Ex Strongest Swordsman Longs For Magic In Different World

Chapter 335 (Self Edited) – Letter from Empire and Light of Devil

Looking at the parchment at hand, Hildegard squinted. The line of sight followed the letters written on the parchment. Then, her expression gradually became steeper as she progressed reading it.

However, this was actually the second time Hildegard had seen the parchment. In other words, she already knew what was written, but… she still couldn’t remain calm.

The moment she reached the end of the letter, she couldn’t help but feel her hands clutching it…

“Yes, yes, I haven’t read it thoroughly, so could you please not crush it?” (Satya)

Just before Hildegard crushed it, the parchment was taken away together with such words.

“Heyy!? You, what are you doing…!?” (Hildegard)

Hildegard reflexively turned her gaze to the spot where the parchment was taken, and glared at it. But the existence who was glared at just shrugged Her shoulders, looking as aloof as ever.

“That’s my line. To begin with, it’s an official letter. It’s a problem if it’s treated roughly.” (Satya)

“Hmmph, I don’t care if you’re getting in trouble or not. It’s more important that I get rid of this irritation that I’m stuck with!” (Hildegard)

It’s not that I don’t care about you. I don’t think it’s good to crush the letter just because Soma-kun left you, right?” (Satya)

“…!” (Hildegard)

The moment she was told that, she stared at Satya even harder, but Her appearance still remained the same. On the contrary, She just shook Her head.

Hildegard lost her temper and shouted at that appearance.

“He didn’t leave me behind! In fact, I doubt that what’s written there is even true to begin with!” (Hildegard)

“Heh… if you doubt this official letter, the true meaning of it is shaky, isn’t it?” (Satya)

“Hmmph… what do you mean? Even though it is said to be an official letter, such things would only have been written to be convenient to both sides.” (Hildegard)

“Well, that’s true.” (Satya)

Just as friendship wasn’t possible between countries, the interest of one’s own country was prioritized more. Therefore, it was impossible for a single letter to contain its true intention. No matter how sincere it seemed to be written, it was only for the benefit of their country.

Well, mostly that would be the case.

“But I think you know better than anyone that this letter is more than just that, right? After all, this is an official letter, but it was probably written by Soma-kun.” (Satya)

What Satya was saying was true.

At least, Hildegard thought of it when she read the letter earlier. The reason was simple. The handwriting was clearly Soma’s. That was why she wondered if something was overlooked or even encrypted.

By the way, to summarize the content, there were only two. The concerns had been addressed, the empire was on their side, and Soma and Aina were still there. Of course, it was written in a well-organized manner of a letter of support. It was written in a long and ridiculously polite manner, but if the superfluous things were removed, that was all that was written.

The fact that Soma could write an official letter wasn’t that strange. In addition to being educated as a duke’s legitimate son, albeit halfway, the duke’s education itself had been carried out to the end. Since the duke household often stood as a representative of the country, there was such a thing as how to write an official letter in their education.

So, there was no doubt that Soma was able to write an official letter, but… that was that. Just because he could write it didn’t mean that what was written was what Soma’s true intention.

“In other words, what is written there must have been written by forcing Soma…!” (Hildegard)

“Heh, how could that be–…” (Satya)

“What’s with that unmotivated answer…!?” (Hildegard)

“Well, it’s Soma-kun, right? Do you really think it’s possible for that Soma-kun to be forced by someone to do something?” (Satya)

“Uhm… that is…” (Hildegard)

Hildegard couldn’t argue with those words. That was right, but admitting it also meant that she had been left behind.

There was not a single mention of Hildegard in the official letter that had been delivered from the empire. On top of that, Soma and Aina weren’t going back to the Holy City yet. That was what she meant that she was left behind.

“No, sorry, sorry, the prank went too far. So, will you stop making that crying face? It feels like I’m the one who is making you cry, you know.” (Satya)

“Hey, I’m not crying!” (Hildegard)

But… just a little bit… yes, she just felt that Soma told her that he didn’t need her. Hildegard had been trying not to think about it for a long time, but she had been thinking that Soma didn’t care whether she was there or not–…

“…Dear me. You’re such a pain, huh.” (Satya)

“What did you say!?” (Hildegard)

“Anyhow, yes, this is my responsibility, so I wonder if I can fulfill my responsibility.” (Satya)

“Let me ask you again. What are you trying to say!?” (Hildegard)

“I mean, how come he doesn’t mention anything about you in this?” (Satya)

“Uh… after all… when it comes to me–…” (Hildegard)

“Yes, that’s right. I guess that means he trusts you that much.” (Satya)

“Eh?” (Hildegard)

 Satya said something that Hildegard hadn’t expected, so a flustered voice leaked out. Satya continued without stopping, even though Hildegard turned her eyes to ask what She meant.

“That is obvious, right? I can say it myself that Eleonora and I are on his side. That’s the most important thing at the moment. I belong to a different side, and depending on the situation, I’m with him. Well, I don’t want you to be like that if you can. But you’re not. Or will you become his enemy in some circumstances?” (Satya)

It’s not possible. I have already decided that even if everything in the world becomes his enemy in a literal sense, I will continue to be beside him.” (Hildegard)

“Well, of course, right? And perhaps, Soma-kun knows that. In other words, you’re the only one who’s definitely on his side among us here.” (Satya)

“What do you want to say anyway?” (Hildegard)

“Don’t you get it? It’s usually not possible to say nothing to you in this situation. However, that’s also why he trusts you so much that he hasn’t said anything to you. He doesn’t have to say anything since it’s you. Don’t you understand?” (Satya)

The moment she was told, it was as if her eyes had been opened. Indeed, that was true.

Soma’s current situation was such that the world had become his enemy and he didn’t know who his enemy was. In such a situation, was it possible to tell nothing to someone who was far away and who was sure to be his ally? No, it wasn’t possible.

In other words…

“Hmm… hmm, I suppose you’re right! Well, it’s obvious that he trusts me!” (Hildegard)

“What a simpleton. Well, that’s better for me. I’m not really telling a lie.” (Satya)

“Hmm? What did you say?” (Hildegard)

“It’s just a monologue. Don’t worry about it. More importantly–…” (Satya)

While saying that, Satya looked at the parchment at hand. Originally, it was delivered to Satya, so She should have seen it once, but she wanted to confirm again.

However, unlike Hildegard, who had read it for the second time, an astonished expression appeared on Her face.

“I wonder what he has been doing over there…” (Satya)

“Well, he’s not even writing the details, but just the result. I can’t even imagine…” (Hildegard)

Although he wrote it briefly, it was said that the empire, which made a declaration almost equivalent to the declaration of war, turned into an ally. They had no idea what was going on.

Moreover, it hadn’t been a month since Soma and Aina disappeared. Normally, she would suspect that it was a trap or something.

“Anyhow, it’s Soma… well, it happens.” (Hildegard)

“I agree with you. There may be another official declaration soon.” (Satya)

“I think it’s the surrounding countries that are in trouble.” (Hildegard)

“I think he was starting to prepare for things that were quick. In that sense, he is doing that. Oh my? That is…” (Satya)

“Hmm? What is it?” (Hildegard)

Hildeard tilted her head to Satya, who suddenly looked at the void and narrowed Her eyes. It looked like something happened, but nothing was particularly stuck in Hildegard’s senses.

But the question soon cleared up. Immediately after that, the door of the room was knocked, and Eleonora appeared.

“Please excuse me.” (Eleonora)

“Hmm… does that mean something troublesome has happened?” (Hildegard)

The empire was supposed to bury the hatchet, but originally, the Holy City was a place built on a dangerous balance. With that empire moving, it was no wonder which country moved first.

However, apparently that wasn’t the case.

“It’s troublesome, but… well, I think the most relevant person in all of this would be Hildegard-san.” (Eleonora)

“Hmm? Me?” (Hildegard)

“Yes, you have a visitor. But then…” (Eleonora)

It was the moment Eleonora tried to say something.

Eleonora reflexively turned her face in a certain direction, and Hildegard was ready at about the same time. No matter what happened… that was what she was trying to do in an instant so that she could deal with the enemy attack, but it didn’t mean that there was an actual attack.

It was just something comparable to what happened. Immediately after that, Eleonora shouted with a trembling voice.

“Wh-.. what is that? The light just now…!?” (Eleonora)

“Light… I see. You felt that way…” (Hildegard)

“It seems so… I see. Is that what it is…” (Satya)

“Eh… w-what do you mean?” (Eleonora)

“It’s nothing. More importantly, the direction just now is…” (Hildegard)

“Yes, that’s the direction from Veritas. Moreover, what I just felt was definitely the power of… Devil.” (Satya)

In other words, it seemed that the Devil did something in Veritas. The only thing Hildegard could feel was a surge of might power, but if Satya said so, then, She was right.

However…

“…I thought you said that the Devils wouldn’t start moving until much later?” (Hildegard)

“Yes… I don’t have an excuse for that. This may be an excuse, but it might mean that the other side has read our movements and is moving accordingly.” (Satya)

“Well, blaming you here doesn’t help. Rather, we should hurry now.” (Hildegard)

There was no doubt that something had happened in Veritas.

Besides, the empire and Veritas shared a border. it couldn’t be said that there was no effect. At least, Soma should be aware of this. Moreover, this was clearly a top priority, and the earliest way to inform Soma was for Hildegard to go there directly.

Therefore–…

“Aah, wait a sec. Hildegard doesn’t have to go. I’ll let them know by replying to this official letter.” (Hildegard)

“That would take time! What if something happens in the meantime!?” (Hildegard)

“Well, there’s a reason for that, but your true intention is that this gives you an excuse to go see Soma, right?” (Satya)

“W-well…!” (Hildegard)

That was indeed correct, but it was also true that they should inform him as soon as possible. However, when she glared at Satya, She just shook her head.

“Soma-kun probably noticed that something happened over there, and since it’s him, he will assume it was caused by the Devils and he will make a move. There’s no need to rush out to inform him.” (Hildegard)

“T-that’s… true if it’s Soma, he will move that way…” (Hildegard)

“Besides, you were just told that you had a visitor now, right?” (Satya)

“Well, yes, but… Soma is more important than that.” (Hildegard)

“Not really…?” (Satya)

Satya’s eyes, which were directed at her as She said it, were more serious than she had expected. She clearly didn’t seem to be joking, and Hildegard frowned at that.

“…What are you saying? What do you mean my visitor is of such importance? I’m sure you said something troublesome earlier though…” (Hildegard)

“Aah, no, to be exact, it’s not troublesome for Hildegard-san, but for Soma-san. It means that since he isn’t here, it’s going to be troublesome for you.” (Eleonora)

“Hmm? So, originally, it was for Soma?” (Hildegard)

Since Hildegard was here, was the visitor a common acquaintance? In other words, it was highly likely that the person was related to Radeus… and for that person to come to the Holy City, which was perceived as a situation where war had been declared by the empire.

Surely, that wasn’t the only thing.

“I think it would be better for me to meet the visitor.” (Hildegard)

“Yes, you should do that. To be honest, I don’t know what will happen.” (Satya)

Satya said something meaningful, but it was also Her as usual. Hildegard was curious, but she didn’t mention it. She turned her body toward the door.

She was concerned about Soma and Veritas, but she couldn’t help it. When Hildegard let out a breath, she set out to meet the person who had come all the way to the Holy City.