Chapter 20: Holy Power

Bathed in the deepening twilight, the vehicle called a ‘kitchen car‘ that Sakuraile-sama had summoned was speeding toward the Euphonium territory. It was incredibly fast. It traveled many times faster than a regular carriage. It truly was an amazing vehicle. Looking at the scenery rushing past, I recalled everything that had happened. Sakuraile-sama, who had become my friend, was an unusual young lady. Despite being the daughter of a Ducal House, the highest rank of nobility, she never acted haughty or spoke with arrogance. She treated me, a commoner by birth, as an equal from the very beginning. How happy that made me. Suddenly becoming a noble, I was filled with anxiety. I didn’t really want to be a noble, but a certain status and money were necessary to have my sick mother seen by a good doctor. Father became a noble for Mother’s sake. So, I, his daughter, must also work hard. I diligently studied dancing and etiquette so as not to embarrass myself as a noble lady. Although I was clumsy, I gradually learned and managed to maintain the minimum appearance of a noble lady, but… Still, I couldn’t get used to the noble life. At His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday party, noble young ladies I had just met ridiculed me as a country bumpkin. Being called a country bumpkin didn’t bother me. It was the truth. But I couldn’t forgive them for mocking the dress that Mother had painstakingly made for me. Above all, I was frustrated with myself for not being able to say anything back. Just when I was about to cry from holding back, Sakuraile-sama appeared brilliantly and rescued me. Not only that, but she called me, me, her friend… I was so happy. She praised the dress Mother made and encouraged me, telling me that my useless [Gift] was fine. She is a truly kind person. I thought that a person like Sakuraile-sama was what a true noble lady should be. Sakuraile-sama also gives me lots of sweets. Every sweet Sakuraile-sama gives me is delicious. Father and Mother were surprised, too. However, I never thought that through those sweets, I would become acquainted with Princesses from other countries. Princess Lucariola Le Prélude and Princess Tifania Le Minuet. To sit with people of such high standing and play games together. When I told Father after the party, his face turned pale, and he grilled me about whether I had committed any rudeness. I think it’s probably fine. Neither of them seemed to mind trivial things. Furthermore, when I told him I had also greeted His Majesty the Emperor, Father took to his bed.

Sakuraile-sama is very kind, cute, and wonderful. She will surely captivate many gentlemen when she grows up. …What is this? I feel a bit uneasy. Sakuraile-sama is honest, so I hope she won’t be deceived by smooth-talking noble men… No, I have to protect Sakuraile-sama from such dishonorable, vulgar men. After all, she is my b-best friend! Maybe I should learn swordsmanship from Mother… I want to become skilled enough to knock down any man who crosses her. Mother was once a highly skilled adventurer. Although she has gone out less since she became ill, her skill with a sword was said to be the best in the frontier. Mother’s illness… Can it really be cured…? I gazed at the crest of Hōly-sama floating on the back of my hand. Sakuraile-sama said I could definitely cure it, but… No, it will definitely be alright. Sakuraile-sama’s words are never wrong. Just as Sakuraile-sama helped me, now it is my turn to help Mother. Even after the sun had set and the outside was completely dark, the kitchen car continued to drive. The kitchen car was illuminating the path itself, like a light magic spell. This way, we wouldn’t lose our way. Eventually, the kitchen car entered the Euphonium domain’s capital and finally arrived at the Lord’s Mansion… my home. We truly arrived in less than a day. The servants were surprised by the sudden arrival of the unfamiliar vehicle, but when Father and I showed ourselves, they rushed to us and informed us that Mother was in a dangerous state.

“Mother!”

I rushed into the bedroom, and there on the bed was Mother, pale, sweating profusely, and struggling in pain. Seeing her so haggard and on the verge of exhaustion, I felt like crying.

“E–Estelle…”

“Mother! I’m here! I’m going to help you now!”

I gripped Mother’s weak hand and offered a prayer to Hōly, the Holy Goddess. Please, save my mother! I beg you! My [Gift], Sakuraile-sama…! Lend me your strength! Suddenly, a hot power erupted from my entire body, and that power flowed through my clasped hand into Mother.

“This light is…!”

The doctor who had been attending to Mother let out a startled cry. Mother’s entire body glowed, and the whole room was enveloped in a dazzling light. When the light subsided, there was Mother, breathing regularly in her sleep. She looked completely different from her haggard state just moments ago; she seemed to have returned to her healthy self. The doctor placed his hand on Mother’s forehead and checked her pulse.

“I cannot believe it… There are no abnormalities… It is as if time has been reversed… Is this a [Holy Miracle]?”

At the doctor’s words, my strength left me, and I sank down onto the floor. I did it… Sakuraile-sama… I was able to save Mother…

“U…mm…? Estelle?”

Mother opened her eyes. Mother, completely restored to her healthy self, looked at me and smiled.

“Mother!”

“Yulia!”

Father and I hugged Mother. It’s Mother. My healthy Mother is back. My… my beloved Mother is here. I’m so happy. I’m so happy! I was so happy… so happy, yet I couldn’t stop crying. Since Father was crying too, it must not be a strange thing. Mother was crying too. All the servants were crying, and so was Tanya Celesta, who brought us here. My [Gift] was not useless. This power must have been given to me by Hōly-sama to save Mother. Sakuraile-sama taught me that. If I hadn’t met Sakuraile-sama, Mother might have died. Sakuraile-sama is the savior of my mother’s life. What can I give back to her? For now, I’ll write a letter of thanks. I must convey my gratitude. And then, I must work harder as a noble lady. So that I won’t be an embarrassment standing next to Sakuraile-sama. So that I can be a help to that person. I swore this to the crest of Hōly-sama on the back of my hand.