Ouroboros Record ~Circus of Oubeniel~ - Chapter 85: Swinging Scales (2)

(Patreon)Ouroboros Record ~Circus of Oubeniel~Chapter 085 : Swinging Scales (Part 2)

Irmaella headed to the farmland near the city. It was a site where many slaves were subjected to harsh labor, and she intended to do what little she could there.

“…≪Wide Heal≫”

“…≪Waido hīru≫”

With her hands clasped in a prayer-like form, a warm light overflowed and spread around, showering the gathered people. The wounds of those who had been whipped, those whose cheeks were swollen from being hit, those who walked with injured feet dragging along, all of their injuries disappeared as if wiped away by a cloth. She was healing the slaves.

“O-Oh…!?”

“O, oo…!?”

“The pain, it’s gone?”

“Itami ga, kieta?”

“A-Amazing!”

“Su, sugee!”

The healed slaves exclaimed in joy as they were temporarily relieved of their suffering. Subsequently, other injured and sick individuals crowded around. Even in this farm alone, there were dozens who needed healing.

“H-heal me too! I can’t lift my shoulder since I was struck the other day――”

“O, ore ni mo chiyu o kudasare! Kono mae ni utareta kata ga agaranaku natte――”

“My eye got smashed, can you make it so I can see properly again!?”

“Kata-me ga tsubure chimatta nda, moto doori mieru you ni shite kudasaimasu yo ne!?”

“My wound is festering, and my fever won’t go down… Please, help me quickly…!”

“Kizu ga unde netsu ga sagaranee… ha, hayaku tasuketekure…!”

“Yes. As long as my power lasts, I will heal everyone’s wounds.”

“Hai. Watashi no chikara ga tsuzuku kagiri, mina-sama no kizu o o-naoshi shimasu.”

The dirty slaves, wearing worn-out and shabby clothes, approached her. Nevertheless, she allowed them to come close without a single unpleasant expression, spoke to them, sometimes touched them, and continued casting healing magic. Again and again, to numerous individuals.

The fields had completely transformed into an improvised healing site. The farmers who should be the owners of these slaves were standing around and cautiously observing the situation.

“Geh… The nun sure is kind to the slaves. Even though it’s still in the middle of work.”

“Ke… dorei-domo ni wa o yasashii na, ama-san wa yo. Mada sagyou no tochuu datta tte no ni.”

“Those Omnians… they’re supposed to be our allies, but they didn’t do anything for us in last year’s war.”

“Omunia-jin ga… doumei-kuni datte no ni, kyonen no sensou ja kocchi ni wa nani mo shinakatta kuse shite na.”

“I wonder why she would give treatment to those barbaric St. Gallen people?!”

“Nande yaban na Zankutogaren-jin nanzo ni chiryou o hodokoshite yagaru nda ka na!”

Nothing but complaints leaked from their mouths. As followers of the Holy King’s teachings, they wouldn’t openly oppose a high-ranking priestess like the nun. However, resentment lingered nonetheless. Why were slaves allowed to receive the divine blessing of healing? Weren’t these slaves originally sin-laden enemies from a hostile nation that had started a war? Why did someone from their allied nation help those slaves when the so-called ally didn’t assist them in their time of need? A boiling, viscous, and hot black emotion was clearly surging around.

After finishing the treatments, Irmaella eventually turned towards the farmers.

“Everyone.”

“Mina-san.”

“Y-Yeah…?”

“O, ou…?”

She didn’t raise her voice. Even so, it was the words of a powerful priestess who had healed dozens, possibly even a hundred patients without showing any signs of fatigue. The crowd seemed slightly intimidated and uniformly took half a step back.

“…Firstly, as a priestess of Omnia which is in an allied relationship with your country, allow me to apologize for not providing sufficient assistance in the war last year. Truly, I am terribly sorry.”

“…Mazu wa kikoku to doumei no aidagara ni aru Omunia no shisai to shite, sennen no sensai ni juubun na chikarazoe no kanawanakatta koto ni shazai o. Hontou ni, moushiwake arimasen deshita.”

Saying so, she knelt on the soil of the field, bowing her head. Her hands, feet, and the hem of her nun’s robe got dirtied with mud, but she didn’t seem to mind. The people once again fell into confusion. Even if she did something they didn’t like by healing the slaves, this was the priestess to whom they should be grateful who was bowing her head to them. The sight must have made them feel that they were being disrespectful.

“Huh, ah, th-that’s…”

“E, a, sono…”

“P-please don’t do this! If rumors spread that we made such a virtuous person to act like this, we――”

“Ka, kanben shite kudasee! Toku no takai o-kata ni konna mane o saseta nante uwasa saretara, ore-ra wa――”

“Will you all accept my apology?”

“Shazai o o-uketori itadakeru no deshou ka?”

“――Y-Yes, we accept it! We accept it, so, uh, right!?”

“――U, uketorimasu! Uketorimasu kara! Na, naa!?”

“Y-yeah! …Just like last year when the lord did the same, this is no different than a threat.”

“A, aa! …Kyonen no ryoushu-sama no toki mo sou da ga, kore ja odoshi mo douzen da ze.”

“Hush! Don’t say things that deserve punishment!”

“Shi! Bachi-atari na koto o iu de nee!”

“…That’s great. Thank you very much, everyone.”

“…Yokatta. Arigatou gozaimasu, mina-san.”

Irmaella lifted her head and sighed in relief. Whether it was from genuine relief or acting, a faint smile appeared on her face.

(If she’s deliberately doing this, she’s a remarkable actress… but I bet this is mostly genuine.)

(Neratte yatteru nara taisou na yaku-sha da ga… kore wa hotondo tennen darou na.)

Elisha, who was accompanying her, had such an impression. Unlike a certain someone, Irmaella was practically a greenhouse-raised young lady. Of course, she must have had her fair share of struggles, given her position that didn’t match her youth, but she was also wrapped in the fabric of her faith and doctrine. She probably lacked much experience to pull off a contrived act.

“Also, I have one request for all of you.”

“Soshite, mina-san ni hitotsu onegai ga gozaimasu.”

Next, she began, and the farmers murmured again. What now? Don’t tell me she’s going to demand the liberation of the slaves? Even if unspoken, such concerns were vividly written on their faces.

“Please, extend a bit of consideration to those who are working as slaves.”

“Dorei to shite hatarakareteiru kata-gata o, sukoshi dake kizukatte sashiagete kudasai.”

“Huh?”

“Ha?”

The crowd uniformly expressed disbelief with their mouths open. Although easier than expected, it was a difficult demand to accept. They had been making enemy foreigners work as their hands and feet, and when they got angry, they abused them as they pleased. They believe that this is the only way they can retaliate after being exposed to such a brutal invasion. They believed that doing such revenge was their way of reciprocating the harsh invasion they had endured.

Reacting to their resistance, Irmaella continued, gently lowering her long eyelashes.

“I will not say revenge produces nothing. Our god, the Holy King, once took up his sword in righteous anger against the demons oppressing the people. However, He also said this: ‘What value is there in seeking revenge to the point of impoverishing oneself? Acts that harm others while blinded by anger make one’s heart impoverished and distance oneself from the light of heaven.'”

“Fukushuu wa nani mo umanai, nado to wa moushimasen. Katsute watashi-tachi no shutaru Seiou-sama mo, hitobito o shiitageru mamono ni taisuru gifun kara ken o tori tatakawareta no desu kara. Shikashi, ano o-kata wa kou mo osshatteimasu. ‘Mizu kara o mo mazushikute made okonau fukushuu ni, dore hodo no kachi ga aru no deshou ka. Ikari ni me o kumoraseta mama hito o kizutsukeru okonai wa, kokoro o mazushiku shi, ten no hikari kara mizu kara o touzakeru okonai deshou’ to.”

Those words were from the ‘Chronicle of Ascension’—what chapter and verse, Elisha had completely forgotten.

“I don’t say cast away your anger immediately, nor do I say forgive right away. I only ask you to endure it just a bit before acting on your emotions. I want you to think for just a moment. Is the action really necessary to live a better life now, and to fulfill life better? Can you truly never forgive the person standing in front of you for a lifetime? …That is my only wish.”

“Ikari o sutero to wa moushimasen. Ima sugu yuruse-tomo moushimasen. Tada, kanjou no omomuku mama ni koudou suru mae ni, honno sukoshi dake taete itadakitai no desu. Ichiji dake kangaete moraitai no desu. Sono okonai wa ima o yori yoku iki, sei o yori yoku mattou suru no ni hontou ni hitsuyou na koto dearu no ka dou ka o. Soshite hontou ni me no mae ni irareru kata o shuusei yurusu koto ga dekinai no ka o… Sore dake ga watashi no nozomi desu.”

“Ugh…”

“Uu…”

“W-We understand… We’ll try to consider it… for a bit.”

“Wa, wakarimashita yo… sukoshi kangae…te wa mimasu.”

To the people who uttered these words as if being pressured, Irmaella breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

“Thank you very much, everyone. May the light descending from the heavens be with all of you.”

“Arigatou gozaimasu, mina-san. Anata-gata ni, ten yori kudaru hikari ga tomo ni arimasu you ni.”

With these words of prayer, she concluded her discourse.

…Eventually, the farmers began to instruct the slaves to resume their unfinished farm work. As far as one could see, there were no individuals being beaten, whipped, or female slaves being dragged into hiding spots. The burdens imposed on them also seemed to be lighter than before. The treatment of the slaves had certainly improved.

At least, for now.

“Lady Balbastre, shall we head to the next farmland?”

“Barubasutoru-kyou, tsugi no nouchi ni mukaimashou ka.”

“I don’t mind, but may I ask you something?”

“Sore wa kamawanu ga, hitotsu kiite mo yoroshii ka?”

To the girl who replied with ‘go ahead’ without any pretense, the woman asked.

“They seem to be willing to follow the teachings you preached for now, but how long do you think it will last?”

“Kare-ra wa ima, onmi no tokareta oshie o mamoru ki de iru you da ga, dore dake motsu to omowareteiru no ka na.”

The farmers refrained from senselessly abusing the slaves for now, as Irmaella had told them to do. However, what would happen once she left that place? Perhaps, in a few days, they might have completely forgotten what was said and resumed the mistreatment as usual. No, it was possible that as soon as their actions were no longer observed, they might have immediately retracted their previous words. Humans were creatures who lied, and they possessed an even deeper capacity for holding onto grudges. There was no person capable of discarding the resentments of war with just one grateful sermon. Conversely, as long as there was a reason, people readily hurt others without hesitation, and there were plenty who even took joy in doing so.

Indeed, Elisha herself, despite being exposed to teachings in the holy land of Omnia, hadn’t been able to suppress her inclination for battle. It was challenging to imagine that farmers who had only received a sermon would be any different.

“Even the slaves who received healing, now, they are content with that. However, over time, they might start thinking like this: ‘Why didn’t that nun try to free us?'”

“Chiyu o uketa dorei-tachi ni shite mo, da. Ima wa sono koto ni manzoku shiteiru. Shikashi, toki ga tateba kou mo omou to wa kangaerarenu ka na. ‘Ano nisou wa, doushite jibun-tachi o kaihou shiyou to wa shinakatta nda’ to.”

Satisfaction was a difficult state to achieve. Even if they received one benefit, people gradually started desiring new forms of alms. Especially if the current situation was rife with dissatisfaction. For slaves, liberation from this lowest status would have been their greatest wish. It would have been their most significant desire. Unable to reach that point, they might have directed a different dissatisfaction towards her. According to Elisha’s assessment, many might have thought along those lines. “Leaving us confined under constraints and not trying to free us, what kind of teaching is that of the Holy King? It’s nothing but hypocrisy, trying to act like a good child,” they might have said. Before long, those who would start howling like that were likely to appear. Was she prepared to be perceived as such by the ones to whom she had extended a helping hand?

In response to such a loaded question, Irmaella quietly spoke.

“I don’t know.”

“Wakarimasen.”

“Oh?”

“Hou?”

“I don’t know what those who heard my wish and those who received my healing will think. As someone who is not a god, I cannot know, and it wouldn’t be allowed to decide. Therefore, I don’t know.”

“Watashi no negai o kiite itadaita katagata, watashi no chiyu o ukerareta katagata ga nani o omowareru ka. Kami naranu mi dewa shiru koto wa dekimasen shi, kimetsukeru koto mo yurusarenai deshou. Desu kara, wakarimasen.”

Manipulating people’s hearts at will is impossible, and even if it were possible, it should not be done. Therefore, she could not answer.

TL Note: Hoooooo😏but there’s a certain someone that is doing that on a daily basis.

However,

“Because I don’t know, I believe. Among those who heard my words today, I hope that someone will reflect on their own will, amend their actions, and walk a righteous path. Before doubting, I’ll believe first… It’s the least I can do, have to do, and want to do, after all.”

“Wakaranai kara, shinjimasu. Kyou, watashi no kotoba o kiita katagata no naka kara, go-jishin no ishi de onore o kaerimi, okonai o aratame, yoki michi o ayumareru kata ga arawareru koto o. Utagau mae ni mazu shinjiru… Sore ga watashi ni dekiru semete mo no koto de, yaraneba naranai koto. Soshite, shitai to omou koto na no desu kara.”

Irmaella continued in this way—not proudly, but earnestly. She spoke hesitantly, with pauses and uncertainties, yet squeezing out the best answers she could muster at the moment.

“Only once may not be enough, you know?”

“Kyou no ichido dewa tarinu kamo shirenu zo?”

“Then, I will repeat it as many times as necessary.”

“Dewa, nando demo kurikaeshimasu.”

“There might be times when you will be betrayed.”

“Sono do ni uragirareru to iu koto mo aru.”

“Even if betrayed many times, I will continue.”

“Nando uragirareyou to, tsuzukeru deshou.”

“Your words might never reach them your whole life.”

“Sono kotoba wa isshou o kakete mo todokanu kamo shiren.”

“From the beginning, I have been determined to raise my voice for my whole life. But if even that still falls short, all I can do is apologize to the Lord for my helplessness.”

“Moto yori isshou o toshite koe o age tsuzukeru shozon desu. Sore demo oyobanu toki wa… aruji ni hiriki o wabiru hokanai, no deshou ka.”

Answering each time while casting an anxious shadow on her expression, yet she didn’t waver in her determination.

Even so, what naive words. Even though Elisha had continuously suggested that those who heard her words might deceive and betray her, she still believed and persisted in preaching. For Elisha, whose nature was to clearly distinguish between friend and foe, and to kill the enemy, such thoughts seemed utterly unfamiliar.

But still—

“Is this insufficient for the answer to your question, Lady Balbastre?”

“…Kore dewa go-shitsumon no kotae ni fusoku deshou ka, Barubasutoru-kyou?”

“Elisha.”

“Erisha, da.”

“Yes?”

“Hai?”

“You don’t need to act like we’re strangers. From now on, you can call me just by my name.”

“Sou tanin gyougi ni sezu to mo yoi. Kore kara wa namae dake de yobeba yokarou yo.”

—Still, she didn’t dislike a person who, albeit hesitantly, could express their own beliefs. Such a person, who was more reliable than those who sneaked around hiding their true feelings, was someone she could trust. Therefore, as a sign of her evaluation, Elisha thought it was fine to allow Irmaella to call her by name.

“As you wish. Then, from now on, I will call you Elisha-san. Please feel free to call me Irma as well.”

“Kashikomarimashita. Dewa, kore kara wa Erisha-san to. Watashi no koto mo Iruma to oyobi kudasai.”

“Very well… Then, shall we move on to the next destination, Irma? If you don’t have enough holy power left, should I lend a hand starting from next time?”

“Umu. Sore de yoroshii… Dewa, tsugi ni mukau ka Iruma yo. Houriki no nokori ga kokoromotonai nara, tsugi kara wa watashi mo te o kasu ka?.”

“Yes, there is still plenty left, but just in case, I appreciate your assistance, Elisha-san.”

“Ee, mada ooita yoyuu ga arimasu ga, nen no tame yoroshiku onegaishimasu ne Erisha-san.”

In a week, they would cross the mountains. She didn’t want her to exhaust herself by depleting her holy power at that time. She had concerns about that, but judging by Irmaella’s condition, it seemed she had enough energy. Indeed, she lived up to being called a saint.

Yes, staying here was only for a week. She intended to do everything she could during that time. It was unclear how much it would benefit the people. It might not be a significant achievement. However, the sight of a girl younger than her earnestly trying to accomplish something was refreshing to behold.

“It’s no good to stay cooped up after all. Lying down and waiting for good things to come doesn’t suit me at all.”

“Yahari tojikomotteite wa dame da na. Kahou wa nete mate nado, watashi ni wa awan.”

TL Note: 果報は寝て待て (Kahou wa nete mate) is also a Japanese proverb that means ‘good things come to those who wait​.’

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“? Nan desu ka?”

“Don’t mind me. Just talking to myself.”

“Ki ni suru na. Hitori-goto da yo.”

Saying so, she began walking ahead, leading the way.

The sky was clear and blue. The land stretched with greenery. A landscape filled with hopeful scenery. Even if beyond that, a place swirled with the karma of humans awaited, for now, she could genuinely enjoy the view ahead.

…If only that was the case.

“Hm? Isn’t that――”

“N? Are wa――”

In the area where the cultivated land ended, a figure could be seen trudging past the gates of the Volden city. When she looked closely, she saw a familiar face.

“…Yuuto-sama?”

Irmaella also noticed. It was Yuuto. The boy who should have been preparing to go along the mountain path with the priests in the delegation to buy supplies was walking alone toward the Oubeniel mansion.

“That kid. Didn’t I tell him so many times not to act alone… Let’s go.”

“Aitsu-me. Hitori de koudou suru na to are hodo itta darou ni… iku zo.”

“Ah, yes!”

“A, Hai!”

The two hurriedly ran towards him. The public order in this area wasn’t great, especially considering it was shortly after the war. Moreover, this was the headquarters of someone whose actions were unpredictable. They needed to assemble quickly and inquire about the situation.

They managed to catch up with Yuuto right away. His steps were slow, as if completely exhausted, and his footing seemed unsteady, almost as if he were trembling. There was no way to lose sight of him.

“Boy, why are you walking alone? What about the other priests?”

“Shounen. Naze hitori de aruite iru? Hoka no shinkan-domo wa dou shita?”

Unintentionally, her voice became stern at the fact that he had violated what she had told him to do. Perhaps with that, Yuuto finally seemed to notice them, and with a sluggish movement, he lifted his head. His complexion was terrible. He looked pale as if he had lost all colors, blood dripping from his lips as if he had bitten through them. His eyes were red, but there was no sign of tears. It was an expression containing suppressed, unexpressed anger.

“Yu-Yuuto-sama!? You are bleeding, do you have injuries somewhere?”

“Yu, Yuuto-sama!? Chi ga dete, doko ka ni o-kega o!?”

“…So it’s Elisha-san.”

“…Erisha-san ka.”

The boy completely ignored the girl who had run up to him, and he even brushed away her extended hand as if repulsed by something filthy.

“You said ‘What happened to them’…?”

“Aitsu-ra wa dou shita ka tte…?”

“…Yeah. I told you not to be alone because it’s dangerous. I also told you if you get into trouble, you can use those guys as shields.”

“…Aa. Kiken dakara hitori de iru no wa yose to itta hazu da. Mome-goto ni makikomareta nara, soitsu-ra o tate ni suru tsumori de ii to mo na.”

“…They’re just fooling around.”

“…Aitsu-ra nara, asonderu yo.”

Even Elisha was taken aback by the unexpected answer.

Fooling around? During official business, amid unforeseen circumstances that disrupted their plans and in the midst of being busy changing schedules? No matter how corrupt they might be, they were supposed to be priests, though?

Yuuto continued in a mumble.

“First, they went to a tavern. They don’t even show any interest in arranging a new carriage for crossing the mountain… Since wine is the blood of the gods, drying it up is also an act of accumulating virtue, they said. Can you believe it, in broad daylight? Just when I thought ‘I see’, this time it was a woman. In the midst of drinking, they approached a woman and, while leering at her, jokingly said while laughing, ‘Should we bless you with some money?’ Since their pockets are warm now from receiving alms, they said they want to give charity to the less fortunate. Is that something to say while groping someone’s behinds?”

“Mazu wa sakaba datta. Yamagoe-you no atarashii basha no tehai ni nante, mimuki mo shinaide… Wain wa kami no chi dakara, kore o hosu no mo toku o tsumu okonai no uchi, datte sa. Konna mappiruma kara da ze? Shinjirareru ka yo. Sou ka to omottara, kondo wa onna da. Nonderu tochuu de koe o kakete kita onna no hito ni, hana no shita nobashi nagara, kane o megunde yarou ka tte warai nagara itteta. Ima wa kisha o ukete futokoro ga atatakai kara, megumarenai mono ni hodokoshi o shite yarou, da to ka. Ketsu ni te o mawashi nagara iu koto ka yo…”

“…”

“Then, one of the drunkards went outside. He started talking to a child sitting on the roadside, having spread a cloth to sit. I thought he was going to do something while saying ‘blessing with money’ again, but I was wrong… He grabbed the girl’s hair and tried to drag her into some nearby alley. To… to such a tiny girl. It infuriated me, so I beat him up. I beat those drunkards in the tavern up too. Then the city guards came, yelling that a yellow-skinned foreigner had harmed the priests and――”

“Sou ka to omottara, yopparatta hitori ga soto ni deta nda. De, michibata ni goza o shiite suwatteta kodomo ni koe o kaketeta. Mata kane o megumu toka ii nagara nani ka suru no ka, tte omotta kedo, chigatta… Kaminoke o hittsukande, sono hen no rojiura ni tsurekomou to shiyagatta nda. Anna, anna chiisa na onna no ko ni. Atama ni kita kara, bunnagutte yatta yo. Sakaba de nonda kureteru yatsura mo, bunnagutte yatta. Soshitara machi no heitai ga kite, kiiroi iminzoku ga shinkan-sama o gaishita zo to ka wameki dashite――”

TL Note: I think you all know but they call Yuuto ‘kiiroi iminzoku’ (黄色い異民族) or ‘yellow-skinned person from a different race’ because a Japanese’s skin color is slightly yellowish compared to the natives of that world so that’s why. And ‘person from a different race’ is too long so I just translated it as foreigner instead😭Tell me if you have better suggestion.

“I get it. That’s enough.”

“Wakatta. Mou yoi.”

“――they were supposed to be watching, those guards! Those damned priests were getting drunk in the middle of the day, messing with women, even trying to do that kind of thing to a child! Because, because they were also there! In the middle of the day, at the same tavern, the guards were there too! And that’s not all, that’s not all! Do you know what the child I was supposed to help said afterward? ‘Don’t do anything unnecessary,’ she said! Maybe they’ll give her money afterward, she said! There’s no way that would happen! Does she understand what might happen if she is being forced with that kind of――”

“――mite ita hazu nanda yo, ano heitai-domo mo! Kuso bouzu-domo ga hiruma kara nonda kurete, onna ni te o dashite, kodomo ni made anna koto o shiyou to suru no o! Datte, datte aitsu-ra datte ita nda yo! Mappiruma kara, onaji sakaba ni, heitai ga! Sore dake ja nai, sore dake ja nai nda! Tasuketa hazu no kodomo ga, mazu nante itta to omou? Yokei na koto o suru na, datte sa! Hyotto shitara owatta ato de kane o kureru kamo shirenai nda, tte! Sonna wake nai darou!? Dou naru ka wakaru daro anna tetsuki de muriyari――”

“I said, that’s enough!”

“Dakara, mou yoi!”

She shouted to silence him. It was not only that listening to him was making her feel uncomfortable, but more so, she felt reluctant to let him continue. Utter despair saturated Yuuto’s words. The corruption among the priests and the security apparatus, the vivid scars of war on the streets of Volden. Experiencing the shock from these revelations, he was hurting himself by reliving the impact.

The boy collapsed onto the ground, unable to endure any longer. Clenching his teeth tightly, the tears he had forgotten to shed until now finally spilling from his eyes.

Summoned to another world and repeatedly struck down, experiencing despair at every turn, the boy was now crying as he was forced to taste a new rock bottom.

Irmaella seemed paralyzed. The face of corruption displayed by the priests—the chosen envoy of her father, and the current state of Volden, still bearing the fresh wounds of war. These revelations seemed to deeply shock her as well.

Eventually, he spoke with a trembling voice, still looking down.

“…Hey, Elisha-san.”

“…Naa, Erisha-san.”

“What is it?”

“Nanda.”

“Is a world like this really worth saving…?”

“Konna sekai ni, sukuu kachi nante aru no ka yo…?”

With eyes that seemed to plead that it was him—the one who carried the duty as the hero who would eventually face the resurrected Demon King and save the world—who wanted to be saved, he threw this query out, questioning the worth of it all.

“…Unfortunately, that’s not a question I can answer, I suppose.”

“…Zannen nagara, sore wa watashi ni kotaerareru toi dewa nai na.”

Saying this, she looked towards Irmaella, who stood dumbfounded. She was the saint who had the role of guiding and supporting the hero. Or perhaps, the young girl who had just taken the first steps, but betrayed by her comrades who shared the same beliefs. She trembled, unable to utter a word from her trembling lips. She seemed to be pondering what she could say to the broken heart of the boy she had called into this world, not knowing what words could console him.

It appeared it would take some time before a clear answer to this new question emerged.

~~~

The Oubeniel Mansion on the outskirts of Volden. In the office of the dilapidated building scheduled for closure by the end of the year, Tullius was attentively listening to the words of his faithful servant.

“――Above is the summary of the commotion that occurred today in the city of Volden.”

“――Ijou ga, honjitsu ni Vorudan shigai de okotta soudou no tenmatsu desu.”

Said Uni, who was kneeling beside her master’s desk, concluding her report.

The tumult caused by the boy from the delegation who identified himself as Yuuto Erimiya. Laubert, who had been listening to the details on the side, rubbed his temples as if suffering from a headache. The corrupt priests who drank in the middle of the day. attempted to solicit women, and even went so far as to lay hands on a young child. The city guards who were indulging in the same tavern without reprimanding such behavior. Either way, it was an unpleasant topic for a bureaucrat responsible for the internal affairs of the entire territory.

Upon hearing this, Tullius’ comment was,

“Hmm? Well, the public order in Volden has improved quite a bit, hasn’t it?”

“Fuun? Maa, Vorudan no chian mo, kekkou kaizen shite kita nja nai no?”

That’s it.

It might have sounded like a strange statement, but he hadn’t said anything wrong. In fact, during the wartime, the city had been overcrowded with refugees, and the crime rate was incomparable to today. Even after the peace, similar incidents had occurred due to people fleeing from the devastated rural areas. Tullius’ reconstruction policy, involving the distribution of slaves, had improved the security of the territory from the worst state to a level that could be described as “bad.” Though, it was clear that it wasn’t something praiseworthy.

It was the moral deficiency of the priests that was not something of his concern. They were, after all, guests, and the responsibility to address the issue lay with the Omnia Empire, their origin. It would have been troublesome if there were similar elements in the church of the territory, though… but when that time comes, he just has to handle it properly. In a manner befitting of a lord like him.

“But I can’t accept soldiers slacking off. We have to do something about that. Whether it’s through education or replacing those who can’t be of any use.”

“Kedo, heishi ga sabotteiru no wa itadakenai ne. Koko dake wa nantoka te o tsukete okanai to. Kyouiku suru nari, tsukaeru yakko to irekaeru nari, ne.”

How to educate or replace them was not a question to be asked. The answer was clear, so there was no need to inquire. Laubert, of course, wouldn’t ask unnecessary questions.

“Ah, I guess it goes without saying, but the arrangements for him who is said to have caused trouble――”

“Aa, iu made mo nai to omou kedo, mome-goto o okoshita tte iu kare no tehai wa――”

“Yes. I have already instructed people at the guardroom to release him. But since they refused to comply with a slave’s orders, I had to make them smell snuff to persuade them.”

“Hai. Tsumesho no mono ni meijite sude ni kaijo sasete orimasu. Dorei no shiji ni wa shitagae nai to no koto deshita no de, settoku suru no ni hanagusuri o kagaseru koto ni narimashita ga.”

“――as expected of Uni, you work quickly. But, would you also call perfume ‘snuff’?”

“――sasuga Yuni, shigoto ga hayai. Kedo, kousui no koto mo hanagusuri tte iu no ka na?”

“If anything, I’d say it’s more accurate to describe it as captivated by the scent.”

“Dochira ka to iu to, iroka de madowashita tte no ga seikai ni chikai nja nai ndesu ka ne.”

“You’re quite skilled, Lord Laubert… But more importantly, Master, is that alright?”

“O-jouzu desu ne, Rubēru-kyou… Sore yori mo Goshujin-sama, yoroshii no desu ka?”

The well-trained maid smoothly parried the joke while posing a question to her master.

TL Note: That was a joke? Bruh I don’t understand Laubert’s sense of humor.

“If you wanted to, it should have been possible to apprehend that boy.”

“Sono ki ni nareba, ano shounen o kakuho suru koto mo kanou dearu hazu datta no desu ga.”

As stated, Uni had been tailing the boy named Yuuto today. Her report on the events in the city and the aftermath was just a byproduct. Even from Laubert’s perspective, he seemed to be quite an object of interest to their master. Inviting him into his room to listen to his story—granting entry even to Elisha, a target of vigilance who had inexplicably tagged along, even went to the trouble of stationing a trump card like Uni to monitor him, all of it was the proof. If he was that interested, Laubert thought it wouldn’t be strange if he had already abducted him and sent him to his research lab in Marlan.

“…I’ll let him wander around a little longer. If my predictions are correct, he’ll serve as a useful insurance by staying that way.”

“…Kare wa mada oyogasete oku yo. Boku no yosoku ga tashika nara, sono hou ga hoken to shite yuuyou ni ugoite kureru sa.”

“I see.”

“Sayou ni gozaimasu ka.”

While the maid seemed satisfied with that and withdrew, Laubert found the answer somewhat unsatisfactory. The maid would do so if told, but he felt relieved that she hadn’t laid hands on the member of the delegation from Omnia. However, seeing such an individual garnering so much interest from Tullius, and furthermore being implied as ‘useful’ or ‘insurance’ by him only made Laubert more curious.

TL Note: ‘The maid would do so if told’ (Fukeba tobu youna komazukai/吹けば飛ぶような小間使い) literally translated as ‘The maid would fly if blown.’

“You seem to value that boy quite highly. What kind of worth does he hold?”

“Zuibun to takaku katte oide desu ga, ano shounen ni wa donna kachi ga aru ndesu ka ne?”

“I won’t tell you. It’s not confirmed yet, and this is just in case, since it’s information I wouldn’t want to leak.”

“Oshienai yo. Mada mada kakutei jikou ja nai shi, manga ichi ni mo soto ni morashitakunai jouhou dakara ne.”

“Your Excellency, there’s no need to be so mysterious, is it?”

“Kakka, sonna ni mottai tsukenakute mo ii ja nai desu ka.”

“You see, Laubert. I’m being mysterious because I need to be. If not for that, I would have told you straight away. It’s pointless to confuse you with such uncertain information. It has nothing to do with your role in internal affairs, and there’s no need for the intelligence department to investigate that boy. You absolutely won’t find anything.”

“Ano ne, Rubēru. Boku wa mottai tsukeru hitsuyou ga aru kara mottai tsuketeiru nda. Sou demo nakereba sassato hanashiteiru yo. Konna fu-kakutei jikou o hanashite, kimi o konran saseta tte shouganai ja nai ka. Naisei-kan no shigoto ni wa kankei nai shi, chouhou mawari demo ano shounen o arau hitsuyou wa nai. Zettai ni ura wa torenai kara sa.”

Even Laubert couldn’t help but feel irritated. While Tullius said it was pointless to confuse him, he was already thoroughly confused. Moreover, what did he mean by won’t be able to find anything through the intelligence department? The field of information was where Laubert had invested a considerable amount of effort. It felt as if his meticulously crafted masterwork had been openly disparaged.

“There’s no way that’s true. He seems to be from another continent, but he must have come to this continent by ship, right? If we inquire at various ports, especially around Canales, there will definitely be some information――”

“Sonna koto wa arimasen yo. Kare wa i-tairiku-jin no you desu ga, sore demo kono tairiku ni wa fune de kita hazu deshou? Kakuchi no minato, toku ni Kanaresu atari de kikikomi o sureba, kanarazu nani ka jouhou ga――”

“…I think you’re already off the mark from there, though.”

“…Soko kara zureteiru to omou nda kedo nee.”

Tullius shrugged his shoulders as if exasperated. What on earth was going on? Laubert was well aware that his master, who had brainwashed him, was an incomprehensible man, but this time was the pinnacle. He had concealed the crucial piece of information in a secret box and showed no intention of revealing it. While he often spouted words that made one want to plug their ears because they were pawns that were brainwashed and unable to rebel anyway, it seemed that there was an exception for this boy named Yuuto. The only one who seemed to know something was the most senior slave who had earned the master’s utmost trust… but there was no way that this woman would leak information against her master’s will. It was a hopeless situation.

“Rather than that, don’t you have work to do now? You always push me to work even though I hate it, so how about working yourself first?”

“Sore yori mo, kimi ni wa ima yaranakya naranai shigoto ga aru desho. Higoro iyagaru boku o settsuite shigoto sasete iru nda kara, mazu wa jibun ga hataraitara dou dai?”

“…Well, I guess that’s fine. No matter how much I ask, it’s probably useless anyway. It’s the kind of waste Your Excellency hate.”

“…Maa, ii deshou. Ikura kiite mo, douse muda nan desu kara ne. Kakka no o-kirai na muda desu.”

“If you understand that, then I suggest you refrain from the useless talk.”

“Wakatte irareru no nara, sono muda-guchi kara tsutsushimarete wa ikaga ka to.”

“Even the Chief Maid is saying such harsh things… Well, I understand. It’s about the inspection of Elpis-Roanne, right? However, is it okay to go at this time? There’s a possibility that the people in Armand Duchy might rebel, and Your Excellency would be ordered to suppress it.”

“Chīfu meido made hidoi koto o iu… Wakattemasu yo, Erupisu-Roānu e no shisatsu no kudan desu ne? Shikashi kono jiki ni itte mo daijoubu na no deshou ka. Hyotto suru to, Arumando-koushaku ryou ga hanran shite, kakka ni chin’atsu ga meijirareru osore mo arimasu kedo.”

“Victor said there’s no problem. I accomplished too much last year, so if a rebellion occurs, it’ll be the others who take the lead to take care of things in order to maintain the power balance, he says. In fact, he asked me to firmly keep an eye on the adjacent new territory to prevent any sparks from spreading.”

“Vikutoru wa mondai nai tte itteita yo. Boku wa kyonen ni kouseki o age sugita kara ne. Hanran ga okotta baai wa, pawābaransu o toru tame ni mo, shuryoku to natte koto ni ataru no wa hoka no renchuu darou tte sa. Mushiro, rinsetsu suru shin ryouchi ni tobihi shinai you ni mukou o shikkari osaete oite kure, to mo ne.”

Then it was fine. It was a perfect opportunity to tighten control over the newly added territory and bring it completely under governance. As one of the twin pillars of the newly elevated House Oubeniel, now a Marquisate, he intended to wield his power to the fullest. It wasn’t like he didn’t realize that he was being skillfully steered away from the previous topic, though.

“As for the specific arrangements, please check the documents in your possession. Now, changing the subject—about the mentioned plan.”

“Gutai-teki na hakobi ni tsukimashite wa o-temoto no shorui o go-kakunin itadaku to shite――hanashi wa kawarimasu ga, rei no keikaku ni tsuite na no desu ga.”

Laubert was referring to the extensive operation Tullius was plotting, mobilizing the Opus series. It was a major operation aimed at striking a hard-to-reach enemy that took away his time for research. In terms of scale and impact on the surrounding area, the plan was to bring about a disaster on par with the Great Fire of the Royal Capital two years ago or, if done poorly, the Volden Campaign.

“With the movements in the Armand Duchy, wouldn’t it be advisable to cancel――pardon, postpone the plan? The current situation seems too unpredictable in terms of the potential consequences.”

“Arumando ryou no ugoki mo arimasu shi, chuushi――ie, enki sareru wake ni wa ikimasen ka? Genjou dewa dono you na eikyou ga okoru ka ga futoumei suginai ka to.”

“What are you talking about, Laubert? That’s exactly why we have to do it.”

“Nani o itteiru ndai, Rubēru? Dakara yaru nda yo.”

Tullius’ response remained unwavering.

If the situation was unstable, it was all the more reason to proceed. Because there were obstacles. Because there were those hindering his research for immortality. Because there were enemies. Because there were those threatening this life that he absolutely didn’t want to lose.

Therefore, those fellows must be eradicated from this world, his strangely gleaming eyes conveyed more clearly than words.

A gulp echoed through the room.

(But… isn’t this somewhat unlike His Excellency?)

(Shikashi kore wa… shoushou kakka-rashikunai no dewa?)

As far as Laubert knew, Tullius usually attacked opponents who were either essential research subjects or those who had initiated an attack. Linus, Cartan, the St. Gallen Army, and Lavallee—all of them provoked Tullius’ defensive instincts by initiating hostilities, leading to fierce retaliation. However, this time was different. He was trying to launch a pre-emptive strike just because it was a threat.

Certainly, it might be a preventive measure to avert future dangers, but even so, it seemed… hasty. What could be the cause of this change?

Even so, given the current circumstances, Laubert had no choice but to accept. His bureaucratic intellect, while harboring some concerns, recognized the effectiveness of this strategy. Despite questioning the change in his master’s policy, there was no room for criticism of the plan itself.

So, he restrained himself and asked,

“What are your thoughts on this, Chief Maid?”

“Kijo wa dou o-omoi na no desu ka, Chīfu meido?”

He seeked confirmation, not to the master, but to his trusted pawn.

The response he received, though expected to some extent, was steadfast and unsurprising.

“It is as Master wishes.”

“Goshujin-sama no gyoi no mama ni.”

There it was. A response that showed no deviation. With a sigh, Laubert accepted the inevitable.

~~~

To be continued…

~~~

TL Note:

The story just became more interesting… but it’s going to end soon😭 Aaaaaahhhh I’m torn. By the way I always thought that Elisha probably would look similar to Ii Naotora from Basara 4 but blonde🤣

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