17-3 Part 1
The Abyss and the Cursed Child
- Gyaru -
Translator : PolterGlast
There was a visible
boundary line between the hidden village of the Horned race and the desert of
the Farthest End. It's a strange expression, but as if to say 'this is the boundary line', the color of
the air was different inside and outside. The outside world was dyed light
yellow with dust, while the inside of the village was enveloped in pale blue,
pure air. The climate was also so mild it was hard to believe it was a desert;
if I were to compare it, it was a strange space as if a forest from somewhere
had moved into this desert.
「Oi oi,
somehow it ain't peaceful...?」
「Nn, is
that so? Well, this place is just like this, wahahaha, guys, I'm hoooome!」
The figures of the
residents could also be confirmed. Just as the middle-aged man Aureus
said, their attitude towards us was not very peaceful. Bewilderment, distrust,
fear, and anger, I suppose. There were even some who directed blatant
hostility, but we gradually came to realize it. The one being glared at was the
hero, Sigrun. Even though Sigrun cheerfully greeted them, not a
single one of them rejoiced at her homecoming.
「You're
being ignored...」
「Nn,
it's not being ignored. They are in awe of me.」
「Awe...
Sigrun-sama, what did you mess up here...」
Sigrun is a
troublemaker. From the perspective of her hometown folks, it was the homecoming
of a nuisance, huh. No, even so, just how much did she have to mess up to be
feared this much... While gathering the attention of men and women of all ages
with black horns, we proceeded down the street surrounded by trees.
「Rest
assured, the folks further in are just a little bit more reasonable! Ah, but Shinza,
don't think about saying a word out of worry for me, that's what you call none
of your business.」
「Is it
no good?」
「It's
useless even if you say it. Because, after all, it's something that can't be
helped with words!」
「Yeah,
yeah, this old man understands that~.」
Coming out to the
lakeside, fishermen were floating small boats and fishing. It's a strange land.
It's very hard to believe this is in the middle of a desert. Also, I could see
a large building far across the lakeside. Most likely, the village chief is
over there.
「How is
it, Shinza, my village. It's beautiful, isn't it!」
「Yeah,
I'm glad I let you talk me into it. This is exactly the outside of the Empire I
yearned for.」
While gazing at the
blue lake and the Horned people, I proceeded just as Sigrun guided me.
Now that I've reached the farthest end of the west like this, is the next the
Coastal Provinces, and then even further beyond that? According to legend,
there is a land inhabited by a giant desert snake called a Sandworm, and beyond
that spreads an unseen world. If I go that far, even pursuers won't be able to
reach me. It seems like the best place for exile in the event of falling into
the worst situation, but the problem is that no one knows the world across the
sea. There were many unreachable places in this world.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
The village chief's
mansion was a splendid wooden structure. I had imagined a luxurious mansion
belonging to a petty dictator. However, it was a place more suitably called a
large community center than a mansion.
「Kuhihi...
No waaaay, you're kidding~. Sigrun seriously came baaack~, uha, that's
hilarious~♪」
We barged into the
village chief's office. I wanted to go through the proper procedures, but Sigrun
rejected the proposal. And there, was a woman who spoke in a strange manner
without a shred of dignity.
「Wahahaha,
it's been a while, Plea! I'm relieved by your irritating way of speaking
as always!」
「So
meaaan~? Even like thiiis, Plea-chan is~ doing her best as the new
village chief, you knoow~?」
Did I mishear? This
is the village chief? Surely that's a lie... Village Chief Plea was
slender and youthful, but she was a woman who preferred a gaudy appearance. She
wore a full set of every conceivable accessory, and was dressed in semi-naked
clothing. And sorry. This is
not a very praiseworthy expression, but I can't find any other suitable words.
To me, Village Chief Plea looked like a prostitute...
「Ah,
are those guests by any chance? The 'humans came to the village' type of thing?
No waay~~」
「He's
not just a guest! This man's name is Ashley, a Prince of the A-Zir
Empire!」
「Ah...?
About that, was it okay to reveal that in front of me...?」
It's as good as
exposed already. There's no point in hiding it from Aureus. He
accompanied us on the adventure to the Farthest End without running away. His
resolve must be genuine.
「No
waay~, this dirty old man is~? Uha, hilarious~♪」
「Calling
me dirty, miss, um... Let's be a little kinder to old men...」
She's definitely
doing it on purpose. Plea was looking over here as if stealing glances.
It's too much of a bother to retort, so leaving her alone is fine.
「Ah,
are you mad? Sorry~, Prince-sama♪ Kyaa, Prince-sama has a nice ring to it~♪」
「Muu...
I'm happy we've reunited, but you're starting to get so annoying that I'm
getting the urge to hack you to
pieces. Besides! Ashley is Ashley, but he's not Ashley!
This is the man of righteousness, Shinza!!」
Sigrun tried
to draw her sword, so I held down the hilt and stopped her. However, a 'man of
righteousness', huh. Sigrun's introductions are always exaggerated. This
might instead give off a suspicious impression.
「I am
the adventurer Shinza, and the youngest child of the A-Zir
Emperor, Ashley. The reason we came here is none other than to ask you—」
「Listen,
Plea!! We have created a certain secret society, named after the frost
giant, called the [Shadows of Bergelmir]!! To clear the dark clouds of
the Empire, we joined hands! Now, if you understand, lend us your strength!!」
I feel like my
completely troubled face was laughed at by Aureus and Village Chief Plea...
Sigrun completely destroyed the arrangements once again...
「Nn, I
refuse.」
「I
mean, of course you would...!」
「Sigrun-sama,
come here for a sec, over here!」
Kachua
dragged Sigrun away to the corner of the room. When I turned my eyes
back, the village chief who had been sloppy until just now straightened her
back and suddenly started behaving well.
「Sorry...」
「It is
fine, rather, we are the ones who should apologize. When I think of the trouble
that must have caused everyone, I can only feel apologetic.」
Suddenly changing
even her way of speaking, Plea showed the dignity of a village chief.
Moreover, unlike the other Horned race, she seemed to have opened her heart to Sigrun
to a considerable extent.
「Why
don't you proceed with the talk before that interrupts, bro.」
「That
is true too. That being said, Sigrun already said all the main points.
...We are seriously worried about the future of the Empire. Instead of aiming
for the Imperial throne, we decided to join forces to protect the Empire from
chaos. Please, I ask of you, lend us the power of the great Horned race.」
When I pleaded with her, Plea used a brief moment for consideration. During that time, without averting my gaze, I simply waited for her reply.
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