Absolutely Do Not Touch ELdmia Egga – Chapter 175

—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
—————————————————————–

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

Quite startled, Esmée took a moment to compose herself before properly examining the levitating sword.

“This… isn’t some sort of prank with an artifact, is it?”

“You wound me, Your Highness. Such an accusation suggests you think I’m a third-rate magician.”

The notion that I had stumbled upon some discarded magic sword was absurd.

The idea of a cursed blade was more plausible.

Esmée, though likely aware of the ridiculousness of her own suggestion, continued her playful assault with a flurry of light punches.

However, true to her magical training, she quickly grasped the situation.

“Incredible. I can’t sense anything at all. How is this possible? Are you alright? Is there truly nothing wrong with you?”

“I started practicing around… five years old? I’ve been using it ever since, and I’m perfectly fine. In fact, I’ve become more adept at controlling it over time.”

“Hmm, I doubt Asirye would have stood idly by if your health was at risk. Still, this is quite remarkable.”

Despite our limited interactions, Esmée seemed to have a surprisingly accurate understanding of Asirye’s character.

“To withstand mana… but how does your power grow, then? Aura and mana increase in strength through refinement and the body’s gradual adaptation. But you haven’t undergone such a process. And to say you fully control mana would be…”

“An exaggeration.”

“Indeed. A preposterous notion, but accurate nonetheless.”

The fact that Envelde had managed to stab me spoke volumes.

“To put it simply… skilled mages cast multiple layers of protective magic.”

“Yes, yes.”

“I’m like someone with a single, incredibly durable protective spell. Aura users, depending on their skill, either have a few weak layers or a single, strong one.”

“So, the victor is determined by who breaks through the protective magic first… and yours is exceptionally resilient?”

“Precisely. There might be ways to cast even stronger magic or to create multiple layers, but right now, that’s all I can do. And it’s not even particularly efficient.”

The process of using my power resulted in significant leakage.

Even a full-powered swing produced a relatively ordinary attack compared to what a true mana wielder could achieve.

Of course, it was still far more powerful than an ordinary Aura-enhanced attack, but compared to the demons, the difference was substantial.

“This is beyond the realm of human understanding, so it’s difficult to grasp. Still, I believe I understand the general concept…”

“I can’t explain it any better myself. I don’t have a teacher.”

Technically, I had one.

The mage I met as a child.

Although he only taught me how to sense mana, without his guidance, I would have died long ago.

He deserved the title of teacher.

I wondered what he was doing now.

He seemed like an adventurer.

Perhaps our paths would cross again someday.

Lost in thought, I noticed Esmée, who had been pondering the matter with her chin resting on her hand, nod in understanding.

“My Royal Guard has expressed doubts about your abilities. It seems there was a hidden reason.”

“Really? They did?”

“Indeed. Initially, they attributed it to their own lack of discernment. However, after discussing it amongst themselves, they concluded they had misjudged your strength. For my entire Royal Guard to reach the same erroneous conclusion is unprecedented, so it was considered a significant matter.”

Their confidence was impressive, but understandable.

I had heard they had practically annihilated the demon that attacked the Academy.

Against that opponent, I would have been utterly helpless, unable to even defend myself.

“It’s a blind spot. I can’t see a way to assist you.”

“It’s not something you need to worry about. I’ll figure it out. Regardless, I appreciate your offer, but I can’t accept it.”

“Is that why you haven’t pursued formal knight training, despite residing with the Ogatorf family?”

“That’s part of the reason. I dislike the restrictions that come with it.”

Formal knight training was extensive.

While I appreciated the opportunity to learn, the excessive focus on court etiquette and musical instruments was absurd.

What use did I have for sixty different ways to address a lord?

The advanced curriculum, with its emphasis on proper conduct towards lords, ladies, and even enemies, was even more ridiculous.

I couldn’t simply pick and choose the subjects I wanted, like university courses.

The amount of time wasted on irrelevant activities was unacceptable.

And after completing the training?

Having received the Ogatorf family’s support, I would be burdened with obligations and exploited by the kingdom.

Knight training wasn’t free, and it was time-consuming.

The drawbacks far outweighed the benefits.

“Even if I received swordsmanship instruction from Sir Ekaf himself, I wouldn’t gain much, and I would be burdened with responsibilities. I already receive combat training alongside the other retainers. It’s more beneficial to spend my time on adventurer work.”

“…You truly have no desire for power.”

“It’s not that I lack ambition. Revenge is simply my priority.”

“Yet, you diligently adhere to societal norms.”

“I haven’t given up on life after revenge. The world doesn’t revolve solely around brute force.”

Once my revenge was complete and my goals achieved, I intended to live a long and peaceful life.

And for that, having friendly neighbors was essential.

“You are a truly enigmatic individual. Your actions suggest a ruthless, almost tyrannical mindset, yet your words speak of benevolent leadership.”

“…I’m not sure what you mean.”

“It’s a concept proposed by the scholar Trisp Lichkaet. Simply put, leadership based on respect is benevolent, while leadership based on fear is tyrannical.”

That sounded remarkably similar to Mencius…

“Well, regardless, I find it quite charming.”

She delivered another disarmingly blunt compliment.

Wasn’t that usually the man’s role?

It was incredibly flustering.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I discreetly sheathed my levitating sword.

A hurried knock echoed from the hallway, followed by a voice.

-“Your Highness, I apologize for the interruption, but may we borrow Eldmia for a moment?”-

“It seems rather urgent. Has something happened?”

Despite her calm tone, Esmée’s expression betrayed her annoyance.

-“A Royal Mage has arrived regarding the recent incident with the former Count Envelde…”-

“…Then we must cooperate. Very well.”

“…I’ll be back shortly.”

A Royal Mage?

Were they conducting some sort of magical investigation?

Confused but intrigued, I rose and exited the room.

The maid waiting outside, a familiar face, released a sigh of relief.

Jenny, one of the few maids my age, had likely been worried about Esmée’s potential refusal.

“I’ve lost count of how many times my heart has nearly leaped out of my chest today.”

“I apologize for the trouble.”

“You should!”

She playfully slapped my arm, but I couldn’t help but smile.

After a brief apology, I followed her to the main hall.

“Do you know the mage’s name?”

“Ugh, I heard it, but… I can’t recall.”

“Calm down. You haven’t committed any crimes.”

“You’re so strange. How can you be so calm after meeting the Imperial Princess?”

Ah, if only she knew… There were secrets I couldn’t share with a gossipy teenager.

Heavy burdens I had to bear alone.

“I’ve beheaded a Count, you know.”

“…Right. You’ve never been one for conventional behavior.”

Jenny, shaking her head in exasperation, seemed to have regained her composure.

She clapped her hands together.

“Ah! I remember! Regneva! Widra Regneva!”

“…That’s… an unusual name.”

“…Is it? I hadn’t noticed.”

It sounded as unusual as Duke Lesrom’s family name, Lawinera. Perhaps it was just me.

“Is this mage also incredibly muscular?”

“Uh… no? He seemed quite ordinary.”

So, not all high-ranking mages possessed physiques rivaling warriors.

Come to think of it, the annoyingly handsome mage from the Empire, the one Asirye had described as skilled, was also quite slender.

Lost in these idle thoughts, I arrived at the hall.

Cheryl, once again flustered by the unexpected encounter with a high-ranking individual, stood beside a hooded figure.

Impressed by the sheer elegance of the mage’s robe and hood, I approached.

Cheryl, seemingly regaining her composure at my arrival, introduced me.

“Eldmia, this is Royal Mage Widra Regneva. He wishes to speak with you regarding the incident at the former Count Envelde’s mansion. He has Duke Lawinera’s permission.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Royal Mage Regneva. I am Eldmia Egga.”

“…Eldmia Egga?”

“Yes.”

“The survivor from the village west of Ogwen. Correct?”

I had bowed politely, but his words made me pause and look up.

He knew about that?

“That is correct… but how did you know?”

I wondered if the royal family had investigated, but why would he mention it now?

Lost in thought, the mage exhaled slowly and lowered his hood.

“…It’s been… ten years.”

A jolt, like a lightning strike, coursed through me.

So, this was what it felt like to be truly shocked.

I felt a wave of dizziness, but I managed to speak.

“Mage… sir?”

“Indeed.”

The slightly downturned eyes, hinting at a hidden sadness.

The slightly raised eyebrows, suggesting a simmering anger.

And the clear, sky-blue eyes.

The face revealed beneath the hood was exactly as I remembered.

Unchanged by time.

“I can finally fulfill my promise.”

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

[Gotta be honest i already translated this like a week ago because i was really into the story, so i’ll just say that this is a good chapter lol]