Chapter 159 (1/2)
People freed from the demon fortress lined up to get out of the hole.
Regardless of age or gender, they all looked worn out and exhausted.
”Do you recognize any of these names?”
”No, I don't.”
”Do you?”
”I don't remember them.”
I go around showing my friends' names on a piece of paper.
Kaede and Frau were also asking the rest of the people. I knew they were not going to be here.
There was no response to the guide needle either.
I hoped I had a clue at least.
”Master, please come quickly!”
”What's wrong!?”
Kaede called out to me and I ran out.
Could it be that she found them?
There was a woman from the rat tribe with her.
”Are you the man who knows Soara-Sama and Pione-Sama?”
”Yes.”
”Then your name is Toru?”
”You know me!?”
The woman stared at me as if she was analyzing me.
”I'm surprised you came here. Soara-Sama used to say that someone called Toru would come to her rescue.”
”And where are they now?”
”They probably managed to escape safely. I'm not sure where they went, but if Isabella is still with them, they should be in the west, that's where her hometown is.”
She then told me in detail what had happened so far.
She told me that the two of them had organized a great escape plan a while back.
The charismatic Pione and Soara helped many people escape, which no one else could do.
Some were recaptured, but a large number of them managed to escape.
”Those two girls were a ray of hope for us. Please make sure they're okay.”
”Of course I will. They are two important people to me.”
At last, I finally got a solid lead.
It was a good decision to come here after all.
”Please reconsider our offer! It was thanks to the Manyu Brigade that we were able to accomplish this mission. I insist that you meet with our king and receive the reward you deserve.”
”I am flattered, but I have something very important I need to do.”
Director Nuch was trying to keep us from leaving.
Behind him stood the soldiers, their faces sad and tearful.
”Kaede-Chan is leaving!!!”
”Damn, I've never felt so much pain!
”I'm going to leave the army to go with you!”
”Don't be stupid, you'll only be a nuisance!”
”Frau-Chan! Frau-Chan, don't leave me!”
Well, apparently no one cares that I'm leaving.
I'm not upset, but it'd be nice to at least feel like I'd be missed.
I feel a little sad over this.
”Soldiers! Don't get depressed, we'll meet them again someday!”
”Yes! We'll speak of the legend of the Manyu Brigade on our travels.”
After hearing the soldiers' responses, one of the soldiers waved a banner that said ”Kaede the goddess of music”.
These boys were enchanted with Kaede....
We separated from Galbaran's army and headed west through the Great Forest.
We took a break waiting for Kaede to finish scanning the area with her keen sense of smell for Soara and Pione's scent.
I was pensive as I looked at my fishing line dangling in the river.
”We found Luna. And now we know that Soara and Pione are alive. If we're lucky, we'll be able to find them soon. But I'm still worried about Nei, Marianne, Alusha and Lynn. I wish I knew where they are.”
”Master～”
Kaede comes back with her arms full of fruits.
She seems to be much happier now. She was less cheerful before when we traveled with the army.
She said she wished to have some time alone with me.
”Where's Frau?”
”She went out with Panda to look for food. She was chasing a deer when I saw her just now. Fufufu...”