Even if my only strength is water magic, having modern knowledge should be sufficient, right? - Chapter 52

Episode 52: Re-conquest of the Levias Family and Someone’s Anger

“If it gets dangerous, please let me know!”

“But you can’t move before that.”

Safety can indeed be bought with money.

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Levias Mansion was thoroughly searched. While investigating the mansion, two hidden passages were found: one resembling a small gap and another behind the bookshelf. The bookshelf was troublesome. When books fell, I thought there might be clues, but they were just diaries. I couldn’t understand what could be a hint, no matter how many times I read them. Meanwhile, I kept bumping into something, and another book fell.

“What’s going on already!”

The sudden rap sound from somewhere in the house was far scarier than bumping into invisible objects. The books that fell from the bookshelf were romances, adventures, reports of territory finances, and how to interact with different races… It made no sense. I twisted my neck, reading each book over and over again, searching for codes or connections, but then all the books on the bookshelf fell.

“Hyaahh!! What on earth!?”

Books tumbling down like an avalanche. I thought I was going to shrink. I dashed away, then went back to check, but nothing had changed after the books fell. With fear, I cautiously investigated. For an ordinary child, this could easily become traumatic. I even thought the bookshelf itself might collapse… When I looked carefully while being cautious, I realized there seemed to be something like a mechanism in the bookshelf itself. When I touched it, the bookshelf opened like a door. I propped a chair against it so it wouldn’t close and examined inside.

“Alright… do I have to go deeper?”

Descending from the entrance of the bookshelf led to a passage resembling a sewer. It was just a space to walk beside a clean waterway flowing from somewhere. Despite trembling with fear, I investigated, but it didn’t lead anywhere but to another entrance within the mansion. I checked all the branches of the passage, but they were just passages behind the mansion. Water flowed at my feet, but it was just a waterway. And so, my exploration of the Levias Mansion was over. I had thoroughly searched everywhere that could be investigated.

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I found something by looking at the documents left by the king:
– The waterway flowing through the Levias estate is the source of water for the Levias family.
– Levias residents have occasionally sought refuge towards the water source.
– Past heads of the family would immediately produce a water sphere upon entering the estate after a change of leadership.

So, it’s conceivable that there might be a possibility of “something happening if magic is used within the estate” and “something being rigged in the waterway.”

Therefore, there are three options available to me:
– Wait for new information.
– Use magic to enter from the waterway.
– Try using water magic within the mansion.

Waiting for new information might be a good idea. After all, in the other two options, it would involve someone entering and exiting through the waterway, which would mean “using some sort of magic to enter the water,” or even if using magic within the mansion, it would involve “producing a water sphere immediately upon entering the estate.” Either way, it would involve using magic in a place where there seems to be a defensive system like the bumping.

(Note: “ゴスゴスボフボフ” (Gosugosubofubofu). This word is used to describe the sensation when something invisible is hitting on Frim in C47 at the Levias estate. And as you can see I use “hitting with force” as a substitute. The word “ゴスゴスボフボフ” (Gosugosubofubofu) is an onomatopoeic expression in Japanese. It’s used to describe the sensation or sound of rubbing or scrubbing something vigorously. It can be translated as “scrubbing vigorously” or “rubbing hard.” In this chapter, it is shorten to “ゴスボフ” (Gosubofu). I decided to refer to it as “the bumping” so I hope there is no confusion. Or….even better, just replace the word “bumping” with “Gosubofu” every time you read it)

However, the bumping seems to take mysterious lethal measures against intruders other than me… Using magic is too risky. Is there any point in doing it? That’s what I’m thinking, but the expectant gazes from those around me don’t stop. The vassals seem to be saying, “It’s been allowed until now, so it’ll be fine.” The weight of their expectations is heavy. I don’t want to risk my life. But I do think it’s not a bad bet. The way the bumping deals with intruders does differ between the person who intruded and me…

However, if I’m going to risk my life… I’ll make sure to be prepared.

“Hiss… Hiss… “

“Do they really need to go this far?”

Unlike the time when I couldn’t do anything, now there are choices I can make!

They equipped Frim-chan with a specially made full-body armor made of cloth that seemed to be able to defend against attack magic, with a helmet and shield! Additionally, they prepared a cart since Frim couldn’t move, and they supported it with wood so it wouldn’t collapse! They crossed the boundary of the security line!

“I reckon it’s the master’s idea. Even if you die now, it wouldn’t be good. It’s better to be prepared,” said someone.

“Is that so? Aren’t you worrying too much…?”

With that, Frim-chan, fixed to the cart with the armor, was pushed forward. Only the boss understood the danger, which was a relief. Even Professor Ael, who usually expresses some opinions, seems to think (perhaps due to her belief in spirits) that “Frim-sama will be fine,” which is frightening.

“Frim-sama! We’re already inside the estate!”

“Hiss… Hiss…”

It can be heard. However, the hands were heavy and couldn’t be lifted. I concentrated and tried to float a water sphere… It worked! With a puff, the usual invisible spirit appeared. The impact felt lighter than usual. It seemed that about 20% hit the body with a rustling sound, and 80% hit the water sphere. I kept producing water around my body for about 20 minutes, but it didn’t seem to attack me with a murderous intent.

“What will Frim-sama do?”

“Hiss… Hiss…”

Shaking the body and bending the fingers of the left hand. It’s a sign of retreat.

“Retreat! Let’s pull back for now!!”

Once again, the cart was pulled back again with a clatter.

I immediately had them remove the armor on the spot. Some parts of the armor were tied to the pillar of the cart, but this armor and protective magical tools were too heavy.

“Puhahh!!? Haa… Haa…”

Above all, whether it was a countermeasure against wind magic or not, it was almost airtight, and it was suffocating inside the armor. If I kept wearing it like this, I might die because of the magical tools. But now it’s clear that I can use magic within the estate. Just for this confirmation, I sweated profusely, so let’s call it a day for today. Let’s try again tomorrow!… How can knights move around wearing such heavy things?

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Three days later, it’s a retry. Despite being about five years old, wearing a specially made full-body armor that was thickened for the entire body resulted in muscle pain at a young age. I won’t wear it again.

A young body is good. The recovery ability is different. When I was working at the desk, there were days when my shoulders hurt no matter what position I was in due to stiffness… and my stiff shoulders didn’t recover easily. However, a young girl’s body is fully recovered after half a day of sleep. It’s been three days since it rained, so it’s a retry.

“Water, come forth.”

My heart is pounding loudly. Even though everyone says it’s safe, even if it was safe with the experiment I did myself… I still feel anxious.

In my past life, there was news of “a hairdryer malfunctioned due to dust” everywhere in the world. It’s possible that dust could get into a hairdryer used to dry hair, which is a structural possibility. The mindset toward safety differs depending on whether or not you know that “such accidents can occur” with tools.

When I saw a friend’s almost broken hairdryer, something was sparking and making noise, and tools are tools—no matter what they are, you shouldn’t completely trust them.

Moreover, it’s not a household appliance, but rather a defense system of some spirit or something, and moreover, “people are dying because the security system is functioning properly,” so I think it’s better to be cautious. It’s super scary.

The bumping-san was hit by the water that came out. Even after waiting for a few minutes while producing water, I wasn’t attacked.

“Is it safe to enter the mansion?”

I mustered up the courage to ask, but there was no response. I’ve asked many times before, and there hasn’t been any proper communication. However, there was also hope that something might change with this water magic… but there was no response.

“…I’m off.”

“Take care.”
“We’ll be waiting for good news.”
“If anything happens, come back immediately.”

“Thank you.”

Even Markea, who usually doesn’t say anything, spoke today. Let’s do my best.

I created several water spheres around my body and guided the bumping-san towards them, then I headed deeper into the hidden passage behind the mansion’s bookshelf.

“It’s dangerous! Stop!”

Being pushed from behind on the stairs was a bit scary. Beyond this point is a passage with a waterway at the bottom.

“Water, envelop the body.”

I deployed an egg-shaped barrier and entered the water. From the information that there were people entering the waterway… surely there must be something ahead. It’s a transparent waterway, but the light doesn’t reach the depths.

“Whoa!?”

I was being irresistibly drawn somewhere in the waterway with frightening force. I tried to escape by moving the water, but it was futile. I could only hope that this wasn’t a security measure against intruders… and helplessly got sucked into the dark water.

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((?)’s Perspective)

“Frim, you fool! How dare you…!!! What a disgrace!!”

Even though I had come this far. That brat, wasn’t she dead? After all the effort I’ve put into expanding my faction…!!!

“Damn it!!”

– Our faction is experiencing more defections.
Originally, they were negative about fighting. It can’t be helped. However, if this continues, the supporters of mine, no, His Highness, will decrease.

“Why… why did it come to this?”

It’s already decided.

If only that cowardly usurper who pretended to be dead wasn’t there, if the spirits didn’t make a mistake in choosing…!! Why would such a brat ascend to the throne… no, that’s inevitable, but… could it be that Frim is alive?

And not only is she alive, but she also rescued the brat in a seemingly life-threatening situation when she’s only about five years old. What’s going on?

— No, that’s not it. Probably, this is the work of that prime minister. Even if that girl was alive, there’s no way she could defeat the named hero

Many in my faction, as well as in other factions, did not favor power struggles due to the succession battle for the throne. And to avoid the inevitable conflict that will happen in the future… people will gather to Frim’s faction, who was given the title of count. Contrary to their wishes, there will surely be a conflict. They don’t understand anything. Why can the prime minister be so despicable and cruel? What does he think of human lives?

“Haa…”

It’s no good. Drink some medicinal hot water to calm down.

I sent my daughter as a fiancée, but it’s unlikely to go well. It should be difficult to even approach him in the first place. Even though he’s getting older, if the Prime Minister is with him, there should be no such opportunity. His Highness’ rebuke is severe, but it’s my fault for making such a mistake.

“It’s not over yet, as long as they’re still here!!”

It’s painful, but if it comes to this…