The Danger in Berneze
When I reached the room, I realized that I was alone.
The person we had been searching for, Sakamoto Ryoma, was not there. And neither was my guide, Fuma Kotaro.
Not even Eve, Jeanne or Ryoma.
It was just in the chamber.
Thinking this strange, I began to search the room. But not only did I find no one, but the door behind was now shut.
Was it a trap?
As I looked around anxiously, a voice rang from the direction of the altar.
Who are you?
It said.
A mans voice. Imposing, and with a Tosa accent.
I knew at once that it must be Sakamoto Ryoma. But I could not see anyone.
It was as I wondered about this, that a blue, faded image of a man appeared.
He was just as I had seen in history books.
There was no room for doubt now.
Sakamoto Ryoma was standing right in front of .
However, I also noticed sothing else.
This feeling. Its familiar.
Soone I was very close with.
I was reminded of an old friend.
The chief of the earth dwarves. Gottlieb.
He was dead, but his spirit remained. Was this man also a ghost?
I couldnt help but ask. He replied,
I dont rightly know. But the truth is, the person you see now is the person who ca here a year ago.
A year ago. That far back
Indeed. I ca all the way here, just because they said Id find a mirror that would allow to talk with my dead wife.
And were you able to?
Aye, I was. See, the mirror is right over there. In fact, I talked to her for three whole days and nights. But that wasnt enough for . I wanted her back, I did. And then I heard that there was a mirror that would allow to do this. On a far away continent. I decided to go.
Youre truly a man of action.
Well, Ive always been. One gets bored of being in the sa place for long.
In that case, you must love being in this world. You can explore endlessly.
Youve got that right. Its a wonderful world. I just need to hurry up and get her back. Then we can travel together.
I hope your dream cos true. However, I want you to et your daughter first.
My daughter? Ah, you an Ryoma.
Aye. She ca all the way down to this underground labyrinth just to et you. I guess shes weak to loneliness.
What? Is she still unable to let her old man go?
Perhaps. However, she also brought up the matter of the city that she is doing business in. Berneze. Its apparently in danger. And she wants your help.
Berneze, eh?
He said without much concern in his voice. Then he shook his head.
I do wish that I could help. But its beyond now.
Why?
I just told you. This is just a thought form. The person I was a year ago. I may in fact be already dead. Did you see any bones on the way here?
I did.
Perhaps those are my bones. And even if I was lucky enough to survive, I wouldnt be on this continent. I would be far away from here. And I would not return easily.
I see.
This man, Sakamoto Ryoma, had been a rchant in the Bakumatsu era. And he had succeeded in forcing the last of the Tokugawa clan, Yoshinobu, to return political power.
A man who had been dedicated to ending the world of Tokugawa which had lasted for two hundred and fifty years. However, he himself did not join the new governnt after the end of the Bakufu. Instead, he chose to travel around the world by ship.
He was a free man through and through. A man like the wind.
It would be impossible to chain him town.
And so I decided to give up on trying to bring him in.
And so I faced the thought form and said,
Very well. I wont ask for your help. However, lend your knowledge. I will soon head to this city called Berneze. Tell what is happening there.
Ryoma noted a little derisively that I was quick to give up. However, he also applauded my perceptiveness, and said I had an eye for seeing the truth in people. Then he told about Berneze.
Its been years since I left it, but my guess would be that the legendary ghost ship has returned.
Ghost ship?
Aye, a legendary ghost ship that is said to appear in the route between Berneze and the islands to the south. Its likely causing chaos and affecting trade.
So, defeating this ship would solve the entire problem then.
That is the case, but Berneze is filled with monsters as well. I dont know if it will be so easy?
Monsters? Are there wandering undead then?
If only it were that easy. Well, youll find out when you arrive. You should et my master there. Thats your best bet.
Sakamoto Ryoma said.
Your master? Do you an Katsu Kaishu?
Thats my master in Japan. No. Here, it is Marco.
Marco.
Yes. Take this with you. It should earn you his trust.
He said as he handed his short sword.
His daughter hadnt worn one, but he did.
He had fully mastered the Hokushin Ittou style, after all.
I praised him about it, and he said it was useful in this world, which was filled with so much danger.
And now, my business with Sakamoto Ryoma wasnot yet finished.
In fact, what I wanted to ask him now was most important.
And so I decided to be frank.
Your daughter is very strong. She can freely use her pistol and shoot down enemies. However, she is still young. She misses her father. Could you not give her sothing to ease her mind?
Did she ask for sothing?
No. But I can tell. Its the way she looks at . She wants soone who can be like a father. She misses you.
Then you should marry her. Shes a good daughter.
I dont have any intention of getting married.
I said, and he laughed.
Then he took out a paper from his pocket.
What is that?
A lock of my wifes hair is folded in here. Its my treasure. I want you to give it to her. You see, her mother died when she was born. But I want her to know that her mother loved her. And one day, we will both return so that we can see her. So she mustnt have children until then. I dont think her mother would want to hear that shes a grandmother as soon as she returns.
He said jokingly. His voice was filled with affection for his family.
Very well, I said as I accepted it.
And then his image started to blur. Perhaps he was not able to maintain his presence for long.
Finally, he said,
Well, this looks like the end. I dont even know if Im alive or dead. But if we do et again, we should drink together, Demon King Ashtaroth.
Those were his last words.
Just as he disappeared, the room seed to grow brighter, and I could sense people nearby.
Eve, Jeanne, and Ryoma were suddenly in the room. They had been searching for the mirror near the altar.
However, the mirror had been shattered to pieces. They were now gathering the fragnts.
My father must have reunited with my mother here.
Ryoma muttered. And so I took her hand and pulled her into a room behind the altar. And there, I told her about my eting with Sakamoto Ryoma.
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