Chapter 163 – Fragile (2/2)

“We ended up splitting into a group, which accepted Reni’s opinion of letting the strife go past inside the forest, and one that wants to take back the slums by mounting a counter-attack.” (Helen)

At that moment Malfas came to one decision, but none of those present noticed that.

☺☻☺

On the travel of Hifumi towards the capital, his only attendant was his wife, Origa, which was also a result of her great efforts towards that effect.

Everyone knows that there was no need for an escort to begin with, and many people were also aware that Hifumi could use storage magic.

Therefore there wasn’t a single person that considered it odd for the two of them mounting a horse each and leaving the city without using a carriage.

The setting-off that hadn’t been particularly announced was only seen off by Caim, Viine and Alyssa at the mansion. The citizens, seeing the two of them wearing lightweight equipment, let them pass by while probably thinking that they were just going for a walk.

Of course they weren’t stopped at the time they left the city of Fokalore. While being warmly showered with the looks of the soldiers, the feudal lord couple passed through the gate while slowly swaying on their horses.

“Have a good trip!”

“Please take care!”

Hifumi replied to the voices of the soldiers with a light wave of his left hand and even Origa quietly waved her hands.

Two horses leisurely advanced on the highway below a slightly cloudy sky.

Since the merchants and, of course, the soldiers patrolling the highway in the vicinity of Fokalore know Hifumi’s face, they greet him or salute to him upon sight. That’s probably because the story that he isn’t as moody as other nobles has sunk into the people’s mind.

A while passed since he had been summoned to this world, but Hifumi has no intention to return to something as worthless as a class system. It will be troublesome if there’s no money. And I know that war costs money. If there’s money, people can operate based on their grasp of gains and losses.

If it’s the first generation that obtained that social status, it’s probably fine as it shows the value of that person, he thinks. But if you talk about social status that was handed over due to succession, there’s no value to it above “it’s a system for the sake of not allowing chaos to spread in the social structure”, if one evaluates it as favourably as possible.

That’s why I have no hesitation to abandon my social status of Earl, seeing that Alyssa accepted it reliably.

Although it was out of convenience, I feel like conflict won’t come around to my place, if I end up in a strange position that employs others. It was an irritating feeling.

Even if there’s resentment and jealousy, those won’t be able to approach me as long as I have a certain social standing. If the opportunities to expose myself to enemies decreases, won’t the chances to kill others vanish in accordance? Aren’t there possibly some people who gave up on their revenge because their opponent is a noble while I was staying in the feudal lord’s mansion?

If I consider it like that, I feel like it’s something far too wasteful after finally having come to a different world.

“It would probably be great if I could simple-mindedly kill without having to ponder about unnecessary things.” (Hifumi)

However, in the end it’s quite likely for that to become a repetitive, empty and simple work just like spending time on mowing grass. Even now I remember the dismay at the time I learned of the battles of this country after meeting Origa.

『Are there by chance only people who can’t fight decently in this world?』

I killed knights, kings, adventurers and monsters.

All of them were people where you couldn’t even call it a fight.

I asked Origa afterwards, but it seems that the adventurer I cut into two halves in the guild belonged to a reasonably strong category. Even the adventurer I killed in Arosel was called the top adventurer in that area. I should enforce my plan to spread fighting after all, he ascertained his own way of thinking.

“Once I do so, it will soon enter the final stages of the plan depending on what Imeraria and the demons are planning to do, won’t it?” (Hifumi)

Those were words he had only murmured for some reason or another, but Origa tightly grasped the reins with her shoulders trembling.

“Hifumi-sama…” (Origa)

“What’s up?” (Hifumi)

Origa produced a smile due to Hifumi answering her in his usual way.

“Can we drop by a village famous for its hot baths along the way since we are in no hurry? I’m certain that they will have delicious food as well.” (Origa)

“Yeah, that’s a nice idea. Let’s do that since various developments will likely become apparent by moving slowly. Or rather, I will leave the path to the royal capital to you, Origa. Please make a short visit at any place you want to go to.” (Hifumi)

Suddenly being assigned an important task, Origa stiffened while staring in wonder.

“Really, my travels until now weren’t calm and went this way and that way in my pursuit of the battlefield. Since it’s a long-awaited occasion, let’s proceed while eating delicious stuff and enjoying some proper sightseeing. You were busy as well, Origa, weren’t you? I think this way of handling things is fine once in a while. After all I don’t know whether there will be such opportunity after this.” (Hifumi)

“Y-Yes.” (Origa)

Origa spilled tears before realizing it while eagerly recalling inside her head where there are sightseeing spots and famous local products along the highway towards the capital and at places slightly away from it.

Hifumi’s kindness ended up being perceived as apology towards her by Origa.

His objective is peace down a long, long road. In reality he continues to move without the time to rest due to battles and duties. In the end the word peaceful is nowhere to be found among the objectives of Hifumi.

Having accepted that, and on top of that, having decided to stay at his side despite that, she hasn’t the slightest intention to complain about it. And although that’s the case, doesn’t Hifumi still feel a slight indebtedness towards Origa for having involved her in his plans?

The back of Hifumi, who is slightly ahead, is no different from usual.

On the day I was bought as slave, at the time when he rampaged around with Vichy as opponent, in the battle with Horant and even at the time he spent actively as feudal lord after obtaining territory; his back always advances straight ahead without any hesitation.

“Dear.” (Origa)

Bringing her horse close, Origa lined up next to him and gently placed her hand on the left hand of Hifumi that was covered by a glove.

Origa heard how the other side of that thin monster skin became as it is now during a pillow talk the other day.

Hifumi will die sooner or later, too. He himself said so as well. There were also situations where he got injured. In reality, the contents of that glove aren’t flesh anymore.

“I heard that there’s interesting food in the city we will reach by the end of the day. Very likely it’s a city you never visited even once, but apparently the vegetables are heartily enveloped by meat and then grilled while using special herbs. I believe that it will suit your taste, dear.” (Origa)

“That sounds great. I got hungry by just hearing you talk about it. Let’s lodge in that city today.” (Hifumi)

“Yes, let’s do that.” (Origa)

Because I’m a sly woman, I will learn about the person called Hifumi and have him learn about me to the extent that no one will be able to catch up. And I will have Hifumi understand as well: No matter what he does or what he plans to do, there’s someone that will always stay close to him.

I will have him accept me as spouse in the truest meaning, in order to hear the words of his heart.

It will happen in time, before the end.