Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 170

Chapter 170. Epilogue - The Ball

The imperial capital, Alsis, is located in the northwestern part of the empire, slightly toward the center.

It began when Eysarius, the garrison captain of the provincial town Kober, rebelled against the Baromat Kingdom, seized control of Lasmer and Alsis, and established a new nation here.

Afterward, wary of a counterattack from the Baromat Kingdom, the empire restored old forts and villages in the surrounding areas, placing them under the management of the imperial knights, while assigning ducal houses to Lasmer in the west and Vierra in the east to solidify its defenses.

However, in reality, the Baromat Kingdom lacked the strength to retaliate, and the imperial capital achieved victory without ever being threatened.

Since then, while the frontier regions continued to face threats from the Baromat Kingdom, the Hazel Unified Kingdom, and monsters, the central part of the empire, including the imperial capital, gradually decayed. Petty conflicts with the Vierra ducal house piled up, eventually leading to outright opposition.

The imperial capital, Alsis, which had long lost one of its key defensive pillars, was struck by further tragedy from last year to this year.

Its northern location proved disastrous as a severe cold wave caused numerous deaths from freezing and structural collapses in and around the capital, inflicting heavy damage.

Just as they thought they had barely survived the harsh winter and finally welcomed spring, Stephana, the daughter of the Duke of Lasmer, was killed by a holy knight, followed by urgent news of Reedwald's fall.

The relentless stream of ill tidings left Emperor Pholmes of the Alsis Empire with no respite from his worries.

Though the imperial court had been plagued by one disaster after another, today was different.

Luxurious carriages lined the grounds, and the palace was illuminated by numerous magical lanterns, Fixstarlights.

Inside, lively music played, and servants and maids bustled through the hallways.

Shortly after the holy knight's execution, Emperor Pholmes summoned the nobles.

Officially, they were gathered to discuss damage reports from the cold wave and provide aid if necessary, but everyone sensed another purpose—

To restrain the Duke of Lasmer.

The duke was enraged after his daughter Stephana was killed.

Even though he was at odds with the Duke of Vierra, the emperor's faction found solace in the fact that the west was secured by the Duke of Lasmer. In truth, there wasn't a single Vierra loyalist in the northwestern part of the empire.

If the Duke of Lasmer declared neutrality, the balance of power would shift dramatically.

Thus, the emperor summoned the duke and his loyalist nobles to reinforce their unity.

The result could be called a success.

Before the gathered nobles, the Duke of Lasmer denounced Savilius as a fool who had falsely claimed the title of holy knight. It was tantamount to declaring the emperor blameless.

Having avoided the worst-case scenario, the emperor breathed a sigh of relief and hosted a ball that evening to reward the nobles for their long journey.

The lavishly decorated hall was filled with nobles dressed in equally extravagant attire, chatting and laughing.

The center of attention—both in conversation and gaze—was a group of young boys and girls in their early teens, dancing to the orchestra's lively music.

They were the sons and daughters of nobles, some accompanying their fathers, others studying in the capital.

Among them was one girl who stood out strikingly—

Elphimia.

Regardless of the Duke of Lasmer's stance, the death of the holy knight weakened the emperor's faction—even if only slightly. Some nobles, believing this, had refused to come to the capital, using the cold wave as an excuse.

To demonstrate the emperor's authority, a grand ball was necessary.

Thus, the children of the court mages were called upon, and Elphimia was among those pressed into service.

As she danced with children around her age, Elphimia subtly shifted her gaze.

Beside the emperor stood the crown prince and the Duke of Lasmer.

The duke's expression was stern, but no hostility could be felt.

Had this been right after the murder, his reaction would have been different, Elphimia thought.

In truth, it was widely known that the Duke of Lasmer had sent a letter of condemnation.

If the holy knight's execution had been delayed, the Duke of Vierra might have made a drastic move.

The emperor was well aware of this, and his cautious demeanor when speaking to the duke betrayed his concern.

Elphimia withdrew her gaze and redirected her thoughts.

(Still, to have no information at all…)

Her attendance at the ball wasn't solely due to the summons.

Her father, Dion, had told her she could decline with a reasonable excuse if she found it troublesome.

Yet she came anyway—because she wanted information about Reedwald.

After news of its fall arrived, she sent letters to Lambert in Köthen, Ted in Selene, and Rackendale.

Selene responded quickly—Rackendale hadn't arrived, and Ted even asked if she had any information.

As for Lambert, the reply was brief: he had headed to Reedwald after parting ways in Köthen. No useful information was gained.

While performing the dance ingrained in her body, Elphimia seethed inwardly.

How could the emperor and the nobles remain so carefree?

Their territory had been invaded, yet they showed no will to reclaim it.

No matter whom she asked, few shared her sense of crisis. Some even dismissed Reedwald's fall as a trivial frontier matter.

The handful who did care assumed Alter, the second son, was dead—or worse, speculated that he had colluded with Baromat to usurp the barony.

Each time she heard such nonsense, Elphimia grew furious.

They didn't know Alter.

They didn't know what he had endured to reach Selene—or how strong he was.

According to merchants, Reedwald had fallen in an instant.

Apparently, several knights had betrayed Alter's father, but that wasn't what interested Elphimia.

If Alter had returned, Reedwald wouldn't have fallen so easily.

The Baromat army would have been routed or suffered heavy losses.

And regardless of the outcome, the name "Alter les Reedwald" would have spread throughout the capital. Thus, Alter hadn't returned to Reedwald—at least not during the battle.

So why hadn't he appeared anywhere else?

He hadn't sought help from his sworn lord, Marquis Brasrad, nor had he returned to Selene, where he had allies.

She had even wondered if he might come to the capital seeking her, but the gate guards knew nothing, and he hadn't appeared at the adventurer's guild either.

(Where are you and what are you doing, you idiot…?)

Just as Elphimia grumbled inwardly, the next song began.

As she prepared to continue dancing, she froze—

It was the piece assigned as her dance lesson's final exam.

Her body moved automatically as her mind drifted to the past.

Before going to Selene, she had been prepared to die.

She had feared her grandmother might be involved in wrongdoing—that she herself might carry that blood.

Those fears were resolved within half a year, thanks to a certain boy's help.

The time until graduation after that was filled with nothing but happy memories.

Unthinkingly, Elphimia pictured her benefactor's face.

At that moment, an absurd dance flashed through her mind, and she burst out laughing.

The boy across from her blushed, but she was too busy stifling her laughter to notice.

As the final song ended, applause rained down from the surrounding nobles.

The children bowed to the emperor and withdrew, and the nobles welcomed their own, returning to their conversations.

Ignoring them, Elphimia headed toward her attendant waiting by the wall.

"Any news?"

"None."

As she answered, the petite girl offered a glass of fruit water.

The girl was Riez, her former classmate in Selene.

In Selene, she had served as Doris's attendant; now, she worked as Elphimia's.

Originally, she was supposed to follow Doris, but her growing interest in magic made her desire further study.

However, she lacked the skill to remain in Selene. After much deliberation, she consulted Doris.

Doris listened earnestly and suggested she work for Elphimia instead.

It was an unexpected proposal.

Elphimia's father was the court mage, equal in rank to a count—and close to the emperor. Baron Sakris, Riez's father, had no reason to refuse.

Moreover, Riez and Elphimia got along well—better than most, in fact.

When Riez tentatively asked, Elphimia replied:

"You want to work for me? You're a noble's daughter—how odd. I don't mind, but—ah, the pay is low. Magic is expensive, you know."

Just like that, she agreed.

When Dion heard the report, he arranged for Riez to be hired as Elphimia's personal attendant so they could study together.

Now standing side by side, the two girls surveyed the hall.

Only counts and court mages of equivalent rank were present. Though Riez was a noble's daughter, as the child of a lowly baron, these were nobles of another world.

Yet her next words carried unmistakable scorn.

"How peaceful."

"What can you do? It's a frontier matter."

Elphimia defended them, but her tone was hollow.

A few nobles took to the floor as the music played, while the rest watched, engrossed in idle chatter.

"By the way, your partner was blushing earlier."

"My partner?"

"Hortes-sama, the third son of Viscount Filsatch."

"Ah… right. That one."

As she answered, Elphimia tried to recall.

Partners changed mid-dance, and she had no idea which boy Hortes was.

She vaguely remembered someone—but as she tried to redirect the conversation, Riez signaled with her eyes.

Following her gaze, Elphimia sighed.

She didn't need to ask. It was Hortes.

The moment their eyes met, his face turned crimson, but with a determined expression, he approached.

Keeping her gaze fixed, Elphimia whispered to Riez:

"Do you know anything?"

"He seems kind."

"Anything else?"

"Rumor says Viscount Filsatch dotes on him."

Elphimia internally groaned.

A viscount's son was trouble enough—a spoiled one even more so.

Unable to flee, she waited as Hortes spoke up.

"I-I'm Hortes Valerius Filsatch. Ah, the third son of Viscount Filsatch!"

"Elphimia Cloëtte, daughter of Court Mage Dion Cloëtte. A pleasure to meet you, Hortes-sama."

Her graceful reply made Hortes stammer, but he pressed on.

"I attend Valakis Academy. And you, Lady Elphimia?"

"I've already graduated, but I studied at Cartilair in Selene."

"Selene? What a coincidence! My hometown is Filsatch!"

"Yes. I'm aware."

Her polite smile made Hortes blush for a different reason.

To an outsider, it looked like a charming exchange between young nobles.

But Elphimia only wished to leave.

Small talk wasn't his goal. A dance invitation would've been bearable—but a request for a future meal was inevitable. Normally, it'd be a nuisance. Now, it was the last thing she wanted.

Yet the earnest boy noticed nothing and said exactly what she dreaded:

"Um, if it's alright, would you like to have dinner sometime—"

Just then, a stir swept through the hall.

Nobles' gazes converged on one point.

Hortes kept talking, but Elphimia no longer heard him.

Following the crowd's focus, she gasped.

A young woman in a simple yet elegant dress.

The nobles' attention wasn't solely due to her beauty.

(Surprising. For her to show her face…)

Princess Biche.

Daughter of the Duke of Lasmer, a renowned mage of the empire—

And the younger sister of Stephana, slain by the holy knight.

Biche scanned the hall expressionlessly.

Her gaze passed over the emperor and her father without pause, yet none dared call it disrespect. The crowd held its breath, watching her every move.

Then, as her eyes nearly completed their circuit, they stopped.

The corners of Biche's lips lifted slightly, and the crowd around Elphimia scattered.

Even Hortes noticed the approaching woman but seemed unsure of her identity.

He glanced between her and the retreating nobles in confusion.

Unseeing, Biche stopped before Elphimia.

"Long time no see."

As Elphimia prepared to reply, Biche dismissively cut her off.

"Skip the formalities. No need for stiff language."

"Then let's keep it moderate. People are watching."

"Do as you like."

Biche's disinterested tone seemed to offend Hortes.

With a slightly sharp edge, he interjected:

"And you are?"

"Her Grace, Biche of House Lasmer."

Elphimia's reply made Hortes's expression shift from surprise to dread as the name registered.

"B-Bi…?!"

Choking on his words, he stumbled back and fell.

No one laughed at his undignified display.

Scrambling away, Hortes was helped up by his father, Viscount Filsatch, before fleeing the hall with a servant's support.

The viscount glared daggers at Biche.

But she had done nothing—Hortes had panicked and fallen on his own.

Still, his fury lingered until a conciliatory nod from the Duke of Lasmer sent him storming out in silence.

Unnoticed, even the orchestra had stopped.

The ballroom fell silent until the imperial guard captain, Fitalio, signaled a restart.

Gentle music resumed, and the tension finally eased.

"Was I interrupting?"

"No, you helped."

"Good."

Biche's sweeping gaze sent nobles hastily looking away.

After a dispassionate glance, she turned back to Elphimia.

"You studied in Selene, I hear."

"Yes, I returned about a month ago."

"Improved?"

"I can manage intermediate spells alone. Advanced? Not at all."

Biche shook her head, exasperated yet amused.

"Naturally. Even I started with spellbooks. If you want to be a court mage, don't be picky about methods."

"With a court mage's salary, I can't afford to. Any lying around?"

"Try the treasury floor?"

Trading dark jokes, the two shared a quiet laugh.

When Riez offered wine, Biche declined and said:

"I'll take my leave."

"So soon?"

"Before departing Lasmer, Father said he'd respect my wishes. I've made enough of an appearance."

With a faint smile, Biche resumed her usual blank expression and walked off—

Not toward the exit, but the terrace.

Elphimia had no time to stop her.

Left behind, the two girls exchanged puzzled looks.

"She's impressive."

"In skill and personality."

"You knew her?"

"We spoke about magic once. Plus, I'm like this."

Elphimia pointed to her ears.

"Not a pure elf, yet clearly elven. Our circumstances aren't identical, but similar enough."

"Is that why? Still, she came all the way from Lasmer?"

"The ball was incidental. Her goal was Lady Stephana."

At the mention of the slain princess, Riez nodded solemnly.

After the holy knight's murder, Stephana's body had been preserved by mages skilled in frost magic like [Icefrost]. Elphimia was among them.

Biche's trip to the capital, despite her aversion to people, was undoubtedly to reclaim Stephana's remains.

"But why the terrace?"

Elphimia tilted her head, but no answer came.

◇◇◇◇

Several nobles relaxed on the terrace.

A few were captivated by the sudden appearance of a beautiful woman, but once her identity spread, they averted their eyes with strained smiles.

Biche noted their reactions with sidelong glances, thinking how little things changed no matter where she went.

Yet she also found comfort in this isolation.

Biche was seventeen this year.

As the beautiful daughter of a duke, she should have been married or betrothed by now. But her extraordinary magical talent and disdain for people had long made her father abandon hopes of marriage. Her only concerned sibling, Stephana, was now gone.

For better or worse, no one cared about her future anymore.

Leaving the terrace, Biche stepped into the moonlit garden.

Vast and maze-like, it was divided by colorful flowers and hedges. Though Fixstarlights dotted key areas, much of it lay in darkness.

Unfazed, Biche pressed on until she reached a central fountain.

As she paused to survey the area, a hard clacking sound echoed.

It grew louder, revealing itself as hooves just before a large white shadow cleared a hedge.

The shadow was a white stag, glowing under the moonlight.

"Ginys."

Approaching, Biche was met by the stag's eager trot.

Ginys—an Eléph, a deer-like monster.

In old age, they wield lightning magic, some rivaling young dragons.

Even as a familiar, such a creature couldn't enter the ballroom. The compromise was the garden.

As Biche stroked its neck, the stag half-closed its eyes in contentment.

To an outsider, it might resemble lovers' intimacy—but their bond was closer to parent and child.

They had met six years ago.

Adventurers in Lasmer found an odd fawn. Its lightning attacks revealed its species, but a juvenile wielding magic was unheard of.

Luckily (or not), the fawn's mana was low, and it collapsed, captured unharmed.

[Appraisal] confirmed its lightning spells and skills. Not a mutant, but a prodigy.

Biche, hearing of it from a visiting merchant, grew interested.

Blessed with rare magical talent herself, she had mastered basic ice spells as a toddler. The Eléph felt like a kindred spirit.

But upon visiting, she found the fawn near death.

The slaver lamented:

"It keeps thrashing…"

A monster-subjugating collar choked it each time it awoke.

Had its mana been ample, it would've suffocated. The slaver bemoaned his impending loss.

As they spoke, the fawn awoke—and glared with palpable hatred.

Unfazed, Biche approached.

A lightning strike hit her, but basic magic couldn't harm her.

The fawn collapsed again, this time into her arms.

"I'll take it."

With those words, Biche brought it home.

Thereafter, it attacked upon waking, exhausting itself until it passed out on her lap.

After repeated failures, it finally relented.

Named Ginys, it became a resident of Lasmer's ducal castle.

Its eventual acceptance wasn't just due to affection—it realized most humans were weak, and Biche was an outlier like itself.

Ginys, too, was a lonely being.

The garden's silence was broken by faint music.

The ball seemed lively.

Absently stroking Ginys, Biche glanced at the palace.

Elphimia had made the tedious event slightly bearable.

Her duty to her father was done. Now, she'd spend time with her sister before leaving—

But as she pictured Stephana resting in the palace's depths, a thought struck her.

(Now that I think of it…)

Stephana looked unchanged in death.

Elphimia specialized in [Icefrost], a freezing spell. It was easy to imagine her and other ice mages preserving the body.

Biche nearly turned back but stopped.

She wasn't leaving today. Gratitude could wait for a calmer setting.

Just as she resolved to visit her sister—Ginys stiffened.

The stag glared at the palace, fur bristling.

The reason soon became clear.

Two sets of footsteps approached—one light. Likely a pair.

Nobles sneaking into the garden wouldn't be unusual, but Ginys wouldn't react so strongly to mere nobles.

Restraining the stag, Biche waited.

Soon, two figures rounded a hedge—

A parent and child?

No, a boy of about ten and a plain-looking middle-aged man.

Their lack of surprise confirmed this wasn't a chance encounter.

"Apruta, look! A pretty deer!"

Ignoring Biche and Ginys's wariness, the boy spoke cheerfully.

"Indeed. A white coat at this age is rare."

"Fluffy! Will it get mad if I pet it?"

"Hard to say. Petting should be fine. More importantly, introductions first."

Urged by the man—Apruta—the boy stepped forward.

"I'm Litius Crust! A royal guard!"

He emphasized his title proudly, showing off his cloak's insignia.

The Crust name and royal guard emblem told Biche who he was.

"The boy who executed the holy knight and became the youngest royal guard. So it's you."

Litius beamed at the title, but Biche's stare remained icy.

"What business does a royal guard have with me? Surely not to thank me?"

The emperor's failure to restrain the holy knight had caused countless deaths. The royal guards' cleanup deserved no gratitude.

But Litius seemed genuinely puzzled.

Apruta bowed and expressed thanks in his stead.

Meanwhile, Litius's expression never changed.

This boy didn't grasp the implications of the holy knight killing the Duke of Lasmer's daughter.

Or perhaps he understood but couldn't comprehend it.

Unease crept into Biche.

The situation was abnormal. However unconventional she and Ginys were, a ten-year-old killing a holy knight was impossible. It wouldn't even be a fight.

Yet her father said he'd done it alone.

(This child… Is he even human?)

Something wearing human skin—

Not a monster, but something else entirely.

As Apruta finished, he signaled Litius.

Snapping back to reality, Biche found the boy smiling at her.

"Starting today, you're free."

The abrupt declaration left her stunned.

"You don't need permission to leave the city. Come and go as you please around the capital. And Ginys is under the emperor's protection—harming him is an act of war. I won't allow it. Ah, if you want to stroll, I recommend Crust. It's rich in nature, so Ginys can relax. The vegetables are tasty too. If he likes—"

"Wait."

Litius tilted his head.

"He doesn't eat vegetables?"

"That's not— What are you saying?"

Apruta, shoulders shaking, coughed when Biche glared.

"Litius-sama, you've skipped the crucial part."

Chastised, Litius clapped and extended a small hand.

"Welcome to the royal guards."

"It's the Order of the Origin's Investigation, Laslayer."

Biche sighed at the stubborn boy but stepped forward—

And took his hand.