Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 41: Drizzle in the North
Gilbert and Lionel exchanged glances, then accompanied Count Kelvim and his private soldiers to the church where the injured man had been taken. The priest who treated him approached with a worried expression.
“Undead beasts didn’t cause his injuries.”
“…… Is that true?”
“Yes. Nothing required purification. He bore only cuts and marks consistent with a beating. The injuries to his legs were probably caused by landing on his feet after jumping from a considerable height.”
“He may have fought or been assaulted, then escaped…”
“Can we talk to him?”
“He’s extremely weak and hasn’t yet regained consciousness.”
Everyone exhaled heavily.
“If undead beasts didn’t do this, then what happened?”
“The northern checkpoint was closed, but a still larger commercial checkpoint lies to the south. It was once the north’s center of trade. Merchants still use that route, so it shouldn’t be deserted.”
“Then send someone there first thing tomorrow.”
Count Kelvim nodded at the private soldier’s suggestion, then turned to Lionel and the others.
Then he turned around and faced Lionel and the others.
“Disturbing news continues to arrive, but first I want to resolve the danger immediately before us.”
“Of course. We’ll wait for more information before judging events in Ziemeld.”
They exchanged nods and returned to preparing the eradication operation.
◆◆◆
Half a day from Kelvim, light rain fell upon a swarm of undead beasts contained behind barriers raised by the clergy.
They resembled the aquatic creatures that had attacked the village.
With Ziemeld’s condition still unclear, the private soldiers, mercenaries, and clergy participating in the operation worked at high spirits to dispel their unease.
Their careful preparations paid off, and they eradicated every undead beast in the area far sooner than expected.
“…Old Man Dolph, what exactly happened to Gilbert’s weapon?”
A short distance from the group celebrating its victory, Lionel addressed Dolph, who stood beside him while deliberately avoiding his gaze.
Gilbert’s comrades jostled him cheerfully after the orderly extermination. Tiny arcs of lightning still clothed the blade of his battle-axe, making it glow faintly in the gray rain.
“Hmm? Did I do something?”
Dolph answered vaguely without looking at him.
“…I suppose there’s no need to ask. You could have told me.”
“Careless speech can make matters worse. Forgive me, but even to you, I can’t put it into words. Still, no one can prevent all rumor. The story will spread sooner or later…”
At the celebration’s edge, many people studied Gilbert’s axe with puzzlement or unspoken questions. The mercenaries who knew the truth deftly redirected the conversation, but secrecy couldn’t last long.
“…That’s true.”
Lionel saw Gilbert approaching proudly, and a smile softened the bitterness in his eyes.
“I placed such importance on the war and protecting the people that I failed to protect one other thing. I understand that only now.”
His low, hoarse voice held deep regret.
“One person can do only so much. Don’t punish yourself.”
Lionel answered Dolph’s comfort with silence.
“I still don’t know what His Majesty or Ziemeld is doing. For now, we can only accomplish what lies within our own hands.”
At Dolph’s final advice, Lionel nodded.
Gilbert himself still sincerely believed Dolph had altered the battle-axe. Told to leave him in ignorance, Lionel smiled bitterly. Upon returning to the wagon, he followed the mercenaries’ example and vigorously ruffled his younger brother’s hair while Gilbert innocently waited for Flora’s dinner.
With northern Kelvim secure, the party returned to the town where Flora and the others waited.