Hakushaku to Yousei Volume 16 Chapter 1-2

Book 16 ♦ Character introduction    
 

There was a mansion that sat on the cliff of an island surrounded by the sea.

A powerful gust of wind constantly pounded against the gla.s.s window outside. Thick layers of clouds covered the sky. Despite that it was summer, the ocean was dark, cold, and gray. 

Lydia was sitting in her room looking distantly into the sea, as she subconsciously tightened the shawl around her neck. 

“Goodness, it’s very windy.”

The door opened and her father entered the room. Although the wind was no longer coming inside, he firmly held onto his hat in his chest without minding his dishevelled hair.

“Welcome home, Father. It’s certainly not a good day for a walk, isn’t it?”

Lydia left the windowside and sat by the table.    

“The tea is ready. Would you like some?”

“Yeah sure.”

They were currently in an isolated house on the land of the Mckeel. Lydia had been residing at the village house for several weeks now for her medical treatment.

The magical sword she was impaled by the fairies of the Aurorae, the blade of Fir Chlis* had the power to aggravate the wound and reduce her health until it eventually took one’s life. The land of Mckeel was a place that contained a lot of ground power that could to neutralize the harmful magic of the blade. Lydia needed to stay on this land until the poison of the blade subsided. As long as she was here, she could recuperate and be liberated from the pain and fever.

As her father discovered the situation, he was able to stay beside Lydia as a resident of the McKeel and look after her. Because of that Lydia was settling down and getting used to her life. 

“Your complexion is looking better today, Lydia. Are you also physically recovering?”

“That seems to be the case. I could sleep soundly at night, and I’ve also recovered my appet.i.te.”

Trying to be as lively as possible, Lydia smiled lightly. 

Although the poison in her body was alleviating, there was actually an emptiness inside her heart.

Edgar had abandoned her. 

Although they were supposed to get married when they returned to London, Edgar left her on this island. She wanted to go back together but he did not approve of her request.

But she knew this would happen.

Lydia had to remain in this island for her treatment. If she leaves the island, she will die from weakening. On the other hand, Edgar was in a position to be pursued as an enemy of McKeel’s clan.

I want to be with him even if it was brief; Lydia hoped to stay beside Edgar a little longer, but he did not accept such an option. 

“Let’s go home together,” he said. Lydia was aware that it was a lie he could utmost give. But only a little, was expecting otherwise. 

No, I’m certain that it wasn’t a lie. 

That was what he promised. He had to leave lydia so that he could fulfill it.

Despite knowing this, promises can be ambiguous. Perhaps his feelings could change as the time pa.s.sed. 

This was why Lydia was filled with anxiety. 

When she opened her eyes, Edgar was not there. She found herself in an unfamiliar mansion with Fergus of McKeel family. Although she had agreed to the proposal of staying here and recovering, she couldn’t help but feel betrayed by Edgar.

However, perhaps recovering would take longer if she was feeling down and depressed. She was diligent in her recovery with such thoughts in mind. 

“Lydia, did you know that this Highland is rich in agate?”

As a mineralogist, her father talked happily, taking out small stones from the hat he held. 

“You told me about it the other day. Didn’t you find some around the beach?”

“I picked these up today; Onyx and carnelian.”

He took out a few orange colored stones and darkly striped patterned stones and placed them on the table. Whenever her father talked about stones, his face became childlike; innocent and bright. 

Elaborately lecturing away his pa.s.sion, he was definitely a huge ore fanatic, but most importantly, he was probably trying to distract her from her thoughts. Even though he probably heard about the situation from Edgar, he stayed and watched by her side without saying anything about it. 

“Wow, these rocks must be rare.”

“Well, it’s actually not that rare. Both onyx and carnelian, even the rich green prase and bloodstones can all be found on this Highland in abundance.” 

“That many gemstones in one place? It’s like a treasure island.”

“That’s right. But in reality they are all minerals of the same chalcedony category. They only contain slight differences in their makeups. They’re like siblings.”

Lydia poured some black tea into her father’s cup. Out of habit, he extended his arm towards the milk jar. This house was not theirs, but they were familiar with which chair was to be sat on and the different utensils on top of the table. Must been because they have been repeating the same tea time and same situation everyday.

Gently lifting her tea cup, the warmth of the black tea taste the same as what she had in London, almost making her forget the fact that she is on a faraway island of the Highlands. 

The son of McKeel family, Fergus, welcomed Lydia to stay at their house and reached for her help without any inconvenience. 

Everyone was being considerate of Lydia.

She really could not complain about anything.

Watching her father pleasantly stirring away his black tea, Lydia decided to open her mouth about what she been contemplating about recently. 

“Father, shouldn’t you go back to London soon?”

Surprised at how it was unexpected, her father had his tea spoon lifted and looked at her way.

“I am fine now. I will stay here and slowly recover. So, you can return to the university.”

Lydia’s father still had his work as a professor. The summer vacation will be over soon and he can’t possibly just neglect his students. 

“But, I can’t possibly just leave you here alone...”

”I mean, even before when you were working at London, I was fine living by myself at Scotland. You don’t need to worry about anything.”

“...... but you had Nico at the time. “

Apparently, father viewed Nico as somewhat like Lydia’s guardian. Even though it was a fairy in the form of a cat. 

Nico stayed to watch over the young Lydia, in place of her mother who pa.s.sed away very early. Even though he was so small, looked like an ordinary cat, and could sometimes be unreliable, Nico was a guardian of few hundreds years old. Whenever Lydia get lost in the fairy realm he would always find her and bring her back.

Whenever Lydia was down, he would pull out some off-the-mark encouragement. His optimistic yet insolent att.i.tude often calmed her down. 

Although often whimsical and did whatever he liked, he was always there for her from birth. Lydia felt like he was an important part of her.

But on the other hand, for Nico, who was a fairy, living with a human may not have always been so great. Lydia regretted from her heart that she did not notice such for Nico.

“I am also not a child anymore. Besides, the McKeel’s family is related to my mother’s side as well, so they are my….”

“But they are trying to use you,” her father cut in, his expression became serious and grave. With a distressed expression, he took off his gla.s.ses and started wiping his circular lenses with his napkin. 

As Lydia heaved a sigh, there was a knock at the door.

It was Fergus McKeel who opened it.

A red headed young man wearing a grid patterned quilt came in, greeting Lydia and her father with a cheerful smile.

“h.e.l.lo, Professor Carlton.”

Fergus made a hand gesture, stopping Lydia and her father from rising from their seat.

“Please, stay where you are. May I join you both?”

“Ah, yes. Most certainly.”

Even though Fergus was a son of the McKeel family, in his own judgement he made an agreement with Edgar to take care of Lydia at his place. With his own arbitrary decision, Edgar was able to leave the island without getting caught by the McKeel family. 

Everyday, Fergus would come and visit.

Even with a swift horse, it took at least an hour from the main residence of the McKeel, but it didn’t seem like he was bothered by it. 

“Lydia, how are you feeling?”

“Not bad.”

“I see, that is good.” Fergus replied, looking relieved, his expression softening. 

Although they didn’t know him very well yet, you could tell that he was not a two-faced person. 

“By the way, Fergus, did you figure out how long it will take for Lydia to fully recover?” Her father asked, putting his spectacles back on as he said it directly across from him. 

“About that, it is best if we slowly observe and adjust to the situation. According to Patrick, if she does not need to stay in bed here the whole time, then it wouldn’t even take three years to heal.”

Patrick was the fairy doctor for the McKeel clan, just like how Lydia’s mother was. It went without saying that he had vast knowledge and understanding in regards to fairies. 

“Three years, I see. I guess it won’t change the fact that it wouldn’t heal in one or two days.”

“Hey Father, rus.h.i.+ng and worrying will do nothing. You should hurry back to London before the summer break ends.”

Lydia’s father sighed again.

“Professor Carlton, it is natural for you to be worried. However, I will take full responsibility of Miss Lydia’s well being,” Fergus a.s.sured with sincerity.

However, Lydia’s father knitted his eyebrows.

“You people have told Lydia that it will not be dangerous and brought her to this island. In place of her deceased mother, having her attend the ceremony to awaken the prophet, and in result, endangered her life.”

“Father! Fergus didn’t know it would be dangerous.”

“It was my father and Patrick’s arbitrary decision… though, I cannot say that I was not responsible for the outcome that you guys were deceived. Therefore, from now on I will not let my father and Patrick do as they please regarding Miss Lydia. Although I may be inexperienced, as the next chief, you have my word,” said Fergus. 

Nevertheless, Lydia’s father was still unconvinced.

“Could you please place your trust in Fergus?” asked another voice. A man with a black hair stood at the doorway. It was Patrick.

The person that took Lydia into the bridal ceremony to awaken the Prophet. However, the Prophet was no longer in the sacred land. Having lost his trump card to save the islands, what was he thinking right now? Does he plan to continuously use Lydia? No one could read anything from this poker face.

“The chief said that anything regarding to Miss Lydia’s treatment will be under Fergus’s full responsibility. He also wishes his heartfelt grat.i.tude and sincerest apologies to professor Carlton,” said Patrick.

“Patrick, do you not intend to apologize then?” Fergus asked accusingly. It seems that Fergus did not like the fact that he suddenly appeared and advocated for him. 

However, Patrick did not change his expression, and calmly replied, 

“I am a fairy doctor. Professor Carlton’s wife was also a fairy doctor, and his daughter also claims to be one. As an individual that is involved with the fae and their magic, I think of myself and stand on equivalent terms with them. Whether or not the Prophet will bring about the danger, it is the fate of any fairy doctor who has the blood of McKeel Clan in them. Thus, I apologize that I am unable to take blame for the final outcome of this situation.” 

Indeed, Lydia had gone to the sacred land on her own will. It was not for the McKeel family but for Edgar’s sake. Moreover, she knew that she would be putting herself in danger, but she did not back out, so it really was not Patrick’s fault. Rather, the origin of all the trouble was all caused by the evil Prince. Even more than Lydia’s situation, Edgar was reluctant in bearing the fate of having to carry the burden of the Prince within him.

“Please forgive my rudeness. However, the oath and pledge from Highlanders is more valuable than their own lives. Fergus will not go back on his words.” 

“I know. My wife was the same way,” said Lydia’s father, sarcastically. 

“Patrick, Professor Calton will continue to lose trust in us if you say it like that,” Fergus interjected discontentedly. 

“Then my apologies.”

“So, why are you here today?”

“May I not send my respects to Miss Carlton?”

Patrick certainly did show up and visit once in awhile. But it was usually only if he was doing other business and just happened to be pa.s.sing by. There must have been some other duty today as well.

“It seems like I’m not very welcome here so let’s get this over with. I got my hands on a newspaper from London so I came to deliver it,” Patrick said, taking out a tabloid paper that he had hidden behind his back.

“From London?” Lydia raised from her chair instinctively.

“Yes, and published here is the most recent news about the Earl Ashenbert.”

Just by hearing the name of Edgar, Lydia felt her chest tightening. The feeling of wanting to meet him and the feeling that maybe she had been cast away, both intertwined and mixed together.

“Patrick, why would you bring it in front of Lydia?”

“Oh, Fergus, are you trying to hide the truth from Miss Lydia?”

“Truth, what truth?” Lydia asked, while thinking that it would be better not to know, but also could not help to inquire further. 

What Patrick brought was a popular newspaper, usually consisting of gossips, nothing credible. Even though she was afraid to know what was on the paper, she also really wanted to know how Edgar was doing. 

“Please tell me, Patrick.”

“There seems to be rumors that the Earl had cancelled his engagement. He also has been going out and playing around with women.”

Her strength drained from her body and she fell right on her seat. Her father cast her a worried glance.

“Would you like to confirm it for yourself?” Fergus held out the newspaper and offered, but Lydia shook her head.

“Well then, let’s just dispose of this,” said Patrick and swiftly turned to leave. Fergus stood up in a state of irritation and followed him out.

“Lydia, the Earl will always need maintain his social activities. He cannot always refuse the invitations from ladies of the n.o.bility.”

Lydia’s father who rarely defended Edgar, covered for him because Lydia was looking so devastated. 

“Yes, I know. I understand…”

Lydia wanted to wholeheartedly trust Edgar. Therefore, she was terrified by the fact that Edgar may have changed his mind. He may become an Edgar that she doesn’t know anymore. Would he still, unchangingly, still think about Lydia?

“Father, when you return to London, make sure to look after Edgar and put a nail on his fickleness,” Lydia made a joke with a smile one way or another to alleviate the tense atmosphere, although she didn’t know how well she pulled off. 

“Are you sure you are fine by yourself?” Lydia’s father asked. It seems like he also accepted that he has no choice but to return.

“Come visit me when you are on your break.”

“Okay. Oh right, after the socializing season is over, the Earl would probably have more free time to probably come visit as well, wouldn’t he?”

“I wonder about that. If he met me, I may fret about stopping the treatment again so…”

Her father still did not know that Edgar was in the position to be pursued because he was the sworn enemy of the McKeel Clan. He also did not know that the memories of the Prince within Edgar stimulated the activation of the blade of Philis Chyris, that continuously hurt and tormented Lydia. 

Under such circ.u.mstances, it was probably hard for Lydia to receive even one letter from Edgar. Even her engagement ring, which Lydia always wore before, was nowhere to be found when she woke up. Afterwards, she heard that it is better not to have anything related to Edgar around for her treatment, however, Lydia suspected that the engagement ring was specifically removed by Edgar himself. 

In any case, Lydia was unable to write any letter by herself. Mainly because she could not think of anything to say to Edgar. 

Even so, somewhere in the corner of Lydia’s heart, she secretly hoped he could’ve taken her back with him. If that would’ve happened, maybe they would’ve had a period of happiness where they did not have to worry over the future. 

“Lydia, you think you could trust Fergus?” Lydia’s father emphasized again to make sure. 

“Yes, Father. He genuinely cares for me, it’s not just a facade.” 

Lydia knew that it was no use crying about such things and that she must pull herself together and toughen up. 

Wanting to see Edgar. Her greatest wish was that hopefully when they meet again, neither will remain changed, and for that she decided to bear the loneliness alone. 

Following Patrick, who went out of the mansion to board the horse carriage, Fergus was able to catch up and stop him. 

“Patrick, what is your problem? Talking about the matters regarding the Earl right in front of Lydia!” 

“I was just checking, on how much trust Ms. Carlton has in the Earl.” 

Confused, Fergus furrowed his brows. Seeing this, Patrick once again brought out the newspaper.

“It seems that Earl Ashenbert has never returned to London. Although he may have left this island, he may still be around somewhere within the area of Hebrides Islands.”

“What? But, on this newspaper……”

Puzzled by what he meant, Fergus spread open the newspaper. Scanning the headlines in English, he did not see any article regarding to the earl.

“Miss Carlton just had to check this newspaper to see through my lie. She probably suspected that it was a possible article considering how the Earl is, and was too scared to check and see if for herself….. Ha, it’s fragile, is it not?”

A gust of strong wind blew past and their quited cloaks floated up. Fergus and Patrick’s same McKeel family’s plaid lattice patterns covered the dull gray scenery around them. 

“Lies, you say? Why…. Why would you do such things that would hurt her!? The Earl made the decision to save her! That’s why Lydia said that she has accepted this to undergo her treatment.”

“Is that the case? Who knows, the Earl Ashenbert may have done so just to save himself. You did promise him that you will let him go as long as he leaves Miss Carlton here. Moreover, if he is the successor of the Prince, keeping her around may bring upon his own prophesied fate that may destroy himself.”

“However, he hasn't returned to London yet right? Maybe he wants to remain as close to her as possible…..”

“Fergus, the Earl abandoned his fiancee, let it be that way.” Patrick a.s.serted with a straight face. Calmly, he leaned in and whispered,” This is where you must take your advantage.”

“T…...take advantage you say?”

“It’s your chance to comfort her. Make her forget her love, and then fall in love with you.”

Fergus fl.u.s.tered. Indeed, he can’t deny the fact that he hoped a little for such a situation. And it may also seem that the Earl spoke sharply for that reason. But…

“Lying to her, and getting her attention, that sort of thing…….”

“You think it’s unfair?”

“I just want Lydia’s injury to heal. After that, whatever she will do, is not something we could force upon her right?” 

Patrick sighed, as if he was a teacher in front of a incompetent student. 

“The clan chief thought highly of you because you did a meritorious deed in finding Lady Carlton, but it was bad letting the Earl get away. However, the clan chief has a lot of expectations of you. If you want to meet his expectations then you should at least obtain Lydia Carlton. For the sake of the clan and the islands, as the future leader that must carry the clan further on, you understand don’t you?”

Right now, both the islands and the people living there were in crisis. Crop failure and disease were widespread, the land was bought cheaply by the British, and several villages were dispersed already.

It came to this because the magical power of the evil fairies, the Unseelie Court, was getting stronger within the island. And the root of all these problems was The Prince of Calamity, who was born and created shortly after the war a hundred years ago in order curse the Kingdom of England. 

In order to oppose the Prince on a equal ground, the McKeel clan had been protecting the coffin in which the Prophet slept within. However they did not expect that the coffin was empty all along. It’s shrouded in mystery now, whether or not the Prophet had already awakened or that he is somewhere else, or perhaps he was never there to begin with. Lydia was a special person as she was a sole survivor who could communicate with fairies and was raised by the McKeel clan in order for her to cooperate with the Prophet.

“Fergus, we will investigate the whereabouts of the Prophet. We will never know if the Earl, no, The Prince, will ever set foot on this island once again. In any case, he is our enemy. It is your duty to win over Miss Carlton.”

Even if that was the case, Fergus did not want to deceive Lydia. However, Fergus stood there unable to talk back. Glancing sidelong towards him, Patrick disappeared in his horse carriage. 

The house of the Carlton family was very silent. In the idle rural town just before sunset, standing on the street where no shadows were even seen, Kelpie crossed his arms, troubled. 

“Where the h.e.l.l is Lydia?”

He was at Lydia’s home, near Edinburgh, Scotland. A while ago, Lydia left London, saying that she was going to visit her own house with her father. He heard that she would be coming back in two weeks, but it didn’t seem like she came back yet. So Kelpie came all the way to her house, but no one was in the house either. Even if he gazed at the sidewalks,  there was no sign of anyone coming home.

Suddenly, he noticed some movement in the gra.s.s around his feet and he moved his gaze toward it. His eyes met with a small fairy. Surprised, the fairy flew up, and then fell down trying to escape in a hurry. Kelpie swiftly raised his leg and stepped on its tunic. He peeked into the fairy that was struggling to escape. 

“You, you’re the fairy, a hobgoblin, that resides in this house aren't you?” 

The fairy began to tremble and his face turned so blue he couldn't even talk.

“Hey, why are you so afraid? You know me, I often come over and see Lydia.”

Gradually, the hobgoblin raised his head fearfully. 

The aquatic horse “Kelpie” was a fairy species that was known to have very frightening devilishness. They will devour human and livestocks, and would even eat fairies in one gulp. When they transform into human form, they were extremely beautiful. They would use their devilish charms to capture their prey such as humans, but the fairies were usually aware and were never lead astray. Any type of fairies instinctively feared them. 

But for him, he had taken a liking towards Lydia. Never seen her as a prey, but instead, he enjoyed to gazing upon and conversing with her. Therefore, he had no intention of hurting Lydia or any of the people and fairies surrounding her. Upon discovering that a strange Kelpie was here, as if losing all his strength, the hobgoblin collapsed onto the ground.

Removing his foot, Kelpie asked,

“Do you know where Lydia might have gone to?”

The small fairy timidly pointed somewhere. 

“What? There’s no way I’ll be able to tell from that!” 

The fairy jolted in fright. 

(It’s the Hebrides.)

Someone else spoke up softly from the back of thicket for his companion who lost his own voice. 

(That guy is very timid. Don’t surprise him too much.)

“Hebrides? At the Highlands?”

(They went together with McKeel Family’s fairy doctor who came from Aurora’s hometown.)

What did that mean exactly?

It wasn’t before long that the presence of the hobgoblin disappeared. Kelpie crossed his arms and started to ponder. Speaking of the Mckeel family, they were the people that wanted to take Lydia as their bride. They were driven away by the Earl, but perhaps they did not give up yet. 

“I believe that Ms. Lydia is unable to get out of the island for the time being.”

A woman stepped out from the shadow of a building. She was dressed in what people would’ve considered as men’s clothing in the human world. 

“You, why are you here.”

However, she was not human. She was once before, but died and was reborn as a seal fairy known as a selkie. 

“Weren't you looking for me?”

Kelpie turned round to face her, placing his hands on his hip. 

“You, you called me out because you said you have something to talk about, but you didn’t even appear at where we we promised to meet,” appalled Kelpie.

She was a woman who betrayed Earl Ashenbert. Her name was Ermine when she was a human. Currently, she is serving under a man named Ulysses, who was an aide that served for the previous Prince. She was that sort of woman. It is unclear if she’s an enemy or ally, but at least it seemed that she is trying to protect the Earl and her brother who is serving under the Earl as his attendant. She would provide useful information at times, so Kelpie decided to stay connected with her, but it’s been awhile since he saw her.

“I’m sorry, I could not leave Ulysses’s side for a while,” the selkie said apologetically. 

It seemed that Ulysses wanted the Earl to awaken as the Prince, but she did not want that to happen and hoped to prevent it. And of course, Kelpie felt the same way as her. He did not wish for Lydia to get hurt. 

They had a uniform interest in that respect. However, Kelpie was doubtful on whether it was only Ulysses and his organization that are working behind her or not. 

“So, here you are, does that mean that you are heading to the Highlands on Ulysses's order?”

She shrugged a little. If Lydia went to the Hebrides then so would’ve Earl. Something must have happened on that island. 

“I wanted to tell you that Ms. Lydia was in danger, but I did not make it in time. Now the situation has changed.”

“Lydia is in danger you say!?” 

Kelpie approached her with force as if he going to grab onto her. She stepped away quickly and went around behind the shrubs. 

“Calm down and listen to me.”

“I know, hurry up and tell me!”

“Neither Lord Edgar nor Miss Lydia returned from Hebrides. They were heading in the direction of the sacred land on the island, so there’s a possibility that they might have gotten hurt by the blade of Fir Chlis.”

“Fir Chlis? Why would they turn they into their enemy? They are definitely the rulers of the night sky, but they shouldn’t harm any human beings.”

“That is because Lord Edgar is their enemy. Prince was originally created on that island and he is the master of the evil fairies, the Unseelie Court,” explained the selkie. 

Kelpie knew about the fact that Edgar forced the previous Prince to his death by taking upon Prince’s memories within himself. However, he did not know the relations.h.i.+p between the Prince and the border island of Highlands. 

Kelpie had numerous questions that he wanted to ask, including what was happening with Lydia’s body, but he asked aloud what was concerning him the most.

“Then, if Lydia was with him she might have been hurt as well?”

Ermine nodded.

“Rather, I think something happened to Miss Lydia. If it was Lord Edgar that got hurt, the Earl of London, the mansion would be in panic by now.”

If so, then it was understandable that Lydia was not returning to London. He had heard that in order to heal wounds inflicted by the Fir Chlis, one must remain on their land which was abundantly acc.u.mulated with magical power of the Fir Chlis. 

“d.a.m.n, so that’s the reason. Which island is the McKeel family’s property? What about Lydia?” Kelpie asked anxiously. Not knowing how to get to the whereabouts of Lydia, Kelpie gripped his fist and kicked back on his heel continuously. 

“Oh yeah! That shorty might know exactly where Lydia is…”

He was referring to the overseer of the moonstone engagement ring, the mine fairy, Coblynau.

“Wait a second, I’m not done talking,” Ermine persisted, stopping Kelpie who transformed into the appearance of horse already and was trying to rush out at any minute. 

“What!”

“There’s a medicine from ‘The Master of the Islands’, that could even get rid of the magical power of the Fir Chlis.”

“Medicine? I’ve never even heard of such thing.”

Kelpie did not know that there was even a fairy that could erase the power of the Fir Chlis. Wasn’t it true that the power of the blade can only be neutralized little by little by the magic power of Fir Chlis itself? 

“It’s a legend that’s been pa.s.sed down by the Selkies of the Hebrides. Long ago, ‘The Master of the Islands’ created beautiful islands within their own dreams. The humans wanted their islands, so they negotiated and made a contract, handed over the islands to humans and made them into reality. However, at that time, they also detached their memories and locked them up at certain location, along with the powerful magic that was used to create the world of dreams. Ulysses is thinking that if he flickers around the presence of the medicine, Lord Edgar will move for it.”

“So Ulysses is aiming to obtain the magical power of dreams?”

“It is not a magic power that can be handled by humans, but in order to retrieve the medicine it is necessary to awaken the Master. Then, if the Master awakens and its magical powers is released, those islands will be the human world while covered up by powerful magic that would feed the evil fairies, the Unseelie Court, to their full capacity.”

Originally in the world of humans, fairies cannot exercise their magical power fully. This was because powers drifting within the nature are much weaker than the fairy realm. This was why most people cannot clearly see fairies, and they would not notice them even if they were being pranked. However, if the human world was covered with magical power like the fairy world, there might have direct occurrences such as the dragon flying through and burning towns. 

“Is the Master an Unseelie Court?”

“I don’t know, I don’t think it is like that. The only thing I know, is that the only way to get close to source of the Master’s dreams is by the s.h.i.+p of the Blue Men of the Minch*, because they were the ones that were captured by the Master as they tried to steal their jewels. They were able to come out of dreams only as Blue Men.”

“Blue Men huh, they were rotten pirates, but it is dangerous for humans to get close.”

“The current Lord Edgar will be able to take control of them. Rather, what’s more dangerous is ‘The Master of the Islands’. We don’t know anything about them, and to awaken such a thing……… That’s why Kelpie, please stop Lord Edgar. Even if I were to warn him he would not believe me, but if you tell him…..”

If that would end up protecting Lydia then that would be Kelpie’s intention. On the other hand, he also thought that if Earl turned into Prince, or even better drop dead, Lydia would be able to cut ties with him. Rather, wouldn’t that be better for Lydia’s sake?

“And? What about you? Are you going to the Hebrides?”

“It is Ulysses’s order to investigate the whereabouts of Lord Edgar, however, I……I am going to escape from his side as it is.”

“Escape? Isn’t it hard to run away from him?”

“That’s true. But, I’ll do something about it.”

“Are you going to another owner?”

“What are you talking about?” Ermine asked, feigned an unpleasant act but Kelpie found her obstinacy quite amusing. 

“Don’t be reckless,” he said, grinningly toward her as she raised her eyebrow and scowled.

“It’s quite sickening to be concerned by a Kelpie.”

“I’m not worried about you. Selkies are such an weak fairies. On top of that, you’re like a baby as a fairy. I’m just giving you a warning.”

“Yes. Well, if you are still alive, let’s meet again.”

She turned to her back, as her black shoulder length hair and frock coat fluttered away. Maybe she meant it might be necessary to meet again. Simply wanting to reunite, such a thing, considering her, was out of character.  If she does not live then it was one less thing thing to keep him out of boredom. While thinking such stuff, Kelpie’s jet-black mane trembled, and he started to run towards his own objective.

Earl Ashenbert’s mansion was located in a luxurious residential area of London. While the owner of the resident was absent, there was a young woman who visited the mansion. Even though she was wearing a dress for young lady, her coffee colored hair was tied up with rope. She did not even use horse carriage, was without her retainer, walked here on her own by foot. She rang the bell on the chalk white mansion, greeting “Hi” towards the butler that answered.

“Is Edgar home?” she asked, with an att.i.tude as if a child came to visit her neighbor’s house. Though, the butler was used to it.

“He has not returned from Scotland yet, Miss Lota.”

“Is that so? Why, isn’t he taking a while? He had the momentum as if he was going to hold the marriage ceremony right after he came back from greeting the grave of Lydia’s mother.”

“Yeah, that was the plan but,” said the butler, blinking his round eyes with perplexity. 

“Is there some kind of trouble?” Lota asked. Tomkins, the butler, shook his head sideways as if he panicking. 

“No, I do not really know the situation in detail...”

“No, wait, you should know! I know, that fellow, Edgar, said to not tell me anything unnecessary again didn’t he? That b.a.s.t.a.r.d, there’s a limit of how much he wants to monopolize Lydia. Does he intend to even meddle with the girl’s socialization time!?”

“I’m sorry but please take your leave.”

Lota plunged into the entrance as the butler was trying to close the door.

“Hey, I don’t really care about Edgar. Where is Lydia? I’ve been writing letters to Scotland the whole time but I haven’t gotten any replies, so I thought it was strange and I came to check it out over here!”

Lota stepped in resiliently as she looked down on Tomkins’ light head. He raised his head smiling, however, using even more force trying to close the door on her. 

“Is that so? Well unfortunately, we do not know anything about it so.”

Regardless of whether Lota was in between, the butler kept on pus.h.i.+ng the door, continuously tightening and squeezing her body in between. 

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing to a lady!”

“I’m very sorry, but I’ve been told to that I must do this in this situation by the master so.”

“What? That punk Edgar, who does he think I am?”

“This time particularly, he doesn’t want you to be involved in his business.” 

“What did you say?”

“Umm, I’m sorry,”

At that moment, a voice timidly entered the conversation. 

As Lota turned around, she saw a dull and frizzy haired young man standing there. 

“Paul.”

Lota knew him well, he was Edgar’s friend. 

“Lota and Mr.Tomkins.... what are you guys doing here?”

“Why h.e.l.lo there, Mr. Ferman.”

The butler suddenly released his hands from the door, because of that, Lota, had jumped into the entranceway and her face sc.r.a.ped against the carpet.

“Lota… are you alright?” 

Paul rushed to her and held out his hand.

Lota stared up at Paul and took his hand with a smile.

For Lota, Paul was very strange because he was skillful in painting fairies. 

Since long ago, because she was viewed as a companion to many men and although she was a genuine female, she was never seen as a woman. 

Perhaps, Paul was a young man who was sincere towards anyone. 

“Mr. Ferman, what brings you here today?” asked the butler, while giving an apologetic glance towards Lota who finally got up. Edgar must have told him to treat her discourteously. 

“Ehh, umm, the Earl hasn’t returned yet? Do you know where he is right now?”

Lota asked the same question to Paul and Tomkins sighed. 

“The Lord will not be back for awhile. And he told me that in the event that you came worried, to tell you that he is okay.”

“What about me? Does Lydia have something like a message for me?”

“There was nothing in particular. Just, don’t get involved.”

“What is up with that! What’s with the difference in treatment between me and Paul!”

Paul stopped Lota who was about to grab onto Tomkins.

“The message is the same, Lota. The Earl probably doesn’t want to drag us into his matters.”

Taking a deep breath, Lota calmed down. 

“But Paul, aren’t you so curious that you can’t just stand still either?”

Paul nodded in agreement while feeling perplexed. He took a step towards the butler.

“Mr. Tomkins, I have talked to the Earl before he departed to Scotland, but it seems like he was going to start something himself. That is why I am very concerned. Although I might be unable to do anything, I know a little about the dark organization that he has been dealing with. Is it really alright for me to stand still and not do anything?”

As if he was troubled, Tomkins looked down. 

Before long, he raised his head, and he adjusted his posture as if his heart has decided upon something. 

“This way, please.”

Considering how he had a short and stout figure, he quite enthusiastically guided Paul and Lota into the parlor and after confirming that there were no other figures around the corridor, he closed the door. 

While standing upright, he began to speak: 

“I am also very concerned. Regarding my Lord, I do not know where he was and what he did before returning to England. However, I felt he has stepped his foot in something very dangerous. However, protecting this household is my job, and I understand it is not my position to meddle in any of his state of affairs.”

Lota and Paul probably knew more about Edgar’s situation than Tomkins. However, talking about this was not so easy. 

“It’s been three hundred years since the master of the household has returned to England. I feel the same way in that I, too am fretting over on whether there is something I can do. I just do not know what should be done.”

Nodding in deep approval, Lota stood up.

“At any rate, everyone shares the same feeling here. Maybe something happened to Edgar and Lydia and so we all want to support them and be their strength, don’t we?” 

“But Lota, I wonder whether we’ll be very troublesome to the Earl. Because if you think about it, the Earl will clearly let us know when he needs help.”

While Paul was anxious, he was also reserved. 

“Rather than that, it's almost lonely, that he just outright rejected us.”

Hearing this, Lota became increasingly convinced that something was happening beyond her speculation.

“If you are a companion that holds the same purpose, then he will make you work hard as much as possible. However, sometimes he would try his best not to get unrelated friends to be involved, even if that means severing their bonds......... that's why in the past, Edgar suddenly disappeared, even in front of us.”

When she received news on his whereabouts, it was when she heard that he disappeared in a city far away and got executed.

Edgar and Lota were never on good terms with each other and seeing that they were truly not even compatible, if she talked about that guy, it would merely infuriate her, but somehow she couldn’t help but recognise him as a companion. It was not conceited for her to say that Edgar probably also felt that way. That was why, in the past, when Edgar disappeared without saying anything, it was probably because he had to cut all their ties so that the danger that was constantly surrounding him would not reach them.

But Lydia was the only one Edgar could not cut ties from even if he tried. Even after it seemed like he had come to the end of the matter with Prince, new problems arose, and even then she did not let go of him.

And so, Lota loved Lydia very much. It would’ve been fine even if only that rascal Edgar was left alone, but she was worried about entrusting Lydia alone with him. 

“I’m going. After all, Edgar is an important friend already and he might need to put his distance between us, but he’s probably fed up with that anyway. 

“Lota…”

Paul appeared to have returned to himself and stood up.

“Ah, indeed, you’re right. I...just don’t want the Earl to hate me.”

“Well, because I’m already hated by him, I don’t mind being a nuisance to him. Well then, Tomkins, you somewhat know of Edgar’s whereabouts, right? And you will also disobey your command by cooperating with us?”

“Mr. Ferman is the only person I will tell”, Tomkins replied, standing upright and tightening his chest.

Lota clicked her tongue.

“Fine, I’ll ask Paul about it later anyway.”

Leaving the two of them, Lota walked out of the room in long strides.

On walls made of stones stacked up upon each other, were thatched roofs made of straw and heath; such small and cosy looking houses could be seen located sporadically along the coast. 

That was one of the islands in the Hebrides. Edgar, together with Raven, had come thus far on the Connaughts’ boat. 

Although this place was far away from the island where Lydia was on, naturally, they had a purpose in coming here.

It was what Connaught’s chief had told them.

In this Hebrides archipelago, which was said to have large and small islands amounting to nearly five hundred, lived many different clans. However, on an island floating in the middle of the straits, there resides what now rarely exists - a Shaman. 

The Shaman was said to have knowledge of the ancient history of the archipelago, treatment of diseases and in addition, a very rich knowledge of charms against magic. 

Although he did not know if the Shaman was still alive, Edgar was pinning his hopes on this.

Handing Lydia over to the McKeels was a most painful decision and he had considered the idea of bringing her back with him, as she wished, several times.

But if he did that, Lydia would surely die. Even though he knew that, Edgar had also felt inclined to give in to the temptation.

What’s wrong with pursuing happiness out of pa.s.sion without care for the future? If Lydia could not live for long, then it’s fine if my life is short. If my role is to bury the memories in which the evil “Prince of Calamity” is embodied in entirely, then I might as well do just that …

He considered it countless times, and he also rejected it countless times.

He could not lead Lydia, who he wanted to protect more than anything else, to her death with his own hands.

This feeling was the only thing that held him back.

Lydia might resent Edgar, who had gone so far as to deceive her as he had no choice but to leave her behind on the island. He did not know if she would forgive him when they meet again.

Despite his uneasiness, for now, Edgar could only pray that Lydia would focus on her recovery.

On the other hand, Edgar was unwilling to stay still and wait obediently for several years as things are.

Even though he had no choice but to entrust Lydia to the McKeels, they wanted Lydia as well. Since it wasn’t impossible that they would claim that her injury would require a few years to heal when in reality it would only take a few months, he thought that he should be gathering accurate information on his end as well. 

Furthermore, he also wanted to investigate into whether there were any other treatment methods.

To such an Edgar, the Connaught clan chief’s suggestion was his last ray of hope.

It was a tiny, deserted isle, but there was still a proper wharf. The Connaught boatman, who had led their boat to the bridge, said that it was built by the English.

After landing onto the island, new white-walled buildings and orderly paved roads stood out against the old stone houses which they had seen along the coast from the sea, as the two had entirely distinct airs about them.

It appeared that the acquisition of land by outsiders was also progressing rapidly on this island. 

“Lord Edgar, could it be that shop?”

Raven pointed to a signboard that indicated that the shop was a bar. They had heard that the owner of that bar understood English and would probably know about the Shaman as well. 

As they approached the building, they heard shouting voices from the direction of the alley. Then, a boy came rus.h.i.+ng out from there, tripped over a pebble and fell right before them. Edgar stopped in his tracks. 

“You cheeky d.a.m.n brat!”

The boy looked to be around ten years old and the voice that shouted at him was in English. 

One by one, men appeared from the narrow alley and surrounded the boy who tried to stand up. The last man who appeared, dressed in a gentleman-like manner, was probably the leader of the men. 

That gentleman, who was probably a nouveau riche, opened his mouth and said:

"I had forked out the money and bought the land. I also have the doc.u.ments. What’s wrong with doing whatever I want on my own land as I please?”

He had papers which were rolled up in his hand. And with his other hand which held a cane, he struck the boy.

“And yet you ask me to leave? If you have complaints then you can purchase the land. I will tell you first, it’s a large sum! If I have the money then I’ll have no reason to remain in this inconvenient countryside! ”

Grabbing the man’s cane, the boy continued to resist firmly.

“……I have no money....but do not go near that island!”

The boy who stood up spoke in English as well.

He then thrust his head towards the gentleman.

Caught by surprise, the gentleman fell to the ground along with the boy. All the surrounding men who seemed to be hired caught the boy and pulled him away from their master.

"Let go of me! That island....does not belong to anyone! But you’re saying that you bought it, that’s so weird! Everyone says that you made up those doc.u.ments...."

"Shut up!”

The man raised his hand again but was stopped mid-air.

Because Edgar had grabbed his hand.

"Don’t you think you should stop? You’re a disgrace to the English.” 

"W, what! Who are you?”

The man shook his hand off from Edgar’s grip but as he turned around to size up Edgar, he frowned perplexedly.

“If you have something worthy for me to name myself to you, I could do so?”

After Edgar said that, the gentleman clearly lost his fighting spirit; he then stopped the surrounding man who were trying to approach Edgar. 

"Stop, do you want to go against a n.o.ble!?”

If this sentence had been uttered a little later, Raven would have taken action.

However, at that time, Raven did not display any murderous intent in the least bit. Raven picked up the papers that the man dropped when he fell to the ground and handed them to Edgar.

"I see, so this is the t.i.tle deed? But it’s odd. The signature of the government official here belongs to a n.o.ble who I am familiar with, but the spelling is different.”

The man turned pale and bit his lips.

“Perhaps, this may be evidence of forgery…"

The man quickly s.n.a.t.c.hed the papers away from Edgar and tore it to pieces.

"Let’s go.”

He urged his men to leave. Yet at the same time, he turned around slightly and left a sharp parting remark.

"Sir, since you are an English n.o.ble you should understand. No good will come from standing up for Highlanders.”

Edger turned away from the men who had left, and bent down to the boy whose body was covered with wounds.

"Are you alright?”

The boy looked up at Edgar with a glare, probably because he was guarded against Edgar, who was also an English like the men before.

“What did you come here for? ... You too, are you here to buy land?”

"No, I heard that this island is the home of a famous Shaman, so I came to consult the Shaman. The Connaught clan chief said that the owner of the bar could help lead the way for me.”

The boy glanced at the entrance of the bar which was not yet opened, then stood up by himself. 

He used his own sleeve to wipe the mud and blood off his face. He seemed to not have sustained any serious injury. 

The boy had sharp and distinct features which had some kind of an exotic grace; his eyes and hair were also black.

As he understood that Edgar had come with the introduction of the Connaught clan chief, the boy’s att.i.tude somewhat softened.

"Well, if that’s the case I can help lead the way. This is my home.”

He suddenly held out his hand, seeming to ask for a tip.

"Really? Do you know of the Shaman?”

“Yeah. Besides, my Dad is away from home right now but don’t you want to meet the Shaman quickly?” 

Edgar nodded and handed the boy a penny copper coin. The boy put it into his pocket as if it was very important. 

He started to walk immediately,

“You can get there by walking for thirty minutes.”

“I see. By the way, do you always pick up fights that recklessly?” 

Edgar felt interested to find out why a child would go against several large males that seriously. 

The boy’s expression suddenly stiffened, however, he thought about it a little and answered. 

“..... It’s not always. I dislike the English but it’s thanks to them that my family’s business is doing well.”

“You don’t seem to be in need of pocket money.”

The boy’s pocket made small noises with each step he took as the coins clashed against each other.  

“But that’s the only thing I cannot allow!”

He pointed towards the sea as he walked.

It was a flat island where almost no trees grew. One could probably see the sea no matter where they were on the island. 

Just by moving one’s head, one could see the dark indigo sea that extended endlessly across the horizon under the cloudy skies. However, one could imagine that the island which the boy pointed at was the small isolated island offsh.o.r.e. 

That island wasn’t that far away from where they were. Although the island had gentle sloping hills, it was a rather small island.

“Is there something on that island?”

“It’s an uninhabited island. Even the people on this island do not go there carelessly. Yet those men said things like having bought the island, and were making plans to dig up the crags. They’re going after the jewels.”

Having said that unwittingly, the boy stole a glance at Edgar’s reaction as he regretted talking about the jewels. Although Edgar deliberately paid no attention to that point, the boy hurriedly added on. 

“But even the pebbles on the island belong to the ‘Master of the Islands’. Thieves are bound to meet with misfortune.”

“The ‘Master of the Islands’? Is that something like spirits or fairies?”

“No, the Master is the Master.”

The boy said firmly in a reproving manner.

“If we do not treasure that Master, would trouble like stormy seas occur?”

“That’s right. Though the English would only treat such things as nonsense.”

“I wonder about that. My island is the same. Merrows live on the island, and if I do not work well with them the seas and island will be covered by storms.”

As if he was surprised, the boy lifted his face and looked up towards Edgar.

“Sir’s island?”

“My t.i.tle is The Lord of Ibrazel. I have many fairy acquaintances. I feel that the world is not merely what humans know, so I think that I do have something in common with the people of the Highlands.”

As he thought of Lydia who loved fairies, Edgar fell into the same pace as the boy who believes in the ‘Master of the Islands’. If Lydia was here, she would probably try to protect that small island desperately as if it was her own problem.

“I would think that the men earlier would probably never come again, but I’ll still inform the administrative body to take note of the possibility of forged doc.u.mentations circulating around.” 

How unlike me to say such officious things. Even though Edgar thought that, when he saw the boy let his guard down and look at him with s.h.i.+ning eyes, Edgar genuinely felt glad.

Being apart from Lydia made Edgar endeavour to be even more aware of himself as the Blue Knight Earl.

Even though he had inherited Prince’s memories, Lydia still promised to marry him. So he had to stay as himself.

“Thank you, Sir. …No, Lord. Ah. We can see the Shaman’s house.”

Coming to a stop, the boy pointed to the top of a hill.

One could see a small black private house that stood by itself.

When Edgar informed the boy that it was fine to lead him until here, the boy nodded.

Strong winds suddenly blew from the sea against them and Edgar had to hold down his hat. By the time he lifted his gaze, he could no longer see the boy’s figure.

Stepping out from the mansion, Lydia walked slowly along the coast. Staying indoors all this while would only make her feel depressed so Fergus had invited her out for a walk out of concern towards her.

The winds were unusually gentle and the sun’s rays shone through the gaps in the clouds. For Lydia who had somewhat regained her strength, it was a weather that was suitable to be outdoors.

“The sea looks blue today.”

This morning, Lydia’s father had left for London. Although the feeling of loneliness sank deeply into her heart, Lydia worked hard to speak out cheerfully.

“I wonder if Mother had also strolled along here before.”

“She probably did. She’s the daughter of the chief from the branch family so I’ve heard of her coming to the head family countless times. And since she’s a fairy doctor, she probably felt an interest in lands like these.”

Lydia went closer towards the beach. The waves that washed ash.o.r.e came towards and went away from her playfully.

The gentle sea breeze caught her reddish brown hair which was coiled close to her ears by her bonnet.

As a tuft of her hair danced lightly around in the wind, it was as though Edgar was playing around with her hair.

Basked in the glittering rays of the summer sun, amazingly, her dull rust-coloured hair appeared to be transparent and caramel-coloured like Edgar had described it.

“Be careful.”

When she nearly lost her balance over the sand, Fergus stretched out his hands and supported Lydia.

It was always Edgar by my side. But it’s different now. For a short while, Lydia thought about that in wonder. She then came back to her senses.

How can I be holding on to the hands of a man other than Edgar?

Lydia tried to free her hands but Fergus continued holding on to her hand as if he did not mind.

Since we are relatives, perhaps there is no need to be so conscious of it. Lydia changed the way she thought about it.

“It’s about time we go back?”

“I can’t be too far away from the cape right?”

“Yeah, if you’re not at a place where you can see that cape, there may be a negative effect on your body again.”

Fergus started to walk along the coast towards the cape while still holding on to Lydia’s hand.

Then, Lydia saw someone running towards them from the other direction.

“Miss Lydia - !”

That person was waving her hands widely. Her braids which fell against her back were leaping about.

“Kelly? It’s Kelly!”

“Eh- the girl from the Connaughts?”

As they looked on, Kelly approached them. Kelly caught her breath in front of Lydia and bowed formally.

“Miss Lydia, I’ll be serving you by your side once more.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Kelly had taken care of Lydia previously and Lydia was thankful to have a girl around her own age by her side. Lydia was happy and sincerely welcomed Kelly, but Fergus interrupted.

“Wait a moment. This place belongs to the McKeels’. I have no intention of employing a girl from the Connaughts. To begin with, both you and the Connaught family are under the patronage of the Earl of Ashenbert. … I see, you came at the instigation of the Earl, didn’t you?”

“You’re wrong. This is the arrangement of the Connaught clan chief.”

“It’s the same! The Connaught clan chief does what the Earl tells him to.”

“In any case Mr Fergus, I’ll have you employ me.”

Kelly was awfully firm.

“Like I said, I can’t employ you!”

“You overlooked me at the McKeels’ mansion; even if you had told the truth to your Father or anyone else then, they would have found out about the Earl’s plan.”

Kelly, who said that, was blatantly threatening Fergus.

When Kelly secretly made contact with Lydia while carrying Edgar’s letter, she was found out by Fergus. Yet he had allowed Kelly to leave without any objection, as Lydia had wished.

Even now, Fergus was probably the only one who knew of the link between Edgar and the Connaughts. In other words, if Fergus did not employ Kelly, Kelly would tell on Fergus to his father.

Fergus, who was thoroughly disturbed, sighed in resignation.

“… Alright I get it! But you have to act as though you belong to the McKeels ok?”

“Yes. Please help to cover things up well.”

Lydia patted her chest down in relief and turned to face Kelly with a smile.

“That’s great. You’ll be my companion again right?”

“Yes, Miss. And my role is also to prevent any pests from coming near you.”

As she said that, Kelly glanced at Fergus. Once she verified that he was still holding on to Lydia’s hand, she glared at him again.

“Are you talking about me? I’m so much more of a gentleman than any of those English gentlemen.”

Fergus, who had released Lydia’s hand, panicked and defended himself.

“A gentleman, is one who takes care not to be alone with an unmarried lady.”

Fergus tut-tutted and spoke defiantly.

“Shut up. I’m a Highlander.”

“A Highlander man will not have a lewd look on his face in front of ladies.”

“I don’t!”

Lydia was able to feel thankful towards Fergus’ nonchalance and so Lydia tried to smile in order to brighten up her own spirits.

But even so, even when they had a lively conversation such as this, the loneliness in her heart did not vanish.

By the time she realized it, Edgar had become an irreplaceable existence to her.

Even when she found out that he was shouldering something unthinkable, even when she thought of him deceiving her and abandoning her, in spite of all that, Lydia still wished to be reunited with him.

“I’m not very familiar with the McKeels. I’ve certainly heard that since the olden days, that family has had many people with extraordinary abilities, and they had called themselves as the Prophet or Fairy Doctors, but outsiders do not have the chance to know what goes on inside the Clan.”

Facing Edgar, the old lady who was known as the Shaman said that.

The house that stood by itself away from the village, was a building made out of stones stacked up against each other and had a thatched roof, as was commonly seen in the area. And the old lady who had been working in the field in front of the house, looked like an old farmer that can be seen anywhere.

But once they entered the house, the house was full of the smell of herbs and as they looked upon her wrinkled hands as she lit the candles, she appeared awfully witch-like. 

“Are you a Fairy Doctor?”

“Though I have some knowledge of fairies, I can neither see nor hear them so I do not have those sorts of abilities.”

The old lady invited Edgar to take a seat while she herself sat beside the pot that was placed over the fireplace.

“And so, what is it you would like to ask, young lord?”

“About the Fir Chlis.”

“The fairies of aurora. It has been believed since the olden times that they are the light which protects the islands from the long and dark nights which are the domain of the Unseelie Courts.”

“I heard that they are fairies which possess powerful magic.”

The old lady nodded gravely.

“They are the ones which wield the magical blades that can tear darkness into pieces…”

“Do you know the method to remove the poison caused by those blades?”

“I’ve never heard of Fir Chlis attacking humans.”

When the old lady looked at him to ascertain the truth, Edger averted his eyes.

The one who the Fir Chlis targeted wasn’t Lydia but Edgar. Edgar wondered if he is becoming something that wasn’t human.

While he had doubts about whether he would truly be able to keep Prince’s influence under control like how it was now, Edgar couldn’t help but wish for Lydia.

“In any case, if it’s about the Fir Chlis’ magic, then the McKeels would be the ones who know best.”

Appearing to not intend to probe any further, the old lady said so indifferently towards Edgar who fell silent.

“I can’t depend on the McKeels.”

The old lady thought over a little and spoke again.

“What I know is only based on legend so I do not know if it is the truth or not. I heard that the one who gave the Fir Chlis their magic and made them the guards against darkness, is an existence known as the ‘Master of the Islands’. … And if one were to drink the droplet that gushed forth from the Master’s spring, illnesses caused by any kind of magic would vanish at once.”

As he felt hope in those words, Edgar raised his face. As he thought, there is medicine that is effective towards the Fir Chlis’  blade. It was also a treatment method that did not take time.

“The Master of the Islands’ … I heard about this earlier from a local here; is that an existence on the small island offsh.o.r.e?”

“Although it’s been said that that island belongs to the Master, no one knows if the Master is there. I heard that in the past, wine would be offered to the Master on that island every year. It’s been quite some time since people stopped practicing this ritual.”

“Why did people stop the offerings?”

If she were to tell Edgar that it was because the Master no longer exists, then all hopes would be crushed. Edgar clung on to hope and continued his questions.

“When I was still a child, I heard that because the Master’s dream was completed, there was now no worry about it waking up.” 

“… That is to say, the offerings were made in order for the Master to sleep.”

“In any case, that is something that should stay asleep and there will be trouble for humans if it were to wake up.”

It was an enigmatic and ambiguous topic. The boy he met earlier had also said that the Master was not the same as the fae. 

But if he were able to find the spring of the “Master of the Islands’, he may be able to bring Lydia back with him immediately.

“If the Master’s dream is destroyed, then the realm of dreams will begin to transgress into the human realm…” 

While Edgar was sorting out his thoughts, the old lady muttered as if she were talking to herself. 

Although those may had been important words, to Edgar, rather than to grasp the meaning of those words, what was more important was how he would go about obtaining the water that gushed forth from the springs. 

“Where is the spring?”

“Naturally it’s in the Master’s dream.”

“How would I be able to go there?”

However, the old lady shook her head.

“I do not know anything beyond what I had told you.”

Edgar could only be dejected.

Even so, there was something he gained. Pulling himself together, Edgar thanked the old lady.

As he got up and was about to leave, she suddenly called him back as if something had just occurred to her mind.

“My Lord, who was it that you heard from?”

Wondering what it was about, Edgar stopped in his tracks.

“Be it the islands or the members of the clans, everything has completely changed from what it was in the past. I had thought that there is no longer anyone left on this island who knew about the link between that small island and the Master.”

“I see. Although it was a boy of around ten years of age, it seemed like he treasured the Master’s island. That’s right, he said that he was a child from the bar in the village.”

Once he said that, the old lady tilted her head sideways and smiled mysteriously.

“That family doesn’t have a boy. My lord, you may have some sort of affinity with these islands. … Though I do not know if it’s something good or bad.”

Feeling as though he had met with something unreal, Edgar left the old lady’s house.

Raven who had been waiting outside, silently followed Edgar who walked on without saying a word.

After walking some distance from the old lady’s house and arriving at the bottom of the hill where he parted with the boy earlier, Edgar finally turned to face Raven.

“Raven, we need to find that boy earlier. He may not be human so there’s no doubt that he knows something important.”

Raven who looked towards Edgar while in thought, suddenly s.h.i.+fted his gaze and walked to Edgar’s side while displaying his wariness.

In the direction where Raven looked towards, stood a jet black horse with its mane flying about in the wind.

“Hey Kelly, it seems like I’ll be able to become very skilled at embroidery while I’m here.”

To Lydia who was at a mansion on a cape in the middle of nowhere, on an island that had nothing apart from the sky and the sea, the only thing she had in abundance of was time.

“Although I do not particularly like this, it’s perfect for killing time.”

Looking at Lydia who said that somewhat out of desperation, Kelly giggled as she entered the room carrying freshly washed sheets.

“Ah. But oh dear. At this rate, it seems like I’ll forget all about the etiquette that I practiced hard on as well as the customs of n.o.bles.”

Lydia panicked as she suddenly realized that.

Since I will be returning to London immediately to get married once I recover from my injuries, it’ll be a problem if I were to forget all that.

If I have to redo my bridal training, I wonder if the wedding will be postponed.

When she thought until that, she felt foolish. She did not even know when she would be able to get married so it was pointless to be bothered about having the wedding postponed.

She was even starting to doubt if she’ll truly be able to get married.

When Lydia ended up pausing in her work, Kelly called out to her in concern.

“Miss, the fairy guests had left presents for you today as well.”

Kelly then picked something up from the window side and went towards Lydia.

“Wow, what a beautiful pansy.”

“Shall I put it into a vase?”

“That’s right, I wonder if I can make this into a pressed flower. The room is becoming full of vases.”

The top of the mantelpiece was already full of flowers brought by the fairies such that it was starting to resemble a field.

“Kelly, wait a moment. If I recall correctly, there are tools for making pressed flowers in the chest which Fergus had brought over for me.”

The moment the idea came to her, Lydia stood up.

If she concentrated on something, she would be able to not think of Edgar. That’s why nowadays, Lydia ended up immediately putting into action any ideas that came to mind so much that she was rarely settled down.

When she entered the room that became a storeroom, she immediately saw the chest.

Fergus had filled the chest with various tools and brought it over so that Lydia would not be bored.

Naturally it contained embroidery tools, but apart from that there were also books, board games, chess sets, paint, canvas, and even a violin.

Fergus, who said that he did not know what Lydia was interested in, had collected everything which a young girl of society might be interested in.

Even so, there were even items meant for children, such as soft toys, marbles and hoops.

What a funny person.

As Lydia remembered how Fergus had brought all these items into the mansion in an embarra.s.sed yet slightly triumphant manner, she relaxed her stiff expression and smiled.

If it were Edgar, it was his forte to indirectly find out what the girl he set his sights on was interested in, and surprise the girl by suddenly presenting to her what she likes.

Lydia had never once disliked any of the presents from him.

On the other hand, even though Fergus was clumsy, she found him likeable.

Come to think of it, to Lydia, it felt like it a wonder that she fell in love with a clever and popular man like Edgar. 

She had always thought that someone simple would be easier to understand and get along with for her.

As she unwittingly ended up comparing Fergus with Edgar, she felt somewhat embarra.s.sed, but it couldn’t be helped as apart from Edgar, she did not know of any other man who had gotten close to her.

She soon found the toolbox to make pressed flowers. When she was about to retrieve the toolbox, she heard talking voices and turned around towards the door.

On the other side of the door which was left slightly ajar, someone was standing there in conversation. The voice which was somewhat hushed seemed to be Fergus’.

“On the island in the straits…?”

I wonder if he came to visit again today. I wonder who he is talking to.

Before she had time to think about it, she heard the other person’s voice. It was Patrick.

“Yes, it seems that the Earl of Ashenbert is there.”

Just by hearing Edgar’s name caused Lydia’s body to burn up in an instant. Unable to move, Lydia p.r.i.c.ked up her ears and listened attentively.

By straits, they were probably referring to the area of the seas between the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

Edgar’s there?

Wasn’t he bustling about the high society in London?

“What’s he doing in that kind of place?”

“He is probably collecting information on the “’Master of the Islands’.”

“By ‘Master’ you mean … that legend? The one about how this Hebrides Archipelago was originally the dream the Master sees.”

“That’s right.”

“Isn’t that just a legend?”

“We can’t say that is entirely the case.”

“But, these islands are not a dream. It’s a reality of the human realm.”

“That’s because the Master had ceded the islands in the dream to humans. Humans wanted the beautiful islands, while the Master wanted a sleep that was undisturbed by anyone. Since the interests of both parties were aligned, a contract was formed. The Master had cut the dream off from the human world and shut itself inside the dream, while humans had offered wine yearly until that dream was completed and worked hard for the Master to continue sleeping. That is the kind of legend it is.”

“Hehh, then, what happens when the Master awakens?”

“The world will become one that is difficult to say that it belongs to humans.”

“I don’t really understand, but does the Master really exist?”

“I don’t know.”

“… then, what is the Earl trying to do?”

“I don’t know. Matters concerning the Master are too ancient, and information already isn’t pa.s.sed down to us properly so I do not know what the Earl can do … Only that, his objective is most probably the spring that is said to be able to cure the wounds caused by Fir Chlis.”

Shocked, Lydia became conscious of a dull pain in the wound on her back.

Is Patrick saying that, there is another way to treat her injury which was caused by the Fir Chlis’ blade, apart from staying here?

“Because it’s said that the droplet from the Master’s spring can cure any illness in an instant.”

“What is this about?”

Lydia raised her voice unexpectedly.

She opened the door and walked towards the both of them.

Fergus turned to face her in shock but Patrick was calm.

“Good day to you. I’m sorry for disturbing.”

“Mr Patrick, you said that the only way to treat my injury was to spend time here until the poisonous air is extracted didn’t you? To think that you kept quiet even though you knew there was medicine that would cure me in an instant, that’s terrible.”

He shrugged his shoulders lightly.

“Since you’ve heard what we said you should understand. There is no way to find such a medicine.”

“I wonder about that. I mean, aren’t you thinking that Edgar is looking for that? To me you lied by telling me that he was in London, yet you were investigating into what Edgar was doing… You’re wary of the possibility of the ‘Master of the Islands’ being real and of Edgar getting close to it.”

Sighing, Patrick who became serious, turned to face Lydia.

“Yes, it’s as you said. Lord Ashenbert is the “Prince of Calamity”. He can be in control of the magic of the Unseelie Courts. In the event that the legend contains some truth in it, if the Master wakes up, the magic that was trapped inside the dream will fill the islands. It will then become easy for the Prince of Calamity to use the Unseelie Courts as his battle strength.”

The problem was not that Edgar was searching for medicine for Lydia’s sake; Patrick was cautious towards “Prince”.

Finally realizing that, Lydia was taken aback; Patrick continued to pressurize her.

“Miss Lydia, if you are also a Fairy Doctor, please think about whether you could stop the Earl. To begin with, the human realm is a place where magic does not work like it does in the fairy realm. Even so, because of the birth of the Prince of Calamity, the Unseelie Courts are gaining in strength.  In such a current situation, do you understand what will happen if the magical domain pours out into the human realm?”

“But, Edgar has no intention of becoming Prince. He intends to keep Prince’s memories and objectives sealed …”

“No, he is steadily getting closer to Prince. And all that, is for your sake.”

For my sake?

“Patrick, stop.”

Fergus tried to stop Patrick, but Patrick looked into Lydia’s eyes coldly.

“The Earl, he tried to kill the Prophet because he did not want you to be taken away from him. Even before that, he had chosen to obtain the magic of the Unseelie Courts, an act which is a taboo for humans, in order to protect you from the Trow.”

That’s right, on each of those times, Edgar had to turn Prince’s memories into his, even though he should not touch them.

“Lord Ashenbert is a dangerous person. Instead of thinking about whether it is right or wrong, he chooses to prioritize protecting you.”

…But, what is right?

“Are you saying that Edgar is wrong? You all don’t know anything!”

Edgar was a victim of Prince. He had been fighting against their organization yet when he finally achieved his revenge, he was made into the new “Prince”.

“To you people and the Prophet, you all think that everything will be fine so long as Edgar doesn’t exist, but is that what is right? Just as you wish to protect the Clan, Edgar’s only fighting for the people who are important to him!”

Patrick was unperturbed by Lydia’s desperate reb.u.t.tal.

He sneered as if it was something amusing.

“If you do not want the Earl to become Prince, there is a definite way to ensure that. It is to dissolve your engagement with him.”

“Wh-What are you …”

“If your feelings have changed, then Lord Ashenbert will have no need to obtain the medicine. It will be meaningless for him to use the powers of the Unseelie Courts. He will then quickly return to London and if he is able to lead his life without being concerned with the islands’ magic or Prince’s fate, don’t you think he will be able to remain as he is like a normal human?”

It’s because of Lydia, that Edgar will end up crossing the line.

It’s as Patrick said.

Lydia, who wished to stay by Edgar’s side even at the risk of her life, was in a way actually driving Edgar into a corner.

There’s no doubt that Edgar was thinking of a way to treat her injury that did not require time, for her sake.

In order to achieve that, Edgar might have to unlock Prince’s memories again.

Unable to stay on, Lydia ran away.

“Ah-, Oi, Lydia!”

Although she heard Fergus’ voice calling her back, Lydia continued to rush out from the mansion.

She even thought that she should have refused treatment.

Even though she had pleaded with Edgar that if he were to leave her behind she would not accept any treatment, he still left her. She realized that when she woke up in this mansion and she should have been able to find an opportunity and run away.

The reason why she did not do so was because she still loved Edgar. She made the resolution to return to his side no matter how many years it took, if Edgar still hoped for a future together with her.

Although she felt uncertain about what might happen in the meantime until then, she tried to be optimistic.

But, if her own existence may cause Edgar to change, then wouldn’t it be better if she were gone?

As she ran, Lydia headed towards the edge of the cape.

Stopping right in front of the edge of the cliff, she fell to her knees as she looked downwards.

She felt scared. Of course, it was because Lydia did not wish to die. She had said that she did not mind dying because what frightened her the most was being apart from Edgar.

Because it feels like, if we were apart, Edgar will cease to stay as himself.

Or, even if I stay by his side, that will still happen someday.

What should I do?

“Lydia!”

Suddenly, her arms were pulled. By the time she realized it, Lydia had fallen into Fergus’ arms.

Surprised, she tried to thrust him away with both hands, but he continued to hold her and refused to let her go.

“Don’t do anything foolish.”

“I-I wasn’t doing anything. I was just looking at the sea.”

“Eh, the sea? Really…?”

As Fergus released his hold, Lydia pushed him aside and quickly distanced herself from him.

Fergus looked at Lydia worryingly and was about to speak out, but Lydia spoke first in order to interrupt him. 

“You don’t have to pretend to worry about me.”

“Pretend?”

“Even you think that it’s better if I break up with Edgar isn’t it? I guess that’s true; you’re after all the next clan chief of the McKeels. When you made a deal with Edgar, was it because you wanted to separate us and persuade me? I guess I mustn’t think that you’re different from Patrick and that you worry about me from a neutral stance.”

“No, I…”

When Fergus tried to come closer, Lydia stepped back away from him. Disturbed by Lydia’s att.i.tude towards him, he raised his voice out of desperation.

“Yeah, it’s true that I can’t stand that Earl. But I’m not doing this for the McKeels. I just want to be of help to you.”

“Stop! You aren’t supposed to say things like that anymore, aren’t you? To begin with, you only saw me as your “betrothed” and it’s not as though you fell in love with me.”

“But now, I’ve come to know about you. Even so, can’t I fall in love with you?”

Fergus looked at her directly, and Lydia averted her eyes.

“You can’t. I have a fiancé.”

Even as she said that, he did not waver. Because he knew that that her fiancé cannot meet or even come close to Lydia.

“Patrick isn’t wrong in saying that. If you stay with the Earl, you will become unfortunate.”

“Don’t decide for us.”

Lydia said that while casting her eyes downward. She felt irritated at herself for being unable to refute resolutely.

“While it’s true that that guy may be willing to do anything for you, but is that really for your benefit? If he were to stain his hands with the magic of the Unseelie Courts again, it will only pain you further.”

Unbeknownst to her, Fergus had shortened the distance between them and Lydia’s arm was grabbed by him.

“He should know that there is no way he could protect his fiancée by becoming something evil himself.” 

The winds blew. The kilt which was worn over Fergus’ shoulder blew about and obscured Lydia’s vision.

At the same time, she was held in an embrace. Being held by strong arms, Lydia was unable to move.

Fergus embraced Lydia with all his being and would not let her go.

“Sto…”

“Fall in love with me… If it were me, I would never do anything that would cause you pain. The Earl is wrong.”

Edgar…

As she shouted his name in her heart in a bid to call for help, at the same time, Lydia became sad.

Why? Why can’t I stay by your side?

I may never be able to see you again.

Everything is trying to separate Lydia from him. Be it destiny, the Prophet, or even Fergus.

When she was about to lose all her strength, Fergus suddenly let go of Lydia.

“Ouch…”

Fergus said that as he held down his head and turned around.

“What are you doing to Miss Lydia!?”

Kelly held on to a broom and tried to attack Fergus once more.

“Oi, hang on, stop…”

“No, I can’t forgive you! As the son of the clan chief, to think that you forced yourself on a guest you were supposed to protect… You are a disgrace to the Highlanders!”

Fergus desperately avoided Kelly, who was waving the broom about.

Unable to spare any strength to find the current scene humorous, Lydia, who stood stock still, felt as though she was about to be crushed by the pain in her chest.

The moment she felt suffocated, her vision became dark.

“Miss!”

Kelly’s voice sounded far off. Her consciousness felt distant.

I want to meet Edgar once more.

That was the only thought on Lydia’s mind.

Just once more. If this wish is granted, I would want to think that I’ll be able to make a decision that’s in his best interests calmly.

Edgar, who had occupied a room in a small lodging on the island in the straits, was facing Kelpie.

Kelpie, who had taken the form of a fearless looking youth with black curly hair, stood with his arms crossed and looked down at Edgar.

“Where’s Lydia?”

“That is none of your business.”

“It is. Because I’ve known Lydia a long time before you did!”

What of it? I don’t really understand a horse’s logic. Edgar leaned against the elbow rest and rested his chin in his hands.

“What business do you have with Lydia?”

“What business? Didn’t something happen to her? To begin with, why are you not by her side? … Weren’t you supposed to protect Lydia with your life from now on?”

I don’t need to be told that by a Kelpie. But Edgar, being unable to save Lydia on his own, had no choice but to entrust Lydia to Fergus from the McKeels.

Suppressing his irate and frustrated feelings, Edgar looked upon Kelpie coldly.

“You asked if ‘something happened’; what makes you think so?”

“There’s no one at her home so I made that Coblynau investigate into the whereabouts of Lydia’s moonstone. Though I have had to run around the islands in this area.”

Kelpie groped about the back of his own hair and picked up something to show Edgar, but Edgar couldn’t see anything.

“Tsk, it pa.s.sed out.”

With that Kelpie looked like he placed something on the table and jabbed it lightly. It made a slight groan but still appeared to be exhausted.

Edgar couldn’t see the form of Coblynau; he could only hear its voice. Even so, when Edgar thought about how a small fairy was flung about while grabbing on to Kelpie’s mane, Edgar felt sorry for it.

“How pitiful. You’re truly rough.”

As if he thought it was irrelevant, Kelpie peered into Edgar’s eyes.

“Earl, you’re holding on to that moonstone ring aren’t you. Yet Lydia isn’t here. Does that mean that your engagement is dissolved?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Even without a symbol like a ring, the two of us are already bonded together in our hearts. There’s no s.p.a.ce for you to come in between.”

“In your hearts? Really? You kept quiet about having inherited Prince’s memories from Lydia didn’t you?”

“… She already knows. Even so, she said that she’ll marry me.”

I wonder if Lydia still feels that way even now. At that time, it could be precisely because she felt that she did not have long to live and that may be why she thought that way. 

“Rather than that, Kelpie, why did you come? Even though I had spared you some of my precious time because you looked like you had something new to say, did you just come because you wanted to see Lydia?”

Frowning, Kelpie looked as though he was trying to recall his business here. He walked around the room slowly and then leaned against the window.

“Earl, you made an enemy of the Fir Chlis of the Hebrides didn’t you? And because of that Lydia received a blow from their blade. The islands here are a special place even in the Highlands. You’ll suffer if you underestimate the power of fairies.”

“You’re awfully well-informed of the happenings on our side. Oh yes, you used to help Ulysses before didn’t you?”

Ulysses, the aide to the previous Prince, was now probably leading the Organization, which no longer have Prince.

In any case, Ulysses wants to turn Edgar into Prince completely.

“It’s not that I helped that guy. I always act with Lydia’s interests in mind.”

“Meaning if they’ll give you information, you don’t mind coming into contact with them?”

“As things are now, it’s easier to understand their organization. Even though you are Prince and so their boss, you view Ulysses with hostility. Yet despite that, you are getting closer to Prince, just as they want.”

“Did you come to lecture me?”

“That’s right. Don’t think of getting the medicine to cure Lydia of the Fir Chlis’ magic while thinking that it’s for her sake. That again is exactly what Ulysses wants.”

Things had taken an unexpected turn. Edgar thought while observing Kelpie carefully.

Most likely, this horse knows what Edgar wants to know.

“… Because I’ll need the magic of the Unseelie Courts in order to approach the ‘Master of the Islands’?”

If it’s what Ulysses hopes for then that must be it. Edgar asked in order to try and trick Kelpie into confirming that.

“Yeah, that guy Ulysses is scheming because if it’s you, you’ll be able to mobilize those Blue Men of the Minch, couldn’t you? If it’s the s.h.i.+p of those Blue Men, you’ll be able to get close to the origin of the Master’s dream.”

“And so, I’ll get closer to becoming Prince, huh.”

“If you understand that, then don’t yield to Ulysses’ temptation.”

“I see, so that’s what it is.”

Edgar smiled.

“You see?”

“The Blue Men right? If I make use of them, I’ll be able to obtain the medicine for Lydia.  You told me something useful, Kelpie.”

Dumbstruck, Kelpie opened his eyes wide.

“… You didn’t know?”

“Yeah, I was troubled at the complete lack of information.”

“Weren’t you instigated by Ulysses’ underlings?”

“I haven’t seen Ulysses nor his Black Hounds. They probably don’t know my whereabouts.”

c.r.a.p, spat out Kelpie.

“That woman… she made use of me? What exactly is she thinking? Seriously!”

“Woman?”

“Oi, take it that you didn’t hear about the Blue Men.”

“There’s no way I can do that. So, what are the Blue Men?”

“As if I can tell you! I’ll make you forget everything!”

When Kelpie stretched his hand out to try and grab Edgar by his collar, Raven wedged himself in between and thrusted a knife towards Kelpie.

Although there was no way a human weapon could harm Kelpie, it appeared that Kelpie was wary towards the foreign sprite that resided within Raven. It seemed that he decided to withdraw for the time being.

“… This is why humans cannot be trusted. Urgh, I don’t want to care anymore! I wonder why Lydia would trust someone like you.”

Edgar stood up from his seat slowly.

“Raven, let’s investigate into the Blue Men.”

“Yes.”

Raven took the hat and cane and handed it to Edgar.

“Oi Earl, this time you really need to quit. Even if it’s Lydia we’re talking about, she’ll definitely give up on you.”

“There’s no guarantee that her feelings won’t change even if I don’t do anything, won’t it?”

“For me, I intended to respect Lydia’s feelings. But if there’s a possibility that you’ll end up being swallowed up by Prince, then I can’t hand Lydia over to you.”

Kelpie said that to provoke Edgar.

Raven opened the door while remaining silent.

“Kelpie, there’s no way I can get away from Prince. If so, I can only fight him. I have no choice but to face the Prince inside me, the Prophet who is Prince’s enemy, as well as the magic and mystery of these islands that are the reasons behind all these.”

Saying just that, Edgar exited the room.