109.Unchain My Heart
「話が長くて、腹が減った」
結局、城での飯も食いそこねた、と一二三がブツブツ言っているのを聞いて、ウェパルは賑やかな街の方を指差した。
「あっち、美味しいお店があるのよ。私たちみたいなそれなりに稼いでいる人向けで個室が取れるから、ゆっくりご飯が食べられるわよ。私もお腹空いたし、ご馳走してあげる!」
「じゃあ、遠慮なく」
ウェパルの先導で入ったレストランでは、流石というか顔パスで最奥の広い個室へ通された。
個室には十席あるというのに、さりげないふりで一二三の隣に座ってきたウェパルは、一二三に苦手なものがないかを確認すると、てきぱきといくつかの聞いたことのない名前の料理を注文した。
「こんな感じでいいかしら?」
「どうせ量も内容も、聞いてもわからん」
「それもそうね。足りなかったら、また頼めばいいし」
店員が部屋を出て行くと、ウェパルは隣にいる一二三に視線を向けた。
「どうして、魔人族とエルフの戦いに、人間を巻き込もうと思ったの?」
「“人間を巻き込む”のが目的じゃない。“全ての人種が巻き込まれる”のが目的だ。この世界全体が戦乱に巻き込まれるのが目標だな」
料理の前に運ばれてきた水で、軽く口を湿らせる。
「この世界は、もっと必死でぶつかり合うべきだ。もっと真剣に命のやり取りをやるべきだ、と俺は思った。だから、そうなるように動いている」
一二三の言葉が終わると、個室にはしばらく沈黙が流れた。
「そ、それってこの世界を壊したいってこと?」
恐る恐るウェパルが聞いてきたのに対し、一二三は微笑みで返した。
「それも違うな。戦乱は人々の“本気”を作る。戦うため、生き残るため、取り戻すため、復讐や保身、野望や復興......色々あるが、みんな真剣になるだろう。それこそが、この世界を前進させる」
「こう言うのもなんだけれど......頭おかしいって、言われたことない?」
ノック音が響き、入って来たウェイターが次々と料理を並べていく。
何かのソースがかかった肉の塊が湯気を立てているのを、ウェイターがさっと切り分けて一二三とウェパルの前に置き、サラダや何かの練り物を焼いた物が、テーブルの上に所狭しと並ぶ。
「おお、なかなかうまそうだ」
ナイフとフォークを取り、一二三は早速肉を頬張った。
甘酸っぱいソースが、濃い味の油と合わさって口の中に広がる。肉は固めだったが、一二三は気にせずもりもりと口に突っ込んでいく。
「素晴らしい食べっぷりね」
言いながら、ウェパルも小さく切った肉を美味しそうに食べる。
「いい店だな。味も量も充分だ」
テーブルの上を半分以上食べたあたりで、飲み物を持ってきたウェイターに一二三が声をかけた。
「えっ。あ、ありがとうございます」
人間に話しかけられた事に一瞬驚いたウェイターだったが、さらりと笑顔で伝えられた褒め言葉に、戸惑いながらも礼で返した。
「やっぱり、貴方は魔人族も人間も関係ないのね。戦争を広めるような話ばかりだから、人間が嫌いなのかとも思ったけれど......」
「人間も魔人族も、自分の役割に対して真摯に努力している奴が居れば、好感を持つのは当たり前だろう」
重ねて置かれていた布で、ぐいっと口を拭う。
「敵か味方かは別にして、何かを良くする努力をする奴は好きだな。俺の領地の連中も俺の妻も、領地だけでなく国を、世界を良くするために努力しているしな」
「あら、結婚していたのね。こんなところでディナーなんてしていていいのかしら?」
茶化すような言葉に、一二三は真剣な目でウェパルを見た。
「世界を動かすんだ。自分が動かずに指示だけ出してもな。それに、楽しい部分は他の奴に譲ってやる必要は無い。それに」
コーヒーもどきを飲み干した。
「俺が動けば、余計な事を考える奴が多くなるらしいからな。あの子供王のように」
「......アガチオン様は、歴代随一の賢王と呼ばれているのよ? エルフの森への対応は前々から決まっていたことだし今更......まさか、貴方に何かするかもしれないってこと?」
あれほど仲良く話していたのに、ありえないと言うウェパルを、一二三はせせら笑う。
「為政者というのは、“名目”にこだわる。それがあれば、民衆は付いていくる......と思っているからな。大義名分があれば、大胆に行動することが暴走ではなく果断と言われる」
「大義名分?」
「例えば、人間とエルフが結託して、魔人族を滅ぼそうとしている証拠がでたから、積年の恨みを晴らすために打って出る、とかな」
結界が解かれれば、それを自分たちの努力の結果としても良いし、人間とエルフが自分たちを滅ぼす前段階だと説明しても良い、と一二三は語る。
「証拠って......」
「閉ざされているはずの魔人族の町に人間族の死体があれば、充分だと思うが?」
その死体候補が一二三なのだということは、ウェパルにも判る。
偽装が得意な魔人族でも、死ねば元の姿に戻るから、明らかな死体であれば説得力は充分だ。
死体候補は笑う。
「さて、あの賢王とやらはどうするだろうな?」
一二三の視線が、ウェパルに問いかけている。
その時、お前はどうする、と。
ウェパルが率いているのは女性を中心とした魔法を得意とする部隊で、結婚などで増減はするものの、およそ百名が在籍している魔人族随一の魔法使いの集団だ。
ベレトが率いる近接戦闘中心の部隊は男性中心で、その性質は正反対であり、ウェパルが隊長に就任するずっと前から対立関係を続けている。
だが、ウェパルはその暑苦しい構造に嫌気が差し、基本的にベレトとその部下たちの相手はしないようにしていた。面倒臭い、と周りには常にこぼしている。
「む~......」
ウェパルの仕事場は、町の外壁近くにあり、ベレトの仕事場とは城を挟んで正反対の場所にある。
一二三を宿に案内し、同室で話し込もうとして追い出されたウェパルは、城へと報告をした後、大人しく自分の机に座っていた。
「珍しく真面目に仕事をしているかと思ったら......書類の処理を放って何を悩んでいるんですか?」
声をかけてきたのは、ウェパルと同じくらいの背丈だが、豊満なウェパルに比べてスレンダーな体つきの若い女性だった。鮮やかなグリーンのワンピースの上に、灰色のフード付きマントをつけている。
眠たげな藍色の瞳が、デスクに突っ伏しているウェパルを無感動に見つめる。
「たまには真面目に仕事してくださいよ。最近はほとんどの書類がわたしのサインになっているせいで、隊長が交代したなんて噂まで流れていますよ」
「ベンニーア、やりたいなら代わるわよ、こんな面倒臭い肩書き、別に好きでなったわけじゃないし」
「推薦されたんですから、その人たちの顔を立てる努力をしましょうって話ですよ」
恨めしげに見てくるウェパルに、ベンニーアと呼ばれた女性はきっぱりと言い返した。
「......ベンニーアは、この町の中で、味方同士で戦いが起きたらどうする?」
「いきなり何の話ですか。反乱でも起こすつもりですか?」
「いいから、教えて」
先ほどとは違う、真面目な視線をするウェパルに、何かを感じとったベンニーア。一つ咳払いをする。
「隊長は、不真面目ですが間違った事はしない、とわたしは考えています。隊長がどちらかにつくというのであれば、わたしも、他の隊員たちも隊長に従うでしょう」
「......それが、仲間と殺し合う事になるとしても?」
「そうするに足る充分な理由がある、と信じますよ」
それにしても、とても不穏な質問ですよ、とベンニーアは眉を顰めた。
「何を考えているのか、わたしに話してくださいよ」
「人間がこの町にいるんだけれど......アガチオン様から、彼を戦争の生贄にするかもしれないって話が出たのよ」
ため息混じりに、ウェパルは城へ報告した際の事を話した。
その話を聞いて、ベンニーアは首をかしげる。
「妙ですね。命令ではなく“かも”なんて不明確な話を、あの王様がするなんて」
常ならばトップダウンで指令が下る。誰かと相談するにしても、せいぜいフェゴールを相手に二、三言交わして決める程度というのが、魔人族の軍人全体が持っている王への印象だった。
もちろん、それが悪いとは誰も考えていない。
「私の反応が見たかったみたいね。柄にもなく、背中に汗かいちゃったわよ」
「なんでそんな......まさか、その人間に惚れたんですか?」
「ん~......そういうつもりはなかったんだけどね。惹かれたのは否定しないわね。でも、それが理由じゃないわよ」
ベンニーアが淹れてくれたコーヒーを飲み、ウェパルは熱い息を吐く。
「人間の彼......一二三っていうんだけどね。彼って魔人族にも人間に対しても、態度が変わらないみたいなのよね。まだ実際に目の前で見たわけじゃないんだけれど。この世界を良くするために、魔人族もエルフも人間も獣人も、みんな一生懸命戦うべきだなんて言うのよ。まったく、どうかしてるわよね」
次第に早口になりつつ、ウェパルはケラケラと笑った。
ベンニーアの表情は、呆れと不安が混ざった言いようのないものだ。
「そんな狂人のために、王を裏切るというのですか?」
「裏切るわけないでしょ。でも、彼を単純に殺すのは間違いだと思うのよ。エルフとの戦いは避けられないと思うけど、彼や彼に影響を受けた人間なら、戦いを経ることなく仲良くなれるんじゃないかと思ったのよ」
戦争を推進する人に頼ることが、最終的には敵を減らす手段になるかもしれないなんて、バカみたいな話でしょう、とウェパルは首を振った。
「それを、王に伝えたのですか?」
「言えるわけないじゃない」
王に報告した際、その隣には補佐官であるフェゴールが立ち、王の提案に対して口を開こうとしたウェパルを睨みつけていた。
「左遷やクビは怖くないけれどね。フェゴールが王の敵だと認識したら、命を失うだけじゃ済まないわよ」
「では?」
「それとなく、一二三に近づいて仲良くなるしかないかもね。ベレトも彼を敵視しているようだし、一人で頑張ってみるわ。余計な戦いが避けられれば、死ぬ人は減るんだもの」
帰る、と言って立ち上がったウェパルに、ベンニーアは頭を垂れた。
「どうか、遠慮なくわたしたちに指示を出してください。わたしたちは王の家臣ではありますが、隊長の判断に従うという言葉に、嘘はありません」
「そう、ありがとう」
おやすみ、と言って去っていった時、マントのフードに隠れていた表情をもちろんウェパルは知らない。
その後、ベンニーアが城へ向かった事も。
ザンガーの旅は当初想定したよりも、ずっと賑やかなものになった。
プーセやシクだけでなく、結界の維持に従事していた魔法が得意な者たち、普段からザンガーと親しくしていた者たちなど、多くの者が列を成して森を進んでいく。すでにエルフの居住地となっている森は出ており、まばらになって時折視界に入る荒野や地平線などに、エルフたちはいちいち感動していた。
「ザンガー様」
「なんだい?」
杖をつきながらではあるものの、着実に歩を進めるザンガー。
その背中に手を起き、大きな荷物を背負って歩くプーセが、不意にザンガーに声を欠けた。
「森を抜けるのはわかるのですが、その後、どこへ向かわれるつもりなのですか?」
「ああ、そういえばその話の時、あんたは準備でいなかったねぇ」
ごめんね、とザンガーは集落の者たちに話した内容を思い出しながら話した。
「あの人間、いやさ一二三さんが教えてくれた“獣人と人間が協力して作った町”とやらに行ってみようかと思ってねぇ。そんなふうにできた町なら、エルフも入れてくれるかもしれないだろう?」
ヒャッヒャッと笑うザンガーに、プーセは首を傾げた。
「そんなに簡単に行くでしょうか?」
ザンガーは、羽織ったマントの裏から何かを取り出した。
「......手紙、ですか?」
「まあ、紹介状みたいなもんかねぇ。一二三さんはね、その町の成り立ちに関わったそうだよ。絶対とは言えないだろけれど、ちょっとは希望が出てきたとは思わないかい?」
「そ、そうですね......あら?」
プーセは正直、一二三の事が苦手だったので、彼が関わった町と言われると、逆に不安になった。
そんなプーセは、道の先に何者かがいるのを見つけた。素早く手信号で後ろからついてきてくる仲間たちに指示を出す。
手はず通り、簡単な手振りだけで全体が緩やかに止まる。
「どうしたんだい?」
「道の先に誰かがいるようです。三人ほどですね」
確かめてきます、とプーセは背負った荷物を置いて、ゆっくりと人影に近づく。
顔が見える程度に近づいたところで、二人が立ち上がって何かを相談しているように見える。もう一人は、座り込んだままだ。
「おまえは、人間だな! ......じゃない? なんか違う......」
「じゅ、獣人......」
首をかしげてこちらを見ている相手が獣人だとわかり、プーセは一瞬だけたじろいだが、子供だけの三人組だと判ると、逆に心配になった。
「私たちはエルフです。貴方は、虎の獣人と、熊の獣人ね」
「エルフ、初めて見た......」
呆然としている熊獣人は、一二三に殺されたサルグの娘オルラだったが、父親がすでに死んだ事は、まだ知らない。
「私はエルフのプーセ。みんなと旅をしているのよ。それで、こんなところで子供だけで何をしているの?」
「あ、俺はマルファスといいます。リーデルが......妹が怪我をしてしまって......」
プーセが視線をもう一人の虎獣人の女の子へ向ける。
座り込んだままだと思っていた少女は、膝のあたりを何かでざっくりと切ってしまったようで、血の滲んだ布を巻いただけの簡単な処置だけを施され、痛みに涙を浮かべていた。
「大変! ちょっと待っててね」
プーセはリーデルに駆け寄ると、その傍らにしゃがみこみ、リーデルと視線を合わせた。
「こんにちは」
「こんにちは......お姉さん、誰?」
「自己紹介は後でゆっくりするから。今はジッとして」
短い詠唱の後、傷口にかざしたプーセの手を伝って降り注いだ魔力は、暖かくてじんわりとした熱を帯び、リーデルの傷を少しずつ塞いでいく。
「すごい......」
キラキラした目をして、リーデルが痛みを忘れ興奮している間に、傷はすっかりふさがってしまった。
「これで大丈夫。流れた血までは回復してないから、ゆっくり休んでね」
「お姉さん、ありがとう!」
リーデルに続いて、マルファスやオルラもお礼を言った。
「貴方たち、種族が違うのに一緒にいるのね」
「俺たち、オルラのお父さんに助けてもらったんです。人間の町に行くと言って帰ってこないから......」
「わたしたちから迎えに行こうって言って、移動している途中だったんです」
「そうなんだ......あ、ひょっとしたら、私たちの目的地にお父さんがいるかもしれないね」
プーセは、ザンガーから聞いた話を思い出した。
「どういうことですか?」
「なんでも、獣人と人間が仲良く暮らしている町があるらしいんだ。私たちはそこに向かう途中なのよ」
「そういうことじゃ。なんなら、お前さんたちも一緒に来るかえ?」
いつの間にか様子を見に来るためにそばに来ていたザンガーの誘いに、獣人の子供たちは顔を合わせた。
短い相談のあと、三人揃って頭を下げる。
「正直、道がわからなくなって迷っていたところでした。よろしくお願いします」
マルファスが言うと、ザンガーは頷いた。
「いいとも、いいとも。誰かさんの受け売りじゃないけれど、エルフも獣人も関係ないよ。子供は大人が守らなくちゃね」
こうして、獣人族の子供たちは、エルフに連れられてソードランテへ向かうことになった。
Chapter 109: Unchain My Heart
"With such long talks, I've become hungry." (Hifumi)
Listening to Hifumi grumbling "In the end I missed out on eating something at the castle", Vepar pointed in the direction of the bustling city.
"Over there's a delicious restaurant. Since you can get there private rooms which are intended for people like me, who are earning adequate money, we will be able to eat some food at ease there. My stomach's empty as well. Let me treat you!" (Vepar)
"Well, then I will take you up on that." (Hifumi)
At the restaurant he entered after following Vepar's lead they were shown into a big private room located furthest inside as she was well known or rather as could be expected.
Vepar, who sat down right next to Hifumi in a casual manner even though there are ten seats in the private room, confirmed whether there was anything he didn't like and quickly ordered several dishes he had never heard of.
"Is this kind of order fine with you, I wonder?" (Vepar)
"Even if I hear about the details and portions, I won't know them anyway." (Vepar)
"Well, I guess that's true as well. It's fine for you to get a second serving if it's not enough." (Vepar)
Once the waiter left the room, Vepar turned her look at Hifumi who is next to her.
"Why did you think of getting the humans involved in the fight between demons and elves?" (Vepar)
is my goal. My target is to drag this entire world into wars." (Hifumi)
As water was carried in before the meals, he is able to moisten his mouth lightly.
"This world's people should clash with each other far more desperately. They should give and take lives far more earnestly. That's what I believe. Thus I'm moving in order to make that happen." (Hifumi)
Once Hifumi's words ended, silence protruded the private room for a while.
"T-That means, you want to destroy this world?" (Vepar)
Hifumi returned a smile in response to Vepar who asked that timidly.
"That's not it either. Wars will make everybody get "serious." For the sake of fighting. For the sake of surviving. For the sake of regaining. Revenge and self-preservation, ambitions and restoration... there are many aspects, but probably everyone will become serious about it. Only that will allow this world to advance." (Hifumi)
"It's not like I'm saying it, but... weren't you told that your head's messed up?" (Vepar)
With the sound of knocking resounding, the waiter enters the room and lines up one dish after the other.
The waiter cuts up a lump of meat, which was covered by some sauce and has steam rising from it, with a swoosh and places the slices in front of Hifumi and Vepar. Something which was roasted with salad and some paste product gets lined up on top of the table making it cramped.
"Ooh, it looks quite appetizing." (Hifumi)
Picking up a knife and fork, Hifumi immediately stuffed his cheeks with meat.
The taste of the sweet and sour sauce and the deeply flavoured oil mixes and spreads within his mouth. The meat was tough but Hifumi stuffed it into his mouth with gusto without minding that.
"It's a wonderful manner of eating." (Vepar)
While saying that, Vepar also eats small-cut pieces of meat enjoying its deliciousness.
"It's a nice restaurant. The taste and the quantity are satisfactory." (Hifumi)
Hifumi called out to the waiter who brought drinks once they had eaten around half of the dishes on top of the table.
"Eh? T-Thank you very much."
The waiter was surprised for an instant due to being addressed by a human, but even while being bewildered, he returned his gratitude to the compliment which was given with a thin smile.
"You are unrelated to demons and humans after all. With only talks like spreading wars, I wondered whether you would be hated by humans, but..." (Vepar)
"For humans and demons it's probably only natural to have a favourable impression of a guy if he puts in earnest efforts into his own role." (Hifumi)
He wipes his mouth in one go with the clothes which were provided in a stack.
"I like fellows who put in great effort into improving somehow, unrelated whether they are my enemies or allies. The folks in my territory and my wife are putting in great efforts to improve the society in the country and not just in the territory." (Hifumi)
"Oh, you are married. I wonder whether it's fine to have dinner in such place then?" (Vepar)
Hifumi looked with serious eyes at Vepar due to her teasing words.
"They stir the world. I only give instructions without moving myself. Besides, it's not necessary for me to yield the fun parts to someone else like that." (Hifumi)
He drank up the pseudo-coffee.
"If I were the one to move, there would be too many fellows who would scheme unnecessary things. Just like that child king." (Hifumi)
"... Agathion-sama is called the smartest king within the successive generations? The matter of dealing with the elven forest had been decided for a long time, this late in the game... no way, is it possible that you will do something?" (Vepar)
Hifumi sneers at Vepar who says "Impossible, you talked in such friendly way with him."
"The ones called statesmen fuss over "titles." If they have those, the people will follow them... is what they are believing. If it's for a just cause, they will be called resolute and not running wild albeit they are doing something daring." (Hifumi)
"A just cause?" (Vepar)
"For example, since there was evidence that the humans and elves were collaborating and trying to destroy the demon race, he will make a move in order to avenge the long-lasting grudge, or such." (Hifumi)
"If the barrier falls, he will sell it as outcome of his own efforts and explain it as first step of him destroying the humans and elves", Hifumi explains.
"Evidence, you say..." (Vepar)
"If there's a corpse of a human in the demon's city which should be isolated, that'll be plenty, I think?" (Hifumi)
Even Vepar grasps that Hifumi is the candidate for that corpse.
Since even demons, who are strong at disguising themselves, return to their original forms once they die, there will be plenty persuasive power if it's an obvious corpse.
The corpse candidate laughs.
"Well, I wonder what that smart king or whatever will do?" (Hifumi)
Hifumi's glance asks Vepar
And what will you do at that time?
Although there are fluctuations due to things like marriages and such in the unit, where women who are good at magic play a central role, led by Vepar, it's a group of the best demonic magicians with around 100 members in it.magic
With the adjoining combat-orientated unit led by Beleth being centred around men, the antagonism triggered by their bipolar dispositions has been continuing from long before Vepar was inaugurated as captain.
However, being sick of that sweltering structure, Vepar basically made sure to not oppose Beleth and his subordinates. She is always leaking to the surroundings that it's bothersome to do so.
"Unh~..." (Vepar)
Vepar's working place is close to the city's outer wall. Beleth' working place is in the completely opposite direction with the castle being between them.
Vepar, who was chased out after she tried to have a deep talk with Hifumi in the same room once she led him to the inn, quietly sat at her own desk after having reported to the castle.
"Just when I pondered whether you are doing your work properly for a change... you have abandoned processing the documents. What are you worried about?"
The one who called out to her had approximately the same stature as Vepar, but compared to Vepar's voluptuous body, she was a young woman with a slender build. On top of her vividly green one piece she is wearing a grey mantle with a hood attached.
Her indigo blue, sleepy eyes are staring indifferently at Vepar who is prostrating on the desk.
"Please do you work seriously once in a while. With most of the documents carrying my signature recently, there are rumours swirling around that there had been a change in commanding officers."
"Bennia, take my place if you want to. It's not like I particularly like such tiresome title." (Vepar)
"Since you were recommended, put in some effort to show deference to those people who referred you." (Bennia)
The woman called Bennia flatly retorted to Vepar who is looking at her bitterly.
"... What will you do if there's battle between fellow comrades within this city, Bennia?" (Vepar)
"What are you talking about all of a sudden? Do you plan to cause a rebellion?" (Bennia)
"Just tell me." (Vepar)
Bennia felt something due to Vepar having a serious look, unlike before. She clears her throat once.
"Although you lack sincerity, you won't do something mistaken, Captain, is what I believe. If you side with either party, me and the other unit members will follow you, Captain." (Bennia)
"... That is, even if you will have to kill you own comrades?" (Vepar)
"There will be plenty of reason to do so, I believe." (Bennia)
"Even so, it's a very unsettling question", Bennia knitted her eyebrows.
"Please tell me what you are planning to do." (Bennia)
"There's a human in this city, but... stories appeared that Agathion-sama might use him as sacrifice for the war." (Vepar)
With a sigh blended in Vepar talked about the situation at the time she reported to the castle.
Hearing that story, Bennia tilts her head to the side.
"It's strange. For that king-sama to talk about something vague like "might" and not an order." (Bennia)
The order always descends from the top. Even if he consults with someone, at the most the decision changes in around two to three aspects with the other party being Phegor. That was the impression which all of the demons' soldier held of their king.
Of course none of them think that it's wrong.
"It looks like he wanted to see my reaction. Totally out of character my back ended up sweating." (Vepar)
"Why such... no way, did you fall in love with that human?" (Bennia)
"Mm~ ... though I didn't intend to. I won't deny that I was charmed by him. However, that's not the reason." (Vepar)
Drinking the coffee made by Bennia, Vepar exhales a hot breath.
"The human... he is called Hifumi. It looks like his attitude doesn't differ towards demons and humans, you know. Though it's not like I have seen it actually in front of my eyes. But he says that the demons, elves, humans and beastmen should fight for their lives to improve this world. Good grief, it's crazy, isn't it?" (Vepar)
While her talking became gradually rapid, Vepar giggled.
Even Bennia can't tell from her expression whether it was tinged with amazement or anxiety.
"You want to betray the king for such a madman, you say?" (Bennia)
"It's not that I want to betray him. However, I believe that it's a mistake to simply kill him. Though I think that we can't avoid fighting with the elves, I wondered whether it isn't possible to get along with him and the people under his influence without having to fight them." (Vepar)
"War depends on the people furthering it, but something like the possibility of war eventually becoming a way to decrease the enemies is just stupid", Vepar shook her head.
"Did you tell the king that?" (Bennia)
"There's no way I can say that to him." (Vepar)
At the time she reported to the king, his aide, Phegor, was standing next to him. He glared at Vepar who tried to open her mouth regarding the king's suggestion.
"I'm not afraid of demotions and getting fired. However, if I was recognised as enemy of the king by Phegor, it wouldn't end with me simply loosing my life." (Vepar)
"So?" (Bennia)
"There might be no other choice but get along with and approach Hifumi indirectly. It seems that Beleth sees him as his enemy as well. I will try to do my best by myself. If I can avoid unnecessary fighting, the number of deaths will decrease." (Vepar)
Bennia bowed her head due to Vepar standing up and telling her that she is going home.
"Please order us as you like without holding back. We are the king's retainers, but the words that we will follow your judgement are no lies, captain." (Bennia)
"I see. Thanks." (Vepar)
Of course Vepar doesn't know about her expression hidden within the mantle's hood at the time she said "Good Night" and left.
And also not about Bennia heading towards the castle afterwards.
Zanga's journey was far more lively and successful than she assumed at first.
Not just Puuse and Shiku, people like those who were usually close to Zanga and those who were good at magic and who engaged in the maintenance of the barrier; many people are advancing through the forest in a line. They have already left the forest which is next to the elves' village. The elves were very excited by the things like the horizon and the wastelands which entered their visions once the trees became sparse.
"Zanga-sama."
"What?" (Zanga)
Zanga is making steady progress although she is supported by her wand.
Puuse, who is burdened with large luggages, places her hand on Zanga's back and suddenly turned her voice at Zanga.
"I get that we have to leave the forest, but where do you plan to go?" (Puuse)
"Ah, which reminds me, at the time of talking about that you weren't there due to the preparations." (Zanga)
"Sorry", Zanga talked while recalling the details she told the villagers.
"I thought of trying to go to "that city where beastmen and humans work together" I was told by that human, no, by Hifumi. If they were able to make a city like that, they might let in elves as well, right?" (Zanga)
Puuse inclined her head to the side due to Zanga laughing with a "Hya hya."
"Will it go that easily?" (Puuse)
Zanga took out something from the back of the mantle she wore.
"... A letter, is it?" (Puuse)
"Well, it looks like a letter of introduction, I guess. It seems that Hifumi-san changed the structure of that city. I guess you can't call it definite, but don't you think that a little bit of hope has appeared?" (Zanga)
"I-I guess so... oh?" (Puuse)
Since Puuse had truly difficulty to deal with Hifumi, she became worried instead when she was told that it was a city changed by him.
That Puuse discovered someone being there on the road ahead. She gives quick instructions to her comrades behind her with hand signals.
According to the arrangements, all of them slowly came to a halt with simple hand gestures.
"What happened?" (Zanga)
"It looks like someone is ahead in front of the road. It's around 3 people." (Puuse)
"I will go make sure", leaving the heavy luggages behind, Puuse slowly approaches the figures.
At the moment she got close enough to identify them, she sees two of them standing up and discussing something. The other one stays sitting.
"You are, humans! ... Aren't you? You are somehow different..."
"B-Beastmen..." (Puuse)
Realizing that it's beastmen looking this way with their heads tilted to the side, Puuse faltered for just a moment, but once she became aware that all three of them are children, she became concerned in reverse.
"We are elves. You are, tiger beastmen and a bear beastman." (Puuse)
"Elves, it's the first time..." (Olra)
The beargirl, who is dumbfounded, was Olra, the daughter of Salgu who was killed by Hifumi, but she still doesn't know that her father had already been killed.
"I'm the elf, Puuse. All of us are on a journey. So, what are you doing at such place with just you children?" (Puuse)
"Ah, I'm called Malfas. Riedel... my younger sister has been injured..." (Malfas)
Puuse turns her look at the other tigergirl.
The girl, she thought to be sitting, was apparently cut roughly by something around the area of her knee. Having been given only simple treatment by just wrapping it with a blood-soaked cloth, her eyes were filled with tears due to the pain.
"How terrible! Wait a moment." (Puuse)
Once Puuse rushed over to her, she squatted next to her and matched her eyesight with Riedel.
"Hello." (Puuse)
"Hello... onee-san, who are you?" (Riedel)
"I will introduce myself properly afterwards. Stay still for now." (Puuse)
After a short chant, the mana, which was poured down along Puuse's hands which she held over the wound, is tinged with a heat which got gradually warm and Riedel's wound closes up little by little.
"Amazing..." (Riedel)
While Riedel was getting excited with sparkling eyes forgetting about the pain, the wound finished closing up completely.
"With this, it'll be alright. Since the recovery doesn't go as far as recovering the lost blood, take it easy." (Puuse)
"Onee-san, thank you!" (Riedel)
Following Riedel, Malfas and Olra thanked her as well.
"You guys, you are travelling together although you are from different tribes, eh?" (Puuse)
"We want to rescue Olra's father. Although he has gone to the humans' city, he hasn't returned yet..." (Malfas)
"We were in the middle of travelling as we said that we would meet up with him." (Olra)
"I see... Ah, perhaps your father might be at our destination." (Puuse)
Puuse remembered the story she heard from Zanga.
"What destination is it?"
"I was told that it is a city where humans and beastmen leave peacefully together. We are en route heading there." (Puuse)
"That's how it was. If that's the case, do you want to go together with us?" (Zanga)
Due to the invitation by Zanga who came close-by to check the situation unnoticed, the beastchildren faced her.
After a short discussion, the three of them bow their heads together.
"Honestly, we got lost as we don't know the way. Please take care of us." (Malfas)
When Malfas said so, Zanga nodded.
"Sure thing, no problem. Although it's not the influence of a certain somebody, it's irrelevant whether you are elves or beastmen. Children are to be protected by adults." (Zanga)
Like this, the children of the beastmen race decided to head towards Swordland led by the elves.
Summoned Slaughterer
呼び出された殺戮者
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/summoned-slaughterer/
Action Adventure Fantasy Martial Arts Mature Psychological Romance Shounen
Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Arrogant Characters Average-looking Protagonist Beastkin Beautiful Female Lead Betrayal Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Cunning Protagonist Dark Demi-Humans Demons Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Dwarfs Elemental Magic Elves Enemies Become Allies Enemies Become Lovers Evil Protagonist Fantasy Creatures Fantasy World Fearless Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Beasts Magical Space Male Protagonist Marriage Monsters Nobles Obsessive Love Overpowered Protagonist Politics Power Struggle Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Royalty Ruthless Protagonist Samurai Schemes And Conspiracies S*aves Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Summoning Magic Sword And Magic Sword Wielder Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Unique Weapon User Unique Weapons Wars Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4399ci/
井戸正善／ido