Decorations for the harvest festival adorn the space, and a
magnificent chandelier shines down…-.
The princes invited to attend this part in Gloria of the
Land of Authority are guided by Fritz to view the collection on display.
Eins: “These tea tools are as white as an angel’s wing! This
vase is carved with holy symbols! No matter where I look, everything is a work
of art!”
Frost: “This is quite a collection of valuable objects from
around the worlds.”
Fritz: “Hmph, it is a simple feat for a myself, a member of
the Gloria Royal Family. Only when a high-class item is owned by a high-class
person can its true value shine. That’s what this party is telling people.”
Dion: “Well… it’s true that they’d just collect dust if they
were in a warehouse. I’m sure the art itself is satisfied that a great many
people get to experience it instead.”
Dion gave a forced smile as he shrugged his shoulders,
taking in the proud tilt of Fritz’s head.
Frost: “By the way, didn’t you say in your invitation that
tonight at the festival you would present a new item that you’d just recently
obtained?”
Frits: “Yes, it’s an item that I successfully bid on at a
certain country’s auction.”
At Fritz’s cue, the servants brought out a golden goblet.
Fritz: “Behold it’s overwhelming brilliance. Its creator and
history are still under investigation, but I can tell you for certain that it
was made by a master craftsman.”
Just as Fritz said, the goblet seemed to shine with a
brilliance that filled the room.
Dion: “That’s… no, is that the Void Chalice?”
As everyone was captivated by the goblet… Dion’s expression
stiffened as he suddenly realized something.
Frost: “Do you know it, Prince Dion?”
Dion: “It’s a piece that was made long ago in the Earth
Country. It’s other name is the Cursed Chalice.”
Fritz: “Wha… cursed!? What do you mean!?”
Dion: “There’s a famous saying in my country… that the
people who obtain the Void Chalice ‘will never obtain that which they desire
ever again,’ or so it’s said.”
Eins: “Yikes… so it’s a dark magic item that houses a
jet-black curse.”
Frost: “It isn’t that rare for old works of art to have such
anecdotes. However, it seems this one does indeed have a curse.”
Frost turned his gaze from the goblet to Fritz, and his
expression was serious with just a hint of sympathy.
Eins: “If you just get rid of it, won’t that stop the
curse?”
Fritz: “Get rid of? Never. I would disgrace the royal family
if I let some rumors encourage me to let go of a prized artifact. No matter
what kind of curse should befall me, I shall continue to collect first-rate
items. After all, I am the Prince of the Land of Authority.”
Fritz gave his dignified speech, then held the goblet up
high.
Dion: “Huh… I’m surprised. You’ve got to be pretty brave to
make a declaration like that, so maybe the curse on the chalice has been
removed.”
Eins: “Yeah! Since it’s Fritz, I’m sure he’ll be fine. My
sixth sense is telling me that too!”
Frost: “How interesting. I am quite looking forward to
seeing what kinds of treasures you get your hands on after this.”
The fearless princes all exchanged a look, and the goblet
seemed to shine with a serene brilliance.
END