Published: September 2, 2025
This time, the story is not from the protagonist’s perspective.
Correction of typos made on June 11, 2018.
“My father and older sister are being deceived.”
How many times have I pleaded this? Yet, my words reached no one. And even now, those base men stride arrogantly through this castle as if they own it.
Perhaps that’s why I felt drawn by something, leading me to wander into a crumbling, ancient building within the castle grounds.
This place must be the remains of the building from about twenty years ago, back when this castle belonged to Marquis Muno.
It’s been fifteen years since my father was granted this territory. Sixteen years have passed since my mother, sister, and I first visited here, but I have never once left the castle in that time. When I was little, my greatest joy was when my cousin, Lord Tolma, would come to visit.
Though it’s a castle, perhaps to demonstrate the marquis’s power, the vast grounds include small forests and even a pond, so I have rarely felt truly trapped.
I thought I had explored every corner of the castle, but this is my first time entering here. Usually, the maid who accompanies me won’t let me in, saying it’s dangerous.
Maybe because I’ve entered an unfamiliar place, I find the dust illuminated by dappled sunlight almost beautiful. I’m careful not to inhale it, holding a handkerchief to my mouth; otherwise, I might start coughing.
This throne-like place must have been the audience hall of the marquis. Rays of light pour through the broken ceiling, making this ruin feel almost sacred.
And here, I encountered my destiny.
◇
“Daughter, do you desire power?”
“Yes.”
I answered to the sudden voice coming from the empty throne.
Though I sometimes regret that choice as rash, I can say I have no regrets.
“Very well! Then I shall grant it to you!”
A silver light extending from the throne enveloped me. It felt like the sensation when my hair wraps around my body as I lie down. When the discomfort that made me uneasy subsided, I noticed delicate bracelets woven from silver thread on both my wrists. Looking closely, I found matching anklets on both my ankles.
“Daughter, the contract is sealed. Wisdom and valor are now yours.”
“Where exactly are you? And what are these ornaments?”
The voice came nearby, yet I could see no one. Desperately trying to maintain my composure, I spoke to the invisible gentleman.
“There is a full-length mirror behind that curtain. Look into it.”
Guided by the voice, I approached a cracked mirror. Suddenly, an unfamiliar tiara adorned my head.
“The ornaments on your head, hands, and feet are my form. I have fought beside my master on battlefields and fulfilled my purpose. Then, my master left me here and said, ‘Aid those crushed by unreasonable power who seek strength.’”
“How wonderful. You must have been a noble person.”
I wonder who this Tiara’s master was. I’ve only heard of magical artifacts that can speak in fairy tales.
“Tiara, what shall I call you?”
“My previous master called me Laka. It’s the name of the most famous intelligent magical artifact in the stories of his homeland. If you have no preferred name, please call me Laka.”
“Understood, Lord Laka. Please call me Karina.”
“How amusing. Lady Karina, it’s improper to honorific a magical artifact. Just call me Laka.”
“Then, Laka, I would like to borrow your power.”
“Certainly. Whether the opponent is a hero or a Demon King, I shall lend you my strength.”
“How reassuring. The opponent is the hero, you know.”
When Laka spoke, the tiara glowed blue, but now the blue flashing has stopped. Is he at a loss for words?
“Is something the matter?”
“No, I simply thought that my new master is also a strong-willed person. By the way, Lady Karina, yes, Karina.”
“Yes?”
“You face a hero, but do you practice magic or swordsmanship?”
“No. I’m good at embroidery and poetry recitation, but I leave rough matters to the knights.”
“I see. Among my previous masters, there was a hero.”