144 - The Runaway Son
After repelling the elite of the Zain Holy Order of Knights, we were building their graves.
Selma-san had suggested it, saying it would be cruel to leave them as they were. Since they were members of Zain's knights and people of the same country.
Hearing this, the Sixth Generation said.
『Regardless of the reason, leaving them like this would leave evidence. Let's burn and bury them. Oh, and make sure to recover their equipment.』
Recovering their weapons, luggage, and horses, we gave them a proper burial. This was to prevent the Holy Order of Knights who would come to investigate later from gaining information about us. At the same time, it was to win a favorable impression from Selma-san.
After all, before returning to Beime, I had to gain their trust. While they were unreliable as a counter to Celes, I currently had no luxury of choosing my means.
I needed the power of Zain.
After we buried them properly and Selma-san, a former Saintess, offered a prayer, she thanked me.
"I am grateful that you fought risking your life and cooperated with us to this extent. I believe you may find this unsatisfactory, so I will increase your reward."
She seemed to be considerate of my feelings. However, I shook my head.
"You're very kind. But the initial amount for the reward is fine. That was the contract, and please consider this my complimentary service."
"I am grateful. I had heard that many adventurers were crude, but it seems there are honorable ones as well."
Beside Selma-san, Gastone-san, who had been watching with concern, also bowed his head to me.
I responded with a smile and looked up at the sky.
Between the attack and the subsequent cleanup, it had begun to grow dark.
"We'll be camping here for the night. At the fastest, it'll be another two days to Beime, right? Let's rest now to prepare for tomorrow."
Internally, I was thinking.
(Gain their trust in the remaining two days, reveal the plan to reclaim Zain, and have them provide the justification... the hurdle is too high.)
I wanted to complain, but this was the proposal of the successive heads. Since there was no better plan to obtain power, I decided to put it into action.
However, it felt like it wasn't suited for me.
(Sigh, I wonder if it'll work?)
Looking at the grateful Selma-san and Gastone-san, my heart ached.
Inside the Jewel Orb.
The Sixth Generation's Memory Room.
Around the time everyone had fallen asleep, I was consulting with the Sixth Generation. However, it was while fighting the Sixth Generation with a halberd.
As I swung the halberd in a horizontal slash, the Sixth Generation parried it slightly and unleashed a series of thrusts at me.
『Hoh, and what about it? Do you feel hesitant because it feels like you're deceiving them?』
I dodged the thrusts, regained my posture, and steadied my breathing.
"Y-yes. Rather than deceiving, I feel a resistance to utilizing them."
The Sixth Generation rested the halberd on his shoulder, looked at my face, and touched his chin with his left hand.
『You're not satisfied? Well, emotionally, it might be unavoidable.』
I also relaxed my stance, and the halberd I held vanished from my right hand. The Sixth Generation thrust his halberd into the ground and sat down right there.
I sat down too.
『Lyell, your perspective is narrow. Have a broader perspective.』
"Perspective? I assume it's better not to joke about being able to grasp the entire surroundings with the Second Generation's skill."
The Sixth Generation grinned, showing his teeth, and spoke to me.
『True. Not that kind of perspective. Think about how your actions will echo in the future. And what the result of moving will be... and what will happen if you do nothing.』
The Sixth Generation explained it simply to me. Celes wasn't the only reason. He told me the reason why Zain could not be left as it was.
『There were problems with the method of governance, and neighboring countries took advantage of that. Zain likely took advantage of it too, but if things continue this way, ruin awaits. Three hundred years since the collapse of the unified nation of the continent, Centras... it's about time the cycle of staying small and continuing to fight ended.』
When put that way, it made sense, but I also had doubts about whether I was the one who should be doing it.
I hated it, feeling as if I were using Celes as an excuse.
(Am I wrong? Is it okay to involve Zain and Rolfis for my own sake?)
Then, perhaps sensing the hesitation within me, the Sixth Generation stood up and changed the surrounding scenery. This was inside the Sixth Generation's memories.
A place where the Sixth Generation could freely change the surrounding scenery.
『Don't worry so much. In that case, I'll show you one example.』
Suddenly, it was the urban area of the Vice Territory, which the Walt family governed.
It was smaller than when I was kicked out of my family home, but traces of it remained.
I also stood up, and a single delinquent was being punched away from a small tavern.
The one being punched away was the young version of the Sixth Generation, with long red hair simply swept back.
His gaze was sharper than now, and he gave off a somewhat prickly impression.
"Um, what is this?"
『...A memory from when I ran away from home.』
Then, the young Sixth Generation—Fines—stood up and shouted as if roaring.
『Don't screw with me! You want me to bow my head to a piece of trash like that? I'd rather die!』
The man who came out of the tavern was a large man with a bald head and a magnificent chin beard. His muscles pushed up against his shirt, and he looked strong at a glance.
In fact, perhaps because he had fought in wars, there were many scars on his arms and face.
『...Brat, I don't care how much alcohol you drink on credit. You can run wild. You can even punch me. But, I won't forgive insults toward that man... Lord Fredricks.』
Fines, who was being lifted by his collar by the large man, glared and spat.
Seeing that, I asked.
"...Is he the tavern owner?"
The Sixth Generation nodded bashfully and explained while scratching his head.
『That's right. I was drinking on credit. I heard later that the Fifth Generation told his subordinates to pay it off. I was told about it when I went to pay the tab.』
Speaking nostalgically, the Sixth Generation continued to watch the fight between the large man and Fines. He was punched away by the large man, but since Fines was also trained, he threw him back.
Residents gathered around and looked at Fines—.
『And yet he's that man's son.』
『A classic case of the son becoming useless when the parent is excellent.』
『Is the Walt family going to be okay?』
Looking at the reactions around him, it seemed they were favorable toward the Fifth Generation. The Fifth Generation was famous for loving women, but it seemed he was adored by the people of the territory.
As Fines began to punch the large man from a mount position, the people around intervened, and the scenery turned gray and time stopped.
The Sixth Generation said to me.
『To me, my younger brother, and my sisters, he was the worst father. I was angry at his attitude of having neither affection nor interest. But, he was adored by the people of the territory. Why do you think that is?』
I answered simply.
"Is it because the lord's family problems have nothing to do with the management of the territory? No, but there are issues with the successor and such..."
Then, the Sixth Generation showed me a certain scene.
There, an elderly couple was calling out to Fines, who was battered and bruised from running wild. It was night outside, and Fines looked cold, perhaps because it was winter.
『...You'll catch a cold here. It's a house with nothing, but please, come inside.』
Fines, perhaps thinking he would freeze to death if he stayed there, accepted the kindness and entered the elderly couple's house.
There, he was welcomed warmly. Hot water was prepared, and the meal was luxurious. It must have been the best the elderly couple could do.
Fines ate and slept in a bed.
The Sixth Generation watched this scene, looking nostalgic yet embarrassed.
『I was always failing. Lyell, I... was a hopeless idiot. I'd get reckless and run away from home, run wild, and repeat the cycle of being rescued.』
Hearing that, I was speechless.
I thought he seemed a bit like a delinquent, but he really was one. Just as I was thinking that it's a wonder he was able to return home, a conversation with the elderly couple began.
It was while Fines was eating breakfast.
『...Why did you help someone like me?』
Such an insolent attitude was not something to direct toward one's savior. Yet, the elderly couple looked happy.
『Oh, with this, we can repay our debt to Lord Fredricks.』
『We were greatly indebted to that gentleman.』
Fines looked displeased.
『That piece of trash father?』
The elderly couple said to Fines.
『Yes. Our village was burned, and he made it possible for those of us who survived to live.』
『He rushed to our aid. And yet, we said terrible things to him... we have regretted it for a long time.』
Fines looked slightly surprised, but his attitude quickly became bad again.
『That's his job! That piece of trash father is the one at fault for not arriving in time! You're being deceived!』
Even hearing that, the elderly couple laughed.
『Perhaps. But that man was kind. To a point that was painful to watch.』
When the memory footage cut off, it was the garden of the mansion.
"The scenery changed again."
Then, the Sixth Generation let out a sigh.
『How much more of my embarrassing side can I show! Next is the memory of when I returned. Well, the next one is also an embarrassing memory...』
In front of the mansion, soldiers were standing and looking troubled. Facing the battered Fines, they seemed undecided on whether they should let him into the mansion.
The mansion's entrance opened, and from there, the Fifth Generation—Fredricks—walked out. Beside him was the figure of Fines' mother.
Fines' mother rushed over and gave her son a full-force slap.
『Bwak!』
As Fines' upper body swayed, she slapped him again with the opposite hand. Seeing this, I thought.
(Wait, she looks kind, but this person is incredibly strong!)
『You foolish son! Running away from home and returning in such a pathetic state! Do you know how much you've made us worry!』
Seeing the woman repeatedly slapping him while crying, I was taken aback. Because Fines was becoming even more battered.
Fredricks also seemed slightly taken aback.
Fines' cheeks were slapped over and over. His cheeks swelled up, and I started to feel sorry for him.
『...Mother's slaps echoed in my heart, but they also echoed in my head and bones. In various senses... it was extremely painful.』
The large-bodied Fines cowered under his mother's glare.
Seeing that, Fredricks said exasperatedly.
『Sigh, take a bath and change your clothes. After you eat and sleep, come to me. If you can make up for the time you lost by leaving, I'll recognize you as the successor.』
As he said that and returned to the mansion, the soldiers acting as gatekeepers lent their shoulders to the staggering Fines and carried him into the mansion.
Crying, Fines' mother also accompanied her son.
"...Were you forgiven?"
『Yeah, I was forgiven. Well, my younger brother complained about various things and made sarcastic remarks. What hit me hardest was when Mireia asked, "Has your head cooled down?" I was sad to be lectured.』
The Sixth Generation seems to be a sister complex.
After I made a deliberate, exaggerated cough, the Sixth Generation said to me.
『Well, what I want to say is this. Even if you think you're doing something good, it may look bad to others, and even if you think you're bad, it may look like a good thing to others. Well, there's also the part where I just wanted to show you.』
The Sixth Generation had shown his embarrassing memories and looked bashful.
Then, he whispered to me.
『I did nothing but fail. In the end, I was a worse human being than my father.』
In the morning, before departure, Gastone-san and Selma-san brought a girl before me.
Her name was Aura.
She was a Saint Candidate, whom Gastone-san and the others had recommended as the next Saintess.
Her long brown hair was wavy, and I felt like it was almost becoming drills. Her modest chest, unlike Selma-san's, did not assert itself through the black, simple uniform worn by shrine maidens.
It was completely flat.
When they brought her before me, Clara stood up and took Eva and Mei toward the porter's wagon.
"I'll go check on Aria-san."
"Understood."
As the three of them left, Selma-san spoke.
"It seems we've made you feel uncomfortable. But, it's for the best."
Then, Gastone-san explained the circumstances to me.
"Lyell-dono, we are going to Beime to let the Saint Candidate, Aura-sama, escape. I believe you understand that our lives are in danger in Zain. Therefore, trusting in Lyell-dono's skill, I have a request. Could you protect this Aura-sama?"
"Protect her?"
I said that and looked at the girl named Aura. However, when she saw me, she averted her gaze.
Selma-san cautioned her.
"Aura, that's rude."
However, Aura-san said.
"I'm fine. He may be my savior, but that was only work for the reward. Besides, I cannot trust this adventurer. Furthermore, once we reach Beime, I will be free. I no longer have anything to do with the Saintess, the Temple, or Zain."
Seeing Aura-san walk back, the voice of the Fourth Generation came from inside the Jewel Orb.
『The Saint Candidate isn't very keen, is she? At this rate, even if you persuade her, she won't stand at the forefront. I'm sure Lyell-san could do something about it, though~』
Ignoring the latter half, I looked at Gastone-san.
Since he looked apologetic, I asked about the circumstances.
"Setting aside Aura-san's escort, what will you two and the others do?"
Selma-san looked down, placed her hand on her chest, and spoke.
"We are involved parties. Eventually, the next pursuers will be sent. To be honest, I didn't think they would come to kill us with such seriousness. My thinking was naive."
Gastone-san added.
"It will be a nuisance. But Aura-sama is not a Saintess; we simply pushed her into that role. At the very least, I want her to walk a different path and become happy."
From inside the Jewel Orb, the Sixth Generation's voice spoke.
『That's wrong. The moment she was pushed into it, she became an involved party. There is no longer a distinction. She will undoubtedly be targeted.』
Gastone-san and Selma-san are likely kind at heart. But perhaps there are things that cannot be protected with that alone.
(...Is that not enough to protect them?)
Thinking that, I asked.
"Do you two intend to die?"
Then, Selma-san shook her head. However, her expression seemed a bit clouded.
"I have no intention of dying. However, as a former Saintess, I will be a nuisance wherever I go. Therefore, I intend to go far away. Gastone and the others are the same."
I straightened my posture in front of the two of them. Then, I spoke with a serious expression.
"Are you running away? I hate to say this, but as things are, Aura-san's life will be targeted. Rather than Selma-san, who is a former Saintess, wouldn't Aura-san be more of a threat to the opponent?"
"T-that is..."
Gastone-san looked troubled. Perhaps he was tired, or perhaps his thinking was dull. He looked as if he had been cornered and was mentally pushed to the limit.
The Third Generation spoke in a light tone.
『Oh, Lyell has become keen. Is it thanks to the Sixth Generation's persuasion? What did he say?』
The Sixth Generation replied shortly.
『I just talked to him. An old story.』
I looked at the two people before me.
"If things continue like this, won't Zain also end up in a terrible state? Many innocent people in Rolfis, which will be attacked, might die."
Selma-san looked down, appearing frustrated.
"I know. But there is nothing more we can do. Although it was forced, I handed over the position of Saintess in an official form. And Gastone has been driven from the position of High Priest."
Gastone-san spoke to me. With his thin, small hand, he made a fist.
"It's not that we want to abandon it. It's just that we can't do anything. We no longer have the power to suppress the Holy Order of Knights or the other High Priests!"
I stood tall before the two of them. Then, I told myself.
(No, I can. I can do it.)
Pressing my chest with my right hand, I spoke boldly and with confidence before the two of them.
"No, you can. Not only you two, but with the help of Aura-san—the Saint Candidate—we can take back Zain."
Selma-san looked up with a surprised expression.
"T-take it back? Lyell-dono, what are you saying? Zain was officially inherited by the current Saintess—"
"And that's why the problem occurred, isn't it? An unnecessary war has started, and the Saint Candidate and you are being targeted for death. Am I wrong?"
Gastone-san said.
"T-that is certainly true, but what exactly do you mean by taking it back? ...Even to oppose a whole country, we can't do anything with this few people."
I grinned and said to the two of them.
"Why not bet on me? Leave it to this Lyell Wolt. It will involve risking your lives, but I think it's far more meaningful than just waiting to be killed."
Selma-san took a step back, looking at me. Then, she looked at me suspiciously and asked.
"...What is your goal? Do you intend to use us to climb the social ladder? I thought you were a kind person, but it seems I was mistaken."
It seemed I had aroused suspicion.
Then, the Fourth Generation gave me advice.
『Lyell, be honest here. However, hide a little bit. Yes, make them misunderstand. Well, it's their fault for misunderstanding. Listen, repeat after me—』
While the Fourth Generation's wicked face came to mind, I did as he said.
"What I want is you (the Zain that you rule)."
I tried saying it according to the Fourth Generation's words, but after a while, Selma-san turned bright red and began to panic. Flustered, she looked back and forth between Gastone-san and me.
"W-w-w-what are you saying!"
After I spoke it, I thought.
(Heyyy!! What does this mean! You made her misunderstand in the worst possible way!)
As I was troubled, the Fourth Generation spoke.
『Don't panic! For now, let her misunderstand, and once she nods and has no way out, correct it properly! He's an enemy of women, but this is necessary for the current Lyell!』
The Fifth Generation was also completely appalled.
『He's my father, but he's the worst. If Mama were here, she would definitely be showering him with abuse.』
The Seventh Generation added.
『He is the worst. I can see a future where Lyell is stabbed in the back. Alright, Lyell... let's apologize here. Such a misunderstanding cannot be forgiven.』
The Sixth Generation also spoke.
『Lyell, correct this immediately. Listen, this is bad. I failed because of this too.』
The Third Generation said.
『Fourth Generation... Marks, shall we have a talk later? Lyell, this is bad, so explain it properly.』
The Fourth Generation said.
『Eh? Wait! I mean, once we've come this far, it doesn't matter if one or two more people join! Besides, if it's Lyell, he can somehow—』
The voice cut off halfway. So, I made a deliberate cough.
"I-I've caused a misunderstanding. To be precise, I want the Zain that you, who have governed it properly until now, rule. If it's left as it is, there will be a great disadvantage for me as an adventurer."
Selma-san, her face still bright red, nodded several times while taking deep breaths.
"T-t-t-that's right! B-but, adventurers can earn money if there's a battlefield, right-uwa?"
Selma-san stumbled over her words. Gastone-san and I pretended not to hear it and ignored it.
I explained my circumstances.
"The guild I belong to is quite troublesome. I should probably explain the details, but when there's a war, the quota for completing requests increases. That would be a problem for me, so I want the neighboring countries to settle down. I have other reasons too, but it'll be a problem if Zain stays like this. I hear the war is likely to continue."
Perhaps because she was flustered, Selma-san had become unable to judge normally.
Looking at me, she nodded as if trying to be convinced. Or rather, it seemed the words weren't really entering her head.
Gastone-san was the same. He was bewildered and didn't interrupt the conversation.
"Well, I'll talk about my circumstances during the trip, so let's calm down a bit. Let's talk during the next break."
Selma-san's face remained red.
"Yes. That would be best. Otherwise, I can't talk properly..."
Gastone-san added.
"T-then we will come again when the next break is taken."
Saying that, they left as if escaping.
I wiped away a strange sweat with my hand, and then I felt a gaze from behind the porter.
Looking back, Aria, with a pale face, was peeking at me from the wagon.
And the other companions were also peeking at me from the shadow of the porter.
"Hie!"
I recoiled in fear. I hadn't done anything wrong, so why did I feel this guilty... it's the Fourth Generation's fault!