Orc Hero Story: Discovery Chronicles - Chapter 81.2

Judith crossed the ruined city to return to the castle. The path taken by the monster—no, the Sage Caspar—was strewn with debris. Since dawn, people had started to return. Some were transporting debris, others were trying to rescue those trapped in partially collapsed houses, and some were mourning the dead—various scenes unfolded.

Suddenly, Judith saw a man kneeling among the rubble. His face looked familiar. When he saw Judith, he stood up and bowed his head.

“Oh, it’s Miss Knight… You’ve been fighting, haven’t you? Thank you.”

It was the shop where Judith had heard Bash’s heroic story. It was a place recommended by the soldiers, a restaurant known for its delicious seafood. The shop had collapsed completely. Judith took off her helmet and lowered her gaze.

“I never thought the shop would end up like this… I can imagine your feelings.”

The building had collapsed entirely, and he must be disheartened.

“No, no… Miss Knight, there’s no need to bow your head. It’s okay.”

However, the owner laughed and took off his hat. In fact, looking closely, he didn’t seem so depressed. Even now, as he walked among the debris, he was looking for something. Judith thought he might be searching for his family buried underneath.

“My son came a while ago. We made sure he was safe. Of course, my wife is fine too.”

“Oh, I’m glad then. But the shop…”

“Well, it’s a small setback, but… What could I do? It’s the second time, so I’m used to it. Ah, there it is.” Saying this, the owner picked up something from among the debris. It was a sword that had been displayed in the shop, a weapon supplied to the soldiers of the Human army. Looking around, there was also a shield used by the army next to the debris.

“What is that?”

“I used this sword when I was a soldier. It’s our symbol. Without this, I can’t rebuild the shop.”

Judith remained silent.

“Well, the damage could have been worse.” The shopkeeper looked up at the “path” leading to the royal castle. The path Caspar had taken remained as a pile of debris. “When the orcs raided this place, it was much worse. My family and acquaintances, all died. At that time, I was still a soldier and was assigned to the Lizardmen Front, so I escaped unharmed.”

“My sister was raped by orcs in the Zarico Battle and became disabled.”

“Oh, that’s tough… But this time, it was an orc that saved us.”

What floated in the shopkeeper’s mind was the back of an orc. On his own, facing such an enormous monster that he had to look up to it, he splendidly stopped it. If he hadn’t been there, the West Gate would have sunk into a sea of blood.

“I won’t forget the day I returned to this city. It was the day I swore never to forgive those orc scum. I won’t forget it.” The shopkeeper laughed. “But maybe I won’t forget this day either.”

He witnessed something incredible. That orc clearly did not retreat from an opponent much larger and stronger than him. When he was sent flying and crashed into the debris, those watching thought, “It’s over.” But the orc emerged unscathed and continued to fight. And in the end, with the cooperation of the Four Races Alliance, he made that monster kneel and cut off its head. It was unforgettable.

“And you, Miss?”

“…I can’t forget what they did to my sister. When I see orcs, anger and resentment well up in me.”

“You say that, but you don’t really hate him, do you?”

Judith let out a weak laugh.

“Yes, indeed. I respect him.”

“It’s surprising to hear a Human female knight say she ‘respects’ an orc. After all, orcs, you know, usually think of men as things to kill and women as tools for having children… Well, that ‘Orc Hero’ seems a bit different. When I saw him talking to the women in the shop, I thought he might try something rude, but he didn’t say anything lewd.”

“…Sir Bash learned to converse with people of other races while traveling. When we first met, he even said things like, ‘Could you have my children?’”

“Haha, that’s a very orcish proposition!”

“Uh, it wasn’t exactly a proposal… It was probably just a joke to tease a naive girl.” Judith’s face turned red at the mention of a proposal. However, having become more familiar with orc culture than before, she couldn’t help but consider the possibility. Certainly, Bash probably said it at that time to test Judith. He likely intended to convey the idea that, at that moment, he wouldn’t say anything that belittled orcs.

“Surprisingly, he might have been serious. I don’t know how orcs view proposals, but proposing as a man is not something done lightly.”

“So that’s how it is…”

Certainly, if at that moment she had responded in the same way and said, “Yes, I want to have your children!”… Bash was an orc. He wouldn’t have retracted his words. Judith would have become Bash’s wife and, in true orcish style, he would have taken her some dark place nearby.

Thinking about it, Judith felt her face heating up even more. At that moment, she probably would have turned pale if such a thing had happened. Now it was the opposite. She realized that she didn’t dislike the idea. She became aware of it. However, she shook her head.

“…Still, I can’t accept it. My family wouldn’t forgive me, and even if I lived in the orc country, it probably wouldn’t go well for me. But I do think it would be a great honor.”

“Really?”

The shopkeeper looked up at the sky. Certainly, if a Hero of that caliber proposed to her, it would be an honor. It would still be an honor even coming from the despised orc race. That orc did precisely that.

“Miss Knight, what will you do from now on?”

“I will report this incident to my homeland and assume the role of a messenger, I suppose.”

“Well, that’s an important role.”

“I agree.”

The task assigned to Judith was to be a messenger. She had to convey this incident, as well as the purpose and outcome of Poplatica’s group, to her homeland. It was crucial information. Presumably, a few messengers would be sent, staggered in time. And some of them would likely be killed by the enemy. The possibility seemed low this time, but Judith had heard that it often happened during war. However, the fact that Judith’s role was crucial remained unchanged.

On the other hand, Judith still didn’t know the details of this incident, but it seemed to lead to a war. At the very least, the three nations of Humans, Elves, and Beastmen would go into a state of maximum alert. Military reorganization could take place. For Judith, her first war was approaching.

“I wish you the best of luck.”

“Ah, thank you. And goodbye!” That was Judith’s response, and she did not fear war. In her mind was the image of Bash fighting bravely. Even if she found herself in a difficult situation, she should fight like that, following his example. Therefore, she had no reason to fear.

With this thought in her mind, Judith looked toward the castle and set off.

End of Arc 7.

Frizcop:

Alright, folks. We’ve sadly reached the end of Arc 7. If everything goes as with previous arcs, the new arc should be coming out in Septembr-November of next year, 2024.

Tell me, what do you think of the story so far? What do you think of this arc? And also, what do you think of my translation? I have an ego, don’t kick it too hard, please.

Again, thanks to those who have supported this translation as its light/web novel, whether with comments, financial support, or just by reading. Without people like you, neither the author would feel like writing nor would I feel like continuing to translate.

And that’s it, a final greeting, and I’ll see you in the next arc or the next novel I decide to translate. Take Care!