Chapter 96 (2/2)

【”You absolute moron, is there any sign of a brain left in your head? Although I’m not happy about it, I work under Justus. What am I supposed to do if people start talking about how I came in the way of something that is a part of his plans?”]

【”Then just leave that guy.”]

【”Idiot. I told you before that I have something to do that requires me to keep my position.”]

Harold and Liner’s opinions were like two parallel lines, never meeting with each other. However, in the end, the Sumeragi family would have no other choice than to respect Harold’s wishes anyway.

This was his own desire, and considering his standpoint, the Sumeragis had to abide. The Sumeragis’ opinion was actually that they should not make any official announcements about the group’s accomplishments in order not to make Harold stand out, even though it would be too bad for Liner and the others’ efforts not to be recognized. The one who suggested to make the group’s accomplishments public anyway was actually Harold himself.

He had asked Liner what he would do after all this, and Liner answered that he would take back his sword and defeat Justus, or something along those lines.

Having confirmed that, Harold had then insisted that Liner’s work should be made public. That way he would bathe in the people’s attention, and then, if he was perceived as a hero, it would make it difficult for the enemy to interfere with him. Yet, on the other hand, it would become easier for Liner and the others to take action.

Although a rise in popularity would be a double-edged sword, if handled well, it could be highly effective.

However, Harold had strictly ordered the Sumeragi family not to include his name in all that, and Liner opposed his decision…. And that was the cause for the current situation.

【”But isn’t it dangerous to stay around Justus? You don’t have to go this far…”]

【”That’s none of your business.”]

No matter how much Liner kept holding on, Harold showed no signs of accepting his request. That made Liner lose his temper and heat up out of anger.

【”It is my business! Last time we met, you saved me, and also, when Colette was ―― Mmm!”]

Liner let out a strange voice. The reason for that was Harold, who was sitting face-to-face with him. He had dexterously thrown a tea-cake right into Liner’s wide-opened mouth, therefore forcing him into silence.

Then, Harold quietly stood up and grabbed Liner, who was having trouble chewing the cake, by the nape of the neck.

【”That’s enough of you. It looks like I’m gonna have to teach your empty head a few things.”]

【”Mmm?!”]

Without a care for the struggling Liner, Harold dragged him along with him and took him away somewhere else.

Liner was likely being stopped because he was about to speak of how Harold had saved her in the past. Upon seeing that, Colette had a bitter smile on her face. The same facial expression could be seen on the faces of everyone else who knew about Harold’s circumstances, and about the past he wanted to hide.

【”Well, leaving those two alone, Colette, after this you guys will continue your journey, right?”]

【”Yes. It’s just like what Liner said.”]

【”If so, is it okay if I accompany you, too?”]

Lifa proposed to travel together with Colette’s group on their journey.

【”Huh? You want to accompany us, Lifa-chan?”]

【”There is no way I’m letting you go by yourselves.”]

【”I’m glad! I’m looking forward to it!”]

With a big smile on her face, Colette took Lifa’s hands and then shook them with an enormous force.

Which made Erica realize that Colette was still using honorifics when talking to her, even though she was open and direct when interacting with Lifa. That was due to Erica’s position as a noble, but the sense of distance it created still made her feel a little lonely.

【”Mhm, then, I’ll come too.”]

【”Oh? Are you sure that’s alright? Aren’t you part of the royal family?”](Lifa)

【”That’s precisely why I’ll come with you. I can’t forgive those thieves you’re pursuing, but above that, I absolutely cannot forgive Justus for the disorder he’s bringing. This man is tormenting the nation’s people, as a bearer of royal blood, I have to capture him at all costs.”]

【”…You just rose in my estimation. And here I thought you were just a pretend prince.”](Lifa)

【”You’re being real rude here!”]

It seemed like Francis had decided to follow Liner and the others from here on out.

But Colette was confused.

【”But then, why do you want to come with us, Lifa?”]

【”I have my reasons. Besides, I’ve got a small grasp on what that guy’s goal might be.”](Lifa)

【”His goal?”]

Colette did not seem to understand what that meant, but when Lifa spoke of Harold’s goals, Erica felt that something was out of place. The actions Harold had taken this time did not seem like himself. His real intention was likely to gather everyone who was present here together.

Erica, Liner, Colette, Lifa and Francis. Harold had already been acquainted with the five of them from beforehand. The possibility that all five of them would gather in the Sumeragi territory by accident was as likely as an actual miracle. Perhaps even Hugo was included in that.

Therefore, there was no doubt that Harold had caused this situation, and based on the chronology of the events that led to this, Harold had been thinking of making this situation happen for a considerable amount of time. It didn’t seem likely that he would elaborate all of this just to solve the miasma matter.

Then, why had Harold gathered them? This was yet another action that did not seem like something he would do.

He had also revealed his past and the danger that Justus represented. Normally, Harold would have hidden that, he would have faced Justus all by himself while talking daringly, and only then he would have made Erica and the others realize how cruel and dangerous of a man Justus really was.

But right now, Harold was trying to obstruct Justus’ plan. Probably for that reason, he went to work under him, to get in his way from within the obscurity, all the while aiming for the right moment to rebel against him. Also, if Erica and the others were to hinder Justus’ plans from the outside, it would become easier for Harold to take action from the inside.

Obstructing Justus from both the outside and the inside, that was Harold’s goal.

He was walking a thin line, taking big risks. However, that was likely proportionate to how dangerous Justus’ plans were.

Lending her strength to Harold here was likely the only occasion Erica would get to return his favors ever so lightly. She did not know to what extent she would be able to help, but if she could support Harold’s goals, even if only a little, then there was no reason to hesitate.

【”Colette-san.”]

【”What is it, Erica-san?”]

【”Would you allow me to come with you, too?”]

In response to Erica’s words, everyone had a surprised face, except for Lifa. Erica realized that, as she expected, Lifa’s thoughts were similar to her own.

Perhaps Lifa also wanted to become Harold’s strength.

【”E-E-Erican-san?! You want to come, too?! Oh god, what should I do…!”]

【”Erica….”]

【”Father, brother, please don’t stop me. This is what the Sumeragi family… No, this is what I ought to do.”]

Erica did not avert her gaze, she looked straight in the eyes of her father and brother; and looking like they were beaten by her persistence, each of the two of them let out a small breath.

【”This is a request from Erica who seldom ever asks for anything selfish. Let’s listen to her, dad.”]

【”….Yes. Even if I try to stop her, she won’t. I can see that from her eyes.”]

【”Thank you very much.”]

Erica deeply bowed her head.

Given her standing as a daughter of the Sumeragi family, her request could be said to be outrageous. However, her father and brother sympathized with her feelings and sent her off, so she was glad; both due to that kindness, and due to their trust, as she felt like they had acknowledged that she had grown up.

【”Uh, hmm….. Then, you’re coming for real?”]

【”Yes. I look forward to working alongside you, Colette-san.”]

【”What should we do, Liner?! This is a huge responsibility for us!”]

Colette shouted, seeking for the help of Liner, who was not currently there. Around that time, he was likely being trained by Harold. Harold’s training was tough on both the mind and the body, and he was as strict on himself as he was on other people.

However, that was Harold’s own way of being kind.

Erica loved that awkwardness of his, just like how she loved him, and she had to behave in accordance to that feeling. But right now, she still couldn’t convey her feelings to Harold, neither with words nor with actions.

【”Lifa-san, I look forward to working with you, too.”]

【”Yeah. Likewise, tomboy lady.”]

【”Hehe, this is the first time I’ve ever been called that”]

As Erica chuckled, Lifa smiled wryly in response.

Erica once again felt that Lifa was just like her, that she couldn’t help herself from wanting to become Harold’s supporting strength, no matter what.

Perhaps she and Lifa were actually rivals.

【”I thinks we’re gonna have a hard time on this journey…”]

【”Well, that can’t be helped. He’s a selfish man after all.”]

【”He sure is.”]

As they said so, Erica and Lifa both smiled.

But those smiles had no anxiety to them, they were bright like the blue sky of spring.

Translator’s note: So there you go, you got your rivalry people… though it was fortunately not as bloody as some of you were hoping ><

Anyway, I hope you’ll have a great day, see you next week ?