Since volume 4 of the manga is out, illustrations for some characters (Count Martilas, Emily, Amanda, Jane, Hildegarde, King of Parnacota, Pierre) have been added, and the illustration of Himari has been updated to colored one.
Part Two, Prologue Section
Chapter Forty-six
The Beginning of Part Two.
“Mysterious disappearance… cases?”
One day, a little over three months since the expansion of the Grand Anti-Evil Magic Circle, Philip, the captain of the Parnacota Knights, came to visit me.
According to him… recently, there seemed to be a series of incidents where women possessing magic power were disappearing across the entire continent.
“Yes it is. Lady Philia, you possess the highest magic power not only in Parnacota but also throughout the entire continent. By the orders of Their Highnesses Reinhardt and Oswald, several knights, including myself, will be guarding your estate.”
Philip straightened his back and mentioned increasing my security. But with Leonardo, Lina, and even Himari present, and considering my ability for self-defense to a certain extent, I believe it might be better for others to receive additional protection.
“What are you saying? Great Saint Philia, you already hold the fate not only of Parnacota but also of all the neighboring countries. Even if we provide protection, it is far too little for someone of your importance.”
The effects of the grand magic circle would be lost if I disappeared from this place. That was probably what Philip was getting at.
“I understand. Please take care and don’t push yourself too hard…”
“Unfortunately, I cannot consent to that. We, the knights, no, including Mr. Leonardo and your other guards, are determined to risk our lives to protect you, Lady Philia.”
“I suppose there’s no helping it. Well then, I will also watch over you and your colleagues.”
“Well, all right… As His Highness Oswald mentioned, you can be quite stubborn at times, Lady Philia…”
Incidents of women with magic power mysteriously disappearing…
I also have to look into who is involved and what their motives might be.
There was a possibility that Mia and Grace could be targeted, so…
◆ ◆ ◆
“In Parnacota, there are three. In Bolmern, five. In Girtonia, two… Currently, there are confirmed cases of nearly 40 victims across the continent.”
A week after Philip started guarding me, Himari informed me of what she had investigated about the incidents.
“The age of the abducted women is generally from 15 to 25 years old. The international investigation team seems to be contemplating that there might be some significance to targeting not only women but also this specific age group.”
“Hmm, maybe the perpetrator’s strike zone?”
“Ew, Mr. Leonardo. Don’t make it sound so dirty.”
After hearing Himari’s story, Lina and Leonardo also crossed their arms, showing thoughtful expressions. While I didn’t fully understand the concept of a “strike zone,” magical wavelengths do change based on age and gender. Just like I could roughly estimate someone’s age and gender just by sensing their magic power, it was clear that the perpetrator was seeking the magic power of women in that age range.
The reason for seeking magic power… If only we could unravel that, it might lead us to a clue for solving the case…
“There are two other issues that are on my mind…”
“What… is it?”
Himari conveyed to me that there were further things that were bothering her. What could they be… I wonder if they were related to the mysterious disappearances…
“Thanks to the Grand Anti-Evil Magic Circle, the saints of each country have more free time. There is a movement to use that time to enhance their abilities and hold international exchanges of opinion in preparation for the next crisis. It seems they want to hold an event called a Saint Summit, an International Saints Conference.”
Certainly, Mia and Grace mentioned that they have free time now thanks to my magic circle. They also said their training was progressing well. Being a saint was typically demanding and I had heard that many find it challenging to do anything beyond resting their bodies on their days off. Making use of this long vacation to improve themselves across borders might be a good idea.
“Oh, so does that mean… the Summit, or whatever it’s called, will be held in Parnacota?”
Lina naturally concluded that the Saint Summit—the International Saints Conference—would take place in this country.
Why should it be held in this country? I think it will be more meaningful to hold it in a large nation like the kingdom of Dalbhat…
“Lady Philia, then it means you won’t be able to participate, right?”
“Exactly! Everyone wants to participate to meet you, Lady Philia.”
“R-Really? Everyone wants to meet me…?”
“You’re the Great Saint who saved the continent, after all. If they’re in the same profession, they’d probably want to meet you.”
Lina and Leonardo anticipated that the Summit would be held in this country to accommodate me, as I could not leave the capital of Parnacota.
However, the fact that saints were gathering meant—
“There’s a possibility that many women with magic power might gather. In this capital of Parnacota…”
“That’s right…”
Himari nodded in response to my words.
While the ages of saints vary, those around 20 years old were the most numerous—meaning, it coincided with the age range of the victims in the mysterious disappearance incidents.
We might need to reconsider holding the Summit itself… before there were any victims.
“Ms. Himari, what about the other thing that’s on your mind?”
She mentioned that there were two issues, so I asked Himari about the other one. Probably, it was also related to the incidents.
“I can’t say if it’s connected to the incidents, but… Julius, the second prince incarcerated in Girtonia’s underground dungeon, has vanished.”
“He v-vanished…? Not executed, but…”
“Yes. Like smoke… While very similar to the recent mysterious disappearance incidents, there are no known connections…”
The series of mysterious disappearance incidents and Julius’ vanishing… At the time, I didn’t even consider these events would develop into a major incident engulfing all surrounding nations.
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