I was captured by a curious bugfolk girl.
The formidable bugfolk, each so different, made it impossible to know what anyone would do. While doing such things, we spent several days in peaceful days. It was the first time in a while that I had spent such leisurely time. Lately, assassins have been waiting for me wherever I go. But that also means I’m getting closer to the enemy.
Now, what should we do? Horn said there was another village to the west from here. we could head there. If the werewolves are hunting us, then they would naturally have already reached the Land of Satyrs.
As everyone’s injuries and fatigue recovered, a new problem arose: Sen no Tsurugi. She had been standing at the corner of the infirmary ever since. She remained expressionless and motionless. She barely ate. It made me wonder if she was even alive.
At first, everyone tried to talk to her, but since she didn’t react at all, they left her alone. Perhaps she might follow us if we moved. But was that really okay?
I went to where she stood alone. She still had no expression.
“Yo, how are you? Aren’t you hungry just standing there?”
She didn’t even turn around at my greeting.
“Hey, my name is Hiroaki. What’s your name?”
There was no answer to this either. I had asked her many times already.
“Um, Gulf said you have family, right?”
Her shoulder twitched slightly, I think. Perhaps she thought that her family had suffered because of her.
“Don’t worry, we’ll definitely take you back to your family. If you’ve been captured by Dark Elves, we’ll rescue you. You were able to stand up to Gulf, so you can definitely reunite with your family.”
I took her small hand. To burden such a young girl with a heavy sword, make her fight, and turn her into a weapon of war. I can’t forgive it. We must not let the Dark Elves do as they please anymore.
“Why don’t you take that off now? The enemy isn’t attacking right now.”
I removed the sword that was fixed to her body with a belt. It was much heavier than the dagger I had. Her coat was also heavily weighted with knives sewn all over the lining. The belt marks were turning into bruises on her slender body.
Along with anger, an inexpressible sadness welled up. This child is not a tool for battle. I will definitely send her back to her parents.
“Let’s have Pauline make you some new clothes. Come on, let’s go over there. There’s a place where lots of flowers are blooming.”
When I took her hand, she naturally followed. Avoiding the crowd, we came to a meadow a little ways away from the village. There, the sun shone, and small flowers bloomed.
“It’s a nice place, isn’t it? It’s quiet.”
Sen no Tsurugi just stood still in the middle of the sunlit area. Butterflies were flying at her feet. I sat beside her.
A peaceful, uneventful time passed. I lay down on the grass. I could see the blue sky.
“Ah, there you are! Hiro and Sen-chan!”
“Piyo? Hey, can you ask Pauline to make clothes for her?”
“Sure! Ehehe.”
Piyo laughed and lay down next to me. What’s the point if we’re sleeping together? Well, it’s fine.
“Hey, where is Sen-chan’s home?”
In response to Piyo’s question, Sen no Tsurugi replied, “Far to the north.” If that’s the case, it’s in the same direction we’re heading. We might meet along the way. After napping for a while, we headed to Pauline’s to get her clothes made.
“Fufufu, of course, I will. What kind of clothes would be nice?”
Pauline happily began sewing. Meanwhile, I asked Horn about the village to the west.
“Are you leaving already? You can stay a little longer, you know.”
“No, we have a purpose. So, about the village to the west?”
“It’s actually in the northwest direction. It’s a town that’s not on any map.”
Not on any map. Is this the place the boy assassin mentioned before? That’s a possibility. If so, does that mean there’s a path to heaven there? I still don’t understand why the Dark Elves who opened the gates of hell are aiming for a path to heaven.
I don’t know, but there must be some great power sleeping there.
“However, this town is a bit strange. It’s where outcasts gather.”
Outcasts, you say? Perhaps it’s a town where gangs hang out. That’s why it’s not on any map, an unrecognized, lawless town. Maybe it’s better to avoid it.
“Hahaha, don’t worry, but I don’t know how they’ll react to outsiders.”
“Have you been there?”
“Yes, several times. I wanted to build friendly relations, but they were wary of us. Our appearances are strange, you see.”
Hmm, I can’t quite imagine what kind of place it is. But he has been there and returned safely. That means it might be worth stopping by.
