Kays Translations

Chapter 29: A Lesson from the Opposite Side

The noisy voice of cicadas can be heard.

The sunlight, now tilting slightly to the west, shines brightly.

The amber-colored sphere is illuminated by that sunlight.

It's Adashi Harunaga's relic.

I pick it up and become troubled.

...What should I do with this?

While holding the relic in my hand and pondering, the snow Princess next to me speaks up.

"Itsuki, what's that?"

"This is a relic. It's left behind when a monster above 'Sixth Rank' dies."

"Meaning it's a memento of that exorcist?"

"A memento... Yes, that might be it."

Normally, a memento is something left by someone who has died, but if we consider it as a possession left behind, the term 'memento' wouldn't be wrong either.

"I see. So that exorcist is dead."

"Yeah. That's right. He's dead."

Harunaga probably didn't want to die.

In that aspect, we might have been similar. I didn't want to die either, so I became strong.

But there's one significant difference between Harunaga and me.

I sought ways to become stronger to avoid death.

Harunaga found a way to survive by using others and becoming a monster himself.

I tightly grip the relic and let out a deep breath.

He was a teacher in a way, wasn't he?

Since being reincarnated, I've encountered various people.

I wanted to become like my father or the adults like Renji-san.

Nina-chan's determination to pursue her dreams without fear inspired me.

I desired to acquire the kindness that Aya-chan possesses.

But Harunaga was the complete opposite.

He was someone I resolved never to become like.

As I reconsider my principles in life, the snow Princess heaves a sigh of relief.

"Then, I will withdraw."

"Withdraw?"

However, the snow Princess doesn't respond to my question and her eyes change from blue to black.

She has returned to being Aya-chan, and the moment I thought that, Aya-chan began to look distressed.

"Wait, Itsuki-kun!"

"W-What's wrong?"

"I remember everything now. The snow Princess froze my magic power to protect me... She's not a bad person, so please don't exorcise her!"

Though flustered, Aya-chan keeps repeating, "Don't exorcise the snow Princess," and I nod in agreement.

"I won't exorcise her."

"Eh… R-Really!?"

"...Yes. I can't exorcise her."

The snow Princess is determined to protect Aya-chan, and she has taken refuge within her.

Besides, the reason why we exorcise monsters is that they attack and kill people.

If the monster doesn't attack people, there's no need to deliberately exorcise it. That's what I think.

"I-I'm glad..."

Aya-chan smiles with genuine relief at my words.

Now, I think the immediate problem is resolved... I put the relic back into my pocket and alternate my gaze between the destroyed audio-visual room and the entrance on the first floor. Shirayuki-sensei runs towards us that direction.

I have to explain everything... Where should I start to make it easily understandable?

I think hard about it, but in any case, I decide to explain everything to Shirayuki-sensei.

That seems to be the most straightforward approach.

I explain that I resonated with the snow Princess inside Aya-chan, and she was being controlled.

And that the one controlling her was that exorcist.

Once I've explained it all, Shirayuki-sensei closes her eyes, pressing her index fingers to her temples, and groans.

And then, she asks the most important question.

"So... umm… does that mean the snow Princess, a 'Monster', is actually on our side?"

"That's right."

"Hmm..."

"What will happen to the Snow Princess...?"

"I don't want to exorcise the Ice and Snow Princess.

But I don't know if Shirayuki-sensei, my father, and even Renji-san and the others feel the same way...

However, the information about the Snow Princess has already been shared with the adults.

So, I have no choice but to appeal that the Snow Princess is on Aya-chan's side and try to steer things in a direction where she won't be exorcised.

While I'm lost in my thoughts, in contrast, Shirayuki-sensei slowly opened her mouth as if prying open a drawer of memories.

"Actually, there is a precedent for such a monster as well, or rather, it does exist."

"A monster that helps humans?"

"Yes. In the 1960s, there were children found in Kazakhstan who were being raised by a monster. The twins' parents died, and they were raised in the mountains."

"What happened to that monster?"

"When the children turned eight, they were entrusted to a local exorcist.... They lived in the mountains and apparently developed good relations with people until they turned twenty. What happened after that is unknown."

"A monster like that..."

"It's rare, but exceptions like that do happen. Have you heard the story of 'The Crying Red Demon’?"

"Yes, I have..."

"That's another one of those exceptions. Generally, a monster that sides with humans isn't exorcised. However, some monsters pretend to be allies with humans and still eat them... In fact, those cases are more common."

Still troubled, Shirayuki-sensei searches for a way to protect the snow Princess.

"So, we can't just let a monster claiming to be an ally with humans go freely."

"In that case, what can we do..."

"Don't worry! The exorcists of the past have considered this and come up with countermeasures."

"Countermeasures?"

"Yes. They're called 'Contract Magic.'"

Shirayuki-sensei says that and looks up.

"It's an ancient magic called 'Kokujutsu,' a lot less efficient than today's Silvate. However, it's been used in contracts with monsters since ancient times."

Contract magic, huh... You mean that thing I heard about when I exorcised the monster with Irena-san the other day?

Yes, she did mention the magic of 'making a contract with a monster to make them obey,' but I see. So, there's also a use like that, huh?

"Yes, that's right. If the snow Princess truly wants to be on our side, we can make a contract to ensure safety."

Upon hearing this, the Aya-chan barks at sensei.

"I'll only serve Aya! Don't you dare make me an ally to humans!"

No, it's not Aya-chan. It's the snow Princess.

Her eyes have returned to black.

I thought she said she'd withdraw?

This change seems a little too simple.

While I'm thinking that, Shirayuki-sensei continues hurriedly.

"But contract magic must be agreed upon by both parties. If the snow princess wants to serve Aya-san, the contract will reflect that..."

"Then it's fine."

The snow princess nods in satisfaction, and Aya-chan's eyes return to black.

Shirayuki-sensei exhales deeply, looking relieved, and continues slowly.

"Among the people at this camp, I'm the only one who can use Kokujutsu so I will set up the contract circle. Itsuki-kun, please help me. It will be a good learning experience for you."

"Y-Yes, I understand."

"Aya-san, you should also observe and learn!"

Following Shirayuki-sensei, who says that, I return inside the camp.

Now that the snow Princess's safety is secured, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief... I'll think about the broken wall and the relic later.

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