Absolutely Do Not Touch ELdmia Egga – Chapter 178

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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“Power is a useful tool, but dangerous when abused. One never knows when a dagger, wielded by the powerless, might find its mark.”

Esmee, poised to inherit the Imperial throne, understood this truth better than most.

“Even acts of goodwill must be tempered with consideration and kindness to avoid unintended consequences. My words to that child were not untrue, so I have nothing to fear.”

I looked at Esmee, sitting beside me with a cheerful smile.

Her words were undeniably true, leaving me with little to say.

The only problem was that the “information sharing to align our stories” she had mentioned took less than three minutes.

“I hadn’t considered myself particularly possessive, but given the circumstances, perhaps I am. There’s a certain thrill in carefully crafting a plausible excuse and making time for a legitimate, private meeting. And the best part is, if I succeed, I actually get to spend time with you. It’s perfect.”

Her bright smile made me blush.

“Isn’t this a violation of our three-way agreement?”

“Wouldn’t that give Asirye an unfair advantage? Of course there’s no problem.”

Their contract, carefully considered and meticulously crafted, seemed airtight.

“More importantly, I’d like to hear about what you’ve been up to. Even including your time in detention, it’s only been a little over a week, but I’m sure much has transpired.”

“…That’s true.”

And so, I found myself recounting the events that had unfolded since we parted ways in the Empire.

I kept the details concise, but the conversation flowed naturally, and before I knew it, the sun had set and evening was approaching.

Asirye, who had been assisting Lagnis, returned.

“I wondered why the estate was so lively. Esmee, what a surprise.”

“I asked the Ogatorf heir to allow me to stay the night.”

“Hmm. Oh, I heard you were instrumental in helping Eldmia. Thank you.”

“…It was nothing. Merely assisting my future husband. No thanks are necessary.”

“…Indeed. How perceptive.”

Dinner was approaching, and I had a feeling this conversation might lead to indigestion, so I quickly changed the subject.

“Asirye, come sit down. Something unexpected happened today.”

The story of my childhood encounter with a wandering mage, who turned out to be a renowned Royal Mage and mana researcher, and our coincidental reunion after ten years, was enough to make even Asirye’s eyes widen in surprise.

However, after a brief pause, a shadow fell over her expression.

“…Eldmia, have you heard of the ‘Childhood’s end’ among elves?”

The title immediately brought to mind an Arthur C. Clarke novel, but the story that followed was unrelated.

“Elves have few children, so they are raised very preciously. Especially before they can commune with spirits or sense mana, they are almost obsessively protected. When they finally gain those abilities, there’s a celebration, but also a ritual to ensure the child’s future safety, as they will be less sheltered from then on.”

“Is that the End of Childhood?”

“No, it refers to the period just before that. A time of unexpected teachings, sudden realizations, or a blossoming of abilities.”

Asirye added that while not all elves experienced this, it was common enough to be recognized across all tribes.

“But the elves who experience this often lead difficult lives.”

She explained that they shared a strange commonality: they either became the protagonists of legendary heroic tales or were met with unending misfortune.

Their lives were far more dramatic than one would expect from elves.

“Some call it the gods’ final blessing. The last moment of direct divine protection. A final act of mercy from the gods, who foresee their difficult fate…”

“So, you’re saying I’m in a similar situation.”

“…Yes.”

I immediately understood why she had brought this up.

Even I had considered this encounter, a reunion with Widra, a stroke of luck worthy of prayer.

Asirye was likely worried that, like the examples she had mentioned, I was about to embark on a difficult path.

“It’s nothing new. My life has been difficult since I was eight.”

Actually, it had been difficult since birth.

Many trials and tribulations had followed, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say my current life was the epitome of a difficult fate.

“I’ve already accepted that my future won’t be easy. There’s no need to worry about something like this.”

If anything, if what Asirye said was true and the gods were preparing a final blessing, I would welcome it with open arms.

Without it, I would be sitting here, idly wondering how to become even a little bit stronger.

Whether it was a sign of misfortune or a gift to prepare for misfortune, it was undoubtedly the latter.

“I have no intention of dying recklessly.”

“And we have no intention of letting you die so easily. You needn’t worry.”

Perhaps surprised by my sudden shift in mood, Esmee joined in, offering words of comfort to Asirye.

It wasn’t perfect, but Asirye responded with a smile.

“I see. I might have been overly pessimistic, remembering some unfortunate acquaintances. So, magic lessons will be added to your daily routine, Eldmia?”

“I don’t know how much time it will take, but… it will likely be quite a bit. I was planning to discuss this with Cheryl and Sir Ekaf.”

I had originally intended to speak with Cheryl first and then, once the plans were more concrete, with Sir Ekaf.

However, considering the Imperial Princess was staying at the estate, I doubted he would be returning from the palace anytime soon.

Come to think of it, without proper communication devices, he might not even be reachable.

Crystal balls weren’t exactly commonplace.

“Depending on the circumstances, I might have to move out of the estate and find an inn to focus on the training.”

“If you leave the Ogatorf estate, I imagine Lagnis will come and get you immediately.”

“That’s… likely…!”

Lagnis had been sulking ever since I first arrived in the capital and mentioned staying at the Ogatorf estate.

If I left, she would likely move heaven and earth to take me in.

“I think it’s time I distanced myself from this luxurious lifestyle…”

Humans were adaptable creatures, but drastic changes were difficult to adjust to.

I would likely receive my wandering knight title early next year.

Considering the journey to the front lines, it would be wise to acclimate myself to a more ordinary lifestyle.

I had learned enough about general pricing, market values, common knowledge, and etiquette while working as a butler at the estate.

It was time to dedicate that time to adventuring and magic.

“Wouldn’t living outside the estate be quite expensive?”

“I have plenty of money.”

It wasn’t something one would typically say in front of the Imperial Princess, but from a commoner’s perspective, I was wealthy.

Even if the cost of living in the capital was high, my accumulated earnings, the unpaid rewards from the abandoned dungeon, and the official compensation from the Empire would be more than enough to cover my travel expenses.

“I’ve been wanting to distance myself from the royal family anyway. This might be for the best.”

It was a surprisingly appealing plan, considering I had just come up with it on the spot.

We continued chatting, discussing our plans like friends preparing for a long-awaited group trip.

A servant arrived, announcing that dinner was ready.

As expected, Sir Ekaf was absent.

Cheryl, sitting uncomfortably in the head of the household’s seat, clearly wasn’t pleased with the situation.

The tense atmosphere in the dining hall made me wonder if I should feign some awkward distance, but thankfully, due to the rigid etiquette, Esmee was preoccupied with conversing with Cheryl, who was acting as her host.

This allowed me to shift all the burden of social interaction onto Cheryl and fully enjoy the special dinner prepared for the Imperial Princess.

Cheryl occasionally glanced at me, silently pleading for me to join the conversation, but I ignored her.

When else would I get to see Cheryl so flustered?

It was so entertaining I almost wished for popcorn.

“You’re being petty again.”

Only Asirye, who seemed to have a sixth sense for my mischievousness, clicked her tongue and gave me a look that said, “I can’t with you.”

I thought, ‘Hey, as long as it’s not me suffering, it’s all good!’

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[So all of this was just a prologue, huh?]