Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 06 Chapter 3
Chapter 3: A Foreign Land
When Gerard Augre visited LeitMeritz, Tigre was still at sea.
The young man, who was about 25 years old, had curled brown hair and bronze eyes, was wearing an official uniform of red and black. That official uniform showed his status as registrar of the Kingdom of Brune, and the chest seam symbolized the Red Horse embroidery of Brune.
"Though as expected, I certainly become used to seeing it since this is the third time..."
Waiting at the main gate to meet with Ellen, Gerard while looking up at the towering Imperial Palace sighed slightly.
A year ago he did not even imagine that he would become the registrar of Brune and would visit Zchted on such a regular basis. He originally thought he would inherit from his father the vineyard around Territoire land, and uneventfully spend a nice and quiet life, but missed the chance of a lifetime.
All changed after he met Tigrevurmud Vorn.
In Brune’s civil war, Gerard, under Tigre’s command, was responsible for managing material showing excellent ability to adjust the distribution of food, fuel, and weapons work. That ability was highly rated, and after the civil war ended, he began to work in the Imperial Court of the Kingdom of Brune.
Every two months, he would visit LeitMeritz. And he would report to Ellen the progress of the work on the Vosyes Mountains was one of his works. It was the third time now, and since the gatekeeper also remembered his name and face, he was able to enter the Imperial Palace without being kept waiting too much.
He was taken to the office after his luggage and clothes were inspected. His luggage was only a linen backpack filled with notes, props and a bundle of letters.
He was already checked at the main gate, but since he was with luggage this time, there was a need to check it again. After the inspection, Gerard sounded the door.
"Long time no see, Mr. Secretary."
Ellen, who wore a formal dress based on blue, was sitting on the office desk. Lim standing beside her.
"It's good to see that both Vanadis-sama and also Limlisha-dono seem to be healthy above all."
Gerard hung up a smile used for social etiquette and bowed in an exaggerated gesture. Ellen nodded generously, but Lim wordlessly returned the courtesy.
Though Gerard's smile was basically stemming from interpersonal politeness, it was also somewhat sincere. In front of Ellen, attitudes needed not be so rigid. However if facing a big aristocrat or high-ranking official of the court of Brune, he must pay attention to his words and behavior.
"Without delay, let me first report on the Vosyes Mountains Road."
This was the agreement that was established in accordance with the mutual non-aggression pact between Brune and Zchted which was signed half a year ago. As long as the mountain path was upgraded, the shortest highway linking the King Capital of both countries would be born. The merchants and travelers would surely take this new road, and LeitMeritz which was situated halfway would therefore also profit.
The reason this matter had yet to be resolved was because this mountain range was on the border between Zchted and Brune. If large-scale construction was performed near the border, it would surely be admonished by the others, and the highway being made also meant that aggression actions could be more convenient.
Originally it was not a talk that would be swallowed no matter what, even if a non-aggression pact was concluded. But Brune was indebted to Zchted, and moreover the contract was exchanged partly because of various circumstances and speculations.
While he read aloud the report he had prepared in advance, while fluently answering the questions raised by Ellen from time to time. Gerard was familiar with the status-quo of this road, he has a clear understanding since he just passed there from Brune on the way here. He answered without hesitation.
After listening to Gerard's report, Ellen smiled contentedly.
"Yeah. It seems to be going smoothly. Good work, Mr. Secretary."
"To hear such words from Vanadis-sama, make me feel relieved. I would also convey as such to our lord."
Gerard bowed in an exaggerated gesture in the same way as the time when he entered the office. Afterward the topic then changed over to casual conversation.
Even if it is said small talk, the main topic was about the situation in their respective countries. Most of the content was that a noble said something in the country, where there have been disputes about Muozinel and Asvarre and so on.
"What position does Brune hold concerning the civil war in Asvarre?"
"For our part, as sparks of the war do not affect us, we intend to watch it calmly. Fortunately, Sachstein’s attention seems to go to Asvarre, so we are thankful for there not being a threat temporarily on the west side of Brune."
"Currently, there are three main forces in Asvarre. Prince Jermaine, Prince Eliot and Princess Guinevere... If one among those sought assistance of Brune, what does Her Highness Princess Regin plan to do?"
"Obtaining desirable result by thrusting one's neck into a quarrel of others is probably something possible only in the world of heroic tales or dramas. Not to mention that our country has yet to recover from the turmoil of half a year ago."
Gerard lifting the corner of his mouth ironically shrugged his shoulders. Though Lim frowned at his behavior which lacked in etiquette, she was soothed by Ellen's gaze and remained silence to some extent.
"That's right, isn’t it? Please tell Her Highness Regin to take care of herself."
"Thank you for your concern. I won’t fail to convey those words."
Then, just before finishing the chat and leaving, Gerard expressed one wish.
"After this, could I greet Lord Tigrevurmud?"
This was what he applied for whenever he visited LeitMeritz. Tigre was currently a guest here. Though just a little bit, it would relatively be easy with Ellen’s permission. Gerard thought that he would obtain Ellen’s agreement like before, but this time it was different. As Ellen's face looked glum, she shook her head with an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry. Lord Tigrevurmud is not here now. He was summoned by His Majesty the King about ten days ago, and went to the King at the Capital Silesia."
"By King Viktor? For exactly what kind of business?"
Speaking with a very troubled voice, Gerard frowned plainly. However, Ellen again shook her head.
"I was not told, either. However Lord Tigrevurmud is an important guest, even for His Majesty. So there is no need for Lord Gerard to worry."
"...Is that so. It's regrettable that I'm not able meet Lord Tigrevurmud."
Though Gerard made an expression of disappointment, he backed down quietly without further questioning. He did not know what else he could ask from Ellen there.
"By the way, there is something I want to hand over when Lord Tigrevurmud returns, may I request it to Vanadis-sama?"
"No problem. What is it?"
As Ellen asked, Gerard took out a bundle of letters from his backpack, filled up the letters with both hands and put them on the desk. Ellen and Lim could not help but stare in wonder. There were nearly twenty letters.
"...What...is this?"
"There are 17 letters. Three of them are applications for marriage meeting. The remaining 14 are applications from Feudal Lords hoping to leave their daughter or niece at his side as trainee maids."
"Marriage meeting? Applications?"
Making a face as if she swallowed a bitter medicine, Ellen stared at the pile of letters. Lim’s poker face collapsed instantly, and asked Gerard with a confused look.
"Excuse me, but... Are Her Highness Princess Regin and Lord Massas aware of this?"
Massas was Tigre's father Urz's best friend, and the man who took care of Tigre all the time even after Urz died. He helped Tigre in the civil war of Brune, and Lim which acted as his assistant trusted his character.
After the end of the civil war he let his son inherit his title and his territory, and accepted the request of Regin and Prime Minister Bodwin to serve the royal court. Lim could not think at all that he would overlook it.
"Of course. Since I brought it simply because I was able to get the approval of those two."
As Gerard answered as if it was a matter of course. After hearing that Ellen and Lim looked at each other.
Ellen knew that Regin harbored feelings of love for Tigre beyond status or position. Even Lim was vaguely aware of that fact.
Despite that, she let the Feudal Lords send such letters. What was the meaning behind it? Didn't they notice Regin's feelings, or were they aware of that and deliberately ignoring it?
"...Mr. Secretary."
With a cough Ellen somehow regained her composure, and asked with a cautious tone while poking the letters with her fingertip.
"What do these people think of Princess Regin and Lord Tigrevurmud?"
"They naturally swear allegiance to Her Highness the Princess. The assessment of Lord Tigrevurmud should not be low, either. After all, he was the hero in the previous war, Her Highness the Princess, Lord Massas, and even the knight squadron have deep trust in him. And he had good relationship with Zchted, so they would naturally want to have good relations with him."
With his barefaced smile, the secretary with brown hair gave a model answer as a bureaucrat of Brune. Ellen realized that she got the wrong way of questioning. It seemed that she should say it more bluntly.
"Didn’t Princess Regin feel upset after seeing such a thing? Mr. Secretary, It seems the Feudal Lords thought of your country is a little different."
"...Indeed, thanks to the efforts of Lord Tigrevurmud, the life of Her Highness the Princess was saved, and she became the leader of our country as the successor of the late King Faron. Suppose that kindness becomes love, and Her Highness becomes a maiden in love and continues to yearn earnestly for Lord Tigrevurmud."
At this point, Gerard's face became serious.
"...There cannot be such a thing. Those people think so. Lord Tigrevurmud is a person born from an Earl House in the frontier, and he doesn’t have anything to be proud other than his archery. Such figure cannot be suitable as the King of the next generation. Her Highness should feel the same way."
Ellen did not answer back to that, and sullenly looked at the pile of letters.
It would not be a lie, that Tigre's assessment was not low. If only a good relationship could compromise, but putting him on the throne would be out. And they believed that Regin also thought in the same way.
---It can't be helped.
Since Ellen, Lim, and also Gerard were in the "Silver Meteor Army", they knew that Regin trusts Tigre. However, almost no Feudal Lords knew about it. Even listening to the rumors of the triumph in the King Capital Nice, it would be indeed impossible to imagine so far.
Therefore, Lim asked Gerard whether anything might have occurred.
"Has Princess Regin said anything about Lord Tigrevurmud?"
"Her Highness is very concerned about Lord Tigrevurmud's situation. In presence of the minister, she once said that she cannot use goods, Territory, or wealth to express her gratitude, and that upon his return to Brune she will reward him accordingly."
"W-Well, it is natural. It is thanks to Tigre... Lord Tigrevurmud that she is currently there."
Ellen's face became stiff, though she was about to return to her usual tone, the Vanadis with silver white hair somehow corrected her track and nodded. Not be able to express her gratitude with only goods or territory.
So what on earth was she up to?
"Then, speaking about the fact that even though Lord Tigrevurmud was bestowed the title of "Knight of the moonlight" by His Highness King Faron, the land of Alsace which he inherited from his father is requisitioned and in the co-management of Her Highness the Princess and Vanadis-sama. In addition Lord Tigrevurmud himself was forced to leave his homeland, where he was born and raised, and came to Zchted..."
After saying this, Gerard deliberately stopped his mouth. And then he bowed with an exaggerated gesture when saying sorry for complaining about it. Able to say such a criticism though Ellen doesn't care, it seemed that his cynic daring did not change so far.
Gerard, saying things like that, should probably have heard about the story from Tigre. Ellen immediately understood that he deliberately intended to say such things. Probably, this had also led to the firm belief of the Feudal Lords that there was no way Regin would love Tigre.
---We decided so, and Tigre has also consented...
Ellen crossed her arms once again look to the pile of letters, and then sighed.
Limited by her status, Ellen could not read their thoughts, and even if she knew the attempt of the Feudal Lords, she also had no reason to prevent it. She felt sympathy for Regin who could only confirm these letters with a depressed face. Lim also bore a wry smile, imagining Massas ruefully sorting these letters.
"...I understand. When Lord Tigrevurmud returns, I will give him these. I promise you, I will take good care of these letters until he comes back."
"Thank you very much."
Gerard's face seemed relieved, and he left the Office this time for sure. After closing the door, in a relaxed mood, Ellen and Lim looked at the pile of letters by contrast with a trouble face.
Gerard who left the work office made a request to the soldiers who were going to send him off to the main gate.
"Sorry to bother you, but can I stay for a while? There is someone that I want to greet. Of course I got the approval of Vanadis-sama."
The latter half of the sentence was a lie. He knew that the soldiers would be unable to judge the truth from the lie immediately. The soldiers uneventfully complied. When he said the name of the person he wanted to greet, the soldiers had no doubt agreeing.
---Though I was not able to ask neither Vanadis-sama nor Limlisha-dono...
Gerard wanted to know by all means what kind of life Tigre was leading nowadays. Though it was not as if he was personally interested by it, there was a reason behind it.
Regin and Massas would be very glad if he talked to them about Tigre. Especially Regin who brightened her blue eyes shining like a child, and even the change of her expression was very interesting to see.
As Gerard had greed for success in life like everyone else, in order to please his boss, he had to bring some information about Tigre back.
Walking the corridor of the Imperial Palace led by the soldiers, Gerard soon spotted the target. In the figure of a maid with white apron on top of the black long sleeves skirt, It was a girl who was in a twin tail chestnut hair. Gerard called out to her with a radiant smile.
"Long time no see, Teita-san."
The girl, Teita also noticed Gerard and politely saluted him with a smile.
"Ah! Gerard-san, you came."
"Yeah. I was just talking earlier with Vanadis-sama."
And then, Gerard and Teita chatted for a while. There were many topics that she was interested in, like Alsace's situation or matters about Massas who was fed up with the royal court duty. Teita also again, happily talked about the events of Tigre's life recently in the Imperial Palace.
"Massas-sama is doing well as usual, huh?"
"His Excellency the Prime Minister Bodwin-sama and him often bickered."
"Like Gerard-san and Rurick-san?"
To the innocent words of Teita, the secretary of Brune was at loss for words. Though he would just think of it as irony or provocation if it was another person who said it, and because he knew that this girl would not have this meaning, he was troubled about how to respond.
Suddenly looking away, Gerard saw the soldiers who were standing silently nearby. Because they bore the duty to guide Gerard to the main gate, they made a smile as hard as possible and were waiting faithfully for the talk to finish.
"Excuse me, but I want to talk with her a little more. Since I will feel bad for making you wait any longer, I think that I will ask her to guide me to the main gate."
Though the soldiers looked perplexed, Teita was the maid of the guest of honor Tigre, and also trusted by Ellen and Lim. Living here for half a year was also not short at all. The soldiers briefly explained the situation to Teita, and asked if it was okay.
"I understand. If it is something like that, I will bear the task to see off Gerard-san properly to the main gate."
Like that Teita watched the soldiers leave. Gerard gloated secretly at the moment. Up till now it went as planned.
"By the way, Teita-san. About Lord Tigrevurmud."
With his radiant smile intact, Gerard changed the topic of discussion. Teita looked at Gerard with a puzzled face.
"...Is there something wrong with Tigre-sama?"
"Vanadis-sama said that he went to the King capital Silesia, but... Has Teita-san not heard anything from Lord Tigrevurmud?"
"... No, he didn't say anything special."
Teita denied shaking her head, but her eyes swam for an instant, and her wavering voice lowered. Gerard did not overlook the subtle change on her face. Instinctively, he believed that something must have happened. He boldly stepped forward closing the distance between them, and strongly stared at Teita’s face.
"...Really?"
Teita flinched from Gerard's abrupt action, her shoulders shivered and retreated one step. Gerard took another step forward promptly and shortened the distance to her again.
"Th-That..."
Teita looking helpless, continuing to shake her head in denial, even Gerard could not bear to mind. However, this was unavoidable in order to find out what she was hiding.
"Stop that."
A voice suddenly came from behind. A shock and a pain ran to his head, and Gerard staggered. When he looked back while holding down his head, a young man wearing armor was standing there.
With a well-featured face and a slippery head without even one hair, he had a sheathed sword in his hand. It seemed that he clubbed Gerard's head with it.
"Even if it was just for one moment, what intention do you have to threaten the maid of the person whom I serve, you malicious person of Brune? Depending of your answer, I might club you again."
"When I wondered who it was, it was just you... "
Gerard groaned annoyingly. The man's name was Rurick. Despite his short fellowship with Gerard, they had (what we might call) a close bond relationship.
"It is bad for my reputation for you to say I threatened her. I could not possibly do something like that to her."
"Even the eyes of five-year-old child would see that you are scaring her. You bastard, what are you trying to do?"
As if to protect Teita, Rurick standing in between two people stabbed Gerard with sharp eyes. The secretary of Brune sighed.
"You may not understand even if I explained it to you who had dull eyes and a cloudy brain, but I was only talking with Teita-san about Lord Tigrevurmud. Since I was a little interested, I leaned forward carelessly."
"...This insidious damp man says so. Teita-dono?"
Looking back at Teita, Rurick asked with a very earnest face and tone. Teita, with a troubled expression, looked back and forth at Rurick and Gerard's faces.
"E-Err... What Gerard-san says is true. While talking about Tigre-sama, we became very keen on that."
Tough Gerard was inwardly relieved to the brave words of the maid with fox-tail millet colored hair, but her words did not seem to dispel Rurick’s suspicion.
"Teita-dono. You don't need to force yourself to cover up for this man. Even if you are afraid of a reprisal, in place of Lord Tigrevurmud, I won't let him lift even one finger on you."
"Do you put on air of a knight?"
"I'm originally a knight. That's why."
Replying immediately to Gerard's misnomer, Rurick stared at Teita. As Teita unintentionally laughed, she slightly bowed to show her gratitude.
"Thank you Rurick-san. But he really did not threaten me."
"...... I understand, since Teita-dono says so."
Though he could not consent, if she said it like that, even Rurick could not hold on any further. However, seeming to feel the need to give a warning to Gerard, the bald head knight turned towards the secretary with brown hair.
"I must report about what I saw just now to Limlisha-dono just in case."
"Wait a minute. Why do you have to do something like that?"
Anxiety was mixed with Gerard's voice. As for what was bad for him, Lim was friendly with Massas. In the worst case, she might convey this matter to Massas in a letter or something.
"It will be only natural to report to the top if something unusual happened within the castle."
Folding his arms, Rurick proudly replied. Gerard was not able to just retort to this sound argument. Though he requested help to Teita with a gaze, only an apologetic smile was returned.
---It seems here that I have no choice, but to withdraw...
It was certain that Rurick would become a hindrance if he kept up any further with this conversation. Besides, He was able to obtain something of that small talk about Tigre's life nowadays. As tales of his travel to Regin and Massas, even if it was not complete, that portion could certainly be satisfying.
---And if I tried to find about the rest myself? First of all, I must dispatch someone to the King Capital Silesia and then examine what kind of business Lord Tigrevurmud was called for by the King of Zchted.
"Well then, I will leave first since I will apparently be haunted by an unpleasant gaze if I stay here."
"Ah, then let me see you off to the main gate."
As Teita remembered and said so, Gerard was accompanied to the main gate by both Rurick and her. Despite of repeated misnomer exchanges with Rurick while walking down the corridor, it did not reach extreme disparagement, and would end with an incomplete burning feeling since Teita was near.
"May the blessing of the gods be with you, Gerard-san."
Teita waved. Gerard waved in return to say goodbye to her while deliberately ignoring Rurick's presence. And then left the Palace.
It was seven days later that Tigre reached Asvarre across the Breton Peninsula at the northwest edge of the kingdom of Brune since he got on the '[Górdyj BelugaProud Beluga]'.
When looking at the port town of destination from afar, Matvey relaxed, a color of relief spread through the passengers' faces. Two days later, the tense atmosphere that covered the ship finally defused.
"It seems we end our travel without incident somehow or other."
On the deck, Matvey looking back at Tigre and Olga smiled brightly. Just the smile in the face of this man looked like he was up to no good in general, a little seepage. However, Tigre, who had become accustomed to that in this sea trip nodded with a smile.
After passing the peninsula two days ago, the sailors became laconic, their behavior were somewhere frenzied and they seemed to put their body in the battlefield. Even passengers also took in such a mood, and kept their weapons beside whenever and wherever they were inboard.
Tigre, Olga and Matvey were the only people calm.
"It’s because the pirates may appear."
To Tigre who asked about the strange mood, Matvey replied dishearteningly.
"Though I think Lord Tigrevurmud is aware of that matter, among the two princes who are currently fighting in Asvarre, Prince Eliot employs pirates as subordinates. Prince Eliot's base is in Asvarre island, in the neighborhood's backyard just like those guys."
Matvei frowned and explained while drawing a map on space by a fingertip.
"Aren't they prohibited to aim at the merchant ship of Zchted?"
It was Olga who asked so. She wrapped herself in a mantle, when coming out of the deck, and she was being covered with the hood over her eyes.
"Sadly, in this world there are words very convenient to use such as ‘made a mistake’."
As Matvey shrugged, he said that he would look at the state of the surroundings and left from there. Tigre was looking at the scenery of the small port town that gradually approached, when Olga tugged at his sleeve.
"Tigre. Can you shoot that down?"
Extending her arm straight, what Olga pointed to what were seabirds flying gracefully under the cloudy sky. After observing the seabirds for a while, Tigre shook his head.
"It is meaningless, even if I shoot it."
Seeming not to understand Tigre's answer, Olga tilted her head.
"It will only fall into the sea even if I shoot it down. Though this ship is loaded with a shallop, I may not possibly borrow it to collect only seabirds."
He explained so while looking at the seabirds, but Olga seemed to interpret it as making excuses. She narrowed her eyes at the back of the turban and said with a bored voice.
"You travel only with a bow and handled it with great care, I thought that you would be very confident... or do you think I deliberately make things difficult for you?"
"I do not think you deliberately make things difficult for me, but it is a difficult target."
Tigre with an indifferent look replied softly to Olga. This was because he knew that she didn't say it just on a whim.
On board in addition to sleeping without other things to do, Tigre talked to her a lot. She was heartily surprised that Tigre held a weapon in only not more than a dagger with a bow.
"Is it so rare?"
Instead of being curious Tigre asked again. Olga was surprised, or amazed.
"Most people have a sword and a hatchet as weapons. And after that many have spear and ax. Even if there are people who use the bow in addition to such weapons, I have never seen people using only a bow."
"A hatchet is good. I will prepare that from the next time."
Tigre also carried a hatchet when hunting. It was because it was convenient to cut away highly spreading weeds, obstructive branches and leaves. However, he never thought of carrying it in a trip. To Tigre who was impressed, Olga asked.
"Are you confident with the bow that much?"
"More than with a sword or a spear."
Though he stated the fact, Olga having difficulty to say anything turned her gaze at Tigre.
While recalling such a conversation several days ago, Tigre observed the seabirds again.
Though they were not so fast, they were flying pretty high. The wind was blowing, and since there were on a ship, the scaffold was also unstable. It would probably be difficult for someone with ordinary skills to make an arrow hit the mark.
---To begin with, Can that stuff be eaten? Since I see such a bird for first the time...
Tigre returned his eyes to the port town while intending to ask Matvey later. There was a small hill in the immediate place from the shore, and cityscape spread along gentle ups and downs. He saw a building that seemed like a mansion on the hill. One might overlook the sea from there.
The captain yelled out a roar like instruction, 'The [Górdyj BelugaProud Beluga]' folded the sails and began slowing down little by little. The ship’s power converted to wood-pulp went forward to the port town under the leadership of the pilot vessel.
Maria was one of the very common port cities in the kingdom of Asvarre.
The harbor was crowded with people handling the goods. Booths were located in both sides of the street, the merchants, the travelers and the housewives who came out for shopping, all sorts of people coming and going, were wrapped in a chaotic buzz of the atmosphere.
A certain big fish was chopped into chunks on the spot sale. The basket was filled of small fish caught just now, still alive and kicking. The sea water dripped from the shellfish piled in heaps in the barrels. Moreover, mushrooms, cabbage and wild grass were also placed on the mat for sale.
"It is lively, but not as much as in Lippner. I wonder if it is because of the civil war."
As Tigre said his honest impression, Olga beside him also nodded.
"The number of ships is different, though the port size is about the same."
To those words, Tigre looked at her with a surprised face. Even when talking about the bow, this girl’s calm was completely at odds with her age, as if she was accustomed to traveling in general. The only thing that surprised Tigre when leaving Lippner was that he did not observed well both the port and the ship.
'The [Górdyj BelugaProud Beluga]' anchored on the wharf, disembarking passengers in succession.
Tigre and Olga waiting for Matvey got down last.
Though Tigre applied his foot on the hard ground after a long time, he felt a sense of incongruity to his body and stamped several times on the spot. Olga asked him with a wondering face.
"What are you doing?"
"I may only be tired, but I feel like my body is still shaking."
"...I also feel that, too. What is it?"
The two looked at each other tilting their head. It was Matvey that gave them a clear answer.
"We are calling it wave motion sickness (drunkenness), since the body got used to the state of vibration. It will be mostly settled if you leave it."
"How long will it be if we leave it be?"
Olga asked with an uncanny voice. Matvey frowned and answered.
"If you walk just for a moment, your body will get used to the hard ground. Although there are rare cases where the person turns worse like illness, you will probably be alright since you did not get seasick. Shall we go eating for the time being?"
Matvey led the way out of the port walking down the street.
---As expected, it is different from Brune or Zchted after all.
The fence surrounding houses, wood materials and assembly methods, the pattern of the walls, as well as the structure of the roof. The differences of these details, as well as the conversations of people, that leaked to the ear strengthened the feeling of having come to a foreign land. The writing were occasionally saw without fully understand what its meaning.
Before long, Matvey chose one shop and entered. Tigre and Olga also followed. A fragrant smell assailed their nose at the moment they passed through the door, and the noise struck the earlobe.
In this snug store, more than half seats was already filled. The guests were not just the residents of the town, they were also passengers and sailors. Deep in the store, the three people sat around a round-topped table, and Matvey ordered sake and dish to the daughter of the waiter who pushed visitors aside.
Tigre were looking around the store. Such places did not change wherever he went.
"After this we are going to meet with someone."
Tigre looked at Olga who was covered with the turban over her eyes also in the store. Although it showed itself to be suspicious, other guests were also far from being decent. He decided not to mention it.
"We plan to leave this town today at the earliest. What will you do?"
Olga to whom he asked, cast down her eyes, seeming to think. She paused, and opened her mouth about a count of three.
"May I accompany you until midway? Concerning meals and lodging, I will pay my share myself. I won't do something like causing you trouble."
"If you tell us the purpose of your trip."
As Tigre replied so, Olga remained silent once again. Perhaps wanting to ease the atmosphere, Matvey was about to say something. Tigre held him back and continued.
"I won't ask you to explain in detail. Like I say just now, I will see a person, it will be good if you tell to a certain extent. I won't even ask your identity. However, I want you to speak about that at least."
During the sea trip, when he was sometimes free, Tigre had thought about Olga, but did not reach a conclusion.
Anyhow, she did not just fit that age. She also seemed to be accustomed to traveling, and she also had a splendid ax hung to her waist. Even when she was in front of him or Matvey, she was not perturbed or scared, and she also put a dignified attitude.
If she was an itinerant entertainer or a bard, then it was strange that she did not have tools for work. If she was a fugitive guilty of some crime, her behavior was rather sloppy (her words and deeds are extremely rather free). Even if he did not ask her anything, she said that he did not also talked too much about himself. It was like saying simply that she suspected him.
He considered in some way the possibility of spy to be an extreme conception, but, as expected, she was too young and it would be rather conspicuous.
This silence lasted a long time. As the waiter carried the bier with which the big glasses of ceramic was filled to the brim, and put them on the table, Olga finally spoke.
"...Is it no good if I say that there is something that I want to see?"
She looked at Matvey and Tigre. They showed neither approval nor disapproval.
"Does that mean there is a place where you want to go?"
To Tigre's question, Olga shook her head.
"I just want to walk around this country properly, and hear various stories in towns and villages at which we will drop in. I want to go those towns and villages, meaning there isn't particularly any place where I want to go."
It became more and more incomprehensible. Leaving aside Brune and Zchted currently with no sign of war, here was Asvarre.
Tigre violently rummaged his darkish red hair and sighed. As he pegged Matvey.
"My orders were to assist you."
It seemed that he entrusted him the decision. Thus as Tigre asked him whether it was fine with his gaze, the scary-looking sailor said with a happy smile.
"Sailors always encounter various mishap situations on the sea. If I let a girl all alone to loaf, the beluga on my back will look down on me."
Tigre thanked him again and said sorry. Rather than being Tigre's subordinate, he was only cooperating because it was Sasha's request. But he was willing to respect the will of youngster who probably did not have half of his age.
"I would like to hear from that man looking good with the white dolphin, our future plans?"
"We will leave the town as soon as we can supply horses. We will arrive at the destination city after two or three days. Though it is a camping-out tonight, we will stay at a small village along the highway tomorrow."
Matvey which would expect a question answered smoothly without settlement. Tigre especially made a severe expression and looked at Olga again.
"We don't mean to stay long in Asvarre. We will return to Zchted quickly after we finish our business. So if you do not mind, our trip together will be until that town."
Having Olga accompanying the both of them were not without its benefits. Since it would be very difficult others to imagine them to be secret agents if they took a child along.
"...I understand. Then, until that town."
Olga moved her small body and bowed to Tigre and Matvey respectively.
"Well, I wish us a happy journey in this country, cheers!"
The trio picked up each cup, and bumped them lightly. Tigre gulped down the beer vigorously. When resting after drinking the half, he frowned.
"It is very bitter, this wine."
Though he also drank beer in both Brune and Zchted, he had not seen so far any kind of beer that left such a bitter taste on the tongue. Distorting her facial expression in the back of her turban, Olga seemed to think so too. Only Matvey’s smile remained.
"There is also a way of drinking it while diluting with water, wine or herb. Or, would you drink another liquor?"
While being lost, the dish had been carried. There were oatmeal and beef stewed with liquor which were Asvarre's peculiar dishes. And moreover, since it was situated at the seashore, there were also salmon and cabbage soup, eviscerated stomach stuffed with herbs and mushrooms grilled cod fish and shellfish cooking a lot.
On the table, painted crushed potato bread and mutton fried soybean were also lined up. All this was filled with fragrant smells in the steam, and just by looking at it, saliva accumulated in the mouth. They were at loss of where to start.
The oatmeal had a unique smell and texture, and since the sake of beef stew had a strong flavor, it was just right eating it with bread. The chum salmon that cooked the soup used pickling ahead of time, salt taste entered in the soup just right.
As Tigre and the others smacked their lips over those many dishes, though they were talking about their cruise until today and their impression of this town, they were also listening to conversations from other tables.
"...It seems that before we leave Zchted the situation here had not changed."
It was about the fight between Prince Jermaine and Prince Eliot. Although small-scale battles occurred frequently, it seemed that both sides failed to account for the advantage.
"It is likely going to move from now on. Because it seems that Prince Eliot left the Asvarre island that is his base, and came to the continent."
Similarly overhearing the nearby conversation, Matvey said.
"It is probably to encourage the soldiers of his army."
"There is also the possibility that he gives directives himself. As for the number of soldiers, the fact that Prince Eliot's side is superior didn't change."
After answering so, Matvey picked up the whitening fish to his mouth. Olga put her glass down, asked.
"I hear Prince Eliot's troops had pirates accounting for great numbers, but are they so many?"
"You know that half a year ago, a civil war occurred in Brune. I heard that just thousand of the pirates were indeed remnants of the defeated army who fled to the North at that time."
After listening these word to Matvey, Tigre almost the menu card to his throat.
"Others are Sachstein’s mercenaries, as well as a group of people known as sea people, it's quite a mixed bag. And is this fucking situation dragged on longer, those who fail to get a job and become penniless will appear, Zchted will be affected. For example..."
Stopping his hand that was eating, Matvey suddenly put on a serious expression.
"As there are those who are making a living in the trade with Asvarre merchants, what will happen when they are no longer be able to trade if those merchants were killed due to the civil war? You may say that they should look for new trading partners, but, if such a thing was easily found, they would not have a hard time."
Listening to the conversation of the two people, Tigre tore the bread roughly and threw it into his mouth.
Even if it was to escape from starvation, becoming a pirate was not something allowed. The misfortune could never become a reason to dispossess (to deprive) an innocent person. So, instead of becoming a pirate, was it better to starve and die? No. What should be done was…
"Lord Tigrevurmud."
Unwittingly, Tigre fell into silence with a serious face. Matvey said with a soothing tone and a fearful expression.
"Are you tired from the sea trip? Food will cool down, you know?"
"Ah, no, I was just thinking about the upcoming thing."
"For us here is a foreign land. Although it may not help, but I hope you will not be so depressed."
"...That's right. Thank you."
It was for consideration towards Matvey that Tigre expressed his gratitude. Matvey understood about what the young man was getting angry about and worry, so he persuaded him gently.
Tigre fiercely stretched out his hand to the remaining food on the table. To face Jermaine in an adequate condition with stamina and energy, He convinced himself that he must properly eat from now.
Along the road flanked by a small hill, a small village came into view when they exited the forest. It was two days later since they left the port town of Maria.
The three people were on horseback and had tied their luggage to the saddle. Matvey led the way, followed by Tigre and behind could be seen Olga’s shape.
Though Tigre thought Olga to be used to traveling, she was proving it by action. When they camped out yesterday, she hunted hares of two wings only over the past half-time (in only a half koku).
Although Tigre also shot down two wild birds, and the supper of that day became very much gorgeous, Olga pulled off (did a good job indeed) really well when handling the birds and hares. She continued the work without faltering (fluently) drawing out blood, tearing off the skin and pulling off wings for instance, Tigre was impressed.
"Though it is still daylight, we will rest in this village for today."
While looking up at the bright sunshine in the cloudless sky, Matvey that was at the vanguard said those words.
"If we leave on the early morning of tomorrow, we may arrive at Valverde which is the destination at afternoon."
After finishing the harvest, straw color of dried grass were scattered sparsely in the field, and farmers were resting in a position of their own way. Made beyond the field on the roof which piled up the flat stone stucco walls, the houses made of structure were lined up. Remembering the villages of his hometown, nostalgia crossed Tigre’s eyes.
Suddenly one farmer turned around their way and noticed Tigre and the others. His calm face changed radically into that mixed with fear and suspicion, and he called out to other farmers and run hurriedly.
"...What's going on?"
For villagers to be wary of strangers was not a rare sight. However, Tigre sensed a different atmosphere from there.
"Isn’t it because Matvey-san’s face scared them?"
Olga muttered so, and Matvey showed an exaggeratedly sorrowful face. Even Tiger could not refrain from laughing. It was unusual for this girl to speak of a joke, and thank to that the strain mood softened.
"In any case, I do not want to scare them too much. Let's go down from the horses."
Since talking on horseback would wither the other party. Getting off the horse, the three people went to the village by pulling the reins. One man walked their way. His linen clothes were stained with soil, and his face had the trace of wiped sweat. It was an understandable figure in a day when considering they was working on the farms until just a while ago.
"Mrs. Travelers, what kind of business do you have with this village?"
"We would like to ask for food and overnight accommodation. Also for horses."
It was Matvey which could speak Asvarre’s language fluently that answered, and he took out several pieces of silver coins from his breast pocket and handed them to the man. After looking at the silver coins, the man glanced at Tigre and Olga. Tigre said with a smile to reassure him.
"There were also such villages in my home. I do not intend to loiter and to interfere with your work."
Matvey conveyed it again in Asvarre’s language. The man let out a breath of relief, and seemed to loosen some wariness.
Tigre and the other two were guided in the man's house. The man seemed to be the village mayor and he was living in (it was) the only 2-story building in this village. There were a hovel and the cereals storehouse near the house, too and he had his family help move the horses there. Tigre and the others were provided with the spare chamber on the second floor of the house.
Though there was nothing in the room, if there was something they desired, it would be said to prepare that as long it was possible. Tigre left negotiations to Matvey and walked to the window.
He could overlook the aspect of the village from the window. He saw the entrance of the village where they came. Because children were looking up at Tigre standing at the window with great interest, and when he waved his hand, some would hide quickly or run to escape, but there were also several people who waved their hand awkwardly back.
"Lord Tigrevurmud. The talk was settled."
At Matvey’s voice, Tigre turned toward him.
"It is impossible to sleep on bed, but it seems that they have prepared three thick blankets, so one per person. The meal will be a moment later. He said that we will have one smashed chicken with soup and bread. After that, three cups of hot water in a bucket."
After saying to there and suddenly lowering his voice, Matvey added happily whether or not he would be sticky about one part of the chicken. Tigre shook his head with a bitter smile.
Rather than having to withhold from the village, he avoided stimulating be worried about how scared he was when he first saw, it was correct.
Laying the blanket which had been carried on the floor, Tigre lied down on it. As the relaxation of stretching at ease his limbs, Olga displayed an astonished expression. When the person of the village left the room, she removed the turban that she was wearing.
"It is untidy..."
"Because they didn't use this place for a while."
"Certainly. I wonder if I can also taste the freedom throughout the whole body for a while."
Matvey agreed, as he also laid on the blanket in the same way. As the dimly expressionless Olga looked down at the two men, she laid her body on the blanket.
Over a period of time, the trio did not do anything, lying down in silence.
Then, the time that passed was only about a half koku. Tigre frowned suddenly. He had a feeling that he heard something like a scream in the distance.
Tigre and Olga woke up almost simultaneously. One breath minutes later Matvey got up rather slowly. Tigre grabbed his black bow kept in his hand hauling the quiver with arrows and compromised to the window. He inquired the situation outside carefully.
---Who are those guys?...
There were thirty, no around forty men in the village. They wore a discernibly rough atmosphere, and despite being armed there was no uniformity in their equipment. If there were some people who were wearing leather armor which struck the rivet, there were also those wearing chain mail. The weapons were also swords or spears, the ax with a pike mallet was not uniform.
And each house of the village shut the door firmly. As if waiting for the storm to pass while holding their breath. Only several people who had come out to the field were keeping standing on that occasion together with their horses or cows.
When the men had their eyes on one house, their flung spears and pike mallets against the door while booing aloud. Stepping over the wrecked door, several people went into the house, and many screams broke out.
"Are they... Brigands?"
"It is possible that those bandits have their stronghold in the neighborhood."
Matvey which was looking at the situation across the window from the side opposite of Tigre, replied in a calm tone.
---But considering they are brigands, it's strange.
Tigre frowned. For an attack the attitude of those men was too laid-back. The villagers also, rather than running away, were just only shutting their door firmly.
Even while thinking, and those who attacked the houses were different men, or those who went towards the field surrounded and beat the farmers. Even those who bludgeon livestock to death seemed to be laughing happily.
It was certain that they would tremble violently if they were people weak in mind. It was a terrible spectacle that could get Tigre sick just by looking. When the right hand of Tigre which could not bear anger lengthened to the quiver, the door of the room was knocked on. Matvey moved quickly and went for the reception.
A woman of about 45 years old was there. She was from the village chief's family. Though her face was paled, since she was safe when she was here, she said that she wanted to close the sliding shutter and would like us to remain still.
"What are those guys? Brigands?"
To Tigre's question, the woman shook her head with a look.
"Those people are the soldiers of His Highness Jermaine."
Not only Tigre, even Matvey and Olga stares wide-eyed at that answer.
" Prince Jermaine’s Soldiers...? Those guys?"
It was suddenly an unbelievable story, but there was no reason for this woman to tell them such a lie. Above all, their behavior also and even their correspondence of village entrance was understandable, in such a situation.
At that time, the woman's look turned to Tigre's hand. To the left hand which grasped the black bow tightly, and the right hand which was extracting the arrow.
"W-What do you plan to do?"
The woman's voice was shaking in fear. Tigre did not answer. She trotted over and clung to hold down the hands of the youngster. She appealed in a face and a voice that seemed to burst into tears at any moment.
"Please. Don't do anything strange. Please..."
"But... But, you should not let those fellows run loose."
When Tigre painfully spit out those words, She blotted tears to the edges of her eyes and twisted her expression.
"You will leave here tomorrow, right? We will live in this village not only tomorrow, but also the next day and the day after that."
Feeling bitterness spreading within his mouth, Tigre was not able to answer to her mournful voice.
Even if Tigre sent away those soldiers here, the situation would not improve. They will revenge themselves on this village soon after. In the worst case, they might burn the village saying the villagers defied Prince Jermaine.
He must endure it until their tyranny passed. Even if they made sacrifices.
It was the way that this village chose.
Although the woman tried to continue her words further, the scream which had been heard scratched it out.
When only moving his head, Tigre looked outside from the window, as several girls were pressed down by many soldiers, they were dragged in the center of the village. Villagers who apparently tried to stop it, were beaten and crouched down before the Jizo (statue).
"Matvey."
Tigre suddenly called the name of the sailor of white dolphin. To the dreadfulness with which the voice was tinged, Matvey's shoulders shook with a startle.
"Tie up this person. No, tie up all those present in this house and roll them on the first floor. And then, block up the first floor with whatever you can use. Even doors and windows, everything."
Two persons, the woman and Olga made an expression of astonishment. Matvey understood immediately Tigre's intention, he bound the woman's arms from behind.
"What are you trying to achieve?"
Tigre did not answer back to Matvey's question. Carrying an arrow piece to his waist he applied his foot to the window frame. In the next moment he clung to the wall on the outside with a light motion and quickly climbed up on the roof. No one among the soldiers on the ground noticed.
Tigre set up the bow when settling down on the roof and nocked an arrow. He aimed at the soldier who was going to cover the girl. The distance was approximately 100 alsins. A piece of cake.
The shot arrow cut the wind, flew and went through the head of a man so that it was inhaled. The body of the man who ceased to breathe inclined and fell down beside the daughter. Several persons doubtfully turned their eyes to their friend, and as they found fault with the arrow in his head, two flat knots were already released.
The arrow which stuck in the scruff went through the throat, and the second let a bloodstained sickle peep out. The man fell down to the place and writhed painfully without being able to utter voice.
The men finally noticed the existence of an enemy. On the other hand, Tigre not changing his cold expression in not even one bit, shot the third arrow and killed the third person. Flashing in his mind was the memory of one year ago.
Alsace central city Celesta that is his hometown. Zaian, the son of the Duke Thenardier, invaded with his soldiers, many private houses were crushed and baked, and many people lost their life.
The state of the girls held down by soldiers just reminded the young man the account of hundred million (many times) when Teita was being once attacked by Zaian at that time.
When he thought of the scene that he saw then. It was not within Tigre to be able to overlook it in silence.
Tigre shot and killed the third person, while Matvey was tying up the woman skillfully at the back in the second floor under the roof. He did it carefully with a gag, and pushed a dagger against her scruff. Although he would not do something like hurting her, he made a scary face to stir up respect by fear.
"Even Lord Tigrevurmud gave a cruel order. It might be a little painful, but please forgive me."
"...Please, explain."
It was Olga, who watched the course of things in silence until then, that asked Matvey. Doubt and suspicion were swirling in her black pupils.
"Don't you understand? No, excuse me. Let me explain it later since my hands are busy now. It will be faster if you help me."
To the answer of the Matvey who seemed happy, the dimly expressionless Olga slightly changed, and wrinkles appeared in the middle of her forehead. Being lost in her thoughts, her eyes went around the inside room and then were directed to the outside of the window.
"Will it also counted as help if I cut down those guys?"
Matvey which was going to leave the room with the woman whom he restricted stopped.
Although he was also surprised that Olga's tone lost the usual politeness, and became even more colder, the scary-looking sailor couldn't help turning around. He tried to open his mouth to ask what she meant, but was forestalled.
"Yes or no? Answer only that. Your Hands are busy, right?"
"...It would be convenient that you could do so that even one person doesn't die."
Having answered so was utmost, and when he finished saying, Olga was moving. She kicked the floor, slipped through the side of Matvey and the others and ran in the hallway.
After Matvey opened his mouth as if having grown senile and saw her off, he finally came to his senses at the gaze of the woman.
At this time outside the house, Tigre just shot and killed the sixth man.
---That was a terrible miscalculation...
As for the soldiers, though half was running about in confusion still reeling from the surprise attack, the remaining half was trying to counter attack following the directives of a man who seemed to be the adjutant.
Tigre had already shot and killed the commander who led them.
At first he took down the commander to confuse them, and furthermore reduced their number and retreated.
Though Tigre planned so and it went smoothly until the first half, the adjutant who fled quickly into the shade of the building desperately scolded soldiers and restored their morale.
When the commander fell down, it was natural for the adjutant to act as a substitute, but the fact that this adjutant splendidly took the reins of troops could be seen as miraculous. Even a decent army, rarely bounced back early this much.
---Well, how do I pull it off?
While nocking an arrow to the black bow, Tigre thought calmly about the next development. It was looking as if he was predominantly advantageous, and, in fact, Tigre knew that it was not the case.
Tigre could not help but surrender if the soldiers of Jermaine held a villager hostage while hiding themselves to the shades of the buildings. Even if Tigre forsook the hostage, they would use the village as a shield to the arrows as it was. In that way the fight would become difficult if he surrounded this house while protecting himself.
"The enemy is only one person, you know? You, 'Ranra', What are you afraid of?"
"I didn't think I could do something like this alone! How about you step forward without letting only your underlings do it and hiding on the sly."
Covering the jeers of the man, Tigre also reverberating inside the village just shouted at him. He had already shot down 8 people. Since they were sniped in a high place, Jermaine's soldiers backed away (got cold feet). They wanted to overcome the resistance (to face down the opposition) like that.
At this point, however, one of soldiers threw an adze (hand ax). Although Tigre avoided it at once by twisting his body, he destroyed his posture and slipped. He avoided falling down from the roof, but the adjutant cried out without overlooking the chance.
"RUSH!"
In response to the instruction, four soldiers ran. Went to the house in which Tigre was standing.
"Oh no-!"
Though Tigre shot an arrow quickly and took down one soldier, the three remainders rushed quickly at the door.
It was at that time. The door was opened with sufficient vigor from the inner side, and a girl who wrapped her body short in stature in a mantle ran out. It was Olga.
when the soldiers of Jermaine understood that the opponent was a child though she stood reflectively, they were merciless and swung down their weapon which they had in their hands.
A dull sound was chained and blood splash danced suddenly. Tigre was about to appeal for her name in surprise, but it was Jermaine's soldiers who screamed the next moment and fell down.
Olga as always with the turban covering her eyes, was silently standing inside the puddle of blood which was spreading In her hand, there was now a dark red ax stained with blood.
---In one blow? No two blows...
It was not only Tigre, even the village girls who had late run away and the soldiers of Jermaine who hid themselves in the shade as well failed to get out in time and stared at the girl with an stunned face.
It was a dreadful skill. Among the three soldiers that attacked her, two wore chain mail and one was in leather armor reinforced in metal piece. The girl's ax cut and tore their belly. A girl of only 13, no 14 years old who wielded an ax.
Olga, as if unmindful of the surrounding in dismay, was observing the state of the men. The soldiers of Jermaine shuddered to the enemy who appeared newly and was not ordinary. Some turned their eyes to the adjutant for instructions. Olga was waiting for their reaction. She started running towards the adjutant fiercely was she was thinking whether she was easy and stepped over the body of the step. The adjutant got impatient and cried.
"B-Bring her down."
Receiving that order, two men attacked Olga. However. One of them was pierced to the neck with an arrow that Tigre shot and fainted in the ground. Even the remaining one jumped an arm off from the hit of his elbow with Olga's ax, and crouched down on the spot while shrieking.
Realizing he could not escape, the adjutant lie in wait, lowering his posture. The weapon which he had in his hand had been a spear. In terms of reach, it was very advantageous than the ax.
The adjutant thrusted out the spear. With only one slash, Olga blew away The dark gray tip of the spear that was approaching her.
The action of the girl with pinked colored hair did not end yet. She ran over the edge of the spear which was no longer than just a stick at one go (breath), and shortened the distance. The adjutant's head flew in the sky leaving a trail of blood.
Olga, without taking notice of the body, thrusted her ax at the man who ran in order to support the adjutant.
"Throw away your weapon."
The man realized instantly, that he would lose his life if he took action otherwise. Fearing the girl who was only half about his age from the bottom of his heart, he discarded his weapon crossed his hands behind his head and surrendered.
The other soldiers discarded their weapons, suddenly cried and turned their back and escaped. As the adjutant fainted, there was not the person who was able to command them now.
Tigre immediately released the soldiers that Olga arrested caught. And gave them a short order.
"Go back and tell. That People of a foreign land wanted to see Prince Jermaine."
Afterwards, Tigre sat down on the doorway of the village facing the highway. It was at that direction that the soldiers of Jermaine escaped. If they waited here, Their comrades would show up sooner or later.
Soon after, Olga and Matvey accompanied by horses were walking.
As Tigre looked at the two, though somewhat tinged with gloom, he asked with a quiet expression.
"How is the state of the village?"
"Since one of the village headmen came over to that house, we explained the circumstances while having a look at the inside."
The village though poor, in order to prevent fox or wild boars from entering, was surrounded with the fence of a tall tree. While tying the horses there, Matvey explained in a cheerful voice.
"Were you able to tie up all the people of the house?"
"Yes. Since the village headman seems to come here later, they would appreciate an explanation from Lord Tigrevurmud once again. And then, they will likely do the burial of hooligans."
"You saved us. Thank you very much."
When Tigre bowed, Matvey smiled wryly and waved his hand.
"Don't mind it. Because I was also on the point to turn a blind eye primarily since I forsook easily while seeing such a scene. One more thing, Lord Tigrevurmud. I would like you to quit soon the polite way of talking. It will also be easy for you, won't it?"
"...Oh! If you say so."
When he seemed to be at loss and scratched his head, Tigre changed his expression and turned toward Olga.
"I must also give you my gratitude. Thank you. Honestly, you saved me."
Without this girl's involvement, though it could not be said that he would be defeated, there was no doubt that he would be force to put on a hard fight However, Olga shook her head to say that such a thing did not matter.
"Leaving that aside, I want you to explain. Why did you tie up the people of that house?"
Tigre stared steadily at her involuntarily. Though she was still expressionless. He felt a strong core (the wick) in her quiet voice. This might be Olga's true nature.
Thinking a little, Tigre instead of talking as if talking to children, said it while considering the other party as equal.
"While receiving such treatment, the people of this village didn't resist. As far I have seen the soldiers' attitude and the village's reaction, I conclude such a thing won't happen once or twice. Perhaps, they may have also smashed the village as a warning to others."
The expressionless Olga got fogged. Tigre continued in a serious tone.
"It is the policy of the village not to defy the soldiers. If it opposes, it will rouse the anger of those guys and they will retaliate. Not only that, it will make another flipped through the involvement of other villagers. Much more if it caused the confusion between the people in position like the village mayor and the village headmen when doing so. However... if I tied them up so that we weren't be disturbed, it would save face to the village."
Tigre remembered the words of the woman who clung to him. They must live tomorrow and also the day after tomorrow in this village.
Olga looked down and muttered, as if very dissatisfied.
"Isn't there the option of escaping, abandoning this village? To a place without outrage and tyranny..."
"Have you ever plowed a field?"
Giving a mild smile, Tigre kindly asked After blinking several times, Olga shook her head. Plotting a look, Tigre gazed at the long distance field.
"It's hard, you know. Tough. I've grasped a hoe only once. At first, I remove pebbles, weeds and chip of wood as much as possible. It's hard work. Next, I dig up the soil, but it is still hard labor because I must dig the hoe in quite deeply."
The field of his hometown came into Tigre's mind. The scenery which he just watched along with his late father.
"While using the hoe, if it hits the stones mixed among the soil, and the edge bends or is breaks, you must repair it. In case there is no smith mentor and only wooden hoes can be used, it will take a great amount of both time and effort."
"... If there is a way of making a cow or a horse pull a plow."
"It doesn't mean that chicks also keeps cattle's and horses. That is expensive."
To Tigre's answer, Olga fell in silence without a word. Matvey opened his mouth to brush the atmosphere that was about to be sunk heavily.
"Well then, Lord Tigrevurmud, what do we do from now on?"
"I will wait for a subordinate of Prince Jermaine here. If early, he will come over even tomorrow. Though it was somewhat strange, it was done as planned."
"Did you come to this country to meet with Prince Jermaine?" Olga black eyes infected with the touch of unexpected look.
"Yeah, so our travel together will end here."
He did not think they would part in this manner. But Tigre believed that this child would certainly have no problem. Whether it was riding the horse, or the level of hunting, as well as excellent combat skills, Olga's strength should not be underestimated. Speaking of her equestrianism, her skill in hunting, and now that admirable fight style, Olga's ability was the real deal.
But the girl with light pink hair spoke some unexpected words that Tigre never anticipated.
"Tigre. If good, would you not let me accompany you as your attendant?"
"...... The reason?"
Asking this, Tigre took a few breaths to.
"I want to personally meet the man called Jermaine. - Can't I?"
Just also thinking that she would give a categorical answer, and not actually expecting her expression to change, she put on a child-like weak expression. Tigre folding his arms muttered. He did not think Olga was unaware of how dangerous it was to see Jermaine now. He do not really understand her thoughts.
"Who are you exactly?"
After wavering, Tigre asked bluntly.
"Until now, we did not ask each other's identity because we planned to say goodbye with you here, we decided no longer to ask. But since you must come with us, it is another matter. Tell me."
Olga momentarily turned her gaze, shook the head, seemingly to reconsider it. Subsequently, she went straight on Tigre's eyes.
"You may not believe me."
On her dignified expression, In a calm tone to let you feel her intention, the image of the traveling girl from the two that got used to seeing did not remain at all.
"I am one of the seven Vanadis of Zchted. The BardicheMoon Princess of the Roaring Demon Olga Tamm bestowed with the land of Brest and the Houju no GenbuCurse of Reversal, the ViraltDragonic Tool named Muma is me."
Tigre and Matvey stared wide-eyed and were at a loss for words.
Standing before the two people now was not the girl without sociability who was in some way absentminded. She was an ikkitousen (match for a thousand) warrior accepted by a Dragonic Tool. She was a Vanadis whom he couldn't help but be terrified if he looked close.
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