Chapter 6
It was a cloudless sunny day.
For that reason, Artesia decided to hold today’s meeting on the palace terrace.
“You really haven’t changed a bit from usual, have you Artesia?”
As he was about to tilt his teacup, the man sitting across from her gave a wry smile.
Seeing his demeanor, Artesia responded in her usual manner.
“You seem more tense than usual, Klaus.”
“Ah…just thinking about today’s meeting was enough to keep me up with stomach pains…”
“Then you can just sleep during the meeting. That will solve your troubles too.”
“For the source of my troubles to say that…!”
“It can’t be helped for the emperor’s position to be fraught with troubles.”
In a teasing tone, Artesia spoke those disrespectful words to the ruler of the empire.
Klaus Von Albusage.
That was the name of the man before her, the emperor governing the southern continent of the Albusage Empire and the one managing the [World Tree] that bestows blessings upon the world.
The relationship between the emperor of Albusage and the head of the Eisenhud family is different from the usual sovereign and subject dynamic.
Unlike other ducal families, the Eisenhud dukedom pledges allegiance not to the empire as a nation nor the imperial bloodline, but directly to the ruling [emperor] themselves.
And the emperor treats the head of Eisenhud as their sole, irreplaceable [friend], granting them the position of counselor who can even voice objections to the emperor’s decisions.
While Artesia has lost much of her freedom due to many restrictions now, that special friendship continues to this day, and she is the only person in the empire who can freely converse and have audiences.
“…So, you really intend to tell them?”
“Yes. Even if many have already forgotten, as I am registered as the [Emperor’s Guardian], my existence’s death will likely have repercussions.”
It started from something minor.
One morning, she could not wake up at her usual time.
For an ordinary person, this could be brushed off as part of daily life.
However, for Artesia who governs [time] itself, it was different.
Since Artesia has to perform various procedures using her innate magic to maintain her physical body, such an [unforeseen event] should not have occurred to her body.
But those minor incidents gradually accumulated.
Once a month when going for a walk outside the estate grounds, she felt fatigue that should have been impossible.
The frequency of converting food into mana increased.
When trying to clean up a broken cup, her finger got cut and bled.
In her long life spanning three centuries, those were events that had never happened before.
Which is why Artesia arrived at a conclusion about the changes occurring to her body.
“–My magic power is gradually fading away.”
At Artesia clearly stating this, Klaus contorted his expression.
“…I’ve read over the imperial physician’s diagnosis too. It’s certainly acknowledged that the mana levels in your body are gradually decreasing, but the cause remains entirely unclear.”
“I reread the Eisenhud historical records thinking it might be due to the effects of my innate magic, but couldn’t find any record of similar symptoms. To be honest, I’m at a loss.”
“That’s no light matter!”
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Saying so, Klaus slammed his fist on the table, his voice raised.
“The magic power dwelling within a human is proof that their life functions are working properly…there may be temporary increases and decreases, but it is impossible for it to simply fade away.”
“Those words are incorrect. Aging and decline occur due to decreasing mana levels, and while my appearance may not change, I am an old woman over three centuries old.”
“…Don’t joke around. Such a thing is certainly impossible.”
The phenomenon of [aging] does not occur for Artesia.
Since she has stopped her physical aging and can sufficiently supply the mana needed to maintain it by converting food, drink and breath, it is not a matter of her magic failing to be sustained.
There were no defects in Artesia’s magic either.
To begin with, [innate magic] is vastly different from the magic handled by other ducal families.
The moment one awakens to that power, the awakened innately understands how to wield innate magic.
Just as one unconsciously operates their heart and breathes, through that power they can comprehend what they are capable of, and conversely what is forbidden.
Without that understanding, Artesia would have met an early demise long ago due to the repeated [regressions]. And if there were any defects in that understanding, she would not have lived for three centuries before meeting her death.
Which is precisely why it should have been impossible.
And yet, Artesia’s magic power is in fact decreasing.
“I am not impressed by the use of the words ‘impossible.’ Regardless of good or evil, events surpassing human expectations can occur. This time, it has simply happened to me.”
“…But why did it have to happen to you?”
Hanging his head, Klaus clenched his fists.
“…If you, the last head is nearing death, I cannot as the current emperor overlook that. I intend to summon physicians from around the world if needed to get to the bottom of the cause.”
“No, you mustn’t. The emperor is in a position that must maintain non-interference with the ducal families.”
“…But the emperor is a friend of Eisenhud.”
“Which is precisely why I caution you. As a friend, the emperor accepted being called such but rejected excessive interference or favors from Eisenhud.”
“But still–“
“Listen well, Klaus Von Albusage.”
Stopping Klaus from persisting further, Artesia composed her words resolutely.
“My death will cause the other ducal families to make major moves. The only one who can keep that in check is the sovereign ruling the empire, the sole [administrator] in this world capable of interfering with the World Tree.”
As the emperor’s counselor, Artesia presented her remonstrance.
“If you upset the balance due to personal matters, causing the ducal families to question the significance of your position as emperor and drive you from that seat, it will plunge many subjects into anxiety and panic. Just as I sacrificed myself for my family and comrades, you must prioritize the empire and its subjects as emperor.”
Due to her unwavering demeanor and words, Klaus quietly unclenched his fist.
“…You seem far more suited to be emperor than I am.”
“That could be construed as insulting the imperial family. I’ve told you many times to watch what you say. And the table slamming too–“
“I know, I know, I’m not a child anymore so spare me the lecturing.”
Scratching his head uncomfortably, Klaus changed his expression.
“So, is there anything else I can do?”
“At today’s meeting after explaining my current condition, please propose recommendations on establishing a successor. And convey your intent to demand partial revisions to the contract regarding a successor.”
“Understood. I’ll get the other ducal families to accept it as an emergency situation.”
“And there is a child I would like you to seek out as that successor.”
“Oh? You’ve already decided on a child for the next head?”
“It depends on the individual, but…I would certainly like to request it.”
“If they meet your criteria, they must be an impressive child. What’s their name?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then their family name?”
“I don’t know that either.”
“Then how am I supposed to look for them…?”
“The distinguishing features are a boy around 10 years old with black hair and black eyes. From his appearance, I would assume he is from the common folk.”
“…Wait, are you trying to make a commoner the next head?”
“Is that a problem?”
“Of course it is! Even if it’s just you, Eisenhud is still a ducal family!”
“We Eisenhoods do not concern ourselves with origins or lineages.”
“That may be Eisenhud’s doctrine, but still!”
As if his troubles kept increasing, Klaus started cradling his head.
“So will you look for them?”
“If you wish it, I will try searching…but why that commoner child?”
“That child was trying to throw himself into harm’s way to save another child of common folk.”
Recalling the recent event, Artesia showed a smile.
For Eisenhud, friends and comrades are esteemed above all else.
They act selflessly for one another, sharing everything as equals.
Eisenhud has upheld the firm, unwavering will to take such actions.
“–I believe that child is well-suited for Eisenhud.”
As Artesia gave that smile, Klaus looked at her with widened eyes.
“…What’s wrong?”
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