NOVEL NEXT Chapter 62 - Chapter 62: Rumors of the Lord
Chapter 62: Rumors of the Lord
“Bonus. Azir and I are going back to Savoia from now on.”
“What should we do?”
“Wait here. It might get very troublesome. In the worst-case scenario, I want to ensure you can deny your whereabouts. Of course, there’s a higher chance that nothing will happen.”
“I’ll make sure to check on the survivors in the village and plan for the future. Just reporting to the lord isn’t satisfying enough, and Bonus and Zamza must be concerned.”
“Both of you will be safe.”
Marie seems to be envisioning the future.
Her calm expression from earlier turns stern, almost as if it were a lie.
Azir also looks tired.
Combined with his unshaven face, he appears considerably aged.
Mil, upon hearing about the village, looks over at us while petting Elizabeth.
“From what I heard from Azir about yesterday’s situation, it’s likely that the villagers have safely arrived in Savoia. Bonus, thank you. Without you, the village might have been destroyed.”
“If anyone among those here were missing, it would’ve been bad anyway. I just did what was expected of me, so it seems like I did a good job, doesn’t it?”
“I was able to feel fulfilled for the first time in battle. It’s definitely thanks to Bonus.”
“Zamza… you’ve become quite sentimental.”
Zamza also joins the conversation.
Actually, the one who seems to have had a change of heart the most from this incident is Zamza.
“Interesting.”
“Oh, by the way, what was it like? Tell us about it.”
Zamza suddenly starts chatting with the girls, looking flustered.
They really are like siblings.
While letting the giggling onis be for now, we confirm the specific plans for the future.
“When should we head to Savoia?”
“Marie and I will report to the lord first, then come back here with the reward.”
“Should we just wait here?”
“Yes. When we come back… it might take a week at most.”
“A week… Can I entrust a message to Melanie and Master Oscar? In case our return to Savoia is delayed a bit.”
“Understood. You can expect your reward.”
“That’s appreciated. But in the end, what were those Black Wolves about this time?”
“I think we’ll find out more from the investigation that follows, but it’s likely that a sorcerer from the Tamir Empire did something unpleasant.”
A sorcerer, huh?
I’d like to know more about magic users and nobles, to be honest.
“I’m not very knowledgeable about that stuff, could you tell me?”
“Sure. I’m probably the most knowledgeable here… But after we return from Savoia. Right now, I can’t afford to think about anything other than reporting to the lord. At that time… could you tell me about your magic?”
“…Ah, understood.”
Even if I explain Pink’s powers to Marie, will she still find this pink lizard cute as before?
I quite like seeing her put Pink on her arm and enjoy her coffee contentedly.
Will I be able to see that sight again?
“Marie, what do you think the lord will do in the end about this incident? Unlike you, who used to be a soldier in the center, I’m a bit of a coward. I’m honestly worried about what will happen to Savoia and about those Black Wolves. I’ve been a mercenary in Savoia for quite a while, but this is the first time I’ve received such a terrible request. It goes beyond the job of a mercenary. It’s the level of a military matter.”
Azir looks more serious than I expected.
Marie, a former soldier?
I’m not surprised at all.
Certainly, yesterday’s refined way of fighting was due to solid combat training.
Even from her usual demeanor, I didn’t think she was just a mercenary, but it seems like she has quite a complex background.
“As I said before, this situation is undoubtedly the work of the Tamir Empire directly. But the essence of the problem lies within the politics of the Lenas Kingdom. Nobles in Savoia who dislike the lord intentionally concealed information about the Black Wolf attack.”
Concealing such a large-scale attack would seem like treason against the state…
It’s too suspicious for a power struggle within the country.
“The lord will naturally retaliate. The question is whether it will lead to a retaliation war or if it will be resolved in one go. But probably… it will be resolved in one go.”
“Why is that?”
“The lord of Savoia, although now he behaves like a decent lord, was once the most aggressive and mad wizard in the center. And while it seems he failed this time, he’s by no means lacking in political power.”
While in Savoia, I often heard good things about the lord.
Seems like jealousy, after all. It’s ironic, isn’t it? Being too excellent and kind as a lord means you can’t protect the town, how ironic. But to be an aggressive, insane wizard… Definitely want no part of that…
“This time, miraculously, the best team possible gathered, so there wasn’t much damage. But originally, not just Vaintz Village, but Savoia itself should have suffered greatly. If the lord finds out about that, retaliation will undoubtedly be severe.”
“In the end, can we, as a mercenary of Savoia and the people of the town, assume that we won’t be significantly affected?”
“Well―――― Probably.”
“Well, that’s enough for me to know. I want to hurry back, finish reporting, and drink and embrace women.”
“Oh, right. You’re a mirror of a mercenary.”
As Marie sarcastically remarks, she pops the last chocolate into her mouth. Azir, still looking a little uneasy, but resigned, takes a sip of his coffee.
“Mil, are you coming too?”
“Yeah,―――― no, I’m going to stay back for a bit…”
“Well, that’s fine. They’ll probably come back to Savoia in a week anyway.”
Mil seems to be troubled about something. Is it because of Kane?
“At that time, I’ll return to the village. I want to tell everyone about… Kane’s end and make a grave for him. But right now… I want to rethink about the rest of my life. If I see everyone in the village now, I feel like I’ll be swept away.”
“If you’re Mil, we don’t mind at all, so take your time.”
“Thank you.”
“Meeehhhh.”
“Meheeeee~”
Seems like the brushing is done. Should I ask Elizabeth to take Marie and the others to Triangle Rock?
“Kuro, can you take Elizabeth and Marie and the others to Triangle Rock?”
“Oh, is that okay?”
“Meeehhh meeeehhhh!”
“I’m glad. Thank you.”
Marie smiles and hugs Kuro.
“Meeehhh?”
“Kuro, …you’re cute. You really saved me.”
“I won’t do it!”
“Bonus, I owe you. When we return to Savoia next time, I’ll take you to my favorite place!”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Azir invites with a refreshing smile, in a vulgar manner.
Feeling Gisella’s moist gaze, I give an indifferent response for now. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to it.
“What about Zamza?”
“Hmm? Your favorite place?”
“No, no, I mean, what are you going to do from now on? Are you not going back to Savoia?”
“No, I’m going with Bonus… uh… is that not okay?”
Zamza approaches anxiously.
His size is imposing.
“Honestly, I want Zamza to come with us in the future.”
“Is that so! Ah, that’s a relief…”
“Well, there are some secrets I need you to protect. I’ll rely on you for that.”
“Yeah, got it!”
Zamza wears a slightly innocent smile that doesn’t suit his size.
If Melanie saw him, she’d probably drool with joy. It’s like his monstrous appearance from yesterday was a lie.
“Okay, let’s go now.”
“Ah, we’re expecting our reward! Also, about the hideout, keep it secret, and if possible, about us too――――”
“I won’t do anything that puts you at a disadvantage. You remember the oath, right?”
For this place, I want to keep the hideout secret. But other than that, I probably won’t behave well towards the lord, whom I don’t know much about. It’s probably better to leave it to Marie in the end.
“Well, I’ll leave some of it to you.”
In this request, there were unexpected situations at every turn, and at first glance, it may seem like Marie made a bad move. However, in the end, didn’t she attract the best possible outcome from that desperate situation? It’s what they call having a knack for things. I definitely want a piece of that pie.
“Also, we’ve come through the danger zone together, so I trust you.”
“Yeah. Well, let’s go.”
Marie seems to be gradually returning to her usual pace. A flawless demeanor with a touch of elegance. The usual Marie.
“Ah, be careful.”
“Marie, should I go pick you up when you come back?”
“It’s okay, Shiro. I’ve learned to dodge Kidanakemo to some extent. And if worse comes to worst, I’ll just run.”
“Okay.”
“See you later.”
“Bye~. Take care, Kuro~.”
“Meeehhh!”
With those parting words, Elizabeth, with Kuro, Marie, and Azir aboard, swiftly climbed the cliff.
Until Marie and the others return, it’s time to rest my body slowly. And above all, I need to calm my mind. I’m trying not to think too much, but every time I remember yesterday, my heart races. The howling still echoes in my ears. I worry that the black torrent will flow into this hideout. Let’s find something mindless to do…