Vol 4 Chapter 4 (1/2)

Setting off from the city which was located at the foothill, they spent about two hours to reach Gray Bridge Fort before dusk

What should we do if we got rejected at the gate—— they harboured such worries, but it was fortunate that the fort commander was Elise’s uncle Moreover, Elise visited here a few tinised Elise

Bastian and Elise entered the fort

The guard welcomed Bastian and Elise and also expressed his condolences for the death of the queen before continuing leading theh the stone corridor

Gray Bridge Fort was built on the southern area of the mountain

Behind it were the mountains, in front of it was a mountain slope

The left and right side of the fort were rivers

The surface of the rock was eroded by the river, resulting in a valley which height was immeasurable

Over there was a stone bridge

In other words, to climb the mountain which the fort was on, they eventually have to cross the bridge It was a good position to prevent ene

Theto overcoh

There should be other ways other than ascending the ht

Looking at the size of the castle, there should be around one thousand to one thousand and five hundred people inside It looks really tough to siege it

Elise spoke while Bastian was still observing the area

“Is this kind of castle rare, Bastian?”

“No”

“Is there so special about it?”

“No, it’s just that when I see a fort or such, I will always think of ways to attack it”

“One nors”

“I,is that so?”

The buildings inside the city were divided into two types: Half of it were caves dug out of the cliff, to be used by soldiers The other half were built out of bricks, such as the towers

There was usually only one tower used as observation post for Belgaria’s forts However, the forts in High Britannia have four towers

There are h Britannia’s forts and cities, even the capital is full of towers Why is that so?

While Bastian was pondering about it, they were brought to one of the four tohich have a ht

Inside the toas a si only plain wooden tables and chairs

Theover to their direction while s

“It’s great that you are fine… … Elizabeth”

“Uncle!”

Elise ran over emotionally

The man also ran towards Elise and finally able to properly say the words he wanted to, “It’s great that you reached here without any problem”

Bruno Carlos Victoria was already fifty year old

He was dressed in black, possibly it was still thehi could be considered simple to a marquis or a colonel

As Elise was relieved, tears began to form at the corners of her eyes

As Bruno Carlos was concerned about Elise, he almost cried too

This scenehim to cry

“Sniff… Well, we can finally take a break here”

“This is all thanks to you”

“That’s not it It’s because of the effort you put in, all I did was just give you a hand”

“Even if that’s the case If it weren’t for you, I…”

“I understand Please read my masterpiece after you reach Queen’s Tower, youit!”

“Ahh, of course”

Elise s her tears away

Bruno Carlos stretched out his right hand

In response, Bastian shook his hand

That hand belonged to soth, totally unlike a hand of someone as fifty

“I do not kno to thank you… … I’rateful that you helped Elise, I do not knohat else to say”

“I’ me… … Well, we have yet to reach the capital I believe this is just the beginning”

“Yes… … That’s right… … Regarding that point… … I have so to say to you”

“Hm?”

“It’s important”

“I understand”

Bastian nodded and let go of his hand

Bruno Carlos turned towards Elise

“Elizabeth, can you go to the dining hall first? The soldier here will lead you there I have so to discuss with Bastian”

Bastian said “it’s fine, why don’t you go off first” towards Elise who looked uneasy

What is it that he want to say? Please hurry up, I wanted to have dinner with Elise, Bastian thought

Elise opened the door and left the room

“See you later, Bastian”

“Ooh!”

Elise said those words to Bastian before leaving

“So, what is it that you want to talk about?”

“You’re a Belgariane, right?”

Bruno Carlos cut to the chase immediately

Bastian shook his head

“Haa, looks like I got exposed”

Even though he earing sunglasses to hide his face, others could guess he was a Belgariane from his name alone

Moreover, the High Britannia language he used had a Belgaria accent

Although both sounds similar, there were differences

Looks like I still have a long way to go as I failed to ht

“You are a hot topic in the army Even if the civilians doesn’t know, this has spread between the soldiers”

“Ahh, I see”

After all, he defeated a feht named Glenda easily

Bruno Carlos shook his head and had a troubled look

“I… also wished to respect Elizabeth’s friend, but ill the soldiers think of this instead?”

“Hoill they think… …”

“The call for war is gaining momentum as people think that a ill improve our lives and that the slow economy will also improve

“Is that so? Are there no one out there who oppose war?… … Benefits and such, they will only knohen a war start”

“I oppose war”

“If you aren’t, it will be headache for me, really!”

If Bruno Carlos changed his e problem

“Queen Charlotte often bring this topic up, coe that is often in conflict while another village that kept on fanning the fire of conflict”

“Ah, Elise also mentioned it before! So she actually learned it from the queen”

“This is soreed on”

“I can understand It’s fine Although Belgaria is constantly at war, I believe that it’s better without any war”

However, Bastian rearia

Bruno Carlos sighed

“In any case, the soldiers and citizens have been calling for war I believe Elizabeth opposed it as she is a pacifist”

“Of course”

She left school with the ihts because of this

On the way back to the capital, she was attacked by Margaret’s supporters ere in the war faction

The knights died and Elise was nearly killed

As Elise promised to read Bastian manuscript, Bastian coincidentally saved her while he was trying to give her his work

Nor such event However, Elise did not give up her goal of going back to the capital

They rested in a hotel in Applewood for a night, but received the news regarding the death of the queen the next day

In addition, soldiers were after Elise and a string of events happened Even Elise could not take it anymore and cried

Breaking out of encircle out of Applewood

They eventually arrived here due to e driver

“Elise is definitely against war”

“However, the citizens will not agree with the new queen when she has a Belgariane friend who share the saaria

“Eh!?”

Bastian did not consider this before

Bruno Carlos continued:

“The citizens will only think that the new queen isn’t a pacifist, but just a puppet of Belgaria”

“What’s that about! I am…!!”

No, it couldn’t be helped that this man will say it this way

Hoould the citizens react when they know that Bastian was a friend of Elise

“It’s fine if you’re a et here… … However, that’s not the case if you are her friend You’re a Belgariane after all!”

“Argh… …”

Bastian faltered

He thought that everything would be settled once they reached the capital

However, his existence would cause trouble for Elise ould be the next queen

“There aria’s shadows on Elizabeth and the parliament is the representative of the citizens Even if she was named the successor by queen Charlotte, there could be a chance that the parliament will object”

“ …”

Bastian was speechless

He never once thought about it

Bruno Carlos warned him,

“You also cherish Elizabeth, right? If that’s the case, you can understand without ”

His tone was firm

It was not a co him Bastian racked his brain

He remembered the old man in the palace

His frozen brain started churning again

“After all, I’ her If my presence will cause her trouble, then it’s easy”

Bruno Carlos waited for his answer anxiously

While Bastian was confir it

“—— My disappearance will solve it”

Silence fell between them

Although that was not the original intention, but it was the best answer

Using his right hand to support his sunglasses, Bastian turned around

“I will leave the rest to you, Mr Bruno Carlos”

“You’re not going to see her one last time?”

“The soldiers wouldn’t want to see the new queen crying over a Belgariane, no?”

“You’re right”

If this was the case, this was really an unprecedented gloomy farewell

Hence, he was somewhat sad

Although it was earlier than expected, he knew that they would need to part way someday If they safely reached the capital, Bastian’s mission would be over

“Do you have any e for me to pass to her?”

“Hm? Ah, then please… …”

His hand reached for the book that was bound to his belt This was so Elise promised to read, it was Bastian’s work

However, his hand stopped

If he gave her his hich ritten in Belgaria language… … She would definitely read it since she was serious by nature However, this would cause a co this period of time while she ascend the throne

That would be due to his own ht about this countless ti the parliae her This further upset Bastian

More iiven to a stubborn old man like Bruno Carlos, Elise probably would not be able to see it

No, wouldn’t it be inspected since this would be handed to a royalty?

This book represents the author’s feeling—— He wanted people who know about it read it, but did not want outsiders to read it

How e!

That being said, he was not that thick-skinned to say so her one last time

The corner of Bastian’s mouth twisted

He put down his hand which was in front of his chest

“Nothing… … There’s nothing to give her”

“Is that so? In that case, at least leave a e, I can help you pass it to her”

“ … Huu… … The holy knight began his journey as a new darkness called hi me”

Bruno Carlos nodded

“Is that a code?”

“I’et what I just said”

It did not give a serious vibe to others nofroht

Bruno Carlos wanted to give Bastian so along such things

Bastian raised one of his hand and walked out of the room

“Well, this journey was a fun experience for me”

“I will pass this e to her”

Bruno Carlos said with a pained expression

The door closed

At that moment, he said softly

“ … Sorry”

“Can you go to the dining hall first?”

Elise, as told that, was chased out to have a meal alone

A circular dining hall, circular dining tables, even the chairs were circular

Bastian is hungry, so he will definitely coht

Elise had a bad premonition and tried to return to the roouards

“This is an order by the co theave up

Although she orried, she thought there would be no problem if it was Bastian Rather, he would be worried about her instead, Elise thought Not long after that, the door opened

Her uncle stood there alone

Bruno Carlos dismissed the soldiers

Elise was uneasy about it

“That… …”

“Sorry to let you wait, Elizabeth”

“ …That, uncle?”

“If it’s about Bastian… … For your sake, he returned He said that it was fun throughout this journey”

After hearing those words, Elizabeth wanted to dash towards the door

“How can that be!”

“You cannot go!”

An angry voice as loud as thunder resounded

“Hya!?”

Elise was stopped by the voice

Bruno Carlos warned her

“He did this for you! Do you not understand? Elizabeth!”

“B,but…”

Elise are of it If she was close to a Belgariane, it would bring ers Even if she knew about it, tears started to form at the corners of her eyes

“But, not even saying a farewell, how selfish”

“Do you want to let the soldiers see you cry? Do you want to let his sacrifice go to waste? If you do not want to inherit queen Charlotte’s will…”

He stopped his words upon there

“Eh?!” Elizabeth was surprised as she saw tears dripping down from Bruno’s eye

“Sorry”

“Uncle?”

“Go and have yourthe journey to here Do have a bath too”

Elise understood that she could only do as he said However, her heart says otherwise and has yet to accept such a farewell

“Come, have a seat”

Bruno Carlos picked up the chair which was knocked down Using the chair to support his shoulders as he sat down, he looked like a depressed child

A spoon was handed over

“Does the food here fits your taste? We, the soldiers, were taught that eating and resting are also part of our responsibility That goes the same you, isn’t it?”

“Yes”

However, the spoon in her hand felt as if it was heavy Even the dish in front that should be delicious looked like a lump of mud to her

Elise’swas said

“Bastian, he really left?”

At that moment, there was a knock on the door

Could it be Bastian?! Elise harboured such impossible hope

However, the voice beyond the door was not one that she recognised

“Reporting, commander!”

“Please wait a moment”

Bruno Carlos stood up and opened the door personally

The soldier stood still and gave a bow

“Sorry to disturb you while you are having your meal”

“Princess Elizabeth is tired, let us move to another room to discuss military matters”

“Understood!”

“I will be back soon” Leaving such words behind, Bruno Carlos left the room

Leaving Elise alone in the room

Bastian andering in the streets

He was depressed during dusk, but becaht

“Uoooooooh!!”

Running as he shouted, he transformed his emotions into sweat

When he realised it, it took him just ten minutes to return to the city which took him and Elise two hours to climb

The sun slowly set in the west, causing the red sky to be slowly dyed black During thison the messy roads in the city

On both sides of the streets, there were shops that were opening, while so their stalls

“Welcome! Please have a taste of this!”

A young vendor was trying to attract custoressively

“Eh? Me?”

There was a brick oven at the side of the road Sticks of potato were being roasted

Thinking about it, there was a fragrance of potato roasting

There were also people selling roasted sweet potato

“You’re a student, right? It’s rare to see one here! How about it, the sweet potato is fresh!+”

“ Potato is it? No, I don’t have any money…… Ah, well… … it should be fine now”

Bastian relasses

“What could this be traded for?”

“Awa!? Ahh… … Even all the potato here isn’t enough to compensate you!”

“No, it’s fine”

“I can’t! As a trader, onemore than I should”

“Is that so?”

“That’s right! That’s right! You can have it, you look like you are going to collapse any moment”

“ … Sorry”

“If you want to pay, just a token sum will do How about one pound?”

“That is expensive!? Where did the honest trading go?”

The vendor laughed

No matter what, it had been awhile since Bastian had a meal

Bastian sat on a chair beside the streets There was no table, but a basket was in front of the chair It was to collect the used wooden sticks

The vendor served the potato

Receiving it, Bastian stared at the potato

It arh

Delicious! After finishi+ng one, the young vendor said “That’s a great i! Have another one!” The vendor served him another potato

Bastian finished the second potato in an instant

The way Bastian ate the potatoes attracted people, causing theood

Even though it was closing tiood If this was pre business

The chairs placed beside the stall were mostly filled, it was almost a full house

After finishi+ng his meal, Bastian’s stomach swelled

He yelled, ran and ate…

He thought that he was not as depressed as before

All his trouble poured out together with a long sigh

“Haa… Well, isn’t it fine? In the first place, I came here to study to avoid those troublesome politics I can’t become involved in another country's’ politics”

I trust that Elise’s uncle will definitely bring her to the capital

Bastian’s head was full of faces that Elise made before

A shocked face after hearing his words

A determined face as she stared at him to reject his ideas

Her calm face as she retorts Bastian

Huh? Why a crazy? Aren’t there supposed to bethat way, Bastian turned his head while it got more bustle behind him

“Hey! Twenty servings! Hurry up!”

“Got it! Please wait a moment!”

It was a roup

There should be more than ten people That reminds me, the city seems to be filled with mercenaries Bastian raised his brows and asked the busy vendor

“Hey, why are there so many mercenaries in this city? Is it always like this?

While the vendor turned his back on him, he baked potatoes in the oven and said

“No, there aren’t that h thanks to the lord here gathering thefor me”

“Gathering mercenaries? Is it to prepare for war?”

“Even if you ask me, I also do not know”

“True…”

Sounds of laughter caroup of mercenaries

“I’rateful for this! To hire us even before the war”

“It’s a good deal!”

“That’s right! Hahahaha!”

“Hey, it’s getting dark, students like you should be going home”

They do not seemed to be locals based on their accent

Perhaps they are mercenaries from afar

Thatfor war

Dark clouds spread over Bastian's heart

“ … Why is a pacifist, so for war?”

This caused the h

“Pacifist?! H ago!”

“ What?!”

“Take a look! This is a sword that was created just recently! This is also the new gun! These can be found easily across the nation Be it Belgaria or Hispania, ill definitely not lose against them!”

‘That’s right! That’s right!”

The reed nosily

Bastian stood up

“What kind of joke is this! That guy… What is he going to do with Elise!?”

He looked up to the mountain

Under the dark sky,

On the slope was a line of lights roup of people was holding

“Oi… … What is that… …?”

Bastian’s lips quivered

The vendor which used wooden plates to serve the potato also looked up

“I don’t think there will be anyIt should be the army instead”

This was not the ti to such words

Neither were there time for him to be stunned

Bastian started running

I’m too careless!!

——————————————————

Elise was feeling puzzled when she was told that a guest was co

Only Bastian knew about her co as the guest

Perhaps the guest is the mayor of the city? Could it be that it’s already exposed? Elise asked Bruno Carlos, but she did not get a reply

“It’s better not to let the”

“ … I understand”

Elise took a quick bath and changed to a formal attire

The colour of the dress was not blue which her mother prepared for her to ascend the throne, but was red that see red wine

The dress was full of frills and the skirt' side ide open, causing her to be unable to calm down

Is this Bruno Carlos’ interest? Elise could not really understand as this dress was gifted by him

Bruno Carlos did not say anything, the talked to the spiral stairs in silence

At the highest level of the tower

The guest aiting here

Bruno Carlos put his hand on the door,

And lightly knocked