Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia

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Three months had passed since the contact point between Lemuria and Atlantis was lost.

After sending off Kizuna and others to Ataraxia, Grace returned to Atlantis. And then after that the Entrance immediately vanished.

Only the blue sky and white cloud could be seen at the sky where the Entrance once existed. Grace looked up to that sky and keenly felt that the connection with Lemuria had really gone for good.

Since then, Grace was living together with a great sense of loss. It felt like there was a large hole gouged in her chest, as though there was blank space inside her body.

However three months passed and the wound of her heart was gradually healing.

Her daily works as emperor. The restoration of the ruined territory. Reorganizing the country. There were a lot of works to do. It didnt mean that the gap in her heart due to Aines leave was filled with that. However her busy schedule sometimes became a consolationGrace thought that.

That was why, she thought to respond to the invitation letter that reached her just now happily.

Hohouthis is a matter of congratulation.

At the palace located in Vatlantis Empires imperial capital, Zeltis. Grace stared at the letter she received on her throne and her face broke into a smile.

The four Quartum looked up at Grace with a curious gaze.

After the four looked at each other, Clayda asked as their representative.

Is it some kind of a good news?

Umu. It seems that Gravel of Izgard will hold a marriage ceremony three months later.

EEEH!?

The four raised a shocked voice together.

And then Elma immediately let out a question.

Who is the partner?

Its Aldea.

Uwaaa

The four made an awkward face.

I seee, so she finally caught her huuuh

Ramza smiled wryly. Lunorlla lightly elbowed her side.

Dont say something like that. Perhaps the person herself is happy.

Yes yes. Even so, she was someone who once fell as far as being a prisoner who was no different from a slave and even got tortured by us. But right now she is Izgards president. And Aldea who is touched in the head will be the first lady. Amazing isnt ittt

After returning to Atlantis, Grace recognized the independence of Izgard and Baldin. It came from the feeling of gratitude and respect from fighting together against the danger to the worldwas a part of the reason, but there was also the pragmatic aspect of Vatlantiss inability to look after their country currently.

In this chaotic situation, there was a limit in taking control of reconstructing and governing the whole world. If they forced it, surely conflict would occur. Their relationship that had finally turned favorable would be ruined and it was possible that it would become another civil war.

Vatlantis Empire was already boasting a vast territory even now, and it also had a lot of problem. Therefore she thought making the two countries independent and had them solve the matter of their respective country by themselves would be a good plan.

And then independence was also Izgard and Baldins earnest wish, so there was no reason for them to object.

After achieving independence and taking a step toward a bright future, the representative of Izgard would hold a wedding ceremony. This was a bright news for the populace too, and the effect it would bring for the economy would surely also be something considerable. There was no doubt that the momentum of Izgards reconstruction would accelerate further.

However Clayda bit her nail with a conflicted face.

Putting aside Gravel, when it come to Aldeashe has this nickname as comrade slayer, I pray that their country wont get crushed.

Ee, its other country anyway, it doesnt matter for us isnt it?

Idiot. If it becomes something like that, it will also affect us. Refugees will flood us in great number.

I, I see

Ramza scratched her head while averting her gaze.

Grace flapped the invitation letter held between her fingers and smiled.

I will directly ascertain that matter. Lets see, I think it will be faster to have Zelcyone read her heart

Suddenly Grace noticed that Zelcyone wasnt here.

Mu? Where did Zel go?

The four Quartum looked at each others face.

Come to think of itwe dont see her today.

I also didnt see her yesterday.

Certainly

While the three were falling into thought, Ramza said Ah and lifted her face in remembrance.

Now that you mentioned it, Zel-sama went out.

What did you say?

She left a letter in her room. Somehow it sounds like a secret workwait, it wasnt something that Grace-sama ordered?

Ramza put her fingers into between her breasts and pulled out a folded paper.

Clayda, Elma, and Lunorlla peered onto that paper.

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Please dont look for me. Zelcyone

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Wha-!?!?

Clayda spread out the paper in panic.

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At this occasion, I wish to resign from my post as the captain of the royal guard as well as from Vatlantis army due to personal reasons. I have been in your care for a long time. Eternal glory for the magnificent emperor Grace and the proud Vatlantis army.

Im thinking to have a peaceful life as a commoner from here on.

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Please dont look for me. Zelcyone

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WHAT THE HELL IS THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!?

Eh, thats why Im telling you she is away

THATS NOT IT YOU IDIOT!!

Clayda screamed, and then she rushed up the stair to the throne and handed the letter to Grace.

Grace read it once and frowned with a troubled look.

This isreally sudden.

She, she wrote here to not look for her butGrace-sama

Obviously well search for her. Although, I dont think well be able to catch her with her ability though

Zelcyones special skill was mind manipulation. Even if her pursuer discovered her, it would be the end if she hypnotized them as though they had never found her.

A, also, if Zel-sama is goneit will be really troubling.

Umu. After all the royal guard in effect is the one supervising the whole army of Vatlantis. It wont be good if the captain is absent

Lunorrla also looked down with a troubled look.

There are also fellows forming rebel army and carrying out terrorist action at the provincesthose guys might also get fired up if they know this.

Youre right. Our chain of command might also fall into chaos.

Grace folded her arms and groaned, but after a while she spoke resolutely.

It cant be helped. I will appoint a new captain.

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The captain of royal guard Leon squad Hyakurath was heading to the throne room with a nervous look.

To be summoned out of nowhere like thisju, just what kind of business could it be? Aa, my heart is beating so hard it feel like my heart will stop. No matter how much I think, I dont have any idea at all what is this aboutdid I do some kind of blunder? No, there shouldnt be any particular problem that happened recently. I also made my squad to keep the order, and there is also no soldier in my squad that caused commotion in the city.

Aa, but perhaps they have done something that incur the wrath of other with me simply not noticing.

Uuit makes my stomach hurt thinking about that.

Bu, but if thats the casewill I get, demoted?

Ah, but that might not be bad.

Thats right. Ive been thinking this since a long time ago. Being something like the captain of Leon squad is too heavy of a burden for me. Thats why its the correct choice to demote me. Everyone simply lionize me too much calling me something like sword saint and appointing me to a post that doesnt suit my stature.

If I get demoted, maybe Ill become a sword instructorthatll be nice. Ill teach sword to the young cadets. And then, everyone will look up to me as the kind teacherufufu

Hyakurath arrived at the throne room while she was having such delusion and met with Grace.

Hyakurath. Today I appoint you as the new royal guard captain.

Ha?

Hyakuraths eyes turned into dot.

From today youre the top of the whole army of Vatlantis Empire. Be proud of that responsibility and glory. And then accomplish your duty superbly.

Hyakuraths face became pale. The cold sweat oozing from her whole body wouldnt stop.

What? Whats this? Whats this situation.

Its a joke right?

Say that its a joke. Please.

She turned a shaking face toward the four Quartum.

New captain banzaaaai

They congratulated her with in monotone.

Grace made an apologetic face seeing Hyakurath trembling with tearful eyes.

Forgive me for this informality due to the suddenness of the matter. Dont be that displeased.

!!!!

Hyakuraths mouth opened and closed. She shook her head left and right as fast as she could.

She wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Today is just for the appointment. You dont need to worry, we will hold the formal appointment ceremony before long.

Tears spilled down from Hyakuraths two eyes uncontrollably.

Sto, stop. Please, Im begging you.

She thought that, but no voice could come out due to the great shock.

Grace nodded with a pleased smile.

Umu umu, Im happy that youre so greatly moved like that. I will prepare a grand ceremony for you.

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIH!!

The, the captain of the royal guard?

The top of the whole army of Vatlantis Empire?

Thi, this me?

N, no, something like that is, scary.

This is a dream, thats right, its a dream, a bad dream.

You should prepare your speech in front of everyone at the appointment ceremony. After all the whole country will be watching.

I, impossible! Its completely impossible for me!!

Itll also be good to broadcast it to the whole world to give the impression of a new Vatlantis army. Something like the royal guard that is reborn by the sword saint, that sounds good. It will obtain the support from the populace with a clean image from here on.

Hyakurath desperately held on her consciousness that was getting farther away.

Dodo your best, do your bestHyakurathuu

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An election was carried out in Izgard that obtained independence from Vatlantis Empire. Gravel became the president with support from the people.

Continuing after the inauguration half a year ago, this time was the marriage ceremony of that president. The bright news boosted the business conditions and the whole country was enveloped in atmosphere that was filled with energy.

The festival mood in the capital Argento reached the climax at the day of the marriage ceremony. Argento was a resort city that was adjacent to the sea, the temperature was also warm, and because the citizens originally also loved festival, the whole city was in high spirit.

Amidst that, Gravel herself was standing on the deck for welcoming honored guests that was set up at the beach. She was staring at the blue sea.

In the past when she escaped from Vatlantis, she spent time together with Kizuna here. The day when they swam together in this sea was nostalgic.

He called me cute for the first time that day.

Wait a second Gravel. Youre remembering Kizuna again arent you?

Aldea took Gravels arm with a sulky look.

Aa, Im amazed you understand that.

I understand you really well.

The two of them were wearing white holter neck wedding dress. Wind caused the bottom of the dress to flap gently. A shadow suddenly covered the area.

They came.

Gravel looked up to the blue sky.

Three a castle with size that far surpassed 2 kilometer was moving. It was a flying imperial villa with luxurious and gorgeous appearance. It was the flagship of Vatlantis Empire, Oldium.

A small ship for landing descended from that Oldium. And then it landed quietly at the welcoming deck where Gravel was standing. The pink haired girl standing on the deck came in front of Gravel with twenty knights accompanying her.

Its an honor that the president herself is here to welcome me.

Gravel bowed her head respectfully.

Vatlantis Empires emperor your majesty Grace Synclavia. Thank you for personally

Oh stop that. I and you are friend. Spare me from all the stuffiness.

Gravel lifted her head and showed a honest smile.

Thank you for coming, your majesty Grace.

Obviously. It wont start without me coming here. After all

Grace stared at Gravels stomach that was swelling up greatly.

My niece is also in attendance. Its only natural to be present here as an aunt.

After she said that, the two laughed together in amusement.

Gravel was pregnant.

The stomach part of her white dress was round. It swelled out largely. It was already impossible to hide with that size.

In Atlantis, people were blessed with child by offering blood of two married people to the Genesis. The Genesis was located at Vatlantis Empire, but its offshoot also existed in Izgard and Baldin. It was worshipped as god in each country since the ancient time and the place where that tower was located was considered as holy land.

However the child inside Gravels stomach wasnt a child that came from Genesis.

Even so, for you to be pregnant with Nii-samas child

Honestly, I was also surprised. I heard that it was a miraculous probability sothats why Im really happy.

Gravel lovingly caressed her stomach that had grown big.

You must be. My only worry is whether Aldea is giving you worries. I came thinking that I have to ascertain that.

Aldea who was hugging Gravels arm glared at Grace with an offended face.

There is no need for worry. After all I have nipped off all of Gravels sources of worry.

However Gravel made an intentional sigh.

Thats not good. How about it your majesty, can I ask you to scold this undisciplined wife of mine later?

Grace grinned and nodded.

Got it.

Aldea pulled Gravels arm with an angry look.

Gravel? If you say something mean like that

Gravel gently separated Aldeas arm from her.

Aldea, go ahead and take care of the preparation. I will give a tour for her majesty.

Aldea made a sullen face, but she obediently followed Gravels words and left that place.

She is unexpectedly obedient.

It seems she is working hard to change even though she look like that.

Houin that case

It might be just my needless worry.

Is something the matter?

No. Im thinking about how Ill be called an aunt at this age.

Gravel smiled softly.

No no, what are you saying. You will be the worlds youngest and most beautiful aunti.

Grace opened her eyes wide in a bit of surprise.

Im surprised that you can make a flattery. Isnt that right, captain-dono?

Ye, yesah, no!

The twenty knights following behind Grace.

Everyone was the elites of the royal guard. All of them were famous knight and even just from taking a glance at their face, there was none of them whose name wasnt known to Gravel.

But, there was one person with an outstanding fame even among them.

The knight who stood at the forefront and was called captain. She was the most beautiful and emitted overwhelming presence. The uniform she was wearing was also luxurious and gorgeous, drawing attention whether one wanted or not.

Even Gravel unconsciously almost got fascinated by her.

Leon squadsno, new royal guard captain Hyakurath-dono.

The newly made captain uniform was made from the highest quality white fabric with gold thread decorating it. The additional sky blue color splendidly matched the blond hair and blue eyes of Hyakurath. It was elegant as well as extravagant. In addition it also exposed a lot of skin as though to show off the wearers voluptuous body.

That appearance which splendidly put nobility, dignity, beauty, and strength in harmony would make anyone who saw her to sigh in admiration.

The problem was that in contrast of that appearance and skill, the person was abnormally faint of heart and weak toward pressure, but other people didnt notice that.

I listened to your inaugural speech as the new royal guard captain. It was very wonderful.

Hyakuraths cheeks reddened.

NOOOOO! Please stop! Please dont make me remember it! Its embarrassing-! Something like that was broadcasted to the whole worldI want to die.

She looked down with tearful eyes and replied back somehow.

Tho, those words are wasted on me. Im still immature sothis role that is too grand for me makes me feel my lack of ability everydayI wish that the day I can relinquish this position will come even for a day earlier

Hahaha, the surrounding laughed.

The captain is joking again.

As expected its really grand to joke like that in front of the emperor and Izgards president.

Everyone held back their laughter and whispered to each other. The places atmosphere became softened by a lot. But, the vice captain standing beside Hyakurath was the only one sweating coldly with her mouth forming ^ shape.

It was Mercuria who was forcefully appointed as Hyakuraths vice captain because she was her best friend. Mercuria was the only one who stood out from the surrounding due to her nervous expression. She was on the tenterhooks wondering if Hyakurath would start crying in front of other people.

Gravel replied with a delighted smile.

So even the sword saint Hyakurath can joke like that. Well, even as a joke that sounds too humble it might be interpreted as sarcasm you know?

Yesmy apologies.

Youre wrong! Im not being humble! Aa, I wonder if Zelcyone-sama hasnt been found yet. Please return quickly! I want to return home quickly.

At that time, the form of a gigantic living thing appeared in the air.

Its length was more than 500 meters. It was a golden dragon with four pair of wings. It was a gigantic magic weapon and the battleship of Baldin.

Golden Dragonlooks like Landred has also arrived.

The Golden Dragon flapped its wings and landed down n the beach. From the hatch on its torso, Baldins queen, Landred appeared just as Grace said.

Everyone~. Long time no see~

She ran on the beach toward them with casualness that wasnt befitting a queen. The way her huge breasts bounced was amazing, but it seemed the person herself didnt mind it.

Welcome to Izgard, Queen Landred.

My my my!

Landreds eyes shined staring at Gravels stomach.

So this is the child of headmasters little brother.

She showered Gravel with questions for a while and asked to touch her stomach. After that Landred smiled with an ecstatic expression.

An existence who is blood related with headmaster in this worldaam this might be gods will.

But Queen Landred. I am that childs aunt. I shall have you go through me first for anything concerning that child.

Grace said something that was unclear whether it was a joke or serious with a smirking face. It seemed they wouldnt finish talking anytime soon, so Gravel pointed at a white hotel at the other side of the beach.

Both of you. We shouldnt talk while standing here, let me show everyone to the waiting room.

Youre right. Then please show the way.

Forgive us for making you do this despite your pregnancy.

Gravel stood at the lead while Grace and Landred followed behind her.

There is no problem because right now is a stable period. More importantly, please also look forward to the dinner at the wedding party. It will be a course made from only Izgards product cooked by capable cooks.

Hohou. Im looking forward to that.

Agriculture and livestock are Izgards pride after all. I heard that Vatlantis is lacking in food due to unstable supply. If you like, please consider importing from us.

Good grief. Even the hero has completely become a politician now.

Graces teasing gaze was responded with a wry smile from Gravel.

Please dont say that. Im aware that Im doing something Im not accustomed to. However

Gravel caressed her stomach.

If its for the sake of creating a country where this child can live in peace without lacking anythingI will do anything. After all this is the happiness of a lifetime that Kizuna gave me.

Its unfair for you to say it like that. Well, I will think about it. First lets start from actually eating it!

Actually I also have something to mention.

Landred faced Grace and smiled brightly.

Oo, if its about the matter of Baldins wood, I also wish to talk about it.

Im really thankful for that however, actually its a different matter.

Mu?

I wish to ask to temporarily halt the working of Genesis.

The unexpected request caused Grace to unconsciously stop walking. Gravel also turned around in surprise.

What did you say? What do you mean by that?

Queen Landred, wont the world collapse again if we do that?

However Landred smiled softly to calm them.

Rather I wish to do this in order to prevent the collapse of Genesis like before.

What do you mean?

Genesis will break down again one day if we dont hold a religious ceremony for it correctly. However, the thing necessary for that ceremony doesnt exist in Atlantis right now.

Nee-samas Zeros huh.

Grace tightened her lips into the form of ^ with a troubled look.

That is also a concern of mine. But, according to the data that was uncovered from Nayutas research facility isnt it also possible to do it in another way?

Yes, that method is the Ceremony of Eternity that is equivalent with the maintenance of Genesis. Itll be necessary to halt Genesis temporarily to hold that ceremony.

Fumuto put it another way, is it the same like when all the magic engines are halted temporarily when its time for the periodical inspection of the palaces magic furnace?

Yes. Its exactly like that.

Gravel folded her arms with a puzzled expression.

However Queen Landred, how do know so much like that? Is that also from Nayutas research?

There is also that but, actually when we went to Odins worldI and Nayuta-san learned a lot from the mural in her palace. Also, we were able to directly ask about it from Odin herself.

From Odin?

Yes. What I learned from that time is that there is a deep connection between Odins world and Baldins culture. Thanatos might use it as reference when creating this world.

Grace raised her voice in realization.

That means, there was also Genesis in Odins world?

Landred smiled broadly and clapped her hands.

Wonderful. Thats exactly the case.

Fufun. You shouldnt underestimate the emperors discernment.

Grace smiled proudly. Seeing that Landred and Gravel secretly thought Cute.

Even so, why did you keep quiet about such important talk until now?

Gravel peered onto Landred with a searching gaze.

I verified it with Baldins god, the tower of ice. Does the method taught by Odin really work at our world? I have finished verifying it, so thats why Im proposing this plan at this chance.

Can that method also be used with Izgards tower of stone?

The Genesis in Izgard was a quadrangle stone pillar that reached the height of a hundred meter. It was also worshipped here as god since the past.

Yes. Both the tower of ice and the tower of rock are branching from Genesis. So the method should be usable for any tower.

I understand. However this talk is too important to be decided while standing around like this. How about I prepare another place for a meeting after the wedding is finished?

Youre right. This is something that the three countries should do together. If there is something that Izgard can help with then please dont hesitate to ask.

And then that day the wedding ceremony was held in the shrine of the tower of stone.

After that the whole country was reveling in the festivity for three days and three nights. The meeting concerning Genesis was held after four days later.

At that meeting, it was decided that the maintenance of Genesis, the Ceremony of Eternity would be done by the three countries together.