Farewell

"Yes, let me introduce my name is Nero Beryl I came all the way from the Royal Capital of Aurelius to meet you, Ellora Evernoir."

Eh?

"Are you guys her friends?" he continued.

"Yes, we are Ellora's friends," replied Fenris.

"I see, then I'd like you to join the discussion as her friends too, I'd like to hear your opinions."

"Alright, we'll come along," replied Enigma.

"Then let's move to another room, Lily is fast asleep right now, I don't want to disturb her."

"What are we going to talk about?" said Fenris.

"About the future plans of your friends, Ellora Evernoir, Lily Evernoir and of course Archemidas Evernoir."

"Arche!? Do you know anything about his whereabouts?" said Celia.

"Calm down, we'll get to the bottom of it later," Nero replied with a smile.

"Take it easy Cel, Arche will be fine, I'm sure of it," I replied soothingly to Celia.

This guy, if I remember correctly he was the Royal Guard who came late during the demon attack, right? I've spoken harshly to him in the past.

But what a coincidence, I was also in the midst of meeting this person regarding the invitation letter he gave me six years ago.

We finally moved towards another room that he seemed to have prepared for the meeting, but why did he bring the others too? Does this have something to do with them?

"Alright, can we start now?"

Then Nero's face turned from relaxed to very serious, he put pressure on us and emphasized that this was a very serious matter and also needed our attention.

We nodded in unison at Nero and he began his explanation.

"I'll start from the information provided by the police first, actually this is still confidential information that only the top police officers and officers know, but because I have special authority, I also got the information."

"As we know, the second son of the Evernoir family as well as Ellora Evernoir's younger brother Archemidas Evernoir has been kidnapped," he continued.

"So, do you know who did it?" I asked.

"Well, calm down. This is just speculation, so the police can't confirm it either, but it's likely that the party responsible for this case is the assassin from the mercenary Anima Corporation."

"From the track record and movement history displayed by the time-playing hologram installed in the Evernoir family residence, the murderer carried out the action in the morning before noon, and there were 3 people, 2 victims and 1 culprit, as well as an android housemaid who somehow didn't move at all when the culprit came."

It must be Echo, but why didn't she move at all?

"Why?" I replied.

"For that matter it is still unknown, because the perpetrator also deleted part of the track record of the time playing hologram there, so when the hologram was played many scenes were deleted and caused damage to the hologram device, it seems that there are people who have military-level encryption codes to hack into the time playing hologram device owned by the police."

"But you said the culprit was a hitman from Anima, why didn't you just go there?" said Fenris.

"It's not that easy Fen, the police need strong evidence for that, at least a clear recording and a witness who saw the culprit," replied Enigma.

Well of course it's like that, even though the police already have an idea of the culprit, they have absolutely no evidence to be able to bring the company to court, this is no longer a family matter, they must have targeted Arche for some reason, there must be something they are after from Arche.

I know all of Arche's secrets, what her hobbies and daily activities are and whatever he opened the internet, but I didn't find a single oddity from it all, he never made illegal transactions and never dealt with suspicious bad people.

Then what about Echo, I'm not too close to Echo but she's pretty close to mom and Arche, after all it was Arche who saved her first, right? But she disappeared when Arche was kidnapped, I have a feeling that's the point.

Why did she disappear when Arche was kidnapped, where did she go and what was she doing at that time, what was she trying to say? I can't find any pattern or even code from her actions, is she really on our side?

It's all connected, that's for sure.

Between Arche, Echo and the assassin there must be a connection between the three subjects, but I can't find a thread that connects them although I have a few guesses, Echo has been framing Arche and calling the assassin home and kidnapping him, but for what reason did she do that?

Or another possibility is that Echo didn't know she was being watched by someone and sent the assassin to kidnap Arche and then kill my family, but why would she kidnap Arche? What was the value of him?

Is someone jealous of him or has he achieved a certain feat that made him unknowingly take down someone else?

Or other possibilities...

"Ellora? Did you hear us? You're daydreaming again, what were you thinking?" Nero said.

"Ellora, are you alright?" Celia said worriedly.

Have I been daydreaming for that long? I feel like time hasn't gone by that long.

"I'm fine, please do continue," I replied.

"Alright, then without further ado, let's get into the main discussion now," Nero said with a more serious look on his face.

"Ellora."

"What is it sir?" I replied.

"Stay with me in the Royal Capital with your little sister, I'll take care of you both."

"Eh?"

"Huh?"

I was stunned for a while processing the sentence that just came out of this guy's mouth, what did that mean? Did he just propose to me? Isn't the age for marriage in this kingdom 20 years old? Moreover, is now the right time to do that?

I saw that the faces of the others were very diverse, some looked so surprised, disappointed and even didn't care at all.

"I-isn't this too soon, Mr. Nero?"

Celia's voice made me realize the real world.

"I want you and your sister to live with me in the Royal Capital, didn't you hear that?" he continued.

"I hear what you are saying, but please say it more specifically, you're making everyone misunderstand, Nero," I retorted.

"Uh, ah I'm sorry I didn't mean anything, it's just that if you follow me to the Royal Capital, your chances of being able to find your brother are bigger, and your life with Lily is also definitely guaranteed."

"Just tell me, what do you want?" I retorted.

"I like smart girls like you Ellora, so I don't need to explain it further."

"Before we proceed, I'd like to have a private conversation with you," he added.

It'll just be the two of us, right? I doubt he'd try anything in here. If he did attempt something inappropriate, I could easily render him unconscious.

"Alright, let's step out first, Fenris, Celia," Enigma instructed them

"We'll be waiting outside, Sis," said Celia.

Once they had left, Nero resumed the conversation.

"Remember the incident six years ago when the school was attacked by a demon?" he asked.

"Yes, I remember."

"I reported the incident to my superiors, and you know what they said?" he continued with a smile.

"..."

"They laughed and said they didn't believe it at all," he said with a grim smile.

"Why? It was just a demon, wasn't it?"

"Just a demon, huh? Haha, as expected of you. It seems I made the right call in giving you the invitation letter," he remarked.

"What do you mean?"

"Did you know that sealing the demon you killed six years ago requires a platoon of High Priest class Royal Guards and an Archwizard led by a Royal Paladin experienced in demon extermination?"

"Even with highly trained Royal Guards, the casualties expected during the demon's sealing would be significant."

"Why not just kill the demon?"

"Actually, Ellora, there's no magic that can kill demons, aside from the ancient magic of the 7 hero families and quantum artifacts," he explained.

The ancient magic of the 7 hero families? This is the first time I've heard of this. Do these families possess magic so potent that it can eradicate demons? What's the difference with my plasma magic at that time?

"But at that time, I killed him with my magic."

"I also reported the same thing to my superiors, but no one believed me. They thought it was a joke and even punished me for a whole week with false report accusations."

For some reason, I felt a bit guilty hearing that, but it wasn't really my fault.

"…"

"After that, they decided I had single-handedly defeated the devil and promoted me from Royal Guard to Regalizen. I didn't even deserve this position."

"Alright, I get it. So what do you want me to do?" I asked seriously.

"Straight to the point, huh? No problem, I'll be straightforward."

"Currently, the Regalizen position for the 9th Battalion Commander is open, and I want you to fill that role. Regalizen accepts anyone with talent in magic."

Regalizen, the special forces with the highest rank in the Aurelius Kingdom. There isn't even any information about them online, so I'm a bit intrigued.

"What's in it for me?"

"A lot. You'll have connections with nobles, even the king and ministers. Plus, you'll have easy access to all secret data networks with national-level military encryption. Your life will be secure, and even Lily's education will be covered by the state until she graduates from college. She'll also have a chance to get a job in military administration after she finishes her studies. And, your salary will be very high. You'll have the freedom to travel and move between continents as you please."

"…"

"And of course, I'll help you find your missing little brother. How does that sound?"

Setting aside the fact that he'll help me find Arche, having free access to national-level secret information networks will definitely boost my chances of finding Arche quickly. And with Lily's life and education secured in the capital, I can't turn this down.

"So, what about the procedure?" 

"Don't worry about that. Each Regalizen commander can nominate one person they think is suitable for the test. Just give me the invitation letter later. I'll be with you until everything is settled, and you just need to take the test. With your skills, I'm sure it will feel like child's play."

"Hmmm..."

"Alright, but I want a separate place to stay during the test, and you'll cover all our living expenses until we can manage on our own," I added.

"Deal!"

So, I'll be saying goodbye to my hometown, huh? I had expected this from the start, but I didn't think it would happen so soon. I need to say farewell to the kids and leave them some messages.

"Okay, can we leave now?" he asked.

"That's fine," I replied.

As we left the room, I saw Arche's friends waiting outside with expressions similar to those of my parents when my mother was giving birth to Lily. Oh no, I shouldn't be thinking about such sad things right now.

"How is it, big sis?" 

Celia immediately stood up from her seat, looking at me with concern.

"I'm going to the capital of the Aurelius Kingdom to take care of Lily."

"I have some connections in the capital. Do you need me to escort you there?" Enigma offered.

"No need. Nero will handle everything once I arrive there," I said.

"Alright."

Fenris stayed silent, looking very gloomy. I know he must be deeply affected by Arche's disappearance since he was so close to her, and Arche often talked about him to me.

"We'll set out tomorrow, after your parents' funeral. So get your things ready, El. And sorry for the late condolences for your parents' passing," Nero said as he left the room.

After that, the police drove me, Celia, Fenris, and Enigma back to our respective homes, while Nero stayed at the police station until he finished his business.

Fortunately, Lily was still asleep. She must have been exhausted since yesterday. I can't even imagine what she'll say when she wakes up.

A six-year-old child whose parents were brutally murdered by a hitman and whose older brother is missing—I'm the only one she can depend on right now.

"Alright, we've arrived. I'll pick you up again tomorrow for your parents' funeral. For now, get some rest," said the police officer as we reached my house.

The crowd had thinned out, and only a few police officers remained. It seemed like they would be keeping an eye on us for the time being, so I felt a bit safer.

The bodies of my mother and father were no longer here; it looked like the investigation team had taken them away when they rushed into the house earlier.

"Big sis, where's Mom?"

Hearing Lily's question as she suddenly woke up made me want to cry, but I tried to hold back my tears so as not to upset her.

At least this is something I can do for now.

"Mommy has gone to a faraway place," I replied gently.

"Lily wants to see Mommy."

"Okay, we'll see Mommy tomorrow."

"Why not now? Lily wants to see Mommy."

"We can't do it right now. Be a good girl, Lily. I promise we'll see Mommy tomorrow."

Lily nodded slightly with a sad face. I hugged her tightly, but she remained silent.

For a moment, I wondered what would happen to my school if I went to the capital. Would I miss out on high school? After all I've accomplished so far, always ranking at the top in every exam.

What will my life be like going forward, and how will I raise Lily from now on?

Moreover, what about Arche's current situation? Is he okay? Is he eating regularly? Is he sleeping well?

***

The next day, the time finally came for my parents' funeral.

The burial was not far from the police station; it was a public cemetery, the final resting place for my mother and father.

I walked forward, holding Lily's small hand. She seemed to be trying to understand what was happening—after all, Lily is a smart child.

Around the gravestones, others had gathered. I saw Fenris, Enigma, Celia, and some of my classmates whose faces I didn't recognize.

Nero was there as well. Everyone was dressed in black, and some held flowers.

Everyone was silent, watching the burial of my parents without saying a word, until the sound of a child's crying broke the silence.

It was Lily. She seemed to understand what was happening when she saw the photos of my parents on the coffin.

I hugged her quietly, but I couldn't stop my own tears.

At least this is something I can do for now, before starting my new life in the capital.

For a moment, Arche's face flashed in my mind, giving me renewed strength.

I need to find Arche. I need to be strong and resolute to raise Lily properly.

They all left without saying a word to me.

My only precious family...

I will find those responsible for this. I swear on my parents' names that I will make them regret it.

And with my new life in the capital, I will resolve everything—both about Arche and the culprit.

"Big sis, we'll always welcome you. Please come back to this city from time to time," Celia suddenly hugged me and Lily. She's such a kind girl; I already consider her like my own sister.

"Yes, thank you, Celia."

I watched as people gradually left the cemetery after placing flowers on my parents' gravestones. They said a few words as they left, but I didn't really catch them—probably just expressions of sympathy.

Now, only I, Lily, Celia, Fenris, Enigma, and Nero remained at the cemetery.

"Alright, are we ready to leave?" Nero asked.

"Yes."

"Where are we going, big sis?" Lily asked, now calmer after wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"We're going to the capital of the Kingdom."

"Lily is coming too."

"Yes, of course, Lily will come with us."

I won't leave Lily alone. I won't let her feel this kind of pain again. This will be the last time someone leaves Lily; from now on, your big sis will always be here for you.

"Take care, big sis. We'll help search for Arche from here."

"Thank you, Enigma."

Fenris remained silent and somber, still with his head down.

"Fenris?" Enigma said.

"Arche."

"Promise me you'll find Arche and not ignore him."

"I won't ignore him, Fenris. He's my precious little brother."

"Alright, I'll do my best to find Arche from here."

"Thanks, Fenris. I'll be waiting for updates about Arche."

"Don't forget to keep in touch with us, big sis!"

After exchanging these words, I walked over to my parents' graves and placed flowers in front of their graves.

"Mom, Dad, I'm leaving now."

And I swore to return here with all my siblings. I'll slap Arche right on the face when I find her for disappearing so carelessly. Then, I'll drag her back here to see you both.

And this will be the last time.

"Mom, Dad, I'm leaving now..."

***