Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/09
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
The boy repeatedly bowed with such force it seemed like an afterimage remained.
"Why were you being attacked?... No, maybe I shouldn’t ask. After all, it might just be that the bandits saw the carriage and attacked without thinking."
As I loaded the body of the fallen mage, who had served as a guard, into the carriage, I spoke.
It’s not like outsiders would be allowed to know what was being transported.
"Well, recently, the Magic Guild has been facing severe divisions. We were part of the Imuse branch of the Magic Guild, but the mainstream faction proposed aligning with the Biumode branch. As part of a group focused on academic research, we couldn’t really do much, so I thought about returning home. That’s when we were attacked by bandits.
This mage, who served as a guard, had also left the guild due to being unable to keep up with their methods. He joined us on this journey, offering his protection, but… well, unfortunately, he stepped outside for some clear air because the carriage made him queasy. That’s when the bandits attacked.
Oh, and those other guards were hired during the trip.
They were a bit expensive, but I thought professionals were necessary.
In hindsight… maybe it wasn’t worth it.
But thanks to you, I’m saved. Now I can go back home. Ah, my beloved Izumist! I can’t wait to eat that boiled bird dish! The taste of home~!
Oh, sorry, I got carried away. By the way, most of what we’re transporting is my research journal. The theme? Cleaning up polluted rivers. I really enjoy watching polluted rivers get clean. Although this research was a total failure. The costs were too high, and the magic I created can only be activated by me.
It’s tough when compatibility issues arise, as my mentor used to say. I had no idea my custom magic would be this challenging. Truly, the summit of academic research is far away.
Speaking of destinations, where are you two headed? Actually, I should’ve asked for your names first! After all, you’re my saviors!"
He seemed ready to reveal everything.
Suou looked overwhelmed, while I was dumbfounded.
Who is this boy? His speech wasn’t incoherent, yet it felt difficult to absorb.
Still, if I were to sum him up in one phrase, I’d say he embodied the image of "a typical mage." Someone who talks about incomprehensible things, with topics ebbing and flowing like waves.
For now, Suou and I introduced ourselves. Then, for my own sake, I decided to—
"… In summary"
—condense his words.
"1. You were a member of the Imuse branch of the Magic Guild but decided to return home because you couldn’t continue there.
2. The mage who died was taking a breather outside the carriage in this bandit-infested area, which led to his death and you nearly meeting the same fate.
3. The guards you hired along the way were likely frauds or close enough to it.
4. The specialty of Izumist is boiled bird.
Does that cover it?"
"Exactly!"
Suou clapped in appreciation of my summarizing skills. Thanks.
"We are headed to the town of North Tuiknok. Heard of it?"
"North Tuiknok… No, I’m sorry, I don’t know it.
You see, I left home directly for the Imuse branch of the Magic Guild. My previous master, who was a bit overly academic and thus didn’t accomplish much, brought me there. He later passed away due to age and the strain of traveling.
Fortunately, I was taken in by a friend of his, who became my current mentor. This mentor is truly a remarkable mage, though he…—"
"All right, all right, I get it!"
Listening to this mage talk felt like information overload.
"Anyway, just don’t stop the carriage until you get back home.
If you’ve been stuck in research at the guild, you might not know, but the world’s a bandit paradise these days. Just focus on getting back home, nothing else."
"Y-Yes."
He didn’t seem offended by being cut off mid-sentence. Not that it would’ve stopped me if he was.
"Oh, um… How should I repay you?"
I hadn’t really thought about it. There wasn’t anything I particularly wanted.
As for food, beating up bandits on the way often provided stolen provisions, so we weren’t in need.
Even now, the bandits we just took down might have supplies, and if not, I could always hunt in the forest.
Believe it or not, I’ve managed to take down deer with thrown stones.
My accuracy seems to have improved lately.
As for Suou, I wasn’t sure. Glancing at her, I saw her give a small shrug.
"She says she doesn’t need anything. As for me, I didn’t save you to demand payment. If you really want to thank us, just spread the tale of an awesome swordswoman and a legendary stone-thrower once you’re safely home."
"Don’t embarrass me like that! I don’t want that!"
The boy laughed heartily.
"Understood. If you ever come to Izumist, just mention my name, Tirio. I have enough standing there to ensure you’re treated well."
"Got it. We’ll hold you to that."
"Then, to the great swordswoman Suou and the legendary stone-thrower Zerogram, I bid you farewell!"
The whirlwind of words, Tirio, departed.
"Thanks."
While I was stripping the fallen bandits of their belongings, Suou spoke up.
"For going along with what I wanted to do."
"…You’re helping me too."
The truth slipped out of my mouth. But it was a quiet remark, so she probably didn’t hear it.
"Hey, check it out! They had bacon! Unwrapped, though! … Unwrapped, huh…"
I held up the slightly warm bacon as if to erase my earlier words.
What do you think about this chapter?
