Chapter 123 (1/2)

An intense light poured down over Fair Bergen just like a barrier.

Demi-humans were running away in different directions when the plaza was lit up by the pillar of light, they were all watching from afar with nervous expressions of what’s to come.

Similarly, soldiers surrounded the plaza while having an expression cramped with fear.

Bekibeki~, Baki~, Beki~!! *Sound of branches breaking*

Immediately afterwards, a scream-like sound was emitted by the tree’s overhead as they broke. [Goodness gracious, has a new monster appeared!], as Fair Bergen’s residents took a forward stance, it appeared.

What they saw first was a huge mass of metal. Gradually lowering it’s altitude and finally the residents of Fair Bergen noticed that it was a gondola. Afterwards, the appearance of a devilfish-like airship “Feruniru” was seen. The ground was illuminated by the two powerful searchlights which were attached to the bottom of its front and back in order to look for a safe place to land.

The surrounding people could do nothing but simply open their eyes and mouths widely in astonishment, Feruniru slowly lowered the gondola to the ground and purges it, then it landed beside the gondola.

The plaza was completely filled up with the gondola and Feruniru and the surrounding people took distance from it in a panic. At the same time, they had a, what’s going to happen now, face filled with unease as they looked.

Then, at that time, the front and back of the rectangular shaped gondola suddenly opened up. The Demi-humans were startled. The soldier’s hands which held their weapons were drenched in sweat and, ~Gokuri~, the sound of their throats could be heard. Their expressions stiffened up when they thought about what might jump out of the gondola which was wrapped in darkness.

Among the residence’s gazes, what appeared from the atmosphere timidly was……an Usagininzoku girl. With that, the residents expressions turned into bewilderment. In that situation where the residents couldn’t process and understand yet, Demi-humans appeared one after another from the darkness.

Those who came out from the gondola in succession, all equally looked around their surroundings with a slightly unbelieveable expression. In the serene silence of the cool air, vigorously, along with the security they felt while surrounded by trees, the nostalgic lights of Fair Bergen, and the sight of their brethren who they believed they’d never see again.

Although they were still in a stunned state like vegetation absorbing water, they were gradually realising. “We’ve finally returned to our hometown” is what they said.

Fair Bergen’s residents were also the same as well.

A woman hesitatingly advanced ahead slowly. It was a middle-aged woman who had dropped down inumimis. She had tears accumulating in the corners of her eyes and gently called out the name which she thought was lost.

[…..Zack, are you Zack?]

The one who reacted to that voice was a boy who similarly had dropped down inumimis. It was that boy which Kouki had worried about at the Empire. Once the boy caught the appearance of the woman, his face crumpled up into tears and started running out.

[Ka-san!*Mom*]

[Zack!]

As the woman knelt down and expanded out her arms, the boy leaped into her chest. The woman who was called, mother, was tightly embracing her son within her arms to confirm that it wasn’t a fantasy. And the parent and child had tears flowing out of delight from their miraculous reunion.

During the period of the parent and child’s reunion, the Demi-humans and residents realized that they’ve returned and shouted out in joy which shook the ground as they ran towards each other, family and friends were releasing a powerfully bright voice every time they met up with acquaintances and lovers who were safe.

Fair Bergen was wrapped up in great joy, the usual quiet tranquility suddenly disappeared and a festival-like racket began.

Inside of the clamor of Demi-humans which was filled with overflowing smiles, Alfrerick as well as the other elders came running up to Hajime and them who got off Feruniru.

[Boy…..you had a completely unexpected appearance]

[N? Ahh, Alfrerick huh. Ma~a, there were various bothersome things so overlook it for me]

When Alfrerick looked overhead at the trees which folded and broke, he showed a wry smile as he talked, Hajime was scratching his cheek and had a slightly embarrassed expression.

From the skies of the Sea of Trees, the idea to descend down onto and crushing the trees without question just to enter from the outside of the Sea of Trees because using a gate to transfer everyone was too troublesome was due to careless judgement from his magical power being reduced to almost nothing.

However, because Hajime had been impressed by Fair Bergen’s beautiful scenery, as expected there’s was a slight feeling of having done something bad.

[Sorry, Yue. Can I rely on you?]

[N…..leave it to me]

When Hajime called out to Yue by his side, Yue’s lips loosened into a wry smile and she extended out her right arm overhead.

[“Absolute Imitation”] *That’s what I’m calling it, ??*

Reproduction magic “Absolute Imitation”. It’s a magic which restores all destruction regardless of whether it was organic or inorganic matter.

The moment Yue activated the magic, the tree’s overhead immediately regained their former appearances. The elders exposed absentminded expressions towards the irrational magic which they witnessed. Only Alfrerick was able to guess that it was due to obtaining new Age of Gods magic and he massaged his forehead wrinkles like he was tired.

[Oji-sama, although I sympathize with your feelings, it’s about time we should…….]

[Mu, that’s right. Boy…..no, Nagumo-dono. I’ve roughly heard of the circumstances from Cam. Though it was unbelievably sudden, it appears that my brethren have really been released. we’ve likely just experienced a historical moment right now. First of all, as Fair Bergen’s representative, I thank you]

[That’s what you say but, the ones who did everything was the Hauria tribe. Please don’t make mistakes here?]

Hajime gave a warning towards Alfrerick’s words as he was indifferently putting the gondola and Feruniru back away into the “Treasure Warehouse”. Suddenly the enormous objects from the plaza disappeared and the people who were expressing their joys began blinking their eyes. Then they paid attention towards Hajime and them who were facing the Elders.

[Ahh, of course. To begin with if the Haruia tribe wasn’t here, Fair Bergen may have been completely obliterated from the previous attack. Considering that as well, there’s nothing else to believe. Fufu~, never in my long life…..did I ever expect that it would be the weakest and banished Haruia tribe that would have defeated the Empire]

The Hauria tribe challenged the Empire to a fight and came out victorious and they even rescued all the brethren—-that fact having been stated from Alfrerick’s mouth made the residents realise who the people that allowed them to reunite with their important people were.

They turned their attention to Cam who was standing next to Alfrerick with a straightened back. What dwelled in their eyes was not contempt at the weakest race but, great awe and respect of looking at a hero.

When Cam notices those glances, as if he had thought of something a mischievous smile appeared on his lips and he slowly raised his right hand. And as if saying, [Come over here!], he bent his fingertips. It was a hand signal which they used when they invaded the castle.

In that instant, it seemed like someone would instinctively tsukkomi, [*light hearted no’s* Iya, Iya, where were you guys hiding!], the other Hauria tribesmen suddenly appeared around Cam! And they all took an “At ease” stance while lined up without moving at all as they awaited their command.

Cam had a satisfied smile as he looked at his tribesmen who stood in a line, his eyes were sharp like a blade and filled with drive which was enough to make people back away unconsciously, all of the residents——to be exact it was the Usagininzoku who he raised his voice towards.

[My brethren. People of the Sea of Trees who have suffered humiliation and resignation over the long time. Listen. Though we’ve managed to overcome the Empire this time, eternal peace is impossible. All of your futures will definitely be threatened once again, not too long from now]

The hundreds of Usagininzoku that were at the plaza trembled in fear towards those words. Will the painful days of the Empire come once again? they’re eyes clinged onto Cam who was making a speech.

[Once that happens, you guys will once again experience days like yesterday. No, not only that. This time, even comrades who have escaped being slaves will also suffer the same fate]

Although they were safe now, the dark future was pointed out, not only the Usagininzoku but also the other Demi-humans were looking down.

[Are you guys fine with that?]

There’s no way it’s fine. We never want to return to those days where our dignity was trampled on. Let alone, allowing our precious people to experience those pains as well.

But, even if you say that, what should we do……

Cam was glancing sternly at his brethren who were looking down, and as if the answer was right before their eyes, he further increased his voice.

[There’s no way that’s fine right? Then, what should we do. It’s simple. If you want to protect those who are important to you right now…..fight. If you don’t wish to live while being exploited in resignation then…..stand up for yourselves. If you wish to change the Usagininzoku’s circumstances then……fill your heart with hatred! Just like how we of the Hauria Tribe did! The Usagininzoku was never the weakest to begin with! As long as you have determination, then you can become stronger than any other race! We’ve already proven that!]

Some leaked an, [Ah…..]. They realised that those who broke through the huge enemy and rescued them were not a special existence but the same Usagininzoku that they were. One of the Usagininzoku that was looking down rose their face up once again.

[Remember the humiliation that you received at the Empire. Do not contempt yourselves that it was due to unfortunate circumstances. Continue protecting your important people with your own hands. If you have the time to indulge yourself in resignation then take up your weapons! We’ll teach you how to fight. If you seek power, if you’ve decided to fight then, you should come and join us. The Hauria tribe will always welcome you guys at any time!!]

After Cam finished ending his speech, he gave out a hand signal once again. Then, the Hauria tribesmen as if they were ninjas spread out and disappeared in an instant!

Once they saw that, Cam confirmed that the fires were lit up within the Usagininzoku’s eyes and he chuckled to himself. [It looks like our military power’s increased once again! I’ll make sure to not miss the chance to remodel their minds immediately once they first participate in the training!] he thought.

[Boss, I’m sorry to have side tracked. It was just too good a time to secure talented people]

[Ahh, I don’t particularly mind. ……So even you’ve become able to speak like that~. With that, how about uniting all the Usagininzoku with the Hauria?]

[Hahaha, if it comes to that then we’ll become quite fearsome!]

[……Recently, father’s demeanor has become more and more like Hajime-san’s. I feel that the “Gentle Usagininzoku” will become exterminated not too long from now]

Shia was looking far into the distance with a dry smile. It appears that it’s only a matter of time before all Usagininzoku’s become brainwashed.

By the way, Gaharudo was also there. Right before his eyes, the Hauria tribe which defeated him were gathering forces but he didn’t say anything in particular. Or rather, he was in a situation where he couldn’t say anything. In order to not needlessly give more information than necessary on Fair Bergen away, Hajime made him wear magic sealing shackles which were attached to his feet and arms and a mask which completely shut out light and sound (Yellow soil colored).

After this and after explaining the oath as proof of the Empire’s defeat to the elders, they planned to immediately return him through the gate. That was the only reason they brought along the Emperor—-there wasn’t anything like dignity.

[Fumu, we can’t let them stay out here any longer. Guide them inside. Arutena, I’m relying on you]

[Yes, oji-sama. Sa~a, it’s this way. Nagumo-sama]

Because of Cam’s speech, they attracted too much attention for a simple greeting, so Alfrerick urged Arutena to guide them into the hall that was prepared.

Arutena who received the task, nodded once, and then for some reason she tried to take hold of Hajime’s hand while smiling radiantly to guided them. That action wasn’t missed in Yue and their eyes. By chance, his right hand had already been held onto by Yue so she aimed towards the left side where Shia was, however Shia similarly smiled radiantly as she casually took back Hajime’s left hand.

Shia and Arutena’s line of sight intersected. For some reason you could hear an auditory hallucination of electricity being discharged ~Bachi Bachi~.

[We’re counting on you ( . . . . ) to guide us. Arutena-san?]

[Yes, of course, Shia-san. But, since there are lots of people, for the sake of not losing you guys, I’d like to hold onto his hand?]

So she says, Arutena tries to get back Hajime’s left hand which Shia took. It appears that she was properly listening to Cams provocation. It was an unbecoming attitude for the princess of the forest people*for some reason the author isn’t referring to them as elves anymore, unless forest people in japanese is supposed to stand for elf?*. Rather than facing Hajime so on and so forth*This line’s iffy, ??????????????*, Shia’s sense of rivalry seemed to have been pretty strong.

[Just according to plan!], is what Cam seems to say as he was grinning from ear to ear, having guessed the circumstances of the surroundings Hajime smiled while releasing blood lust. In an instant, Cam broke out in cold sweat like a waterfall.

Hajime who was slightly stressed let out a sigh towards Cam and tightly gripped onto Shia’s hand.

[Ah…..]

Shia unintentionally let out a voice. Then at the next moment she smiled brightly and she tightly embraced Hajime’s arm. Although it was his artificial arm, due to its artificial nerves he was able to feel the wonderful feeling of having his left arm buried into her breasts.

While looking at such a happy Shia, Arutena unintentionally looked towards Hajime, Hajime’s eyes were coldly stating, [Quickly guide us in], then her shoulders quickly dropped and she began to downheartedly guide them. From the start, it was imbalanced due to Shia who traveled with him and had lots of contact rather than with Arutena, the results were obvious.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once they were guided into the hall, the elders sat towards the end, and the Hauria tribesmen including Cam was also at the meeting, and on the right was Gaharudo who sat across from Hajime.

He’s already publicly declared the defeat of the Hoelscher Empire and Gaharudo has said the contents of the oath, to which the elders and others can testify to. With this, all elders seemed to admit that the Hauria tribe was telling the truth.

[Fu~n. However, how dare you nonchalantly come here alone. You’re our sworn enemy. Surely you don’t think you can return safely?]

One of the elders—–Zell of the Toraninzoku*Tiger*, stared at Gaharudo with hate who entered into enemy territory alone haughtily. The atmosphere was like anything could go flying at any moment.

However, even if such a gare was turned to Gaharudo, he was indifferent.

[Ha~a? Isn’t it obvious that that’s what I thought. I honestly doubt you’d actually try to kill me. If that were to happen then it would only mean that Fair Bergen’s leaders are full of idiots]

[What was that you bastard!]

Alfrerick was holding back Zell who was furious.

[Zell, stop it. I understand your feelings. The reason Gaharudo came here was for the sake of pledging to the oath which the Hauria tribe placed on him. Nothing more, nothing less. If he was killed now, then all meaning would be lost in the Hauria’s actions which they risked their lives for]

[Ku~…..]

Zell made a mortifying face and threw his fist against the floor.

Gaharudo was laughing through his nose when he saw Zell. The atmosphere in that place was the worst. It was clear that Gaharudo had no sense of guilt for having enslaved the Demi-humans and also had no intent of apologising. However, Gaharudo enslaved the Demi-humans because they were weak, the story of the Hauria tribe being able to free the Demi-humans was simply because they were strong. The elders gazed at Gaharudo with murderous intent and the situation further increased as Gaharudo simply laughed provocatively.

The one who easily broke apart that situation without questions asked was Hajime. Quit being so irritating already.

[Oi, Gaharudo. That’s enough from you. Hurry up and leave]

[Ah?]

As Hajime got up and ignored Gaharudo’s voice of confusion, he activated the gate while firmly holding onto the root of Gaharudo’s neck.

[O, oi! You can’t be seriously sending me back at this moment! Wait a little, I’ve finally come to Fair Bergen, there’s a lot of things I want to find out about. Also you guys too, tch let go! Kora, you! I’m the Emperor! Don’t go dragging me!]

Although Gaharudo was struggling violently, he wasn’t able to overcome the inhumane strength holding him and he was mercilessly thrown into the other side of the gate.

Certainly, the reason why they brought along the Emperor was only because he had to admit to the oath that the Hauria created and everything else he says afterwards was unnecessary but…..[I’ll remember this! Nagumo Hajime~e!!] as the Emperor shouted out it created a doppler effect as he disappeared onto the other side of the gate, that scene certainly provoked some sympathy.

Ririana who was by the side had an strangely glad face though, [Even though you’re an Emperor~, even though you’re an Emperor~, the way you’re treated~] she muttered out rhythmically. It appears that she was happy to have made a new comrade in having been treated in the same crude way that she was treated with.

Recently, Ririana had started becoming a regrettable princess, Shizuku who was by her side looked at her regrettably.

On the hand, the elders, especially Zell, were glaring at Hajime. [Why, did you dismiss the Emperor!] is what their eyes were expressing. The truth was quite ridiculous, to be honest, Hajime had no reason to be here either so if Gaharudo was returned then he could quickly leave.

[Please wait, Nagumo-dono. We still haven’t decided on an appropriate repayment. Would you please stay around for a bit longer]

[No, I don’t need anything, so. Those glances are irritating so we’re leaving]

[Don’t say that. If nothing is done with this much debt of gratitude, it’ll be extremely shameful for us Demi-humans. At the very least, allow us to give you a place to sleep and eat for tonight. That’s why, please stay around a while longer]

[….Haa~, I get it]

Although Hajime thought it was troublesome, he nodded to Alfrerick and sat down where he was before. after confirming that, Alfrerick turned around towards Cam.

[Well then, with this, the distinguishing achievements that the Hauria tribe has done has certainly been confirmed. Even though you were banished, you’ve helped us repel the invasions, moreover, going even as far as getting back all of our brethren from the Empire through an oath. We must repay you at all costs. For the time being, there is no one in opposition towards revoking your banishment. This was already decided after the last elder meeting after the invasion. From now on, you may visit Fair Bergen whenever you wish]

Revoking their banishment. That decision was already overturned at the last elder conference, having admitted to it just showed how big the achievements that the Hauria tribe contributed to were.

However, Cam only muttered, [Is that so], while not particularly glad at all. His attitude was that anything was fine.

[And also. For your distinguished achievements on this occasion, Cam, as chief of the Hauria tribe, I’d like to propose that as a reward, he may become a new elder. How do you other elders feel about it?]

All of the aides had wide opened eyes in surprise towards Alfrerick’s words. Over the last several hundred years, there has never been an event where a different race was presented the seat of elder. It had always been the 6 kinds of Demi-humans, the Forest people, Tiger people, Bear people, Winged people, Fox people, and the natural natives. If you add in the Usagininzoku into that formula, then from the Demi-human’s perspective, it could only be referred to as a historical feat of honor for their race.

The other elders looked at one another and nodded after hearing Alfrerick’s words, it was a unanimous agreement.

[Fumu, that’s how it is. Cam. Will you accept the seat as an elder?]

[Of course, I refuse]

[ [ [ [ […….Eh?] ] ] ] ]

Somehow or another, an atmosphere like, [Lets welcome our new companion!] appeared but, Cam easily cut apart that atmosphere. All of the elder’s eyes became dots. It seems that they never thought they’d be rejected.

[…….Can I hear why?]

Somehow Alfrerick managed to recover, he was bearing a headache, wondering what was bad about something that Demi-humans thought to have been the greatest reward.

[There’s no particular reason, to begin with you guys are fundamentally mistaken about something]

[A misunderstanding?]

[That’s right. The reason why all Demi-humans were rescued was only due to the occasion. What made us decide to take action was because we thought about the future which would be the end of the Usagininzoku. The other Demi-humans, if I were to say it, “doesn’t matter”]

[……What was that]

The elders looked at Cam unbelievably who was talking indifferently.

[Therefore, don’t get the wrong idea. We the Hauria tribe were never your ally. If, you guys who have tasted victory on this occasion decide to go off and wage war on the humans and start stocking up on weapons which cause trouble for us and boss then……you’d best believe that the Hauria tribe’s blade will be pointed at you]

[Are, are we not your brethren! Do you plan on pointing your blades towards your own fellow Demi-humans! Isn’t that insane!]

[Fu~n, it won’t change that you guys look down on the Usagininzoku. There’s no point in trying to get all intimate. Ma~a, that kind of thing doesn’t really matter. Anyways, all of our blades are held simply for the Usagininzoku’s future. As long as you guys carve that onto your chests, then its fine]