Kays Translations

Chapter 88: Sophia and Liana Reunite

—Thor’s point of view—

This is the residence of Princess Sophia in the town of Nosa.

In its living room, Agnis and I were having tea.

“So we wait here until Princess Sophia and the others finish talking.”

We came to the town of Nosa to discuss the investigation of the magical beasts.

We were in front of the town gate because we had arrived early. We were waiting for Princess Sophia to return.

Though, I didn’t expect to run into Princess Liana there.

“…I didn’t realize she was a princess at all,”

Agnis said beside me.

“She treated us normally too. She didn’t act high and mighty at all…”

“Exactly.”

It was completely different from the image I’d had of Princess Liana up to now.

Still, it’s true that she’s Princess Sophia’s younger sister.

After all, the winged pixie Soleil detected light magic power from her.

“Thanks, Soleil. For finding Princess Liana.”

“It was an honor to be of service.”

Soleil said while curled up in white cat mode on my lap.

On the chair next to me, Agnis and Rune, in black cat mode, both nodded.

Soleil and Rune had arrived in town ahead of us.

Then, when we met at the tea shop, Soleil said:

‘From that girl, I sense light magic very similar to Princess Sophia’s.’

—That’s what she said.

When I took a proper look at the girl who introduced herself as Layla, I realized she did resemble Princess Sophia.

About the same height.

Same eye color, same jawline.

When I imagined her hair colored like cherry blossoms, she looked exactly like Princess Sophia.

That’s when I finally realized she was Princess Liana.

After that, I asked Rune to inform Princess Sophia.

Then we stopped Princess Liana, who had gone outside the town.

As a result, Princess Sophia and Princess Liana were able to reunite safely.

“But still, it’s strange.”

Agnis tilted her head.

“Why would a princess of the empire disguise herself and come to this town? And why try to leave without seeing Princess Sophia?”

“Yeah, that’s what I found strange too.”

If Princess Liana had come for the magical beast investigation, there’d be no need for a disguise. It was odd she only had one subordinate with her.

If she’d come to see Princess Sophia, it made no sense to leave without doing so.

Also… when she reunited with Princess Sophia, Princess Liana looked like she was about to cry.

“I really don’t know anything about what kind of person Princess Liana is.”

What I do know is that she used the Holy Sword in the battle against the magical beast Gargarossa.

And that after the battle, she tried to recruit me. But Rukie turned her down firmly. It was a request to continue making magic items for the imperial family.

But the Princess Liana I saw just now didn’t act high and mighty at all.

She treated us, whom she thought to be ordinary townspeople, with kindness.

She seemed like a completely different person from what I’d heard.

“Well, I’m just glad Princess Sophia is happy.”

“Me too.”

“Yes.” “Indeed.”

Agnis and I exchanged glances and nodded, as did Soleil and Rune.

Princess Sophia and Princess Liana were talking upstairs.

So as not to disturb the reunion of the sisters, the second floor was currently off-limits.

“I wonder what they’re talking about…”

We continued to sip our tea as we waited for their conversation to end.

—Sophia’s Perspective—

“It’s been a while since we’ve talked like this, hasn’t it, Liana?”

Sophia, dressed in her gown, spoke to her younger sister.

It felt strange to see her sister in her private room in Nosa.

Especially with her hair dyed chestnut brown and dressed like a village girl—it was all the more odd.

When Sophia saw her from the carriage, she hadn’t recognized her as her sister, Liana.

She had just felt that there was something curious about the girl.

But shortly after returning to the residence, the winged pixie Rune came and informed her:

‘Soleil has found a girl with strong light magic. Could she perhaps be Your Highness’s younger sister?’

—That’s what she said.

So, Sophia went outside the town in disguise, together with Isaac.

In the meantime, Thor and Agnis were stalling Liana.

That’s how Sophia was able to meet her twin sister again.

And yet—

“Please look up, Liana.”

Sophia’s twin sister kept her head down the whole time.

As if facing a stranger for the first time, she wouldn’t meet her eyes.

“It’s been so long since we last saw each other—what’s wrong?”

“I… I don’t know anymore.”

After a moment, Liana murmured quietly.

“The one before me… you’re Sophia-oneesan, right?”

“Of course, I’m your twin sister, Sophia.”

Sophia peered into Liana’s face.

“Why would you ask something like that?”

“Because… the sister before me now is too different from the one I knew.”

“I see.”

Sophia nodded as if she understood.

Liana had only ever seen the frail version of Sophia.

She was probably surprised to see her sister walking around energetically and governing a town.

“It’s no wonder Liana is confused.”

Let’s keep the footbaths and fizzy baths a secret—Sophia thought.

(It’s probably best not to let the Empire know about Thor Canaan-sama’s abilities.)

(It’s a little painful to lie to Liana, though…)

As she thought about these things, Sophia continued.

“When I came to this border region, I got better. Maybe it’s the climate, maybe it’s the change in food… or maybe it’s the magical energy of the land. I’m not sure. But I’ve become able to go out like this.”

“So that’s why Sister is now able to stand up to magical beasts?”

“Huh?”

“Thanks to the land’s magical power, you became able to summon guardian spirits, awakened a power to talk with animals, were acknowledged by the Demon Lord’s territory, and even discovered a hot spring, didn’t you?”

“Uh, Liana… What are you talking about…?”

“I really didn’t understand anything about you, Sister…”

Liana muttered with vacant eyes.

“Sister, you’ve awakened like a hero… The next time I see you, you might have wings on your back and be flying through the sky. Sister… you’ve evolved… super evolved…”

“Get a hold of yourself, Liana!”

As Sophia placed her hands on her sister’s shoulders and shook her, Liana began to speak about the rumors she had heard in town.

Hearing the details, Sophia said with an exasperated look,

“You’re so silly, Liana.”

Just like when they were children, Sophia gave her little sister’s forehead a gentle poke.

“Who takes rumors at face value? You’re really clumsy with things like this, you know.”

“So they’re just rumors?”

“That’s right. The stories probably got exaggerated along the way.”

“Then Sister didn’t fight magical beasts, or seal them with guardian spirits, or talk to animals, or get recognized by the Demon Lord, or discover a hot spring?”

“They’re rumors. Not everything… is true…”

“…Thank goodness.”

The strength drained from Liana’s body.

She slumped into a chair, tears welling in her eyes as she looked at her sister.

“I was so worried. I thought… maybe Sister had become a completely different person. And…”

“And?”

“I’ve never really… considered your feelings, Sister.”

Saying that, Liana bowed her head to her sister.

“After Grandpa Zagran was gone… and you were gone too… I didn’t know what to do. I never really… thought for myself before.”

“Liana…”

“I always thought I was protecting you, Sister. I believed that if I achieved enough, your status would improve, and one day we could live together again. That’s why I did anything I could to gain achievements. Even using myself or others as tools… I didn’t care…”

Her voice trembled.

Tears spilled from eyes the same color as Sophia’s.

“But that was just my selfish assumption. Grandpa Zagran… sent you to a place like this without me even knowing…”

Forgetting to wipe her tears, Liana continued.

“After you were gone, I felt so anxious… I couldn’t decide anything on my own. I thought I was protecting you, but in reality, you were the one protecting me. Then I was assigned to investigate the border region… and His Grace the Archduke told me to go see you…”

“It’s all right now, Liana.”

Before she realized it, Sophia had embraced Liana.

Just like when they were little, she gently stroked her back.

“Sister, you told me so many times… not to blindly believe Grandpa Zagran’s words… but I didn’t listen. I was so focused on achievements… That’s why…”

“It’s all right now. You don’t have to cry anymore… Liana.”

Saying that, Sophia continued to gently stroke her sister’s back.

Sophia felt that it was her responsibility, too, that Liana had turned out this way.

Minister of Military Affairs, Zagran, had tried to raise Liana to fulfill his own ambitions.

He used his position as her tutor to mold her into a tool for his own advancement.

Even though Sophia had realized it, she hadn’t been able to stop it. All she could do, trapped in the detached palace, was to give Liana warnings.

And Zagran’s education did align with the Empire’s ideals.

However, during the “Demonic Beast Gargarossa Subjugation Battle” in the Demon Lord’s Domain, Liana experienced defeat.

She was defeated by a demonic beast and saved by the Demon Lord’s Domain.

It was a defeat not only to the demonic beast, but also to the Demon Lord’s Domain.

The Demon Lord’s Domain—or more likely, Thor, the one who created the magic item that was the source of its power—taught Liana the meaning of defeat.

That was probably the turning point for Liana.

(…Thank you, Thor Canaan. And you as well, Demon Lord.)

In her heart, Sophia gave thanks to Thor and Rukie.

“…Onee-san.”

“Yes, Liana? What is it?”

“Will you return to the Imperial Capital with me?”

Liana looked at Sophia with eyes swollen from crying.

“From now on, I will achieve accomplishments that no one can rival. I’ll defeat new species of demonic beasts and capture the one who controls them. With that achievement, I’ll make sure to bring you back to the capital, Onee-san!”

“I appreciate the sentiment. But I don’t need such accomplishments.”

“Onee-san?”

“I plan to live here, in this borderland.”

Sophia said so with a smile.

Seeing that, Liana’s eyes widened.

“I’ve never seen you smile so happily, Onee-san…”

“Is that so?”

“It’s strange. Onee-san, did something happen to you in this land?”

“I found a purpose for my life.”

Sophia closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her chest.

Thinking of the person who had once touched that place, she said—

“My life—Sophia Dolgaria’s life—will be used for the peace and prosperity of this borderland. If my status as a princess gets in the way, then I’ll discard it. For the sake of someone dear I found here.”

“…Onee-san.”

“I suppose it sounds dramatic, though.”

Sophia said with a small smile.

To her, this was like a vow.

A declaration to her twin sister Liana—that she had found something truly important.

“I’ve found someone I cherish. I’ve decided to devote my life for that person.”

“…I don’t quite understand.”

“I see. It’s still a bit early for you, Liana.”

“But Onee-san, we’re the same age, aren’t we? We’re twins, right?”

“Yes, that’s true. I’m sorry, Liana.”

“Onee-san… you’ve truly changed.”

Liana let out a long sigh.

“I… wasn’t able to change at all. Why have we become so different, even though we’re twins…?”

“Maybe… it’s because I was weak.”

“Because you were weak?”

“I was physically weak and lacked the strength to fight. The one I admire… he also had no combat skills. Because of that, we were treated as weak in the Empire.”

Sophia spoke.

“But… that’s precisely why both he and I have always searched for ways to survive.”

Sophia read many books in the detached palace, learning about the age of heroes and the affairs of the Empire.

Thor had also honed his alchemy to survive.

Now, both of them were putting that knowledge to use.

(Of course, Thor Canaan-sama has had it much harder than I have.)

That’s why Sophia respected Thor.

She wanted to understand him, and she hoped to walk alongside him.

That was Sophia’s current feeling.

“Onee-san, you were weak. But I… I was strong.”

“Yes. That’s why you didn’t need to change, Liana.”

Sophia gazed steadily into her younger sister’s eyes.

“But Liana, you’ve already realized that things can’t go on the way they have been, haven’t you?”

“Yes, Sister.”

“Then from now on, learn from someone other than Zagran. Interact with the weak—the townspeople—and learn from them. You can do it, Liana. Because you are my precious little sister.”

“…Onee-san.”

“I’ll be watching over you from here.”

“You truly… aren’t going back to the imperial capital, are you?”

After some time had passed, Liana spoke.

She must have understood Sophia’s resolve.

“I’m here for you, Liana. If you’re in trouble, write to me. If you’re ever lost, come to me anytime.”

“But I want to do something that will help you, Sister.”

“In that case, become someone who governs the country justly, as a princess of the empire.”

“Someone who governs the country justly…?”

“If the empire is at peace, I’ll be able to live here in peace too, won’t I?”

“That would… help you, Onee-san?”

“Yes. And the people, as well.”

Sophia said this as she gently stroked Liana’s hair.

“…I understand. Sister.”

Liana wiped her tears and nodded.

Seeing that, Sophia looked relieved and released her hold on Liana’s body.

As Sophia quietly gazed at her little sister, Liana stood up from her chair and said:

“As your little sister… I, Liana, will live a life I can be proud of. Like you, I will think of the people, protect them, and become someone they admire. I promise you, Sister Sophia.”

“Yes. Liana.”

Sophia nodded with relief.

“I must reflect as well. I didn’t realize you were struggling so much.”

“…There are some things that are just too embarrassing to tell you, Onee-san.”

“You’ll feel better if you say them out loud, you know?”

“Will I, really?”

“Your mistakes are also mine. If there’s someone you wish to apologize to, I’ll apologize with you.”

“If you’re willing to go that far, Sister…”

Liana lifted her head with newfound resolve.

Then, looking straight at her twin sister:

“…Let’s see. For example… during the subjugation battle against the magical beast Gargarossa, I told the soldiers to fight for the empire and our honor. But I couldn’t even defeat the beast myself…”

“When you return to the capital, tell the soldiers, ‘I’m grateful for your efforts.’ How about training with them and getting to know them better?”

“Not only that, I declared on the spot that ‘the Demon Lord’s territory is no match for the empire.’ And after saying something so offensive… I ended up being saved by the Demon Lord. Such a disgrace…”

“I will speak with His Majesty the Demon Lord. If they know what you said, I will apologize. If they don’t, we will make amends by developing the trade post the Demon Lord’s domain requested.”

“That’s not all…”

Tears welled up in Liana’s eyes.

“I also demanded that the alchemist the Demon Lord holds dear be handed over to me… and I even said, ‘Though of low status, I want you to dedicate yourself as an alchemist in service to the empire.’”

“…Eh?”

“I told you about it before, didn’t I? That I wanted the alchemist.”

“…No… I didn’t hear the details.”

“I see. But what I told the Demon Lord and her people was… extremely rude. I must have been out of my mind at that time. I could only see everything as a means to achieve results… and I was terribly disrespectful to that Demon Lord.”

“…………”

“But still, Onee-san, you’ve developed such friendly relations with the Demon Lord’s territory that you’re building a trade post on the border, right?”

“…………”

“I’ll send a sincere letter of apology as well. And if that’s not enough, I’ll wield my sword to protect them. For the benefit of those from the Demon Lord’s territory. Please, Onee-san, I want you to deliver it for me.”

“…………”

“Once the subjugation of the new species of magical beasts is complete, I’ll write to the Demon Lord, apologizing for my rude words… Um, Onee-san… what’s wrong? Y-you’re smiling, aren’t you? But your face is kind of scary… um, Onee-san?”

“Liana.”

“Yes?”

“Sit down for a moment. No, not on the chair. On the floor. We need to talk.”

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