Chapter 56 Afterwards

Sakura-sama! Youve woken up!? Thank goodness

When I looked around the room with my head in a daze, Chiffon-san, who just entered the room, opened her eyes in surprise for an instant, then immediately rushed over to my side.

Chiffon-san?Huh? I?

I wonder why Chiffon-san is here? If Chiffon-san is here, that means, this place is the castle?

Why am I here?

If I remember correctly, I went jogging, then got abducted by some weird men

tsu tsu tsu(note: sound of sucking in air(?), not sure)

My body trembled after I remembered.

Right, thatojou-samamade me drink that drug

Sakura-sama? Are you feeling unwell?

I got startled by Chiffon-sans concerned voice and looked up.

Thats not good, Ive made them worry.

Im okay. Nothing shouldve been done.

Even when I try to recall the events of that time, as if a haze appeared after I drank that drug, I couldnt remember it clearly.

However, I believe the worst case scenario didnt happen.

No, Im okay. Leaving that aside, why am I in the castle?

Although I feel nauseated when I try to remember, I somehow held it back and tried asking.

Sakura-sama do you not remember? Sakura-sama hasnt woken up in two days you know?

Two days? Was I sleeping for two days?

Sakura-sama, are you not hungry? Since you were sleeping this entire time, it would be better to eat somethingne. Let me bring something, even if its soup.

Without saying anything further, Chiffon-san left the room.

I somewhat understand that Im being immensely looked after.

After my head cleared a little, I looked around the room once again.

Ive seen this several times, the castles guestroom.

As for my clothing its a thin nightgown1. I wonder if Chiffon-san changed my clothes?

While I was somewhat thinking of such things, Chiffon-san returned.

Sakura-sama, please drink this slowly.

I sat down by the edge of the bed and was handed a bowl filled with soup and a spoon.

The bowl had no garnishes, a potage.

Did she take into consideration to give me something to eat that wouldnt surprise my stomach after not eating for two days?2

I slowly put the spoon in my mouth while thinking about that.

Thank you for the meal.

After I slowly finishing the potage, Chiffon-san took the bowl from me and smiled as if she was relieved.

And so,um, Chiffon-san. ISAKURA!

The moment I tried asking why I was here, the door vigorously opened and Prince Sedrim entered.

Prince?

When the Prince saw that I was awake, he expressed a relieved expression and walked towards me.

Thank goodness youre safe!

And then he tightly embraced me.

Although it seemed the Prince said also something else, my mind was filled with something else.

Being touched by a man.

As soon my mind was filled with that, the next thing that came to mind was fear.

I remembered those mens hands and that I couldnt move.

My body started trembling and tears swelled up in my eyes.

Sakura?

Whether he noticed my trembling, the Prince unwrapped his arms that were embracing me, then looked into my face.

No stay away. No

Those words leaked out from

my trembling lips, furthermore, my tears started flowing.

Your Highness! Please separate from Sakura-sama!

Chiffon-sans, voice.

And at the same time, I was gently wrapped up in something soft.

Sakura-sama, youre safe now. Because Im here for you!3

Together with her voice, my hair was gently stroked.

Although my trembling body gradually calmed down, my tears didnt stop.

While I buried my face in Chiffon-sans chest, I somehow held back my tears.

Sakura

When I somewhat calmed down, the Princes voice and his stretched out hand was reflected in my eyes.

I clung onto Chiffon-san as my body trembled in surprise.

The Prince seemed uneasy after losing the place he was extending his hand to.

Your Highness. Please do not touch Sakura-sama.

As if Chiffon-san was protecting me, she hugged me tightly.

Sorry

I heard a muttered voice from the Prince.

I apologize , I was busy with something. Once youve calmed down, could I ask for your story?

When I raised my head towards a new voice, the King and Len-san, as well as the Prime Minister and the Squad Captain was here.

But, Sakura-sama is. Shes still terribly frightened right now. And yet, to have that talk, isnt that too harsh?4

Chiffon-san objected while she increased the power in her arms that were hugging me.

I understand that, but its also necessary for us to investigate immediately. According to Len-sans story, it seems Sakuras sorcery went on a rampage. It was on a considerably large scale as well. We need to find a way to deal with that. Besides that, its also regarding the person who abducted Sakura.

I understand.

Chiffon-san nodded her head with an unwilling feeling from the Kings instructions.

Well then, can you tell us what you encountered?

Urged by the King, I spoke of the events of when I was abducted bit by bit while tightly hugging onto Chiffon-san.

About being surrounded by men when I was returning from my jog and fainting, about meeting thatojou-samawhen I woke up in that dim room, and then the words of theojou-sama. After that, drinking that drug

I spoke about what I remembered with a detached tone.

Maybe it was it thanks to me doing my best to state only the truth so I wasnt thinking about anything else, my heart wasnt too disturbed.5

Should I say it was fortunate? Chiffon-san testified that the worse didnt happen.6

Chiffon-san, how did you check?

So its that woman!

The Prince tightly grasped his hands when he finished hearing my story, and spitted out those words.

Ive heard about that suspicious rumour so far but Interrogate her immediately no matter what!7

Sedrim! Calm down. Our talk still hasnt ended yet.

The King chided the Prince who seemed to want to immediately fly out.

Although the Prince appeared dissatisfied, he didnt seem to disobey.

And so, Sakura-san. At the time we rushed to that room, Sakura-sans sorcery was running wild, but. Do you not remember it?

Taking the place of the King, Len-san asked a question this time.

No, I dont remember. The events after I drank the drug, is only vague

Is that so. Perhaps that cant be helped. Judging from appearance, that drug they made you drink at that time, they gave you several times more than youd normally have. That drug normally, around several drops of it dripped in a drink will have plenty of effects.

Theres also a possibility of it disabling a person for life if its handled poorly, that terrifying thing was told to me.

I became frightened after feeling thatojou-samasmalice once again8

Which means if you think about it, falling unconscious was expected.

Please wait a moment. Sakura-sama hasnt used sorcery up until now right? But despite that, can sorcery be used unconsciously?9

That was Chiffon-san. A most reasonable questionne.

Normally, its not possible. However, I believe its possible if its Sakura-san. As for the reason, it concerns the basis of sorcery, in order to use sorcery, the energy within your own body, which could be called the source of mana, needs to be recognized before you can begin. Although that energy converts into mana to use sorcery, what Sakura-san callski, can also be used to do that. Mana andki, Ive heard they both trace back to the same energy. And Sakuras previous existence was Lyle-shi. In other words, its theoretically possible to use sorcery.

Len-san calmly spoke his analysis.

However, what interrupted that was Chiffon-sans voice.

Please wait a moment! Sakura-samas previous existence you say. This is the first time Ive heard such a thing!

Aah, every person here knows other than Chiffon-san

Well postpone that matter. Len, continue speaking.

Since it was the Kings orders, it seems Chiffon-san has no choice but to be silent.

Yes. The problem is even though Sakura-san couldnt use sorcery until now, why could she suddenly use it, is the question. Although its just a guess from here on. I believe its the result of the sorcery sealing magic tool. A sorcery sealing magic tool isnt something that strictly seals mana. Just like I explained earlier, a sorcery seal has an effect of obstructing the conversion of the source of mana into mana. If Im to further simplify it, if we assume the typical efficiency of converting the source of mana into mana is 10, in the situation where a sorcery sealing magic tool is used, the efficiency will be less than 1. As a result of that, the mana necessary to use sorcery will be insufficient, and youll lose the ability to use sorcery. Of course, according to that, sorcery can be invoked if you increase the amount of mana, but because if its a common magician, theyll unconsciously use only the necessary amount for that sorcery and wont be able to utilize the mana, so the ability to use sorcery is essentially lost.10

Houhou, there wasnt this sort of magic tool 25 years ago so this is my first time knowing about it.

Rather, is this a classified matter?

Is it okay to talk about it this easily?

In a place outside of those sorts worries I had, Len-san continued his lecture.

And perhaps, I believe the smallest amount of magic source Sakura-san can use is too large. When a magician converts mana source into mana, they use a thing thats sort of like a passageway to convert it. I believe Sakura-sans mana source is too large in contrast to that passageway. Could it be as a result of that, it cant be converted into mana? I dont know aboutkibut. At the very least, Sakura-san has several typical magicians worth of mana as far as I can sense. With the sorcery sealing magic tool, your mana source finally became a size that could be converted, is what I think to be the most logical.

Eh? Perhaps if I wear a sorcery sealing magic tool, Ill be able to use sorcery?

Im slightly anticipating it.

Sakura-san, can you use sorcery right now?

Im slightly confused at how this talk went in this direction, but Ill try it out for now.

What I desire is a small flame.

I tried using basic sorcery, but as expected, it didnt invoke.

Seeing that, Len-san took out something from this breast pocket.

That was handcuffs

Im sorry. Although its unpleasant, could I have you wear it?

I understand what he wants to say.

But thats, something that remind me of the events of that time.

Sakura-sama

Chiffon-sans directed her concerned voice towards me who wasnt moving.

I muttered its okay in my mind several times, then opened my mouth.

Chiffon-san, please.

The reason why I didnt ask Len-san was as expected, its because Im scared to touch him.

If he doesnt approach and hes at a fixed distance, I dont think about it but

With a gachari sound, the handcuffs were attached to my arm.

Well then will you be okay?

I returned a nod at Len-sans words, then attempted sorcery once again.

What I desire is a small flame.

In an instant, bo, a small flame lit up slightly above my fingertip.

Ooh.

The people in the room raised a surprised voice.

Because Im handcuffed in my current state, I wasnt in a good condition.11

Although I can use sorcery thanks to the sorcery sealing magic tool, I wont be able to useqigong.

I tried it, but as expected, it seems I cant useqigong.

If its the explanation Len-san gave earlier, it seems I might be able to use it if I knead even moreki, but Ill probably collapse if I do that. Even if it works, theres no point if Im tired out and cant move

Besides, even if I can use sorcery, I dont want to do something like wearing a handcuff.

When I conveyed that, Len-san said it was all right.

If thats the case, its fine if we make a different object right? Let me see would a bracelet or ring, or things like a necklace be okay?Aah, I think it would be fine if we restrict it so only the mana conversion effect is applied. I think it can be prepared in three days.

Although he said it was very easy, according to Len-san, since I understand the theory, all thats left is to make it. No, hes certainly right but I believe its not as easy as you say you know?

It appears my former worthless pupil seems to have completely grown during these 25 years.

When I asked why the royal court mage, Len-san, would prepare something like that, because it was the Princes fault that you were troubled., is what he said12. If thats the case, Ill accept it without reservation.

Oh? I have a feeling most of my troubles are related to the Prince

Come to think of it, why am I in the castle?

After our general talk had finished, I tried asking a question I had thought of after I slightly calmed down.

A reply was quickly returned.

One of the knights saw the place where Sakura was taken tona. He came and reported it to me. Because of that, I brought along the Chivalric Order in order to rescue you but Sakura had fainted after we got there so I brought you to the castle.

Because hell have a peace of mind since its the castle, so he says.

Although I dont quite remember it, did I faint? In addition, I also slept for two days was it the result of the drug?

Len-san gave me an answer to those questions.

I think its because you overused your mana. It seems at the time Sakura-sans sorcery went on a rampage, you were mostly unconscious. Thats quite a good thing since your sorcery went on a rampage.Aah, regarding the drug, you were detoxified after you arrived here. Since we understood what kind of drug was used on you.

A, so it was caused by exhausting my mana huh. It mightve been quite dangerous sleeping for two days.

Though I said it lightly, normally, even if you exhausted your mana, you would be able to recover in around a few hours ~ one day. Its said its because of a limiter that works unconsciously13. However, in that situation where I was hardly conscious and running wild, my mana will be used while disregarding the limiter. If it goes badly, it might also effect ones life. Should I say it was a blessing in disguise that I fainted before that happened?

Now then, that dukes household needs to be executedna.

Everyone was surprised at the Kinds sudden statement.

King, you have an evil smile you know?

But father. Even if you say execute, to give a punishment for the this times incident is. Its certain that theyre guilty of this incident, but the victim, Sakura, is a commoner. Its frustrating but, we cannot do that sort of heavy punishment.

Aah, thatojou-samais from a dukes family and Im just a commonerne. Im sure I cant expect anything significant.

fun, I understand that much. Its not just this times incident. It also includes their deeds up until now. Hey, Len. Isnt that right?

-grin-, while smiling, the King looked at Len-san.

Like I said, thats an evil smile.

Yes. There were four similar incidents that have happened in the past as far as weve investigated. Several other somewhat unpardonable deeds were also discovered. The parent, the Duke-sama, has also accepted bribes from other nobles, unjustly increased the tax rate on their territory, furthermore, theyre growing prohibited drugs in their territory. Well, there seems to be various other things besides those though.

While showing a wry smile, Len-san read out the documents that he pulled out from his breast pocket.

Thatojou-sama, does she do these sorts of things every time? A womans jealously is scaryne Also that chubby old man as well, so he was a bad person just like he appeared huh.

No, leaving that aside, why does Len-san know about those sorts of things? Rather, when did he investigate it?

Ive been investigating that dukes household since long ago. Ive been performing various things behind the scenes you see.

He explained while looking in my direction.

Eh? How did he understand what I was thinking?

Its written on your face, you know.

Saying that, Len-san made a wry smile once more.

Oh? Am I that easy to understand?

Anyway, Sakura still isnt in her usual condition right? You should take your time and rest until youre better.

Those were the words of the Prince.

U~n, although you can say I can walk a little, Im slightly unsteady.

Since he insisted, I decided to be under their care at least until I could walk properly

Although I said that, it didnt take very much time, I could steady walk on my feet by the afternoon.

Since Ive recovered up til here, I think Ill be fine after this.

Although I was detained by Chiffon-san when I tried to return home, there are circumstances where I cant be away from home for such a long time.

As for the circumstances its the refrigerator.

Its already been two and a half days since Ive returned home. Although I think its still okay, it would be dangerous if I neglected the ingredients any further.

If it wasnt for that, I wouldve considered being in their care for a bit longer though. Men are still scary.

For that sort of reason, I returned to my house after two and a half days.

By the way, the ingredients were safe.

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