3 bar menu

Chapter 57.7: Leonhart, Part 3

「What are you two doing?」

The Witch had used large-scale magic, so as one of the demonfolk, he must have sensed the disturbance and flew over. For all his grumbling, he clearly could not help worrying about the kindred he had finally found.

Yet perhaps five hundred years had been too long even for him, for Nikolaus tended to be harsh with the Witch. To prevent her from being blamed again, Leonhart explained how greatly she had contributed.

「Witch-dono assisted in constructing the base. …It is nearly complete. All that remains is to bring in supplies and smaller equipment, and it should be usable immediately.」

「…………You really do use large-scale magic without hesitation. If you keep throwing magic around like that, don’t blame me if you run yourself dry.」

Following Nikolaus’s irritated glare toward the Witch, Leonhart looked at her as well. She stood with her arms crossed and a faint smile, showing no sign of fatigue, but if Nikolaus had gone so far as to voice concern, she must have expended a considerable amount of magic power.

「I have heard that magical exhaustion in the demonfolk produces more severe symptoms than in other races…」

Leonhart himself had experienced magical exhaustion before. It had happened during an investigation of the demonic territory and had interfered with combat. Even so, running out of magic did not render one unable to move.

But for the demonfolk, magic was practically synonymous with life force. It was said they did not age because their vast reserves of magic dominated their bodies, repeatedly regenerating them. If they were to exhaust even the magic required to sustain themselves, what then?

「That’s right. You people might just be unable to use magic and feel tired, but for us, if our magic drops too low, we turn sick, and in the worst case, we could weaken and die.」

So it truly was a matter of life and death. Leonhart had never once considered that the Witch, an overwhelmingly long-lived being, might lose her life before him. The thought filled him with sudden anxiety.

Ordinary humans would not devote themselves to others at the cost of their own lives. But this gentle Witch, these demons who had once risked their lives to protect all other races five hundred years ago, such a thing would not be out of character for them.

「Witch-dono, are we perhaps pushing you too far? If so, please, do not do such things again, and take better care of yourself.」

The Witch smiled and shook her head. Did that mean 「This much is no problem」? Or did it mean 「Even if I must wear myself down somewhat, I will not stop helping others」? It could be taken either way, and the inability to exchange words left him uneasy.

Perhaps his concern showed too clearly on his face, for the Witch tilted her head lightly as if in thought, then walked over to him with measured steps. Before him, she opened the fist she had been holding closed. Resting in her palm was a tiny plant with small leaves, something she had apparently created with magic.

(It was almost like she was performing a magic trick. …She must be trying to cheer me up.)

She could still use magic, and this much was nothing, there was no need to worry. That must have been the intent behind creating this plant. Normally it grew three leaves, but on rare occasions it would mutate and sprout four. The four-leaf was regarded as a symbol of good fortune, a common design used as a gift for someone whose happiness one wished for, or for someone dear.

The Witch showed it to Leonhart and held it out without moving. …Was this a small gift from her?

「…Witch-dono, is this… for me?」

When the Witch nodded, Leonhart gently accepted the four-leaf. …Was she wishing him happiness? It might not be the same as the happiness he wished for her, but it still made him glad.

She readily created things useful for food, clothing, shelter, and medicine, but very few people had ever received something that served no practical purpose. …At least, as far as Leonhart knew, he alone had been given such a thing.

(It’s just an ordinary four-leaf… and yet it feels so precious.)

An utterly commonplace four-leaf seemed special. He tucked it into his breast pocket, resolving to treat it later so it would last as long as possible.

He noticed a dissatisfied gaze directed at him and gave a small, inward smile. …Until now, Leonhart himself had likely cast similar looks at that person.

「…Hmph. So you’re saying you still have some to spare. Thanks to you, our plans will need revising. We’d better return to the inn and resume the meeting. I’ll take this knight with me, so go home. …And don’t waste any more magic, rest, you fool.」

Though his words were rough, the meaning was concern, go home and rest. Hearing that, the Witch seemed to understand her fellow’s feelings and, smiling faintly, began walking back toward her house.

Leonhart watched her retreating figure, and only once she was out of sight did Nikolaus turn toward him, brows furrowed, his expression sharp enough to seem on the verge of clicking his tongue.

「I’ll say this, demonfolk like us and you people are different.」

Leonhart was not so dull as to miss the meaning of those words. It was something he himself had been thinking moments earlier.

Demons and other races had different lifespans. The time they lived was vastly different. Though not immortal, demons were ageless, and so long as nothing unforeseen occurred, they would live for a span approaching eternity. Because of that, even when they grew close to other races, there were almost no cases of 「romantic」 involvement.

Demons and other races perceived time differently, and therefore the time required to nurture love differed as well. It was said that for a demon to love another race, there simply was not enough time.

(I know without being told. …I will remind myself of that as many times as necessary. Witch-dono and I are far too different.)

That was why he must not expect her to direct romantic affection toward him, nor must he wish for it. It would be a futile, barren love. …Having understood that, Leonhart had resolved that he would be content with his one-sided love for the rest of his life.

「Yes, I understand well. I shall keep it firmly in mind.」

Placing a hand over his chest as if making a vow, he felt the presence of the four-leaf tucked there and answered Nikolaus with a smile. This was enough for him, he sought nothing more. …He truly understood.

「…Hmph. Then we’ll confirm what that Witch has done. You’re coming too.」

「Yes, of course.」

Perhaps somewhat satisfied, Nikolaus turned away with an expression of boredom and seemed intent on inspecting the base. Leonhart followed after him… all the while thinking how enviable it was that Nikolaus would continue to share the same stretch of time as the Witch.