“Think nothing of it. It is merely another symbol of our friendship. Your journey should be a lot easier with this, no?” Syldora shook his head, and pushed the Time-Space Cache at Rio.
“It may be easier, but...” Rio said, expressing his hesitance in accepting the gift. Then, from the side —
“Don’t sweat the details, kid. That’s what a sworn friendship is all about. And the gifts aren’t just from the village, ya know? The dwarves have prepared a weapon set to present you. This sword here is made from mythril. It can absorb your spirit arts and encapsulate itself in them. There’s also an armor set made from the leather of the Black Wyvern you defeated. Honestly, it makes metal armor look like paper in comparison,” Dominic said in a good-natured voice, with several dwarves carrying weapons and armor following him.
The valuable sword was embedded with a spirit stone that glittered beautifully. The armor set was designed like clothing, with gloves, boots, and a long coat that were all made of the Black Wyvern’s leather. It glimmered with a jet black sheen.
“Since you still have room to grow, we made the size a bit on the larger side. We’ll make further adjustments once you return to the village. And, just so you know, it was custom made for you, so you have no right to refuse it,” Dominic said with a smug look.
“The dwarves are not the only ones who prepared a present — we elves have prepared a large number of medicines, too. There’s an inventory list of everything included, which you may inspect later,” Syldora said, handing Rio a single piece of paper and gesturing towards a large wooden box on the ground beside him that must have been filled with the medicines.
Many elvish medicines were crafted using precious materials and created with spirit arts, and their effectiveness was leagues beyond what human medicines could do. The list he was handed even included secret potions and miracle elixirs, making Rio’s eyes widen.
“Is it really alright for me to take such potions and elixirs from you?”
“Hahaha, do not worry. I was the one who gave instruction on how to make all of those recipes. As long as you have the materials, I could teach you how to make them too, Lord Rio.”
“Aren’t those materials highly valuable?” They were all items that were difficult for humans to cultivate; some items even required Dryas’ tree sap.
“They may be difficult to obtain in human territories, but that is not the case for this village. Feel free to take as much as you like,” Syldora said with a gentle smile.
“Now, there’s still the werebeast’s share to account for. We’ve prepared ingredients harvested in the village — so much of it, in fact, you’ll never run out. Because of the large amount of ingredients, we couldn’t bring it here to this spot, but you can store it in your Time-Space Cache later. Oh, and this one is from not only the werebeasts... Every other species put forth their specialty alcohol too.”
Finally, as though to deliver the finishing blow, Ursula presented a mountain of food and drink.
“Everyone... You prepared so much...” Rio clenched his fist as his face twisted apologetically.
“That’s a silly thing to say, kid. You’re underestimating just how much you’ve done for us until now. It’d be ungrateful of us to let you leave from this village with nothing in hand!” Dominic said with a laugh.
“Indeed, it is exactly as Dominic says. You may consider it the collective will of the village.”
“That’s right. So, please — we want you to accept it.” Both Syldora and Ursula spoke in a voice full of determination.
Behind the three head elders, the other village elders deeply nodded. Rio slowly raised his head and looked around at the faces in the room.
“Words of gratitude are not enough for the greatest kindness you have bestowed upon my unworthy self. If ever a danger shall befall upon the spirit folk, I vow to assist you as your sworn friend — with my entire being.” Rio spoke his verbal pledge, and gave a profound bow of his head.
◇◇◇
Finally, the day came for Rio to depart the spirit folk village.
There were so many people who wanted to see him off, they had to borrow Dryas’ shrine as a gathering point before his departure.
“Everyone, thank you very much for this past year and a half,” Rio said, offering his gratitude to everyone who came to see him off.
“Have a nice trip, Onii-chan!” Saddened by the farewell, Latifa hugged Rio until his appearance became a little ruffled — but Rio found that all the more endearing.
“Latifa, Rio is in pain,” Sara said in fond exasperation with a smile on her lips.
“Since we won’t be seeing each other again for a while, I’m charging up on as much Onii-chan energy as I can! This is your chance if you want to hug Onii-chan, too, Sara!” Latifa said from where she clung to Rio.
“W-What?! I don’t want to hug him at all!” Sara denied with a furious blush.
“Then I’ll hug him instead of Sara.”
“...Me too. Please.”
Orphia and Alma said, having just appeared.
“Huh?” Sara said dumbfoundedly.
“Good for you, Sara! Orphia and Alma will do it in your place. Okay, I’ll let go for a moment, then!” Latifa said with a triumphant grin, letting go of Rio so that Orphia and Alma could approach.
“Uugh...” Sara’s expression twitched.
“Ehehe, it’s a little embarrassing. Then... do excuse me. Have a good trip, Rio. Let’s all live together again when you get back!” Orphia said her parting words with a bright smile as she gave Rio a gentle hug.
“Thank you. I’ll search for delicious recipes while I’m on my journey,” Rio replied, smiling bashfully. Then, after Orphia had let go of him with a slightly regretful look, Alma stepped forward.
“Rio. P-Please make sure to take care of yourself. I’ll be praying for you to have a safe journey.” Alma embraced Rio with a blush, too.
Rio had grown a fair bit in height during his stay in the village, so compared to the smaller size of a dwarf like Alma, it was like the size difference of an adult and a child.
“If I find any delicious sake on my trip, I’ll bring it back as a souvenir. We can drink it together.”
“Ah... S-Sure. If it’s not too much trouble, then please do.”
While she thought it was a bit odd for a young maiden to be offered alcohol as a souvenir, it still made her happy, which made Alma’s blush grow even deeper.
“Come on, Sara, you too!”
“Wah! H-Hey, Latifa!”
Once Alma let go of Rio, Latifa shoved Sara from behind. Losing her balance and tripping over her feet, she found herself in front of him.
“Ah, umm. Hi, Rio...” Sara stood before Rio shyly with scarlet-colored cheeks.
“Hi, Sara. How can I help you?” Rio replied with an amused laugh.
“P-Please train me again when you get back!” Sara said in a rather hasty way, before moving promptly and wrapping her arms gently around him.
“Sure. Keep up your own training so you can win one over me next time.”
“Ugh... okay. I won’t lose!” With a small groan, Sara clenched her two fists in motivation. Then, Uzuma, Anya, Vera, and Arslan, as well as crowds of other spirit folk, all came forwards at once.
“Everyone all at once?” Rio looked around at them with widened eyes.
“Sara’s group is special!” explained Vera.
“Yup, yup. Sara’s group is special, right?” Anya looked over at the girls with a knowing grin. Orphia received her gaze with a smile of her own, but Sara and Alma avoided making eye contact.
“Rio, I hope you have a good trip. Let’s play together again when you come back.” Vera hugged Rio cutely.
“Oh, my. Did you win over Sara’s little sister too? I shouldn’t even be surprised anymore.”
“What are you saying, Anya?” Rio’s smile twitched doubtfully.
“Rio! Stay healthy! Train me too when you get back!”
“Yeah, sure. You take care of yourse
lf, too, Arslan. Please be good friends with Latifa.”
“T-That goes without saying, of course.” Arslan blushed and turned away a bit brusquely.
“Lord Rio, I am also looking forward to the day you can fight me again. I shall endeavor to discipline myself even more than you, to become stronger,” Uzuma said next.
“Yes, I’ll be training myself too. I look forward to our rematch.” With that promise, Rio and Uzuma exchanged a firm handshake.
To Uzuma, while it was only a practice match, Rio was one of the few opponents she could go all out against. The same went for Rio. Ever since he taught Uzuma techniques for sparring with other people, her skills had risen exponentially. They both anxiously awaited their rematch.
“Then, I shall be praying for your good fortune. Take care.”
“Yes, do look forward to your souvenir.”
With a deep nod, Uzuma left Rio’s side. Then, the elders appeared.
“Oho. We shall keep this short and sweet for you; the elders will say their farewells all together. Lord Rio, come back to us at any time. This village is your home too,” Ursula said with a cheery smile.
“That’s right! Come back whenever you want!” Dominic said with a merry laugh, grasping Rio’s arm firmly.
“Yes. All of us present will be awaiting your return, Lord Rio. May the spirits guide your journey.” Syldora smiled and offered a prayer for Rio’s safe travels.
“Thank you all very much. I hope everyone here takes care as well,” Rio said, nodding at all the elders.
“Have a good trip and see you again soon, Onii-chan!” Latifa came over once more to give her final greeting, hugging Rio enthusiastically.
“Yeah, I’ll be back soon.” Rio gently hugged Latifa back. Eventually, he reluctantly let go of her hand and turned on his heel with resolve...
...Only to turn back around to face the spirit folk villagers.
“Everyone! It is my greatest honor to be a part of you. I am deeply indebted to you all for including my undeserving self amongst your ranks as a sworn friend,” Rio said in a loud voice, before manipulating wind with spirit arts and floating gently into the air. The villagers were cheering at him and waving their hands.
“I look forward to the day we meet again!”
With that said, Rio waved his hand and rose far up into the sky. Then, his figure disappeared, heading quickly toward the sky’s horizon. The spirit folk waved their arms until they could no longer see Rio’s form.
“There he goes,” Alma muttered quietly once Rio’s form disappeared completely.
“Sara, Orphia, Alma. I won’t lose,” Latifa said, her eyes fixed on the sky where Rio had disappeared.
“...Huh? Lose at what?” Sara replied in confusion.
“I love Onii-chan. As family, and as the opposite sex. There might be someone other than us in Onii-chan’s heart... But I won’t give up. So, just in case you all love him too, I’m going to declare war right now. Though, it doesn’t really matter if none of you care about Onii-chan in that way anyway...” Latifa stared at Sara and the others with a daring smile.
“W-Wha — I never said I didn’t care!” Sara said vaguely with a bright red face, her words neither confirming nor denying anything.
“Fufu, that’s not very honest of you, Sara,” Orphia said with a sweet smile.
“That’s right. Being dishonest because of your embarrassment is one of your faults, Sara.” Alma slumped her shoulders in exasperation.
“A-Aren’t you the same as me, Alma?! You’re not one to talk!” Sara objected.
“At least I’m honest when it counts the most!” Alma said nonchalantly and turned her face away. Sara knew this was the kind of behavior Alma took on when she was embarrassed, thanks to the many years they’d spent together.
“See! Just like that! We’re the same in how we get embarrassed!”
“That’s not what I was talking about.”
The way their conversation heated up like this was typical for Sara and Alma. If Rio had been present, he would have watched on with a grin at such a familiar scene. The villagers present watched, all smiles, as the girls noisily argued.
It was the year 998 of the Holy Era — more than seven years had passed since Rio regained his memories of his previous life. The day when history would be set into motion was fast approaching.
Epilogue
One day, in the Yagumo region, in the Kingdom of Karasuki...
On top of a small hill outside of a certain village stood two small stone pillars.
A distinctive man knelt before the pillars. Behind him, a serene-looking woman did the same.
The man’s outfit was not flashy, but he was wearing clothes similar to a refined samurai’s outfit, with a rustic single-edged straight sword sheathed at his waist. The woman was wearing elegant and proper clothes with a fine pattern. Both were aged between their prime years and middle-aged, but they still appeared youthful.
“Sure brings back memories. Makes me think of the days when you said you wanted to see Zen’s hometown, so we escorted you out and snuck you over to this village...” The man mumbled toward the pillars with a sorrowful smile carved into his mouth. He seemed to be talking to himself, as the woman behind him showed no reaction; she only stayed kneeling with her eyes closed.
“...Lady Ayame, the view from this hill hasn’t changed much since those days.” The man’s muttered, lamenting words were almost drowned out by the gentle wind stirring the grass on the ground.
Afterword
Hello, everyone — I am much indebted to you all.
I’m Yuri Kitayama.
Thank you very much for picking up Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Vol. 2.
I believe you have probably picked up Volume 2 after reading Volume 1, which I consider a great blessing as an author.
Now that Volume 2 of Seirei Gensouki has been released, there is something that I wish to inform everyone of here. The continuing publication of the light novel Seirei Gensouki has been decided.
That’s right — we’re a series now! Volume 3 will be released!
It was only a month ago, where I had been feeling both excited and nervous for several days following the release of Volume 1. However, not long after that, Editor N told me: “It’s selling really well. We may need an emergency second print.” I was so relieved to hear that, and at the same time, I felt great happiness to be able to continue writing the light novel version.
This is wholly thanks to all the readers that purchased Volume 1.
I also received many messages of support on the internet, and the first handwritten fan letter of my life, which was a great source of motivation! Many thanks to everyone, from the bottom of my heart! As for the release of Volume 2, a great number of concerned parties were involved... sometimes involving support from places that I could not see. To those people, I would like to take this space to extend my deepest gratitude. Thank you very much!
Back to the book, now: the highlight of this volume is definitely the adorable character illustrations drawn by Riv.
The fan favorite, Latifa, the three girls from the village, as well as the other girls... and Liselotte, who was hugely popular in the web novel... All the characters were drawn in wonderful detail. Of course, it’s not only the characters, but Riv’s scenery illustrations are also wonderful! Especially the cover illustration, which has been drawn in meticulous detail. It is truly drawn beautifully.
For the purpose of drawing the characters, I sent Riv materials for character references. There were some that were overly detailed, while others were just vaguely noted, so I’m sure it must have been a lot of trouble for Riv. It probably made the illustration process a lot more cumbersome, too.
However, Riv always delivered quality that was above my imagination. I have bowed so much that I can’t even raise my head anymore. (sweat) Xiexie! And so, without further ado, I’d like to introduce my favorite illustration other than the cover art... And that is the color image on the inside cover of the
book.
All the heroines featured in volume 2 are gathered there, but the shot where Latifa and Suzune are touching hands gave me goosebumps. For readers of the light novel version: after you’ve read the main story and once you’ve understood the circumstances of the two girls, please go back and look at the illustration once more. You may feel something that’s different from your first impression of it.
Now, there isn’t much space left on this paper, and there are still thanks to give that I haven’t said yet.
There’s Editor N, who gave an extraordinary amount of effort for the release of this volume.
I speak with N frequently through texts and phone calls, but my house is actually pretty close to the Hobby Japan headquarters, so we’ve also met in person a few times. It’s there that we discuss the details of the story. After those meetings, N will always treat me to a meal. I’m honestly so humbled. At our most recent meeting, I was treated to an exquisitely delicious steak.
Furthermore, regardless of my work, we rant about our favorite light novels, manga, anime, and favorite game heroines. (laughs) If I have an opportunity to in the future, I may write about our meetings more in this space.
Look forward to it, won’t you?
Well then, everyone — that’s all for this time. Hopefully we’ll meet again in Volume 3!
Yuri Kitayama
November 2015
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Copyright
Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Volume 2
by Yuri Kitayama
Translated by Mana Z.
Blessing of the Spirits Page 22