第１０９８堀：名無しの本名 (Part2)
Then again, Ratz and Lilishe are both pink—why on earth does that color even exist? Honestly, I’m more curious about how hair color is determined in this world than I am about the phenomenon of mana depletion.
Wait, no. That’s not the point. We’re talking about Ichi right now.
"If I don't know her personally, does that mean she's related to someone I do?"
"Exactly. She’s from the Holy Kingdom of Enaria, and she’s the daughter of... well, a concubine of Minister Nok."
"A concubine, huh? So, not an heir, then. But if she’s attending the Magic Academy, she must be held in high regard, right?"
In Japan, the term "concubine" carries a negative connotation, but here, it’s quite common for men of status to have relationships and children with women other than their legal wives. The crucial difference from Japan is that the state officially recognizes these arrangements. After all, the concept of hygiene management is virtually non-existent here, and infant mortality rates are staggeringly high. Even though things have started to improve since the founding of Weed, those advancements haven't reached every corner of the world yet.
That’s why nobles take in concubines to produce children as backups for their lineage. Even if they aren't needed as heirs, they often end up as subordinates or advisors to the legitimate successor. More importantly, it’s a favorable position for the women, too. Becoming a noble’s concubine ensures a stable life—money, guards, education. In a world where mere survival is the top priority, being a concubine is a position worth aiming for.
...Well, I understand that logically, but whether I can actually accept it is another matter. I’ve struggled with that thought many times myself.
So, this Ichi is the daughter of a concubine, but since she’s receiving a proper education at the academy, her standing shouldn't be that bad, right?
"Sigh. Well, it’s natural you wouldn't know. Besides, none of the members who were actually in Enaria at the time seem to be here."
"Hm? Oh, you're right. The members who went to Enaria aren't here. They're all with the New Continent group or are Comet. Wait, no—Comet didn't just go there; she actually lived there for a while."
I replied casually, but Popuri just gave me a wry smile and shook her head.
"That’s not what I meant. I’m not talking about members who visited. I’m talking about the members who were literally there when the monster attack occurred in Enaria."
"The Enaria attack? Wait, that incident..."
"..."
Popuri and the others fell silent, simply glaring at me. Ah, right. Since Ichi isn't involved, she doesn't know what the Holy Sword Users caused. I see—so she was the child of a victim from that time.
Hm? But if that were the case, there’d be no reason for her to be treated like trash. She’s literally the top student in the academy. Even if she were proud of that... oh, is it a problem that she’s more talented than the legitimate heir?
I speculated as much, but Popuri just looked at me with an "oh, give me a break" expression.
"She’s not a victim from that time."
"Huh? Then what’s the connection?"
"Can't you remember the name Minister Nok?"
"Nok? Nok? ...Ah, the minister who summoned those monsters back then. Wait, so she’s his daughter..."
The pieces finally clicked. Honestly, I’d completely forgotten that name. It was a matter handled by another country, and it wasn't my place to interfere. Besides, even if he was manipulated, what that minister did was the act of a fool.
"Correct. She is the daughter of the concubine of Nok Nonford—the former Enaria minister and traitor who plotted to overthrow the state. She is the last of the Nonford line. Her name is Nilua Nonford."
"Though, she can never use that name again..."
"If she can't use it, does that mean in Enaria..."
"Yes. The entire clan was executed. Naturally. What they did was far too grave. She is the only one left. I received the information early, so I managed to prevent them from getting to her. Fortunately, the Single Numbers are a bunch of eccentrics, so the fact that she had few social ties worked in her favor."
"Oof."
Ah, Popuri is cutting me with the blade of her words. Well, that aside, this case means one thing: I am undoubtedly involved in this as well.
Now, what to do?
So, the true identity of "Trash-chan," or Ichi-chan, was the daughter of that shitty minister from Enaria. Does everyone remember? That incident in Enaria? To be honest, this snowman doesn't remember it very well, so I had to go back and reread it. It’s fun to see these connections, isn't it?
And, I have a bit of an issue to report. I’ve been preparing today’s post a day in advance, and for the last two days, I accidentally set it for 18:00. It seems I got it mixed up with my blog update time.
Now, for the main point. Before I could prepare today’s post, I fell ill—or rather, I was hit with a combo of something like Meniere’s disease, where I couldn't look at the computer, felt nauseous, and ended up vomiting. I went to the hospital and they ruled out a brain hemorrhage, so I’m relieved, but there’s a possibility I won’t be able to post for a few days, so I wanted to let you all know in advance.
That said, I have about two chapters in stock, so I’ll keep posting as long as those last. Everyone, please take care of your health.