Only by you and for you.
A deafening roar resonates in the ears of all those present as a small puff of black smoke emerges from the weapon. No one comprehends what has just transpired.
Several individuals cover their ears, taken aback by the sudden clamor. No one expected this. Only the blacksmiths were privy to this weapon's existence, as I had not revealed it to Emilia or anyone else aside from Beatrice.
It was she who assisted me with the modifications to the bullets.
"Look!" I point at the armor, which the projectile effortlessly pierced. Even Emilia is left gaping in astonishment; she sensed a minute mana fluctuation, almost imperceptible.
Everyone falls silent, awaiting what I am about to announce.
"This is a unique weapon! It requires no magic to activate, and you don't need to be a wizard or a knight with years of training to wield it." I raise it once more, looking resolute. "Tomorrow, applications open for the new army, where all participants will reap great benefits.
"Those who decide to join will receive a starting salary akin to that of a knight, which is twenty gold coins monthly. However, this is just the beginning. As they progress, their salary will increase, commensurate with their achievements." I place my hand on my chest. "It is a perilous endeavor, and we understand your concerns for your families. Therefore, in the unfortunate event of someone perishing in the line of duty, we will provide the families with sustenance and two holy coins every five months, in addition to employment and benefits beyond mere currency. "
People begin murmuring amongst themselves, evidently concerned about their safety. I realize that it's not an easy decision for them, but I also understand their desire to prevent a similar tragedy from recurring.
"Hiring external forces could lead to complications, so I implore those who feel in their hearts the urge to protect their loved ones to step forward and apply to join Irlam's army."
Several men shout with excitement, eager for the new opportunity before them. Thus begins phase three, the stage that will reveal a new horizon.
"Let us celebrate this grand beginning! Let us toast to Irlam and its people!" I exclaim with enthusiasm.
The uproar ensues, music envelops the atmosphere, and instruments fill the air. Alcoholic beverages are distributed among the attendees, and the crowd begins to dance—a celebration in honor of those who have fallen and with their sights set on the future.
In truth, festivities are not my forte; even on Earth, I used to avoid nightclubs. However, witnessing everyone so joyous helps me realize that the suffering was not in vain.
At that moment, Roswaal approaches and says, "It has be~~en a gratifying surpri~~se. That rifle possesses more potency than a conventional bow and is swifter than spe~~lls cast by normal-level mages."
Clearly, when it comes to mages like Roswaal, further elaboration is unnecessary. His level far exceeds mine at this point.
Anyone can use it, even children, provided they hone their marksmanship skills. That is why I chose not to rely on external forces, as training individuals with cavalry knowledge would be challenging.
Mercenaries are not trustworthy, and knights are too proud, leaving us with no option but to nurture our own defenders from scratch. The only issue is the limited time we have—only one week before the potential arrival of Crusch, where there will be no room for delays.
Past midnight, everyone retreats to their abodes. Conversely, we commence a modest celebration in a room of the mansion.
With glasses of wine in hand, we embark on a conversation about these intense days.
"Lord Marco, are you certain about bestowing me with this position?" Frederica inquires, visibly concerned.
"There is no one better suited. You will transcend your role as a servant and engage in a different pursuit," I respond with a smile, admiring Frederica's singular beauty.
Her dental features are unique; to the uninitiated, they might appear grotesque, but once acclimated, one can discern beauty in the idiosyncrasy. Undoubtedly, Frederica is a woman of remarkable beauty.
I take a gentle sip of the wine, relishing its delightful freshness, profound flavor, and a subtle hint of sweetness. I can discern the quality of this selection.
"It is exquisite; its quality is unmistakable," I remark to Roswall, who sits, savoring the libation.
"It's a grand reserve that I have preserved," he responds with a broad smile.
Emilia and Rem appear curious about the libation. I had requested that they abstain from imbibing during the village celebration to maintain appearances, but now, they are excited to sample their first sip.
Both inhale the wine's bouquet, and in synchrony, they take a generous sip, furrowing their brows slightly at its bitterness.
"What are your impressions?" I smile at them as I take another sip of the wine.
Both illuminate with delight, seemingly transported to another realm by the taste. They swiftly take another sip, emptying their glasses.
"Do not imbibe so hastily; you are unaware of your endurance," I caution, concerned that they may overindulge.
Roswall releases a chuckle alongside Frederica, both laughing at Rem and Emilia's reaction, as if they have discovered an enigmatic elixir.
I cast a gaze toward Ram; she smiles at me and swiftly empties her glass. Her gaze seems to challenge me.
The tension between us intensifies as she provokes me, insinuating that I am incapable of winning. Although our relations are strained, I opt to play along. We each seize a bottle, and we commence drinking as expeditiously as possible. I remain uncertain about how resilient a demon might be to alcohol, but I refuse to be surpassed.
I shall not concede defeat.
Both of us consume with great celerity; Emilia encourages me while Rem deliberates whom to support. Ram and I lock arms, setting aside our differences and smiling, eager to witness the victor.
"If I emerge victorious, you shall serve as my cook for a month," she proposes.
"That is wicked," I smile. "If I prevail, you must address me as 'Master Marco' for a month, then."
A vein becomes apparent on Ram's forehead, but she accepts the challenge. With this newfound incentive, I must triumph at all costs. We continue to drink and drink until we deplete the third bottle. Rem and Emilia lie on the floor, overcome by the effects of the alcohol.
"Are you even human?" Frederica inquires, astonished by my endurance.
"He's a scoundrel, hic! I had no notion he could endure so admirably," Ram remarks.
Several bottles are now strewn about us; I cannot even recall when they accumulated.
"You shall not outlast me," I declare, placing my hand over my mouth to restrain myself.
Both of us fixate on the final bottle; it signifies the culmination of this contest, and the one who perseveres shall emerge triumphant. We once again interlock arms and consume all the wine in a single gulp. Roswall watches us with the same smile, monitoring the victor.
Ram and I lock eyes, awaiting to see who will falter first. I am doing everything in my power to resist. I did not anticipate that Ram would possess such a formidable alcohol tolerance, but it is evident that she too is affected.
"Ha!" we exclaim in unison upon witnessing the other stumble.
Ram falls to the floor, and I follow suit but manage to place my hand to prevent myself from falling on top of her. We gaze at each other while sprawled on the ground, although, to be honest, I cannot focus on her countenance very clearly.
"Did I win?" I inquire, observing that Ram appears slightly flushed from the alcohol.
"It's a tie!" she responds, refusing to accept defeat.
Although she appears as if she could have endured longer, she likely feels remorse for depleting Roswall's liquor. I am indifferent, having imbibed to the fullest.
How fortunate that the liquor has run dry.
I smile, admitting that it has been enjoyable. I rise and extend my hand toward Ram, assisting her in getting up. Then we clasp hands, making a new vow.
"Next time, I will emerge victorious," we say in unison.
Frederica observes the scene with concern, but in my mind, the memory of someone important emerges. I walk toward the balcony, where a young girl stares at me intently.
I cannot discern her expression, but I smile at her, hoping my gesture reaches her. I approach her, but the girl speaks to me sternly, crossing her arms.
"You reek of liquor, I suppose," she says disapprovingly.
"I needed it, although I didn't expect Ram to want to compete with me," I reply.
The night descends upon us; the starlit sky envelops us in its dark cloak. We stand on a balcony, where the gentle breeze caresses our faces. Shadows dance around us, adding a touch of mystery to this intimate moment.
In that precise moment, a sigh escapes Beatrice's lips as she gently takes my hand, unfolding her healing gift to alleviate the ravages of alcohol within me. The effects begin to slowly dissipate, but before I can fully recover, I withdraw my hands, preventing her from healing me entirely.
"Just a little more," I smile sweetly, placing my hand tenderly on her head.
I can't help but notice the expression in Beatrice's eyes, a profound void that seems to engulf her. She appears to crave fading away, escaping to some distant place. For a fleeting instant, she reaches her hand toward the sky, and I can sense as if she's on the verge of dissolving into the mists of the horizon. Perhaps it's the effect of the alcohol, but I manage to grasp the intense sadness that resides within her.
"Beatrice!" I exclaim with determination, lunging towards her and enveloping her in a tight embrace. The sound of the wind mingles with our intertwined breaths, as if our hearts beat in unison.
"What's happening, I suppose?" she responds surprised, seeking to understand my emotional outburst. Her words escape gently, like sighs laden with uncertainty.
I hold her in my arms, kneeling before her, delicately drawing her closer to me. I embrace her with overwhelming strength, fervently wishing she doesn't fade away, that she finds happiness and can smile, freed from the chains of her own suffering.
My chest swells with every heartbeat, as if I want to convey all the love and passion I harbor for her.
Beatrice doesn't reject my gesture, though her countenance remains somber, permeated with a sense of hopelessness. Her eyes, as deep as the abyss, search for answers in mine, hoping to find a spark of hope amidst the darkness.
"Everyone has connections in their lives, but I..." Beatrice murmurs in a tone laden with discouragement.
"I'm here, Beatrice!" I affirm firmly, holding her with determination to prevent her from escaping my embrace. "I will always be by your side, ready to offer you my unwavering support."
"You're going to die, sooner or later. Our time doesn't compare, in fact..." Beatrice responds with a mixture of sadness and resignation.
The moon, majestic and radiant, rises high in the starry sky as we stand on the balcony, enveloped in a delicate nighttime breeze. Every sigh of the wind seems to carry the whisper of our intertwined hearts.
Beatrice's words reach my ears like an echo laden with melancholy and resignation. Her voice, filled with sadness, pierces the depths of my being, making me understand the fragility of our existence. In that moment, the desire to safeguard her heart stirs within me, like a flame burning with an indomitable passion.
"It's true, sooner or later I will die," I reply calmly, allowing myself to admire her face in the soft moonlight.
Beatrice's eyes, crystalline and brimming with contained tears, reflect the somber darkness she has carried throughout her life. I gaze at her, how she struggles to prevent the tears from falling.
"It's cruel!" she whispers in pain, a solitary tear sliding down her cheek. "It's cruel to make me believe I can be happy if you're just a fleeting moment in my life in fact."
My eyes widen in surprise, taken aback by the depth of emotions hidden within Beatrice. I never imagined that our bond was more than a mere distraction from our everyday troubles.
In that precise moment, I comprehend the magnitude of my yearning to illuminate her existence and be her guide in the darkness.
With a smile that originates from the depths of my heart, I fervently wish for her well-being, her unwavering happiness. My arms extend toward her, inviting her to draw near, to feel my love and protection.
"Though my flesh may fade, I will always be with you," I declare with unwavering conviction, my words laden with profound sentiments. "I will live on within you every time you remember me, every time you desire to joyfully evoke that Marco Luz was here, that he came from another world to find you and ardently wished to see you happy."
Beatrice gazes at me, her eyes flooded with tears that seem to reflect a rainbow of emotions. Her lips quiver in an attempt to smile as she valiantly battles her inner fears.
In an unexpected instant, Beatrice changes her expression and, out of nowhere, produces a book identical to Roswall's. With tenderness, she presses the book against her chest, her smile tinged with affection. However, her eyes reveal a profound sadness that consumes her.
With determination, Beatrice looks at me intensely, seeking an answer in my eyes. But instead of reproach, I find in her gaze the ardent desire to be loved. Unperturbed, I smile serenely, grateful to know the truth, to know that her heart longs to be saved.
"Don't be arrogant, human," she whispers, gently caressing her hand as she opens the book and flips through its pages. "This book, a gift from my beloved mother, was given to me to make decisions about the future; it shows me the paths my mother wants me to follow, I suppose."
Tears and darkness fill her eyes, and in a heart-wrenching cry, Beatrice exclaims, "Everything I did for you! It was all based on this book, in fact!" Her voice breaks, lost amidst tears and despair. She runs her fingers over the pages of the book, awaiting my rejection.
Nevertheless, I remain composed. I understand her yearning, her need to find a purpose and follow the path her heart desires.
"Well, the fact that the book shows you the future doesn't mean you lack awareness; in reality, it means you made those choices, and the book depicts them. It simply indicates the decisions you will make in the future, but you are not obliged to follow it," I continue gently. "Everything you do is because you desire it. That book is merely a guide to your future choices."
Surprise reflects in Beatrice's eyes, leaving her speechless. She observes more pages of the book, but then falls to her knees, disheartened. I approach without hesitation, noticing that the book's pages have been blank, revealing nothing for centuries.
"For hundreds of years, it ceased to show me a path, I suppose. For hundreds of years, it's been nothing but my profound loneliness, abandoned in a place from which I cannot escape, in fact," Beatrice clutches the book tightly, allowing a few drops of her sadness to fall onto its pages. "This book ceased to guide Betty a long time ago, so Betty has no purpose to follow, in fact."
I place my hand upon her cheek, sharing my warmth and tenderness with her.
"There are countless possible futures, thousands of decisions to make. That book only reveals how far your mother wished you to see. Perhaps she gave it to you, hoping that one day you would understand that you must take charge of your own life, move forward following the desires of your heart," I gently stroke her cheek. "I am unaware of what happened to her, but from what you say, it seems she passed away a long time ago. Believe me, I understand that feeling."
She looks into my eyes, an expression of sadness mixed with a longing to know the truth.
"I too wish to see my mother again, who, because of me..." My gaze wanders to the sky as I try to contain my own sadness.
I must be strong, for her, Marco Luz.
"There are so many things I wish I could say to her, hear her voice again, but it's no longer possible. People make mistakes, no matter how perfect we may seem. After death, there's nothing left to do."
Her lips tremble, and tears well up in her eyes. With a complex expression, she furrows her brow as she cries.
"You have been imprisoned for so long, but that no longer matters," I declare, extending my arms toward her. "No matter how much time has passed, what truly matters is how we live each moment together. If the book is blank, then let's fill it with happy moments until we've filled every page."
Amazement shines in Beatrice's eyes at my final words. She presses her lips together, initially rejecting my words, but this time, she doesn't look away. In that moment, I can sense love beginning to break through her heart, dispelling the fears that grip her.
"The months we have shared have been the happiest of my life," I confess, a warm and sincere smile lighting up my face. "Though my past is marked by painful experiences and the loss of loved ones, though those memories haunt my mind constantly, I will always remember with joy the time we have spent together. I may not understand how time and life work for a spirit, but I can offer you happiness in the present. Until my last breath, I'll stay with you to make you happy, Beatrice."
Kneeling on the nocturnal balcony, the gentle breeze caressing my face, I extend my arms toward Beatrice with a warm smile that illuminates my face. In that moment, time stands still, and there is only she and I, enveloped in a love that transcends words.
"Please, stay with me. Every beat of my heart cries out not to lose you," I whisper with a voice trembling with love and longing. "Every time your eyes meet mine, I can feel the yearning burning within you, the desperation to escape the shadows that surround you. But let me tell you that you are not alone, that I will always be by your side to be your support, your protector, and your sanctuary."
Beatrice lowers her head, tears falling like shooting stars to the ground as her hands clutch the edge of her skirt, struggling to contain the surge of emotions that overwhelm her. My heart tightens as I see her suffer in this way, wishing to erase every sorrow and replace it with a torrent of joy and happiness.
"I may not know the battles you've fought in the past but allow me to be the beacon that dispels your darkness, the embrace that envelops you in peace and solace. I want to be the one who lights your path, the constant presence that makes you feel loved, valued, and protected."
As she lifts her gaze, I find in her eyes a glimmer of surprise and hope. It is a moment of shared vulnerability, where our souls meet in the abyss, seeking shelter and solace in each other.
"I come from an unfamiliar world, armed only with the determination to find some meaning in my existence. And when I found you, I realized that you are a part of what I have always wanted. In you, I found the reason to fight, to give myself completely, and to see you smile. Every day, I thank destiny for allowing our paths to cross, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your life."
Beatrice's tearful nod is a response laden with significance. It is the silent pact that binds us in a common purpose: to seek happiness and weather any storm together.
"So, in an embrace that envelops us tightly, allow me to be the most significant person in your universe. Permit me to enter your life and become the anchor that holds your darkest days, the refuge you can always turn to for love, comfort, and unwavering support," my words emerge with overwhelming passion. "I yearn to be that indestructible bond that links our destinies, the melody that harmonizes every beat of our hearts, the breath of life that makes you feel complete and loved in every moment."
I keep my arms outstretched, fervently hoping that she can feel my unconditional love and immense desire to see her happy in every fiber of her being.
"All I desire in this vast universe is to witness my princess smile, to be a witness to your joy, and to feel you running toward me in search of love and tenderness. I want to be the reason behind your most beautiful laughter, the reflection of your purest happiness, the companion who makes you feel whole in every moment of your existence."
In a magical instant, her hair billows in the air as Beatrice clings to my body, her arms enveloping me as if afraid of losing me in the vastness of the universe. It's an embrace filled with need and longing, a meeting that transcends all words, surpassing the limits of time and space.
"You took so long!" she exclaims with a broken voice, mixing accumulated sadness and longing. "Betty has been waiting, alone I suppose, for so long, yearning with all her might for someone like you to appear in her life in fact."
"Yes, I took my time finding you," I whisper as I hold her tenderly, delicately caressing her head. "Roswall revealed to me the bond that ties you to a contract that prevents you from leaving the mansion. And I can imagine that your contractor is someone you deeply love."
I know it's your mother, for whom you've been willing to endure this loneliness and sorrow.
Beatrice nods, still resting on my shoulder, and in that moment, I knew that together, we could face any obstacle. I had to find the right words to free her from her bonds and build a future overflowing with love and happiness.
"I understand that breaking these bonds is a heart-wrenching task, for they are the most precious things we possess. However, the contract is not what truly connects you to that person. Although I may not fully understand how it works for a spirit, I know that what truly binds you to her is the love you feel, the memories shared with her. Breaking the contract won't make those bonds disappear, because you will always hold in your heart the precious time you've shared together."
Beatrice tightens her embrace, her body brushing against mine as she sobs and clings to me with strength. In that moment, all her emotions converge upon me. Her face reflects the darkness within her.
Sensing my intention, Beatrice finally speaks:
"Will you take responsibility?" she asks, fixing her gaze on mine, yearning for an answer.
Gently, I release her from my embrace and place her in front of me so she can see me clearly. I take her hand gently and still kneeling, lightly kiss her hand as I say:
"I've come to rescue you, my princess," I smile tenderly. "I'm here to prevent you from staining your hands, so that only happiness exists within you. That's why I will strengthen myself to protect you from everything. Would you like to make a contract with me?"
Beatrice smiles as if she can finally see me. Her smile, even amidst tears, is radiant. She lets go of my hand and returns to my arms, hugging me tightly.
"I don't want you to fight, I don't want you to soil your hands or witness unpleasant things. I only wish for your happiness. Let us play, work, and live fully. I will always protect you and become stronger than any adversary. I do not need you to fight for me," I hold her firmly, "I need you so that we both can be happy together."
A moving light envelops us as she places her hands on mine and repeats my name with determination. Both of us smile at each other, as the brightness surrounds us, purifying any negativity that may be within me.
I experience a comforting tranquility as I hold her in my arms. I don't want her to fight; all I want is for her to be free. I don't want to show her the shadows of the world; I just want her to perceive the beauty that exists in it.
I know I'm selfish, but it's what I long for from the depths of my heart.
With our light eclipsing the stars, I formalize a contract with Beatrice, longing to see her happy.
"Marco!" she exclaims, looking directly into my eyes.
Surprised, I watch as she blushes but, with a smile that lights up her face, leans slightly and places a warm kiss on my cheek.
My heart beats strongly, moved by her affection. I've never had a sister, but now I have a new family. Someone who will be by my side and whom I don't have to fear.
"Yes, I'm here for you."
We continue to embrace, eager for what the future holds. The rules of our contract are gradually taking shape.
"Silly, you're a fool indeed," she says, smiling.
I won't exploit her power; I won't make her fight. I can stand on my own and be stronger than anyone. The more adversities we face in our contract, the more power we can unleash, but I'll use it for creation, not destruction.
And so, as we establish the rules, the night advances. I'm amazed by the spontaneity of the world, and with a smile, I anticipate a promising future in which I'll grow stronger to protect her.
To see her smile every day for the rest of my life.
SS-Beatrice
In case you don't live forever.
In the gentle darkness of the night, I find myself on the balcony, gazing at the starry sky with profound longing. I yearn to become a part of it, to dissipate and finally leave behind this suffering. I have been happy for these two months, but fear also fills me because, in the end, he is just a human.
While my eyes get lost in the firmament, I am taken aback as his arms envelop me, and his voice pleads with me not to abandon him.
"What can I do," I think, as he seems capable of reading me like an open book.
"Everyone has connections in their lives, but I..." I say, trying to sever the thread that binds us.
I must put an end to this, even though something deep within me screams that I don't want to suffer again, as I did when I lost Mother and Roswall.
I do not want to face loneliness once more; I don't want to.
"I'm here, Beatrice!" he exclaims, seeking to comfort me. "I'll always be by your side, ready to offer you my unwavering support."
Stop.
"You're going to die, sooner or later. Our times don't compare, indeed," I say, denying his existence.
The moon, majestic and radiant, rises high in the starry sky as we stand on the balcony, wrapped in a gentle night breeze. Every sigh of the wind seems to carry the whisper of our hearts.
But I will sever that.
He looks at me calmly, as if my words have no effect on him. It is strange how he seems to see beyond me, as if I cannot hide from his eyes.
"It's true, I'll die sooner or later," he responds with an intimidating calmness.
When I realize it, my vision distorts, and once again, I am saying things I don't want to say.
"It's cruel," I whisper in pain, and the first tear slides down my cheek. "It's cruel to make me believe I can be happy if you're only a brief moment in my life."
For the first time, he appears surprised.
"At last, she's going to leave me," I think, eager for that fate.
With a beautiful smile, his brown eyes light up, looking only at me. As if he is going to captivate me with his gaze.
"Even though my flesh may fade, I'll always be with you," he declares firmly. "I will live on in you every time you remember me, every time you wish to recall with joy that Marco Luz was here, that he came from another world to find you and fervently desired to see you happy."
Stop.
After having told him everything, from my deepest sorrows to inventing things to hurt him, I surrender. I fall to the floor defeated, unable to say anything more.
My tears show no signs of stopping, and instead of becoming frightened, that person appears even more resolute.
Ever since he shared his story with me, I've been captivated by tales of princesses. In them, I see my own reality reflected—the profound solitude they endure and how they yearn for someone to come to their rescue.
After telling me so many things, after opening his heart and uttering the most beautiful words I've always longed to hear, he approaches me and says:
"The only thing I desire in this vast universe is to behold my princess's smile, to witness her joy, and to feel you running toward me in search of love and tenderness. I want to be the cause of your most beautiful laughter, the reflection of your purest joy, the companion who makes you feel complete in every moment of your existence."
In that precise moment, I couldn't hold back any longer. The small part of me that was submerged in darkness, the Beatrice I had locked away to protect myself from loneliness, the Beatrice who longs to be happy no matter what happens in the future—all those concerns faded away.
Now, nothing else matters.
In the blink of an eye, I find myself in his arms, shedding tears for his belated arrival. At that moment, I can only think, without daring to say it due to the embarrassment that engulfs me:
"In case you don't live forever, I'll remember you for eternity."
And that is how my prince has come for me, rescuing me from the darkness and offering me the promise of a love that will transcend time.