Vol 2 Chapter 9 (2/2)

“How are you going to live from here on?” (Veloce)

“I am going to continue my wanderings, though right now I’m charging to the Imperial Academy because my companion has been captured.” (Shuten)

“How cool~. That aggressiveness isn’t something I have. Ah, well since only Seats 3, 5, 8 and 10 of the magic librarians are home now, how would you fare against all except for number 3?” (Veloce)

“No doubt I will die if they are all together.” (Shuten)

“Is that so…Then, what is your impression of the Demon King’s Army?” (Veloce)

“Gaius is the only one I will not forgive.” (Shuten)

“You are already breaking apart…” (もうおっちんでるじゃないですかー) (Veloce)

Veloce looks shocked.

However, the Demon King’s Army aside, I cannot forgive Gaius. No matter how many times I killed him, I’d probably kill him again. (あいつは何回殺しても殺したりんよ) Yup.

No well, I do not want my face to end up looking like hers right now.

“Okay, so you do not have a good impression of the Demon King’s Armies?” (Veloce)

“Wellll, that is…are the circ.u.mstances as rough as Miss Veloce said?” (Shuten)

“I promised not to talk about such a thing, but depending on my impressions and how the scouting is going we’ll see…okay next question. Is there anyone you would want to protect even at the expense of your own life?” (Shuten)

“Hmm, that’s a bit difficult to answer since if possible I do not want to die. There’s a person I want to continue to protect so even if I die for them then they would die soon after.” (Shuten)

“Oh so it’s your kindred. Then, next. For something like a friend or a mission, even one’s own life, how much could be sacrificed for ‘responsibility?’” (Veloce)

“That’s an interesting question.” (Shuten)

“That’s because it is the Demon King’s military apt.i.tude questionnaire. Oh, but of course I made it.” (Veloce)

Tucking away the business card of Veloce into my bosom, I nearly lost my balance from the movement of my arms.

I will soon exit the forest. Imperial Capitol Gransil is close. So, what is this?

“Responsibility?” (Shuten)

“Isn’t there a variety of things~? A job you have undertaken, an important companion, or even for yourself there must be some responsibility with which you are intertwined. In exchange, how much would you be willing to sacrifice yourself or others for it?” (Veloce)

“…I hadn’t ever thought of such things.” (Shuten)

“Wow~ you are someone who seems extremely selfish. Thank you.” (Veloce)

The scroll was swiftly filled in. The eyes of the person looking over at me are painful. But, you know, everyone is trying to live without permission. Hey do even you have a responsibility that would cause you to suffer?

…Is it because of the responsibility that I am going to help Hiragi now?

…Is it because of the responsibility that I am trying to collect the pearl pieces?

…Is it because of the responsibility that I think it would be bad if the Empire were to collect the Pearl Pieces?

It is different from that.

Everything I did was by my own choice.

“Well, then I will change the question. How much would you sacrifice for your own responsibilities?” (Veloce)

“What, are you trying to measure me?” (Shuten)

“That’s right. I do not know what qualities you can provide to subordinates, how much they might trust you~, or how you will treat those who watch your back?” (Veloce)

“…I see, sacrifice?” (Shuten)

“Of course, even if you sacrifice something other than yourself it is okay. One person might burn a town for their responsibility, while on the other end, there are guys who think of their own limbs~” (Veloce)

Responsibility, sacrifice, hey.

Is that the only reason I can’t leave the kidnapped Hiragi alone, who might be in serious danger of injury, in other words, is this a feeling responsibility?

So, is it because of a sense of responsibility I am chasing Hiragi?

I feel like it is something different.

Veloce was quiet for a moment.

“Hey, how long will it take you tell me what you would sacrifice for the comrade you are picking up now? You really don’t have to think that hard.” (Veloce)

“…Indeed, I was lost in my thoughts for a bit.” (Shuten)

While thinking about something unrelated to the number 3 of the Demon King’s Army, I was reminded of the existence of the small stone held in my hand.

It must be hard to be partnered with that foolish man Desiree.

I do not want to suffer from severe pain, but I do not know if I can easily recover Hiragi from the Imperial Academy, where I am heading right now.

No, I think I can get in without having to take in another pearl piece?

I originally intended to do incorporate them. ‘I can quickly recover them~!’ Well, I was going to.

But it hurts, I hate it.

But the more I thought about my current situation I come to realize it was more serious than I had thought and in order not to be defeated I would need to consider integrating another pearl piece. I am optimistic, so I usually try not to think about such things.

It is best not to over-think things. It is best to live without worries and joke around freely. That is the most enjoyable life. (TL: can’t say I agree with that opinion)

But well…It is certain that I feel the difference in the force I am holding, with Veloce in front of me.

“Sacrifice, huh?” (Veloce)

“Sacrifice is sacrifice. Sacrifice is necessary when responsibility arises.” (Veloce)

“…well, that’s true.” (Shuten)

“Oh, can you tell me your thoughts?” (Veloce)

“It seems I have not thought about it until now…yeah. As long as it is not enough pain to kill me…let’s take it in…one more time.” (Shuten)

“Ooh!…I didn’t think that was your opinion~.” (Veloce)

“I’m sorry, but this one time I’ll allow it! As for next time…I’ll think about it then!!” (Shuten)

“Oh, that sounds great~! You are the kind of guy who takes things step by step! I see, I see~!!” (Veloce)

Veloce’s pen danced. She was just smiling happily.

Ah, my words must have been strange and amusing

As I felt a surging wave of regret for saying such things, Veloce zoomed closer, bringing her face in front of mine.

“I like it! Interesting! Shuten is funny! I want to immediately pick you up and make you one of the Four Heavenly Lords~! But it seems like now is not the time to get overenthusiastic. So I will come again. Right now we’re going to have a party at the Professor’s, but after I will come and talk to you~!” (Veloce)

“Wait a sec! Wha!?” (Shuten)

“See you ~~” (Veloce)

She quickly took her distance from me, then she was wrapped in a flock of bats where she quckly disappeared.

It was almost like a storm. It was an interview.

…A party at the Professor’s?

Oh, it already about that time when the Devil’s army reaches the Professor Country…Eh, then it’s about the time the heroes have almost reached the Empire?

Was she serious? Is it already such an era?

“……” (Shuten)

There was a strong light in front of me.

That is probably a sign that the forest is ending.

Jumping up to the top of the forest canopy, I grab the thick trunk and gaze down.

“…I’ve arrived, Capitol.” (Shuten)

A giant city surrounded by an iron wall like some kind of steel city, for which it is named. (TL: Oh! So basically the city is similar to a “grand sill” as in the geological “sill” which is a rocky ridge/cliff face of sorts, rather than a “windowsill.”) Although it is hard to tell from here, the buildings would mostly be wrapped in the dull color of iron, while the cityscape should be illuminated by the soft light of gas lamps.

Just a little north of the city center, there is the palace and the Imperial Academy.

…Hiragi is also there?

I wanted to sight-see a little, but I can’t afford that kind of thing.

In the first place I don’t know what to do about Hiragi

I want to help her, but I cannot lie to myself.

There is my conscience that thinks it is wrong to think this way, but more important than that.

—

[“This is bad. I didn’t think you would be so easily depressed.” (悪かったわね。そんなに凹むと思わなかったのよ)

“Stop comparing me to a beast!!

“Ugugugugigi.”

“Shouldn’t you honor me who is older!?”

“Do you care about propriety!? Do you feel like honoring me who is older!?”]

— (TL: flashbacks to phrases Hiragi says in earlier chapters, though I feel like the first one is Shuten?)

…Huh.

Well, I don’t think there’s even room for such thoughts…

Yet somehow I was thinking so much about her.

A traveling companion. And somehow I become a benefactor who saved her life, though I don’t really feel that way.

“…Time to go.”

I muttered so as I looked at the blackened pearl piece with my usual dumbfounded expression.

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