Chapter 147 - <4>
By the time she had finally learned to control the water sphere, which she had only been able to create and throw before, she was exhausted both mentally and physically. Marguerite's instruction was appropriate, and in fact, it was so easy to understand that she suspected Marguerite might be a spirit user herself. If she had been practicing on her own, she probably would never have been able to transform water like this.
Anna, who had been so engrossed that she had lost all sense of time, was surprised when she came out of the big top. The sun was already setting quite low. It was the first time a day had gone by so quickly.
A sorrowful, gentle love song flowed, thin and high, and when she turned her eyes in that direction, she saw Constanze singing while looking up at the sky. Her very skilled singing, like water seeping into the ground, soaked into her heart in a pleasant way.
The song she was singing now was a poignant one about the sorrow of a woman waiting for her lover to go to a distant battlefield.
Anna, who had yet to know love, couldn't understand the true sorrow of the song, but she thought it was a very beautiful song that made her chest ache. She wondered if she would feel this sad someday when she fell in love with someone.
Perhaps noticing Anna's presence, Constanze stopped singing abruptly and turned around.
"Are you finished with your practice?"
Constanze, dressed in a sparkling silk one-piece, called out in a perfunctory voice. When she was singing, her voice was so gentle, sad, and beautiful, but in her usual state, Constanze spoke in a way that seemed to be picking a fight. In that way, she was just like Franz.
"You waited for me."
"Yes. If I go to the tent alone, no one will be there. It's boring."
"That's true. How are you doing, Constanze?"
"I am never out of sorts."
Constanze puffed out her chest confidently, her tone belying a childish cuteness. Even though they were raised differently, the expressions they showed when they were happy or pleased were the same as the children at the orphanage, she thought deeply.
"But you seem to be out of sorts, Anna."
"Yeah. The power of the water spirits seems a little weak here."
"So you can't just produce large amounts of water anytime, anywhere."
"That's right. If there's no water nearby, even if I use the same power, it's completely useless."
When Anna laughed, Constanze looked at her with pity and sighed.
"It must be difficult to be a spirit user."
Constanze, who had thought that spirit users could summon any kind of spirit anywhere, had apparently learned about the characteristics of spirit users for the first time since coming with Franz. Constanze, having learned the reality, seemed disappointed in a childlike way.
"But thanks to that, I was able to learn to control water like that. If I had my usual power, I wouldn't be able to control it."
"Is that how it is?"
"That's how it is. So maybe it's just right. You know, since I'm a half-pint."
When she laughed shyly, Constanze didn't offer any comfort and just stated a single fact.
"That's right. You don't seem like a full-fledged one."
"Ehehe..."
Constanze's words were as precise and calm as her brother Franz's. It was funny how they were so similar in that way, like siblings, yet they themselves didn't realize it. She wanted to tell Franz, You're exactly alike, so I'm sure you can get along.
"I hope you become a full-fledged user soon."
"Yeah. Thanks, Constanze."
It was true that she wanted to become a full-fledged user, so she nodded honestly. Anna wanted to be able to control various spirits if possible, but for now, the only spirit she could use on her own was water. Ritz's mother, Ciela, could command all the spirits, so perhaps with practice, she might be able to use one more type in the future, but it was difficult now.
If she used the bow and arrow that sealed the power of the spirits, she could use two more types of spirits, but it was nowhere near a level that could be used in actual combat. But perhaps here in Roshozu, the bow and arrow could be used as a powerful force, depending on how she used it.
This was a land where the power of water was very weak, and in its place, the powers of fire and wind were strong. She had heard from Edward that this place was once the crater of a volcano that had erupted. In the age of myth, a massive river of fire had overflowed from this very spot, filling the land of Roshozu. As time passed, the crater sank, and eventually, a lake formed in the deepest part. Grasslands spread out from the center, and eventually, forests began to spread from the edge of the depression.
And so, over a long period of time, Roshozu became this mortar-shaped land with its unique terrain. But the flames of the volcano had not yet burned out, and the mountains surrounding Roshozu still concealed hot lava within them. Perhaps that was why Sara had been so energetic since they arrived. Maybe she had even gotten a little smarter... or so it seemed.
It was because this was a volcano that held flames that the Fire Clan was able to dig for precious mineral resources. For Anna, who was from Vishnu, a gentle highland area in the peaceful Yuresla, the wildness of this land was breathtaking.
And then there was the power of the wind. A strong wind constantly blew over the mortar-shaped terrain, and the winds that separated from it would occasionally blow into the mortar as strong gusts. So, depending on how she used it, the wind arrow might be useful. She had only ever used it for defense, but she realized for the first time that there might be other ways to use it.
She was surprised to realize something she had never even tried before. Since she had the time, she decided to have Ritz help her try out various things. She had a feeling that Ritz wouldn't die from a little experimentation. If she had Franz be the test subject, she was afraid she would injure him.
She didn't want to do anything that would sadden Constanze while she was around.
"So, what's the strongest spirit in this land?"
"Fire. The spirit that Franz uses."
"So my brother is invincible in this land."
"Well... rather than invincible..."
She couldn't bring herself to say, He might go berserk? in front of his sister. But depending on how he used it, Franz's power in this land would be considerable. If he ever had to use the Fire Spirit, she would have to tell him to be careful.
As she was thinking about that, a plump woman appeared from the shadow of the big top. Her legs were thin in comparison, so her shadow, elongated by the slanting sunlight, looked somewhat like a boiled egg with legs. Despite being overweight, she had well-defined features, and her face was strangely cute, a characteristic unique to this person... Marguerite.
"You girls, what are you doing here?"
"Yes. We were just practicing."
When Anna answered seriously, Marguerite opened her large mouth and laughed out loud as if she found it incredibly amusing. Marguerite was a very manly woman. Anna, who had never seen this type of person before, found Marguerite's presence very fresh and fun.
The people in the circus troupe were mostly cheerful, and many of them, like Ritz, were quick with a joke. Among them, the ringmaster Marguerite stood out the most. She was so豪快 that perhaps even Ritz couldn't match this female ringmaster.
Anna was enjoying her interaction with a type of people she had never associated with before. The most common profession among the people she had met since setting out on her journey was soldiers, and they were stuffy. The people in the circus troupe were all nice, and they would say things to Anna like "You're cute" or "You're beautiful." She had rarely had people say such things to her, so even if it was flattery, she was a little happy.
Ritz was always cracking jokes, so she wished he would say something like that to Anna once in a while, like the people in the circus troupe. The thought crossed her mind for a moment. According to Jin, he was a man who went through women one after another, so he probably didn't feel like complimenting a child like Anna.
"You're so serious. All our guys are on edge because the Flame Warriors are coming, so they can't even practice. The men are especially useless!"
"What does 'on edge' mean?"
"The men, you say?"
When Constanze and Anna asked at the same time, Marguerite grinned and patted their heads with her fleshy hand.
"You'll see when you see them. The light-hearted brother in your group would probably like them."
There was only one light-hearted brother in their group. If it was the light-weight brother, that would be Franz, but from an outsider's perspective, the one with the light personality was Ritz. In reality, he had a surprisingly heavy personality, but there was no need to talk about that.
"Something Ritz would like?"
She couldn't imagine it.
"By the way, where did Grandpa Ed go?"
This was what the people of the circus troupe called Edward, whose act as a good-natured old man had completely permeated the group. The sight of him, with his hair in the same braid Anna had tied that morning, smiling and sitting on a piece of luggage while watching over Anna and Constanze, was truly that of a good-natured old man.
"He said he was going to check on Ritz and Franz a little while ago..."
"Is that so? That old man seems fearless, so he might get lost."
"...I don't think so."
For Anna, who was used to seeing the usual Edward who engaged in verbal sparring with Ritz, the act of a gentle, calm, and curious good-natured old man was a strange sight, but when it continued for so long, she started to think that maybe that was who Edward really was, which was scary.
She must not forget that Edward was the former king of Yuresla, and currently the grand duke of the Yuresla Kingdom.
"Is that so? Then the people who went to get your companions will probably bring him along."
Saying that, Marguerite urged Anna and Constanze on with her brawny arm, which was like a log wrapped in cotton.
"The Flame Warriors are here. You two show your faces too."
"Yes."
She remembered the anxious look on Franz's face earlier. As she walked with Marguerite, she silently thought about various things. Constanze also seemed to be thinking about something, and the three of them walked in silence.
Ritz had also said that it might be a big problem if it was discovered that they had come to investigate the legends passed down by the Fire Clan. But Anna was objectively thinking that it would be okay. She thought that legends were meant to be passed down, not hidden. So she was sure they would tell them.
After all, there shouldn't be any truly bad people in this world.
She strongly affirmed her ideal in her mind, but a small sigh escaped her. She had noticed that it had recently become a little difficult to maintain this theory of hers. When she was attacked by Jin, she couldn't bring herself to think that he wasn't really a bad person. Moreover, the reason he had tried to hurt Anna was simply to torment Ritz. That was despicable and unforgivable.
What Jin had done to Franz, and what he had tried to do to Anna, all stemmed from a selfish delusion, and no matter how you looked at it, it was not an act that could be forgiven just because there was a reason.
And yet, Anna had dreams of Jin, whom she couldn't save. It wasn't just him; she was blamed by everyone she couldn't save. Why didn't you save us? There are no bad people, are there? We weren't bad people either, were we? they would all uniformly appeal to Anna, and then blame her.
Once, while camping on the road, she had a terrible dream in which she was blamed by the people she couldn't save, and then attacked by Jin as revenge for not saving him. The memory of what Jin had done to her still made her shudder. She didn't know what he was about to do, but it was creepy and scary. Just remembering the feeling of it was so frightening that it made her hair stand on end.
It was at that moment that Ritz shook her awake. She couldn't bring herself to tell the worried Ritz that she had had a dream about being attacked by Jin. She knew that if she told him, Ritz would blame himself. Instead, she told him about the dream, and Ritz said that from now on, he would always share that anguish with her.
She was happy, and it made her feel a little lighter. It was a relief to think that, as Ritz said, from now on, she could tell him anything.
Still, she was afraid to sleep, afraid that the nightmare from before would return if she closed her eyes. Ritz, concerned for her, held her in his arms as she slept. The hand that stroked her head was gentle, his arms were safe, and his regular heartbeat was very calming. She had thought she would never be able to sleep, but in the end, she fell asleep in an instant.
After meeting Ritz and starting to support each other like this, Anna had learned for the first time in her life that the warmth of being held in someone's arms was comforting. Strangely, she thought that if anyone other than Ritz did that, she wouldn't be able to feel at ease.
From Marguerite's perspective, who knew nothing, Ritz was probably a light, irresponsible, and unserious man who was careless about everything. But to Anna, he was a very important person who always treated her with sincerity. So when he was casually called a 'light brother,' she wanted to say, "That's not true!"
But recently, she felt that she shouldn't tell anyone about Ritz's serious and gentle side, or rather, she didn't want to. She didn't know why herself.
"Well, well, what a curious bunch."
Marguerite's voice, a mix of exasperation and a wry smile that said, it can't be helped, brought her back to her senses.
Ever since that day when they watched the sunrise together on a tree in Ciedena Forest, she would sometimes find herself thinking about Ritz without even realizing it. She tightened her resolve, thinking that she had to be careful not to think too much about Ritz and become unable to leave him, which would be a problem when the time came.
In front of her, the members of the Marguerite Circus Troupe were probably all gathered, forming a human wall. The Flame Warriors were apparently on the other side. But from her short height, Anna couldn't see anything. Just as she thought about stepping forward a little, a dignified voice rang out.
"Where is Ringmaster Marguerite!"
It was a military tone, like the familiar voices of Kenny and Altman, but the voice was clear and high. Anna was surprised, thinking it sounded like a pleasant musical instrument. Yes, the owner of the voice was a woman.
"I'm right here."
Though not as clear and dignified, Marguerite answered in a powerful voice that was no match for the other, and she advanced through the crowd, gripping Anna and Constanze's shoulders firmly. Surprisingly, the crowded human wall parted as Marguerite passed, and then closed after she had gone. They seemed to respect Marguerite very much.
And then Anna saw the Flame Warriors before her.
Red hair, amber eyes, a muscular, tanned body, and armor made of the rare metal Ougin that covered only the vital points of the body. At her hip hung a slender longsword, also likely made of Ougin, with dazzling, brilliant jewels. She was tall, probably well over 170 centimeters, but smaller compared to the beastkin.
And her outstandingly beautiful and perfect figure was even more revealing than Anna's, which Ritz had scolded her for being too revealing. A large, full chest, a cinched waist, and firm buttocks. And all parts of her body were covered in muscle, making her wonderfully strong.
Anna couldn't help but look at her own chest. Compared to them, it was like a different thing entirely. It was a little sad.
"What do you all think you're doing! Get back to your posts!"
Marguerite barked at the curious members of the circus troupe in a powerful voice, and they scattered in a hurry, leaving only a few people behind. Her influence was tremendous.
"Jeez, if you slack off like this, the curtain won't go up tomorrow."
Despite saying that, Marguerite didn't seem very angry and was smiling broadly. She was probably used to it happening all the time.
"It has been a long time, Marguerite. Have you not gotten even rounder?"
The exceptionally large woman in the center of the Flame Warriors approached Marguerite.
"How rude of you, Gemma. Round or square, my beauty is still intact."
Marguerite also smiled broadly and walked towards the woman, and the two exchanged a firm, tight embrace. Then they began to chat cheerfully in loud voices.
"If you had remained a Flame Warrior, you wouldn't have become so round."
"Honestly, you're so noisy. I'm just following the path I've chosen."
"Thanks to you, we can show our husbands and children the circus. We must be grateful."
"Yes, be very grateful!"
She was surprised by their exchange. It seemed that Marguerite was from the Fire Clan... and a Flame Warrior at that. And she seemed to have been of a higher rank than this imposing female warrior, Gemma. Her physique was so different from that of a Flame Warrior, but was it really true? Marguerite's hair was indeed red, and her eye color was different, but other than that, there seemed to be no similarities.
"You will show us the newcomers this time as well, won't you?"
"Yeah, I don't mind. Still, you're so suspicious. My judgment is sound. I wouldn't let smugglers into this Marguerite Circus Troupe."
"I trust your judgment, Marguerite, but I will not be satisfied until I see for myself. You understand, don't you?"
"Of course, Gemma. That suspicious eye of yours is what protects Roshozu."
"I am in your debt."
As the Flame Warrior Gemma gave her thanks, Marguerite, who stood with her chest puffed out and hands on her hips, called out in a loud voice to the group of people who were huddled together nervously.
"Come on, over here!"
At that loud voice, several young circus members hurriedly ran to Marguerite's side. Immediately after, Ritz, Franz, and Edward approached at a leisurely pace.
"Alright, line up and greet them. It's the same as the finale's basic formation, so you don't need to be nervous."
At those words, the stiffly nervous circus members relaxed their shoulders with a sigh of relief. She had never experienced a finale greeting, so she didn't really understand, but Anna and Constanze also joined the line. Ritz and the others who came later were also made to line up.
"This is everyone for this performance. Take a good look."
After confirming Gemma's nod, Marguerite turned to the newcomers of the circus troupe.
"When you're done, go back and continue with the preparations. If you're not on time, there will be no shopping at the bazaar tomorrow!"
At that, cheerful cries of protest rose from among the newcomers.
"You just have to be on time. No complaints! Got it!"
As Marguerite, who was smiling as she said that, stepped back, Gemma and two other Flame Warriors approached them instead. The tension returned. Gemma stood one step in front of the other two and faced each of them one by one. In the tense atmosphere, what Gemma and the others asked were their names, ages, and places of origin.
She had heard that this circus troupe was originally based in a country further east than here. Perhaps because of that, the circus members' home countries were all different. But there were no members from the Yuresla Kingdom. One by one, the newcomers disappeared, and finally, only Anna's group was left. She started to get a little nervous.
"Next, it's you."
Gemma faced Constanze. The strong-willed Constanze looked up at Gemma and answered directly.
"Constanze Lucina. I am from Saradio. I am helping out for this one time only."
"Lucina... the daughter of the Lord of Saradio?"
Tension ran through the Flame Warriors. Come to think of it, what they feared were smugglers. Saradio was an autonomous district famous for its commerce. She remembered them saying they had dealings in Motiana at the foot of Roshozu.
She thought about trying to smooth things over somehow, but there was no way Anna could come up with a good way to do that on the spot. As she stood there tensely, someone crossed in front of her. When she looked, it was Franz.
"Franz Lucina. Constanze's older brother."
"So that means you are both children of the Lord of Saradio."
"That's right. But though we are the lord's children, we are not merchants."
"Hoh... then what are you?"
"Just travelers."
Franz said it decisively. Anna thought that was true, but when she looked at Ritz and Edward, they were holding their heads. It seemed it wasn't a very good way to smooth things over.
"Why is a mere traveler here?"
"...Why...?"
She thought it would be best to be honest and say they had come because they wanted to hear the legends of the Fire Clan, but when she glanced at Ritz, he told her with his eyes to be quiet. It seemed she shouldn't say it.
"But you know, Gemma, it doesn't seem like they're the kind of trouble you're afraid of."
It was Marguerite who followed up with a loud voice. Gemma glared at Marguerite with a displeased look.
"Did you know they were the children of Saradio, Marguerite?"
"Yes. And that there's nothing suspicious about them. But her singing is wonderful. That's the truth."
"Singing?"
"Yes. Our singer ran off with a man. She's his replacement for this performance."
"Hoh."
Gemma's harsh eyes softened for a moment.
"She has a rare and beautiful voice. If she weren't a merchant's child, she would make a fine singer."
Constanze, who had been openly praised, tried to make a sulky face but failed, her cheeks blushing red, unable to hide her happiness. Constanze's singing was truly wonderful, so she thought she should just be happy, but the way she got shy like that was cute.
But a moment later, Gemma's expression became serious again. She looked away from Constanze and stared at Marguerite with a challenging expression. She probably figured it was faster to ask Marguerite than the Lucina siblings.
"So what is the reason?"
"Who knows? They just seemed to have a reason to want to enter Roshozu, even if it meant using the back channels of Motiana. Right, light-hearted brother?"
Marguerite turned to Ritz with a thoroughly malicious expression. After a moment of looking as if he had been caught off guard, Ritz let out a deep sigh and scratched his head.
"How do you know that?"
"You're a fool. You shouldn't underestimate me, Marguerite-sama, the former chief of the Flame Warriors of Roshozu, despite being in a circus troupe. The back channels are the most likely line for smugglers to infiltrate. We always investigate them, and if we find a route, we crush it. That's only natural, right?"
"As expected of a Flame Warrior. Your meticulous care is perfect."
Ritz smiled, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly. His tone was dismissive, yet it sounded strangely cheerful and unique. Apparently, this dismissive tone was a remnant from his mercenary days. Unfazed by Ritz's tone, Marguerite's bright red lips curled up in an amused smile.
"Don't make fun of me. You're the famous mercenary captain from the northern battlefields, Ritz Alster, aren't you?"
"How do you even know that?"
"Do you know the top three clients of a circus troupe? First place is a wealthy autonomous district, second is royalty, and third is..."
"Wartime entertainment... I see. As expected of a Flame Warrior, your independent intelligence network is no joke. I'm impressed."
Ritz shrugged his shoulders in a gesture of surrender. Gemma, who had been silently shaking, glared at Marguerite.
"Marguerite!"
"What is it, Gemma? Don't shout so loud."
"Are they not all suspicious people!"
"Well, yes. But in a way, don't you think their identities are clear?"
"What did you say?"
"The mercenary captain Ritz Alster, the children of the Lord of Saradio, Franz and Constanze, and then this old man, who do you think he is?"
"I do not want to hear any more, but tell me."
As if enjoying Gemma's strained expression, Marguerite smiled.
"The former king of the Yuresla Kingdom, the hero king Edward."
"Wh..."
While the Flame Warriors were speechless, Edward smiled calmly.
"So you saw through it from the beginning, did you, Ringmaster?"
"Just as with the back channels, we are also aware of the official channels, Your Majesty."
"You've got me there. It was a perfect performance."
"I am happy to receive your praise."
"I would like to show that performance to my people as well. Have you visited my country?"
"Of course. The outdoor amphitheater in the Royal Capital Sears is a fine venue for performances."
"It is. The people seem to look forward to the various performances at the amphitheater each time. It seems I must make an appearance myself from time to time."
"We would be most grateful. We look forward to your continued patronage."
Apart from Gemma, who seemed to be bristling with hostility, Edward and Marguerite were talking in a relaxed manner, as if they were having a tea party.
"Marguerite!"
"What is it, Gemma? Don't interrupt me while I'm doing important business. If I can secure the king's performance rights, there's nothing more grateful than that, you know? Besides, Yuresla is the most prosperous and peaceful country. If I can get it, it's a huge profit."
"Marguerite!"
Marguerite smiled at Gemma, who was becoming increasingly angry.
"Calm down, Gemma. Yuresla is a prosperous and peaceful country. There's no need to smuggle metals."
"But..."
"Yuresla's neighbors are Luciana and here, Fornu. Luciana is currently peaceful, and Fornu wouldn't need to buy its own resources from other countries, would it? If they were to sell to countries east of Fornu, the margin on resale would be higher than the actual purchase price. It would be pointless."
"...You're as logical as ever, Marguerite."
"It means I know the world better than you do, Gemma. And besides..."
She paused meaningfully, looked at Edward, and then slowly shifted her gaze to Ritz.
"Here we have the King of Yuresla, and Captain Alster of the mercenaries. Do you know who this duo is?"
"A duo?"
"You've lived for a hundred years now, so you must know about the civil war in the Yuresla Kingdom. Back then, we had a lot of trouble with Prince Richard of Yuresla. Have you forgotten?"
"...I remember. He was the man who, not content with Motiana, tried to invade Roshozu by piling up bundles of money, wasn't he?"
Gemma said it in a tone that suggested she disliked even remembering it.
"My brother seems to have caused you trouble. I apologize."
Edward apologized in a tone that was calm but mixed with a hint of remorse. But Gemma shook her head.
"...There is no need for you to apologize. That man was your enemy, was he not?"
"That would be correct."
"It is in the past. I will forget it."
Gemma seems to have been a Flame Warrior for quite a long time. From this conversation, she understood that the Fire Clan was longer-lived than humans. Gemma in front of her looked to be in her mid-thirties at most, but she was already over a hundred years old. In that case, how old was Marguerite, who seemed older than Gemma? While she was thinking about that, Marguerite was questioning Gemma, who had her memory jogged.
"If King Edward is here, don't you think it's fine for the Clan of Light, his heroic right-hand man, to be with him?"
Perhaps remembering, Gemma slowly raised her head.
"That's right. It was unheard of for that Clan of Light to fight alongside humans, so I remember it well. Ritz Alster, I see."
She seemed to have been convinced. But the wary look in her eyes didn't disappear. She pointed at Ritz irritably.
"Then why is a famous warrior wearing such work clothes? Are you not the hero's right-hand man and a famous mercenary captain!"
In response, Ritz, in his baggy work clothes with their long hems, answered nonchalantly, without trying to be evasive.
"Because I'm just a hired hand."
"What!"
"I'm a day laborer for the Marguerite Circus Troupe right now."
That was the truth, and there was probably no other way to explain it. But for some reason, Gemma seemed unconvinced by that explanation and raised her eyebrows. Marguerite stepped in between them.
"Gemma, that's why I hired him. I really am having him do labor. He helped set up the tent and everything. Right?"
"Yup. I'm working."
"I am not convinced! It is unheard of for a proud warrior to exchange his sword for a hammer."
For some reason, Gemma seemed unable to forgive Ritz for so nonchalantly performing backstage work.
"A warrior must always have pride and take up his sword. It is unthinkable for him to meekly submit to being a backstage hand for a circus troupe. He must be plotting something."
"I'm not plotting anything."
"No, you are plotting something. I do not trust you!"
Saying that, Gemma smoothly drew her sword. With a high-pitched, unique battle cry, she lunged at Ritz, who was just standing there casually.
Thinking it was dangerous, she closed her eyes, but when nothing happened, she cautiously opened them to see the tip of Gemma's sword pressed against Ritz's throat, stopped just a few millimeters away. Ritz hadn't moved an inch from his previous position.
"Why do you not fight back!"
Gemma, who had withdrawn her sword in frustration, glared at Ritz with burning eyes. In response, Ritz was frighteningly calm.
"I don't have a weapon."
"Do you intend to be killed?"
"Don't joke around. There are still things I want. I have no intention of dying."
"Then why!"
"I can't imagine a proud warrior like you would seriously attack an unarmed me."
"Kuh..."
With anger and humiliation, Anna felt as if Gemma's bright red hair stood on end like a burning flame. She was worried if it was okay to anger her so much, but since Ritz still had a faint smile on his face, it was probably fine.
"If you say you have no plot, then take up your sword."
Eventually, Gemma told Ritz in a low voice.
"No way."
Perhaps imitating what Anna always said to Ritz, Ritz said it cheerfully. Casually brushed off, Gemma flew into a rage.
"Do you intend to insult us Flame Warriors!?"
"I'm not insulting you."
"Take up your sword! Or I will cut you down!"
"Gemma, don't get so worked up."
Marguerite stepped in as if to mediate. But Gemma was no longer to be calmed and even turned on Marguerite.
"Let me fight this man! I am a warrior! I will determine if he is a man to be trusted by the sword!"
"I wonder what I should do. I need people to inflate the Fuwafuwa for tomorrow, but if this brother gets injured, I'll be short-handed. After all, the man who ran away with the singer was also a manual laborer."
"Marguerite!"
Gemma grabbed Marguerite by the collar in anger. That scene, with the plump Marguerite as the opponent, lacked a sense of crisis and was somewhat comical.
"Then how about this?"
Ritz, who should have been the one involved, raised his hand and made a suggestion.
"Let's make a bet. If you win, you can do whatever you want with me."
At Ritz's outrageous suggestion, the color drained from Anna's face for a moment. For some reason, she absolutely didn't want that. But there was no way Ritz would lose, so she took a small breath to calm herself. Ritz's words were still continuing.
"Whether you let me live or kill me, it's up to you. But if I win..."
"You will do as you please with me...?"
"Hmm..."
Saying that, Ritz glanced at Anna before turning back to Gemma.
"Unfortunately, I'm all set for women."
"I see. And?"
"Yes. If I win..."
Saying that, Ritz took a small bag from his pocket. It was the small pouch that Anna had made for Ritz and Franz, who kept their gems in their pockets. While waiting for the elder's reply in Ciedena, she had been bored, so she had gotten some spare cloth from Ciela and made it. From it, Ritz took out the gem, placed it in his hand, and held it out towards Gemma.
"If I win, tell me the legend of the Fire Clan related to this gem."
"Wh..."
"There is a legend about this gem, right?"
As if drawn by a magnet, Gemma and Marguerite's eyes stared at the gem. From their expressions, it was clear they both knew about it. This level of surprise must mean that this gem was important even among the Fire Clan.
"You said you wanted to know why we came here, right? This is our purpose. We're traveling to the villages of the demi-human races to collect legends. We don't need diamonds or Ougin. What we want is information."
Gemma, who had been staring wide-eyed, eventually let out a deep sigh.
"If you possess this, then I must accept those terms."
"Are you sure? I'm strong, you know?"
"Heh... I am the chief of the Flame Warriors. I will not lose."
"It's settled then. So, how about early tomorrow morning?"
"Understood. Do not run."
"Of course not. Who do you think you're talking to?"
It seemed the matter was settled rather quickly. Ritz had skillfully talked Gemma around and even got her to promise to tell him the legend. Ritz was amazing after all.
Still, Anna sighed with mixed feelings.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Anna?"
The first one to notice was, as always, Ritz. It was amazing that he was paying attention to her even while interacting with Gemma.
"Are you not feeling well? See, if you catch a cold..."
"That's not it."
"Then what is it?"
Ritz approached Anna with a look of genuine confusion.
"You see, Ritz, I haven't even introduced myself yet, but it feels like it's already over. I feel kind of left out."
"Ah..."
At those words, everyone seemed to remember, and their eyes finally turned to her. But now that the situation had calmed down, it felt a little late, so Anna decided to laugh it off.
"Ehehe, it's fine, though. It's not like I have a title like Ritz, Ed-san, Franz, or Constanze. I'm just a child from an orphanage... um..."
As she spoke, she started to feel a little sad. Come to think of it, everyone else was someone with an amazing title or past. She hadn't been conscious of it until now, but maybe the most out of place person in the group was Anna. When she realized that, she suddenly didn't know what to do.
As she looked down and fell silent, she was suddenly enveloped in a soft embrace. When she looked up, as always, it was Ritz who was there. In place of the slightly dejected Anna, Ritz, cheerfully holding her in his arms, introduced her to the Flame Warriors.
"This is my partner, Anna Myers. She's from Vishnu in the Yuresla Kingdom."
At those words, Anna's heart instantly lightened. It was the first time Ritz hadn't introduced Anna as his ward. He had promoted Anna to his partner in front of everyone.
The Flame Warriors were uniformly perplexed that Anna was the partner of the mercenary captain Ritz, but Marguerite nodded as if she understood. It was probably because she knew that Anna was a water spirit user.
While receiving the gazes of those people, Anna was happy and tickled. So she tried to complain to hide her embarrassment.
"'This' makes me sound like a thing."
"Idiot. Of course not."
The brightly smiling Ritz tousled her hair as usual. As she felt relieved, she also thought, deeply and just a little sadly.
She really couldn't compete with the Ritz who had recovered from his slump. He was so reliable and gave her a sense of security, but... she really wished he would depend on her more, like he used to.