Isekai ni Kita Boku wa Kiyoubinbode Subaya-sa Tayorina Tabi o Suru Chapter 77

Cold Heart, Warm Feelings

It was the next morning, I think. The town between the mountains was still cast in shadows. But the sky had a mystical paleness with streaks of red, that was typical of the dawn. I used to work until the morning, and so my instincts were telling that that was the ti. And so, it must be the morning.

Before are the fallen slaves. I did freeze the wounds on their feet to stop the bleeding. But still, their voices moan without end. Like the voices of the dead.

I was sitting slightly above them, with my chin on my bent knees. I stared dazedly at the ice sword in my hand and absent-mindedly fidgeted with the handguard. As ti passed, I felt like my heart was becoming colder, just like this sword. And this feeling was not new to . I had felt sothing similar, that day in Fhiraldo when the guild had given an unexpected welco.

I can hear doors opening in houses all around . It was ti for the town to wake up. People were leaving and gathering to start their work today. It was getting noisy. And then the first resident appeared.

Wh-whathappened

The heavy sound of baggage being dropped. The pale face sees the fallen slaves and then looks at . Just as the mouth is about to form an accusation, I address him first.

Good morning. Are you from here? I was just attacked by these slaves, and it would be really great if you could call the guards for .

While I had indeed done it, I was still the victim here, I inform him. And so he swallows the words he had been ready to say, and instead inspects the scene again and nods. And then he runs in the direction that Lisa had said the guard house was located. Thankfully, he was a good guy.

I had to explain it a few more tis as people gathered, until finally, the guards ca rushing to the scene. The one in the lead was the captain we had t at the gate. He ordered his n to keep the others away, and they checked to see if the slaves were alive. The fact that I wasnt imdiately arrested ant that they had heard an accurate account at least. I was thankful for that.

When they were done, the captain turned to . I stood up then and made the ice sword vanish into steam.

So, you were attacked, eh? Are you injured?

Im fine, as you can see.

I raise both arms to show that I was unhurt. He nods at this.

Well, I will like to hear a detailed account of what happened. Will you co back to the guard house with us?

Yes, thank you.

And just as we begin to walk away, a voice calls .

Hey, Asagi! Hey!

I look behind and see Lisa is shouting at . The guards were holding her back, as the residents were not to get close.

Who is that?

She works at the inn I am staying at. She was also attacked.

Hmmm You, take that woman to the guardhouse as well!

He ordered, and two of his n escorted Lisa along with us. Let go! she shouted to their displeased faces, but given that they still glanced down at her chest, maybe they could beco friends one day.

Im sorry, but theres one other thing.

What?

I ask the captain as he walks ahead of us. He answers without looking back. And so I tell him about Daniela, who is still at the inn.

Hmm, so you want us to call your partner to the guardhouse?

Yes, the innuh, Lisa. Whats the na of the inn again?

The Mountain Mist.

That. There is a light elf there. Please call her.

Understood.

He relayed this to the aid next to him. The aid bowed and imdiately headed back for the Mountain Mist inn. It must be sowhat famous, as he knew exactly where it was. Well, they were successful enough to buy a hot spring after all.

After that, we reached the guard house after what was a short walk. It was a tall building with white walls, sowhat reminiscent of a police station. I didnt do anything wrong, but felt oddly uncomfortable.

Once we went through the entrance, I was led down a hall and into one of the many doors that were lined up. Lisa was taken to a different room. Probably so that we could not match our stories. I sat down on the chair that was prepared, the captain removed his helt and sat opposite of .

I am the captain of the guards in Alessa. Backus. What is your na?

Its Asagi. A humble Adventurer.

Once introductions were out of the way, the questioning began.

A resident here notified us that you had been attacked. Did you know that?

Yes, I am the one who asked him to. I did make it so that the slaves wouldnt be able to escape, but I still wanted to stay and make sure.

I also added that I would like to thank the man later, as he had accurately described the situation for .

I understand. I will tell him for you. And do you know why you were attacked?

Those n were forr Adventurers who had caused trouble back in Fhiraldo. I and my partner were involved in that. They were sent to these mines upon my request to Fhiraldos captain of the guards.

Hmmso you know Russel then. How is he doing?

Oh? I did not expect to hear his na brought up here.

You know him too?

Well, he is my cousin. Arent our nas similar?

In what world? I guess this one?

I suppose Russell is doing well. He was very good to us.

I see, I see. Very good then. Haha. I guess I cant hinder you too much if your a friend of Russell. Well, you are the victim here, in any case. You will be freed without taking any bla.

Thats a relief. But, there is sothing I want to ask you about. What is going on here with the monitoring of the slaves? I dont understand why they seem to be free.

Yes, that was the biggest reason for this whole ss. They should have been properly watched. Instead, it was who was being watched and chased. What the hell was happening?

About thatto be very frank, those who are in charge of monitoring the slaves are a gathering of scum. They think their job begins and ends with striking with their whips. Their thoughtless thods have caused a number of slaves to die, and its beco a daily routine for them to confiscate their earnings. However, even all of that is not enough to allow us to make a move. We are not in the sa departnt, you see. Because those n were sent from the royal capital

Backus clenched his fist with frustration.

The slaves were able to escape due to their disinterest in monitoring them, but we too have to bear so responsibility for this incident. After all, we did not take the necessary asures, even though we knew it was possible that soone would arrive, who they had a grudge with I am truly sorry. We will prevent this from happening again by increasing the number of n on patrol, and who is on watch.

His look was earnest, and I felt like I could trust him. But more than anything, he was Russells cousin. The person that had helped the most in this world.

And also, about the slaveswhat will you do?

My heart goes cold in an instant.

What do you an?

You can increase the years of their sentence, or have them executed. In terms of the law, I can move with a higher authority than the managent office. If you prefer it, I can easily have a noose around each of their necks.

I couldnt help but smile at this nostalgic question. He was a kind man as well.

HeheRussell asked the sa thing.

He did, did he?

Yeah. I have the authority to hang them he said.

That is quite similar

I chuckle as Backus looks a little disappointed. I guess they really were cousins.

As for my answer

Just as I was about to tell him, the door was banged on loudly.

Apologies for disturbing you! We have brought over the partner!

Enter.

Yes, captain!

Apparently, Daniela had arrived. I heard her unusual, frantic footsteps approaching, and then she burst through the door.

Asagi! Are you alright!?

Yeah. Morning, Daniela.

What is that nonsense! Were you injured!?

Her hands patted down my arms and stomach. That would actually really hurt if I was injured. Not a good idea.

Im fine. I immobilized them before any damage was done.

Ahhhthat is good. When I heard that the slaves attacked you while I was sleeping, I beca so frightened

Daniela crumbled to her knees. I got off of the chair and onto the floor in order to support her, my arm going around her shoulder.

Did you really think those guys were gonna beat ?

I know more than anyone that you are strongbut, I was worried.

Thank you, Daniela.

She stared at with teary eyes. She had been so worried for . That made happy. Her slightly reddened cheeks looked very cute, and I could feel us getting closer and closer as we looked into each others eyes.

Asagi

Daniela

Then our lips were so close that they could touch, our eyes close

Cough! Ahem! Cough, cough!

We quickly separated. Where were we again? The guardhouse. Who am I? Oh right, the stupid bastard that Backus brought in for questioning.

You have done more than enough to convey your fondness for one another! Now! I would very much like to hear your opinion about the punishnt for the slaves!?

He looked like he was on the verge of snapping. He drained a cup of water that had been brought to him and slamd it down on the table. My shoulders jumped.

Asagi, by slaves, does he an

Yeah, the sa Adventurers that Russell sent here. They saw walking in town and attacked.

That was all Daniela needed to understand the situation. She stared at .

Asagi, I will not say anything this ti. The decision is yours.

Are you sure? It might have been who was attacked, but you are still involved in it as well.

And yet, I will leave it to you. I want you to decide.

So saying, she stood up and moved back to the wall. She would listen from there My decision was already made. So I wanted her to stay and hear it.

I sat back down and faced Backus.

Backus. I want you to increase their sentence.

Are you certain?

Yes. I want to believe that humans are capable of change.

That was the answer I had decided on as I sat in the town square until morning.

I understand. You have my word as Backus White, captain of the guard. They should be grateful for the magnanimity of the Adventurer, Asagi. This warmth of feeling will surely reach them, and perhaps help them rehabilitate.

Being surrounded by his kind smile and by Daniela, I felt my heart begin to rise in temperature once more.