Kays Translations

Part Two, Volume Two – The City of Smithing and Craftwork

Chapter 145

It was an announcement far too sudden.

The war’s beginning and its end had already shocked the people immensely—yet this new announcement overshadowed both, so great was its impact.

“Even before the war began, the natural dungeon had already been conquered, and its core received and used by the nation.”

Speculators began to wonder: “Wasn’t that fact what gave momentum to the decision to go to war?”

And at the same time: “Could the existence of an ally strong enough to obtain a dungeon core have been the reason why the war ended so quickly?”

Among the nobles who came up with conjectures close to the truth, the very person believed to be responsible for it all was introduced by the Queen and invited onto the stage.

“I am honored by this introduction. I am Rue, the leader of the organization known as the ‘Brigade,’ which provided the dungeon core on this occasion. The natural dungeon on the border was conquered by my Brigade’s vice-captain and his partner. They slew the Dungeon Master and secured the core.”

A man advanced onto the platform. Though his appearance suggested age, his tall frame and commanding manner—obvious even to untrained eyes—made it impossible to see him as an ordinary person.

There was no tangible evidence here to prove his claim. And yet, his bearing and his words carried such weight and dignity that all present instinctively accepted them as truth.

“Within the Brigade, opinions were divided on whether to hand over the core. Some argued we should keep it for ourselves. That it was too dangerous to give such a thing to a nation we knew little about. After all, with its power, one could easily tip a war in their favor. But—my vice-captain chose to ‘trust this nation’s Queen.’”

The man explained how, at that very moment, the Queen had refused to use the core’s power for war, instead promising to use it to enrich the lives of her people—and had immediately gone to have it put to use.

Now, already, the once barren land was beginning to bear fruit like the fertile regions around Lindblum, and such blessings were spreading across the nation.

“On the other hand, fertile land means more monsters, and with them, more monsters. Greater cooperation between guilds and lords will be required. But that is as it should be for a proper nation. Having traveled many lands, we can say: at last, this country has reached its starting line. Yet there is a crucial difference. This country is a victorious nation—already possessing abundant land, people, and soldiers. Above all… Golda, already fertile, has fallen into your hands, and the core guarantees that the rest of the land will follow. Without a doubt… this country will achieve remarkable growth. More certainly than any land I have ever seen.”

Rue’s words ignited the nobles, filling them with hope for the future.

And then he concluded—

“For now, I must continue to travel as the Brigade’s leader. But my vice-captain has already left the Brigade, choosing to live as one of your people. …As for myself, once my duties are done, I too am resolved to bury my bones in this land. I pledge to remain as one of this nation’s guardians… though admittedly, given my age, that burial may come sooner than expected!”

With a touch of humor, he ended his address.

Mm. That was good. That should have left a strong impression:

That the Brigade may leave Lindblum for now, but intends to return someday.

That meddling with such a country carries great risk. That even without the Brigade, the Thirteen Knights remain.

At this banquet, there were surely foreign guests in attendance as well. This information would surely be carried back to their homelands at once.

At the same time, Rue’s words would galvanize the nobles. No longer could they casually cozy up to outsiders, siphon off national strength through trade schemes, or leak information abroad.

For Rue did not trust nobles.

To him, they were creatures who, as a matter of course, dealt with foreign powers and placed personal profit above national interest.

But precisely because they sought their own gain, if one could make them believe that strengthening the nation was the best way to secure their own prosperity, then their unity would be strong indeed—and the nation’s power would rise as a result.

“Rue-dono. Thank you for such a splendid address. …Is it true that you intend to remain in this country?”

“For now, I cannot. But I truly do wish, once I pass on the Brigade’s leadership, to take up the guardianship of Lindblum. I have grown too old to wander endlessly.”

As he descended from the stage, the Queen came to speak with him.

This was Rue’s true heart. Lindblum—home to Shizuma and Melt-chan. Their precious place of return. And also the place where the people he had saved, now struggling to survive, were living desperately.

He wanted to protect it. That was why he had made that request of Shizuma:

That if his number of summonable companions ever increased, and if they could properly bear personalities of their own, then Rue should be given priority.

“…That would be most welcome news indeed. To have not only Same, but you as well, in this nation…”
“Well, Same will continue traveling here and there as an adventurer, as will the other Brigade members. That’s why it would be reassuring for me, at least, to stay here.”
“Yes… that makes sense.”
“But I still have things left undone. When I do move here permanently, I promise to inform you.”

With that final assurance, he politely excused himself and began looking for Melt.

Mm, good. She was with Captain Cres and her sister, Captain Shuris.

With three such beautiful women gathered together, it would take courage for anyone to try and bother them.

“Good evening. Lady Shuris, I wish you well.”

Approaching the trio, Rue deliberately addressed the one he had not yet met.

“Oh my… if it isn’t the Brigade Leader. We were just now hearing about you from Melt-chan. She said you dote on her as though she were your granddaughter…”
“Indeed, Melt-chan is my precious granddaughter. Of course… the others are also dear companions of mine.”
“I see. Ah—my apologies for not introducing myself sooner. I am Shuris Veil, leader of the clan Glory Knights of the Adventurers’ Guild.”
“Mhm, I’ve heard of you from Same. He spoke of your clan most warmly. Since Same intends to live in this nation, in this city, I ask for your continued kindness toward him.”
“Of course. Still… speaking with you up close, I can understand how you command the loyalty of Same and Silent. …Even if I had a weapon in hand, I can’t imagine any scenario where I could defeat you.”

She was cautious, yet combative. Clearly, she still harbored some wariness of him.

She trusted Same, the guise Shizuma lived under, but was cautious of Rue, his superior.

Doubtless, she was running through various possible reasons for his presence here, her subtle tones, the flicker in her eyes, the shifts in her stance—all betrayed it.

“Grandpa, Grandpa! Awaw—uh, I mean Shuris-san and Cres-san are sisters!”
“Mhm, so they are. They resemble each other well. Standing together, their beauty is enough to make even me falter. Truly, they are treasures this nation can be proud of.”
“Right? And they both wear such pretty, cool armor too!”

Though of different designs, both wore dress armor.

One was the knight captain of the Principality. The other, the leader of Lindblum’s foremost adventurer clan.

Both were pillars of the nation, by name and in truth.

With Melt alongside them, she could no longer be seen as just another guest.

And of course, Rue himself had now been firmly imprinted as one of the nation’s most important figures.

And the girl who called him “Grandpa” could now be considered safely under protection.

…And with this, my true purpose is fulfilled.

Just as Still once protected Lindblum and Melt-chan from external threats, this time it is I who will protect Melt-chan and this nation from the enemies within.

“Melt-chan”
“Grandpa, try this! It’s really delicious.”
“Oh-ho, and what might this be?”
“That is a dish made from the steamed and strained innards of duck. My sister said it pairs wonderfully with wine.”
“Ho-hoh, then I shall partake.”

And so… though a few foolish nobles made advances, the announcement concerning the dungeon core was safely concluded—

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. Melt-chan, Same is already on his way here, so rest assured.”
“Got it! You be careful too, Grandpa! See you again!”
“A message from the Queen: when you return to this country, a suitable post can be prepared for you. Though… she suspects Rue-sama will decline. May I add my own message too? Next time, I’d like Shizuma-kun to come. There’s much I want to report to him.”

The next day, at Lindblum’s eastern gate.

Seeing me off were Melt-chan, Kokuri-san, and Shuris-san, as I made a show of departing Lindblum.

As usual, I would use the rock door to slip into the underground passage, then head directly to the western exit. From there, I planned to re-enter Lindblum through the western gate as Seim.

It was a bit of trouble, but of course, one could never be too cautious.

If only order-summoning granted personalities right away, things would be far more flexible.

“Mmm… I still feel lonely. Grandpa, one last hug!”
“Hyoh-hoh! Gladly!”

Ah—
I died. I truly died.
So happy, I died.

I wrapped my arms around the innocent Melt-chan as she clung to me, then lifted her high.

I must give thanks for my tall frame.

“Until next time, Melt-chan.”
“See you, Grandpa Rue!”

…This is happiness. Truly, I was allowed to spend such a wonderful time.

Even if it was a story forced upon me, even if it was all make-believe—what we have lived, what we have built, remains our history, our truth.

That is why this brief time, which made me feel as though I had gained a family once again, is the greatest treasure of all.

And so I will protect it. This nation, this city, this place where my new family lives—I will protect it.

…And someday, once I finally obtain a body that can move freely, I swear I absolutely will—

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