Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia

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Several months after Gravels wedding ceremony.

At the palace of Vatlantis Empire, the new royal guard captain Hyakurath was swamped with work.

In the office that Zelcyone used in the past. Hyakurath was facing the desk with tearful eyes. Everyday paperwork was piled up on the massive desk like a mountain.

Err, this is petition from the third unittransfer request, punishment for violating rulesthats right, I have to make the draft to review the ruleserr, this is the militarys budgetary allocation for next yearitll take several days just for looking at this

When she had only just begun the work,

So Zelcyone-sama was taking care of this much work. Amazing.

She was impressed, but Clayda of Quartum said,

No, she practically delegated all of it to each department.

Hyakurath was speechless hearing Clayda saying that casually.

Then, if she was asked whether she could do the same, what if a great problem occurred in the futurethinking that, Hyakurath got scared and couldnt copy Zelcyone.

What did Zelcyone-sama do when a problem occurred?

She severely punished the one responsible.

She also threw all the responsibility to her subordinate. Her doing such thingjust imagining it made her back shuddered.

As might be expected from the top leader of the whole army, every single one of the approval document was heavy. A single one of this document would greatly change the life of many. When she thought that, her stomach felt painful.

Even so it would still be alright if it was just deskwork.

Mercuria who was flipping the schedule register beside the desk checked the time.

Hyakurath, it will be the departure ceremony of the western subjugation force soon. Please give a speech to increase the morale.

Hyakuraths face struck against the deck with bumping sound. Hyakurath asked with a weeping voice while keeping her face on the desk.

To, today, thatll be allright? When its over, itll be fine to go home wont it?

Mercurias face twitched and she glared at the back of Hyakuraths head.

Dont sleep talking. After that will be briefing the new soldiers, and then giving warning to rule offendersyouve to scare them to death.

I, I get itbut, after that

From the evening itll be a meeting with the generals of the subjugation army. Itll be the confirmation of their duty for three months ahead. Question them harshly about the matter of their failure to subjugate the wests insurrection army. Dont you spoil them too much.

My stomach feels painful.

Also

Hyakurath raised her face that looked like it would break crying even now.

There isstill more?

At night itll be a party in the palace. Civil officials and big shots of financial world will gather there. Please give a speech thatll make them think that their future will be bright if they do a favor for the military. Also display the dignity of the royal guard and make them swear an oath of allegiance to Grace-sama.

I want, to go home

Mercuria pressed her forehead to endure her headache.

Get a hold of yourself, Hyakurath. How long youre going to speak childishly.

Hyakurath gasped in realization and she smiled.

Tha, thats right. Wont it be fine if Mercuria attend the meeting and give a speech in my place? I think Mel will be able to do a good job.

Blood vessel pulsed on Mercurias forehead.

Dont speak like you got a good idea! How can the captain not do it herself!?

Itll be fine! The vice captain can do it too!!

Theres no way its fine! Youre advertised as the face of the royal guard! Whatll happen if Im the one who show up!? Besides youre already a hero! Everyone is hoping for you to come and speak! Anyone else wont cut it!

Once she got the ball rolling, Mercurias dissatisfaction flooded out one after another.

Even I wanted to pile up achievement in Tigris squad, and yet you appointed me as you please to become something like vice captain that doesnt have any real authority! What Im doing here is practically babysitting you!

Becausebecause, its impossible for me alone mon!

Mercuria scratched her red hair roughly.

AAAAAH! Dont say mon like a child! Listen well, you absolutely mustnt speak like that in public!!

Tears finally spilled out from Hyakuraths eyes.

Ue

Dont cry! Im the one who want to cry!

Hyakuraths shrunk her shoulders and hung her head down.

Dodo your best, do your bestHyakurathuu

Honestly, Mercuria also thought that this work didnt suit Hyakuraths personality. However at the same time she understood that the one who could do this work the best was also Hyakurath.

The war with other world was over and the Genesis was also resurrected. And then this was an important period where both Atlantis and Vatlantis Empire were stepping into a new situation. If they cut corners even just for a bit here, people with power would start rearing their head and aimed for hegemony. In fact, an insurrection was occurring at the countryside that was far away from the capital.

Right now Vatlantis Empire had to become one under Emperor Grace. Strong power was necessary for that. Hyakurath was the symbol of that.

Putting aside the persons timidity, she possessed the strength that made her be called as sword saint and also good social standing. And then her clean personal history that wouldnt show any stain no matter how scrupulous anyone scrutinized it. Her virtuous personality. There was nothing that could be reproached from her as someone who was held up as a hero. In addition her appearance was outstanding. The gorgeous and beautiful appearance of Hyakurath boasted immense popularity even among the populace.

Zelcyone was a type who ruled with fear. That terrifying personality brought order instead in that chaotic period. She had also done considerable dastardly deed but, it was a necessary evil.

However it would be different from here on.

Mercuria clenched her fist. No matter what she was saying, Mercuria intended to support Hyakurath with her all.

Listen to me Hyakurath. The fate of Grace-sama and Vatlantis Empire is hanging on you right now. Thats why

Damn it. Thats the wrong approach.

Hyakurath was trembling fiercely with a pale face.

For, forget what I just said. You just need to simply fulfill your duty. After all this position is nothing more than being a leader of a single group. The scale is somewhat different but, fundamentally its not any different from when you served as the captain of Leon squano, thats rightthe class representative of Ataraxia academy, yes, this is the same like that.

Hyakurath looked up at Mercuria with an anxious gaze.

I, is it like that

No, actually its not.

There was no way she could speak honestly like that.

Besides you just need to be patient until Zelcyone-sama return. We dont know when it will be, but Quartum will also join the search from next week. Surely they will bring back good news.

Rightwhen Zelcyone-sama return, I wont have any face to meet her with if the royal guard isnt in proper order

Yeah, thats right. Thats why lets do our best together. Ill be with you.

Yes

Hyakurath wiped her tears with a handkerchief and tightly clenched both her fists.

Do your best, do your best, Hyakurath.

Mercuria watched her like that while thinking how long she would be able to continue deceiving her.

It was just her hunch but, Mercuria got the feeling that Zelcyone wouldnt come back anymore.

In that case, its important to make Hyakurath keep harboring hope that she might be found for the meantime. Perhaps I should prepare a scenario to have the Quartum bring back a positive report.

A floating window opened on the desk while Mercuria was thinking of such arrangement.

The name of the caller was displayed at the center of the screen. Hyakurath pushed the receiving button with a speed that eyes couldnt follow the instant she saw the name.

Has Zelcyone-sama been found!?

Inside the screen Clayda jerked back with a surprised face.

You picked up really quicklybesides why are you that desperate?

That doesnt matter!! Clayda! Have you found Zelcyone-sama!?

Ehno

Hyakuraths shoulders slumped down dejectedly.

Her shock was great in proportion with her expectation that swelled up although it was only for a moment.

Right now we have come until Rouzen at the south but there isnt any clue at all. No, we have tried using all possible means searching for her until here though.

I, is that soI see.

Hyakurath showed a powerless smile. Her eyes were empty and completely unfocused.

This is bad.

Mercuria clicked her tongue and cut in front of Hyakurath.

Clayda. Search even more thoroughly! Its not like she she is gone. Its also certain that she hasnt crossed the border. She is surely somewhere in Vatlantis! Search for her even if you have to look at every nook and cranny! Please!!

Then Hyakurath also lifted her face in a flash.

Please! Clayda!! Bring back Zelcyone-sama here!! Im begging you-!!

She pleaded earnestly while crying again.

U, understood. Ill finish my report for now with this.

When the communication was over, Clayda turned back toward the other three with a face like she had bitten a sour grape.

Looks like we still cannot go home yet.

Elma put her hand on her cheek with a troubled face.

They really wont give up

As expected, hasnt they found out that we arent searching seriously? Ah, this is delicious.

Seeing Ramza devouring a meat with its bone still attached, Lunorrla reached out to the meat too.

Even if we search seriouslywill we find her?

Impossible. Because even if we actually manage to find her, itll be over for us if Zel-sama use her Heart Rebuild.

Clayda also returned to the table and sat down heavily on the chair.

Besides if its Zel-sama then she wont escape to this kind of place.

The three looked around them once more hearing what Clayda said.

The surrounding scenery was pastoral. Fields and grasslands were stretching out, gentle sloping hills were extending like wave. Even the most bustling road in the village only had a few stores. The three were having meal in one of those stores, the only restaurant of this village.

There was only a counter inside the restaurant, the guest seating was mainly with tables and chairs that were placed on the street. Even so there wasnt anyone who complained. In the first place there was no car passing by. One hour had passed since they took seat here, but there were only around three people that passed through.

Modest private houses were lined up at the other side of the street. A woman wearing white dress was airing her laundry in her yard. Looking at the laundry she was hanging, it seemed the woman had a baby.

Its peaceful

Really. There aint anything here.

Its the sticks.

When the three finished muttering, there was no other sound except the sound of wind and bird chirping.

Clayda slowly shook her glass that was filled with red wine and stared at the rippling red color.

Itll be easier to hide around Zeltiss business district rather than a countryside like this. Besides you can play with woman as much as you like there. This place is only good for raising a child at best.

Then, why are we coming to search at this kind of place?

Clayda lifted her glass and grinned.

Of course, thats because of the rumor that the wine here is tasty.

Since leaving Zeltis, we havent done anything except having a normal trip arent we?

But yknow, there isnt aaany clue at all even if we want to search, its hopeless.

Lunorlla directed a troubled face at the unmotivated Ramza.

But if we dont prepare some kind of result, we wont be able to return to Zeltis no matter how much time passed.

Clayda tilted the bottle to pour the wine, but she noticed that it was empty.

It cant be helped. Lets fabricate something.

She said that while standing up. The other three also stood up without motivation. They left money on the table along with tips and walked to the middle of the street.

At that time they heard the crying voice of a baby. They couldnt see the baby but, it must be the child of the house at the other side of the street. The mother who was at the yard hurriedly rushed into the house. Her fluttering white dress and swaying braided purple hair were eye catching.

Her hair is purple.

Clayda muttered. Elma looked like she got an idea and clapped her hands.

Hey, lets ask for a strand of hair of that person and say that its a clue.

Well, its better than nothing I guess

That house and yard was surrounded by wooden fence. The four of them leaned on that fence with their elbow and peered into the yard.

Then the sugary voice of the mother came from inside the house.

Yosh yosh, youre really a good liwtle child. Is it deliccious?(TN: Anyone know better way to do baby talk?)

Surely the mother was giving her baby milk. For the four who was living in a bloodthirsty world, this scene felt like a different world for them.

Ramza was staring at the house with a disinterested face. The entrance that was facing the yard was left wide open. The inside of the house was slightly visible. There was baby bed, baby carriage, and the likes. The atmosphere child raising life was oozing out.

Ive been thinking this since before butwhy is when an adult talking to a baby, they also talk with baby words?

Haa? Who cares about something like that.

Clayda spat out her reply. However Lunorlla was blushing slightly and her lips loosened up.

Because its cute

The other three reflexively stared at Lunorllas face from the side. It was then,

Ufufu, the way you suck mamas breast is exactly lwike ywour papa~

The four strongly frowned in that instant.

.

Papa?

.

Drink a lwot and become a cute, lovely, and cool boy like your papa okay~

Their frown deepened further.

.

Boy?

.

Elma made a twitching smile.

He, heydoes Genesis, can create a boy now after its revived?

I never, heard anything like that.

Clayda answered so. Cold sweat was trickling on her forehead.

A, anyway, for now, shouldnt we go?

Ramzas voice was trembling. Lunorlla also asked with a trembling voice.

We, we wont ask for her hair?

Be, because, becauseyou know

The palpitation of the four became fast. Cold sweat was making their back damp.

Yo, youre right. For some reason, I got the feeling we shouldnt be here.

At this rate it felt like they would see something that mustnt be seen. For now, they should leave this place. The moment everyone thought that inside their heart.

Oh? Is there someone there? Perhaps the delivery has arrived.

The mother came out from inside the house while carrying her baby.

Thank you for yourwork

The mother opened her eyes wide in shock and she stiffened.

And then Clayda and the other three stiffened as though they were glared at by Medusa.

ZeZel, sama?

A peaceful face without any sharpness that looked like a changed person.

However, that face was undoubtedly the royal guard captain Zelcyone.

Yoyou, fourwhy are, you here

Only the baby in her arms were making voice joyfully.

Claydas throat gulped.

The inside of her head was all messed up in chaos.

Tha, that, Zel-sama. That childdont tell me

Zelcyones body jumped with a jerk.

Thi, this child is, you seeit was a small whim of mine. An accident. A mistake. I only made this child against my better judgment.

That babyis a boy isnt it?

Zelcyone stiffened once more. *Gulp*, it felt like they could hear such sound.

You, you four. What did, you come here for?

Elma was staring at Zelcyone with a twitching smile.

WhyZel-sama suddenly concealed your whereabouts, so we came searching for you. The emperor is also worried

I wont hand this child to anyone!!

Magic circle came to the surface of Zelcyones eyes.

Tsk!

Clayda immediately took off the eye patch on her right eye.

There was a mechanical eye there. It intercepted all magic power intervention and converted the magic formula into a mere vision data. Clayda closed her left eye and stared at Zelcyone with only her mechanical right eye.

Magic nuclear membrane, start magic formula reflection.

!?

Sensing danger, the magic circle vanished from Zelcyones eyes. Instantly the other three who fell into a hypnotized state returned to their senses.

Claydayou bastard, that eye

Zelcyone sent Clayda an annoyed gaze. Clayda traced the edge of her right eye with her fingertip.

Before the final battle against the machine god, I asked the scientist of Lemuria to attach this in me. In the end it didnt need to be used but, I never thought it will be useful here.

Kudamn you.

Zelcyone glared at Clayda with a grim expression. Perhaps sensing her dangerous atmosphere, the baby in her arms started to look unsettled.

Zel-sama. However if its against you who wear Teros, than even this eye will surely be useless. In other words that child is

Elma opened her eyes wide.

Dont tell me

Even though they thought it, but everyone hesitated to speak it out loud. However ignoring that atmosphere,

Eeeeh!? Is that really Zel-samas child with Kizuna!? Really!?

Ramza yelled.

Zelcyones face was dyed bright red and she yelled back angrily.

So, so what if thats true!?

The baby started crying hearing her yelling.

A, aa~ sowwy, everything is alright here. Mama will protect you okay~

For some reason, were the bad guy here?

Lunorrla was bewildered, but Ramza denied it in hurry.

No no no! Were just coming here to search for Zel-sama after all!

But Zelcyone turned her back on the four of them as though to protect the baby and hid him from their gazes.

Dont lie! You four come here to take away this child from me right!?

There is no way thats true! Were just surprised that Zel-sama is giving birt to a child!

Elma also pressed her hand on her forehead with a stumped look.

Furthermore, of all people its a child with Kizunathis is really complicated.

Clayda let out a long sigh in exasperation.

Aaif its a child with a random woman somewhere then we can also pretend to not see it butthis isimpossible I guess.

The four opened the gate and briskly entered the yard.

You, you bastards, what are you planning to do!?

Clayda yelled at Zelcyone who was backing away.

Gares!

Claydas body was equipped with magic armor instantly. Next the other three also called the name of their respective magic armor.

Lunir.

Celes.

Bael!

Wa, wait! Dont come here-

Lunorlla and Ramza mercilessly approached the scared Zelcyone and grabbed her arms.

Whatre you doing!? Let go!!

Now, let me take care of the baby.

Elma lifted up the child from Zelcyones arms.

Aah! Wait!

However Clayda told Zelcyone with a tired face.

Zelcyone-sama. We will have you come back to the palace with us for now. Please tell your excuse directly to Grace-sama. Or rather, we dont want to get involved with this case. Its troublesome.

Wha-!?

Zelcyones body was already carried high to the sky when she was going to complain.

.

Grace was looking down on Zelcyone who was sitting seiza in the throne room with a conflicted expression. If her expression had to be interpreted, it was a face that was saying Even though this fellow is competent, why did she do something stupid like this?.

Ill ask you one more time butthis baby, he is the child between you and Nii-sama, is that right?

Zelcyone kept looking down and didnt lift her face. A drop of cold sweat fell on the floor.

Yeyes.

Im amazed you had the free time for something like that. When?

My, my deepest apologies. That, at the last nightit was, I drank alcohol together with Reiri and Queen Landred at that time. Should I say that it was because of alcohols influence

Youre a bottomless hole when it come to drinking though?

Yes, indeedagainst my better judgment, perhaps it was because of the atmosphere, that, even I myself dont know why I did something like thatfor some reason, I was unable to contain myself, and visited Kizunas room.

Whether its Gravel or youif I remember right, I was told that the possibility of making child is extremely low butobsession is really something terrifying.

Grace suddenly thoughtit would be great if she also did it.

Ye, yes. I also thought the same, who ever thought that a child would be created by just doing it once.

Once?

Ahno, I dont remember the number of times butit, it was all night. Until morning.

Grace held her head.

To make this demonic royal guard captain fall this muchNii-sama is really terrifying. He is truly Lemurias demon king.

At that time Nee-sama was still the emperor. Therefore, you stole the emperors man and ended up bearing his child. On top of that you abandoned the important position as a captain and absconded away.

Zelcyone lifted her face. Her complexion was pale.

My, my deepest apologies! I, I will receive any kind of punishment. But, please just that child! Please at least spare just that child!

Grace stood up from her throne and approached the cradle that was placed in front of it.

Inside it a baby who was still a few months old was sleeping. When Grace brought her face closer and peered into the babys face, the baby opened his eyes in a nice timing.

And then when he saw Graces face, he showed an innocent friendly smile.

Cu-!

Cute!!

I, in addition, he has Nii-samas looks in him.

Maternal love and yearning toward Kizuna welled up in Graces chest.

Zel. In that case, I shall have you atone for your sin.

Zelcyone lowered her head until it touched the floor.

Yesno matter what

Im formally dismissing you from your post as royal guard captain. And then I strip you off from your qualification as military personnel and you wont be allowed to fight anymore. Teross core shall be confiscated too. On top of that Ill give you your punishment.

Yes.

Its life sentence for you.

*Twitch*, Zelcyones back jerked.

A corner of the palace will be remodeled to become the babys rearing facility. You and this baby will live there from now on and cannot leave without my permission.

Ha?

Zelcyone lifted her face and looked up at Grace with a shocked gaze. Grace suddenly smiled and answered with a kind eyes.

Your punishment, is to raise up this child to be a splendid person.

Grace-sama

Of course, I intend to assign him the best instructor, but a mothers existence will be the most essential. This is a child who is left behind by the husband of the previous emperor you know? Your responsibility is a heavy one.

Tears spilled out from Zelcyones eyes.

Yeseven if I have to pay with this life, I will raise him to be someone splendiduu

Dont cry. Even though this child is finally smiling, he will also cry if his mother is crying.

My, my deepestapologies

Zelcyone smiled while crying.

Grace peered into the cradle once more and poked the baby with her fingertip. Then a small hand grabbed the fingertip.

Just from that an indescribable affection welled up inside Graces chest.

Nii-samas child.

Whats more he is a boy.

Surely he will grow to become a magnificent warrior like Nii-sama.

Umu. A mere difference of fifteen years old isnt that uncommon.

Grace-sama? Did you say something?

Zelcyone asked while wiping her tears.

No, its nothing. More importantly

The throne rooms door was opened at that time. A blonde haired and blue eyed knight gallantly wearing a splendid military uniform entered with her mantel flapping behind her.

Is it true that Zelcyone-sama has returned!?

Zelcyone turned around toward that voice.

Oo, Hyakurath. Long time no see.

Hyakurath rushed toward Zelcyone and reverently grabbed her hand.

Zelcyone-sama! Ive waited for your return!! I wished it from the bottom of my heart!!

I seethank you. Hyakurath.

Zelcyone smiled gently.

Hyakurath had tears of happiness in her eyes. She showed a bright smile like someone who was liberated from all burdens.

I kept persuading myself during my time waiting for Zelcyone-samas return to somehow take care of the matters in your absence. Aa, with this I can finally let go of the post as captai

Grace cuddled the baby while speaking with a delighted voice.

Oo, Ive just formally dismissed Zel from her post.

Hyakuraths smile froze.

Ha?

Or rather, I made her retire from military. She wont take away the captain post from you. No need to worry.

Eh

Hyakurath turned toward Zelcyone with a motion that was like rusted machine.

E, err, Zelcyone-sama? I am, a temporary, captain, until your return, now that you have returned

Zelcyone smiled with a soft expression that was completely different from the past when she was the captain.

Now Im just a mother. From here on Ill simply be someone under the protection of Hyakurathno, Hyakurath-sama.

And then she pinched the fringe of her dress and bowed politely.

Please protect my child and Vatlantis Empire.

Hyakurath fainted while still standing.