41. Drizzle in the north

　Gilbert and Lionel exchanged glances, and together with Count Kelvim, the lord, and members of the private army, they headed to the church where the injured had been taken to check on the situation. There, the clergyman who had been treating him came to them with a worried look on his face.

“His injuries weren’t cause by undead beasts.”

“…… Is that true?”

“Yes. There was nothing that needed purification, only cuts and marks that looked like he had been beaten. And the injuries to his legs were probably sustained when he jumped from a great height and landed on his feet.”

“It is possible that he fought with someone or was assaulted in some way and escaped. ……”

“Can we talk to him?”

“He is very weak and has not yet regained consciousness.”

　Everyone present let out a heavy breath.

“If it wasn’t the …… undead, then what happened ……?”

“The northern checkpoint was closed, but if you go south there is an even larger commercial checkpoint. That was originally the trading center of the north. It is also a route used by merchants, so I doubt it will be deserted.”

“Yes, you should head there right away tomorrow morning.”

　Count Kelvim nodded at the private soldier’s suggestion.

　Then he turned around and faced Lionel and the others.

“…We’ve had some disturbing news come in here…but I want to focus on resolving the issues at hand first.”

“Of course. As for the matter regarding the Ziemeld territory, let’s wait until we have all the information.”

　Each of them looked at each other and nodded, and then went back to preparing for the undead sweep.

　◆◆◆

　In a place half a day’s travel from the town of Kelvim, amid light rain, there is a swarm of undead beasts sealed in a ward set up by the clergy.”

　They looked like aquatic creatures, similar to the ones that had attacked the village settlement.

　With the movements of the Ziemeld territory unclear, the private soldiers, mercenaries, and clergy who were taking part in the sweep were all in high spirits, in order to dispel the sense of unease.

　On top of that, the careful preparations paid off, and all the undead beasts in the area were extinguished much earlier than expected.

“…So, Old Man Dolph, that weapon of Gilbert’s…what’s with it?”

　Lionel asked Dolph, who was standing next to him without daring to make eye contact with him, a short distance away from the group which was basking in the victory of the sweep.

　Gilbert is being jostled by his comrades who are happy that the extermination of the undead beasts has been completed in an orderly fashion. The battle-axe in his hand, its blade still clad in small lightning bolts, seems to glow faintly in the gloomy rain.

“Hmm… did I do something?”

　Dolph answered in a dazed voice, looking away.

“…Well, I’m sure I don’t have to ask you. You could have told me.”

“I’m sorry, but talking carelessly can make things worse. I am afraid to say that even if it were you, I would not be able to put it into words. ……Well, you can’t stop people from talking. I’m sure it will spread sooner or later…”

　Beyond their line of sight, at the edge of the group celebrating their victory, many people were looking at the battle axe in Gilbert’s hand with puzzled expressions, or as if they wanted to say something. The mercenaries who knew what was going on were skillfully trying to divert the conversation, but they wouldn’t be able to keep it hidden for long.

“…That’s true.”

　Lionel then caught sight of Gilbert running towards him with a proud look his face, and a smile appeared on his face that seemed to melt away the bitterness in his eyes.

“I prioritized the war situation and protecting the people too much, so there was one more thing I wasn’t able to protect. I’ve only just realized that now.”

　His low voice was husky and exuded with a sense of regret.

“There’s only so much one person can do. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

　Lionel responded to Dolph’s comforting words with silence.

“I still don’t know what His Majesty is doing, or what Ziemeld is doing. But for now, let’s just do what we can with our own hands.”

　Dolph finally muttered some advice, and Lionel nodded his head.

　As for Gilbert himself, he still seems to seriously believe that Dolph had done something to the battle axe. Lionel gave a bitter smile when he was told to leave it as it was. As soon as he returned to the carriage, he followed the lead of the mercenaries and crumple the head of his half-brother, who was nonchalantly awaiting today’s dinner that Flora was preparing.

　After securing the safety of the northern Kelvim territory, the carriage returns to the town where Flora and the others were waiting.

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