73 - Memories of the Second Generation
Inside the Jewel.
A meeting of the ancestors was taking place there.
The Fourth Generation presided over the gathering.
"Then, we shall make our stand at Gioni Village."
The Sixth Generation looked frustrated.
"If only we had more soldiers we could use, we could have fought them in the forest!"
The Seventh Generation looked equally frustrated.
"Kuh, the Second and Third Generations have more experience fighting with small numbers. Let us follow their lead."
The Fifth Generation spoke.
"Now, the question is how to intercept them. If we had a few more crossbows, we could have distributed them among the villagers and positioned them. We could have given loaded crossbows to those with good aim, and then had them swap the crossbows..."
The Third Generation looked pleased.
"Lyell has already scouted the village, so it should be enough if we make a few adjustments to solidify the defenses. Whether it is Hippogriffs or Griffons, once they enter the village, we just restrain them and beat them to a pulp!"
They were likely letting the Hippogriffs attack humans as prey.
Wouldn't they just flee? I wondered, but according to the ancestors, "Griffons are proud."
They didn't say they weren't intelligent, but apparently, even if they lose, they don't stop attacking.
They were a troublesome opponent.
The Fourth Generation spoke while looking at an image floating above a round table.
A three-dimensional map of the village was appearing in my mind.
"The weak points are here and here, I think. Let's position knights and have the crossbows used by soldiers in pairs. I want some shield-bearers too."
The number of people they could move was nearly one hundred and seventy.
It didn't reach two hundred, but it was still better than the initial hundred-some people.
The Second Generation spoke.
"Lyell will handle the command. The monsters that break into the village will be dealt with by Lyell and his group. Aria and Miranda will be positioned in areas with low combat power. Novem will handle the healing, so she goes in the center of the village. Porter and Clara can stay there as well."
I asked the Second Generation.
"What about Monica and Shannon?"
The Second Generation wore a troubled expression.
The reason was Monica's attire.
It was a maid outfit, or rather, something like a dress similar to one.
Even knowing she was strong, it would be problematic if she entered the battlefield dressed like that.
"...They will be guards for the women, children, and elderly. Shannon will assist Novem. It would be easier if we had more of those arrows."
The exploding arrows used at Alamsars were like having weights attached to them. If they didn't reach far, it was difficult to aim.
However, if they hit, a single shot was enough for something like a Goblin.
If the hit was well-placed, even an Orc could be taken down in one blow.
The Third Generation looked at me.
"Lyell will have to carry them. They are the leftovers from before, but they'll be useful against Hippogriffs. Might be difficult against Griffons, though."
The Third Generation explained that Griffons wouldn't even flinch even if hit.
The Seventh Generation spoke.
"With Griffons, it would certainly be easier if we could leap onto their backs."
The Sixth Generation agreed.
"When the strong fought, that was a common method. For the current Lyell, who lacks an overwhelming difference in ability, even landing magic is difficult... Alright, if it's impossible, then that's that."
"Don't just say 'that's that.' We just need to stall them and then everyone can gang up and beat them, right? There are spells for that too."
The Sixth Generation looked at me with half-closed eyes.
"That's not very exciting."
I wasn't seeking excitement.
As the meeting progressed, the Third Generation and the others became absorbed in the discussion.
Even when I spoke up.
"That's why we have to position Norma too! There's no point if we don't use every available piece!"
"That incompetent one? Since he'll probably try to shake us down for money, let's keep him in the center if possible. Let's make him a guard along with Monica."
"No, he is capable. He's lacking, but he immediately handed over command to Lyell. He survived and brought about the best possible situation for himself. Besides, as a knight, he should be able to fight Goblins and Orcs."
"Letting them through on purpose to lure them into a trap, and then burning them at the stake... I'd like some other gimmicks as well."
"...If these were the elites of the Walt family, we could charge in and finish it in a day. Ah, let's also set traps in the thinly guarded positions. When reinforcing, make it so it's easy to fight..."
The ancestors planned the operation, grinning at times and raging at others.
The discussion regarding the village reinforcements progressed, and it felt as if they were building a fortress for war.
I could do nothing but watch.
The Second Generation spoke to me.
"Those guys are enjoying themselves. Lyell, are you bored?"
When asked, I shook my head.
"No, I need to listen carefully. It'll be beneficial."
Then, the Second Generation grabbed me by the collar and dragged me to his room.
"Hey, I'm borrowing Lyell."
The Second Generation said this to the remaining five, but it was the Fourth Generation who answered.
He peered seriously into the table, waving his left hand dismissively.
"Yeah, do whatever you like. We're still continuing."
"Eh, wait!?"
Despite my resistance, I was pulled along by the Second Generation and moved straight into his room.
The rooms of the ancestors within the Jewel were filled with their respective memories.
For the First Generation, it was a small village.
For the Second Generation, the scenery of a village that had begun to develop spread out.
There were residents living in the village, but those sights were only images. They could not be touched.
The memories of the room's owner.
"What is it? Are you thinking of making me actually fight, like the First Generation did? Well, certainly, if I could fight a Griffon, I'd be grateful."
When I said that, the Second Generation shook his head.
"I could do that, but you already beat a dragon subspecies. A Griffon is nothing at this point. It's just that their flying is a nuisance."
The Walt family, possessing lands located in the frontier, had a history of constantly fighting monsters.
Starting from the First Generation, they fought with greatswords, and since the Second Generation incorporated monster hunting into the education of the heirs, everyone was experienced.
It was unbelievable that some, like the knights of the royal capital, had never even stepped outside.
"Then, is there something? ...Rain?"
As we walked, the sky became cloudy.
When it began to rain, the residents who had been working until a moment ago disappeared.
Even when stepping into a puddle, no splash rose.
It was a bit strange.
Amidst the heavy rain, that scenery was certainly visible.
"Eh, um... blood."
What was spreading across the ground along with the water was blood.
At the end of the Second Generation's gaze, a version of the Second Generation who looked as he did now was on his knees, hugging a child.
The small child crying beside him was—.
"Is that the Third Generation? But the one being held is—"
"My eldest son."
Beside the wailing Second Generation, another small boy was crying loudly.
The blood flowing from the child would not stop.
Nearby was the form of a monster shot by an arrow.
A horned rabbit.
The scene changed.
Was it summer this time?
Despite the strong sunlight, I felt no heat.
The Second Generation was teaching a child how to handle a bow.
"Come on, do your best."
"Uuuun!"
The sight of a child pulling a small bow with all his might and releasing a practice arrow. That was the eldest son who had been held by the Second Generation earlier.
Nearby, a young Third Generation watched the scene blankly.
Even from a young age, he gave off an elusive atmosphere.
When the boy released the arrow and hit the target, he was overjoyed.
"I did it! I did it, Father!"
"Well done! As expected of a man of the Walt family. Become strong and be a lord who can protect everyone."
"Yeah!"
When the image of the rejoicing Second Generation and eldest son turned gray, time stopped there.
I looked at the Second Generation.
"...He was a good boy. Unlike me, he was bright and straightforward. He was loved by the residents. I was hated, but I thought that if it were this child, the residents would surely adore him. Since I was blessed with a second son, I thought I'd provide a settlement for Slay in the future and prepare a branch family. He was laid-back, but he loved books... so, I thought he could... support [Dewey]."
Looking at that boy, I realized.
Brown hair and a messy head of hair.
He was the boy in Gioni Village who told Novem he wanted to fight. I think his name was [Luca], and he certainly looked similar.
"In the rain. A monster appeared in the fields. He went out with a bow to drive it back. I didn't care if things were ravaged a little. He could have called me... but to protect Slay, who had followed him, he stepped forward."
I didn't know what to say.
The Second Generation continued.
"I couldn't protect him. This is the same as the First Generation. I am selfish. But please, do something for that child. ...I don't want to see children die. And, just a little bit is fine, please keep an eye on him."
"...Within the scope of what I can do."
When I said that, the Second Generation gave a weak smile.
"Sorry, Lyell. I can't really talk about the First Generation either."
Then the image switched.
It was a mansion.
Sleeping on the bed was the emaciated First Generation.
Beside the First Generation [Basil Walt], an elderly woman sat in a chair. She looked healthy, and I understood immediately.
(This person is the First Generation's wife.)
The Second Generation stood near the bed. However, he looked terribly haggard.
The First Generation squeezed out his voice.
"...I'm sorry, Crassel."
Saying that, he closed his eyes.
The Second Generation clenched his fists and stood there crying.
The elderly woman spoke to the Second Generation.
"Stop blaming yourself now. There are those who blame you, but you've done wonderfully. This man was clumsy too..."
The elderly woman was shedding tears.
The Second Generation opened his mouth.
"...I wanted to be like this man. Strong, and adored... and yet, I couldn't catch up at all. And, I couldn't protect."
The sight of the Second Generation collapsing.
Then the surrounding scenery changed to a place for practicing skills.
The Second Generation scratched his cheek with his finger.
"...I didn't really want to show you. It's embarrassing."
"I don't think it's embarrassing at all. Besides, if the Second Generation hadn't been there, the Third Generation would be... well."
The Third Generation was a person who cut corners, for better or worse.
He had developed the territory according to the Second Generation's plan and hadn't done anything unnecessary.
Even so, since he carved his name into the history of Banseime, one never knows how the world works.
"...That guy doesn't do anything wasteful. He didn't even practice archery and only swung his sword. Thinking about it now, that was probably for the best. But watching him, I couldn't help but worry."
The Second Generation was smiling.
Then, he looked at me with a serious expression.
"Besides, I wanted to show you. I wanted it to be so... Hey, Lyell. You—"
"Yes?"
"—Can't you already use my skill?"
For a moment, I felt as if my heart had been gripped. Then, my consciousness was forcibly returned from inside the Jewel to my own body.
When I woke up, dawn was about to break.
In the house where I was staying in the village, the woman who was the homeowner was awake.
"Ah, I've woken you up."
The woman was preparing a meal, and a boy entered the house energetically.
"Ah, Lyell-sama is awake! I have to let Novem-neechan know."
Luca—.
The boy who resembled the Second Generation's eldest son seemed to have brought firewood.
Looking around, Shannon and Aria were sleeping.
Clara and Novem, who were on watch, and Miranda-san seemed to have woken up already.
Behind the boy stood Monica.
"Mother, she's amazing. This maid chopped a ton of firewood and piled it up. We're set for a while now."
The woman—Luca's mother—spoke as if exasperated.
"We have to dry it, so we can't use it for a while. Besides, did you thank her? Thank you very much."
"I did!"
Monica nodded.
"Yes. I received thanks."
Then, she kept glancing at me.
(I understand what she wants to say, but I'm absolutely not saying it.)
To Luca's mother, who was thanking Monica, I spoke while scratching my head.
"Ah, you don't need to thank her. She's an automaton."
Both Luca and his mother looked bewildered.
Apparently, saying 'automaton' didn't lead to understanding. It was a failure.
Then, Monica spoke with a sad expression.
"It's fine, you two. Even with a master like this, I will simply serve him to the best of my ability."
Receiving the accusing gazes of Luca and his mother, I glared at Monica.
"You, that's unfair!"
Outside the view of the two, Monica stuck out her tongue.
"I have not told a lie."
While I was feeling frustrated, Luca approached me.
"Lyell-sama, you should thank her properly. I think that kind of thing is absolutely no good."
Admonished by the boy, I ended up in a flow where I had to thank Monica.
Monica smiled happily in front of the two, but when they weren't looking, she wore a rather wicked smile.
(This girl...)
Though I felt frustrated, I couldn't continue the usual banter in front of the two people who were taking care of me.
I offered an apology.
"Thanks for everything, Monica... is this enough?"
When I glared at her, Monica spoke with a triumphant face.
"A master who isn't honest. Oops, I must prepare breakfast. It looks like today will be busy."
Saying that, Monica began helping Luca's mother in high spirits.
Luca pulled my arm.
"Lyell-sama, what should I help with today!"
"Today? Today... a tour of the village. There were places I didn't see yesterday."
"Again? When are we going to fight?"
Luca, who insisted on participating, was decided to contribute in the form of helping me. In addition to the tour, I needed a local person to ask various things about the village.
Despite this, Luca's father had been killed by a Hippogriff.
In Gioni Village, where it was rarer to not have a family member as a victim, this was the current reality.
"I'll tell you various things when I'm free. Before that, preparations. We'll have a meeting immediately after eating."
"Meeting? Another discussion?"
I patted Luca's head.
"It's important. Now, shall we wake Shannon? I want to let Aria sleep a bit longer."
Luca looked at Shannon.
She was covered by a blanket, but from the shape of the blanket, it was clear she was sleeping with her legs wide open. Aria was the same, sleeping boisterously.
"...Lyell-sama, that Shannon person is no good. She runs away from work immediately."
I nodded too.
"Yeah, I know. But it's fine. If Novem is there, she can't escape."
Luca said.
"That sister really is amazing. The blacksmith old man liked her a lot. Even though he's a stubborn dwarf, he said he'd cooperate with her! The adults in the village were surprised too."
I said.
"As expected of Novem. Now then, let's finish preparations quickly."
"Yeah!"
Seeing the bright Luca, his mother also seemed a bit relieved.
What I heard from the Jewel was the Third Generation's voice.
"...Yeah, he really does resemble his brother."
It was a voice that sounded somewhat happy, and somewhat sad.
Having seen the memories, I could understand that feeling, if only a little.
(...I have to switch my mindset.)
Thinking so, I woke Shannon up together with Luca.