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2chocodisco · 19 hours ago

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Hamefura LN15 Chapter 5 Part 2 Summary

I am currently reading Hamefura LN15 and will post summaries of each chapter.

Previous Chapters: Chapter 1: The Harvest and the Delivered Ingredients Chapter 2: A Story From Not So Long Ago: Part 1 Part 2 Chapter 3: Encounter: Part 1 Part 2 Chapter 4: A Story From Long, Long Ago: Part 1 Part 2 Chapter 5: Everyone is Assembled: Part 1

Chapter 5: Everyone Is Assembled (Part 2)

The Morning

The next morning, Katarina wakes up on her own since she went to sleep early last night. She looks out of the window and sees that the weather is great.

Today, Katarina will be back to work after 2 days. She was off work, but they definitely weren't restful days.

Katarina wonders if the department ran smoothly yesterday since Larna and Raphael attended the meeting. Laura is reliable, but she can't handle paperwork. Nathan is good at paperwork, but he can't do any other work because he has no sense of direction. And there is no senpai with balanced skills who can handle any work. Katarina is worried that everyone might be tired.

Anne arrives and praises Katarina for waking up by herself. Katarina appreciates Anne's praise. Katarina gets ready with Anne's help, then has breakfast.

Before departing for the Ministry, Katarina asks Lucy what she will do. Lucy sleepily tells her she will sleep in her shadow.

Katarina muses over Lucy. She always seems to be sleeping when she is not excited about romance novels. She may be the type who likes sleeping, just like her. No wonder she overslept for 500 years.

Katarina gets on the carriage and heads to the Ministry. She usually falls back to sleep in the carriage, but she is not sleepy this time. She gazes at the scenery out the window.

Katarina thinks back at what happened over the last two days. Two days ago, she was worried about people finding out about Lucy, thinking Lucy would then be taken away, and their enjoyable days would come to an end. She is really glad it didn't happen.

The carriage has arrived at the Ministry. Upon arrival, the coachman usually tries to do all he can to wake her up, but she is already awake this time, so the coachman gets wide-eyed and praises her for waking up by herself. This second praise puts Katarina in a good mood.

Katarina Wakes Lucy Up

Katarina heads to the Magic Tool Department. On the way, she suddenly remembers that Lucy is supposed to talk with Jeffrey and Susanna at the castle today. She needs to wake Lucy up.

Katarina hurriedly goes to a place out of sight and calls out to Lucy. Lucy gives her a reply, but she is still sleepy. Katarina reminds her that she has a meeting at the castle today. Katarina's shadow warps, and Lucy appears, looking like she has just woken up. She looks up at the position of the sun and realizes it is already late. She flusteredly yells at Katarina, asking her why she didn't wake her earlier. She sounds just like a child yelling at their mother for not waking them up.

Lucy flies away in the sky. Katarina hopes Lucy is properly using her spirit form so people can't see her. She nervously sees her off until she can't see her anymore, then heads to the Magic Tool Department.

Katarina and Sora Urge Raphael to Rest

Katarina knocks on the door of her department room and enters. She sees Sora and Raphael. Raphael is working at his desk. He has bags under his eyes.

Katarina yells at Raphael for spending the night working instead of resting. On the spur of the moment, she forgot to call him "Vice-director" and to use polite speech with him. Raphael blinks his eyes in surprise.

Raphael smiles and tells Katarina that he properly returned to the dorms with Maria yesterday and took a good rest. He just went to the office a bit early this morning.

Sora deduces that Raphael has come here way before sunrise based on the amount of paperwork he has processed. He asks him to rest, telling him it would be problematic if he gets sick since Larna won't show up for a while.

Katarina and Sora prepare some tea and tea cakes, give them to Raphael, and urge him to take a rest. Raphael hesitates, but finally gives in because of Katarina and Sora's pressure. He will just have a tea break. Katarina would like him to rest more, but there are many things only he can do since Larna is absent.

Katarina and Sora clean the room. Katarina hears from Sora that yesterday was very tough with Raphael missing.

The senpais finally arrive, and work starts.

Katarina helps Tank Top with package delivery in the morning because Raphael can't supervise Katarina's dark magic practice today.

Maria's Investigation

Katarina has lunch, then goes to the covenant deciphering room. Once she enters the room, Maria is already there, staring at the Light Covenant with a serious look.

Maria is so absorbed that she still hasn't noticed Katarina. Katarina gets worried and calls out to her. Maria startles and notices Katarina.

Katarina tells Maria she was looking so intensely at the covenant that she didn't notice her. She asks her if there was something important written in it.

Maria makes a bewildered face and ponders a little.

Maria replies that she was trying to confirm whether that important thing was written in the Light Covenant. Katarina is surprised. Maria explains that the second text of the literature somehow feels familiar to her. She thought she might have read it in the Light Covenant, so she has been searching inside it, but she couldn't find anything similar in what she has thoroughly read until now.

Katarina asks Maria if it was the reason she was spaced out yesterday. Maria confirms and apologizes for making Katarina worry. But she still hasn't confirmed whether it was a false impression or not.

Maria has bags under her eyes. Katarina guesses that she must have come to the Ministry early in the morning and investigated things. Maria and Raphael really are similar. They didn't rest at all and pushed themselves hard without letting anyone notice. Katarina is worried about them.

Katarina asks Maria if, like Raphael, she asked for permission to read the ancient literature.

Maria is connected to the Light Covenant, so she is in a position where she can look at the confidential ancient literature if she asks for permission. Maria can smoothly read ancient script, so she might have done something like that on her own.

Maria denies it. Supposing she read a similar text, she thinks she would have read it at the Ministry or the academy. She doesn't think she could have read confidential literature there, where people could freely access it.

Maria thinks that sense of familiarity might really be a false impression. But Katarina thinks Maria should investigate it to her heart's content since it bothers her. She asks her to let her know if there is anything she can do. Maria makes a bashful face and thanks Katarina. She tells her she will let her know if she needs any help.

Maria looks like she is feeling better.

Afternoon work starts. Katarina works hard on her deciphering work while fighting sleepiness. Then work ends, and she goes home.

Lucy Is Back Home

Katarina is reading a romance novel in her room.

Lucy arrives and tells Katarina, "I'm home". Katarina tells her, "Welcome back". Lucy is very happy to have an "I'm home" / "Welcome back" exchange with someone. She smiles.

Katarina realizes that Lucy had no one telling her, "Welcome back," for a long time.

Katarina tells Lucy they will say "I'm home" / "Welcome back" to each other from now on. Lucy makes a very happy smile. Katarina also feels happy.

Lucy Can't Handle Magic Otakus

Katarina asks Lucy if she was at Larna's place the whole time.

Lucy has distant eyes. She tells Katarina that Larna was extremely curious about her master's magic. She had so many questions that Lucy had trouble answering all of them.

Lucy remembers there were people like Larna among the magicians who came to the tower. She guesses that kind of people come in every era. Katarina feels like she has just learned something utterly pointless.

Katarina tries to cheer Lucy up. She tells her she might be able to handle some of those people over time. Lucy tells her she might be able to handle some of them, but those people get more and more engrossed as they learn things, so they get worse over time.

Lucy's eyes have become even duller. Katarina guesses the magic otakus from long ago must have given Lucy a hard time.

Katarina decides to change the subject.

Lucy's Spirit Form

Katarina asks Lucy if she was in spirit form when she flew to the castle this morning.

Lucy confirms. She made sure not to be seen by people. Besides, she always stays in that form because it doesn't require much energy. From this, Katarina understands that Lucy's spirit form is her low-energy form.

Lucy adds that when she is in spirit form, she can fly as much as she likes and pass through walls, so it becomes easy to go to places. From this, Katarina understands that Lucy can't fly or pass through walls in her physical form. Lucy confirms.

Katarina finds the spirit form convenient. People could go anywhere as much as they liked with it. If she had a spirit form, she would be fine even after getting thrown in jail after her doom.

The Magic Sealing Tool

Katarina recalls that Lucy had a magic tool put on her to seal her magic and keep her from leaving when she was confined. She asks her if it disappeared once she woke from her long sleep.

Lucy chuckles because Katarina is asking this question so late. She thinks the answer is obvious since she can move as much as she likes right now.

Lucy thinks the magic sealing tool must have broken when she mustered the last of her power. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to cast the sleep spell. It makes sense to Katarina.

Lucy proudly adds that the magic sealing tool was an imitation of the one made by her master. Even if it didn't break, it wouldn't have lasted 500 years. It was different from the real thing.

Katarina remembers the magic tool Jeanne made still works after 500 years. She guesses Lucy must be right.

Jeanne's Personality

Lucy tells Katarina that her master was amazing. People said she was a genius, like the one who comes once every 1000 years.

Katarina remembers Jeanne created magic tools and even a new magic power. She tells Lucy that Jeanne must have been a splendid and dignified person. Lucy ponders, then tells her that her master wasn't such a dignified person most of the time. Katarina is surprised.

Lucy explains that her master was weak in the morning and always slept in late. She always forgot things, and Nathalie was probably always looking after her. Her master showed her big sister and dependable side to Anne, but when Nathalie was by her side, she often got scolded for not tidying things up or for dirtying her room. Nathalie often said that her master was a bit of a scatterbrain and had an otherworldly side to her.

Lucy chuckles.

Katarina is surprised to hear that Jeanne was a scatterbrain. She thought Jeanne was a flawless person after hearing she was a magic genius and a wonderful and kind person, but now she feels closer to her.

Katarina tells Lucy that she thought Jeanne was a flawless person, but after hearing this story, she now feels affinity with her.

Lucy fixedly looks at Katarina.

Lucy tells Katarina that her master is indeed like Katarina in some ways. She was also spacing out in front of her family and the people she trusted, like Katarina does.

Katarina doesn't know how to take it. She guesses that being similar to an amazing person should be considered a good thing, even if it is only their bad sides.

Lucy asks Katarina if she can read some of her romance novels. She hasn't been able to read any lately. Katarina gives her some books from her bookshelf. She invites her to read as many as she likes and give her her impressions afterward. Lucy happily agrees.

Influenced by Lucy, Katarina also ends up reading romance novels.

Peaceful Days

The next morning, Katarina oversleeps, and Anne tears the blanket off her.

The following days are the same as always, except Lucy goes to the castle instead of sleeping in her shadow.

At the Ministry, Katarina carries out physical tasks in the morning since Larna is still absent, and deciphers the Dark Covenant in the afternoon.

Maria is still investigating the story, but she takes her time with it, so she doesn't have bags under her eyes anymore. It makes Katarina relieved.

As for Lucy, she talks with Larna (Susanna) and Jeffrey and investigates things about the presence, but she doesn't make much progress. When she is back from the castle, she reads romance novels, eats sweets, and talks with Katarina.

Pochi now joins Katarina and Lucy for sweets, so he has become a gourmet dog.

Katarina has felt like these enjoyable days would go on forever, but they inevitably come to an end.

Where Maria Has Heard the Story

Katarina receives a letter from Larna. It is written that Maria has heard the story of the second text from another source.

Maria visited her parents a little while ago.

Maria's parents are currently living in a house managed by the Ministry since their house was destroyed after the dark group's attack. Maria still lives in the dorms, but she visits them from time to time.

Maria told her mother that Dewey had invited her to eat together, and then at some point, they started talking about Maria's marriage. Maria was at a marriageable age, and her mother had been wondering why Maria was not interested in love at all. Maria's mother reminded her that she had a story to pass down to her once she got married. That's when Maria remembered that a story was passed down to each child from her mother's side once they married. She had heard a little bit of it from her maternal grandmother when she was little. So, Maria asked her mother to tell her the story right now because it could be important for her current investigation. Her mother told her, and it happened to be the same story as the second text of the literature.

Katarina and Lucy are summoned to the castle the next day.

The Meeting

The next day, Katarina goes to the castle. She is nervous during the trip. Once in the castle, she is taken to Susanna's workroom. She knocks, awaits a reply, and enters the room. Larna (Susanna), Jeffrey, Maria, and Raphael are discussing on the sofas. Katarina sits next to Maria.

Larna apologizes to Katarina for summoning her so suddenly. She judged that Lucy, the person concerned, and her, Lucy's guardian, should properly hear the story, and that's why she has summoned them. Larna turns her eyes to Maria. Maria nods.

Katarina deduces from this that she and Lucy will hear the story directly from Maria. She wonders at which point she has become Lucy's guardian, but she can't ask this question in this serious atmosphere.

Katarina faces her shadow and calls out to Lucy. Lucy comes out of the shadow and sits next to Katarina.

Maria tells Katarina that she is still shaken because she never expected the second text of the literature to be the folktale passed down in her family.

The Story Passed Down in Maria's Family

Maria starts telling the story. It seems to have been passed down for a long time.

A kind magician with healing magic was going around, healing the people and the land injured in the war. But even if their bodies were healed, people cried, "I'm sad, I'm in pain". That's why the magician created a new magic to heal people's hearts. With this magic, the magician healed the wounded hearts of even more people. Thanks to the kind magician, everyone became happy.

But at some point, greedy people eager to get their hands on the power of that amazing magician stole someone precious to that magician to obtain that power. The magician wanted to take back the stolen person, but their unleashed magic became black, reaped all life, and disappeared into the sky.

Katarina thinks Maria's story is indeed completely similar to the second text of the literature. Or rather, it is the second text that is similar to this story.

Who Was Maria's Ancestor?

Katarina asks if it could have been Maria's ancestor who wrote the second text.

Raphael tells her that, considering the high similarity between both stories, there is a high chance that the author of the second text was Maria's ancestor or someone close to them. Supposing they heard the story at the same period as the incident, they could have thought the second text might get rewritten if it were found. That's why they had the story passed down to their blood relatives.

Katarina deduces from this that Maria's ancestor was either one of Nathalie's relatives or someone fond of Jeanne. Raphael agrees.

Raphael asks Lucy if she has an idea who Maria's ancestor could be.

Lucy tells him that, despite living with Nathalie, she has never met her relatives. Nathalie told her she had many brothers and she was giving them allowance, but she didn't interact with them much. So Lucy doesn't think Nathalie would have her relatives pass down the story.

Lucy also thinks Maria's story gives a precise description of what happened, as if the author saw the events from close by.

Katarina reminds Lucy that all the people in the area died back then.

Lucy furrows her brows. She tells her that she thought that too, but after learning from Larna that light magic could repel dark magic, she thinks someone with strong light magic could have protected themselves from the dark magic and survived. Supposing it was her master who caused dark magic to go out of control, the only people who had light magic strong enough to repel it were Nathalie and Anne. And given Maria's physical appearance, the survivor was most likely Nathalie.

Katarina reminds Lucy that she didn't sense Nathalie's presence back then.

Lucy tells Katarina that she indeed didn't sense the presence, or rather the magic power of Nathalie and Anne when she saw the mountain of corpses, and that's why she was convinced they were dead. But if Nathalie had used her light magic at full power, she would have had mostly no magic power left, she would have survived without Lucy realizing it, and tried to leave the truth behind for Jeanne's sake.

Katarina can see hope in Lucy's eyes. She thinks it would be great if Nathalie really survived back then, but she is afraid Lucy might get even more hurt if this new hope were to shatter again.

The Last Part of the Story

Maria shyly tells everyone that there is more to the story. Katarina guesses she didn't dare cut in when everyone was actively discussing her story.

Larna asks Maria why she never mentioned this sequel before.

Maria explains it is because she learned about it afterwards. Her mother only remembered about it the night before, so she hurriedly wrote it in a letter.

Larna urges Maria to tell them what the sequel is.

Maria tells them the story ends with, "People yearning for more truths must search for the mark."

Katarina vigorously grabs Maria's shoulders and asks her if "more truths" means there is even more to this story, and what that "mark" could be.

Raphael asks Katarina to calm down.

Katarina apologizes to Maria. She was so surprised that she got too excited. She asks Maria if her shoulders hurt.

Maria tells her she is fine. She can understand how she feels. She was so excited when she received the letter from her mother that she was about to run to her parents' place alone, even though it was late at night.

Katarina is shocked that Maria thought of going to her parents' place alone during the night. She asks her if she really did it. Maria replies that she just stopped at the thought. Katarina is glad. She thinks it is too dangerous for a woman to go out alone at night, even if Sorcier is safe.

The Mark Creation Spell

Larna asks Maria if she has realized something now that she has calmed down. Maria turns her face to Larna.

Maria firmly tells her she pondered various things in her room, and suddenly remembered something about a "mark".

Everyone is surprised.

Maria continues. A little while ago, she found in the Light Covenant a way to "leave a mark" with light magic. It was written that if it went well, the mark could stay on for a long time. She heard that Lucy's master and some people around her were people with light magic, so she thinks this "mark" could be a mark left with light magic.

Katarina is impressed by Maria. Maria has thoroughly read about amazing spells, while Katarina has only learned how to change the shape of her summoned darkness into a round, triangle, or square.

Larna asks Maria what kind of mark can be left. Maria asks Larna to wait a little bit.

Maria takes a white handkerchief from her pocket. She holds out her hand towards it, and then a sparkling light comes out of her hand. Katarina knows Maria is using her light magic, but she still doesn't know its effects. She stares at it, and the light disappears. Maria pulls her hand away. There is now some kind of pattern on the white handkerchief.

Larna is shocked. She leans forward and stares at the handkerchief. Her eyes are sparkling. Katarina can see that Larna is in otaku mode. Maria does not seem overwhelmed by Larna's excitement.

Maria explains that this pattern is a mark left by light magic. It won't disappear until the caster dispels it.

Jeffrey finds it amazing to have a magical mark that can't be removed until the caster dispels it. Katarina feels the same, and Raphael makes a surprised face.

The Origin of the Mark Creation Spell

Katarina asks Lucy if she knows the spell, since she doesn't look surprised. Lucy nods.

Lucy explains that her master, Anne, and Nathalie often used this spell. Whenever they received the same kind of sweets, they would leave their marks on them so the others wouldn't freely eat them.

Katarina can't believe they used their light magic to leave marks on sweets.

Lucy explains that the three of them often fought over that kind of thing, so her master created this spell.

Katarina realizes that the amazing mark creation spell was originally created to prevent fights over sweets eaten by mistake. She feels like the spell has lost in dignity.

Larna bursts out laughing.

How to Find the Mark?

Supposing Jeanne spread the spell after creating it, Larna thinks there is a high chance that the mark mentioned in Maria's story refers to a mark left with light magic. She asks Lucy if a magical mark can be perceived only by the caster or by anyone.

Lucy replies that there is a separate spell to search for a mark. It is meant to find lost items easily, so she thinks any light magic user can use it to find the mark, but she doesn't know if a magical mark will remain for such a long time, or if they can find the right "mark".

Maria asks Lucy what she means by the right "mark".

Lucy explains that it would be hard for them to track down the "mark" since they don't know what it is. Just like they can't search for a person they don't know.

Maria tells Lucy that the "mark" should be Nathalie's mark, so Lucy should know it. If Lucy tells her what it is, she should be able to track it down.

Knowledge Transfer With Magic

Lucy blinks her eyes in surprise. She realizes Maria is right and that it is worth trying. She asks Maria if she can communicate Nathalie's mark to her with her magic.

Maria is surprised Lucy can do that. She thanks her and invites her to do so.

Lucy is about to send her magic to Maria.

Jeffrey hurriedly stops them. He asks them if it won't be dangerous. They can't decide things like that on their own!

Lucy and Maria look at Jeffrey with blank faces, as if saying, "Did I do something wrong?". Katarina agrees with Jeffrey.

Lucy proudly assures Jeffrey that her magic isn't dangerous. She has used it on countless people, and there has never been any problem.

Maria firmly tells Jeffrey she wants to use the spell as soon as possible and find the "mark". She wants to quickly remove a danger threatening the country, but also see for herself what her ancestor has left behind.

Jeffrey glances at Larna. She is looking at him with sparkling eyes, as if saying, "I wanna see the new magic". Jeffrey immediately turns his face away from her. He makes a deep sigh.

Jeffrey tells Lucy and Maria that he will allow their actions, but will stop them immediately if it gets dangerous. He asks Raphael and Katarina to speak up if they sense something odd.

Lucy and Maria immediately start the magical knowledge transfer.

Lucy takes Maria's hand with both hands and closes her eyes. Maria also closes her eyes. A faint light softly comes out of Lucy and flies towards Maria.

Looking at them, Katarina thinks Lucy's magic looks like light magic rather than dark magic. It indeed looks like healing magic.

Maria And Lucy Want to Search For Nathalie's Mark

Maria suddenly opens her eyes. She now knows what Nathalie's mark looks like. She tells everyone that she will start searching for it with the mark search spell.

Maria closes her eyes and casts the spell. Everyone is on tenterhooks. Then Maria slowly opens her eyes.

Maria tells everyone she has found the mark. It is a bit far from here.

A silence falls in the room.

Jeffrey asks Maria if she precisely knows where the mark is.

Maria tells Jeffrey that she doesn't precisely know where it is, but she can locate it if she chases its presence. She asks him the permission to do it.

Maria looks like she wants to go after it immediately. Lucy also looks like she wants to set off with Maria immediately.

Jeffrey makes a deep sigh. He probably thinks that it is pointless to stop them.

Jeffrey tells Maria and Lucy that he will allow them to chase the presence under the following conditions:

They are accompanied by Larna, Raphael, and a knight from the castle

They stay safe.

Lucy and Maria are glad to get Jeffrey's permission.

Katarina Wants to Join the Search Party

Katarina asks Jeffrey if she can also go with them.

Jeffrey tells Katarina there is no need to send her to a potentially dangerous place.

Katarina decisively tells Jeffrey that she is the only one who can use dark magic aside from Lucy. Lucy can use offensive dark magic, but she has never defended against it. If a dark magician attacks them there, the situation will be easier to handle if she is present.

Katarina personally doesn't want to go to a dangerous place, especially when she has promised her family and her friends that she won't jump into danger again. She really wants to keep her promise. But if they find themselves in a situation where they are helpless because they can't handle dark magic attacks at all without dark magic, if Maria gets in danger again, she will regret not going with them forever.

Katarina asks Jeffrey to allow her to go with them. She will have Pochi and Lucy with her, so it shouldn't be too risky.

Katarina bows her head. Jeffrey makes a deep, deep sigh.

Jeffrey tells Katarina he really can't win against her. Everyone must be attracted to that side of her.

Jeffrey gives Katarina permission to join the search party. But he asks her not to do anything dangerous. He asks the same thing of everyone else.

Everyone gets into the carriage arranged by Jeffrey and follows the direction pointed out by Maria.

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2chocodisco · 3 days ago

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Hamefura LN15 Chapter 5 Part 1 Summary

I am currently reading Hamefura LN15 and will post summaries of each chapter.

Chapter 5: Everyone Is Assembled (Part 1)

Keith Will Accompany Katarina

The next day, Katarina gets ready to go to the castle with Lucy, just as she was told yesterday. Susanna has already contacted the Ministry of Magic to inform them that she won't show up today.

Lucy has been sleeping since they left the castle yesterday. When Katarina tries to call her, Lucy tells her she will sleep some more. Katarina guesses Lucy must be emotionally tired after the painful truths she learned yesterday.

Katarina is about to depart for the castle when Keith tells her he is accompanying her.

Katarina asks Keith if it is okay for him to go with her despite his work. He replies that he has taken a sudden day off, so there will be no problem. She asks him if it is really okay for him to take a day off so suddenly. He replies that their father greatly approves of his request to accompany her, so he has given him his permission.

Katarina doesn't understand why their father greatly approves of it since she is just going to the castle. Keith replies with a tired face that she "only" went to the castle yesterday, but a royal still assigned her an undercover guard for the trip back home.

Katarina tells him she didn't do anything this time. Keith doesn't care: she tends to throw herself into trouble whenever he leaves her alone. She charged alone into Maria's incident, and she might stick her neck out into even more trouble this time and face danger. That's why he will keep a tight watch on her today.

Keith has said this with a black smile that didn't smile at all.

Based on his furious look, Katarina realizes that Keith is mad at her. But she understands that it is because she made him worry that much. He was incredibly worried after learning of her actions during Maria's incident and the mission in Cyrus's hometown.

Katarina apologizes to Keith for making him so worried lately. She promises him she will be careful from now on (maybe). She has said "maybe" in her heart because she knows she will do whatever she can to save her precious ones if they are in danger. But next time, she will properly talk to everyone before doing anything. She won't face danger alone.

As if knowing what she is thinking, Keith sighs again. He just tells her to consult with him if something happens.

Raphael and Maria Are Here

Katarina and Keith get into the carriage and head to the castle.

When they arrive, they announce the purpose of their visit and are taken to a room. Katarina notices it is not the same room as yesterday. She knocks on the door and gets a reply. Katarina and Keith enter the room.

The room contains a big table surrounded by several chairs. It looks like a meeting room.

Katarina is surprised to see Maria and Raphael since they are supposed to be at work. Raphael explains that Larna contacted them yesterday to summon them to this big meeting about dark magic today. Maria confirms.

Susanna must have judged that Raphael and Maria should know about Lucy. After all, Raphael has used dark magic before, is knowledgeable about it, and is the one who found the literature. And Maria is currently the most capable light magic user in the country.

Katarina asks Raphael if he knows the subject of this meeting. Raphael tells her he has no idea, before adding with a dull look that it is always the case. Katarina can feel that his free-spirited superior is always giving him a hard time.

For now, Katarina and Keith take seats, just like Raphael and Maria did.

While waiting for Susanna (Larna) to arrive, Katarina talks with them about the work at the Ministry. She figures she can't talk about Lucy since she doesn't know how much Susanna (Larna) wants to tell them about her.

Larna, Jeffrey, Geordo, and Alan Arrive

After a while, Susanna arrives with her Larna disguise. She has probably taken this appearance because she called Raphael and Maria to the meeting.

Jeffrey, Geordo, and Alan arrive with Larna. Katarina expected Jeffrey to be here, but she is surprised to see Geordo and Alan.

Alan suddenly turns his face away when Katarina greets him. Katarina doesn't understand why. They may have quarreled when they met, but they have been good friends for 10 years afterwards. It is the first time he has acted so short with her. She must have somehow upset him, but she can't remember what she could have done. She figures it will be faster to ask him directly.

Katarina, Geordo, and Keith Learn About Lucy Kissing Alan

Katarina asks Alan if she did something to her. Alan flusteredly tells her she did something, but he is fully aware that it wasn't her inside. Katarina doesn't understand what Alan means.

Larna explains to Katarina that while inside her body, Lucy mistook Alan for her fiancé and did something inappropriate to him. He was greatly confused afterward, so Jeffrey told him a little bit of the circumstances behind it. Larna thought she might as well introduce Lucy to Alan, so she took him along.

Katarina wonders what in the world Lucy did to Alan. But first, she must apologize to him.

Katarina bows her head and apologizes to Alan for doing something to him without knowing. Alan tells her not to worry about it. He should have realized it was weird coming from her, but he couldn't think straight because of the confusion.

Katarina is glad that Alan won't hold it against her and thanks him.

Geordo (black smile): I heard Alan would come along because he had also been told about Lucy, but what do you mean, Lucy mistook Alan for your fiancé and did something inappropriate to him? It's the first I've heard of this!

Katarina recognizes the smile Geordo makes when he is in a bad mood. Something must have upset him. Katarina knows she must watch what she says and does in times like this. She can't believe the situation sparked again just when she thought she had smoothly gotten out of it. She wonders if she can somehow have him pretend it never happened.

Larna: Yes, I heard that while inside Katarina's body, Lucy embraced Prince Alan, then kissed him.

Katarina / Geordo / Keith: WHAT?!!!

Katarina's face turns hot from bashfulness. Geordo and Keith make a grim expression.

Alan (frantically): No, that's not it! She didn't kiss me!

Larna (carefreely): Oh, is that so? I think I heard she kissed you, though.

Alan (frantically): She didn't! She didn't kiss me at all! (mutter) It's just… Katarina's mouth just touched my cheek a little…

Geordo (wide smile): Heeeh~ So she embraced you and kissed your cheek, I see. Alan, please come to my room after that.

Katarina can see that Geordo is showing the most terrifying bad mood smile. Alan has turned completely pale.

Keith (frown): Big Sister, you never told me such a thing happened between you and Prince Alan!

Katarina: Well, I didn't know either.

Keith makes a deep sigh and a tired expression.

Sitting in front of Katarina, the pale Alan and the smilingly displeased Geordo are still talking about something. Looking at them, Keith mutters that Alan is lucky that Mary isn't here. Katarina asks what he means. Keith tells her that if Mary were here, she would have gotten jealous, and Alan would have had it harder.

Katarina is surprised that Mary would get jealous since she is treating Alan like an underling. But she guesses Mary could get jealous since Alan is still her fiancé. She should probably talk to Mary ahead, explain to her that it was an accident, and apologize to her.

Katarina asks Keith what he thinks about her plan. Keith tells her she shouldn't do it, else it would make things more troublesome (for Alan). She decides to listen to his advice since she has no romantic experience.

Larna Tells Everyone About Lucy

Larna starts speaking. She feels bad about cutting in when things are so lively, but she would like to dive into the main topic. She asks everyone if they are okay with it.

Katarina feels like it is Larna's fault in the first place if the mood has become so chaotic. But she welcomes the change of topic.

Geordo allows it: he will just talk to Alan later. Alan looks hopeless while imagining what awaits him later. No one mentions it.

Larna tells everyone that she has assembled them today to talk about a familiar from 500 years ago reported to her yesterday.

Most people in the room are shocked, even Geordo and Alan, who already know about Lucy. Katarina realizes it is because of the "500 years ago" part.

Raphael asks Larna if familiars can live that long. Larna tells him that they normally don't. A familiar lives on by feeding on its master's magic power, so it disappears when its master passes away. But this familiar was created with special magic power, so it can live on without this limit.

Raphael hesitantly asks Larna if that special magic power is dark magic. Katarina guesses it must have crossed his mind since he has been investigating dark magic.

Larna tells him it is similar but strictly different. That magic power is created by taking just a little bit of the energy from the earth. It is not the current dark magic, which requires the sacrifice of lives.

Everyone makes extremely shocked faces. Katarina can understand why it would shock them.

Raphael asks Larna if it is okay for him to learn such a history-overturning fact. He doesn't think he is qualified status-wise and ability-wise for it.

Katarina realizes it is indeed a history-overturning fact. But she doesn't agree with Raphael when he says he is not qualified. He manages the Magic Tool Department, has deciphered old texts, and found new literature. If he is not qualified, then she is even less so.

Larna tells Raphael that she has already gotten permission from the higher-ups to disclose the information to everyone in the room. Aside from this, she finds it "interesting" that he considers himself not qualified when he is the outstanding, capable person who manages the busiest department of the Ministry. Even the higher-ups want him to actively take part in this case, so she is counting on him.

Raphael acknowledges Larna's words with a bashful face and doesn't add anything.

Katarina notes that Larna is aware that she is not managing the department.

Katarina is relieved that Larna also got permission for Keith. She was worried since Keith joined her at the last minute. It seems like the Claes family actually contacted Larna yesterday.

Lucy Arrives

Larna would like to get permission from Lucy before starting the meeting. She signals to Katarina to call Lucy. Katarina asks her to wait a bit while she asks Lucy.

Jeffrey aside, everyone makes puzzled faces. Katarina hasn't told Keith either, so he doesn't expect her to have another familiar in her shadow.

Katarina faces her shadow and calls out to Lucy. From inside her shadow, Lucy tells her that she needs to get ready and will come in a minute. Lucy sounds like someone who has been woken up while they were lazily sleeping during a holiday.

Everyone except Larna is surprised by Lucy's reply. Larna curiously asks Katarina what Lucy means by "getting ready". Katarina replies that she shifts her mood. Larna finds it very interesting.

30 seconds later, Katarina's shadow spreads out, and Lucy comes out of it. Everyone is shocked to see a black-haired girl come out of the shadow.

Larna greets Lucy. She asks her if she can tell everyone in the room about her and her story. She wants to have their cooperation to gather information about the black mist.

Lucy looks like she has just woken up.

Lucy recognizes Susanna despite the Larna disguise. She gives her permission since she is thankful to have more people help to search for the black mist.

Katarina recalls that Susanna is using a magic tool to disguise herself as "Larna". Given that Lucy has recognized her right away, Katarina wonders if the magic tool doesn't work on Lucy.

Larna thanks Lucy.

Larna Shares All Information With Everyone

Larna tells everyone:

about Lucy

about Lucy's master, Jeanne

about the incident and the black mist that disappeared in the sky

about the dangerous presence that Lucy has felt

about what they learned yesterday

about the literature Raphael found

Lucy listens with a quiet expression.

After Larna has finished speaking, everyone is silent. The atmosphere is tense in the room.

Everyone's Decisions

After a while, Geordo breaks the silence. He tells Larna he still hasn't completely digested this incredible story, but he asks her what she wants them to do.

Larna firmly tells Geordo that she wants them to help investigate the bad presence felt by Lucy. It would be dangerous to leave things like that.

Geordo frowns and puts a hand on his forehead. He replies that he understands. As a royal, he cannot avert his eyes from such danger, and more than anything, he has no choice but to cooperate since Katarina is involved.

Geordo looks at Katarina. Then he looks at everyone and asks them what they think.

Alan can't possibly pretend he doesn't know anything after listening to this story, so he will cooperate.

Keith has no choice but to cooperate since Katarina is involved.

Raphael and Maria want to cooperate if there is anything they can do.

Larna thanks everyone. Her expression softens.

The tension in the room has disappeared.

Reactions After Lucy's Story

Now relaxed, Alan tells Katarina he has found the story incredible and can't believe dark magic was originally created for good. That fact was completely hidden in what they were taught.

Keith agrees with Alan. It was already a shock for him to see a familiar from 500 years ago, and after learning new information about dark magic contradicting what they knew until now, his feelings about it couldn't follow for a while. He sighs.

Katarina notices Lucy staring at Maria for some reason. But Maria hasn't noticed her because she is still spaced out, having not digested the story yet.

Katarina asks Lucy if there is something on Maria's face. Lucy makes a startled face and turns to Katarina. She whispers in Katarina's ear that she couldn't help looking at Maria because she looks a lot like someone she knew long ago.

Katarina is about to ask Lucy who it was, but Geordo arrives.

Geordo Is Still Upset About the Kiss

Geordo has a wide, intimidating smile on his face. He tells Lucy he wants to ask her something.

Lucy's body jumps with a start, and her face stiffens. It seems like she is still terrified of Geordo after he said he would put her down..

Lucy nervously asks Geordo what he wants. He tells her he wants to talk with her about what she did to Alan while inside Katarina's body.

Katarina is panicked. She is shocked that Geordo is still upset about that accident. And now, Alan has turned pale again… She really thinks they shouldn't talk about this now. But she faintly considers the possibility that it might be Geordo's way to crack a joke to lighten the mood.

Geordo: Using Katarina's body, you embraced Alan… and even kissed his cheek. Why did you do such a thing? I want to properly hear the reason for future's sake.

Geordo has said this with a very serious expression. Katarina realizes he isn't joking after all.

Lucy feels scared because of Geordo's pressure.

Lucy tells Geordo that right after she heard Katarina was engaged to a prince, the other prince arrived and greeted "Katarina" with a very happy face, so she thought he was Katarina's fiancé and acted with him like a fiancée would.

Geordo furrows his brows even more.

Geordo tells Lucy that, considering that she mistook Alan for Katarina's fiancé because she didn't know and was in a situation where she couldn't know, he will forgive her.

Lucy makes a relieved face after hearing Geordo say, "I forgive you".

Katarina wonders why Geordo needs to forgive things that Lucy did to *Alan* with *her* body. But Geordo seems to be a pain in the neck right now, so she will let it slide.

Geordo leans forward and furiously asks Lucy why in the world she thought fiancés greeted each other with an embrace and a kiss. There are no written accounts anywhere suggesting that fiancés did those kinds of things in public, even going back in time in Sorcier.

Keith finds it scary how Geordo has investigated written accounts of interaction between fiancés. Katarina pretends she hasn't heard Keith.

Lucy looks troubled. It surprises her because all the fiancés she knew did those things. Geordo asks her who those fiancés were, given her master didn't have one. Lucy replies that it wasn't her master but her little sister who had a fiancé. The two of them were greatly in love with each other and very close.

Jeanne's Little Sister

Katarina is surprised to hear this because Lucy never told them that Jeanne's sister had a fiancé. Lucy realizes she indeed didn't tell them. Katarina tells her she imagined Jeanne's sister very young since that's what she said yesterday.

Lucy blinks with surprise. She told her that Anne was very young when Jeanne returned from the war, but she was already an adult when Lucy met her. Anne had strong light magic, so she was helping Jeanne with her research and the healing efforts.

Katarina completely imagined Anne as a little girl whom Jeanne was looking after, but she was actually Jeanne's partner. She apologizes to Anne in her heart for thinking she was a child. Still, it is because of her that Lucy misunderstood how fiancés greeted each other.

Katarina thinks Jeanne's little sister and her fiancé must have been close for them to embrace and kiss each other on the cheek. Lucy confirms: they were always clinging to each other whenever they were together, so she thought fiancés did those kinds of things.

Katarina wished she had heard this story sooner. Then, Lucy would not have done something inappropriate to Alan and Geordo.

Geordo Wants to Have Fiancé Interactions With Katarina

Geordo thinks it is great for fiancés to get close by doing those kinds of things. He suggests to Katarina that they learn from their example.

Katarina doesn't understand why Geordo now wants them to learn from Jeanne's sister and her fiancé… She wishes he'd give her a break.

Katarina tries to object. She feels too embarrassed. Geordo tells her it will be fine because she will get used to it if they keep doing it. For starters, she can just sit next to him instead of his brother, who just can't separate from his older sister.

Geordo extends his hand. Katarina can see in his eyes that he is serious. She doesn't know what to do.

Jeanne's Secret

Larna tells everyone she will resume the meeting. Katarina feels thankful to Larna. Geordo has a dissatisfied look.

Larna initially planned to start investigating the dangerous presence felt by Lucy, but they don't have much information.

Larna asks Lucy if she remembers anything, no matter how trivial it is. Lucy frantically tries to remember something. After a while, she hits upon a realization. Katarina asks Lucy if she has remembered something. Lucy makes a big nod.

Lucy tells everyone that she forgot about it until now, but a little before the incident, her master asked Anne and Nathalie to look out for themselves because her secret might have been leaked.

Katarina asks about the secret.

Lucy explains that when her master took part in the war as a support provider, she suffered a great wound on her stomach. It looked healed on the outside, but it wasn't properly healed inside. As a result, she couldn't bear children.

Everyone is shocked.

Lucy continues. At that time, light magic users were considered precious, and many people wanted their ability in their bloodlines. Her master was often targeted by those people, but she could turn them impotent with her light magic, so they were no problem for her. However, Anne and Nathalie couldn't do the same thing. So her master hid her physical issue to draw the eyes of those people to herself. But a little before the incident, she said her secret might have been leaked. That's why her master asked her to look out for Anne and Nathalie.

Katarina remembers the part from the literature saying the magician lost someone precious, then their magic was tainted with evil. The people targeting Jeanne to get her powerful magic into their bloodlines could have realized it was pointless with her, so they targeted her little sister or friend instead. And if it resulted in their deaths, Jeanne would see it, and her dark magic would go out of control. Katarina wonders if Larna thought the same thing.

Larna thinks this might be related to the incident. She asks Lucy if she can remember something else. Lucy ponders again. But she can't remember anything else.

After that, Larna and Jeffrey ask Lucy several questions, but they can't seem to get more useful information.

Katarina Is Worried About Maria

Katarina wonders how Maria is doing. At the beginning, she thought Maria was spaced out because she was overwhelmed by the story, but it has gone on for too long. Maria is still spaced out while everyone has gone back to normal.

Katarina asks Maria if she is okay. Maria tells her she is fine. It's just that she still can't sort out her head after hearing so many things.

Katarina can understand that it might take time for Maria to sort out her head after such a long story. All the more so since she is so kind: hearing Lucy's painful story might have put a lot of things on her mind.

Katarina tells Maria to take her time to sort out her head. Maria says yes and smiles.

Maria Looks Like Nathalie

Lucy is staring at Maria again. Katarina remembers she wanted to ask Lucy who Maria reminded her of before Geordo interrupted her.

Katarina reminds Lucy that she told her Maria looks like someone she knew. She asks her who it was. Lucy replies that it was Nathalie: the air Maria gives off is very similar to hers.

Katarina remembers Nathalie: Lucy said she lived with her master. Lucy confirms and adds that Nathalie was also a pretty girl with blond hair and blue eyes, like Maria.

Hearing this, Katarina starts saying that Nathalie could be Maria's ancestor, but pauses. She has just remembered that Nathalie has most likely died during the incident. Katarina finishes her sentence, saying that one of Nathalie's blood relatives could be Maria's ancestor.

Lucy looks sad for a moment, but she smiles right away. She tells Katarina that Nathalie told her she had many brothers, so Maria could be the descendant of one of them. Maria agrees and smiles.

After the Meeting

After that, Lucy talks about

Jeanne and her little sister Anne

Jeanne's life with Nathalie

After that, the meeting was closed for the day.

Larna and Jeffrey tell Katarina they would like to continue their talk with Lucy. Katarina is surprised and asks them with a troubled expression if she will need to go to the castle every day from now on, and what she should do about work.

Lucy tells her she will be fine alone since she has materialized. Katarina is still worried about leaving her alone if something happens. Lucy confidently tells her that she is the strongest familiar created by the strongest master, so she is very strong.

Katarina can only agree since Lucy has said it so decisively. So she will leave Lucy to Jeffrey and Susanna.

They decide all kinds of things, then everyone goes on their way home.

Walking to the Carriage

Lucy is tired. She tells Katarina she will sleep in her shadow, then goes inside. Lucy has completely settled into her shadow.

Geordo holds out his hand to Katarina and tells her he will escort her to her carriage.

Keith immediately cuts in and tells Geordo he will be the one escorting Katarina because they will ride the same carriage to return to their home. He invites Geordo not to mind them and just return to his room.

Geordo and Keith start their usual banter. Katarina has started to feel like they are just using her as a pretext to start their classic friendly banter because they can't be honest with each other. As usual, she can't get between them, so she decides to walk next to Maria.

When Katarina gets out, the sun has considerably set, and the sky has started turning orange. A long time has passed while they were talking. Maybe she didn't feel the time passing because the content was dense, but it was especially because there were lots of sweets served during it. She didn't eat lunch, so she needs to properly eat dinner tonight.

Katarina looks at Maria. She looks spaced out again.

Katarina asks Maria if she is tired. Maria gasps because she didn't notice Katarina was next to her.

Maria apologizes to Katarina: she didn't notice her because she was lost in her thoughts. She tells her that she must be tired and will properly rest once she is back in the dorms. She makes a little smile.

Katarina asks Maria if she is resting properly. She often pushes herself hard when she says this. Raphael, walking behind them, agrees with Katarina, so he will properly see Maria off to the dorms. Maria makes a blank face. Katarina can see that Maria isn't aware of her overworking tendency.

Katarina also asks Raphael to rest properly and not push himself to work once he returns to the Ministry. After all, Raphael and Maria are birds of the same feather. Raphael makes the same blank face as Maria. Raphael does not seem aware of his overworking tendency either. Katarina finds these two troublesome.

Walking next to Raphael, Alan grins and suggests that they both go back to the dorms together, and each of them will confirm that the other has entered their dorm. And then, they will both send a report to Katarina.

Katarina rides on Alan's suggestion and tells Raphael and Maria that she will wait for their reports.

Both Raphael and Maria seem at a loss for words. Katarina guesses the two of them will most likely work after that. Larna and Jeffrey may have told everyone to get a good rest, but those two are just overworkers.

Katarina notices Alan is here, but not Geordo and Keith, so the two of them are probably still having their friendly banter. Everyone has left them behind without hesitation, Katarina included.

Geordo and Keith Are Such Good Friends~

Katarina, Raphael, and Maria get into their carriages. Geordo and Keith arrive, out of breath.

Geordo: Katarina, why did you leave ahead? Because of this, I was left alone with your brother, and Elder Brother Jeffrey told me, "I'm sorry to interrupt your friendly fun time together, but can I close the room now?" He was even giving me an awfully happy look!

Keith: That's right, Big Sister! Prince Jeffrey told me, "Please get along with my little brother from now on," and tapped my shoulder with such a big smile! There was a huge misunderstanding and pressure!

Katarina: Isn't it great that his older brother approved of your relationship? From now on, please be honest with each other and stop using me as a pretext to get friendly, okay?

Geordo and Keith freeze on the spot and won't move for some reason.

Katarina wants to go home and have dinner soon. She gets off the carriage, pulls the still-frozen Keith inside, makes him sit, and notifies the coachman that they are both in. The coachman closes the door.

The carriage leaves. Geordo, with a twitching face, and Alan, nervously giving him a side glance, are seeing them off.

Inside Katarina's carriage, Keith stays frozen for a while, but he wakes up when they almost arrive at Claes Manor. He stubbornly tells Katarina that he and Geordo don't get along.

Katarina guesses Keith still won't be honest with himself. He is supposed to be a sexy character, but he also seems equipped with tsundere.

Katarina tells him, "Yeah, yeah, sure." Keith can tell she doesn't believe him. He grumbles and complains until they arrive home.

End of the Day

Once they are home, Katarina and Keith report to Luigi that no problem occurred, then have dinner. During dinner, Katarina stuffs herself while her mother gives her a chilly stare.

After dinner, Katarina returns to her room. She is exhausted after having 2 long days in a row, so she dives into her bed. She tries to call Lucy, but she doesn't answer. She guesses Lucy must be asleep.

Katarina recalls that she was in panic yesterday because they were found out, but now that she has shared her situation with everyone, today has felt reassuring. The dangerous presence that Lucy felt is a mountain of problems, but she feels like it will all work out if everyone works together.

Katarina faces the inside of her shadow and says good night. Then, she falls asleep.

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