Chapter 103: A Choice to Take On
I beca a referee and gave the signal to start, but Albert and the rcenary didn’t move while holding swords at each other.
No… it could be said that they couldn’t move.
Albert was completely using a strategy of waiting because he was wondering how to attack the iron-masked rcenary.
“Aniue… you should stop waiting.” (Marina)
“Al wasn’t stopping. Although Al attacked during the training, he is really good at waiting battles like now.” (Reus)
“If that is the case, why did he train in such a way?” (Marina)
“I’m not sure about the details, but Aniki was going to make Al grow a lot.” (Reus)
Just as what Reus and Marina spoke about with loud voices, Albert’s training was mainly focusing on proactive assaults.
It was because Albert had already achieved an adequate level in parrying techniques. Because of that, when he gained an appropriate physical stamina and other techniques, those parrying techniques would also be naturally polished.
He didn’t only observe and morize, he knew when to make a move. That was necessary for Albert.
“…He is moving!” (Reus)
Even though Albert was fighting the battle, he was probably imagining the battle.
Simultaneously with the words of Reus, who was reading the movents of the other side, the iron-masked rcenary stepped forward, while swinging his sword.
He seed to be an excellent swordsman with the sa power as Reus. The sword that was swung according to the swordsmanship was heavy and sharp, and if Albert fought him upfront, he would be in disadvantageous situation.
Nevertheless, Albert calmly looked at his opponent and he moved according to his opponent’s sword that was swung down.
“Haa!” (Albert)
A violent sound of iron clashing reverberated around us, and at the sa ti, there was a sword flying in the air until it landed at the corner of the courtyard. When I saw them…
“…It’s my win…” (Albert)
“Aah.” (Regis)
The rcenary lost his sword and there was a figure of Albert pressing his sword against his neck.
The outco of the match was clear.
“The winner is… Albert!” (Sirius)
“Albert-sama!” (Pala)
Pala headed out at the sa ti as my declaration, and she leaped in order to hug Albert.
“I believed in you!” (Pala)
“Thanks, Pala. With this, we can openly—… Tha-that’s a bit too strong, Pala! Calm down a bit more!” (Albert)
“You were so magnificent! Let’s get married soon!” (Pala)
“Guhh! Aah… Ma-marriage—… guhh!” (Albert)
“A-aneue, please stop it! There’s a weird sound from Aniue’s body!” (Marina)
“Aah!? I-I’m sorry. I’m just so happy…” (Pala)
It seed Marina managed to get things to settle down, even though she was a bit late, but now he got more damage than the match.
From now on, it looked like Albert would need to train more in order to endure that strength. His true enemy was likely the fiancée, huh?
“You did it, Al! That was a superb technique!” (Reus)
“Yeah. That’s because I was watching the sword next to you.” (Albert)
To put it simply, what Albert had done in the battle, he just hit the opponent’s sword and flicked it away.
However, since the opponent had a fitting strength, Albert couldn’t easily repel a sword that was strongly held. To be honest, if it was Albert before going through the training, not only repelling, it was impossible for him to evade and deflect the trajectory of the sword.
But, the present Albert already got used to Reus’ and my swordsmanship. He could determine the force loaded by the opponent from the direction of the sword.
Moreover, Albert, who morized an offensive approach from the mock battles with , stepped in without hesitation and unleashed a precise blow.
It was Albert’s complete victory in this way; but, of course, the uninterested young noble clenched his teeth with regret.
“How… How did he get so strong in such a short ti? Albert wasn’t this strong.” (Young Noble)
“Just admit it. Rather than making that guy answer your unreasonable demands, he fought against and he won, you know?” (Regis)
“What did you say…? Didn’t you go easy on him!?” (Young Noble)
“What a rude employer. Listen, I seriously fought him and I lost. Even if you love Pala, you lost to Albert.” (Regis)
“What!? I love her and—…” (Young Noble)
While the conversation progressed between the noble and the iron-masked man who suddenly beca talkative, Albert and Marina were curious, while looking at Pala and her father, who were sohow surprised.
“You didn’t take on the challenge by using your own power, and you didn’t fight for what you loved. That’s enough, I noticed sothing was wrong with your behavior. You were deceived by that suspicious woman.” (Regis)
“Y-you’re wrong… For to be deceived…” (Young Noble)
“Well, the soldiers are coming soon, so if you want to do it, do it quickly. To be honest, I also feel suspicious.” (Regis)
“Y-you bastard, what are you!? For a hired rcenary to talk this much…!” (Young Noble)
“What do you an? I am that kind of person, anyways.” (Regis)
And then, the rcenary loosened the belt of the protective gear attached to the waist, and took off the iron mask without hesitation.
A fox tail ca out from the armor, and fox ears grew on the head from where the iron mask was taken off.
In other words, he was also a Foxtailkin, but the noble seed to have rembered sothing when looking at that unmasked face. With a sharp-looking eyes, he was smiling like a child. I felt as if I had seen him sowhere.
Recently… like a woman… yeah, he looked similar to Pala.
“Wayne(1)!?” (Pala’s Father)
“Onii-sama!?” (Pala)
When the truth was out, Pala and her father were yelled in surprise.
In other words, he was Pala’s older brother, whom Marina talked about earlier, and he was the eldest son of Romanio’s family head. He really looked similar to Pala.
“By the way, I have the right to say this to you. If you understand, quickly go ho and ask that woman. The results won’t be different.” (Regis/Wayne)
“Bas-bastard…” (Young Noble)
There were probably circumstances that only the two of them knew. And then, the young noble departed without saying anything.
As he saw off the retreating figure covered with grief, he waved at his family.
“Hey, Oyaji. And I’m ho, dear sister.” (Wayne)
“Onii-sama, you were fine!” (Pala)
“You ca back… huh? Dear , a person like you…” (Pala’s Father)
“Wayne-san. Why did you…?” (Albert)
“I also had my reasons. Even so, you have beco really strong, Albert!” (Wayne)
As he laughed, he tapped the surprised Albert’s shoulder, and explained the circumstances.
Wayne continued being an adventurer while hiding his face under the iron mask. It seed that he ca back to Romanio a while ago, after suppressing Guirdjieff.
“Then, it was difficult to return ho because sothing troubleso happened in the house, so as I tried to gather information from the guild, the person from earlier made a request to .” (Wayne)
The content of the request was to compete against Albert. He was fortunate enough to have received such a request.
Thereupon, he got to know the current situation, and heard the information he was concerned about from a servant who lived in the noble’s mansion.
“That guy is a bit arrogant, but he is not a kind of guy who would ask for sothing impossible like he did this ti. Recently, it seems like his personality had suddenly changed, and it was also because of a woman who showed up in the mansion.” (Wayne)
He judged that woman, who hid her face with a hood, to be suspicious, and he thought to fully investigate her, since Albert was returning ho.
“Anyway, Oyaji… Send soone to that man’s house at once. His situation is really suspicious.” (Wayne)
“Uhmm… alright.” (Pala’s Father)
“Onii-sama, I understand the fact that you investigated a lot of things, but didn’t you think that it was unnecessary to fight against Albert-sama?” (Pala)
“No, I was thinking about whether Albert was suitable for you, sister.” (Wayne)
To put it simply, although he was sneakily investigating, as far as I heard about him being an oddball… no, I guess he was a person who lived on instincts.
The father, who saw the attitude of Wayne, who was laughing without any feelings of sha, directed his sight towards Pala.
“Pala. Do it.” (Pala’s Father)
“Yes, Otou-sama. You see, Onii-sama, please accept a hug from your younger sister.” (Pala)
“No, your hugs are not even funny… guhooo!?” (Wayne)
He seed to be hugged without any trouble, and a voice beyond Albert’s earlier echoed.
Whether they were in the sa opinion as Pala, Albert and Marina didn’t try to stop her. They kept silent and watched.
After a while, Wayne, who got released, unsteadily approached Albert and shook his hands.
His expression was serious, but I didn’t think that it was due to the pain in his body.
“Albert. Let say this again, I completely lost. I also want to say this. Please take care of my sister.” (Wayne)
“Wayne-san… thank you very much.” (Albert)
“If you are like this, I think things will go well under you.” (Wayne)
“Eh? Under … that ans…?” (Albert)
“When you are married to Pala, Romanio’s next family head is probably you. I can’t rule the town, and I’ve been talking to the guards and asked them to work under you.” (Wayne)
“No, no! Wayne-san, did you step down because of that!?” (Albert)
Although this was an opinion of an outsider, I thought that Wayne was right.
As the eldest son, Wayne asserted that even if he, himself, or his parent was the family head, Albert, who would inevitably marry the daughter of the present family head, would be the candidate for the next term.
Even if that was impossible and Pala was from another noble household, in my opinion, Albert had the ability to govern the people
He seed to be liked by the people in the Parade town, and there was almost no one who looked at him in a negative way, except for a few.
As a person who wasn’t disliked by the people… he would have enough abilities as a family head.
“Yes, that’s right. We are happy if you can succeed , instead of Wayne.” (Pala’s Father)
“O-ojii-san…” (Albert)
“However, that will be a story for the future. You don’t have to worry about that until after we confirm the situation. Now, I want to see you and my daughter in your finest clothes, even if it is a bit sooner. If it is possible, having grandchildren…” (Pala’s Father)
“That’s right, Albert-sama! There is nothing to stop us anymore.” (Pala)
“…Understood. I promise that I will protect you.” (Albert)
They faced each other, Albert went down on a knee and took Pala’s hand.
“There is no more need for words. Pala… please marry !” (Albert)
“Yes… gladly!” (Pala)
Albert had made a proposal, and as Pala accepted it, we gave them a big applause.
The ladies in the house were enviably looking at them, who were hugging without worrying about the surrounding gazes.
“Haa… it is wonderful. I also… with Sirius-sama… soday…” (Emilia)
“I want to be proposed to when I’m on Hokuto.” (Fia)
“Hehe… I will always be waiting for you.” (Reese)
Although I could settle down when that ca into mind, I was still on a quest of being an adventurer with no goal.
So…
“Yes, surely… soday…” (Sirius)
Looking at those girls, I told them that I would officially propose to them.
Marina looked at them, who were full of happiness, with a smile and overflow tears; but, sohow, there was sadness in that smile.
“Anieu, Aneue… I’m really… happy for you.” (Marina)
“…Say, Marina. If you are lonely, please have a proper talk with Al later. It’s not good to keep silent, you know?” (Reus)
“Wh-what are you talking about!? I’m happy that Anieu and Aneue are getting together, so why would I feel lonely!?” (Marina)
“Well, is it because of that? I was also happy when Aniki and Nee-chan beca lovers, but I felt like she was going far away and I felt a bit lonely. So, Marina also feels the sa way, right?” (Reus)
“That’s not it…” (Marina)
Marina objected what Reus had said, but in the middle of seeing her brother and her future sister-in-law embracing each other, she finally ended up sighing.
“…Yeah, maybe you were right. Like you said, I feel… a bit lonely. Aniue is not for anymore… and that’s the only thing I have in mind.” (Marina)
“As I expected, right? But, that is just your imagination. It’s just that we are imagining things. Al probably won’t change, you know?” (Reus)
“Why are you looking so proud? But… yeah. I can understand, a little.” (Marina)
Rather than dodging the thought, it was also important to notice it.
Thinking how Reus was, I was happy with his growth.
Unlike the two who swore marriage over there, the atmosphere around here beca good again.
I didn’t mind Reus and Marina getting along well, but when I thought ahead, it was going to be a bit troubleso.
Since we were adventurers, the ti for those two to part was getting closer.
—
Later, we heard about the suspicious woman being verified, according to Wayne’s investigation, but based on the security report sent from the noble’s mansion, it seed that she already ran away.
Whether she was real or not, even the shadow and the appearance, the said noble also didn’t rember about her well, almost as if they didn’t know about her at all.
“When sniffing that becos a habit, it felt like I could do anything. She was the one who said that—… Damn! I can’t rember!” (Noble)
I tried diagnosing him, apparently, he had been sniffing drugs that deprived him of his thinking abilities and had sohow beco fascinated.
And as the thought was induced by the woman’s words, even when Pala was trying to obtain so information, it was impossible. He just continued with his murmurs.
However, they couldn’t find any proof. Either way, the noble himself had decided that. The noble acknowledged that he was wrong and honestly apologized. Although it was frustrating, the two of them accepted his apology. The good relationship between Albert and Pala was displayed, so it could be said that they had to accept it.
I also tried to find that woman, but it was nearly impossible to find a person whom I never t, and didn’t know the face nor mana of, too.
Even when the guards searched through the town, they couldn’t find her, or got satisfactory eyewitness testimonies. Therefore, the search for that woman was canceled.
Although it left a bad taste in the mouth, Albert’s problem was concluded.
—
A few days later… even though Albert’s problem was solved, we still hadn’t departed yet.
The sightseeing had ended a long ti ago, but we were here to participate in the wedding ceremony of Albert and Pala in a few days.
For that reason, we were helping with the preparations, but when we returned to Parade, we were led to Albert’s brother.
The reason was to report the current situation. Since it contained a prohibited story, I was the only person who showed up.
“…The report is more or less like this. It seems that the marriage between the two have given a sense of discomfort to so nobles, but they were blessed based on the mood of the whole town.” (Sirius)
“Thank you for your hard work. How is the preparations for the wedding?” (Albert’s Brother)
“Although the ti was spent a lot, it will be done without problems after two days.” (Sirius)
“I think it will be safe if you co here, but just don’t be careless. Anyway, what kind of reward is good for you?” (Albert’s Brother)
“Well, I want flour, salt and sugar. Will you also give so more of the luck of the lake that I got the other day?” (Sirius)
Like before, since I had accepted the request of observing Albert and surrounding situations, which was still continuing. Therefore, I was getting rewards while continuing the request.
Although the rewards were basic necessities, since we were using it in many ways to produce new dishes and seasonings, I was being paid with food ingredients and specialty products, instead of money.
I left the mansion after finishing the rest of the report, and then, I joined my disciples, who were taking a walk in the town.
“Sirius-sama. Have you finish with the report?” (Emilia)
“Yes. What are you doing over there?” (Sirius)
“We were looking for congratulatory presents for Albert and Pala.” (Emilia)
“But since we are already familiar with this town, I was wondering if there was sothing unusual here. That was why we were looking around a lot.” (Fia)
Incidentally, I thought of a wedding cake, but I stopped for a certain reason. Therefore, I decided to cook dishes that were not from this area.
After that, I also looked around and went window-shopping at various stalls, but I couldn’t find sothing good.
“Hey, Aniki. In this situation, what is the best thing to give to them?” (Reus)
“Hmm. Things that are based on local customs or good auspicious objects would be good.” (Sirius)
I ntioned a few things that seed to be auspicious, which would make think that the bond between them wasn’t separated, but it seed that Reus didn’t get it.
“You see, I really want to surprise Albert!” (Reus)
“You are more earnest than us, right?” (Emilia)
“Yeah. That’s because Al is my friend!” (Reus)
Together with the training, the relationship between the two who could rely on each other was getting very deep, and he was also on good terms with Marina.
For that reason, saying goodbye would be difficult, and these days, Reus was smiling a lot to hide his sadness.
Since Reus was pretending to be alright, Emilia asked him sothing, as his sister.
“Say, Reus. If it’s alright with you, you can stay here—…” (Emilia)
“Wh-what are you talking about, Nee-chan? I have decided that I will follow Aniki. Didn’t I take a vow!?” (Reus)
“Right… If that is what you have decided, it is fine, then.” (Emilia)
I guessed that this was because of .
Although this was necessary, the upbringing of Reus, since a young age, was with as the center.
Therefore… those words ca back.
It was the path Reus chose, and I didn’t think it was bad to yearn , but… I wanted him to look for sothing more than .
Perhaps it was ti for drastic asures, but there wasn’t such an opportunity yet.
I was giving up halfway when I thought so, but then… that opportunity ca.
—
Next morning, when we were preparing at the inn to go to Romanio, I noted that the whole town was unusually noisy.
Whether there was sothing, we all gathered at the hotel reception to find out about the situation, and then, the woman who was the secretary of Parade’s family head hurriedly entered the inn.
“That’s great! I’m sorry, will you please quickly go to the family head?” (Secretary)
“What happened? Why are you rushing?” (Emilia)
“It seems to be related to this situation. Understood, we will imdiately go there.” (Sirius)
“Thank you very much. I will tell you the situation along the way there…” (Secretary)
We, then, went to the owner’s house, while asking the secretary to explain the situation.
Whether the situation affected here as well, there were few people guarding the mansion.
We went inside, without stopping, and we got to hear the detailed situation from the family head.
“…So you have co? I’m sorry to call you, but did you ask her about the situation?” (Albert’s Brother)
“Yes. It seems that hordes of monsters are approaching this town.” (Sirius)
Hordes of monsters appearing in this world was not an unusual phenonon.
For example, if the goblins living in the forest bred too much, they would co out all at once from the forest to seek food and won to multiple. There were various situations, but it was a common occurrence.
However, since this town had many adventurers and guards in the town, it would be possible to deal with large groups of small-sized monsters. In the worst case scenario, they could even escape to the lake with ships.
The outside was noisy because of its defense preparations. The ships were probably being prepared for the critical mont, but it seed a bit of a different situation this ti.
“According to the observation, the number of monsters is approximately 600. There will be a considerable number of victims; but, sohow, the number of monster that we can handle…” (Pala’s Brother)
“…Apparently, this doesn’t seem normal.” (Sirius)
“Yes. It is confusing with this large number of monsters this ti. Even monsters that are said to never be in a group are pressing closer to the town.” (Pala’s Brother)
Since the monsters that lived on instinct would not join hands with other monsters or species, only goblins… would work together with similar species.
However, the approaching hordes of monsters this ti were not only Goblin-types, but also various species. Furthermore, the monsters were going straight to the town without rging together.
“Now, rather than finding the reason, we can’t look away from the present problem. If there is only one type of monster, it is easy to set up counterasures, but it is difficult when there are various types. Anyway, I want to gather war potential, even if it is a little bit.” (Pala’s Brother)
“Hmm…” (Sirius)
I verified with everyone here, but they all had a smile full of enthusiasm.
However, I would be the one who made the final decision, so everyone didn’t say anything and were waiting for my words.
Although it was a short encounter, I had received an accommodation with als and rewards. Moreover, he was Albert’s imdiate family. There was no way to overlook the favor.
“Understood. Let us help, too.” (Sirius)
“Are you sure? We’re saved.” (Pala’s Brother)
“Hehe, rest assured. With us and Aniki here, it will be easy to defeat the monsters.” (Reus)
“Hmmm. I’m counting on you since you guys trained my brother until now. The place where the monsters will approach is from the northwest of the town—…” (Pala’s Brother)
In this way, we were told about the strategy and location and it was decided we would rush to the battlefield, but we returned to the inn because we were lightly ard.
After returning to the inn, we put on the equipnt in the carriage. And then, we were in front of the inn, waiting for the carriage requested by the family head.
“Reduce the number with magic and projectile weapons from a long distance, and when it co closer, join the adjacent groups and fight the monsters.” (Sirius)
“After seeing the place, we will adapt with the situation.” (Emilia)
“Yeah. Do not forget to pay attention to the surroundings because this is a collective battle.” (Sirius)
“““Yes!””” (Emilia/Reus/Reese)
When confirming a series of flows during free ti, Reus suddenly tilted his neck while moving his nose.
“Eh, that sll is…” (Reus)
“Sll? Oh… why is that child…?” (Emilia)
As I instinctively invoked [Search], I understood the feeling that made Reus tilted his neck.
“What’s wrong, you two?” (Reese)
“Look, over there.” (Reus)
When I turned towards where Reus pointed out, Marina was running towards us with a disordered breathing.
Although she should be busy with the wedding ceremony, she wouldn’t leave Albert. So, why did she ca here alone?
There was no doubt that sothing ca up with that desperate expression, but when she saw us, her expression was slightly relieved.
“Aah… that’s great. I found you.” (Marina)
“What’s wrong, Marina? We are going to get rid of monsters soon, so we are not that free.” (Reus)
“It-it can’t be! Here too…” (Marina)
“Here too? Oi, does that an the other side also…” (Reus)
“That’s right! Hordes of monsters are approaching Romanio!” (Marina)
When I listened to the details, there was report a said that hordes of monsters were approaching in the early morning. It appeared that the Romanio side would collide with the monsters sooner than us.
Apparently, it was larger than here, and the variety of monsters didn’t change. Similar to Parade, they ford a unit and headed out to intercept them. It seed that Albert and Wayne were also participating in it.
In order to tell the situation to Parade, Marina ca aboard a small boat that was prepared in a hurry.
“Please! Please help Aniue! I can only depend on everyone now…” (Marina)
“Calm down, Marina. If it is the present Albert, he will not easily be done in. Wayne-san is also there, and unless they are separated…” (Sirius)
“…They are likely to be separated!” (Marina)
It looked like Albert and Wayne were divided into right flank and left flank.
As the strategy was decided, Pala ca to see Albert off and they exchanged kisses just before leaving the town.
The surroundings were pleasantly looking at such a harmonious scene, but Marina, who noticed the gazes that so of the noblen directed to them, felt sothing wrong.
“It wasn’t only the feeling of envy, I could feel sothing really disgusting. So, after hiding my appearance with the ability of illusion…” (Marina)
Because of the tails, Marina was probably sensitive to other people’s gazes.
Anyway, when she sneaked behind those suspicious nobles, it was believed that the nobles, who thought Albert was an eyesore, were gathered.
“The content of the conversation was to get rid of Aniue or sothing ominous, and I got to know that the leader of a unit fighting together with him was working under that noble.” (Marina)
In other words, they planned to deal with him by guiding the force and let Albert be isolated with a group of monsters. And then they would pretend that it was an accident.
So, if he obediently followed, he would lose his advantages when he got lost in the confusion? No… perhaps it was the sa noble who pressed Albert to take on the challenge?
“When I knew it, Aniki already departed. So, when I talked to Pala-san’s father, he said that he would send help. But, considering the size of the monsters and the war potential…” (Marina)
She didn’t think there was a surplus to rescue isolated troops and personnel.
Marina, who understood that there was no point in heading here alone, bet on the possibility of us and forcibly ca aboard on a ship to co here.
“If you can help , I will do anything! Please, lend your strength! Please… help Aniue…” (Marina)
“Of course! Leave it to us!” (Reus)
As Marina deeply bowed, Reus was smiling at her as if she didn’t need to worry.
Even so, there were two hordes of monsters happening at the sa ti, and they were attacking two different towns?
The possibility of a coincidence… was low, and I felt that this was an obvious set-up.
There were a lot of things I didn’t know, but first of all, let’s deal with the monsters in one way or another.
In addition… although this was that kind of situation, I was going to utilize the incoming opportunity.
I might be punched by Reus later though.
“Aniki! I will go to where Al is!” (Reus)
“How are you suppose to get there alone? It will be half a day by boat.” (Sirius)
“If that’s the case, if Aniki or Fia-ane can carry —…” (Reus)
Accordingly, Reus looked at Fia, but she had been listening with her eyes closed. Finally, she opened her eyes and had a sad face.
“I’m sorry. I would like to carry you, but… it is impossible.” (Fia)
“Wh-why!? Al is in great danger. Please, Fia-ane!” (Reus)
The impatient Reus ca closer, but Fia shook her head sideways with a serious look.
“The Wind told just now. It seems that my village… is being attacked by monsters.” (Fia)
—
Flag Brief Story in Full Throttle
Just before Albert brought the troops and departed for the hordes of monsters…
“Albert-sama!” (Pala)
“Pala!? Why are you here?” (Albert)
“Of course, I am supporting my future husband. Be sure… to co back, alright?” (Pala)
“Aah, of course. After this battle is over, I will marry you.” (Albert)
“Yes, I will be waiting for your return.” (Pala)
And then, their faces were getting closer…
“…I’m going. When I return… let’s continue this…” (Albert)
“…Yes.” (Pala)
※Question… How many flags were raised?
Answer… in next chapter.
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