On the 20th of the Month of New Sun. For the past few days, Nel and Celis have been coming by every day, taking me out to have fun. Thanks to them, I haven’t been bored at all; rather, it feels like I’m leisurely enjoying a sightseeing trip around the Capital Avalon, and it’s quite uplifting and soothing. I’m having such a good time that I wonder if it’s really okay.
What’s mostly on my mind is the feelings of my girlfriend, Fiona, but strangely she hasn’t said anything. Almost every day, she takes Sariel with her to the investigation at the Aria Monastery.
Of course, I’m not such a fool as to not think about that situation. I’ve told Fiona numerous times that I can’t be the only one having fun…
“Chrono-san, just focus on healing. Besides, once you return to Spada, you’ll be busy with your adventurer life again. For now, think of it as a vacation and it’s more meaningful to have fun with your ‘friends.’ The investigation at the monastery is just a side gig and isn’t much work anyway.”
That’s certainly true, but I felt like I couldn’t just withdraw with just that, so I tried to hold on a bit more.
“Also, soon you’ll be called to the royal palace regarding the Chaosgrim subjugation. In such situations, having strong connections is invaluable. Honestly, I don’t have a good feeling about the royal palace in Avalon… so it might be better to get close while I can. It would be nice to get acquainted with other important figures through the introduction of the two of you.”
Unfortunately, the foremost candidate for such an important figure, Master Belkrosen, was said to be on a journey of training, so I couldn’t meet him and hit a snag on the connection building right away.
Anyway, with them telling me all this, I inevitably have to nod. Even now, my right hand and foot still don’t move properly. It’s a fact that nothing can start without being healed.
For that reason, today too, I reluctantly walked around the streets of Avalon with Nel and Celis.
“—Oh, speaking of which, Chrono-kun, is there anywhere you’d like to go?”
As we left the temple and headed towards the restaurant that Celis recommended for lunch, Nel, in her sailor uniform, asked.
Basically, I’ve been following the two of them as they guided me through famous tourist spots in Avalon and hidden gems known only to locals. I don’t recall seeing any travel magazines, so I don’t know much about Avalon. So, like an overseas traveler, I wouldn’t have any particular places I want to visit or see.
However, after spending so many days in the city and hearing various information about Avalon from the two of them, I’ve come to understand it somewhat.
“With me and the princess around, you can go to just about anywhere, so don’t hesitate to say.”
Celis, who has gotten entirely used to pushing my wheelchair, says this with a gentle gaze and smile that makes my heart race. It’s only natural for a girl to find it hard to resist someone who can naturally give such looks. The story of Celis’s popularity among girls that Nel has told me is likely not an exaggeration but a fact.
“Well, I’m interested in the Imperial Academy.”
“The academy, you say? Now that you mention it, I didn’t give a tour there.”
“But you’ve already graduated from the School of the Gods, right?”
“I’m not saying I want to attend. The Imperial Academy is famous for being attended by that Demon King Mia Elroad. I just want to see it at least once.”
I see, both of them nodded without any questions. It seems it’s common for men from Pandora to show interest in things related to the Demon King, so my reason for wanting to visit is probably quite standard. Well, I’m not lying about it either.
“Speaking of which, I’m also curious about the uniform Celis is wearing—oh, not in a weird way. It’s just that the school uniform I wore back home looked quite similar.”
“Is that so? With the shrine and the gakuran, your homeland of Japan, Chrono-kun, has quite a few commonalities with Avalon in unexpected ways.”
Well, it’s likely that Japan is the original model.
The reason I can’t say that straightforwardly is that I haven’t told Nel and Celis that I am an outsider yet. I haven’t found the right timing to do so, nor do I want to boast about being from another world.
For now, the two must think that I came from a very far country with various circumstances.
“In that case, how about I give you a gakuran as a memento?”
“Eh, isn’t that embarrassing since I’m not even a student?”
“In Avalon, the gakuran is also considered a type of formal wear. If you add a few decorations, it wouldn’t be embarrassing for an older noble to wear it. It’s a proper outfit.”
“In ancient times, the gakuran was military attire. The Demon King statue I saw in Central Park yesterday was dressed similarly, wasn’t it?”
That’s true. The military uniform-style gakuran with a large cape is the same outfit that I saw Mia-chan in.
However, the Demon King statue Nel refers to depicts an imposing old man with long hair and a beard, a strong muscular build. That design was likely created by later generations.
“I suppose then, it wouldn’t be too much to have at least one…”
At that moment, we were exchanging such carefree conversation.
I felt it. A sharp killing intent.
“Who are you?”
Before I could speak, Nel was the one to turn around and voice her suspicion.
Could it be that someone from the Aria Monastery has come to ambush me, having already determined me to be an enemy from the Galahad War?—but that prediction was quickly denied.
On the main street of Avalon, where many people were passing by, stood.
“…Brother.”
“It’s been a while, Nel.”
Nero Julius Elroad. A true prince embodying the Elroad bloodline with black hair and red eyes, unforgettable once seen.
It’s been since the Galahad War since I last laid eyes on him. I also have the feeling it’s been a long time.
“Seriously, even though I came back to Avalon, you haven’t shown your face at all. You’ve been meeting with Dad frequently, yet you haven’t even come to greet your brother returning from the war. What a heartless sister.”
“I’m sorry, I was busy participating in the knight selection. There has been a lot going on. Besides, brother, I hear that you haven’t spent much time at the royal castle either and have been going out somewhere every day without bringing anyone along. How cruel of you to tell me to come and see you.”
Nero chuckled while Nel smiled softly.
What is this tension? Isn’t this a heartfelt reunion between siblings after a long time apart?
“Yeah, I was wrong, Nel. I knew you were doing well based on the knight selection talk, and if you had been asking around about me, we wouldn’t have been worried about each other.”
“Indeed, I thought it was just like you, brother, and I didn’t worry even a little.”
A somewhat chilly atmosphere enveloped us. This is… awkward…
“Lord Nero, it’s been a while. Has it been since the time we saw you off to study in Spada?”
Breaking the painful silence, it was Celis. Although she used honorifics, she didn’t say anything too formal, likely because she has been friends with Nero since childhood like Nel.
“Has it already been that long? Celis, you haven’t changed much.”
“I’ve grown quite a bit, I think.”
“It seems your skills have improved too. I’ve heard about your accomplishments in the knight selection.”
“In that case, I’m sure you’ve heard about Chrono-kun’s accomplishments as well, brother?”
There was no overt reaction, like a clicking of the tongue. However, I could sense a suppressed anger emanating from Nero, who stood silently. He’s not exuding killing intent anymore, but still…
“Yeah, I’ve heard. It seems he caused quite a ruckus.”
“I understand your free-spirited nature, brother, but please refrain from speaking in a manner that would bring me shame.”
“…What did you say?”
“Chrono-kun is a hero who saved Father and everyone present from a vicious monster. As royalty, it is only right to sincerely express gratitude.”
“Geez, you’re sounding quite old-fashioned, Nel.”
“Brother, is it not childish to remain immature forever? Are you really that jealous of Chrono-kun’s achievements?”
“Princess, please stop there. Lord Nero, I apologize. It’s a fact that both the princess and I owe our lives to Chrono. It’s understandable that we’re a bit partial in our feelings—”
“I don’t mind, he was indeed the one who took down that Chaosgrim creature, so it’s true that it was Chrono who did it.”
Finally, Nero directed his gaze toward me. His sharp red eyes pierced with an intensity that felt like a blade.
“Why have you come all the way to Avalon? What are you plotting?”
“Brother!”
“No, it’s fine, Nel. There seems to be some misunderstanding, but I’ve only accepted a quest. As a Rank 5 adventurer, it’s only natural to aim for big game.”
“And as a result, you’ve gotten close not just to Nel but even to Celis.”
“The two were just coincidentally present at the scene. I’m currently staying at the Avalon temple for treatment, but they have been very kind to me.”
“Was that part of the plan? Have you made a grand appearance at the knight selection, and it seems our father is pleased with you, huh?”
Indeed, Prince Nero seems to have a rather grand misunderstanding. Does he think of me as some evil mastermind secretly plotting to overthrow the state?
Well, while my relationship with Nero isn’t exactly good, it’s still ridiculous to throw such false conspiracy theories at me.
“I’m just an adventurer and not plotting anything. Once my injuries are healed, I’ll obediently return to Spada. I have no intention of ingratiating myself with Avalon because of this achievement.”
“Of course. Don’t underestimate Avalon.”
There’s no point in trying to reason with him.
“Nel, Celis, I’m telling you, don’t get too close to this guy. If you owe him for saving you in a pinch, you can repay him with money or whatever; it can be dealt with easily.”
“Brother, you should discard your strange prejudice and acknowledge Chrono-kun.”
“With all due respect, as far as I’ve communicated with Chrono, I don’t think he’s a dangerous person to be wary of at all. His fighting style may be fierce, but he’s very intelligent and kind-hearted.”
Wow, Celis’s embarrassingly high praise truly moves me. It’s wonderful to be trusted.
“…Well, fine. If you’re going back to Spada soon, then that’s how it is.”
Unfortunately, once I return to Spada, I likely won’t see Nel and Celis again. From Nero’s point of view, since we’re bound to part ways anyway, he might not see the need to take unnecessary actions.
“Excuse me for interrupting. Just enjoy your sightseeing in Avalon leisurely.”
With that, Nero turned on his heel to leave coolly, but the next moment—
“Hey, Ex! How long are you going to keep us waiting!?”
“Hey, you idiot! Don’t come this way—”
This time, I was the one releasing killing intent.
Calling Nero by the false name Ex and rushing over here was a girl dressed in a white clergy outfit, her long black hair swaying as she approached—
“Lin!”
“Linfeldt!!”
I drew my weapon from the shadows to slash, but restrained myself just in time.
This is the main street of Avalon. Even if I found the runaway Linfeldt, I can’t just cut her down without a word. If I’m not careful, I’d be arrested for murder on the spot.
“Eep!? Wh-why are you here…?”
Upon reaching Nero, Linfeldt visibly flinched at the sight of me, her enemy. Given her reaction, it seems she’s definitely not some unrelated person who just looks like me.
But, what I should be more concerned about is—
“Dammit, you idiot! Of all the things, why did you show up in front of this guy?”
“B-but… I…”
Lin clings to Nero with a tremble, looking like a helpless girl in the face of a terrifying monster. And Nero, perhaps harboring some affection for her, gently holds her close.
“Nero! Did you help Linfeldt escape!?”
“…You have the wrong person.”
“Don’t joke around! Do you even understand what you’ve done!?”
If my legs could move, I would have dashed out to confront him. With a mix of murderous intent and anger, I shouted out in an emotional outburst.
“It’s useless, Chrono. I told you before, she’s not Linfeldt, the prisoner of the Crusaders you captured. She’s just an orphan girl, Lin, and has nothing to do with them.”
“Nothing to do with them, you say… How many people do you think have died because of this girl?!”
It’s war, so people die. Both I and Nero have killed many. I don’t intend to cast judgment for murder.
However, Linfeldt is an enemy commander. If she gets captured, she must face the proper punishment; otherwise, the Spada soldiers who’ve died because of her wouldn’t be avenged. I absolutely can’t allow her to return to a peaceful life like just any ordinary girl.
“Hey, Nero, what’s going on?”
“What’s with this guy… He’s giving off a serious killing intent…”
Arriving on the scene were two of Linfeldt’s companions, a dark-skinned young man and a blonde-haired boy who seems like a young noble.
The young man was clad in white priestly robes resembling those of the Cross Religion. His skin color and silver hair with blue eyes match the Ivrham people like Ursula. The boy, on the other hand, has blonde hair and red eyes, similar to Reki, who appears to be a Barbatos. It’s unclear if they belong to the same race or just so happen to share similar traits.
However, it’s obvious at a glance that these two are Lin’s allies. They stood protectively in front of Linfeldt, like heroes defending a frail maiden from a brute.
“D-don’t! Stop it, you two! If you confront that man…”
The Ivrham priest and the Barbatos boy are indeed as good-looking as the bodyguards I had attending on the battlefield of Galahad. Their figures of courageously trying to protect Linfeldt resemble the ones who were tragically slain.
“Don’t worry, Lin. We’ll protect you. This time for sure, absolutely.”
“That’s right. I’m ready to use ‘power’ for you, Sister Lin.”
Very well. If you’re serious about it, I’ll kill as many of your men as it takes and drag their heads back to the Spada army.
“Hold it, are you serious about fighting here? And take a good look at your opponent.”
“Whoa, are you serious? The princess Nel, and the Arclight…”
Finally realizing Nel and Celis were beside me, the Ivrham priest looked surprised.
“Chrono, if you’re going to report Lin to the Spada army, feel free.”
“You’re not planning on handing her over peacefully.”
“She’s just Lin. I don’t know anyone named Linfeldt from the Crusaders. Even if she was the real deal… you have no right to intervene. Right? You’re the twisted jerk who made her your slave, tricked by Sariel’s beauty.”
“If you insult Chrono-kun, I won’t forgive you even if you’re my brother!”
“It’s true that I made her a slave. Come to your senses, Nel. That man is dangerous.”
I gently grasped Nel’s hand to stop her movement. I sensed an overwhelming aura of anger ready to spring forth.
It’s already bad enough to cause a scene in such a public place, and if the Elroad siblings start a fierce battle, it will be impossible to contain.
“Nero, you should hand that girl over to where she belongs. Do you not yet realize the horror of the Crusaders?”
“Lin is already my companion. If you want to poke around, be prepared to turn Avalon into an enemy.”
“…You’re not telling me you’ve become a believer of the Cross Religion, have you? Aren’t Linfeldt and that guy’s clothes from the Aria Monastery?”
“I hate that god. I have no intention of believing in any god. Besides, their attire is just a minor priestly robe from an outdated temple.”
“Don’t call it a minor temple. Now that I’ve become a priest, I’ll make it popular from now on!”
“You’re already losing in the number of believers to that shady, nouveau riche cult, the Aria Monastery!”
“Shut up! That shady, suspicious cult will go bankrupt soon enough!”
Nero and the Ivrham priest started arguing, but it seems they’re genuinely serious and not just messing around. That means it’s likely not an act to cover up the truth.
“The priestly robe is indeed what you say, brother. They’ve only been running a small orphanage in one corner of the city, and you used to play with those children often when you were young.”
When I asked Nel for confirmation, that’s the answer I got.
“Does Nel know them too?”
“No, brother left alone to go meet them, so I don’t know their faces or names.”
Now that I think about it, I’ve heard stories that Nero was quite a mischievous child. I recall briefly hearing from Wil about Nero’s wandering tendencies.
“Anyway, don’t get any strange misunderstandings. Like Nel said, these guys are my childhood friends.”
“Ah, looks that way… But be careful of the Aria Monastery. They’re definitely the henchmen of the Crusaders.”
“I don’t care if it’s true or false, dealing with that kind of people is the job of the Avalon army. Neither you nor I have any obligation to say anything.”
Regrettably, that’s true. That’s why I can only take action to the extent that Fiona does her investigations.
However, if Prince Nero, a king’s son, is on guard, I feel he would have more influence than mere adventurers like us… but I don’t expect him to follow my advice obediently. Perhaps it would be better to say that the Aria Monastery is a magnificent religion, and let’s convert now to worship the White God, Amen. As someone with priest experience, even if it’s fake, I could give a decent sermon.
“Tch, did I cause too much of a fuss…? Hey, let’s go, you all. People are starting to gather.”
Before I knew it, we were surrounded by a restless crowd. Of course, with the Elroad siblings causing a scene, the people of Avalon couldn’t possibly ignore it. It’s possible someone has already reported to the gendarmerie.
As for me, it would be better to create a fuss and get attention about that girl being Linfeldt, the deserter of the Crusaders, but if worst comes to worst, Nero might come to crush me using his royal authority. Raising an uproar here would be too risky.
I don’t know how they got close to her, but it seems Nero really likes Linfeldt. After all, since he helped her escape, it means he had his eye on her from the moment she was caught.
I don’t want to think that he’s been charmed…
“Nel, Celis, let’s go. I don’t want to make this any more of a fuss.”
“Is that alright, Chrono-kun?”
“I want to capture her right here and now… but it can’t be helped, so we have to do this.”
For now, I should report to both Spada and Avalon. After that, if the Spada army or the Adventurer Guild puts a bounty on Linfeldt as a runaway prisoner, I can officially accept a request to capture her.
What I need right now is a legitimate reason to restrain Linfeldt, who has infiltrated Avalon.
“Looks like I can’t play around anymore today. Celis, I’m sorry, but could you take me to the Adventurer Guild?”
September 2, 2016
Last night, when I scheduled this post, suddenly the Narou page stopped connecting, which caused the delay. I wondered if they were doing maintenance because of the digest deletion issue… anyway, I’m sorry for the delay.