The Silver Bride

by Yuri Kitayama

  Prologue: Latifa’s Secret Diary 2

  It is springtime.

  Five months have already passed since I started writing in my diary. Today’s weather was clear. A little too chilly to wear thinner clothes, but the gentle rays of sunlight were shining down.

  In contrast, however, my heart was instead in a cloudy state... And I know the reason why.

  I discovered that the people who used to be so important to Onii-chan have appeared before him.

  I know about them, because Onii-chan himself told me about them over three years ago.

  Onii-chan and I revealed to each other that we had memories of our past lives, and while I was surprised at the time, I also felt really happy. I heard lots of stories about Onii-chan’s previous life, including ones about those people.

  For example, Onii-chan had four people in his family, and other than his parents and little sister, he also had a female childhood friend who was practically family. His parents divorced when he was little, and he had to part with his mother, sister, and that childhood friend, too. After that, he lived with his father until he became a high school student, and he always remained in love with that childhood friend...

  I haven’t asked Onii-chan directly, but I think those people are very important to Onii-chan right now. Because when Onii-chan was talking about them, he looked so fond — yet somehow lonely.

  However, Onii-chan asked me not to reveal anything about his previous life to those people, and I cannot understand the reasoning behind that. Just imagining myself in Onii-chan’s shoes makes my heart hurt. At the very least, I think it’d be difficult to pretend like everything was OK. Being unable to inform your most precious people of your existence... it must be very painful. Especially if you had never thought you’d see them again.

  In that regard, I must be very fortunate right now: I was able to meet the person who used to be most precious to me once again when I was reborn, and have him know about my former self. That is a very fortunate thing indeed.

  But what about Onii-chan? How is he feeling right now? Isn’t it painful for him? When I think about Onii-chan like this, my heart aches.

  I’m worried about him... but that’s only half the reason. I’m anxious, too.

  I wonder if Onii-chan can find peace and quiet with me, in the same way that he’s become my source of solace. That’s why I’m scared of those people coming to the village. Somewhere in my heart, I’m deeply terrified that those people will become more important to Onii-chan than I am. I’m so scared of seeing what Onii-chan’s true feelings are, and it leaves me anxious. I’m a coward.

  The bad part of me is absolutely terrified.

  That’s why, when Onii-chan departed from the village today, I sulked as I clung to him. In order to assert my place next to him, I hugged him super tightly. Then, Onii-chan hugged me even more gently than usual, patting my back softly.

  As I was filled with relief, I noticed my cowardice, and felt greatly ashamed of my weakness. Even though I was worried for Onii-chan, I still needed to depend on him in the end. Even though I had told myself that it was my turn to do something for Onii-chan, after all that he’s done for me...

  That’s why I’m reflecting. I have to think about the future... That’s what I decided.

  While I’m panicking like this, the situation is continuing to move forward. In two weeks, Onii-chan will bring those people to the village.

  I can’t sulk anymore. I promised myself when I first started this diary that I would no longer be timid, that I would become someone who can proudly call herself Onii-chan’s little sister. That’s why I have to think about what I can do for Onii-chan.

  Because I’m worried about Onii-chan. Because I’m his little sister. That’s why I won’t sulk anymore.

  If they’re people precious to Onii-chan, then they’ll be precious people to me, too. I will face them proudly. I’ll become super close to them, and on top of that, I’ll work my hardest not to lose to them, fair and square.

  That’s what I’ve decided.

  This is a declaration of my resolution.

  Although it makes me nervous wondering what kind of people they are... Even so, I want to see Onii-chan soon. I want to meet Onii-chan’s special people.

  So, when Onii-chan brings his precious people to the village, I’m going to be the first one running to welcome them. As Onii-chan’s current little sister, I won’t give this role up to anyone.

  I’ll be waiting, Onii-chan!

  — Diary, Day 153.

  Chapter 1: A Chance Meeting and Welcome

  It was Year 1000 of the Holy Era, in early spring.

  A giant eagle-like bird was soaring through the skies above the spirit folk village; it was Ariel, the contract spirit of Orphia, the high elf girl. Four girls in total were riding on Ariel’s back.

  “Orphia, faster! Faster!” Latifa, the werefox, urged Orphia to make Ariel move faster.

  “Got it. Ariel, if you’d please,” Orphia ordered Ariel, smiling with amusement. With a great flap of her wings, Ariel accelerated her flight speed.

  “Hey, Latifa — there’s no need to rush. It’s not like Rio’s going to run away,” Sara, the silver werewolf who was also riding on Ariel, said with an exasperated face.

  “But I want to be the first one to greet Onii-chan!” Latifa pouted her lips cutely.

  “There he is.” The dwarf girl Alma, who had been silently watching the ground from Ariel’s back as they moved, spotted the people they were looking for and pointed toward them. There in the distance stood five boys and girls — Rio and his guests.

  Onii-chan. And those people must be... Latifa enhanced her vision with spirit arts and focused her eyes on all of their faces. Rio and the others must have noticed their approach, as they were all looking back.

  “The peach-haired girl seems to be Lady Aishia. Ariel is drawing back a little,” Orphia said in awe.

  “My Hel is also acting a little weird. Is it because of Lady Aishia? Alma, how about your Ifritah?”

  “Same here. I’m not surprised — she is a humanoid spirit. Her rank really must be high.” Sara and Alma also seemed to feel the abnormality from their contract spirits residing within them in spirit form.

  As they were speaking, Ariel closed the distance to Rio’s group. Once they arrived in the skies above him, they began to slowly circle the area and lower their altitudes.

  Latifa fidgeted impatiently while waiting for the landing, then jumped off Ariel’s back while they were still a fair distance above the ground.

  “Ah, hey! Hold it right there, Latifa! Good grief!” Sara immediately noticed and yelled for her to stop, but Latifa had already landed on the ground. She adjusted her balance and set her eyes on Rio before she took a small breath and burst into an energetic dash.

  “Welcome back, Onii-chan!”

  “Whoa, there. I’m back, Latifa.” Rio caught Latifa gently, killing the force of her impact. Miharu, Aki, and Masato stared at the two of them, having been somewhat taken by surprise.

  “Ehehe,” Latifa grinned shyly. Ariel landed right beside them, and Sara, Orphia, and Alma all jumped down to the ground.

  “Geez, Latifa. You know it’s dangerous to jump from so high up, right?” Sara scolded Latifa with a hand placed against her hip.

  “It’s fine! I made sure to enhance my physical body beforehand.”

  “Geez! ...Oh, forgive my rudeness!” Sara was about to launch into one of her lectures when she noticed the eyes fixed on her. She bowed her head in a fluster, then cleared her throat with a small cough. She smiled brightly to hide her embarrassment and addressed Miharu and the others.

  “Welcome to the spirit folk village — we are pleased to have you here.”

  Rio chuckled. “Th
is is Sara. She’s a werebeast of the silver wolf variety and from one of the more prominent families in the village.”

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Sara,” she greeted with a faint blush to her cheeks.

  “This is the high elf Orphia, and next to her is Alma, a dwarf. Both of them are from prominent families in the village, just like Sara,” Rio continued.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “It’s a pleasure.”

  Orphia and Alma both bowed politely in greeting.

  “Umm, my name is Ayase Miharu. Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Miharu replied rather nervously.

  “I’m Sendo Aki. Nice to meet you,” Aki greeted awkwardly.

  “Whoa... They’re real.” Masato let out a squeaky noise as he stared at Sara and the others in a captivated daze.

  “...You introduce yourself properly, too,” Aki said, poking Masato in the head roughly.

  “O-Oww, that hurts. What’s your problem, Aki?” Masato complained as he held a hand up to where he was poked, but Aki didn’t bother responding to him.

  “Please accept my apologies — this is my foolish brother, Masato. As you can see, he is lacking in many areas, but he doesn’t mean anything by it. I would appreciate it if you treat him with some level of tolerance,” Aki explained and bowed her head at Sara and the others in embarrassment.

  “Fufu, that’s all right,” Orphia nodded with a giggle. Rio looked at the three Japanese visitors and introduced them to Latifa, who was still in his arms.

  “This is Latifa. We’re not related by blood, but she’s my beloved little sister. She should be the same age as Aki.”

  “I’m Latifa. Onii-chan’s little sister, and a werefox. Pleased to meet you.” Latifa adjusted her posture and bowed to them with a bashful smile, then raised her head and glanced at Miharu and Aki’s faces.

  “Hello, Latifa. It’s wonderful meeting you,” Miharu said, returning Latifa’s grin.

  “...Yes,” Latifa nodded hesitantly, enchanted by Miharu’s smile.

  “Now, I’ll introduce this girl to Sara and the others. You may have figured it out already, but this is my contract spirit, Aishia. Aishia, can you introduce yourself to them?” Rio asked.

  “Hello. I’m Aishia,” she said simply.

  “It’s an honor to finally make your acquaintance, Lady Aishia. On behalf of all the spirit folk, we welcome you to our village.” Sara, Orphia, and Alma all kneeled respectfully where they stood. In response to their reverent reaction, Aishia tilted her head curiously. Miharu and the others also seemed taken aback.

  With a faint smile, Rio explained why the spirit folk trio were acting with such humility. “Like I told you before, the spirit folk consider high-ranking spirits that have a humanoid form to be sacred, and worship them. You’re one of those humanoid spirits, Aishia.”

  “I don’t need to be treated so stiffly,” Aishia said, shaking her head quietly.

  “Well, I know you can’t just agree with that so easily, but it’d be nice if you could take appropriate measures for that. For now, please stand up,” Rio said to Sara’s group, the faint smile still on his face.

  “...Okay.” The villagers nodded, standing hesitantly. “Umm, then... May I call you Aishia?” Latifa asked Aishia without faltering.

  “Geez, there you go acting all overly familiar again. Try and follow the spirit folk ways for once...” Sara sighed tiredly and expressed her disapproval, but—

  “Latifa can call me whatever she likes. I don’t mind if you call me Aishia,” Aishia answered nonchalantly.

  “Oh.” Sara was immediately at a loss for words.

  “Hmm... Then, Aishia, is it?” Latifa cocked her head and hummed to herself.

  “Yep, that’s me.”

  “Yay! I’m glad to meet you, Aishia!”

  “U-Umm, Rio. Are you sure this is okay?” Sara looked at Rio worriedly for confirmation.

  “It’s fine. Miharu even calls her Ai-chan.” Rio gave Sara his stamp of approval with an amused smile.

  “...Really?” Sara stared at Miharu fixedly, as though she was seeing something awe-inspiring.

  “Huh? Sh-Should I not have been doing that, by any chance?” Miharu asked nervously, trembling with a start.

  “You’re fine. Aishia herself told you it was fine, so please respect her opinion.” Rio shook his head cheerfully as he consoled Miharu.

  “Umm, by the way. When they say ‘Rio,’ are they talking about you, Haruto?” Aki suddenly asked, having been listening silently for a while. At the same time, Latifa’s ears twitched at the sound of Aki calling Rio “Haruto.”

  “Ah, that’s right. I still have to explain the circumstances around that properly.” Rio scratched at his head with a troubled expression, unsure of where to start. Latifa watched him silently at his side.

  “I mentioned it indirectly when I first met you guys, but ‘Haruto’ is the alias I am using while I’m active in the Strahl region. My real name is the one Sara and the others have been calling me — Rio,” he explained.

  Sara raised her hand hesitantly. “Erm, may I ask why you need to use two names separately?”

  “It goes back to several years ago, before I first visited this village. I was involved in some trouble with the royalty and nobility of a certain kingdom in Strahl. They made me into a scapegoat for a crime I did not commit. In the end, they even put out a wanted notice for me,” Rio replied uncomfortably. At that, Latifa’s expression fell with an apologetic look.

  “Huh?!” The other girls all widened their eyes. Only Aishia remained indifferent to his story, having known what happened already.

  Ah! Sara and the other spirit folk girls recalled how they had been told of Latifa’s past as an assassin who had tried to attack Rio. Expressions of understanding fell across their faces as they began to suspect that the incident may have been related to how Latifa and Rio had met.

  “Well, I know it doesn’t sound very believable...” Rio said with a troubled face after a moment, the faces around him appearing dumbfounded.

  “Of course we believe you. We’re just shocked at how horrible it must have been.” Sara shook her head in a fluster.

  “It really is horrible. Is that wanted status still in effect even now?” Alma asked with a frown.

  “Thank you for your concern. I’m not sure if the warrant is still active... I haven’t returned to that kingdom yet, after all. However, the crime wasn’t a light one, and its statute of limitations wouldn’t have run out after a mere few years. Even if they aren’t actively searching for me, I think it’d be best to consider the crime as still pertinent.” Rio shook his head slowly.

  “I see. So that’s why you decided to use two names and change your hair color with a magic artifact...” Sara said, comprehending his words with a conflicted expression.

  “It’s also because black hair simply attracts attention in the Strahl region,” Rio added. “But its true purpose is to act as a precaution if that warrant from back then is still effective. So... I don’t mind what you call me while I’m in the village, but Miharu, if you and the others ever return to Strahl with me, I’d like to ask you to only call me ‘Haruto’ there,” he said lightly, clearing the heavy mood. Masato cocked his head.

  “Hmm... You’re still Haruto to me, though. It doesn’t feel right to call you Rio at this point, and switching names would just confuse me if we ever go back to Strahl, so I’m going to stick with calling you Haruto!” he said with a grin.

  “I’d like to continue calling you Haruto, too, since I’m already used to it,” Miharu agreed with a smile.

  “Umm, then... me too.” Aki also nodded hesitantly.

  “He has always been Rio to us, so it’s a bit curious to see him being called Haruto,” Sara said with a giggle.

  “But it strangely suits him, don’t you think? His gray hair is lovely, too,” Orphia said, smiling cheerfully.

  “It’s true... Rio’s aura is a little different when he has gray hair instead of black hair, but they b
oth make him look handsome,” Alma agreed.

  “Ah, I think it suits him too, you know?! When I said curious, I didn’t mean it was weird... Wait, what’s that look for, Alma?” Sara hurriedly added on to her earlier comment, but when she spotted Alma’s triumphant expression, she stopped to question the meaning behind it.

  “Oh, no reason. Don’t you think it’s time to lead everyone now?” Alma smiled with a puff of laughter and calmly changed the subject. Orphia was giggling, too, as Rio’s guests watched their exchange with deep curiosity.

  “I-I know that! And what are you laughing at, Orphia? We’re going to lead everyone now. Hurry up and let them on Ariel’s back.” Sara’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment as she urged Orphia into moving.

  ◇　◇　◇

  The entire group took to the skies and headed toward the giant tree house that was used as the village’s town hall. Once they landed in the square just before the town hall, Miharu and Aki timidly dropped down to the ground, whereas Masato leaped down with enthusiasm.

  “That was amaaazing! Flying is so fun! The village buildings are amazing too!” he shouted in high spirits.

  Beside him, Aki shot him a look of distaste at his childishness, but she also greatly enjoyed the scenery during their flight, so she wasn’t one to talk, either. Miharu chuckled at the sight of the two.

  Just then, particles of light gathered at the entrance of the town hall, taking on the shape of a beautiful woman. “You’ve arrived. I’ve been waiting.” The woman who had materialized was Dryas, the spirit of the giant tree.

  “Great Dryas — you’re here.” Sara, Orphia, and Alma bowed at Dryas respectfully.

  Dryas approached Aishia and spoke to her with a radiant smile. “Yes, I felt the presence of a powerful spirit appear within the village barrier. I flew over immediately, knowing it had to be Rio’s contracted spirit. You must be the one. I’m Dryas.”

  “I’m Aishia. Hello, Dryas,” Aishia replied in a monotonous voice.

  Dryas stared into Aishia’s face with a look of contemplation. “Hmm. You really are a spirit I don’t know, then. Not to mention your... Well, it’s fine. Let’s continue this conversation inside. You’re meeting the elders, right?” she asked, then immediately turned on her heel and faced the town hall.