"Hmm··"
"Good morning, Rose."
When Rose opened her eyes, she saw a tropical ceiling. Looking for Yanagi's voice, she woke up and saw Yanagi sitting in front of the bed. He is shirtless, wearing tropical shorts, and is drying his long hair with a towel.
"Good morning, Yanagi."
"Looks like we both overslept today."
"Yes, it was like that yesterday, but I overslept for two days."
Rose smiled bitterly and got off the bed.
"A servant came just now to deliver breakfast."
"I wonder if everyone has eaten already."
Rose came next to Yanagi and she drank hot water.
"Miraiya, Rinka, and Jatayu were still early in the morning, so they apparently had breakfast at the normal time."
"Hmm, Teacher Miraiya was always late in the morning, but she gets early here."
"Emotionally, she probably didn't feel at ease. If she slept too well at night, she was afraid that Jatayu would sneak and do something at her at any moment...''
"In fact, that’s scary."
Rose yawned again and rubbed her eyes.
"I think it's okay because Rinka will protect her."
"Yeah. By the way, what about Mr. Darga and Moi?"
"Looks like they haven't woken up yet for breakfast."
"Strange, isn't it?"
"Well, isn't that fine? They're a newlywed couple anyway."
"I think they were getting engaged, but are they getting married already?"
"You'll know when you see them. Even I can tell that they're newlyweds with that lovey-dovey look."
Yanagi said as he drank the hot water.
"Can they be husband and wife without formal marriage?"
"If they're a commoner, there's no problem. They can just register later. However, Mr. Darga is a warrior, so if he doesn't fill the proper procedures, he'll be in trouble later."
"Why? Isn't it enough to just register?"
"This is because Moi is a maid in Father's mansion. He must formally report his wish to Moi's Master, register the marriage, and make Moi the spouse of a warrior."
Yanagi explained as he dried his hair again with a towel.
"Why does he have to register her as a spouse?"
Rose asked, tilting her head.
"This is because warriors must go to war or fulfill dangerous missions. This is so that if something happens, the families left behind will not be in trouble."
"I see. Is Yanagi going to war too?"
"I do. I actually went to war, right? During the operation to retake that capital."
"I see. That was a war, huh?"
"Yeah. I feel bad for you. It was hard, wasn't it?"
"Hmm, to tell you the truth, I don't know. I don't know if it's hard or not. I've only defeated beasts, so I was nervous about fighting people. I didn't want to kill them, but... I almost got killed, and I ended up killing several people, so I was sad. But I didn't have the time, so I quickly forgot about the sadness, and now I have mixed feelings about it."
Rose sighed and nodded.
"I see. If possible, I don't want Rose to participate in the war anymore. It's enough for me to shoulder all the hardships by myself."
"I don't have the authority to decide."
"Me too. It's frustrating. Rose isn't a warrior anyway."
"Teacher Miraiya said I'm a magic warrior, but I don't know what that profession is."
Rose said, tilting her head, and Yanagi smiled.
"It's one of the professions of warriors. A warrior who is good at both magic and martial arts. It is a rare and important human resource."
"Huh?"
"Rinka and Miraiya are classified as magical warriors. It's an elite job."
"That's amazing."
"More than that, the pay is good. You get a big monthly allowance even if you don't do anything. Of course, if an emergency occurs, you'll be on the front lines."
"I guess I'm going to the front line too. But I don't get any allowance or pocket money."
"You have the ability of 'Gold', so you are probably behind the scenes with the commander. When you return to Alhatross, you'll probably be registered as a person with special abilities. The registered warrior with the ability of 'Gold' is the current one. It's Suzu only.''
"So, does that mean my path is that of a warrior?"
"If things continue as you are now, that's likely to happen. I don't know what Father thinks."
Yanagi reached out his hand and touched Rose's hair. She was a cute 'sister', he thought.
"I don't know, but if it were me, I'd hide Rose. I'd hide you somewhere and make sure no one knows who you are. That way, I don't have to worry about you being kidnapped."
"Kidnapping? Why am I being kidnapped?"
"Gold's ability is rare. Every country wants it. That's why Suzu's pairing is with Level 7 Kagemaru. He's the vice-captain of the Black Ops., second from the top. They are not just a pair, they have the same schedule, and everything is kept a secret, even where they live, and what they do. However, Rose is still free. Rose is not a warrior, so I don't think you are known yet.''
"But during that battle, many people saw my glowing appearance. I guess they found out about that too, right?"
Rose is still worried about herself.
"I think it's still a mystery. It's an ability that didn't exist before. Even though it's 'Gold', Rose's and Suzu's abilities are different, and some people say it's the Dragon God's haunting, so I'll stay with that for a while. That's it."
"Really..."
"I understand why Kagemaru wants us to join the Black Ops., but I don't like the Black Ops.'s methods. I feel like I'm suffocated by being watched every morning, noon, and night. When I was little, I was being watched. I understand that. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable when people look at me.”
"That's right."
Rose nodded.
Growl...
"You're hungry, huh?"
Yanagi smiled and touched Rose's face with his finger.
"Yeah, but I haven't washed my face yet."
"Okay, let's wash your faces quickly and have breakfast. I want to swim in the sea today. Do you know how to swim in the sea?"
"Yes, I used to swim in the sea,.. a long time ago."
"A long time ago? Oh, are you talking about your past life?"
"Yeah, it's vague, but I still have that memory."
"I'm looking forward to it. Be my swimming instructor."
"Yes, Sir!"
After breakfast, Rose and Yanagi decided to swim in the sea in front of their room. Is Yanagi really a genius? He mastered how to swim in no time. He could do it better than Rose. He is definitely an athletic person. Moreover, he is currently trying to practice diving a little.
The sea around this island is shallow. However, if you go to the other side of the island, there is a little deeper place. The scenery in the deep sea is beautiful, and many different colored corals and fish. By the way, guards are monitoring the island from above, so you can safely swim around the island, walk on land, and explore. After swimming, Rose and Yanagi went up to the other side of the island and decided to walk on the empty beach.
When Rose asked Yanagi why they would take the trouble to board a ship and go to the island when the bird people could fly freely in the sky, the answer was simple. Because it's entertainment. Taking time to travel by boat is the ultimate pastime here. Although it's only a short flight away, spending several hours sloshing around on the ocean is their ultimate pastime, he said with a laugh. This may be difficult to understand for Rose and the others who cannot fly.
After a long walk, Rose was tired from walking, so she decided to sit on the beach and look at the sea. Yanagi was also sitting next to Rose, staring at the beautiful sea.
When Rose looks at this vast ocean, she feels so small. No matter where she looks, there's the sea. Although she can see small islands here and there, it is surrounded by sea. Whenever she looks at the ocean, she becomes speechless. Because her heart becomes empty.
"Aren't you cold? Rose."
Yanagi called out.
"No. Are you cold?"
"Oh, just a little."
"We swam a lot. Shall we go back to where everyone is now?"
"That's right. Do you want to walk around from here? Or do you want to go swimming again?"
"Everything is fine."
After replying appropriately, Rose noticed that there was something on the sea.
"Hey, Yanagi."
"What?"
"There’s something here."
"What?"
"There's something on the surface of the water."
"Fish? Octopus?"
"No...it looks like a bird."
“Is it floating?”
"Yeah."
"Waterfowl? Are they wild?"
Yanagi asked and Rose tilted her head.
"Probably not. I think it's pretty bad. Birds are flying creatures, so it's bad for them to float on the sea in their bird form unless they are a kind of sea bird. Besides, it has a different shape than sea birds."
“Shall I come and have a look?”
"This distance is quite far. I have to contact Teacher or Prince Jatayu."
"Do you want to link?"
"I'll try it."
Rose nodded and tried linking to Miraiya, but Rose couldn't connect well because it seemed Miraiya was drunk. She linked to Rinka and connected instantly. After giving details of the location and direction on the sea, she told Rinka to inform Jatayu. After a while, Jatayu, Rinka, and several bodyguards flew through the sky and seemed to have arrived at their desired point in the sky.
They used nets and ropes to transport what appeared to be birds to the island. One of the guards came to Rose and Yanagi and showed them a shortcut. There was a little distance between them, so Yanagi lifted Rose onto his shoulder, turned her backward, and moved quickly. Rose felt a little sick as she was carried around like a burden, but she managed not to throw up. Still, she was impressed with Yanagi's ability to move quickly on mountain roads. After all, a trained body is different.
"Rey!"
Rose heard Jatayu's voice. Floating in the sea was his bodyguard Rey!
"He's still alive!"
Miraiya rushed over. She immediately cast a recovery spell. Yanagi took Rose off his shoulder and rushed over to Rey. He was unconscious, but still alive, with a wound on his head that apparently bled a lot of blood. Rose cast a spell to stop the bleeding. Darga also came after receiving the call, and the three of them cast a recovery spell on him. After all, Rey in his bird form was huge.
"Can't he become humanoid?"
"It's impossible if he loses consciousness. And since Rey is a pure goshawk race, this is Rey's natural form."
Jatayu answered Rose's question. "What should I do?" Rose thought because she had never treated birds. Anyway, Rey lost a lot of blood. The situation will only worsen if they do something about this. Miraiya, who is familiar with her treatment, is still not at her best, because she was drunk. Darga is concentrating on keeping Rey alive.
"Blood regeneration."
Rose doesn't understand why, but those words suddenly pop.
If you imagine it like that, will your blood regenerate? , Rose held up her hand. Can it be done without a blood transfusion? But why increase it? Which magic is effective? She was lost in thought. What's the best way to generate blood? If this continues, Rey will die and she doesn't like that.
She has to do something.
"Rose, your body is glowing."
Yanagi next to her said. Rose tilted her head, thinking she had started glowing before she knew it. Apparently, when she concentrates, her body lights up. The people around her were surprised, but Jatayu didn't seem to mind. Miraiya and Darga are also concentrating.
"Hmm, now I have to help Rey first. I look a little suspicious, but don't worry too much."
"I'm fine. I just called out to Rose because I didn't know if you were okay."
"Yeah. I'm fine."
Rose nodded.
"Blood regeneration!"
While saying that, Rose suddenly cast a spell. It's surprisingly hard. Magically doubles the iron content in the blood and increases it as blood. She could clearly feel the magic being sucked into Rey. However, if she stops this magic now, Rey can't survive. Large drops of sweat began to drip from her forehead and body.
No, not yet.
"Are you okay, Rose? You're sweating a lot."
"Hmm, it's about to get tough. But I feel like if I stop now, Rei won't be saved."
"That's bad. But I'm also worried about you."
Yanagi said as he approached Rose.
"Please use my magic."
A bodyguard approached. Then he released her air from his palm and placed it on Rose's back. Then, Rose thought, she suddenly felt something enter her body. However, that quickly disappeared. It still requires a lot of energy. The guard collapsed on the spot. Because Rose had completely absorbed almost all of his magic power.
"Sorry."
Rose apologized and he shook his head.
"It's okay, Miss Rose. Rey is my best friend, so I want to help you even a little, but my strength was far less than I expected."
Several soldiers woke him up and approached Rose.
"Then, please use my magic..."
"Mine too..."
Several people came near Rose. However, Rose refused because they would be late responding if something happened. The person that Rey, an elite guardian, made look like this must be a strong person. If he attacks here, they won't be able to fight back if their energy is off. When Rose explained that, everyone seemed to understand.
Rose felt like she was about to reach her limit. Rey's body moved a little. It looks like his blood regeneration was successful. Rose decided to stop her magic, drink water, and take a short break. Yanagi wiped Rose's face and body with a towel. Moi also brings Darga some water and snacks to eat. Miraiya seems to be recovering, and she continues to use her magic while putting water and bread brought by Rinka into her mouth.
Jatayu and the others are investigating the surrounding area and contacting the capital. Rose still doesn't know why Rey looking like this on the ocean. Some witnesses say he was still on the island last night, but no one had seen him since morning. This is a big problem. This is because even their master, Prince Jatayu, is unaware of this, and there is a possibility that this could lead to a supervisory liability issue.
Rose ate some of the snacks brought by the servants and then collected herself. She's suspicious of her glowing self, but can't trade it for Rey's life. She could be called the 'shining monster girl'. But if Rey can be saved, she won't mind at all.
"Nature! Rose commands: Give me power!"
A tremendous force enters her body. And Rose's light became frighteningly bright. The more the red bruise on her forehead hurt, the more she could feel the power gathering there. Rose walked over to Rey and sat down on the ground. She touched Rey's injured head with her right hand and thought of a healing spell to heal the wound. Her left hand also searched for and placed his pulse near his head to regulate his heartbeat. Rey's body was so big that Rose's small hands couldn't reach his heart. However, she thought it would be fine as they were on the same pulse. Miraiya and Darga stopped their healing magic and decided to watch over Rose.
Thump! Thump!
Rose could feel Rey's heartbeat. It sounds good. It's okay, just a little more.
Come back, Rey!, Rose continued to cast a spell on him.
"Ugh..."
Rose heard a growl. It's Rey's voice. He was back, and Rose smiled.
"Rey, are you okay?"
"Yes..."
A weak reply, but good progress.
"Good."
When Jatayu was informed that Rey had regained consciousness, he hurriedly ran towards them.
"Rey! Are you okay?"
"Yes, Prince Jatayu. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. Rest for now. Once you've recovered, explain what happened."
"Yes, Sir."
Jatayu looked at Rose and bowed his head.
"Thank you for saving the lives of my subordinates."
"Oh, no. It's okay. But I want you to prepare lunch later. I'm hungry."
Jatayu couldn't help but laugh when he heard this.
"Understood. Hahaha, Miraiya, your cousin is interesting. Don't worry, I'll have the kitchen staff cook something delicious for Rose."
After that, Rey's condition gradually improved, and to make it easier to transport him, he was temporarily transformed into a humanoid form and transported to Capital Island with several bodyguards.
After eating the prepared lunch, Rose sat down on a bench to take a short break but was so tired that she fell asleep. She doesn't know how much time has passed, but when she opens her eyes, she finds herself in a strange room, with an unfamiliar ceiling. Moi is sitting next to her.
"Miss Rose, how are you doing?"
"It's okay. Where am I?"
Moi slowly opens her mouth and answers in a small voice.
"This is the capital, inside the palace of the king of Dwipa."