Published: December 21st 2024, 7:55:33 am
Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
"What the…?"
Feli muttered as she surveyed the situation.
We were on a hill overlooking both the town and the army.
Though the view was clear, the distance was still significant, and given the hill's inconvenient terrain for a large army to occupy, the likelihood of running into knights or scouts seemed low.
"That flag belongs to Count Biumode’s territory… but why?"
"They’re the ones who were at each other's throats with your country, right?"
"A truce was supposed to have been signed during the previous ruler's reign. However, more importantly—"
"Yeah, we need to regroup with the others."
"Hold on.”
Senia interjected, stopping us as we prepared to move.
"It's difficult to see from here, but the southern side has an army deployed. I can confirm their flag belongs to Count Luluciette."
As expected of a former royal maid, she had all the heraldry memorized.
We decided to head there first.
While the town below was covered in ominous smoke, the southern forces at least seemed like a safer option for now.
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"Who goes there?! You’re not from Biumode, are you?!"
Bad luck—that’s all this encounter was.
We had run into a scouting unit from Biumode forces while heading toward the Luluciette army.
They quickly saw through us before we could even think of making excuses.
Perhaps there was some emblem or feature distinguishing us as outsiders, but there was no time to dwell on it.
Misfortune escalated further when what appeared to be a returning unit—possibly regrouping with their main force—showed up from the side.
"Adventurers from Luluciette!"
One of the scouts shouted, prompting mounted knights from the arriving unit to charge at us.
Stones collected along the way were no match against armored knights.
Even targeting their horses seemed futile, as the riders would likely protect or guide their steeds to avoid injury.
"Die, you dogs of Luluciette!"
A scout shouted as he lunged.
Although described as scouts, they were clearly adept fighters.
Feli and Senia skillfully engaged, preventing them from coming to my side.
Meanwhile, the knights closed in on me.
Of course, they'd target the easiest kill.
Senia moved to protect me, unleashing a brutal attack.
The scout nearest her was reduced to an unrecognizable heap of flesh.
"Stand down, lowly creatures.”
She commanded, glaring fiercely at the remaining scouts.
Though they gulped nervously, they stood firm.
"Our orders are clear—no adventurer leaves alive. Not even someone as formidable as you."
Their resolve was unshaken despite the dire situation.
They too had reasons worth risking their lives for.
Feli tried to reach me but was injured by a scout’s swift blade.
Senia seemed unharmed, but Feli had taken a significant wound.
"I’ll handle this! Senia, take care of Feli!"
"But—"
Senia hesitated, glancing toward the approaching cavalry.
"I can deal with the knights. Trust me."
"… Understood."
Her expression was terrifying, likely because of the promise she’d made to Feli to protect me.
Yet, she chose to trust me, even if only because she saw her former master in me.
"Look after Feli. I have no intention of dying here."
I dashed toward the town.
Smoke billowed ominously, but the damage didn’t appear total.
With luck, I could use the buildings to evade pursuit—or even regroup with allies.
"See you soon, both of you!"
"Yes, stay safe!"
"Please survive, Vi!"
Neither Feli nor Senia wasted time arguing.
They watched me leave with determined yet pained expressions.
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Outrunning cavalry was impossible.
If I tried to reach the town gate, they’d overtake me, leaving me crushed beneath hooves or skewered by a lance.
It was time for my trump card: my last chakram.
Should I use it here or save it for later? No.
Saving it for later and getting killed would be pointless.
Better to use it now and clear the way.
The sound of hooves grew louder.
It wasn’t just one or two knights—it was six.
Three were in the lead, with three more close behind.
There was no time to hesitate.
I spun around mid-run, aimed, and hurled the chakram.
It veered erratically through the air, gaining speed and slicing through all six riders.
I didn’t stay to watch.
As soon as I threw it, I kept running.
There was no doubt in my mind—the knights were dead.
However, I couldn’t circle back to Feli and Senia.
In the distance, I saw infantry advancing from behind the fallen knights.
Trying to rejoin them would only trap me between enemy lines.
Using the chakram on the infantry wasn’t viable either—they were too far away, and missing would waste my last chance at survival.
I have no choice but to move forward.
----------
Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
The sound of hoofbeats was gone.
I ran straight toward the castle gate.
At the entrance, Gadvar's junior lay against the wall.
It is a heavily damaged corpse, a testament to his desperate fight to defend this place.
… There was nothing I could have done, even if I had been here.
Believing I could have helped him would disrespect the dedication he showed in fulfilling his duty.
The castle gate was open.
I entered and proceeded into an alleyway.
If enemy infantry were to come in, the first priority would be to lose them.
Though this appears to be a residential area, there were no signs of life.
However, it was not entirely devoid of human presence.
Occasionally, there was the faint sound of something shifting.
Perhaps the noise comes from tightly shut windows or doors, someone cautiously checking outside.
This situation offers a sliver of relief—it suggested the enemy was not indiscriminately massacring civilians.
Yet they have shown open hostility toward adventurers.
What has become of the Adventurers’ Guild?
The smoke rising from the city seemed to target military-related institutions, but could the guild have been included?
Damn it.
If anything has happened to Iserina, I will never forgive them.
I haven’t even apologized yet for betraying the promises and decisions I made with her.
I still owe her for setting me on the path of an adventurer with Gadvar.
I dash toward the Adventurers’ Guild.
Taking the shortest route means crossing main roads, which would be dangerous if the enemy has infiltrated the city, but time is of the essence.
───────────────────────
The Adventurers’ Guild.
My beloved home.
The exterior showed it has not been completely destroyed, though faint wisps of smoke rose from various windows.
The source of the smoke I saw earlier didn’t seem to be here, but it’s only a matter of time.
I was too late.
At the very least, the building has been tampered with.
But what about the people inside?
Gadvar, Nichirin, Roam... Nasda and Thomas, who should have returned earlier.
And Iserina.
"Leave at once!"
Just as despair began to consume me, I heard Iserina’s voice from within the building.
No explanation is needed.
I rushed inside.
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The interior was not yet engulfed in flames, but small fires burned in several places.
It was only a matter of time before they grew larger.
Even so, it doesn’t matter.
The source of the voice, Iserina, stood in the center of the floor, glaring at the infantrymen.
"The Adventurers’ Guild is an organization that maintains a friendly alliance with all nations and cities where its facilities are located! Even if this is enemy territory for you, this place is protected under treaty!"
"Like hell we care!"
"The Adventurers’ Guild in Biumode no longer exists!"
"What… I’ve received no such report."
"Of course not! The guild in Biumode is now a direct arm of the Count!"
They were too engrossed in their argument to notice me.
I grabbed a handful of utensils lying haphazardly on a nearby table.
"Eat this!"
Knives, forks, spoons, and those sticks from the demon country—what were they called? Chopsticks?
Whatever they’re called, I threw them with all my might.
The three soldiers facing Iserina were hit one after another, collapsing.
Some of the projectiles were ineffective, but the knives and forks did their job well enough.
"Iserina! Are you okay!?"
"Yes, Vi. Are you hurt? Is there anything—"
"I’m fine, really. There’s a lot to report, but—"
"Hey! What’s going on down there!?"
A voice called from upstairs.
It’s clear they were not allies.
If they were, they’d be helping Iserina.
"Let’s get out of here, now!"
I grabbed Iserina’s hand and pulled her outside.
Once we’re out, what next though?
If Biumode’s forces have entered the city so easily, then as a fortress city, it’s as good as finished.
Is the castle still holding?
If so, should we head there?
No, the southern army belongs to Luluciette, so that seems more reliable.
Thoughts whirl around in my head, but I doubt I’ll arrive at the best answer by overthinking.
For now, we need to find an empty house to hide in and figure things out.
Iserina is much smarter than I am; she’ll surely come up with a better plan than me fretting endlessly.
Ah, damn it.
I truly am foolish.
If I had been more proactive about learning, maybe I could have thought of something.
… No, stop it. Self-loathing can wait.
Negativity will only cloud important decisions.
We made it outside.
But before I could focus on making a crucial decision, I realized one option had already been blocked.
The main street in front of the guild.
A well-dressed knight stood there alone.
The guild was behind us. To the left stood the knight.
To the right, the path was clear, but that way leads to the castle gate—and by extension, the infantry that followed behind the cavalry.
I had no way to effectively fight a knight in armor.
Running might work for me, but Iserina wouldn’t make it.
And leaving her behind isn’t an option.
Meanwhile, the soldiers inside the guild, likely the ones who set the fires, were probably headed this way.
I need to make a decision before the situation worsens.
First, I need to avoid being attacked from behind.
I slowly edged toward the path to the right.
The knight took a step forward.
A full-faced helmet, complete armor.
An expensive-looking cloak draped over one shoulder, partially concealing him.
His weapon was a bow, though he hasn’t nocked an arrow.
A quiver hung at his waist, suggesting he was prepared to draw and fire quickly—a skill he likely has full confidence in.
"Lady Iserina."
But instead of a quick draw, the knight removed his helmet and performed what seemed to be a simplified salute.
I recognized that face.
Though time has etched itself upon him, it’s unmistakable.
"Count Biumode’s Household. Chief of the Knights Order, Yalbatzi. I have come to escort you back."
----------
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.
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Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
Soldiers attempting to leave the guild collapsed.
Near the entrance stood a massive man wielding a greatsword.
“So, you’re still alive, Gadvar the Helm-Crusher.”
Without shifting his aim, Yalba directed his gaze toward Gadvar.
Gadvar wasn’t unscathed.
Arrows protruded from him, and he bore other wounds from battles yet untold.
Stripping off his battered, nearly useless armor, he discarded it.
“Being stubborn is my specialty.”
That was his reply.
Perhaps he abandoned the armor because he deemed it meaningless against Yalba’s arrows.
In that case, it would only be a hindrance.
A resolute fighting spirit emanated from Gadvar, something both Yalba and Iserina recognized.
“I hear you’re a family man. If you lose your life here, there’ll be loved ones shedding tears for you. I have no intention of shooting you in the back.”
Leave.
Yalba, too, didn’t wish to fight Gadvar.
If even Yalba felt that way, the lower-ranking soldiers would certainly avoid a confrontation.
If we could just survive this moment, Gadvar would surely ensure Iserina’s safety and escape.
“Sorry about this. The Luluciette Adventurer’s Guild values Iserina deeply. And I’m not alone here—Roam will be here soon too. The one who might die is you, oh mighty Silver-Grey rank.”
The two men glared at each other.
We gained a slight reprieve.
From behind Gadvar came the sounds of something stirring.
Since Gadvar didn’t react, it must be an ally—likely Roam approaching.
Joining forces with Gadvar and focusing on escape seemed like a viable option.
But perhaps it would be better to buy time until Roam arrived and then confront Yalba.
No... that didn’t seem realistic.
A group of soldiers was closing in from behind Yalba.
In an all-out clash, the outcome was unpredictable.
In a chaotic battle, protecting Iserina would become nearly impossible.
“Iserina.”
“What… is it, Vi?”
Her face looked so haggard.
How much had she endured?
“When we make it out of this, will you teach me what’s needed to be an adventurer, what’s right and wrong?”
“Huh?”
“I don’t know anything. To survive from now on, I’ll need knowledge. I realized how unprepared I was during this job. Really, it’s been a wake-up call.”
“…U nderstood. But I’ll be strict, you know?”
Some color returned to her face.
A faint smile played on her lips, however slight.
Good.
Just seeing that smile made it all worth it.
“Iserina, thank you for giving someone like me, who has nothing, so many possibilities. I’m truly glad I learned to care about people—about everyone.”
“VI?”
I grabbed Iserina’s hand and threw her toward Gadvar.
“Go, Gadvar!”
Catching Iserina, Gadvar grimaced bitterly but turned to flee with her.
I sprinted toward the guild entrance, blocking the line of fire.
Though I doubted my body would serve as an adequate shield, I left it to chance.
And chance wasn’t something I had much confidence in.
I inhaled, exhaled, steadying my breathing.
“Yalba, did you give up your axe? It suited you. How are Wiminiea and Lukarsi doing?”
My tone was casual, though it didn’t match my inner turmoil.
Still, it reflected how much Vilgram—the man I once was—had become part of me.
“To think a rookie adventurer struggling with bandits would rise to become the Captain of the Knights—it’s impressive. Can I take some pride in the opening I created being useful?”
“That mission was supposed to have been buried... How do you know about that…?”
Oh? Did I manage to grab a sliver of luck?
Even so, I didn’t want to delve into my origins.
That truth had brought misfortune to too many.
“It’s been a while, Yalba.”
“Could it be… you’re… no, it can’t…”
But this time… sorry, Yalba.
If fortune’s on my side, I’ll take it.
I want to protect Iserina—and I still value my life.
“I am—”
About to say, “the insignificant adventurer you once knew, Gram.”
“Don’t let them escape! Fire! Fire!”
One of the soldiers, impatient for glory, shouted.
“Stop! Don’t shoot! Stop it!!!”
Yalba’s desperate voice, like a scream, overlapped almost simultaneously with the twang of bowstrings.
Arrows pierced my body, and I felt my consciousness rapidly fading.
I could no longer move.
It seemed I had fallen to the ground.
Through dimming vision, I saw Gadvar, now joined by Roam.
They glanced at me briefly before heading for the back exit.
It’s fine. Iserina will surely make it.
This must have been the right choice. But still…
──Ah. I don’t want to die.
I wanted to go on more adventures.
I wanted to spend more time with everyone.