After Returning to the Country Arc 4: The God-protected Forests Longest Day
In the middle of the 8th month, 1,547th year, Continental Calendar
On this clear day, I was flying through the sky on Nadens back while she was in ryuu form.
This height had scared at first, but after a number of tis being sent out to do weather reporting, I was now completely used to it. Now, I could even sleep at an altitude of 1,000 ters.
Though Naden gets mad if I sleep...
Is sothing the matter, sire? Aisha asked.
Its nothing, I told her.
It was just that today Aisha was seated behind , with her hands wrapped tightly around my waist. That was because we were heading to Aishas holand, the God-protected Forest.
Still, why are we going to the God-protected Forest so suddenly? Aisha asked.
Because we got engaged, but I havent gone to give my regards to Sir Wodan. Weve been communicating with letters, but Ive been aning to find the ti to go see him.
It was to see him about the betrothal?!
Yeah. Ive already talked to Liscias parents, and Junas guardian is Excel, so Ive spoken with her. For Naden, Tiamat is like her mother, so the formalities are taken care of there, too. For Roroa... I intend to visit their grave soon.
Near Van, the forr capital of the Principality, there was a grave for the Amidonian royal family. Roroas parents lay at rest there. I couldnt imagine Gaius would have blessed our marriage, but I had to believe that Roroas mother, a cheerful woman according to Sir Gouran, would have pacified him.
So, that being the case, were visiting Aishas family ho, huh? Naden asked.
Urgh... If that was what this was about, you could have told . Im not ntally prepared... Aisha ground her forehead against my back.
Leaving the confused Aisha alone for a bit, I talked to my other fiance, who was kindly giving us a ride.
Sorry, Naden. Making you give Aisha a ride again, too.
I gave her a pat on the back.
She turned her ryuu head around to look our way and replied, I dont really mind if its Aisha, using her telepathy. Shes ridden before. Besides, the partner of my partner is like my partner.
Yeah, you were saying sothing like that before.
Aisha, who seed to have recovered from writhing in embarrassnt, tilted her head to the side. Hm... If Naden and I are partners, which of us is the husband?
What is this stupidity Aisha was suddenly spouting? ...was what I thought, but Naden pondered the question with a surprising amount of seriousness.
Hmm, wouldnt it be you, Aisha? Youre strong, after all.
In your ryuu form, youre strong, too.
But compared to Juna, youre more of a husband type, wouldnt you say?
Comparing to Juna isnt fair! Shes more of a woman than anyone.
In this form, my breasts are bigger than hers... Wait, saying that just makes sad. But when you think of it that way, isnt Liscia the most like a husband?
Lady Liscia is gutsy, Aisha agreed. In a way, shes better husband material than His Majesty.
Youre just saying whatever you want... Hearing the two of them talk, my shoulders slumped. It was true enough; I was nowhere near as gutsy as Liscia. Still, in the end, youd both prefer to be the wife, right?
Well, of course.
For my part, I need both of you to be my brides.
Sire! Aisha cried.
Souma!
The two both smiled bashfully.
I was embarrassed having said it, too.
Its awkward having my superior flirting right beside , you realize? Hal complained.
He was flying beside us on the back of Ruby, who was in red dragon form. He looked at us with a face like hed been forced to drink boiled sugar.
His mount was looking at Naden with her golden eyes, too.
You, too, Naden, Ruby rebuked and then looked away sulkily. If youre a dragon of the Star Dragon Mountain Range, keep yourself together when your knight is riding you. That is the dignity expected of a knights partner.
Soumas not a knight, hes a king, so there.
Dont quibble! That makes him higher than a knight!
Oh, geez, shut up!
The two of them started arguing high up in the sky.
While they werent as hostile as they had been when Id first t the two of them, neither of them had changed their stubborn personalities, so fights like this were a daily occurrence.
That said, they did it as friends.
As my fiance, Nadens position was far higher than Rubys, but the fact they could fight on equal terms showed that Naden and Ruby didnt let that co between them. They were each the only person the other knew from their holand here, after all.
Then Naden said, Nyahh! and barred her teeth. You can stop worrying about and get along with your own knight, cant you?! That fox-eared mage isnt here today, so you can get as lovey-dovey as you want.
Wh-What are you saying?! I wouldnt...
Oh, my, whats this? Your face is all red, Ruby? Naden teased.
Its naturally that color!
After that, Naden and Ruby kept shouting and having a good ti. Where did the dignity expected of a knights partner go...? Well, if they were getting along and fighting with each other, I could let that go.
But there wasnt any need for to co, was there? Hal asked. If Young Miss Aisha and Young Miss Naden are with you, isnt that enough to protect you?
It was true; when I had the greatest warrior in the kingdom, Aisha, and Naden, who in her ryuu form could probably take on over ten wyvern riders at once, with , there was no point in bringing Hal to protect .
However, there was a good reason for bringing him along.
When I sent Sir Wodan a letter saying, I will co to visit soon, I was asked to bring you with , too, I explained. It seems Sir Sur has been wanting to see you.
By Sir Sur, you an... Ohh, that dark elf who ca to reinforce us before, huh? Hal said, clapping his hands.
Back when the Forbidden Army and the Army had been staring each other down near Randel, there had been a unit of dark elf archers rushing to their aid as thanks for the relief theyd received after the landslide disaster. The one leading those reinforcents had been Sir Sur. Our troops had been stretched thin at the ti, so I was still really grateful rembering that assistance.
But why does he want to et ? Hal asked. Hes already repaid his debts, hasnt he?
Oh, well, it seems the one who really wants to et with you is Surs daughter. She was apparently one of the people you saved while searching for survivors with .
...Yeah, I dont rember her. We saved a lot of people that ti, after all.
Even if youve forgotten her, she hasnt forgotten you. Youre the man who saved her life, after all.
Only because that was the mission... Hal scratched at his head.
He wasnt good at accepting excessive praise. He might run wild at tis, but that straightforward nature of his was very like Hal, and it left a good impression on .
Let her thank you, at least, I said. Now then... Co on, Naden, Ruby, dont just keep fighting forever. Lets hurry on to the God-protected Forest. Sir Wodan is waiting for us.
Oh! Yeah. Roger that.
R-Roger.
And with the two dragon girls having co to their senses and picked up the pace, we headed for the God-protected Forest.
The green leaves of the God-protected Forest shone in the sumr sun.
When coming to provide aid before, we had stopped the rhinoceros train outside and headed for the village on foot, but this ti we were coming from the air, so we could land directly in the dark elf village.
H-He really ca on a dragon! an elf exclaid.
Thats a bigun...
They werent wary because we had notified them in advance, but the dark elves curiously watched the ryuu and the dragon descend from a distance.
When we touched down and Naden and Ruby took human form, the people who had been watching from a distance rushed in like a dam had just burst. Surrounded by dark elves of all ages, from children to adults, we ended up getting manhandled.
What?! You girls are dragons?!
Wowwwie! Hey, transform again!
Why, King Souma, how good of you to co visit.
You were a great help last ti.
Hey, Lady Aisha, good of you to co back.
Lady Aisha, congratulations on your betrothal to His Majesty.
Is this red-headed girl Sir Hals partner? Shes a beauty.
Who is this black-haired kid? Huh? Shes not a kid?
That was about how it went, with the questions flying fast and it not being clear who was saying what to whom until sobody clapped their hands.
Looking in the direction of the noise, Aishas father Sir Wodan was looking on with a wry smile.
Everyone, His Majesty and his entourage have only just arrived. It is rude to surround and interrogate them like that.
When Wodan lightly told them off, the dark elves stepped back seeming a little embarrassed.
Now that we were free from the crowd, we could finally catch our breaths.
Youre a lifesaver, Sir Wodan, I said gratefully.
No, no, the villagers were being rude. However, this is because when they learned that you, who ca to the aid of our village, were coming to visit, they all beca excited about how they had to welco you. Please, forgive them.
Dont worry about it. Im grateful for the warm welco.
Sir Wodan and I exchanged a firm handshake. In that mont, the dark elves all started clapping...
I dunno, being this welco was kind of embarrassing.
Now, it wont do for us to stand here talking forever, Sir Wodan said, indicating which direction he wanted us to go. Please, co to my house.
Chief. A hand went up from inside the crowd of dark elves.
The one with his hand raised was Sir Sur, who had lead the reinforcents that ca during our battle against the Army.
I wanted to invite Sir Halbert to my own house, he said. Would that be all right?
Hmm, what do you say, King Souma? Sir Wodan asked.
I smiled and nodded. I dont mind. That was why I brought him along in the first place.
Thank you, Sur said. Now, Sir Halbert, please co to my house.
O-Okay?
Hal was dragged off with Sur pulling him by the arm. Ruby hurried after them.
Having parted with Hal, Aisha, Naden, and I went to Sir Wodans house.
Looking at the village along the way, I could see almost no signs of the disaster that had happened here before. Their houses were in a forest to begin with, and many were simple, so it must not have taken long to rebuild them.
Youve co a long way towards recovering already, I comnted.
That is thanks to your generous provision of materials, Sir Wodan said. Thank you, sincerely.
I ought to thank you. Thank you for sending those reinforcents during the recent war.
It was nothing. Those are the tis when we most need to help one another.
As we walked, we entered Wodans house.
Having been shown through to the living room, Wodan offered the head seat at the table, but I firmly declined.
Im not here as a king today, but as a single man, here to take Aisha to wife. Please, sit at the head of the table, Sir Wodan.
...I see.
Sir Wodan sat in the head seat, while I sat across from him. I had Aisha sit next to , and Naden sat a little behind us, waiting.
Then I bowed my head. Even though my betrothal to Aisha was agreed on, I must apologize for having been so busy that it delayed my coming to give you, her father, my regards. Please, give your daughter... give Aisha as my wife.
P-Please, Father. Aisha hurriedly bowed her head.
When I glanced over, Naden was bowing her head along with us.
Sir Wodan sighed a little. Raise your heads, he said.
When I raised my face, Sir Wodan had tried to force a smile, but failed. It was an awkward expression.
I am sure Aisha requested this marriage, didnt she? There is no need for you to bow your head, Sir Souma. This is complicated for as a father, but if it is my daughters wish... it seems I must give you my blessing.
Fatheeer... Aisha said tearfully, her voice full of emotion. Sir Wodan gave her a smile, then returning his face to normal, he looked in the eye.
We dark elves are a long-lived race. Aisha is younger than you, and will live longer, I am sure. Even if you reach the end of your natural life, you will be leaving Aisha behind. Do you understand that?
Yes.
The life of an ordinary human like myself, when looked at by a mber of a long-lived race like Naden or Aisha, had to look like a short thing. Even so, Aisha and Naden both wanted to be with .
In order to ensure they did not regret the ti spent with , I thought from the bottom of my heart that I would endeavor to be a good king, and a good partner. Even if a ti when we would be forced to part was to co...
However, it seed what Sir Wodan wanted to say was a little different than what I was reflecting on. He began to speak, sounding like he had found so sort of enlightennt.
However, long-lived as our races are, if we cannot live to the end of our natural lives, it is possible for us to live a shorter ti than humans. We can die in war or accidents. If we catch epidemic diseases, we die quite easily. My own wife, Aishas mother, lost her life to such a disease. If you let your guard down because she is long-lived, Aisha may pass on before you do.
I was silent.
So, please, take care of Aisha. Give her a new family and fond mories for the ti when, soday, you go on ahead of her. Sir Wodan quietly bowed his head.
A fathers wish was always for his daughters happiness.
I would soon be a father myself. I didnt know if it would be a boy or a girl yet, but there might co a day when, like Sir Wodan, I would entrust my child to soone.
I chose my words carefully and answered him in a calm tone. Aisha is a far stronger person than I. From here on... I am sure she will defend on the battlefield.
He was silent.
That being the case, I believe I will try to protect Aishas smile from everything else. So that, soday, she can see off with a smile. So that she will not regret our ti together.
Sire... Aisha cried and drew closer to .
I could hear sniffling from behind , too. Her tears had likely made Naden start crying, too.
Sir Wodan stood up and walked towards . Then, placing his hands over mine and Aishas, he smiled and said, Sir Souma, Im counting on you to take care of Aisha.
Yes, Father, I will.
Aisha. Be happy.
I will... Father.
Madam Naden, I am sure you will be Sir Soumas wife, too. Please, treat Aisha well as a mber of the sa family.
Of course I will! Roger that!
Having heard our responses, Sir Wodan smiled broadly and nodded in satisfaction.
anwhile, around that ti...
Having broken off from Souma and the others, Halbert ended up being practically dragged into Surs house.
He walked where his hand was being pulled. With Halberts strength, which was among the top in the kingdom, it would be easy to shake free of this hand, but he felt nothing but goodwill from Sur, and so he couldnt treat the man poorly.
Ruby hurried after the two of them.
Halbert turned just his head back in her direction and asked in a whisper, H-Hey, Ruby, whats going on here?!
D-Dont ask , she whispered back. Cant you get away?
If he were hostile, thatd be one thing, but Id feel bad brushing off an invitation made with goodwill...
Then all we can do is wait and see how it goes, right?
While the two of them were having that exchange, Sur turned back with a smile. Okay, were here. Welco to my ho.
Huh?
By the ti they realized it, the two had been led to a small house with a thatched roof. It was clearly the abode of a farr, but the roof was bizarrely steep.
Thats an awfully pointy house youve got... huh...
Halberts opinion was more or less exactly how it looked, so Sur laughed.
Here in this forest, when winter cos, we get a fair amount of snow accumulation. If we dont use roofs like this so the snow falls off, theyll collapse.
You get that much accumulation? Hal asked.
Yes. Because of it, we cannot hunt in winter, and everyone spends their ti indoors, nding things or doing maintenance on their weapons. Though last years winter was different.
How so?
Sur indicated the pile of lumber next to the stairs. Because we had lumber from the trees knocked down by the landslide, as well as from the periodic thinning His Majesty advised us to do. We were making pieces of traditional art before, like statues, but they seem to have beco popular in the outside world, and are creating significant wealth for us. There are occasionally rchants who receive permission from both the kingdom and the God-protected Forest to co buy them.
Wow...
The most popular of them was... Lets see, I think I had one around here... Sur said and began digging through the wood pile.
Not long passed before he pulled a long, thin object from the pile.
Ahh, here it is. He held it up for Halbert and Ruby to see. This is it. This is the most popular item.
By this, you an... a wooden sword?
What Sur was holding up was a sword made of wood. What was more, it wasnt the sort of orthodox double-bladed sword used in the kingdom, but one modeled on the katana which was the main style in use in the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union. On top of that, there was so sort of writing or symbols carved into the handle.
His Majesty called this a souvenir bokuto, Sur said.
Oh... Of course Souma would be involved. Halbert said shaking his head in exasperation.
When Sur had started talking about traditional art, but then said the most popular item was a bokuto, hed gotten the feeling. If it was the sort of thing where he couldnt tell at first glance what the point was, it had to be Souma.
Then whats engraved on the handle was him, too?
Yes. He says theyre the characters that would represent the na of this forest in his worlds language, Sur showed them the hilt and explained.
Halbert and Ruby couldnt read them, of course, but there were four kanji, ????, carved into it.
Incidentally, Souma had considered carving in the na of that one lake in Hokkaido, since no one could read what it said anyway, but when he imagined soldiers training diligently with one of those wooden swords in hand... Yeah, no, hed turned that idea down himself.
Sur offered the bokuto to Halbert. Sir Hal, would you like one for yourself?
Halbert stared at the proffered bokuto.
Ruby thought, What are you staring so seriously for? But... eventually, Halbert quietly took it.
Huh?! Youre taking it?! Its just a wooden stick, isnt it?! Ruby reacted to Halberts actions with wide-eyed shock.
I dont know why! I dont get it, but I really wanted it!
Sur nodded as Halbert tried to explain himself. I understand. Theres sothing you find strangely exciting about it, as a man.
Thats right! If you see sothing like this, you cant not take it! Is there so sort of magic placed on these characters?
I dont really feel any magical power, Ruby said dubiously. Red dragons were sensitive to magical power.
Most likely, what Halbert and Sur were feeling was the sa thing that all those boys who bought a souvenir bokuto on a field trip did. However, Halbert didnt know that was a thing, so he felt like he had been chard sohow. This was the terror of the souvenir bokuto.
While they were having that inconsequential discussion, sothing burst out of Surs house.
Halbert, being a warrior by nature, readied himself to fight the instant it happened, but when he realized it was a small child, his tension eased...
However, that was a mistake.
Lord Hal! the child cried, landing an energetic tackle to the stomach.
Guhhh! Halbert let out a groan.
Hal?! Ruby cried.
He used his hands to give the worried Ruby a sign he was okay.
The one now hugging Halbert was a little dark elf girl.
She was maybe twelve. Her hair was cut short, and she had a cute face. With no regard for Halberts reaction, the girl rubbed her face against his abdon.
Lord Hal! Ive been wanting to see you!
Erm... Are you Sir Surs daughter? Hal said, rembering Sur had ntioned she wanted to see him. This girl whod perford a flying tackle-hug had to be her.
The girl let go, and politely bowed her head. Excuse for that. I am Surs daughter Velza.
Velza raised her face and grinned.
I do not know if you rember , Lord Hal, but I am one of those you saved from beneath the sand and dirt. Thank you so much for that.
And she bowed her head once more.
Halbert was flustered. No, its nothing you need to thank for. I only followed Soumas orders...
It still made happy. I will never forget the day you saved . Nor will I forget you, Lord Hal, or my debt of gratitude.
I dunno what to say... Halbert was overwheld by the girls persistent thanks.
Heh heh. Shes a real polite girl, isnt she? Ruby, whod been left completely out of it, said to Sur. Shes so small, but she really has it together.
Tell about it. When did that tomboy daughter of mine get to be so polGwah!
Sir Sur?!
Mid-word, Sur began writing in pain. Velza had kicked a piece of wood lying by her feet, and it had landed a direct hit on Surs shin.
Through all of that, Velza never once dropped her smile.
When Halbert and Ruby saw Velza smiling like that, it reminded them of an angry Kaede, and a chill ran down their spines.
Because Halbert and Ruby were both straightforward in their personalities, they often had fights without it getting ugly, but if they ever stepped over the line, they knew they were in for a lecture from a smiling Kaede. This girls smile was just like Kaedes was at those tis.
Velza ran over in front of Ruby. Um... Would you happen to be Lord Hals wife, perhaps?
Ruby was dumbfounded for a mont, but then she nodded.
Yes. I am Ruby the dragon. Ive ford a dragon knights contract with Hal. Because the contract between a dragon and a knight makes them life partners, you could say were engaged.
When Velza heard Rubys response, she clapped her hands. Oh, my! Youre that dragon, Miss Ruby? To think he has beco a dragon knight! Thats Lord Hal for you.
Having said that with an innocent look in her eyes, Velza took Rubys hands.
I want to join the National Defense Force like Lord Hal in future. If possible, I want to be assigned to Lord Hals unit. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, maam.
R-Right...
It seed Ruby was not entirely displeased to be referred to that way.
Seeing Velza worm her way into Rubys good graces in no ti, Halbert sensed the situation moving forward sowhere where he had no control.
Wh-What is this...? This feeling like the moat around my walls was filled in without noticing...?
While Halbert was thinking that, Sur, who had recovered from his pain, plopped a hand down on Velzas shoulder with a sigh.
Its rude making our guests stand outside forever. How about we take this indoors?
Oh, my! Youre right! How careless of . I was so delighted that Lord Hal was here, I got worked up despite myself. Now, lets go, Lord Hal, Lady Ruby.
Velza took Halbert and Rubys hands and showed them inside the house.
If anyone else saw it, it would look like a little sister having her big brother and sister indulge her. Halbert and Ruby didnt feel bad about having a little girl adore them, either.
However, behind the two who were being led by the nose by Velza, Sur wore a wry smile.
Goodness , he thought. She must take after her passionate mother... If you dont take her by the reins, youre going to be in for a rough ride, Sir Hal.
While thinking that, Sur followed the three of them inside the house.
That evening, with pleasantries with Sir Wodan out of the way, Aisha, Naden, and I went to visit Aishas mothers grave.
In the God-protected Forest, people were buried at the bases of trees. Their custom was to return their bodies, which were raised on the forests blessings, to the forest.
We heard the rustling of branches and the buzzing of insects.
I knelt in front of the tree where Aishas mother lay at rest, my hands together, praying in the Japanese style. Like I had sworn to Sir Wodan, I would protect Aisha from sadness to the best of my ability.
So, please, give your daughter, I prayed.
After staying like that for a short while, I stood up and looked at Aisha and Naden.
I have sothing to say to the two of you.
What might that be, sire? Aisha asked.
What? Why so formal?
They both gave blank looks. I chose my words carefully.
Its about... after were gone.
They both opened their eyes wide in silent shock.
This was sothing the two of them were going to have to face eventually, after all.
If you let your guard down, even a mber of a long-lived race can live a short life, I said. What Sir Wodan was saying makes perfect sense. However, the more likely outco is that Liscia, Juna, Roroa, and I will end up leaving you two behind. I make this request having thought about what that ans myself.
I looked into their dumbfounded eyes and continued.
Please... Dont be lonely. Im happy to have t you two. I dont want to make this mont one that you reminisce on sadly while thinking, Things were better back then.
The two of them said nothing, just keeping on listening to speak.
I want you two to be happy when you rember. Ideally, youll be able to smile and think, Im happy now, but I was happy back then, too. Once were gone, stay connected to our children, and to the long-lived people you know like Carla and Excel... and if you find a good partner, I dont mind if you get remarried.
The two of them looked down and said nothing.
Make sure youre always connected with soone, and dont be lonely, I said. Not ever...
Aisha and Naden hugged without a word.
They neither accepted or rejected what I was saying. Because we each understood all too well how the others felt.
If they were in my position, they might have thought the sa thing I was. If I were in their position, Im sure Id have felt the sa as they were. So there was no need for a response.
If the two of them rembered saying this later, it might give them the push they needed if they ended up feeling lost when the inevitable happened. This was the best I could do for them. Their lack of response must have been their own way of being considerate.
I patted them both on the back and, with a laugh, I said, Im never letting go of you for as long as I live, though. Im gonna be with you until youre sick of .
Okay, Aisha said. Lets be together as long as we can.
We arent going to let go of you easily, either, Naden agreed.
They both had tears in the corners of their eyes, but they were smiling.
Lets be sure we make children, too, Aisha added. Ill do my best.
Yeah, I said. Definitely.
One wont be enough, either, Aisha went on. Youll have to work hard, sire.
S-Sure... Ill do my best.
Seeing Aisha get so enthusiastic, I felt a bit overwheld.
Naden joined in, too. If we have a ryuu, well have to leave it in the Star Dragon Mountain Range, so Id prefer a dragonewt, if possible. Id like to give birth to at least one ryuu to show my gratitude to Lady Tiamat, so... Oh! But if its a dragonewt, that would be a mber of the sea serpent race, right? What do we do if it grows up to be like Duchess Walter?
A child like Excel, huh...
Lets all work together to educate our child so that doesnt happen, I said fervently.
Indeed, Aisha agreed.
Roger that.
With that, we laughed while continuing to hug each other.
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