia Dungeon, and once Ellie's level rose, the Almeria Dungeon.

Here are the results.

【Name】 Mars Bryant
【Title】 Wind King / Goblin Slayer
【Status】 Human / Count Bryant Family Second Son
【Condition】 Good
【Age】 8
【Level】 25 (+2)
【HP】 150/150
【MP】 8601/8601
【Strength】 100 (+9)
【Agility】 108 (+10)
【Magic】 152 (+10)
【Dexterity】 136 (+12)
【Endurance】 97 (+9)
【Luck】 30
【Unique Ability】 Heavenly Gift (Lv MAX)
【Unique Ability】 Heavenly Eye (Lv 8)
【Unique Ability】 Lightning Magic S (Lv 3/20) (2→3)
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship B (Lv 8/17)
【Special Ability】 Taijutsu G (Lv 1/5) (NEW)
【Special Ability】 Fire Magic F (Lv 6/8)
【Special Ability】 Water Magic G (Lv 3/5)
【Special Ability】 Earth Magic G (Lv 4/5)
【Special Ability】 Wind Magic A (Lv 15/19)
【Special Ability】 Holy Magic C (Lv 7/15) (6→7)
【Equipment】 Salamander Sword (Fire Spirit Sword)
【Equipment】 Camouflage Bracelet

In my case, I gained one level from finishing off Arlin, and another from the subsequent dives in Almeria. My Dexterity went up because I was maintaining 《Sylphid》 while enchanting the Salamander Sword with Fire Magic during the Arlin fight. Incidentally, Ike officially passed the Salamander Sword down to me.

When I enchanted the Salamander Sword with Fire Magic and swung it while releasing built-up mana—like with 《Wind Impulse》—it launched a slash similar to Cyrus's Water Blade. I thought, "This is it!" and wanted to train with it, but I remembered Sasha saying that overuse could shatter the sword, so I held back despite my itch to try.

I learned Taijutsu (Unarmed Combat) because I spar with Ellie almost every day. When Taijutsu levels up, Strength and Agility both go up by 1. I confirmed this by watching Ellie's status, so there's no mistake.

Speaking of Ellie, her growth was phenomenal.

【Name】 Ellie Leo
【Title】 —
【Status】 Beastkin / Commoner
【Condition】 Good
【Age】 8
【Level】 15 (+14)
【HP】 100/100
【MP】 50/50
【Strength】 46 (+33)
【Agility】 56 (+43)
【Magic】 13 (+11)
【Dexterity】 29 (+19)
【Endurance】 36 (+26)
【Luck】 10
【Unique Ability】 Sound Magic G (Lv 1/5) (0→1)
【Special Ability】 Dagger Arts C (Lv 2/15) (0→2)
【Special Ability】 Taijutsu A (Lv 4/19) (1→4)
【Special Ability】 Wind Magic F (Lv 1/8) (0→1)
【Equipment】 Sylph Dagger (Wind Short Sword)
【Equipment】 Boots of Wind

Ellie is a complete vanguard type, befitting a beastkin, but she differs decisively from her father, the Golden Lion Barnes. Barnes had immense Strength growth, but for Ellie, it manifests in Agility.

Since she had a talent for Wind Magic, I gave her the Sylph Dagger I used to wear. She treats it like a treasure.

She also excels at enemy detection. In situations where 《Search》 would alert monsters to our presence, Ellie can detect them without being noticed.

The Boots of Wind we found in the Almeria Dungeon were also perfect for her.

【Name】 Boots of Wind
【Special】 Agility +1
【Value】
【Details】 By infusing mana, the wearer can kick off the air and walk in the sky.

This allows Ellie to move in three dimensions. Able to run through the air, she can easily take the enemy's rear, making our combat much more stable.

As for her Sound Magic, it's nothing flashy—it simply erases sound. However, erasing sound means erasing voices. If she casts Sound Magic on an opponent trying to chant a spell, their magic won't activate.

It's the ultimate Mage Killer magic. Though, since my Wind Magic is chantless, it doesn't hinder me.

Next, Clarice.

【Name】 Clarice Lampard
【Title】 Saintess
【Status】 Human / Baron Lampard Family Eldest Daughter
【Condition】 Good
【Age】 8
【Level】 29 (+2)
【HP】 136/136
【MP】 852/852
【Strength】 60 (+5)
【Agility】 65 (+6)
【Magic】 89 (+8)
【Dexterity】 97 (+8)
【Endurance】 58 (+4)
【Luck】 20
【Unique Ability】 Barrier Magic G (Lv 1/5)
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship C (Lv 5/15) (4→5)
【Special Ability】 Archery B (Lv 8/17)
【Special Ability】 Water Magic C (Lv 3/15)
【Special Ability】 Wind Magic G (Lv 1/5)
【Special Ability】 Holy Magic A (Lv 9/19) (8→9)
【Equipment】 Defender
【Equipment】 Magic Arrow
【Equipment】 Saintess Robe
【Equipment】 Mysterious Anklet
【Equipment】 Hair Ornament of Vowed Love
【Equipment】 Camouflage Bracelet

After the battle with the ants, Clarice must have felt her weakness in close combat, as she's been focusing on Swordsmanship. Of course, I'm her teacher.

When we return from the dungeon, the sound of our swords clashing echoes in the garden. Swords clashing. That's important, so I'll say it twice.

Finally, Ike.

【Name】 Ike Bryant
【Title】 —
【Status】 Human / Count Bryant Family Eldest Son
【Condition】 Good
【Age】 11
【Level】 27 (+2)
【HP】 161/161
【MP】 1235/1235
【Strength】 103 (+8)
【Agility】 77 (+5)
【Magic】 55 (+3)
【Dexterity】 44 (+3)
【Endurance】 96 (+6)
【Luck】 10
【Special Ability】 Swordsmanship C (Lv 6/15)
【Special Ability】 Spearmanship B (Lv 9/17) (8→9)
【Special Ability】 Fire Magic C (Lv 7/15)
【Equipment】 Flame Lance
【Equipment】 Robe of the Fire Phantom Beast Ifrit
【Equipment】 Bracelet of Fire

His stats have gone up, but his biggest growth is physical. He's easily over 160 centimeters tall now.

Today is the day Ike departs Almeria to take the entrance exam for the Lister National School.

The Lister National School is a five-year program. If he passes, he will live in the dorms in the Lister Federation for five years. Ike is heading there with Zeke and [Red Wing].

While Zeke is away, we'll all work together, led by Maria, to fill the void.

"Ike-nii. Please take care of yourself. We'll be heading there in three years."

"Ike-nii, please don't party too hard, okay?"

"…Bye bye…"

Clarice and Ellie each said their piece. Ellie was brief as usual.

[Blue Fang] and the [Black Three-Wolf Stars] also offered their farewells.

Finally, Maria went to Ike with Lina, hugging him tightly.

"If anything happens, you can come home anytime, okay?"

She spoke through tears, while Lina wailed, rubbing snot onto Ike's stomach.

Once they calmed down, Ike declared his resolve to everyone gathered.

"I will definitely pass the exam and achieve excellent grades, so please expect great things!"

Then, he whispered to me as I stood in the front row.