Chapitre 40: Chapter 39
Chapter 39: Ordinary Time: My Favorite Magic
_____
In Frieren's cabin, the two shared a pleasant lunch and spent the afternoon chatting leisurely.
Later that evening, they took a stroll through the mountains and forests together.
Ash, showing no reservations, ended up sleeping on the floor of the cabin for the night.
At dawn the next day, Frieren led him to the vast hills nearby.
Among the rolling, endless hills, the land seemed to be covered with a holy veil, with countless white flowers blooming in every direction.
As he gazed at the endless sea of flowers, his eyes were drawn to the upright stone tablet in the center, engraved with Flamme's name.
"This sea of flowers... it was created with your magic, wasn't it?"
Looking at the breathtaking scene before him and then at the familiar name on the tombstone, Ash's gaze naturally fell on the girl beside him.
"You know, don't you? Master's favorite magic was the one that could create beautiful flower fields... so I often come here to use it."
"But I remember you weren't interested in this type of magic before."
"That's true," Frieren nodded slightly. "But in the end... when Master was nearing the end, I asked her to teach me this spell."
"Why?"
"Why? I can't really explain it," Frieren said, staring at the tombstone, her brows furrowing as she struggled to find the words. "You just... want to learn it, right?"
"Is that so?" Ash nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "By the way, Frieren, what's your favorite magic?"
"Could you create a magic spell that makes a beautiful flower field?"
"I mean your own magic, not Flamme's."
"That's probably it."
"That's your favorite? You said you liked magic."
"Can't I like them all?" Frieren's expression turned a little sour at the question, and she even retorted, "Then what about you, Ash? What kind of magic do you like?"
"It's not that you can't, but... well, for me, it's gravity magic."
"Why?"
"It's the magic that saved my life back then. If I hadn't known it, my troublesome sister and I wouldn't have made it this far."
"Come to think of it, you have a younger sister, don't you?" At the mention of his sister, Frieren's face darkened slightly. "Ash, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"How did you feel when you found out your sister had died?" Even now, Frieren couldn't quite grasp the emotions she felt when she cried a thousand years ago, so she unconsciously looked to him for answers.
"...How do you feel when your sister dies?"
Ash's expression became complicated. Now that he knew Aura was still alive and thriving, it was difficult to answer.
Frieren, sensing his hesitation, quickly grew remorseful.
"I'm sorry. Let's just forget about it... You and your sister have been through so much together. You must be really close, right?"
"Yeah... I suppose."
"Suppose?"
"...Don't worry about it." Ash tilted his head slightly, gazing at the sky at a 45-degree angle, hoping to hide his awkward, conflicted expression.
At this moment, Frieren showed unexpected understanding. She simply patted Ash's shoulder without saying a word.
After a long silence, Ash broke the quiet with a sudden thought. "Speaking of which…"
"What is it?"
"There are all these strange magic books on your desk. They're not from Flamme, are they?"
"I've collected them over the years during my spare time." Frieren's face lit up with a smile as she recalled something amusing. "Two hundred years ago, I found a treasure chest, and when I opened it, I thought it was a mimic monster. But guess what? It actually contained a magic book!"
"Seriously? Isn't that like a one percent chance?"
"Exactly~!" Frieren's long ears twitched proudly as she tilted her head.
Ash couldn't help but laugh at her pride. "So, what kind of magic did you find?"
"A spell that makes your body smell nice."
"Uh... Is that useful or not?"
"The fragrance differs depending on the person."
"Well... I suppose if you get dirty, it could come in handy as a quick fix, right? And since it's unique to each person, that does sound interesting." He stroked his chin thoughtfully before giving a vague nod. Frieren's smile grew wider. "Really~?"
"You know, you can actually find magic that you genuinely enjoy. It doesn't have to be combat-related. The important thing is that it's fun and something you like."
"Magic I like... I understand ordinary preferences, but the specific ones always seem a little hard to grasp."
"It's fine. If you want to find it, you will."
Looking at his old friend, who still seemed a bit unsure, Ash's eyes softened, and he playfully patted her head.
"Can I... really?" Caught off guard by his affectionate gaze, Frieren stood frozen for a moment. When she regained her composure, she swatted his hand away with a mildly annoyed expression.
"I thought you had matured, but... don't touch my head like that! You'll mess up my hair!"
"Alright."
"Where?"
"At least my hair isn't a mess."
"You... you really haven't changed at all."
Though her words were sharp, there was a trace of warmth in Frieren's voice. Despite herself, the corners of her mouth kept curving upward.
These small, seemingly insignificant moments brought her unexpected joy. She even found herself wondering if maybe, just maybe, she could find the magic she truly liked, just as Ash suggested.
Time passed slowly in their peaceful rhythm, and before they knew it, five days had gone by.
At last, the long-awaited hero of the south appeared on the rugged hilltop.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone