Chapter 36: Lost Magic and S&M Play

“…Hmm, hmm. I understand the situation.”

“As expected of Yuri—quick on the uptake.”

It was the middle of the night in the plaza. A suspicious-looking figure and a little girl sat side by side on a bench.

“You’re dumber than I thought, Irine.”

“Huhhh?”

The little girl glared at me with eyes full of scorn.

I decided to tell her everything.

It had been easy enough to kidnap Yuri and bring her here, but I hadn’t thought of a clever way to talk myself out of the situation.

And Yuri was a practitioner of divination magic. Even with a mask on, there was a chance she could use some spell to see through my identity.

There was no dodging it now.

Realizing that, I discarded the mask and gave her the full, honest story.

“So… that was supposed to be a disguise of yours, Irine?”

“What do you think? Pretty cool, right?”

“It looks absolutely ridiculous, but the way you talk doesn’t feel weird at all... So you’re used to that kind of act, huh?”

Well, that’s because this is the real me. The whole “refined lady” speech is the real act.

“So, you guys are planning to leave town and let Al Something handle the fight with the demons. You want me to pass that on in a letter, right?”

“Exactly.”

“Then I’ll deliver it for you. If you sneak into her workshop dressed like that, you’d deserve to get killed.”

“…Is it really that bad?”

Yuri gave me a sharp, exasperated glare as she took the letter.

Still, things would go faster if she handed it over. Better to entrust it to her.

“More importantly,”

“Yes?”

Yuri tucked the letter into the pocket of her pajamas, then spoke in a tone even more sour than before.

Maybe because I technically kidnapped a child.

“What about the spirit paper? If you don’t summarize your experiences and let me publish them, my research can’t move forward.”

“…Ah.”

Right. I totally forgot about the paper.

“Hahh. You did forget.”

“S-sorry. Agh, but what do I do? We need to leave the day after tomorrow…”

“I see. Then at least spend all of tomorrow with me. I’ll ghostwrite the paper and present it in your stead. Ideally, I’d like you to stay behind.”

“Well, it’s the party’s decision, so…”

“Thought so. Honestly, without you, I can’t verify any of this…”

Yuri puffed up her cheeks in frustration and glared daggers at me.

Her face clearly screamed, “I’m not happy.”

“After the demon attack’s over, you’d better come back to this town.”

“I-I’ll do my best.”

Getting attacked by demons should be a pretty big deal, but to Yuri, her research seems more important.

I’ve suspected it for a while, but… yeah. Yuri might be a bit of a mad scientist.

“Alright, then tomorrow you’ll devote yourself entirely to my research. Deal?”

“Y-yeah.”

“In return, I won’t say a word about your weird disguise.”

“Thanks!! Whoo, you’re so generous, boss!”

“…Hard to believe you’re really Irine right now.”

But at least I managed to shut Yuuri up.

Though it kind of feels like she now holds an absurd amount of blackmail material on me. Best not to dwell on it.

“Well then, let’s head back to the mansion.”

“Lead the way!”

And just like that, I narrowly avoided having my identity exposed.

Or so I thought.

---

“Y-Yeah, just like that, just like that—hold still…”

“Ah, ah, it’s hot! HOT!! I’m gonna get burned—wait, stop! HOTTT!!”

The next day, I found myself wearing a monkey mask on the outskirts of town, assisting in the execution of a masochistic magic spell.

Why. Just why.

“I see now… so this was the missing component in the spell array all along…”

“Can I please stop now!? This hurts!! Why do I have to practice masochist magic in the middle of the freakin’ day!?”

“Just a little longer… It’s all part of my spirit research. Even if the incantation’s off, only you can activate it, so I have no choice but to rely on you.”

“This has nothing to do with spirits!!”

We were outside of town, but there were still roads nearby. Plenty of people passed by.

And those people were all giving us the same look—part awe, part horror.

Why is this happening to me?

“Fu, fu, fu… Alright, I’ve collected enough data from that spell. Let’s move on to the next one.”

“Haven’t I suffered enough!? Can we please do some actual spirit experiments for once!?”

“Oho? Are you disobeying me, Monkey Mask? I might just let something slip about last night… or your little disguise…”

“You rotten sadistic dom-loli freak!”

“Say what you want.”

Crap. Yuri’s eyes are completely glazed over. She’s in full mad scientist mode.

What the hell am I doing out here while Karl and the others are prepping for our departure?

“Ahn… Just one more. This is the ultimate self-harming spell, my dearly departed grandfather’s magnum opus… I studied it for years and still couldn’t understand it—a masochistic masterpiece forged from his life’s work.”

“Your grandpa dedicated his life to being a masochist!?”

“My mission is to revive the lost secrets of history’s most legendary gag mage. That’s my true purpose…”

“Let that joke magic STAY dead!”

Oh god. How did it come to this…

---

A few hours earlier.

I had bowed my head to Karl and the others and received their approval to accompany Yuri in her research.

“So yeah, that was a thing, wasn’t it? Alright, leave the preparations to us, Irine.”

“I’m in your debt.”

“...Don’t worry about it.”

Though I was sent off warmly like that, I was honestly feeling pretty down inside.

Research, papers—just hearing about those topics makes me feel exhausted.

But even as I was getting seriously bad vibes from the situation, I couldn’t go against Yuri. She had me by the throat.

“Oh, don’t worry, the paper won’t take too long.”

────But Yuri's next words took things in a completely unexpected direction.

“Actually, the framework for the paper on spirits is already nearly done. What I’d really like your help with today is conducting an experiment to advance ancient magic studies.”

“What do you mean, Yuri?”

According to her, the content for the spirit paper was basically finished already.

And the final tweaks could be wrapped up with just a little more time.

“Your true talent lies in reviving ancient magic.”

“Ancient magic…?”

“Spells whose chants were lost over the centuries, found only in literature, with no one alive capable of casting them anymore. Also called ‘lost magic.’ Many of us in ancient magic research dedicate our lives to restoring them.”

Apparently, Yuri had been waiting for the chance to try a particular experiment ever since she heard my story.

It involved reviving a "lost spell"—one where only a vague and fragmented chant still existed—and having me try to cast it.

“Since you’re so beloved by spirits, even if you mess up the chant a little, the magic should still activate correctly. And from that activation, we can analyze the spell in reverse to reconstruct the correct version.”

“I-I see…”

Yuri belongs to a research group focused on ancient magic. Reviving lost magic is their holy grail.

To people like them, someone like me is apparently worth their weight in gold.

“There just happen to be a few conveniently lost spells. I'd love for us to bring one back.”

“Not sure what you mean by conveniently lost, but sure. I just need to chant one of those lost spells, right?”

“Exactly.”

Saying that, Yuri’s eyes lit up.

“This one in particular… I’ve never been able to get it to work. It’s a spell my grandfather developed.”

“...‘Flame-Grilled Torment☆Agony Chains’?”

And just like that, I found myself chanting some suspicious and shady-sounding spell in public.

Of course, to avoid being recognized, I chose to wear my monkey mask. I also gave Yuri a duplicate one I made using Earth magic.

---

“There’s been a report: ‘Two perverts in monkey masks engaging in an S&M scene outside the city limits.’”

“So what? Did we bother anyone?”

“IT’S HOT!! Dammit, SO HOT!!”

“...I wouldn’t say it’s not disruptive… Actually, yeah, it’s kind of disruptive, isn’t it?”

Soon enough, a squad of state security hounds showed up, responding to the report of suspicious individuals. Yuri and I were quickly apprehended and subjected to questioning by the security guard force (our second time in ten days).

With us pulling such sketchy antics, of course someone was going to report it. Seriously, Yuri may look like a little girl, but I wish she’d have at least a shred of common sense.

“What’s with those creepy masks to begin with? What were you planning, hiding your faces like that?”

“HOT!! Huff… Well, come on, we’re doing this kind of weird act out in public! Obviously we’d want to hide our identities!”

“...Fair point. Wait, no—hold on a minute.”

The guards in this town really don’t have any flexibility.

No matter how suspicious my actions might’ve seemed, one look at this mask should’ve been enough to prove I’m no shady guy.

“Besides, this mask is awesome. It perfectly expresses my wildness and untamed spirit.”

“...Awesome…?”

“Khh… Just ignore what this idiot’s saying. The mask’s just part of the act. Forcing me to wear something so humiliating in public—ahh!”

“You two are deeply cursed beings.”

“Wait, did you just say my mask is humiliating?”

What’s that supposed to mean? This mask is badass!

“Look, I can tell you didn’t mean any harm, but society does have rules. When people engage in indecent acts like this early in the morning, it sets a bad example for the children living here.”

“Actually, aren’t you both still kids? Especially the little one… you shouldn’t be awakening to such niche kinks at your age.”

“And you, boy—I get the appeal of being dominated by a little girl, but… Even if it’s consensual, laying hands on a minor is a no-go.”

“Wait a minute, you’ve got it all wrong! I don’t have that kind of fetish—HOT!!”

“Your words and actions are totally out of sync.”

Don’t look at me like that! I’m only doing this because Yuri told me to—I had no choice!

“In any case, you’ll need to come with us to the station. And you—put that fire out, it’s dangerous.”

“Sigh… Two suspicious individuals secured. Escorting them to the station for questioning. Over.”

“This is all a misunderstanding!!”

---

“What a damn ordeal that was.”

“Because of you, Yuri!!”

We were questioned for about an hour, then released with a strict warning.

Apparently, while we were judged to be lewd, we weren’t considered dangerous individuals, so it didn’t lead to an arrest.

“You could’ve tested that masochistic spell somewhere like your own backyard—someplace no one would see!”

“Yes, but you see, the spell's name alone strongly suggested it would produce fire. I deemed it too risky unless we were near a water source. Which inevitably meant we had to try it somewhere more public.”

“You wanted people to see you, didn’t you?! You got off on being watched, didn’t you, you pervy little brat!”

“I won’t deny that... However, the original paper also specifically stated the spell should be tested ‘in a place with witnesses.’”

We were two people—that's enough witnesses! And if you needed water, I could’ve summoned some with magic anytime!

“Besides, there was another spell I wanted to test... the ultimate magic—my grandfather’s secret technique. I had no idea how powerful it might be. Testing it in our cramped yard seemed a bit too risky.”

“Wait... You were trying to make me use that kind of dangerous magic?”

“I don’t know the full details. Allegedly, it’s the ultimate joke spell... According to my grandfather, it’s ‘a spell that brings hardship upon oneself to stimulate greater personal growth.’”

...So it’s just a straight-up masochist spell. I went through all that public humiliation just to resurrect some stupid joke magic?

“The paper said ‘it promotes growth in the caster,’ and that’s what caught my attention. If you don’t grow, you might not be able to undo the spell, and then some dreadful hardship could—”

“Wait. Did you even manage to undo it today?”

“I don’t know. That’s why we’re testing it.”

“I have to undo it today! I’m leaving tomorrow!”

“Well, all progress demands a little sacrifice.”

Yeah, no—this girl’s absolutely mad.

Up until yesterday, I thought she was pretty grounded and sensible. Turns out, when it comes to experiments, Yuuri completely loses sight of her surroundings.

“Sorry, but no matter how much you beg or threaten, I’m done cooperating. We got hauled in by the security guards—I’d say I’ve more than fulfilled my obligation.”

“Mrrgh... Well, I suppose it can’t be helped. We did get a decent amount of data for now.”

I couldn’t deal with Yuri any longer. In a back alley, I stashed away the monkey mask and armor, and decided to head back to the mansion.

“Here, Yuri—take off your mask too. If someone sees you heading back with it on, it’ll cause trouble.”

“Hmm. You have a point.”

Ugh, what a pointless, unlucky day this turned out to be.

Still, it did give me a bit of free time to myself. I should use it to go visit Aldebaran with Yuri while I can.

“Since we’ve taken off our masks, shall we head straight to Ms. Aldebaran’s workshop? You don’t mind, do you?”

“No problem. Still... the difference between you in ‘monkey mode’ and now is jarring. Are you really the same person?”

“A proper noble lady can wear any number of faces.”

“That’s not just ‘wearing a face.’ It’s like full-blown multiple personalities at this point.”

Once I hand this letter to Aldebaran, my work in this city is done. From here on out, I’ll leave everything in her hands.

I’m counting on you, Aldebaran. Please… protect this city from the demons.

——

“…Oh? If it isn’t Lady Irine—and Miss Yuri.”

“Huh? Ah…”

Just as I had taken off the monkey mask from Yuri's face, someone addressed me.

And that someone was—

“Lord Garius! What a pleasant surprise. I hope you're in good spirits.”

“Indeed. It’s been a few days. And Miss Yuri, I believe the last time was at the academic conference.”

“Quite right. A pleasure to see you again, Lord Garius.”

He was none other than Lord Garius, the king’s younger brother and the most powerful man in this city during his inspection.

Several guards stood at attention around him, though Rita was nowhere to be seen. She was probably occupied with her duties.

“Miss Yuri, have you heard from Lady Irine about the matter of the spirit?”

“Yes, a truly remarkable discovery. Under our joint research, I intend to present the findings myself at the next conference.”

“Oh? I was under the impression you were a skeptic when it came to spirits.”

“Well, seeing is believing, as they say. I base my conclusions solely on what’s real. I promise you, the presentation will leave even Your Excellency speechless.”

“Excellent. I’m looking forward to it. With you involved, Lady Irine’s work is sure to be a great success.”

Lord Garius looked between Yuri and me with a pleased smile.

Ah—damn it. I totally forgot. I’d been personally ordered by Garius to present this research.

Ignoring a direct command from the king’s brother? Yeah, that’s… pretty bad. I need to apologize right now.

“Lord Garius, I must offer my sincerest apologies.”

“Hm? What is it, Lady Irine?”

“Our group, led by Karl, will soon be leaving the city due to personal reasons. I’ve already passed all the information I have to Yuri, and she’ll be taking full responsibility for the spirit-related presentation.”

“I see… What a waste. That presentation would surely have been lauded during the conference. For the observer of a once-in-a-century discovery not to be there… How unfortunate.”

“It is with deep regret, I assure you.”

Garius clearly looked disappointed upon hearing the news. I felt awful—he had gone out of his way to support us.

I wanted to stay and protect Yowin, too. But if Karl had made his decision, then I had no choice but to follow.

“May I ask what these ‘personal reasons’ entail? If it’s something I can assist with, I’d be glad to offer my help.”

“Well, the truth is…”

It was likely Garius spoke from genuine goodwill.

…Now what do I do?

We’d already agreed within the party that we wouldn’t tell Garius about Karl being the Hero.

Mentioning something like “the Demon King’s resurrection” could easily be seen as inciting public unrest—or worse, treason—and get us expelled from the city.

But then again, Garius seemed like an intelligent and discerning man. If we explained everything properly, maybe he would understand.

But what if he didn’t believe us? What if we got arrested on the spot?

What should I do?

Still, knowing about the coming demon attack and leaving in silence… would that really be the right thing to do?

Shouldn’t I at least inform Garius, the man in power here?

“…The truth is, we received a terrifying prophecy.”

“…Oh?”

And after a brief pause, I began to speak, slowly and carefully, to Lord Garius.

---

"A large force of demons will attack soon, huh? What an ominous tale."

I improvised an excuse on the spot.

Well, here's the gist of it.

Through the divination magic Yuuri and I had been researching, we discovered that in two days, a horde of demons would invade this town. Believing in that prophecy, we decided to flee.

"If word spreads, the entire town will fall into panic. But fleeing without telling anyone... that didn’t sit right with me."

"No doubt about that. I’m glad you came to me."

Garius listened to my explanation and tilted his head thoughtfully.

"Divination magic isn’t absolute. But it’s a rather precise art."

"Just as you say."

"The idea of demons in this day and age is hard to believe. I’d prefer to think it’s a misfire of the magic, but…"

Having seen such a vision, it’s only natural to want to run. Garius nodded in understanding.

"You should leave as soon as possible. Leave the town to us."

So saying, he crossed his arms and gave a confident smile.

"It is the duty of royalty to protect the people. Take care not to be injured on your journey, Lady Irine."

"…Yes. Please stay safe as well, Lord Garius."

"Ho ho ho. I may not look it, but I am a battle-hardened mage. If that prophecy does prove true, I’ll scatter the demons with my ultimate magic."

Ah, what a gallant man. Garius had an aura that made one feel everything would be fine if left to him.

…But I know the truth. Even with my Spirit Cannon, hailed as the finest of our generation, we couldn’t lay a scratch on that demon horde.

"Please, don’t push yourself. I believe in your victory, Lord Garius."

"Yes, leave it to me. And if nothing comes of it, I hope you’ll return."

Garius is a man of great caliber. To lose someone like him to a demon assault would be a terrible waste.

I must tell Aldebaran. Make sure to entrust this town to him.

"Well then, farewell. I must begin preparations immediately."

"Yes, Lord Garius."

I kept my gaze fixed on Garius’s back as he led his men away with determined eyes, almost as if in prayer.

…Is it truly right for me to leave this town behind? That question lingered in my heart.