The Recorder of Type-Moon History

Unlike Neil, who understood Kevin's change in attitude the moment she saw Skadi, Slude was completely confused.

While she had heard of Scathach, Kevin's master, she had never met her. So, Skadi's uncanny resemblance to the legendary Queen of Shadows escaped her notice.

After jogging to Kevin and Slude, Skadi looked up at Kevin with visible delight. She hadn't expected him to return, especially given the hostility of her father's domain.

She hesitated, unsure how to start a conversation, and instead turned her curious gaze toward Slude and Neil.

"Um… they are?" Skadi asked, her crimson eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Kevin introduced Slude and Neil, and the two parties exchanged polite greetings.

Meanwhile, Slude, seeing the goddess of youth Idun approaching, didn't lose focus. "Lady Idun," she said with a bow, "are you all right?"

Idun smiled softly, shaking her head. "I'm fine. You need not worry."

Slude took her time observing Idun. Just as Kevin had assured her earlier, Idun showed no signs of harm or neglect. Relieved, she nodded and stepped back.

When Skadi heard that Kevin and his companions had passed her father's test and were now staying at the castle, her joy became evident. She quickly took on the role of a gracious host, eager to entertain her guests.

"Kevin, she…" Neil flew to Kevin's shoulder as they followed Skadi. She seemed hesitant, her voice trailing off.

Kevin glanced at her. He knew what she wanted to ask. "She is Skadi," he replied quietly. "I've confirmed that she has nothing to do with Master."

Neil fluttered her wings nervously, but Kevin's calm answer did little to assuage her concerns. She leaned closer to his ear and whispered, "You should take it easy."

With that cryptic advice, Neil returned to Slude's shoulder, leaving Kevin to process her warning.

Neil, who had watched Kevin grow up and had been Scathach's messenger, understood better than anyone the deep reverence Kevin held for his master. Without Scathach's rigorous training, Kevin wouldn't have achieved his current strength or reputation.

She realized Kevin's perspective had already shifted. Regardless of the facts, the resemblance between Skadi and Scathach had placed Kevin in a position where his choices would revolve around protecting Skadi.

Neil sighed, looking at Skadi's back. "Pray she doesn't get into too much trouble," she muttered softly.

"What?" Slude tilted her head, puzzled by Neil's vague comment.

"Nothing," Neil replied quickly. She wouldn't interfere in Kevin's decisions—she was just a bird, after all. Her role was to observe, trust in Kevin's judgment, and be ready when he called on her.

….

As Skadi showed her guests around the castle, Kevin winked at Slude. Catching his signal, Slude stepped forward to engage Skadi in conversation, providing Kevin with a moment to speak privately with Idun.

Standing under the shade of an ancient tree, Kevin listened carefully as Idun explained her conversation with Shaki.

"So, this is the full story?" Kevin murmured, pacing beneath the branches.

Idun nodded. "Yes. Lord Shaki requested Loki's help. In exchange, he likely made a significant promise. That's why Loki involved you in this trial."

Kevin crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "So, Shaki's ultimate goal is for Skadi to join the Aesir… but he's afraid she'll be mistreated there."

"Exactly," Idun replied. "He's willing to sacrifice himself to ensure her safety and gain the gods' favor."

Kevin frowned. The giants and gods had a long history of conflict, with grudges stretching back centuries. Even with Thor's hammer keeping the peace, the relationship between the two sides was far from harmonious.

Kevin sighed. "I see. Shaki's concerns are valid. Skadi is a powerful individual but still vulnerable. If she goes to the Aesir, she might not be safe."

Idun nodded again but refrained from mentioning her own suspicions about Loki and Odin's hidden motives.

….

As night fell, Kevin gathered Slude and Neil in his room. He activated a rune to ensure their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

"Slude," Kevin began, "what do you think about letting Skadi stay here?"

Slude shook her head firmly. "It's not a long-term solution. Jotunheim isn't a safe place for someone with divine power like hers. She'll always be a target."

Neil chimed in, "And if Shaki sacrifices himself, what's to stop the gods from mistreating her anyway? His death doesn't guarantee her safety."

Slude nodded in agreement. "True. However, Lord Shaki's reputation as a formidable warrior would ensure the gods treat Skadi with respect—at least initially. His death would send a strong message."

Kevin frowned. "But does it really have to come to that? Isn't there another way to solve this without Shaki dying?"

Slude hesitated before replying. "I thought the gods intended to resolve this through war if negotiations failed. Shaki's death might avert that."

Hearing this, Kevin exchanged a glance with Neil.

"A war…" Kevin murmured, piecing things together. "Is that what Odin wanted from the start?"

Slude nodded. "It's possible. The gods could use the excuse of rescuing Idun to strike a blow against the giants."

Neil narrowed her eyes at Kevin. "I know what you're thinking. Don't even try it."

Kevin leaned back, a sly smile forming on his lips. "Oh, come on. Doesn't this all feel a bit… exciting?"

"Kevin!" Neil flapped her wings furiously. "This isn't the Erin Continent! You don't have Luger backing you up here, and there's no Shadow Kingdom to retreat to if things go south!"

Slude crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "What exactly are you planning?"

Kevin grinned. "To stop this mess from spiraling into a war and to make sure Skadi and Idun are both safe. We've got five days. Let's make them count."

Neil groaned. "You're impossible."

"And that's why you love me," Kevin quipped, his grin widening.

"Don't push your luck." Neil shot him a glare, though her feathers fluffed slightly in amusement.

Slude sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. But if we're doing this, you better have a plan."

Kevin's grin turned determined. "Oh, I've got a plan. Let's hope Shaki and the gods are ready for it."

.

.

.

.

.

.

Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters

patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto