Chapter 210
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After hearing the situation with Purume, Angelica realizes she is directly involved in this matter. Though Ichiro doesn’t say it out loud, she understands that he is likely confronting the Hero for their sake.
While feeling warmth in her heart from his kindness, she simultaneously recalls the scene where he confessed his feelings to the white girl and shared a kiss. She shakes her head vigorously twice, strongly admonishing herself to focus only on being of help to him.
That aside, the true nature of the Hero’s power remains unknown. However, they conclude that the best approach would be to prepare for whatever that ability might be. This is the answer that Anon, Ichiro, and the others arrive at.
In that case, there are things she can do as well.
The Hero’s ability is likely a special 「power」 along the lines of 「Charm,」 「Brainwashing,」 「Hypnosis,」 「Mind Control,」 or 「Body Control.」 While it’s unclear whether this comes from skills, items, or 「Evil Eyes,」 「Evil Mouth,」 or other forms of 「Primitive Curse,」 if it turns out to be not these powers but rather a special magic used by the Hero, then Angelica should be able to help. Having found a direction, she continues to refine her knowledge and skills tirelessly until the day of the summons.
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Vienetta, active in the frontier regions, is a famous S-rank clan that every adventurer in the Arcana Kingdom knows about.
The Tesoro brothers, Chloe and Chloa, are known to be the central figures with particularly strong presence in the clan.
They have made the decision to leave the clan, already completing most of the handover of operations to trusted individuals, and are now living peacefully in Boldaf. Vienetta, known for resolving the large-scale disaster in the 「Sealed Domain,」 has been praised for their achievements and called upon by the country. The brothers are scheduled to participate as representatives.
One day, they have dinner with Ichiro as previously promised. Though it’s just a casual dining establishment, being adventurers, they don’t mind at all.
Before touching their food, Ichiro, appearing somewhat tense, asks them to lend him their strength.
The brothers have no intention of refusing.
While Chloe has a vague question about how exactly to help, Chloa seems to immediately find some direction in which he can lend his strength. Reassured by this, Chloe and the others proceed with their meal.
After spending an enjoyable time together, just as they’re about to leave the restaurant, Chloa rummages through his magic bag as if remembering something.
「Low, about this…」
Chloa places something on the table.
It’s a disc-shaped object about twice the size of a frisbee, covered in intricate geometric patterns.
「What’s this?」
「This is a prototype of the ‘Crane’s Guidance,’ modified for miniaturization and portability.」
Ichiro appears speechless.
This must be because it’s so different from the size of the 「Crane’s Guidance」 he knows.
「There are countless things that still need refinement, like the need for rare ore and magic stones as materials, the abnormally high mana consumption, and other issues. Even with continued improvements, it looks like this might end up being one of a kind… but well, I’d say it’s good enough to call it a ‘prototype’ at least.」
Chloa becomes particularly talkative when discussing technical matters.
He puffs out his chest proudly.
「I worked hard to get it ready for today—the day I’d meet you, Low!」
Though Chloe, listening nearby, knows that most of the trials were completed before coming to Boldaf, she keeps this to herself.
「Hold on, hold on now.」
While Ichiro knows from the previous 「Crane’s Guidance」 episode that Chloa is a capable developer, he questions whether such improvements are possible in such a short time. He shakes his head. The answer must surely be no.
However, Ichiro’s estimate is off on one point.
Chloa, who has continued to support the S-rank clan behind the scenes through thick and thin, is undoubtedly a true genius.
At that moment, Ichiro seems to have an epiphany.
Though uncertain what it is, a heavy internal struggle is visible on his face.
「It’s okay, Ichiro.」
It’s Chloa who speaks up.
Moved by those words, he addresses Chloa.
His throat twitches, perhaps from the pang of conscience.
「Chloa, what I’m about to ask is unreasonable. This is probably something only you can do. I’ll provide as much money and materials as needed. I’ll pay whatever price you name.」
Seeing Ichiro’s extraordinary demeanor, Chloa’s expression sharpens, and he nods to encourage him to continue.
「So… would you please accept my request?」
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Holy Knight Ashley Noble faces a destiny of certain death. Moreover, she cannot leave the seal of the 「Sword of Affirmation」 due to her given mission.
While trapped in the tragic curse of spending her short life maintaining the seal, it is a young man named Ichiro who completely destroys these chains binding her.
His noble figure, seeking no reward even when faced with mortal danger, embodies exactly the ideal she aspires to be.
She too has left the maintenance of her manor to Justus and others, and is staying in Boldaf. Due to her naturally caring nature, she cannot refuse when asked by Anon and the lord to handle the aftermath of the 「Sealed Domain」 related matters, keeping her busy day and night.
Finally, as things begin to return to peace, she goes out for a meal with Yamada one day. His expression, somehow filled with determination, makes him appear more mature than usual. When he bows his head and asks her to 「lend him her strength」—something surprising from someone who seems capable of doing everything alone—she is slow to respond. He misinterprets her delayed response as hesitation and shows a bitter expression.
Ashley panics and places her hand over his, telling him, 「How could I ever refuse to help you?」
His story is incredibly mysterious. However, Ashley, having experienced the gradually but surely declining reputation of the Holy Knights, understands many things.
Moreover, the stories she had heard about him through others were far too different from the actual person.
Had he been fighting alone all this time? Ashley sheds tears as she contemplates his days of solitude.
Ichiro is surprised by Ashley’s tears and becomes flustered.
After parting with him and heading back, Ashley decides to return to her manor first thing upon reaching her lodgings.
She intends to ask for help from her companions who have endured the hardships with her until now. They too possess noble and virtuous spirits, and will surely lend their strength.
This time, I want to be your strength.
Ashley wishes this strongly from her heart.
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「Lady Omi!」
Before she realizes it, the townspeople have begun calling her this with respect. While she had rarely drawn attention in populated areas before, she now seems to have her own reasons for deciding to be more active in town.
When Omi has free time, she casually visits the church. She volunteers to help with healing there. Though the opportunities aren’t frequent, she completely heals everyone from those with simple injuries to those on the brink of death. Despite performing feats rivaling divine miracles, she continues healing without boasting or talking about it, as if it’s nothing special. When people thank her saying 「Thank you, Lady Omi!」 she simply responds with casual phrases like 「It’s fine,」 「Take care,」 or 「Stay well,」 never seeking anything in return.
On other days, she goes to help with the church’s soup kitchen, serving large amounts of food alongside the local sisters.
Although serving at the soup kitchen should be exhausting work that requires standing all day, she continues working with a bright expression, never showing signs of fatigue.
After this happens several times, people begin referring to her as 「The Goddess」 behind her back.
One such day, next to her at the soup kitchen appears—
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