Chapter 208:

“Long time no see, Your Majesty.”

“Hm, indeed, it has been a while, Same. However… this is the first time the members of the brigade have been assembled together for an audience.”

A few days after we began preparing for departure, it seems that the arrangements Same had made for the “gifts” were completed. Today, finally, all of us visited the Queen together.

“By the way… this is the first time I see this person, isn’t it?”

Her Majesty’s attention focused on Sheele, the only new face among us.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. My name is Sheele. As you may have guessed, I am also a member of the brigade.”

“I see. So there is another female member besides Melt. And Same, such a large audience—what is the reason for this gathering?”

“Yes. Actually, the brigade I belonged to has decided to leave this continent for a while. Today, we have come to report this and to pay our respects. Ah, of course, I will remain in this city, but the others—starting with Silent—plan to set off on a journey again.”

I didn’t miss the momentary impulse in the Queen’s stance as Same reported this. But upon hearing that only Same would remain behind, she seemed to restrain herself.

However, the commander Cres, present in the audience chamber, suddenly spoke.

“E-Excuse me, Your Majesty. May I speak?”

“Go ahead. You have permission.”

“Yes. Same, does this move of the brigade include Shizuma as well?”

“Yes. Shizuma, who is here, and Melt are included.”

“I-I see… I see…”

Her reaction looked overwhelmingly lonely.

Sorry, I really have no intention of joining the knight corps.

“I see, that is somewhat unexpected. I always thought Melt and Same were inseparable.”

“Indeed. I have always been by her side. Since she was unfamiliar with city life, it was necessary for me to teach her. As one who is leaving the brigade and taking root in this country, I was chosen as her tutor. Melt has now grown accustomed to the populous cities and systems, so I can safely send her on a long journey. Fortunately, Shizuma and Sheele will act together. Of course, Shizuma is reliable, and Sheele is the wisest in our brigade and a martial force comparable to Silent.”

“Remarkable! You claim she rivals Silent?”

“I-I am embarrassed to say so…”

“I see… but indeed, it will be lonely once Melt departs.”

“Your Majesty, I will bring lots of souvenirs! Please look forward to them!”

Melt’s behavior might make other nobles or soldiers frown, but the Queen seemed unfazed, smiling warmly.

“Ah, I will look forward to them. Shizuma, despite being summoned here from another world due to this world’s whims, you have acted for peace until now. Our country will never forget your devotion. If you have any wishes, speak now.”

The Queen turned to me. Honestly, I had no wishes—well, there was one.

“Then, please remember my words, if only for a moment.”

“Hmm, speak.”

Currently, there are three Earthlings remaining in this country.

Their knowledge will, in the near future, lead this country to further development.

So, as an Earthling, I felt I should give one final warning.

“Including those currently undergoing treatment, there are three people from my homeland under this country’s care. They will undoubtedly try their best to prove their worth. Some may even bring knowledge from our world. Hishida-san, whom Kokuri-san is relying on, is precisely such a repository of knowledge. However… our world contains knowledge that surpasses even magic, terrifying knowledge in abundance. Kokuri-san, please be cautious with the knowledge you extract or receive from her, and consult with others before using it. Our world is one where the potential to destroy the world exists—if used carelessly.”

This had to be conveyed.

I had to let them know that our world is overflowing with weapons more dangerous than magic, capable of inviting disaster if mishandled. That is my role.

“…I understand. I will take those words to heart.”

“Yes. I also recall the dangers of knowledge… I won’t forget, Shizuma-kun.”

“That is all from me. Ah, but lastly, I want to at least show my face to my compatriots.”

“Granted. Cres, could you send Kazunuma, currently in training, to Kokuri’s laboratory?”

“Understood.”

With that, everything was truly concluded.

“That is all from me.”

“I see. Same, and all other members of the brigade. Truly, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The peace of this country is undeniably built upon your deeds. I sincerely wish for your safety on your journey. And Same… I hope our good relationship continues.”

“Thank you for your words. We are grateful for your time today, Your Majesty.”

Following Same, we all bowed and exited.

Kokuri-san, who followed behind, spoke to me directly.

“Shizuma-kun, will you accompany me to my laboratory? Kazunuma should have arrived by now.”

“Understood. Everyone else… go home and prepare for departure.”

“Got it! Finally departing… I’ll miss you, Kokuri-chan.”

“Fufu, yes. I’ll miss you too. And… I wanted to have a proper conversation with the brigade’s wise one, you, at least once.”

“Yes, I feel the same. One day, the journey will end. Then I will return to this country, and we can discuss everything we’ve learned.”

“I look forward to that day. Now, Same, Sheele, Melt. I’ll take Shizuma with me.”

“Shizuma, I’ll be preparing a gift, so I’ll be back a little later.”

“Understood. See you then.”

When we arrived at the lab, Kazunuma, dressed in soldier’s gear, Hishida in her white coat, and even Muraki in what looked like patient attire were waiting.

“! Shizuma-kun!?”

“Shizuma…”

“…Sh…izuma.”

Surprisingly, even Muraki, though awkwardly, could speak clearly.

“Impressive. You’re almost fully recovered, Muraki.”

“Ah… yes.”

“Kazunuma, you’ve been training properly as a soldier.”

“Yes. There’s only so much I can do.”

“Hishida-san, as expected, no surprises.”

“Indeed, my mind is all I have of value.”

In truth, her “Unwavering Power” could have been lent to the Killcrawlers, who make dungeon exploration their business. But this way contributes more.

“I’ve come to say farewell. I’m leaving this continent. I’ve accomplished what I needed. If I find a clue to return to our original world, I’ll report it here. Though I have no intention to return.”

“I see…”

“A clue… I hadn’t really thought about that recently. We have responsibilities. I now understand how reckless we’ve been.”

“…Take… care…”

“Muraki, don’t overdo it. Kazunuma, don’t ever make a mistake again. Hishida-san, never ‘give too much’ in this world. Remember, I can cut everyone off without mercy.”

They nodded quietly, but with strength.

I’m not sure how much Muraki understands yet, but with these two and the people of this country, it’s reassuring.

“…Shizuma, I won’t regret the choice of the life you spared me.”

“I… will do the same. I won’t let myself be carried away by others again.”

“…Shizuma…”

At that moment, Muraki, not yet accustomed to walking, tried to step toward me. I went to catch him before he fell.

“What’s wrong, Muraki?”

“…I… should… have… waited…”

…It’s fine now. I’ve already processed it and let it go.

“It’s fine. You don’t need to apologize. Stay healthy.”

I entrusted Muraki to the two of them.

Now, truly, all matters are concluded.

“Kokuri-san, with that, I’ll take my leave. Same will remain in this city, so consult him if needed. I’ve explained part of my world to Same as well.”

“Understood. Thank you, Shizuma-kun. I liked you quite a lot—not as much as Cres, but still. Take care.”

“That’s very flattering. Please also convey my regards to Commander Cres. I will pray for this country’s prosperity during my travels.”

Leaving the lab, I reflected on Muraki’s words that had sunk into my heart.

One person’s malice and the thoughtless words of those who went along with it. I chose to cut it all off.

I don’t think that was wrong. But still, I will allow myself to forgive their remorse and apologies that came afterward.

Even if it was an apology meant to make things easier for them, I decided to forgive that act.

Whether I accept it or not is another matter entirely. But I would not condemn them for doing so.

I felt as if a faint sediment, lingering somewhere in my heart, had finally flowed away.

After that, once we had checked all our forgotten belongings at home, we set out for the city’s west gate—the exit leading to the port town—using Same’s return as the signal to finally depart.

“Same, tell me about the gifts already. What did you prepare?”

“Hm? I’ll give them when we depart. Just a little more patience, Shizuma.”

“I wonder what it could be! My guess… something to pass the time on the journey! Like books!”

“Hmm… if it’s Same’s choice, judging from what you said about arranging them—”

“Sheele… could you stop trying to deduce things seriously? Isn’t it a little crude?”

“Hehe, yes, you’re right. Sorry, Same.”

We moved through the city in high spirits. Perhaps we had become somewhat famous—when passing through the adventurers’ district, we noticed people calling out to Saim and Melt here and there.

…Well, me too. Some members of the Killcrawler crew also seemed to be enjoying a drink here.

Waving back to those we had made connections with, we headed toward the west gate. I felt a twinge of reluctance at seeing it draw near.

As we approached the main street lined with inns, the west gate became clearly visible.

Then, surprisingly, someone was waiting there.

“Hello, everyone. I’ve come to see you off as well! Melt-san, we’ve had quite a long association. I’ll miss you…”

Standing at the west gate was none other than Mr. Popo, the head of the Pigeon Trading Company.

He stood in front of a more robust carriage than usual, apparently prepared for a long journey.

“The Trading Company president! I owe him so much! I’ll miss him terribly! Thank you for bringing me to this country!”

Melt seemed to have a deep connection with him, bowing properly and expressing her gratitude for everything he had done.

“…Yes, I also received a lot of energy from Melt-san. On escort missions, on guard duty—truly, Melt-san has helped me greatly.”

The company president spoke with closed eyes, recalling past events. His voice trembled slightly, though not without reason.

“Now… this is my farewell gift for the three of you setting out on your journey.”

At that moment, Same tried to reveal the gift he had prepared. But at first, there was nothing—only the company president.

…?

“The company president is the gift!?”

“What!? No! I cannot give myself away, Melt-san!”

“Hehe, I see. My guess was correct, wasn’t it?”

Then I finally realized. Same wasn’t pointing to the president—he was pointing to what was behind him.

“This carriage is for you. I had the company president arrange it. It incorporates parts brought in from Riseark, making it extremely stable—perfect for long journeys. The animal pulling it is a half-demon beast with greater endurance than regular horses. It can run far longer than ordinary horses. It requires usual feed plus a mana recovery potion… but Shizuma, you’ll handle that, right?”

The carriage I had thought was just new was actually Samd’s gift to us.

If we were going to travel across this vast continent, having our own means of transportation was essential.

Sheele could probably handle the reins, and I had inherited some of everyone’s experience, so there was nothing we couldn’t do.

It was truly the perfect gift for our journey.

“The carriage barely shakes at all. The suspension replicates a hydraulic damper using magic. I think this was based on information from Earthlings previously summoned. Understand? It really doesn’t shake—but don’t take it on rough roads or fall from high places.”

“I see… it looks very comfortable. Same… thank you so much. This is the best gift ever.”

“Thank you, Same! And the big horse is adorable too!”

“Haha, I’m glad you like it.”

“Same, I truly appreciate this. This exceeds my expectations… From now on, you’ll be working alone at times, but please don’t overdo it. You’re not alone—I consider you my little brother as well.”

“Hahaha… that’s a bit embarrassing. But that’s not true, Shile. I’m not alone. Everyone in Lindblum is with me.”

“…You’re right. I was too narrow-minded to realize that.”

Sheele reconsidered her thoughts after Same’s words. Though Same is somewhat separated from the others… he is not alone. The bonds I had forged are passed on to him, and he will strengthen them further.

“Everyone, the continent we’re heading to is darker than I expected. The swirling schemes and covert organizations are beyond anything we’ve faced. But… it’s no longer just Shizuma and Melt. Sheele is with us too. Lean on each other and think together. And… don’t be overconfident in terms of strength. Especially you, Melt—you haven’t forgotten the frustration on Yasha Island, right? Keep up your self-training.”

Same continued to offer advice and warnings, as if he hadn’t finished speaking. His genuine concern for us was deeply felt.

But… it was enough now. We didn’t need to struggle for the next words.

“And also—”

“Same. It’s okay now. Relax.”

“…Right. Take care, all three of you… no, take care, ‘everyone.’”

Understanding the meaning of his words, Melt and I climbed into the carriage, with Sheele taking the driver’s seat.

The carriage was designed so that if the window on the driver’s side was opened, we could converse with Sheele at any time.

“Same, Company President, we’re off!”

“Off we go! I’ll definitely bring back souvenirs!”

“We’re departing! Please leave my care to us!”

The carriage moved smoothly without jostling. Melt and I kept leaning out the window, waving at the shrinking figures of Same and the company president.

…We’re off, Lindblum.

Thank you for becoming our new home.

For now, we’ll journey into the wide world outside—