SWNOVELXO Chapter 40: Knights And Witches
Kiyotaka entered the ruins and walked into the centre of the room.
Kiyotaka: [I want to know.]
Kiyotaka: (I need to talk to her one more time.)
Echidna: [The『Witch's Tea Party』is much easier to initiate while the trials are still running. To think you could call for me now that the trial is over. You must really want to talk to me.]
Kiyotaka slowly felt his mind drift.
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Kiyotaka opened his eyes to see a vast expanse of green hills. Echidna was waiting as Kiyotaka sat down across from her.
Echidna: [Now to talk about what I wanted to say.]
Kiyotaka: [Go on.]
Echidna: [Would you be willing to form a contract with me, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka?]
Kiyotaka: [A contract?]
Echidna: [Yes, a formal contract with the『Witch of Greed』. Would you enter into one with me? If you do, I'll be able to help you in any situation where you feel lost or in need of assistance. I'll be able to prevent any suffering you may go through, like in the battle with『Sloth』. I will give you my full support, and you can use me in any way you wish. My mind. My body. My knowledge. My soul. Above all, I can share in your『Authority of Envy』and support you in your suffering. Whenever you need me to fact-check something, as the people from your world call it, I can do so.]
Kiyotaka: [This situation you made. You never intended for Roswaal to win. Just a trial run for this contract.]
Echidna: [While he's quite a talented student, I must admit he wouldn't stand a chance against you mentally. In fact, even I would hesitate to enter such a battle with you.]
Her lips curled up into a smile.
Kiyotaka: (But it's not that you wouldn't be able to win...)
Kiyotaka: [This contract is definitely enticing.]
Kiyotaka: (But...)
Suddenly, a love heart and a dust cloud appeared as Minerva arrived, crashing in.
Minerva: [I'm gonna have to... put a stop to that contract. I won't accept it.]
Echidna: [So you're after him, too? I suppose you're jealous.]
Kiyotaka: (I don't exactly find that idea any good, considering this is a woman I have a strong suspicion of being Emilia's mother.)
Minerva: [Stop teasing me! I'm outraged! I'm indignant! I'm absolutely boiling with anger!]
Minerva began stomping her feet.
Minerva: [There are parts of the contract that would be bad for you!]
Echidna: [That is a tad bit of an exaggeration.]
Kiyotaka: [What exactly are the negatives?]
Echidna: [A payment for my support. Everything you feel, everything you think, everything that remains in your heart, the future as you know it, anything you accomplish, all the potential within you, all the fruit of the unknown that is borne from your existence... I want a taste of it.]
Another witch appeared. One with pink hair, wearing a scarf.
???: [Th... That's all true... B...But don't assume that she just t...told you everything...]
Kiyotaka: (That body shape... from the silhouettes I saw...)
Kiyotaka: [You must be Carmilla. The『Witch Of Lust』correct?]
Kiyotaka: (Such modesty. How strange.)
Carmilla slowly nodded her head.
Carmilla: [E... Echidna-chan... isn't lying... But there's a lot... she's hiding from you.]
Echidna: [What will you do, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka? Will you trust these two or one that has actually been of use to you? One can still be of use to you. One who will, in the end will lead you to victory.]
???: [There you go again with these kinds of promises.]
Kiyotaka turned to face the owner of the new voice. A woman lying on the ground
Kiyotaka: [You must be Sekhmet the『Witch Of... Sloth』.]
Kiyotaka: (This one seems more suited for the title of『Lust』than Carmilla. Though at the same time, she fits the title of『Sloth』as well.)
Kiyotaka: (My instincts are pointing me to the strongest in this place, and it's definitely this woman. Sekhmet the『Witch Of Sloth』and with the power I'm feeling from her, I'd die in an instant if I fought her.)
Sekhmet: [I'm only here to preserve the fairness of this place. No other reason.]
Kiyotaka: (Sensing my caution? No. Just a coincidence.)
Kiyotaka then felt a childish but powerful presence behind him.
Typhon: [Oh, Taka, you're here? Is everyone here? That's unusual!]
He turned around to see Typhon. He then heard a giggle and turned to see Daphane.
Daphane: [It's been a long time since we've had a tea party. You should have invited me, too.]
Daphane then turned to Kiyotaka.
Daphane: [It seemed you really killed the Bunny. I hope you got a good meal.]
Kiyotaka's sweat dropped.
Kiyotaka: (I wouldn't eat that thing even if it were cooked by my mother.)
Kiyotaka then focused as he sighed.
Kiyotaka: (Six Witches. All of them have gathered here... Then could the『Witch Of Envy』also be able to come here?)
Echidna: [Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. Will you accept the contract? We are two of the smartest in this realm of existence. Together, we can complete any task. You can continue to learn from me. About magic and the world as a whole. I can support you in battle. The results we could produce together would be outstanding. You can use me for knowledge and comfort in times of pain. As a convenience. I'll gladly even offer you my body. No one but you can satisfy my curiosity. A true partner in all of this. If you use your power to save someone, I want it to be me. I cannot control my Greed! Together, we can learn everything there is in the world. Defeat everything there is in the world. For that reason, I want you to take me, use me, and rob me of all the Greed you want, so we can take hold of the future! That is all I want from you, all I desire from you, and all I offer you in return. I have told you everything... truly, every last detail, with passion. This might be close to love. Yes. It's a vow of love! And how will you respond to my love? I want your answer. That is one of the answers that will satisfy my curiosity, after all.]
As she said this, her face and speech became more manic.
Kiyotaka: (She's completely unable to understand human emotion. We're alike in that regard...)
Kiyotaka took a second as he thought of Beatrice and sighed.
Kiyotaka: [What exactly does Beatrice mean to you?]
Echidna: [Oh? Beatrice, huh? I was deeply involved in her birth, so I suppose that makes her like my daughter.]
Kiyotaka: [『That Person』]
Echidna: [Hm?]
Kiyotaka: [Who is『That Person?』]
Echidna: [Good question! Whoever could it be?]
Kiyotaka's eyes sharpened.
Echidna: [I didn't force Beatrice to make that promise. By asking her to keep that promise, I wanted to find out who she would choose to be『That Person?』. However, the path you took was quite interesting as well. It was quite a... twist.]
Kiyotaka: [You aren't fit to be her parent.]
Echidna: [Ah, yes. You said you would treat her as if she were your own child. But are we not quite similar?]
Kiyotaka: [In the past, I was similar to you, but... I have been Re: Born. I reject my past self and you.]
Echidna: [I see. You've chosen to take my daughter and then leave me high and dry. How cruel.]
Kiyotaka: [I have no intention of letting you become involved with her again. For her own good. I can't hold any guarantees about being the best person to look after her, but I know for certain you are the worst option.]
Echidna sighed.
Echidna: [Now that was a bit mean.]
Kiyotaka: [I'm done here. Send me...]
Kiyotaka felt a presence as his heart began to quicken and his breathing became heavy. Only slightly, but he noticed it.
Kiyotaka: (I'm feeling anxious? Me of all people?)
The attention of all the Witches turned in the direction of the presence.
Minerva: [She's here.]
Carmilla held her hands on her head, trying to hide underneath them.
Carmilla: [N...No! I have nothing to do with any of this!]
Sekhmet: [A really troublesome girl just showed up at a troubling time to cause trouble.]
Kiyotaka: (Even her vocabulary is slothful.)
Daphane: [Oh! I'm feeling very, very hungry!]
Echidna gritted her teeth.
Typhon: [Hey! It's Tella! Long time no see!]
Kiyotaka finally turned to see the『Witch Of Envy』walking towards them.
Kiyotaka: (And then there were seven.)
Kiyotaka: [What do you want from me?]
Kiyotaka: (This woman. The power oozing off of her. It's similar in level to Reinhard, but it feels... rabid... and unpredictable. She's... more dangerous.)
Kiyotaka felt a bead of sweat drip from his forehead.
『Witch Of Envy』: [For so long... For so very long...]
She stretched her hands out to him.
『Witch Of Envy』: [I have loved you... and no one else.]
Kiyotaka felt a chill go up his spine.
Kiyotaka: (My initial theory is probably correct.)
Kiyotaka: [Why do you love me?]
『Witch Of Envy』: [Because you gave me everything.]
Kiyotaka: (That doesn't sound like the me that came to this world at all... if my theory is correct, did I really change back then? Enough to give someone everything? Then now it is possible as well.)
『Witch Of Envy』: [I love you. I have loved only you for so, so long.]
She reached for his cheek as Kiyotaka stood there.
Kiyotaka: (Everything in my body is telling me she's dangerous. But...)
Kiyotaka grabbed her hands
Kiyotaka: [Thank you... for saving my life...]
He then put them to her sides.
Kiyotaka: [But I don't know you. I don't remember anything. Still, if there's anything I can offer. Anything but my heart. I'll repay you.]
『Witch Of Envy』: [urt... Don't be hurt. Don't be in pain.]
Kiyotaka: [...]
Kiyotaka: (That's...)
『Witch Of Envy』: [You always push yourself so much. It's a habit you have. One that you needed in the past, but please... Value your life more. It isn't something to be used to test a theory.]
Kiyotaka's eyes widened as he sighed, sitting down.
Kiyotaka: [You've been watching... this entire time. Haven't you?]
『Witch Of Envy』: [Always.] AN: Snape. That you?
Kiyotaka: [While I don't know why you clearly care about me. It must have been painful to see me die so many times. All because I was stubborn and stuck in my ways.]
『Witch Of Envy』: [Very painful.]
Kiyotaka: [I'm sorry. Is it alright if『Re: Birth By Death』is something that is still available to me?]
『Witch Of Envy』: [You are the one who saved me, so I want you to be saved, too. It is my wish for you to be saved.]
Kiyotaka lay on the ground.
Kiyotaka: (Before coming to this world, I thought I was cursed with some sort of bad luck, but now...)
Everyone Kiyotaka had met in this new world.
Kiyotaka: (with all these people around me... I feel like I'm blessed. I have no intention of ever giving this up.)
Echidna walked over to him, offering her outstretched hand.
Echidna: [You have my word, we'll accomplish incredible things together.]
Kiyotaka: [The past me would form a contract with you because that version of me would only be concerned with keeping himself alive, but... the current version of me... I... will not take your hand.]
Echidna sighed.
Kiyotaka: [In the end. The easy path doesn't suit me. After all, good things that come easily are never satisfying. I know that better than anyone.]
Kiyotaka walked over to the『Witch Of Envy』as the world around them began to shatter into a white expanse.
『Witch Of Envy』: [One day, you must come...]
Her hood faded away as Kiyotaka got a clear look at her face.
Kiyotaka: (So similar to Lia.)
『Witch Of Envy』: [And take my life.]
Kiyotaka sighed.
Kiyotaka: (If that's what she really wants, then...)
Kiyotaka: [Very well.]
The white expanse faded from existence.
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Kiyotaka woke up in the trials room.
Kiyotaka: [Everything I wanted to discuss is over now.]
Kiyotaka walked out as he saw everyone waiting outside.
Kiyotaka: [Sorry to worry you all.]
Roswaal stepped forward.
Roswaal: [By the way Kiyotaka-Kuuun. I do remember receiving a certain message from the knights.]
Kiyotaka: [Hm?]
Roswaal; [As you've likely learnt. The waiting period for entrance into the academy is for behavioural conduct assessment, right?]
Kiyotaka: [So you're the one assigned to that.]
Roswaal: [Indeed, and I say you pass with flying colours. And in light of recent events, I can even recommend that your training be fast-tracked, per se.]
Kiyotaka: [Hm? There's no need for that.]
Roswaal: [Very well.]
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A few months later, Kiyotaka was leaning against a wall in a hall, holding Beatrice's hand. Kiyotaka was next to Roswaal, and they were talking with each other. The other Knights, including Reinhard, Julius and Felix, were in the hall talking with each other. Felix seemed better, but it was clear he was not well. Meanwhile, Reinhard and Wilhelm's relationship seemed to be better than ever.
Roswaal: [You really are spectacular. It only took you a few months to achieve something most people take decades to accomplish.]
Kiyotaka sighed.
Kiyotaka: [Enough with the small talk. I know you wanted to say something, so go ahead.]
Roswaal: [My goal is to reunite with my teacher. That is my desire and dearest wish.]
Kiyotaka: [And is that possible?]
Roswaal: [If I told you, would you not snuff out that chance? After all, even to someone like you teacher is quite a threat.]
Kiyotaka: [While I do agree with your assessment of me, I wouldn't be that cruel. So while you're here, try not to ruin the evening with your bent sense of humour.]
He said this, standing straight, and he walked over to Reinhard and Wilhelm, with Beatrice following beside him.
Reinhard: [Kiyotaka. Congratulations for today.]
Kiyotaka: [Thank you, Reinhard.]
Wilhelm: [Might I ask who this small child is?]
Beatrice: [Betty is not a child, I suppose!]
Kiyotaka: [You can consider her my daughter.]
Wilhelm: [Ah. I see.]
Juius: [But Beatrice-Sama is 400 years old.]
Kiyotaka: (Funny, he says that. After all, mentally speaking, I'm 418 years old, so having Beatrice as a daughter isn't actually unfeasible. I am an old man after all.)
Kiyotaka: [And?]
Julius: [... Nevermind.]
Kiyotaka could see Ichika talking with Garf. It seemed like she was emotionally harassing him as Frederica stood next to Garf, shaking her head with a smile.
Kiyotaka: (Chaotic as ever.)
Beatrice was at the front. It seemed like she was annoyed at being separated from Kiyotaka. Ram and Rem were together, looking forward politely.
Kiyotaka: (Those two. As professional as ever. I should have some time on my hands now to spend some time with bother Lia and Ram, especially now that things have calmed down.)
The knights stood together. Emilia arrived dressed in a ceremonial robe, walking towards a kind of throne that was atop a few steps, as everyone in the crowd went silent.
Kiyotaka: (Beautiful.)
A young girl with blue hair walked up. This was Anarose. A member of a branch family of the Mathers Family. And a resident fan of Emilia.
Anarose: [We will now begin the ceremony of the conferment of knighthood. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, come forward.]
Roswaal walked up and patted Kiyotaka on the shoulder.
Roswaal: [Congratulations, Kiyotaka-kun. It seems like everything is going your way.]
Kiyotaka walked up the stairs, taking a knee in front of Emilia and handing her a sword ceremonially. She raised it in the air.
Emilia: [The sun that looks down upon a brilliant world, the stars that keep watch over the world when it sleeps, the wind, to the water, to the earth, to the light, the spirits that dwell in all things... The world that will accept you and nurture you...]
Kiyotaka: (It truly has...)
Emilia: [The vast world into which you will be set forth... The pride that has supported you, protected you, and created you... May you find a way to live that will not shame all that watch over you, the world that nurtures you, and the pride that supports you. May you live as your heart dictates, never fearing, never cowering, never hesitating. Have you the will to do all this, as all things surrounding you have done, to swear that you will henceforth protect the one standing before you?]
Kiyotaka: [On the sun, the stars, the spirits, the world, my pride... and on my mother's name, I swear it. I will protect you. I will grant your every wish. My name is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, your knight, Lia, and your's alone.]
Emilia: [Right.]
She had a bright smile on her face, with a few tears that Kiyotaka took in. She tapped the sword on Kiyotaka's shoulder and gave it to him. Kiyotaka sheathed the blade and stood up.
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Kiyotaka was standing on the balcony as Emilia walked up next to him.
Emilia: [Are you and Roswaal getting along a bit better?]
Kiyotaka: [I wouldn't go that far. He seems to have realigned with his goal, so I think he'll be fine for now.]
Emilia: [I see.]
Kiyotaka: [The road isn't going to be easy. Even now... but I'll be by your side each step of the way.]
Emilia: [Is that okay? To rely on you so much]
Kiyotaka: [It is. I'll be relying on you as well, okay?]
Emilia: [Kiyo...]
Kiyotaka: [Lia. Let's go.]
They walked back from the balcony into the hall, where they danced and spent some time dancing together and smiling.
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End Of Arc 4- To Be Continued
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Rating Out Of 10 For This Part:
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