Chapter 224: The End of the Journey

The thieves were adept at guerrilla warfare in the forest, but when they attacked, they had to reveal themselves. Gerhardt and the Samurai Mask accurately exploited this apparent weakness and each took down a thief.

“Did they flee?” 

Gerhardt murmured as he scanned the surroundings. The enemy’s presence had completely vanished. Some of the fallen thieves were still breathing, but it seemed nobody was willing to risk their lives to help them.

“Shall we pursue them?” 

Samurai Mask asked, but Gerhardt shook his head decisively, as if it were no joking matter.

“This is the enemy’s home ground. If they’re serious about fleeing, we won’t catch up. They might have set traps.”

“If it were Gerhardt-sama, couldn’t you easily break through the thieves’ traps?”

“I’ve survived to this age by not pushing my luck. Heroes die from stray arrows; that’s the battlefield. Especially someone like me.”

Samurai Mask started to say something about the possibility of the escaped thieves causing trouble elsewhere but stopped himself. He didn’t want to use words like “inevitable,” but it was unreasonable to think they could eradicate all the villains in the world with just the three of them, and he didn’t want to be burdened with that responsibility.

Far from being convinced, Samurai Mask pondered as he gently touched the scar on his cheek with his fingertip.

“Let’s part ways when we return to the village. I’ll patrol the surrounding villages and raise awareness before returning.”

“Y-yeah…”

It was a sensible suggestion. Gerhardt looked at Samurai Mask with a puzzled expression. Was this guy really the man who belonged to that delinquent knight order? According to what Josel said, he wasn’t the only decent one, but Gerhardt found it hard to believe.

Samurai Mask noticed Gerhardt’s gaze and smiled wryly under his mask.

“I always think about what I can do for the people.”

That was his way of atoning. That’s why he couldn’t say it proudly.

He didn’t believe he could save the world alone. But he wanted to do what he could. That was the code of chivalry of the man who rose with the mask of the Samurai, once known as Donald.

“Oh well,” Gerhardt said with a satisfied smile.

“Now, shall we go and meet that Josel guy?” 

The two of them started walking in the direction Josel had run off to.

“It’d be good if he’s safe…”

“Why, didn’t you dislike him?”

“I don’t hate him, but…”

From the other side, footsteps. The two stopped chatting abruptly and went on alert, staring ahead from behind the trees. Coming towards them was Josel.

Samurai Mask felt relieved, thinking he must have defeated the troublesome archer. It seemed that way, and Gerhardt looked calm.

It was odd. Despite defeating the leader of the thieves, there was no joy on Josel’s face; he seemed physically and mentally exhausted.

In normal circumstances, this should have been celebrated as a hero’s return, but sorry to say, he looked like a specter crawling out of a battlefield.

Gerhardt also seemed to notice Josel and approached him briskly.

“It’s all taken care of.”

“So it seems. And could you explain what’s in your hands?”

When Gerhardt asked, Josel nodded as if to say, “Of course.” He didn’t want to be ignored.

“After I chased the thieves, I found the leader and two of his lackeys waiting in a slightly open area. One of those lackeys had these. I couldn’t just leave contraband behind, so I brought them back.”

Gerhardt reached out and took one of the crossbows, examining it from various angles, turning it over and inspecting it closely. It was quite well-made. It didn’t seem like something the thieves had made themselves.

“Why would they have something like this…?”

“It might be smuggled goods.”

Gerhardt said matter-of-factly. It was plausible that the thieves had seized contraband from smugglers.

“I don’t think that old man would do such a thing…”

Josel said with a hint of irritation, as if it were his own concern. Gerhardt found Josel’s youth amusing and answered as they walked.

“It’s not unlikely that the thieves have attacked merchants before. It might be another merchant’s, or from a crime in another territory. And…”

Gerhardt directed a cold, piercing gaze at his beloved disciple.

“So, his name was Naval or something like that. I doubt you’ve been acquainted with that merchant long enough to assert that he’s a good person.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“It’s just presumptuous to assume that he’s not doing anything wrong just because he’s a pitiable victim. That’s just jumping to conclusions. It’s not a reason to exclude him as a suspect.”

“Huh…”

He didn’t want to accept it, but he had to. With a contorted face full of conflict, Josel thought,

…He’s really too serious.

Meanwhile, Gerhardt waved his hand lightly, consciously speaking in a cheerful voice.

“Oh, no, sorry, sorry. I’m not blaming you specifically, and I don’t even necessarily believe that the victim was really smuggling. I just wanted to encourage you to have a broader perspective.”

“I did indeed assume Naval was a righteous victim. I’ll remember your teachings well, Master.”

“Y-yeah…”

It was meant to be just small talk. Gerhardt felt like he had done something wrong, thinking he shouldn’t have put so much emphasis on it.

“But…”

“Hm?”

“I hope to prove his innocence after doubting.”

“Fair enough.”

Gerhardt nodded and resumed walking in silence.

…Maybe, it’s gotten out of my hands.

Feeling a mix of happiness and loneliness, Gerhardt continued to walk briskly at the front, trying not to show any emotion.

Josel kept walking while watching Gerhardt’s back, making sure not to lose sight of him.

Exiting the forest and returning to the village, Gerhardt called out to Samurai Mask, who was about to mount his horse.

“Thanks for everything, Mister Samurai. If something comes up again, I’ll rely on you.”

“I’m really sorry. Please don’t come back unless something troublesome happens.”

“Too bad, kid. This world is full of villains. If you slack off even a bit on extermination, they’ll just increase. I’ll be counting on you again.”

The two exchanged fist bumps with laughter. Then, Samurai Mask turned to Josel with a somewhat awkward smile. Josel nodded slightly in response.

…Stay well, you bastard.

…You too, you stubborn guy.

Samurai Mask, mounted on his horse, kicked up mud as he rode off. Josel and Gerhardt watched until he disappeared from sight, then mounted their horses to return home.

Despite leaving behind some uneasy air, the subjugation of the thieves was now complete.

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