Kays Translations

Chapter 188: The Nature of Revenge

"What do you mean by that...?" 

Ricardo asked with a puzzled expression. There was a faint shade of disapproval in his eyes. Ignoring his emotions, Gerhardt continued the conversation in a calm tone.

"We received eyewitness reports from adventurers. It seems the Flame Demon is deep within the labyrinth. In that case, we may as well leave it alone. Kevin, you and the others can return to the village."

It was a tone that treated the matter as already concluded.

Kevin, trying to contain the anger and frustration welling up from deep within, spoke up.

"Wait a moment. Are you saying we should just leave the Flame Demon alive and ignore it?"

"That's what I meant."

"...Our comrades were brutally killed. Despite that, you're telling us to return to the village, live as before, and leave the enemy untouched?"

As Kevin spoke, his anger escalated. In contrast, Gerhardt maintained a terribly composed expression.

"Don't misunderstand. It's the duty of the Count's household to ensure the safety of the residents. However, we don't have an obligation to lend a hand in personal matters like revenge."

"Personal emotions, you say...?"

Kevin glared at Gerhardt, but there was nothing more he could do.

Gerhardt, an aide to the Count with a title equivalent to a viscount, would cause a significant problem if attacked. Kevin might even face immediate execution.

Even if he did attack, the only image that came to mind was an immediate counterattack. The imposing aura and title Gerhardt possessed bound Kevin's actions.

Merely glaring could already be a problem, but Gerhardt chose to ignore it.

"You helped with the cursed jar incident, didn't you? Why are you leaving it alone this time?"

Ricardo said discontentedly.

"At that time, the damage to adventurers was too significant to ignore. This time is different; the enemy is powerful, but it's an individual. Just warn the adventurers, and that should be enough. If someone still wants to challenge it, that's their responsibility."

"Do you, Gerhardt-san, think it's fine to leave the demon alone like this?"

An unpleasant tone, and Gerhardt furrowed his brow.

"Personally, I'd like to dispose of him as he's unpredictable. But I understand that the priority for the Count's household has decreased. We can't move people or money just because something looks dangerous."

Then, shifting his gaze from Ricardo to Kevin, Gerhardt continued.

"What you need to do now is ensure that your comrades can spend the winter in peace and mourn the dead. Those who can't understand the priority don't have the qualifications to lead."

"Yes..."

Unsatisfying and seemingly impossible to agree with, but now, there was nothing to do but stay silent.

"The discussion is over; you can go now."

Waving them away, Gerhardt dismissed Ricardo and Kevin from the workshop in silence.

Lutz, who had remained silent throughout, was the only one left in the room.

"What's the matter? Do you still have something to complain about?"

"I apologize for assigning you an unpleasant role."

Lutz deeply bowed, and Gerhardt slightly softened his stern expression.

"Just being told that is enough. Someone has to say it, and it seems to be the duty of these old bones."

Gerhardt sat back in his chair, sighed deeply as if releasing fatigue, and exhaled heavily.

"A worthless sermon. I shouldn't have done something that doesn't suit me. Well, in my personal opinion, I want to dispose of the demon and let you have your revenge. In the world of gods, I don't know, but if you're slapped on the right cheek, it's a man's etiquette to retaliate with the right fist."

"Yes."

Lutz fully agreed.

"...Though I say this now, Lutz, keep an eye on Kevin. I'm counting on you."

"Are you asking me to make sure Kevin doesn't do anything foolish? Or does it mean if he does something foolish, to help him?"

"I leave it to you. He probably won't stop even if told. Both you and him."

Gerhardt looked up at the ceiling and then closed his eyes as if in meditation.

Lutz quietly opened the door and left so as not to disturb him. 

A sudden end to the extermination. Not knowing when to lower the raised fist, Ricardo and Kevin walked through the city with drooping shoulders. Lutz joined them with a brisk pace.

Although they joined together, there was nothing in particular to talk about. The three walked in silence for a while, and eventually, Kevin broke the heavy silence.

"...Yesterday, comrades I worked with, drank with, suddenly got attacked by a monster. They were roasted alive, torn apart while still alive..."

Recalling those painful memories, he couldn't help but speak.

"They were screaming for help, shouting 'Kevin, help us!' But there was nothing I could do. I could only do my best to escape with the surviving members."

"You fulfilled the role of a leader.”

Lutz said this in an attempt to comfort him, and Kevin neither denied nor confirmed it.

"Even now, their screams don't leave my ears. It must have been tough, painful. I understand what Gerhardt-san said, but if we don't clear their regrets, I can't proudly call myself a leader. The question isn't whether the living comrades are more important than the dead ones; it's both."

While walking, Kevin continued to speak. Seeing his lonely back, Lutz spoke again.

"Are you planning to go into the labyrinth?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"You'll die for sure."

Silence. Whether he was angry or had no words to return, Kevin took plenty of time before responding.

"At this rate, I might as well be dead as a man."

He couldn't leave this person alone. Lutz said with determination,

"Can you give me a little time? I'll think of a countermeasure against that guy."

"You?"

Kevin stopped and turned around. He hadn't expected him to offer cooperation.

However, showing that on the surface felt petty, so Kevin lowered his gaze.

"When facing formidable enemies and difficulties, I've always forged my sword to cut through. I'll forge a sword to defeat that guy. Please give me time until then."

"…Alright, during that time, I'll make sure our comrades' lives are settled. That's our main job. So, what's the deadline?"

"Let's wrap it up by the end of the year."

"I'll count on you."

The three of them reached the main street. It was a crossroad leading to the craftsman's district, the adventurer's district, and the gate to the castle.

The essence of revenge is not an outburst but enduring quietly, a plain and arduous thing. Kevin, reminding himself of this, walked toward the wall where the surviving comrades were waiting.

After seeing off the man burdened with heavy regret and responsibility, Lutz turned to Ricardo and said,

"So, Ricardo, what are you going to do?"

He didn't ask what about. It was a conversation that was already too late.

"Am I just going to be underestimated, and that's the end of it? Should I stay home and draw some art?"

"That's one option."

"That's a harsh joke. When everything is ready, call me. I'll crush that fireball head, even the remaining eyeballs."

Saying this with a slight smile, Ricardo walked towards the inn in the adventurer's district.

And so, the three of them parted ways. To gather again at this place.

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