Chapter 9, Chance

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

The meeting between Collete and her parents at Shiomala’s mansion was brief and unexpectedly cordial. When Collete entered the room, her parents appeared surprised

 

They had not been told why they were summoned. In that moment, Kousuke noticed her Father’s face twist with regret, an expression strikingly similar to Collete when she felt like that. Though, it only lasted for an instant.

 

The conversation that followed was purely matter-of-fact. From Kousuke’s perspective as an observer, it was clear that none of them viewed each other as Family anymore.

 

Collete showed no signs of harboring resentment toward her parents; she seemed focused solely on confirming certain facts. It was evident that each of them had chosen their own distinct path in life.

 

Seeing this dynamic, Kousuke felt no need to intervene or attempt to repair their relationship. If Collete was at peace with the situation, that was enough. However, he remained internally resolved to defend her with all his might should anyone attempt to harm her.

 

When the meeting concluded, Collete’s expression was one of profound relief. While Kousuke suspected she had finally severed ties with her past, he could not be certain of her true feelings.

 

In the days that followed, he never pressed her about her parents, believing that she would discuss it if she wished to. Since her parents’ existence seemed to have little impact on her life now, he saw no reason to probe deeper. His initial impression—that she had successfully disconnected from her past—proved accurate.

 

In contrast to Collete’s relieved demeanor, Shiomala, who had arranged the meeting, appeared melancholic. After Collete requested some time alone, Shiomala murmured to herself, “…In the end, didn’t things go back to the way they were?”

 

“When you say ‘back to the way things were,’ do you mean before her Sister was born?” Kousuke inquired.

 

“Yes. Back then, we were close, despite the surrounding circumstances.” As Shiomala’s eyes narrowed in reminiscence, Kousuke offered a different perspective. “I see. Elves, or High Elves, really do hate changes to the status quo, huh?”

 

“Eh?” Shiomala blinked, confused by his observation.

 

Kousuke gave a self-deprecating smile. “People, especially Humans, tend to flow with time and make decisions as they come… Whether that’s good or bad is another matter. That’s why I think that in times like this, they should all go their own way.”

 

He paused before continuing, “But as you mentioned, they could also think back to the good old days and wish to return to those times. They remember when their relationship was good and wish that connection had endured.”

 

He acknowledged that this was not universal—neither all Humans nor all Elves followed such patterns, and individuals often responded differently depending on circumstances. Yet, after encountering various races of this world, Kousuke could not help but notice certain temperamental tendencies among different species. Still, he mostly kept them to himself, and recognized these as merely his personal observations.

 

“That’s…” Shiomala appeared contemplative.

 

Kousuke quickly waved his hand. “Oh, don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting that it is wrong. In fact, there are advantages to it.”

 

“Eh?”

 

Seeing Shiomala’s startled reaction, Kousuke smiled wryly. “If the Human’s way is definitively superior, every race would adopt it. If it’s not, there must be drawbacks. That’s inevitable.” He added somewhat bluntly that if this were not true, races thinking differently would have been eliminated, causing Shiomala to chuckle at his deliberate attempt to lift her spirit.

 

“…It must be thanks to you that Collete was able to change so much.” She suddenly said.

 

Kousuke blinked in surprise. “No. As Collete mentioned earlier, it’s not my doing—it’s all thanks to a woman called Sylvia.”

 

Shiomala shook her head. “That may have been the catalyst, but I believe you’re the reason Collete is where she is now. That’s what you call, a woman’s intuition.”

 

Kousuke found himself speechless, knowing better than to argue against such claims. Unexpected support for Shiomala’s perspective came from Mitsuki, who had been listening quietly.

 

“Shiomala’s right. Collete’s transformation is definitely thanks to you.”

 

Kouhi nodded in agreement.

 

“Oh, so that’s what you thought too.” Shiomala’s face brightened as she watched Kouhi and Mitsuki express their agreement.

 

Kousuke sensed trouble brewing. The conversation was clearly steering toward romance, specifically concerning him and Collete.

 

Though he wished to avoid the topic, escape proved impossible when Collete returned to the room and joined the discussion. She began enthusiastically praising Kousuke, with Kouhi and Mitsuki eagerly joining in, leaving him at a complete loss.

 

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The fact that Collete would participate in the <Ritual of Activating Spirits> remained unknown to most in the Elf village. Indeed, few even knew of her presence in Sewri, with only select staff at Shiomala’s mansion aware.

 

Since they too had not been informed about Collete’s role in the ritual, their ignorance of her participation was natural.

 

When Kousuke questioned the propriety of conducting the ritual so discreetly, both Collete and Shiomala readily assured him of its appropriateness.

 

“The <Ritual of Activating Spirits> is solely the shrine maiden’s responsibility. No one else may interfere,” Collete explained.

 

“Any interference would invite criticism.” Shiomala added.

 

They elaborated that in Elven society, living under the World Tree’s protection, any interference with the shrine maiden’s ritual would be seen as challenging the World Tree itself—equivalent to questioning their deity.

 

Kousuke accepted this explanation but suddenly turned to Collete with a new question. “Oh? By the way, do they perform the <Ritual of Activating Spirits> over there as well?”

 

“Of course. The <Ritual of Activating Spirits> is essentially a ceremony to receive a portion of the World Tree’s accumulated power.”

 

Collete explained that the ritual’s purpose was to channel some of the World Tree’s Divine Power to nurture surrounding life forms. She admitted that she only truly understood the ritual’s significance after gaining the ability to use Divine Power herself—a revelation that prompted vigorous nodding from Shiomala.

 

“That means that today, the ceremony over there is…”

 

“I’ll perform it there as well. The actual ceremony itself is quite brief.”

 

“Sorry for the inconvenience,” Shiomala bowed apologetically.

 

Collete quickly shook her head. “It’s hardly an inconvenience, so please don’t apologize.”

 

After all, this was the World Tree’s request. Collete neither could nor wished to refuse.

 

This moment marked the beginning of what would later be known as the ‘Great Change of Yuta’ in the village of Sewri.

 

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