Father

The baron's confession was a shock.

Mother, her hair wild, clutched at the man, shouting, "Yours! It's your fault! Demon! A murderer! Give back my daughter! My... my daughter! Give back Elizabeth too! You, who are no better than dust, no matter how many times you die, you are nothing! Nothing at all!"

That was all she could do...

In the end, the punishment of the man was left entirely to Father.

Today, overwhelmed by information, I had passed the hours without understanding anything clearly.

Alone in my chamber, calm now, I began to see many things that made sense...

Stella truly had the same violet eyes as Mother...

And she possessed the sacred power of water.

But that was all... Her pale gold hair was not the same shade as Father's.

What of Spica, then?

Her hazel eyes were the same as Father's and her brothers'...

The power of water, too— and light… more than any of her brothers…

Her hair color was closer to her mother’s hazel…

I want to ask why I did not notice, but doubt rises like a serpent’s head.

With that doubt unresolved, I create a magical artifact—truth to some, demon’s tool to others.

It will bring upheaval to the Emmental family, become the spark that ignites what is known as the Emmental Tragedy. Yet at this moment, I do not know it.

Mascy sits alone at the head of the household’s office desk, as though abandoned.

I am weary—since morning.

An early summons to the Imperial Palace, an audience with the Emperor,

The revelation of the daughters’ deeds and their sins,

The exposure of our foolish crime committed against one daughter,

And the truth of the daughter…

To finish it, a report from the royal court has just arrived.

The contents concerned Stella's power.

Delivered with an awkward explanation—partly acknowledging the nation's own fault—this was normally classified as state secret.

The more one read, the more terror filled the words.

Stella's power lay in altering another's thoughts, drawing them closer to her own, through voice and gaze.

Yet it proved ineffective against matters entirely unknown, or those not recognized as such.

It was influenced by the target's psychological and mental state: those harboring ill will, resistance, or strong loyalty to others felt its effect weakly; conversely, it worked strongly upon those who held affection, envy, pity, or guilt toward the wielder.

Its range extended only to the distance where face and voice could be perceived.

Once the effect is confirmed, the duration of mental influence lengthens, and prolonged exposure may lead to habitual normalization.

The condition may improve with physical and temporal distance from the wielder, yet it is presumed that reapplication of power will reintroduce the influence.

Currently, confirmed instances of power use are limited to the Emmental region, the Imperial City, the academy grounds, and the Imperial Palace—though this range is extensive and extends even to high-ranking nobles, making the consequences significant and too dangerous to ignore.

Immediate action is urgently advised…

I have always been under her influence…

For a moment, I thought this might serve as absolution for Spica, and relief began to rise within me.

Yet I realize now, deep within my heart, that I once regarded Spica as a foundling—someone other, not of kin, not of family.

Had I not harbored such thoughts, I would not have treated her so harshly…

To demand recompense from family? Not at all. Not from a girl still unbecome of adulthood… No, such a thought would be unthinkable.

In the end, it was nothing more than a wretched letter, exposing the frailty of my heart.

I turn my gaze to another report as well.

This one concerns the Virgin of the Barrier.

The barrier’s range has been confirmed to extend up to the current national border, as defined by the Empire.

Delays in the expansion of the barrier have been observed in several frontier regions where suspected anti-government forces are believed to be hiding. A holy knight unit, led by the Third Prince as chief commander, is currently conducting punitive and cleansing operations. Details remain unclear.

The cost required to maintain the barrier has been confirmed to have decreased. As a result, it is now possible to limit the Virgin of the Barrier’s tenure to a short, defined period, enabling her to be deployed in brief cycles. It is highly likely that she will be able to resume ordinary life upon the conclusion of her term. Further verification through future operations will be required.

Lastly, it is noted that the ability to manipulate another person’s mind without their consent, within the barrier, has been rendered ineffective.

Where had Spica heard of Stella’s power…?

A tightening in the chest, as if pierced by sorrow and regret woven into that single sentence.

And yet, a gentle warmth brushed against the heart, as though touching her kindness.

By the time I realized it, I was standing atop the guild’s teleportation array.

When I offered a gold coin as payment,

I was told, “Gold is good, but last time it was the young lady’s Sacred Stone that would’ve been better,”

Curious, I asked when exactly that was, and was told it was during the Foundation Festival. A young girl in dark robes, white beneath, had flown to Emmental in the dead of night…

Instinctively, I knew.

It had to have been Spica…

I could not press further, and so I vanished to the guild in Emmental.

Wandering through the quiet streets of Kiwa at night, I made my way toward the church.

The guardian knight, surprised by my late arrival, looked on with suspicion.

A noble arriving without warning, at night, on foot and without attendants—such a thing was beyond imagining.

As lord of this land, I was told to summon Lord Etowal, and though he hesitated, he responded.

Lord Etowal, despite the hour, appeared in full formal attire.

“Welcome, it has been a long time, Lord of Emmental. Have you come to see our current lord this evening?”

His gaze, gentle yet tinged with pity, fell upon me. Was this reproach for having offered my daughter as a sacrifice?

Or was it mockery—for having come here, after driving me so far?

I thought these things, yet said nothing. I nodded quietly, and followed his silent urging into the church.

The nave, though late at night, still held several people. All knelt before the statue of the goddess, their prayers solemn and sincere.

I had not seen such a sight before, I was told.

In recent days, more devotees have been coming to pray. So I’ve heard—it’s said to be the influence of a wandering minstrel singing of the new High Priestess’s great deeds. Some come from afar, especially from the frontier provinces.

I had no idea such things were happening in the common folk’s world.

To learn of my daughter’s achievements only through others’ words… truly, it is shameful.

As always, my eyes are covered, and I am led to the chamber before the Sacred Grounds.

Beyond this point lies the Sacred Grounds. I wait, a chill creeping through my heart, should Spica reject me.

When light fills the room, my heart begins to race.

Unmindful of my fear, a single path to the Sacred Grounds unfolds within the light.

I am overwhelmed with joy at this—yet the thought of walking that path is unbearable.

Lord Etowaer does not urge me forward. He waits, silent, until I begin to walk.

I push aside the overwhelming fear, and take one heavy step, then another.

Just a few meters away—yet it feels as long as the path of judgment.

Before me lies a stone bed…

It resembles a coffin, and within it lies a figure I recognize.

My vision blurs with tears; I cannot see my lord clearly.

I do not wish to understand.

And yet here I am, having come this far…

I reached this point on sheer momentum, without time to gather my thoughts…

Still… this… is proof of my guilt…

I wipe the tears roughly with my sleeve, desperately holding back the flood, and stare at the coffin.

There lies the girl, as she was on that day.

Her eyes are wrapped in white lace, painful to see, and her chest cradles the love of her beloved…

My daughter… Spica… could she truly be this thin?

The thought of not remembering her makes me feel utterly worthless.

I sank to my knees before the coffin, surrendering to the tide of emotion…

Only the foolish father and his daughter sleeping in quiet remained…

By the time I realized it, Lord Etowair stood beside me.

“Your lady daughter lies in such noble repose.

You raised a most exquisite young lady.”

I did not understand the meaning of those words…

I had tormented her… to speak of raising her was absurd…

“From her earliest years, I watched her. I believe she grew up with great integrity. I regarded her as one might a distant uncle, watching over her with quiet care.”

“…Did we truly raise her properly?”

“At least to me, she appeared to have been raised in happiness and love.

Though her face bore clouds in recent years, her heart remained as pure as in her childhood.”

Lord Etowair smiled softly.

There was no falsehood in his words…

Yet, despite having loved her… that feeling grew heavier still.

Then it struck me. Was he not the one who had sent his own daughter to become the Virgin of the Barrier?

“Did you never regret sending your daughter away?”

Lord Etowair looked away for just a moment.

“I would be lying if I said I felt no conflict. But when she made her choice, I let her go.

Unlike the Count, I had time to prepare myself… to accept it.

And now, sharing tea with my daughter has become my daily ritual.

Treating each remaining day with care…

Perhaps, if the Count lives long enough, he too may one day find such a peace.”

Lord Etowair showed me a glimpse of hope…

Reluctantly, I left the sanctuary behind.

Spica… I called her again and again, but there was no reply…

Will I ever hear her voice once more?

And will there ever come a day when I may speak my apology to her, face to face?

I passed beneath the gates of the lord’s manor, the sky pale with dawn.

I walked alone, marveling at how vast the estate’s garden truly was.

Upon reaching the house, a frail figure, staff in hand, awaited me.

“Finally you’ve come, you foolish son.”

There was no anger in his voice—only weight, as Elder Elbam spoke, then slowly moved deeper into the house, bidding me follow.

Mascy walked silently behind.

No sooner had they entered the chamber than Elder Elbam spoke.

“Was the current lady of the house beautiful?”

He slammed a amber-hued bottle onto the desk.

“Ah, a reunion after so long. Be patient, for a little while.”

Mascy lowered himself awkwardly before Elbam, then drained the small glass in one swift motion.

“You knew, Father… that Spica was the current lady?”

The burn in his throat was fierce.

"Of course I did. When I saw my granddaughter's name in the letter you sent from the next lord, I was truly astonished. I had suspected she might make such a decision, but I never thought you would consent.

I sent her with all my heart. As your substitute."

"If you knew, you should have stopped it. Why…?"

"Would you have me defy the head of the house? That letter bore your signature and the family seal.

And that child wished it with all her strength. I could not deny my beloved granddaughter her final request."

Elbam slowly tilted the glass.

"It was real… Spica was truly my daughter… Father, did you know?"

Elbam elder shook his head gently.

“No. I only just learned it. Even if it were true, it would change nothing for me. That child—Spica—was always my beloved granddaughter. From the day you took her as your own. Whether blood ties bind us or not, she became my granddaughter the moment you declared her your daughter…”

He spoke, then drained the glass in one swift motion.

“And yet, you have been so concerned with Spica just now—what of your other granddaughter? You once cared for her deeply, did you not?”

Mascy had forgotten her existence until now.

No—had tried to forget her… aware it was evasion, yet weakly turning his eyes away.

“Stella was sentenced to execution for acts of rebellion against the royal family…”

He answered, voice strained, head bowed.

“That… is a most grievous matter indeed.”

“Self-inflicted! He manipulated us all, tormented the true daughter—Spica—and stole her from our family!”

Mascy declared, unyielding, her voice sharp with denial.

But Elder Elbam would not accept such excuses.

“Your arrogance, Mascy…

I do not know what Stella has done.

Yet is it not the parent’s duty to guide and correct their child?

Did you go to her as you did for Spica? Did you listen to her words?

And as I said before—you chose to regard her as family. Then there is no distinction between true and false. Your heart, which could not embrace her without division, is the true issue. You were not ready to welcome a child with such resolve…

Let me say it once more. To me, Spica and Stella are both beloved daughters. My irreplaceable granddaughters.

Your wife, your exact likeness in Cain, the sour-tempered Alex, the mischievous Fret—each is mine by blood.

And you, too, are mine, Mascy."

Mascy’s mouth worked open and shut, as if desperate to speak, yet no words would come.

“Tell me, son. After capture, when the pirates hear they’ll be broken on the rack and sent to the coal mines as slaves, they all say the same thing—‘Kill me. Kill me.’ Is that not a convenient escape? Do you not think so?”

For a moment, the thought flits through: What is he saying?

But then it dawns—this is not a plea for mercy, but a declaration: escape through convenience is not permitted.

“To correct a child’s error is the parent’s duty. No one will speak harshly to you face to face. There may be whispers behind your back.

That is the burden you have earned. Carry it, and still struggle to live.

Protect your family—before your heart dies, set it right.”

Spica does not harbor hatred toward you, nor does she curse you.

Live on, burdened with regret and penitence that come too late, for the sake of that gentle soul. That will be your atonement for the sin imposed upon you. I will not permit you to flee.

Do not forgive yourself. Forgiveness is not granted to the one who has caused harm. It is a privilege reserved only for those who have been given.

Mascy could say nothing…

There are no words for it.

She said nothing, simply receiving her father’s admonition.

Seeing his son’s worn countenance, Elder Elbam exhales softly.

A father is a difficult thing… I did not bear children myself, nor could I be present at your births while serving in the military… When I returned, you were all already born—by the third time, it was… My wife scolded me, saying, ‘I did not know that one who cannot love and protect their family could be trusted to protect the nation.’

And so, as a father, there are days of learning—still, even now, taught by a child. Even at my age, there remains learning to be had. At your age, there will be much to learn, and many mistakes to make. That is precisely why one must draw strength from them. One learns more from a child than one might expect.

A parent becomes a parent only upon having a child. Even I, who have barely lived as a parent for the number of years you have, may yet be shaped by you, and you by me… perhaps that is how it is.

I never thought that even in old age, one might still learn…

And I never imagined a father’s face could hold such tenderness…

The father Mascy had known was a face full of dignity and certainty—of a ruler, not a man.

That is why I do not know this face… and yet it feels familiar.

“Being able to indulge someone in old age is a rare thing. I have scarcely anyone left who might indulge me now…”

With that, Elder Elbam poured wine into the two empty glasses.

“You’ve hardly changed at all… my dear, beloved son.”

Why did I not send Spica away as my father did…?

Why did I judge the two daughters solely by blood ties?

I had declared them family, as my father did, yet I had not met them with the same great love—shame filled me.

Even now, I still cling to my father’s… my parent’s love.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry… Father… I’m sorry… Spica… I’m sorry… Stella… I’m sorry… everyone…”

Elbam soothed the flood of words by gently tapping his son’s shoulder.

The sky had fully brightened.

Mascy, though clearly worn, appeared to have regained composure.

Elbam cleared his throat once and assumed the demeanor of a ruler, turning to Mascy.

“Now then, our time as father and son has come to an end.”

From now on, as the former head and elder of the family that rules the great domain of Emmental, he would address the current head.

How shall we restore the authority and trust of Emmental, which has fallen to the depths of the earth through this matter?"

Stella's power remains undisclosed. It is a decree from the imperial court.

Elbam will not come to know it either.

Thus, to outsiders, the state of Emmental will appear as a family that has scorned the daughter they once cherished like a beloved child, sending her away as a noble sacrifice—brutal and unjust.

And that, regardless of hindsight, is an undeniable fact.

Yet the daughter who was scorned has proven her worth.

The nobles will surely make use of this as a topic of conversation.

She will inevitably become the subject of whispers and gossip.

The consequences will surely extend even to commerce and the management of lands—no one needs to speculate further to know this.

Mascy answered.

Elbam the Elder approved it without hesitation.

The details were made known within the family only after a new life had been added to the Emmental lineage.

Not long after Mascy’s eldest son, Cain, became a father, the moment arrived when Cain himself was a father.