Vol 1 Prologue (1/2)
Prologue: In a Flash – translated by dahlys
If you could return to the day you met, what would the two of you do?
“Ah! Fate is unfathomable like that. Never would anyone be able to guess that such an ordinary encounter could lead to such an extraordinary future. Although our encounter that day contributed to a resplendent future, I sometimes find myself reminiscing about ordinary days. If time could be rewound, would I choose to step foot into that tavern where we met… Ah, no! Even if that tavern had not existed, we would definitely have met anyway, because our encounter was indispensable fate!”
–Bard
“With my blade, I’ll cut the tavern, destiny, and this b.a.s.t.a.r.d in half all at the same time.”
–Red Cloak
Dear Holy King…
May your radiance always s.h.i.+ne upon the Kingdom of Holy Light.
Do you remember?
In this world where both light and darkness exist,
The one defending your back,
What was her name again?
When they first met…
The knight smiled a dazzling smile,
The swordsman bravely swung her dual blades,
The cleric gently healed all pains and wounds,
And the bard sang about their adventures.
When all your companions had gathered by your side,
Do you remember?
That blade that slew your enemies,
What was her name again?
Ah! Destiny…
The knight walked the path of a king;
A road filled with blood and danger.
When their eyes met, there was no need for speech.
Without any need for oath or pledge,
The companions fought countless battles.
Do you remember?
She who always followed you faithfully,
What was her name again?
Please marry me…
As time pa.s.sed the knight became king,
And the companions scattered apart.
Even then, that woman never changed.
On the throne, the Holy King and Queen.
On the red carpet, she who knelt loyally.
Do you remember?
After that three word request was asked of her,
She was named the Warrior Queen!
Dear Holy King…
May your radiance always s.h.i.+ne upon the Kingdom of Holy Light.
The person wearing a red cloak sat quietly at the bar counter of the tavern, a seat specially meant for lonely people who had no acquaintances. Behind him, a wandering bard was singing the story of the Holy King. His voice was rather good, his tone clear and penetrating. His singing skills were also very good, so good that even Red Cloak, a person who had traveled all over the world, didn’t dare to say that he had heard a voice more beautiful than this bard’s.
However, it was obvious that the travelers in the tavern did not appreciate his singing. It was just one song, so it was fine even if it garnered no applause, but it actually attracted many shus.h.i.+ng sounds and glares instead.
“Looks like you chose the wrong song…” muttered Red Cloak in a low and somewhat hoa.r.s.e voice, making it quite impossible to tell whether the voice belonged to a man or woman.
“Is that so? But this is my favorite song, ‘Ballad of the Warrior Queen’!”
Red Cloak didn’t seem the least bit surprised to hear that clear and penetrating voice from behind him. Under his hood, the corners of Red Cloak’s mouth merely turned up a little and he plainly said, “To my knowledge, the ‘Ballad of the Warrior Queen’ is not sung like this.”
As if it were only natural, the bard said after sitting down next to Red Cloak, “The one that I sang is the real ‘Ballad of the Warrior Queen,’ definitely!”
Smiling, Red Cloak shook his head and softly sang.