Immediately after Lefille went to confirm the presence of mazoku. At that moment in the silent surrounding an angry voice could be heard.
「―Suimei was used as a decoy！！」
That was the angry shout of Reiji as if bursting open.
“There is no need to worry”.After those words which followed from Gregory’s mouth was really an unbelieveable story. After listening to this Reiji quickly went and grabbed his collar
There was no signs of the respect towards the knight that was expressed a little while ago.
Seeing the angry expression of the person who is called a hero, Gregori froze up in fear.
「Ha、Ha……」
「Is it true！」
「Wa、Ha！ Everything as I’ve said」
「Wha……！」(「なっ、……っ！」if anyone has an idea please help)
Reiji was at a loss for words listening to the words wihch were not even worth becoming a joke to be the truth.
He’s been biting his lips almost from the time he grabbed the knight’s collar.
Untill now an absent minded t.i.tania, surprised, comes to stop Reiji.
「Please calm down Reiji sama！」
「Bu、but！」
「Gregory was still in the middle of his story. Let’s listen to him until he finishes……」
「……All right」
There were some logic to t.i.tania’s words. As she said, certainly Gregory was in the middle of his explanation. He only said 「Because of using Suimei dono as a decoy, there are no dangers here. 」
That’s all. A detailed explanation has not been heard yet.
…… However as far as Reiji himself was concerned, that one sentence was more than important enough to him.
The talk was accepted, and seeing this t.i.tania heaved a sigh of relief.
And then, regaining her composer, t.i.tania who is normally a gentle girl, unexpectedly looked at Gregory severely and commands him.
「Gregoryー. Speak. Do you understand?」
「……Yes」(Ha ha)
Along with his answer to her, he kneeled down in front of her.
Gregory who regained himself. In front of the sharp piercing gaze of the girl he started to shudder. He began to talk again while sweat started to form on his forehead.
「……I heard this story from the communication personnel of last time whom I met. According to him, to defeat the hero a large army led the Mazoku was heading towards the vicinity of Aster. To let the Hero dono safely escape from that army Suimei dono was used as a decoy.」
That is the rough story. But, the story more he hear more it becomes incmprehensible to him.*
Why, why did it become like this, there are mountain of things I want to ask.
Before Reiji could ask anything, Mizuki who was wearing a gloomy expression, appeared in front of Gregory in a hurry and asked him.
「Ano’ using Suimei kun as a decoy, in the end what does it actually mean？ Don’t tell me it actullay means, to make Suimei kun the decoy……」
「Yes (Hai). About this matter Suimei dono doesn’t know anything.」
What came out of Gregory’s mouth was in a sense expected. However to actually execute it it was quite difficult.* Suimei himself doesn’t know that he became the decoy. In spite of that he was made into a decoy. Then naturally a question comes up.
「……Then how come Suimei can be made into a decoy? Don’t tell me everything towards his trail will be attacked?」*
「About that, it seems it was matched with Suimei dono’s departutre ……」
「Matched with his departure?」
When Reiji asked back. Mizuki as if matching to it expresses a bewildered expression.*
「Wha? what? Why? Suimei kun never said anything about leaving the city?」
When they left the castle. Suimei said that he would leave the castle and live in the city as he wished. Because it was hard for him to be in Camelia. That’s why, Mizuki’s doubt is justifiable because what they heard just now didn’t match with what they knew.
Then, Gregory cleared his throat while his face was covered in sweat.* And he answered Mizuki’s question.
「After we left, information about Suimei dono searching for a request to guard a business caravan came in 」
「Suimei in the adventurer guild？」(desuka? indicates question)
「Yes. According to the information, Several days after Suimei dono left the castle he already became a member of the adventurer’s guild Twilight Pavilion. From there it is speculated that, Suimei dono probably from the very beginning intended to leave the city. But I don’t know the reason why Suimei dono left the city…… and then, learning about this matter the n.o.bles who were concerned with the demon lord subjugation decided to use Suimei dono as……」
So they used him.*
But, what happened to Suimei? He didn’t want to go with us because he wanted to stay safe, that’s he was suppose to have chosen to stay in the castle town.
Nevertheless, he immediately left, after registering into a guild and receiving a request, without any purpose/plan he wouldn’t have done that.
「I wonder, what’s wrong with Suimei kun……？ Going out of the city is dangerous, he should have known this」
「I don’t know. But since it’s Suimei, I think he must have some kind of plan」*
「Yeah……」
Seeing Mizuki anxiously moving her pupils, Reiji again asked Gregory.
「And, what is the destination of that business caravan?」
「According to the information left in the guild, it’s destination is Nelferian Empire via the city of Kurand 」
「That’s……almost the same path that we’ve taken」
It’s just as t.i.tania said.
That’s right. On the way even though we didn’t stop in the City of Kurand, the distance Suimei traveled must be the same as the distance we’ve traveled from Nelferian toward Sadias.
If that’s the case, then there is one possibility which arises.
「Is it possible, that Suimei kun is coming chasing after us?」
「……Coming after us, that’s not totally unthinkable but.」*
It isn’t that, that possibility didn’t exist. However, even if that possibility is applied, it doesn’t feel satisfactory.
Yakagi Suimei is a swordsman. He wasn’t a man who change his plans just because he was feeling lonely or anxious. Besides, if he had a reason where he had to come after us, he would’ve definitely reported it to the castle personnel directly.*
That’s why I don’t understand. First of all the motive is unclear. But, even if I trouble myself over it here there won’t be any conclusion.*
Leaving that talk aside, Reiji again asked Gregory.
「……Maa. I understand the reason why Suimei was used as a decoy. But why did the n.o.bles do something like that？ It wasn’t particularly necessary to forcefully make Suimei a decoy」
So, if the Mazoku came leading an army, since I don’t have any power to fight right now, it would’ve been wise for us to escape. Then it’s okay to escape.
There wasn’t any good reason for which Suimei must become the decoy.
「Hero dono. What is approaching is a large scale army of the Mazoku. I don’t know why, hopefully the army’s pace is slow, even so the opponents are Mazoku. In relation to that marching army, the combined human army is not something that can be compared (TN- sorry little confused around here). If by any chance, Hero dono you were to get captured or somthing else were to happened to you, lord Hardias ……」
「E…… Hardias, the duke！？」
「Wha……」
To t.i.tania’s surprised voice Gregory bows his head ashamed.*
What, Hardias that duke? If I remember correctly, it should be a name I heard long time ago.
But no matter how hard Reiji tried he couldn’t remember.
Part 02
Therefore, he asked t.i.tania who should be knowledgeable about this.*
「Sorry Tia, who exactly is duke Hardias? 」
「……Duke Hardias is a major n.o.ble of Aster, he is the one who is in charge of the affairs related to this time’s demon king subjugation. In other words, inside Asteru he is a person who has the authority to decide strategies which will help us. The demon king subjugation won’t be easy, and if there are a lot of people involved in planning it may become disorganized, that’s why when father made the list of people suitable fort the task, he was the very first person on the list……」
「Then the person who made Suimei a decoy, is him?」
When asked again, t.i.tania nods heavily without any proof.
And the person who knew the circ.u.mstances was Gregory.
「……Indeed. It is as you said. It was the decision of a section of n.o.bles, who are cooperating with lord Hardias in regards to the demon lord subjugation. Of course they are not doubting Hero sama’s strength. I’m told that, it was decided that it’s still early for Hero dono to confront an army even with a properly prepared support troop, that’s why such a plan was adopted. 」
「……Still, it doesn’t seem to be a reason enough to forcibly make Suimei into a decoy?」(TLN: narimasen yo? used as a question here)
「About that, it’s not clear why the Mazoku were able to sense the existence of Hero dono. The Mazoku captured by the underlings of lord Hardias declared rudely that he came to kill the Hero, even after interrogation the reason is yet to be found, therefore……is it possible to use Suimei dono who is also a summoned person to create disturbance? such a question aroused. So we spread false information to the Mazoko, so that every one of them target Suimei dono.」*
Certainly it may be effective. Since we did not come into contact with the Mazoku army, means that they are completely oblivious to our location, but it’s a fact that they know of our existence.
If, what if. Suppose the Mazoku side has the means to sense the hero summoning, regardless of the fact of such a thing’s existence, it’s worth taking such a measure, if the Mazoku side regards the existence called hero as a threat, like this time they sent an army based on the rough location,the possibility of defeat is not at all few.**
But first, there is a information that must be known.**
It’s called timing.
「……First time we went somewhere other than the castle was during the parade, even if the Mazoku found out during that time, things to develop this far ― is it even possible? 」
「Yeah, it’s hard to imagine. Just as mizuki said it’s too early.」
「Yeah.」
Therefore, it is possible that there are people with such power inside the Mazoku group.
If that’s is the case, it’s crating problems.
「How did duke Hardias was able to spread false information to the Mazoku group……? Don’t tell me there is an acquaintance inside the demon’s side ?一How did he manage it?」(TLN: 一体どうやった？」confused)
Uncharacteristically Reiji gaave Gregory a hard look.
If it was between humans than spying might be possible, but if the opponent is the Mzoku is’nt it bad/impossible.**
Even if information were to be sent from the human side to the Mazoku side, it’s authenticity would be doubted. Probably before believing the Mazoku doesn’t have any reason to heaar it. In other words there is no connections. Therefore, there must be some way(plan) to spread the false information, it’s hard to imagine but there must be some secret collusion somehow or other.
「From the story of the communication personnel, a soldier was sent to the Charlotte dock as a messenger. The soldier who was unaware of the Mazoku group was made to remember false information, that the summoned hero was presently hiding his ident.i.ty heading towards the city of Kurand with the business caravan」
「Wha…！？」(TLN: Confused with this one 「なっ！？」)
「That, don’t tell me that……*」
Mizuki’s trembling voice caused horrible imaginations to stirred up. She seemed to have accurately understood what Gregory was trying to say. Her face went blue with an expression of unease. To such Mizuki, Gregory with a bitter face answered with a voice filled with regret and disgust.
「……The soldier who only knew false information were to be caught by the Mazoku group, then he would spill the false information to them. Therefore, if the soldier were to be only told of false information, then if he were to confess then only those false information would come out of his mouth. If the Mazoku learned this information, then this plan would succeed, that’s why this plan was pa.s.sed at the very beginning……」
「What a thing……」
「It’s awful……」
It seems both of them got a really great shock. t.i.tania with her hand in front of her mouth stopped talking halfway, and Mizuki face seemed like she would start crying at any momment.
In front of such girls Reiji pointed his resentments toward Gregory.
「A soldier……to treat a human like that……isn’t that too unreasonable！What do you think a person’s life is ！」
「He, Hero dono and the soldier’s lives can’t be compared on the same scale. To save a few soldier or Hero dono who will save everybody, if you look at the big picture there is no need think about it ……」
「Like that Suimei was also……！」
「Even the people in the business caravan doesn’t have anything to do with this. Despite that……」
Gregory who heard Reiji’s angry voice filled with fury and Mizuki’s grieving voice, didn’t say anymore than that and kept silent.
Towards such him, who confessed everything Reiji felt a sour feeling in his stomach, he dropped his manner of speech and asked a question.
「……Other than that, wasn’t there any other way？」
「By the time I heard the story, the Mazoku army was already halfway into the Charlotte dock’s territory and approaching the mountains near the border. By then no other plan could be used……」
「If you knew all that for a long time (for a while) why didn’t you say anything up until now！」
「It couldn’t be helped Hero dono！ I was ordered not to tell anything until the time came, a mere knight such as myself doesn’t have the authority to disobey such an order ……besides, by the time I heard this story the plan was already ……」
So nothing could be done , Gregory who said that, towards him Mizuki who was seized worry told.
「Su, such……then Suimei kun is」
Part 03
「……Most probably they have already came in contact with the Mazoku. In the information regarding Suimei dono it included only that he wears strange clothes since he doesn’t have special features, also only the rough location of the business caravan was told, there was no definite information, If someone were apply these information to find someone on the route from the imperial city Meteru to Kurant city then……」
「Bu, but！If he run away and hide himself somewhere……」***************************
「It will be difficult, somehow hands of the Mazoku extends till the Neruferia empire. If you think about that, then the scale of the Mazoku army must be considerable. If there is a specific location, it is thoutht that they will search it thoroughly. If that happens then the people of business caravan who knew nothing……」
「That sort of……」
「Suimei……」
「…………」
Hearing Gregory’s conjectures, each individuals were attacked by a hard express felling. There was no words , was it sorrow, despair or perhaps both. Both Mizuki and t.i.tania thought since it was like that, there is no way Suimei is safe.
I who said this also think that way.
Suimei is definitely an astute person, but that doesn’t mean that he will be able come out of this situation unharmed.
No, perhaps he won’t be able to come out. No matter how much he knows kenjutsu, after all Suimei is just a normal high school student, he doesn’t have the divine protection from being summon, neither does he know how to use magic. It’s better if it’s a small monster, but there is no way he can stand up to the Mazoku.
……It’s vexing, however the situation is already hopeless, I ask as if spilling the words.
「……Why now?」
「Now meaning……?」
「Telling us about this.」
Gregory at that time murmured that the timing was good. Then it means that he surmised that it’s perfect timing to speak.
一What on earth fulfilled the conditions to speak?
「Yes. We must have you Hero dono reach a safety zone before the main force of the Mazoku army apear. It mustn’t be too late to speak, but if revealing came too early……with due respect hero dono I don’t know what actions you would have taken. Tha’s why――」
「Does that mean now there isn’t anything that can be done！」
「Indeed！I’m sorry.」
Understanding the infuriating powers from the words, Gregory curled up prostrate himself.
To such him t.i.tania asked.
「Gregoryー。Does otousama knows about this?」
「……Supposedly he doesn’t know. It seems his Majesty specifically took a liking to Suimei dono, most probably lord Hardias fearing he would anger the king didn’t tell him……」
「Is that so……」
Tiatania whose heart was rapidly beating heaved a slight sigh of relief. When you think your own father took part in something so cruel, one would be really worried.
Did the uneasiness of a certain one cleared a little even if it’s only a littlle.
There it seems t.i.tania heard something for the first time. She asked Gregory.
「Nevertheless, what did you mean by otousama took specific liking towards Suimei?」
「Yes. During the conference the talk about Suimei dono’s departure came, the duke and the others vehemently opposed it, his Majesty pressed it and made it so Suimei dono has freedom. In addition the funds were also prepared, ……it may seem rude, it was a bit too much to give such treatment to a man who ran away such a rumor was circulating inside the castle it seems, after we departed it seems to have became a small uproar.」
「Such a thing happened……!」**
t.i.tania’s surprised voice was filled with astonishment. The king of Astel Almadius thought of Suimei to that extent. The king is a kind man. That I honestly think.
There Mizuki unexpectedly expressed her doubt.
「But why the n.o.bles of Astel be against Suimei kun leaving? 」
To such a doubt of Mizuki, Reiji also suddenly recalled it.*
「That is , for the purpose of making us do what we are told to do if we ever were to disobey. 」
「What……」
The surprised look of Mizuki was something which Reiji expected.
If it’s such a ruthless man who can easily use and throw away their own country’s soldier and unrelated business caravan then, such a thing is not impossible to think. If we were to change our mind and cancel the subjugation of the demon king, it’s a serious thing for a human of Astel. (TLN: This part was confusing.)
Here I’m also a human. There can even be a change of heart. The other side may feel uneasy about it.
May be can’t prevent such a change of heart, however they can prevent the cancellation of demon king subjugation.
So.
「――Taking Suimei as a hostage, they wanted to make us against our will subjugate the demon lord, isn’t that right? 」
「Probably.」
「……And now, it became impossible to do it, since it became impossible for them to control Suimei by themselves, so they decided to make him a decoy. Since they don’t know what Suimei will do, it’s better to get rid of him as soon as possible. 」
Gregory nods again.
And Mizuki who saw him nod, had tears welling up in the outer corners of her eyes.
「Heartless. Such a thing is too heartless……」(TLN: hidoi yo. hido sugiru yo sonna no)*
Undoubtedly that grieving voice and those tears are Mizuki’s honest feelings. Even though she has the resolute strength to come to subjugate the demon lord, even so she is after all a single young girl.
…… Summoned for help, but such treatment towards those who are cooperating. Hearing such a thing, just like Mizuki, I feel like express those feelings which are welling up inside me through my mouth.
There t.i.tania.
「…… ……The country’s, say, what happened to the defense of Meteru and Kurand city」
「Ah……」
「That’s right……！」
By t.i.tania’s question two of them suddenly remembered. Because their heads were full of Suimei, that they completely forgot about that matter. If the Mazoku are targeting Suimei’s group than it’s definite that the Mazoku have infiltrated the country’s territory.
There wasn’t the slightest possibility that they rampage after they attacked the business caravan. Then when thought carefully, isn’t it inevitable for the city nearby to be in danger.
t.i.tania as a princess of Astel it was a matter of distress for the country. It was something which one mustn’t forget to hear.
「Yes. For every city’s defense it seems people from the local mercenary groups and magicians guilds are recruited, from the adventurer’s guild secretly through the back powerful people are called, regarding Meteru there is the defense corps as well as the corps for attacking the Mazoku army. Each and every n.o.bles directly controlled armies, the royal order of knights were called as well as there are powerful selected people from the magic division, right now they are in the middle of organizing. 」
「If there are so much preparations so why use something like decoy……?」
「The time for organizing the force was too little, there simply wasn’t much time. Messengers were sent to each n.o.bles of city of Kurand to mobilize their forces. For that reason Suimei dono and the business caravan were marked and they have to become the sacrifice……」
Wasn’t there any? To save many people sacrifice a small number of people. Although it makes sense, but isn’t it too much to do to a person who didn’t wish for it.
When I think about Suimei who doesn’t know anything, the feeling it’s giving is too much for my heart to bear.
That I think is true for both Mizuki and t.i.tania.
I look down in vexation towards my feet, also feeling of disappointment/despair starts to mix in
There Gregory prostrated himself again.
「I’m extremely sorry.」(TLN: moshiwake gozai masen)
「…………」
What’s the point of apologizing more than this. It can’t overturn the fact that Suimei is falling into a crisis. Thus I didn’t have any words to say. My anger is exhausted. Only the ill feeling of depression which can’t be cleared remains.
――Still, in front of my eyes is the figure of the middle aged knight who is bowing his head so hard that his head his rubbing against the earth.
What type of expectations does he have against such an apology? Such an makeshift underhanded apology. The feeling of earnestness in the apology is clearly visible. In his heart he is probably laughing so hard that it’s hard for him stand.
Either way, I feel sick into my stomach, all these speculations and brain racking is causing in me a feeling of self loathing.
（Ah――!）
Suddenly as if hit by a lightning Reiji was able to understand.
If it was so. Entrusting myself to my fury/pa.s.sion without thinking anything, throwing my anger and words towards him, without even looking at his mental state or true motives. If I were to cool myself down and think carefully, it was something that was easy to understand.
「Reiji kun?」
Mizuki is puzzled seeing my appearance who came to an understanding.
But right now isn’t the time to explain it to her.
「Gregory san, that’s enough. 」
「He,hero dono?」
I grab both shoulders of Gregory and draw the curtain to this long long apology.
Right, he didn’t need to apologize. Rather here it is necessary to express our thanks no matter what.
Because――
「Gregory san. Actually when you heard this story, you should have told us everything clearly. But you only said that the Mazoku are approaching us, you ought to said skillfully guiding somewhere else」 (TLN: Probably he is referring to Gregory’s previous dialogue I’m a bit confused here)
「Huh――?」
t.i.tania and Gregory both stared with wide eyes. There immediately Mizuki raised a question.
「Reiji kun, what do you mean?」