kscans

EPILOGUE : THE ENDLESS JOURNEY – Episode 4 Gera Ward

1

On the second day after Carla and Adolkarz’s departure, which was the night before Bard and his companions were set to leave, Doriatessa visited Bard.

“Jurchaga is a cruel man to leave behind such a fine woman. I thought about how to get back at Jurchaga. As a result, I’ve decided to develop this Fyuzarion into a great nation and declare Jurchaga as its founding king. Hehehe. I’ll make the name of Jurchaga, the founding king of Fyuzarion, resound to every corner of the continent. That Jurchaga will be surprised and flustered. Kukuku. I’ll engrave Jurchaga’s name eternally on this continent. Lord Bard, please listen for rumors of Fyuzarion during your journey. I’m sure you will.”

At first, Bard thought Doriatessa’s words were like a distant dream of the future. But as he listened to her continue, he realized that wasn’t the case.

“It seems that Agis has gained quite a few immigrants, but they’re struggling to expand the village due to lack of financial foundation. However, Princess Nora is supposed to bring a massive dowry when she marries. Count Taluscano will also likely send appropriate wealth and useful retainers to avoid being accused of abandoning his daughter in the frontier. Taking this opportunity, I plan to provide human resources from Fyuzarion as a wedding gift and have them build a port town on the banks of the Ova. Lord Temperoid originally had such a plan, so he’ll gladly accept this proposal.”

It has been ten full years since the village of Agis, which was originally in the northeast of the Misty Valley, relocated to the west of Fyuzarion. Temperoid has repeatedly expressed his desire to expand Agis to the banks of the Ova, build a port, and establish a nation based on trade.

“We’ll build a large road from Fyuzarion to that port. Lord Bard, Fyuzarion will begin trading through that port. We’ll purchase medium-sized ships from Linz. Of course, we’ll need to borrow sailors as well. That will be the start. Our trading partners will be Troy, Paderia, and Linz. We’ll leave the actual operation of the ships to Agis. Agis will also hire shipwrights and begin shipbuilding. People and goods will start moving in large quantities. How many years do you think it will take to reach that point?”

What a vision. In fact, the distance from Fyuzarion to the Ova is less than 15 koku-ri. Moreover, since it’s a gently sloping plain, building a large road won’t be such a major undertaking. If a port is to be built, there’s plenty of incentive to construct the road. If this plan is realized, Fyuzarion will gain an opportunity for rapid new development at once. Doriatessa will make it happen. Bard no longer doubted that. Yes, and also. Through many conversations with Temperoid, Bard had noticed that the man had a longing for the world of water. He had a dream of leading adventure ships to unseen places and trading precious goods after dangerous voyages. The Ova is vast. As far as Bard knows, trading ships only travel between Himaya and Troy, and between Linz and Paderia. No one knows what lies in the vast area in between. Let alone what kind of world, cities, and countries exist to the south of Linz. And, and. Could it be that the Ova connects to the Great Sea (Yug) far to the south? Could one reach the island of the dragonoids and beyond by following that route? Didn’t the dragonoids say there were other continents besides this one? Bard had a vision of Temperoid leading a fleet to venture across the Ova and beyond the Yug.

2

The next morning, Bard, Karz, and Jurchaga set out on their journey. They were seen off only by Doriatessa, Arflaenoxylin, Silky Walshirin, Thril Eslashirin, Taranka, Quinta, Seto, Yuguru, Nuva, and Miya. Yuguru was holding her six-month-old daughter. Bard had informed the main figures about his journey and ordered them not to see him off. Thankfully, no one found it suspicious that Bard was going on a journey. Doriatessa bravely held back her tears.

As they parted, Jurchaga hugged Arfla, Silky, and Thril many times. Karz looked at the former orphans with gentle eyes. Quinta, Seto, Yuguru, Nuva, and Miya might be like children to Karz as well. Come to think of it, it’s remarkable how this lazy man took care of these people without getting bored. Karz’s dedication to Quinta, in particular, was extraordinary. Since Quinta is the oldest among the orphans, Quinta’s proper growth means that all the orphans can live properly. Then Bard suddenly realized.

“I dedicate my loyalty to those who have been deprived.”

Yes, this taciturn man had sworn that, hadn’t he? These orphans were also “those who have been deprived.” Karz had faithfully fulfilled his oath. By fulfilling it, Karz himself was also saved. Karz’s current calm expression could be said to have been given by these children.

3

Thus, the three of them set out. Their destination was Fyuza. Jurchaga had said he wanted to go to Fyuza. However, this didn’t mean climbing to the summit. No one could do that. There are many settlements at the foot of Fyuza, and it is said that there are also unusual demi-humans. The plan was to visit these villages, enjoy the mountain scenery along the way, and then cross the middle slopes of Fyuza to emerge on the north side.

To the north of Fyuza lies the northern frontier, where it was said that there are unknown countries. Jurchaga’s wish was to visit these unknown countries.

The group passed through the sixth district, Kinos, reached the first fortress village, and headed north from there. From this position, they should be able to cross the wetlands and enter Fyuza. However, an event occurred that changed their direction.

In the twilight forest, the Sage of The Forest (Paduri Aura) appeared. Even Jurchaga was taken aback by the large, seemingly half-human and half-beast face that floated up hazily. “WHOA?” He was surprised. Bard steeled himself. Few people have met the Paduri Aura. And it’s said in the eastern frontier that the Paduri Aura waits at the turning points of people’s destinies and gives important news. Bard couldn’t laugh at this tradition. Because he had once experienced being guided by the Paduri Aura when Idora was in crisis.

For a while, Bard looked into the sleepy eyes of the Paduri Aura. Eventually, the Paduri Aura raised its right hand, which was tiny compared to the size of its head, and pointed in the direction from which Bard and his companions had come.

“Thank you.”

When Bard expressed his gratitude, the Sage of The Forest vanished silently. This too is a mysterious creature. What kind of creature is it, really? Is it even a creature at all? As he started to think about it, he shook his head. It’s not necessary to know the true nature of everything. Life is more enjoyable with a bit of mystery left, isn’t it? Bard thought to himself, turned his horse around, and headed back in the direction they had come from.

“Huh? Huh? Boss, are we going back?” Jurchaga said, but still followed. Karz also silently followed Bard.

That day, they ended up staying at the lord’s mansion in the sixth district of Kinos. Lord Banthuren Daye was overjoyed to entertain Bard and his companions. Auro, who serves as the chief construction supervisor, also joined, and the conversation was lively.

The next morning, Doriatessa was speechless when she saw the three who had left in tears return. Moreover, they were heading southwest immediately. Well, where should they go now? With such questions in mind, Bard and his companions passed through the various districts of Fyuzarion and reached the southwestern outskirts.

Then, someone came from the south. Two horses. The riders appeared to be knights. They approached, appearing and disappearing behind the undulating road and overgrown grass. Soon, they seemed to notice Bard’s party and quickened their pace.

The one in front was a young man. He looked about seventeen or eighteen years old. Still too young to be called a knight. He was wearing leather armor. He didn’t wear a helmet, and his red hair stood out against the background of the green prairie. The one behind him was a knight in his prime. His face looked familiar.

“Hey, old man! Are you Bard Rowen?”

It was a strong voice. This young man would make a good commander. What a straightforward voice that pierced right to the heart. Bard felt a shiver down his spine for some reason as he nodded, saying, “That’s right.” The young man turned back to speak to the knight accompanying him.

“Colin! It’s Bard Rowen. Give me the sword.”

“Geh. It really is Field Marshal Bard Rowen.”

It was Colin Kruizer. He’s an old confidant of Jog Ward, the “Storm General” (Panzer Entra). Bard is well acquainted with him too. If Colin is with him, then this young man must be…

“Hurry, give me the sword!”

“N-no. It’s impossible. Let’s go back, Gera. That guy is really a monster.”

It’s quite rude to say “monster” right in front of the person. Come to think of it, Jog Ward used to call Bard “monster geezer.” Back then, Bard had the martial prowess to deserve such a name. Now he’s completely withered, but Colin must be seeing Bard through the lens of his past image.

“We won’t know if it’s impossible unless we try! Come on, give me the sword already!”

Colin Kruizer handed the sword to the young man. It’s a long sword. It looks just like the one Jog Ward used when he was a bit younger.

“I am Gera Ward! I’ve heard that you’ve bested my old man many times, so I’ve come to defeat you in his place! Now, let’s duel!”

With these words, he spurred his horse forward. Bard was perplexed. By “old man,” does he mean Jog Ward? Since Colin Kruizer is with him, that’s probably the case. But Jog Ward couldn’t possibly have a son of this age. No, he don’t know. After all, the man is the epitome of the unexpected, so he might have such a son.

Bard pulled out his staff from the luggage behind him. He no longer wore the ancient sword at his waist. It was tied to the luggage, but he didn’t draw it. Wielding a sword is too strenuous for him now. Gera Ward charged forward. It was a splendid charge. For some reason, Bard felt happy. But still, this red hair. The black eyes, the single-mindedly set lips. This physique. This fighting spirit. This is… This is… Rather than Jog Ward, it’s exactly like Bard Rowen in his youth.

Gera Ward raised the great sword high and swung it down in one motion. The speed and power far exceeded expectations, and Bard felt a chill down his spine for a moment. It’s a power that the current Bard can’t properly receive head-on. But somehow, he could clearly sense the rhythm of his opponent’s steps. Yueitan smoothly moved forward, throwing off the opponent’s timing.

“Ah!”

Bard leaped into the surprised Gera Ward’s range and struck his temple with his staff with a thwack. The two horses quickly passed each other. Gera Ward’s body swayed and fell from the horse onto the grass.

“Whoa. Gera!”

Colin Kruizer rushed to Gera Ward and began to tend to him. Bard called out, “Hey, Colin Kruizer.”

“W-what is it, Field Marshal Bard?”

-What do you mean, ‘what is it’? Why was I attacked? And who is that young man?

“W-well, you see… I don’t really understand it myself, but… Ah, this is Gera Ward. He’s like Jog’s adopted son.”

According to what Colin then related, several years ago, a group of Eina people visited the capital of Gaineria. Jog seemed to be attracted to a woman named Riza among them and made her his own. Riza had a child with her. Jog ordered that this child be treated as his own family. “This woman is mine! This woman’s son is mine. No matter what anyone says, he’s mine. Serves you right!” he reportedly said. About two years later, when the same Eina people came around again, the woman named Riza left Jog and returned to the traveling group, but Gera Ward was left with Jog.

As Bard listened to the story, he was greatly shocked. Riza’s son. And this age. The red hair. This physique, combat ability, overflowing fighting spirit. What a thing. This young man is… This young man is…

Fifteen years ago, at the request of King Julelan of Parzam, Bard went to the aid of Corpus Fort, which had been attacked by demonic beasts. After defeating the horde of demonic beasts while commanding the soldiers of Corpus Fort, Bard traveled with Chantillion to show him the ways of the world. At that time, in a nameless village, they encountered a traveling group of Eina people. Bard spent a night with a dancer named Riza from that group. Yes, yes, at that time. What did Riza say? He remembers because he thought it was a strange thing to say. Riza said she wanted enough money to convince the leader. Wasn’t that meant to say she wanted enough money to be allowed to be unable to work for a while due to pregnancy?

If so, it means that Riza realized she had conceived from that one night of intimacy. Is such a thing possible? But without thinking that way, Riza’s words don’t make sense.

It must be so. Whether it was based on intuition or mere wishful thinking, when Riza met Bard, she knew she would bear this man’s child. And just as she thought, a child was conceived in her womb. At least Riza thought so. And the gods made that belief a reality. That’s the only way to think about it.

The Eina people are said to be close to the gods. They wander without being bound by worldly power or land, prioritizing communion with the gods. The dancers of the Eina people are both lowly prostitutes and priestesses. They commune with the gods by immersing themselves in dance. Riza was an exceptionally skilled dancer. If so, she might have been an exceptionally skilled priestess as well.

This is the child from that time. Gera Ward is now fourteen years old. He’s Bard’s son. There’s no doubt about it.

There’s one more thing he remembered. Before the battle of Hilprimarche, Jog cursed Bard as a “wife-stealing geezer” and left with the parting words, “You’ll pay for this someday.” When Jog met Riza and was attracted to her, he might have asked who the son’s father was. Bard doesn’t remember if he gave his name to Riza, but when Jog heard the story, with his beast-like intuition, he might have realized that this was Bard’s son. So by making Riza his wife and Gera his own child, he might have felt he had gotten back at Bard. But then, is Jog Ward raising Bard Rowen’s son? As he was thinking about this, Gera Ward regained consciousness.

“Ugh… Whoa. B-Bard Rowen! Let’s have a fair duel!”

“No, the match is over. You’ve lost,” Bard said. “But you fought well, so I’ll give you a reward.” He then untied the ancient sword attached to Yueitan and handed it, sheath and all, to Gera Ward. “I think this sword will suit your current build better,” he added.

Gera unsheathed the ancient sword and swung it.

“Oh. It may not look impressive, but it feels great to wield. Alright. I’ll take it.”

Colin Kruizer’s mouth was opening and closing repeatedly.

“Th-that’s… the m-magic sword Stavros…”

“What are you doing, Colin? We’re leaving! Hey, Bard! Next time we meet, I’ll take you down in one strike! Remember that! You…”

Gera’s words suddenly stopped there.

“Are you going somewhere?”

He seemed to have noticed Bard and his companions’ travel attire.

-Yes. We’re heading to Fyuza.

“Fyuza? Huh. I-I see. T-take care…”

Gera started to say something but hesitated, then continued in a stronger tone.

“Listen up, Bard! I’m the one who’s going to kill you. Don’t you dare die until then!”

With those words, Gera Ward ran off. Colin Kruizer chased after him. Bard watched until the figure of his son, whom he had met for the first time and would likely never see again, disappeared from sight.

—Stavros, I’m counting on you to look after my son.

As he watched them leave, Bard was filled with emotion. As a knight, Bard values his house more than blood relations. Adolkarz is Bard’s only official grandson, as he is the only child of Karz, who is Bard’s adopted son and heir to the family. Adolkarz is the successor to the House of Rowen and Bard’s grandson. However, from the perspective of Bard, who comes from a rural knight* background or rather a commoner background, blood-related children and grandchildren are also dear to him. He imagines Gera Ward having children and grandchildren, and the Ward family prospering. That Ward bloodline is actually Bard’s bloodline. One could say that Jog stole the bloodline, or that the Rowen bloodline took over the Ward family. Such things don’t matter. Jog would probably feel the same way. His only wish is for Gera and his descendants to live bravely and strongly. To live in a way that isn’t shameful for a knight. (t/n: original word is ‘peasant farmer’, which means those villager a lord recruit when having war)

If they fall into crisis, Stavros will help them. Just as he had secretly supported Bard’s own journey. Bard suddenly thought. Stavros died in February of the year 4271. That was sixteen years ago. Since then, Stavros’ soul has resided in the magic sword, helping Bard. Bard no longer doubts this. After all, during the adventure in the ‘Cave of Trials,’ Stavros vividly appeared from the ancient sword and fought alongside him against the God of War.

So, what if Stavros hadn’t died that night sixteen years ago? Stavros was already elderly at that time. He wouldn’t have been able to accompany Bard on his journey and would have only been a burden. By dying and becoming a spirit, Stavros was able to manifest a mysterious powers and help Bard.

—Could it be that Stavros died to help me?

That’s unknown. The only thing certain is that death was a blessing for Stavros. Yes. Sometimes, having one’s life extended can be a blessing. But there are also times when dying is a blessing. From now on, Stavros will continue to reside in the ancient sword and help Bard’s descendants. What a great death it was. Stavros could be said to be no less than the ancient divine beast spirits. It was such a happy thing to be able to entrust the ancient sword inhabited by Stavros to Gera Ward.

When Bard turned around, he saw Karz staring with his eyes wide open in shock. Though the difference from his usual expression was slight, to Bard who was used to seeing him, it was clear how surprised Karz was. It could be said that this was the first time this usually irritatingly calm and collected man showed a look of complete bewilderment. Of course, Karz doesn’t know about Riza. He couldn’t have realized Gera Ward’s true identity. To Karz, it must have looked like Bard casually handed over the ancient sword, a treasure filled with the thoughts of important people, to a rebellious stranger he had just met.

-Hahaha. He’s dumbfounded. Even that Karz is dumbfounded. I finally managed to surprise Karz. Hahahahahahaha.

Bard’s loud laughter echoed across the grassland. Karz wasn’t the only one surprised. Jurchaga was also flustered.

“H-hey, boss. What’s going on here? Come on, boss. Explain it to meeeee!”

Bard had no intention of explaining. This was a secret between him and the gods. It was like a fun, enjoyable secret agreement. It was amusing. Just amusing. The doings of the gods are truly delightful.