NOVEL NEXT Chapter 73 - Chapter 73: Mil's Future
Chapter 73: Mil’s Future
Mil had already decided to speak up.
In a clear voice, much like when she was fighting the Black Wolf, she begins to speak concisely.
“First, I’ll tell everyone in the village about Kane’s end. Then we’ll build a grave. After that, I’ll do my best to help with the reconstruction. But… after that, I’ll leave the village.”
“Bonus.Mil-chan, why don’t you stay with us…”
“It’s okay, Gisella-chan. I’ll talk about it myself.”
Gisella brings their meals over and sits close, as if to support her.
The two of them are busy cooking and haven’t had much chance to taste the food yet.
Despite always seeming carefree, they prioritize others over themselves.
Though their appearances and personalities are different, there’s something similiar in their behavior.
“I’ve been thinking about it since the moment I finished off Kane… Kane died as a mercenary in the end. It was unfortunate, of course, but in his final moments, he looked very content.”
Is she remembering that moment?
Her face is firm, but she unconsciously clenches her fists repeatedly.
“And then… I started wondering, what about me? What kind of expression will I have when I die?”
Mil sits cross-legged on a rock, replacing the chair.
Gisella watches the food cooling in front of Mil with a somewhat lonely expression.
Everyone continues their meal, quietly listening to her.
I, too, have lost my taste for the food and set down my knife for the time being.
“Of course, life doesn’t always go as planned. I’m not aiming to be content in my final moments. But somehow, I’ve grown tired of my current way of living.”
“From someone who fought alongside you, I dare say you’re still plenty admirable.”
Azir finishes chewing his meat with satisfaction and says so without much emotion.
Zamza also nods deeply in agreement.
“Yeah, at that time… This might be insensitive to say, but I had fun. At that time, among that group, I was relied upon the most… and yet, I wasn’t. It was the first time I freely wielded my strength in such circumstances. I guess… I’m not good at being relied upon.”
With her mouth firmly shut, Mil looks down with a slightly pained expression.
Gisella looks worried.
Because of the significant difference in their sizes, Mil looks even weaker, like a worn-out teddy bear.
“For some reason, I’m always relied upon. And when I am, I can’t help but try to respond, even if it’s forced. Of course, being relied upon feels good. But, at the same time… it means I’m being swept along. So, before I knew it, I was always desperately doing things I wasn’t really interested in.”
Thinking back on the situation in the Vaintz Village, Mil was truly relied upon by the villagers.
Whenever Mil said something, everyone followed, and the village women said they’d go to her first if they had something to discuss.
That’s why I entrusted her with a leadership role.
“But… even so, I thought it was okay as long as I could be of help to someone. But after what happened with Kane and spending these past few days with Bonus and the others… I realized… I want to live more foolishly.”
Mil searches for words with a slightly troubled expression, but after a while, she gives up, laughs a little, and says so.
“I see… I understand. Watching Bonus and the others, I envy how they live so foolishly.”
“Kuro! Azir wants dessert too!”
“Gyau!”
“Huh…?”
Just as Azir finishes his last piece of meat, he says something rude with a deeply convinced expression.
But, indeed, I can’t deny it…
“So, Bonus. I want you to let me join you as a companion. If I’m with you guys, I can be foolish.”
“What kind of request is that… Oh well, it’s fine.”
“Huh?”
Mil looks surprised, but that’s to be expected.
Everyone else looks at her like, “What are you saying now?”
“Rather, it’d be more troublesome if you left the hideout now.”
“Yeah, right… I guess so. Yeah.”
“Mil-chan, I’m glad you’re here.”
Thanks to Mil’s presence, the quality of the meal has improved.
If we continue to procure various materials in the city, it will further improve the living standards of the hideout.
She’s trustworthy as a person and has combat skills as a former mercenary, so she’s reasonably capable.
While she has a big sister vibe, she also exudes a cub-like atmosphere, which I personally like.
She’s definitely a valuable asset.
“But… I know you understand, but we have many secrets. You can’t just leave on your own halfway through. We’re in this together now! I won’t let you escape~”
“Gyauu~”
“Umm… Okay, got it.”
As I admonish Mil, Kuro, who’s next to her, for some reason raises her index finger and joins in, looking a little mischievous.
Mil was lifted up by the delighted Gisella and smiled shyly.
“I’m really happy that Mil is joining us.”
“Oh, um… thank you.”
Zamza also seemed genuinely pleased, smiling kindly. When Mil received Zamza’s open smile, her face suddenly turned red, and she answered with a slightly trembling voice.
…So that’s what it is!
Certainly, even when he was fighting the Black Wolf, Mil was always sticking close to Zamza, one way or another.
Well, it’s true that Zamza, resembling Shiro in appearance, is quite handsome.
I wonder if everyone noticed?
I inadvertently glance around and lock eyes with Shiro.
“Bonus, you’re kind of insensitive for your age, aren’t you?”
“Oh, yeah… Sorry, Shiro…”
While being pierced by Shiro’s words, I calm my heart.
It’s not really a problem for me… but come to think of it, Melanie seemed to have feelings for Zamza too.
Sorry, Melanie… I seem to have recruited your rival.
Zamza might end up getting stabbed by a woman at this rate.
“You’re lucky to have Zamza, Shiro.”
“Huh?”
Zamza himself seems to not understand much, sitting next to Azir with a puzzled expression.
Azir also seems like he’d be popular with women, but next to Zamza, he feels somewhat lacking in various ways.
However… Azir, with his oddly refreshing smile, looks at me with a smile.
“Azir… you seem quite satisfied.”
“Well, yeah~?”
“…Is it because we’re now obliged to help with the reconstruction?”
“Yeah, that’s it! It’s annoying! Honestly, I’m sick of it… Please, help me~”
Now that we’ve added Mil to the group, we can’t avoid cooperating with the village’s reconstruction.
Well, even without that, I had intended to help with the reconstruction in some form or another.
I was the one who went around setting fire to some buildings.
It’s unsettling to think about the villagers being left homeless.
“However, there’s also the promise with Melanie. I want to reopen the Savoian stalls soon, and I don’t have any special skills. Don’t expect too much from me.”
“Yeah, I understand. By the way, Hajiramu has been entrusted with the village’s reconstruction this time by the Lord. I feel like I’m assisting him.”
Hajiramu, huh?
Despite wearing a disgruntled expression, he seemed to be enjoying a comfortable life at the referral office… but I guess he was forcibly sent back to the field.
Just like with Marie, the talented ones end up being used until they’re worn out.
“And what about you… You’re basically entrusted with assisting with some kind of troublesome work, right?”
“Shut up!”
“So, what’s the current problem?”
“Well, there are plenty of problems… but for now, the biggest one is the lack of supplies.”