Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
Yalbatzi.
… Yalba.
So, that fledgling knight actually rose to become the Captain of the Knights Order.
I know him.
But he doesn’t know me.
Persuasion would be ideal, but it’s unlikely.
A mysterious, inexplicable caution presses on my heart, telling me not to reveal the resurrection.
Even if I were to explain it, would he believe me?
“This person belongs to the Luluciette Adventurer’s Guild, someone incredibly important to all adventurers.”
“Ah, no doubt about that, boy. Wherever she goes, she’s beloved. That’s why it pains me to take her away from you all.”
“But you’re still going to take her?”
“Yes, because we at Biumode need her.”
I glanced at Iserina.
Her complexion has turned deathly pale.
“... I can’t agree to that.”
“Boy, you can’t win against me.”
He dropped his helmet, and before it even hit the ground, he’s nocked an arrow and aimed it at me.
Fast.
This isn’t a matter of winning or losing. I wouldn’t even qualify to step into the ring.
“Vi, I’m fine. Please, don’t worry…”
“No, you’re not.”
I stepped in front of her to block her path.
“Iserina, I haven’t even apologized yet. I’ve betrayed you so many times, yet you still believed in me. That’s why I can’t say goodbye here.”
“That decision will cost you your life. Stop this, boy.”
Yalba’s voice condemns my actions.
Yeah, he’s right.
This choice is probably a bad one.
Standing in their way without any plan or strategy.
If I die, they’ll still take her away.
There has to be something—anything…
Figures emerged from the guild.
The soldiers from upstairs who tried to chase us earlier.
“Don’t harm Lady Iserina, not even a scratch.”
Yalba’s gaze at the soldiers was sharp.
It’s clear that his eyes, when turned toward Iserina, were filled with both reverence and a touch of pity.
“We understand, Captain.”
“What about the boy?”
Crude language.
Maybe these aren’t even soldiers.
Considering they mentioned the Adventurer’s Guild becoming directly controlled by the Count, they could be adventurers themselves.
Perhaps rough attitudes are the Biumode way.
With a bitter expression, Yalba finally spoke.
“If he doesn’t resist, capture him.”
“And if he resists?”
“… Kill him.”
He made the call.
How much time has passed since then, Yalba?
I can’t relate, but I imagine it’s been a long time.
Even so, you’ve avoided becoming a cold-hearted killer.
You still make that pained face over matters of life and death.
That’s incredible.
In this harsh world, where kindness surely isn’t tolerated in the places you’ve been, you’ve stayed true to yourself.
But…
Even so, I can’t entrust her to you.
I can’t send Iserina to a future that makes her look so anguished.
It’s not just my feelings at stake here.
If I hand over Iserina, who is held in such high regard, there’s no telling what reckless actions the adventurers of Luluciette might take.
Think.
There must be a way...
“Guaaah!”
“What’s happening?! Guh—!”
Before I can decide, the situation changed.
What do you think about this chapter?
