The Doll Princess Rose

第6話 Magic

Perhaps because there is no television or radio, people like rumors because there is not much entertainment available, one truth will turn into rumors circulating the village twelve times. That alone makes it just like a dish with a lot of spice. Official announcements are often made to dispel rumors. There are things like newspapers, but rumors travel faster.

And this rush of rumors came to Rose as well. Due to the needle injury, she is almost unable to go outside, so various rumors are going around. There were unbelievable rumors, such as she had a nail stuck into her body or fell into unconsciousness due to injuries, or her hands and feet were cut in half, and so on, making people start to worry and gather at the mansion. After all, Rose is Lord Dalgodas's daughter, making it natural that many villagers want to know the truth.

"Hmm..."

Moi, who brought the food, looked troubled. The main problem she has is Rose has been grumpy in the room since morning. She was being treated excessively and wasn't allowed to go to the dining room. As predicted, she was locked in a room for two days, which made it pretty tough. She couldn't read books, nor couldn't practice her handwriting. She also couldn't do strenuous exercise due to the effects of her medication, and she felt so stressed with it. She thought going to the dining room was not the same as strenuous exercise, but her objective didn't work either.

The chef's thoughtful snacks and desserts are all delicious and healthy. However, being unable to go outside has become stressful for Rose. She had been sleeping for a year, but now she can't sleep because of this small wound.

"What's bothering you?"

Rose began eating the food Moi brought.

"I was told by a guard earlier that Mr. Yanagi was spotted and arrested just as he was about to leave the dormitory. As a precaution, he is being kept in a cell in the dormitory until he calms down."

"Huh? Why?"

Rose tilted her head, wondering if the dormitory had such facilities in the first place.

"It seems he heard an incomprehensible rumor saying someone stabbed Miss Rose and was on the verge of death."

"Eh?!"

That's strange. Besides, she doesn't know who will come to kill her. Rose smiled bitterly with a shocked expression.

"That's a big deal. I'm on the verge of death, so this is no place for me to sit and eat porridge in peace."

"I agree"

Moi also nodded.

"If this continues, Mr. Yanagi will go wild again and destroy the cell."

"That's even more troublesome. Shouldn't I go to see him?"

"I haven't received permission from the doctor yet, but I'm going to ask if you can come out now."

Moi went outside and asked the maid nearby to call for a medic. And she backs inside to take care of Rose's meals again. For the past two days, she has been her sole focus and has been very devoted to her. Thanks to that, Rose didn't go crazy. After all, it would get weird if she was stuck in this room for a long time with no TV or music. She's irritated by the way she was being treated as if being quarantined for a contagious disease. She thought that she was very grateful that Moi was someone she could talk to.

After the meal Moi cleaned the dishes, and a medic entered the room. He looked at the wound and said she was fine now. However, he told her not to push herself for a while, and he left the room. Now she can leave the room.

It had been a long time since she had a bath and felt so good. This time she has to be careful not to get hurt. She can't stand being treated like this anymore, she thought.

After changing her clothes, she must go to Yuri's room next door and say she is well, then go to her mother's room and say hello. Next, she went to her father's room to explain the situation and get permission to visit her brother.

"Are you and Yanagi that close?"

Dalgodas asks, looking at the little Rose in front of him.

"Maybe. Besides, it's natural for us to be worried because we're brothers. I'm sure Yanagi Big Brother heard some strange rumors about me and got worried. So I think he'll feel better if I show him my face."

Rose said clearly.

"I see."

"Besides, those who spread unexplained rumors will see me in good health and shut up."

"Okay. I'll permit you. Later, I want you to tell Yanagi. Don't believe all those stupid rumors."

"Yes, Father."

Dalgodas writes something on a piece of paper and hands it to Rose.

"Be careful and go. If you feel sick, have Moi carry you."

"Yes, thank you."

Rose nodded and left the lord's office. Then she and Moi headed to the dormitory where Yanagi lived.

When she arrived at the Level 3 dormitory where Yanagi was, Rose gave the dormitory leader the letter that Dalgodas had given and asked him to guide her to his cell. When she entered his cell, Rose was surprised. Yanagi's hands and feet were tied with thick metal chains, making him extremely miserable. Seeing Yanagi like that, Rose couldn't help but cry out, which surprised him. He was in so much pain, Rose thought. It seems that Yanagi was quite violent. There were scars all over his body.

"Rose! Are you okay? I was worried!"

"Yes, I'm feeling better. The needle stuck with me while I was embroidering, and the injury was exaggerated and caused many rumors. I'm sorry for worrying you."

As Rose apologized, she touched Yanagi's hand. He looks sore, she thought.

"When I heard that Rose was dying, I wanted to know. I asked everyone and got a reply that they didn't know, so I decided to check for myself, but they found me."

Yanagi said and Rose nodded.

"We all captured him."

The dormitory leader removed Yanagi's chains and set him free.

"Now, go back to your room!"

"Thank you. I'm sorry!"

Yanagi thanked him and left the cell, heading towards his room.

"Why did everyone make a mess of you?"

Rose asked him in horror.

"It's about collective responsibility. If someone in the dormitory is punished, we must watch each other. If something happens, we're all responsible and we all get punished. I understand that I did something wrong. I'm doing it, but I'm worried so..."

Yanagi said as he climbed the stairs. Halfway through, Rose became exhausted, so Yanagi held her.

"About that, I received a message for you from Father. Do not believe any nonsense rumors like that."

"Please tell him, I will keep it in mind."

When Rose and the others were about to enter Yanagi's room, someone from the next room appeared. When Yanagi opened the room, he dropped Rose off once.

"Yo! Yanagi, are you out yet? I'm sorry for punching you in the face."

He said this while looking at Yanagi.

"I'm sorry for kicking you in the stomach, too."

"Ha! Your kick didn't hurt or itch. Hahaha."

The person laughed and nodded.

"Oh? Is that little girl over there your sister?"

He approached and saw Rose hiding behind Yanagi's legs.

"Good day. My name is Rose. I am Yanagi Big Brother's younger sister. This is Moi, the maid. Nice to meet you."

Rose greeted politely. However, her ears felt itchy at the words "Good day''. Even though she says it herself, she feels very uncomfortable. However, Frey had told her to greet people she met for the first time that way, so she had no choice but to say so.

"Hey, you're a very clever young lady. I'm Rocco, and I live in the room next to Yanagi. Nice to meet you!"

He says his name is Rocco, Rose looks at him and nods. Judging from his appearance, he appears to be from the snake race. His back was covered in blue scales and he had a sturdy physique. His skin is wheat-colored. His eye color was brown and his hair was also brown.

"Okay then. I have Level 4's hunting work, so I'm going now! Don't escape again, Yanagi!"

"Aye. Good luck in hunting!"

Rocco shook his hand, took the clothes, and headed to the stairs.

Rose and the others were a little surprised when they entered the room. The room is quite messy. Moi started tidying up the room.

"I'm sorry, I messed up a lot."

Yanagi apologized with a bitter smile.

"Yeah. it's fine. Besides, does the wound hurt?"

"It hurt, but I was so desperate that I didn't feel anything at all once. Later on, it started to hurt."

"Are you okay?"

"It's okay now. We're warriors, so we're used to hitting and being beaten. This is also part of our training. We never hurt others out of bullying or personal feelings. It's our job. That’s why."

Yanagi explained as he looked for a cup and drank some hot water.

"Do you get paid for your job?"

"Well, a little bit. But I haven't done any job with most people this month, so my wallet is pretty empty. Once the lockdown is lifted, I have to go back to work. If not, I won't be able to buy you a delicious meal."

Yanagi said as he touched Rose's face.

"If it's a meal, I get it from the head chef daily."

"I'm jealous of that."

Yanagi laughed.

"Why don’t you come home sometime?"

"I'd like to, but my position doesn't allow me to do that. Even if I have nothing to do, just because I miss cooking is no reason to return."

"Even though it’s your parents’ house?"

"Yes, even though it's my parents' house. That's what I was prepared for when I left home. Well, I was able to come back regularly to visit you, but since you have already woken up, you don't need to be visited. Oops"

Yanagi pinched Rose's cheek with his hand.

"What should I use as a reason this time? Seeing my cute little sister?"

"Eh? That’s terrible. That was why you visited me to eat the head chef’s food."

"Hahaha, I'm sorry. But please don't misunderstand. I was worried about you. Because of the graffiti I wrote on your face, I thought the reincarnation had failed. So I went to check it out. I went to see you every month."

Yanagi said with a smile.

"Thank you."

Rose nodded.

"I'm glad you woke up. Moreover, you can speak and move well. Honestly, I was relieved."

Yanagi said as he looked into Rose's eyes.

"At that time, I felt like thorns came out, and I’m sorry."

"Oh, it's just a little tingly. But that's a natural reaction, so it's okay."

"Are thorns normal? Brother Yanagi, do you have leaves coming out of your body?"

"Nothing but vines comes out. For me, the power of the demon god is greater. Keyaki has leaves come out. When that guy is relieved from work, leaves come out on his face and body."

Yanagi said with a laugh. His white teeth looked beautiful.

"Huh? Is that so?"

"Mom has, too, but this is a secret. Okay? I'd be in trouble if there were any strange rumors again."

"Yes, Brother."

Moi brewed tea and carried it out.

"Here, have a tea."

"Thank you."

When Rose took a cup of tea and slowly drank it, Yanagi laughed. He stood up, went to the shelf where the books were arranged, and took one.

"Ah, that's right. I'll lend you this book. It's about magic control, and it might be a bit difficult. But I think this is the knowledge Rose needs."

Yanagi handed him a book. However, the book is difficult and she can't read it.

"Once you can read, read it little by little. I've memorized that book perfectly, and there's no deadline for returning it, so you need to take your time and understand it."

Yanagi said, nodding. Rose opened the book upside down and he laughed.

"Thank you, brother."

"You're welcome. Rose is cute, after all."

Yanagi sat next to Rose and opened the book.

"Sister Yuri is beautiful, too."

"Did you meet Yuri?"

"Yes, she is very kind and beautiful. I promised to draw a picture with her next time."

"Have fun, Rose. Yuri is sensitive, and every time she sees me she starts crying. I guess she hates me. Keyaki and Rose are the only ones who were friendly to me."

Yanagi sighs and looks at Rose.

“What about Sister Sumire?”

"Have you met her?"

"No, not yet."

Rose shook his head.

"Sumire is still a baby. She's cute, but I can't talk to her."

"You like to do conversation?"

"I don't know. I don't have many people that I can call friends. I turned into a demon in front of everyone, and maybe it was scary. And because of that, my friends who were good friends have distanced themselves from me. None of the kids at my level want to pair up with me. Rocco, who lives next to me, only calls out to me sometimes, but we don't get to know each other much beyond that, and it's just at dinner time."

Yanagi said and smiled. But his eyes weren't smiling.

"Is Rocco strong?"

"Ah, he's strong. He's called the poisonous Rocco."

"That's amazing."

"But, he never teamed up with me. A level 3 can only work around walls at most, so that's also the reason. So I've teamed up with people of a higher level, such as hunting and patrolling. The higher-level people don't care if I'm a demon or just a chick. They're stronger than me."

When Yanagi said that, Rose nodded. Even strong people have their worries.

Good luck, bro! , Rose said, cheering.

When she returned to the mansion, Rose decided to rest for the day. Rose has been doing basic training every afternoon and has gotten a little faster. She's still a little tired but can run at least as far as the other kids. Little by little, she was convinced that she could close the distance. In her early days, there was a time when she had sore muscles and had Moi apply medicine to her every night. However, she's fine now.

Rose also became able to read and write a little. Although she still can't understand difficult words, she gradually can read the magic-related books Yanagi gave her.

Today, Rose read a book in her family's living room in her mansion. A large sofa in the room was convenient, and the light was bright enough. Dalgodas is always seen resting there, sometimes enjoying a book or conversation.

When Rose tried to climb onto the couch, Rinka, the black cat always in the room, kissed her nose and then nudged Rose's back with her head so she could climb on.

Thank you, Rinka! said Rose happily.

As if Rinka had nodded, she climbed up the couch and sat near Rose. Then, Rinka pretended as if they were looking at the book together.

"You are so cute," Rose smiled. 

Rinka is the mansion's pet. She often steals the chef's food and a smart black cat. She has jet-black fur, fluffy and silky fur, glowing blue eyes, and pointed ears. She is a beautiful cat. However, this cat is about 1 meter tall and indeed large. Her body is slim and has gorgeous lines. She's not always there during the day, but when the day gets dark, she's always in this living room.

"Hey, do you want to study magic too, Rinka?"

When Rose spoke to her, Rinka closed and opened her eyes. "Well, you are a cat, after all,'' Rose laughed, returning to read her book.

"Rinka is smart. So you might even be able to read books. You could do it better than me, haha."

Rinka stroked her head and then licked her ears and cheeks. "I love you, Rinka", Rose said and laughed.

"Now, if you don't read hard, you'll never get better at reading."

Rose said as she began reading each letter one by one. She looks closely at the letters and drawings, thinking about what each one means.

"Magic Principle"

It is a technique that utilizes the natural power of magic. The amount of magical power varies depending on the individual. However, the difference increases with training and experience. Some people are born with great magical powers, while others have none.

It has been written that many Morgs have almost no natural magical powers. There seems to be a big difference between different races. That's why the Morgs ended up using sorcery instead of magic. It is a forbidden technique that captures a species with magical power and uses it as an energy source.

Scary, Rose thought. She doesn't know when the Kingdom of Morg will attack here, so Yanagi and the others train hard daily.

"Rose? What are you reading?"

Dalgodas came to the living room and sat nearby.

Ah, Father. Good evening. This is a book called Magic Control, and I borrowed it from Yanagi Big Brother. He lent it to me the other day, but I still don't understand it."

Rose said while showing him the book.

"Yanagi? Hmm. Is there anything you don't understand?"

"I still don’t understand magic itself."

Rose answered honestly. She has no idea what magic is. She has only seen the magic in games but doesn't know how she uses it.

"If it's about vine, you sent it out, right? That thing is used with magical power. The strength and effect of Yanagi's weapon, the whip, can also be controlled by magical power."

Dalgodas briefly explains, and Rose listens to him intently.

"Can I use a weapon like that too?"

"That's up to you. If you want to use it, I think you can."

“Can Father use it?”

"I'm a pure demon god, so I can't do it much. Unfortunately, I can't do techniques like Yanagi. However, I can do simple magic."

Dalgodas said with a nod.

"I see."

"For example, the lights in this room can be adjusted. As you have probably noticed, all the lights in this mansion are magically controlled. The warmth, comfortable temperature, and warm and cold water are almost magically controlled. This kind of usage feels natural, but it isn't."

Dalgodas said as he used magic to make the nearby lights bigger and smaller.

"Amazing."

When Rose said this, Dalgodas laughed.

"In a normal house, you get light by burning oil. It seems like you've been to Yanagi's room many times. Have you ever seen a magical light like this?"

"No, I've never seen one. I always came when it was bright, so it didn't need a light."

Rose shook her head and said honestly.

"I see. Yanagi is having trouble adjusting and controlling his magic. He has so much power that he only needs a small amount of magic to turn it on, but he has failed many times. I’ve lost count of how many times he has broken it."

"Oh, I see."

"Was that surprising you?"

"Yes."

Rose nodded.

"That child has been troubled by his powers since he was little. Perhaps because of this, he is feared by other children of his age and does not have good interpersonal relationships. However, he is a very kind child. Because that power could get out of control, his mother, Frey, put a black bracelet on Yanagi's arm to limit his magical power. That's why when he turned into a demon god, he dried up of power quickly.''

"Hmm, I see..."

Rose thought as she nodded.

“Now that I think about it, was Yanagi you saw that day scary?”

"No. I was surprised, but he released tremendous power and suddenly transformed. But he was strong."

Rose said and Dalgodas was staring at her.

"Transformation?"

"Is it wrong?"

"That's not a transformation, Rose."

"I don't understand. What do you mean?"

Rose tilted her head.

"That's Yanagi's true form."