Chapter 115: Tale of a Certain Brave Man (side story)
The desert land, Hallenier .
There are many monsters and few resources, this is originally an inconvenient place to live .
But with the help of excellent magicians, numerous guardian amulets and support from other places, it was finally established .
Because of various reasons, this country is protected, it is believed that this is a sacred place and the brave are born here .
I was born as a brave man here 18 years ago . When I was born I was brought here to a church, where I grew up . I do not know my parents name, and the name I have now was given to me by a priest . But, I do not mind . It does not matter .
Because the priest’s tongue slipped, I came to know that I was the eldest born of a poor family . When I learned of it, I thought it was good that I was born as a brave man .
The difference between the rich and the poor here is great .
This is because most of the priests monopolize supplies from other places . Also, because it is surrounded by the desert where dangerous monsters emerge, it is impossible to find another place to work . I’m absolutely sorry for the poor families in such a place . It’s just a waste being born .
As for me, I can safely walk alone in the desert with God’s protection .
Just a while ago I met with a stupid slave trader who was lamenting over the fact that he had to cross the desert to deliver his products only to be attacked by demons .
It seems that he certainly had a good horse, but, something to that extent will not be able to shake off the desert monsters . There are routes with few monsters, but in order to pass there you have to go through the country which has abolished beast slaves . You cannot pass such a place with a slave .
I had traveled around the world on the day I turned 14 according to tradition . Although I have seen some terrible countries, it is not easy to corrupt Hallenier if you have only corrupted the upper echelon . Still it is my tradition that I will visit Hallenier if I’m nearby .
“Hero! The rumored hero has returned!”
“Look at that brave figure!”
Just by walking, I could feel the eyes of envy from the surroundings . I feel good when I think of the poor and weak around me, while laughing in my mind . Although the reason I’m staying here is for a different purpose .
I smile, and wave my hand to react to the beggars . I go ahead through the town disregarding the noisy monkeys .
After all it is good here . In other places, my name isn’t that wide spread .
“Umm, excuse me, I, I want to have a talk with hero-sama…!”
Because there was a girl who came running in from the side to stand in front of me, I stopped my feet . A woman who seems to be her mother comes out later half laughing, saying “I’m sorry, this girl… . ” while pulling the girls hand, but the girl resists it .
I unintentionally laugh while looking at the situation .
I touch the mothers hand and have her separate from the girl . I then kicked the stomach of the girl, who now showed shuffled facial expressions .
The surrounding goes silent and confusion appears in everyone’s eyes .
I unintentionally got carried away . I dislike having my way blocked by a stupid brat .
If this matter spreads, my reputation may get hurt, but it will be alright . Putting me in a bad mood, who is the symbol of this country, can be said to be the same as committing treason towards the church . This won’t spread through the public .
If you are not on the churches side, you are a criminal . In Hallenier, the maintenance of peace and security is under the jurisdiction of the church . Because there is something that must be done here, I’ve been staying in the camp Haleena for quite some time .
Normally civilians are not allowed to enter this camp . Even officials need to go through nominal procedures . One can hardly get pass the gate guards, but only I can get in here freely with a face pass .
I walk the corridor of the camp while watching the guards hurriedly lower their heads, I then stop in front of a certain jail cell .
“Long time no see knight chief Adofu . No, should I say former knight chief?”
I look at the person sitting in the depths of the cell with a smile on his face . A man with a big solid body stares at me from the intersection of the lattice .
“This is pretty serious . It is suspected that the fiancée and the younger brother were killed”
Adofu was stripped of his name and rank as knight chief, with the crime of homicide and was imprisoned . Recently the problems raised by the monopoly over the support supplies by the church, took up most of their time . So fortunately he was sent to prison without proper investigation . That priest is such a guy .
“… . . Oh, did you only come here to laugh at me?”
Adofu said in a low voice .
I am usually a man who has more words to say, but I do not have that kind of margin right now . Anyone would get angry if there was infidelity between their fiancée and younger brother . This would make them angry enough to take up their sword and murder their relative and fiancée .
“I hate it, even I wouldn’t do such a thing . In the old days I used to do various things, but I was immature, self-centered and arrogant . I have reflected on it, and to this day I am sorry that I could not apologize . But you are a knight… . ”
When I said such things Adofu shows a painful distressed face . It is a good expression .
“I believe that Adofu’s accusation is false . Because my eyes can distinguish the right from the wrong in a person . ”
To be precise, I can only roughly judge to a degree . But it is a custom “to be able to see through the right and wrong of the person” . In that way it could become rather convenient .
“… . stop with your kindness . ” (Adofu)
“I can do without humbling myself to such a degree . Certainly my position may have been lost, but I…” (Adofu)
I feel that my eyebrows unintentionally wrinkle my forehead . I put a hand over my eyes and laugh .
“It seems that it has been rough . But, I understand . I guess lets decide what to do next . With such a case, I negotiated with the priest, so for would you like to be released?”
“Such a thing cannot be done! First of all, I was set up by that fellow!” (Adofu)
“I understand your suspicions, but the priest will not do such a thing . Also, the priest actually said that if I were to accompany you, you will be free to do as you like for one day . ”
“Is that true? However, what can be done in a single day… . ” (Adofu)
“We will earn achievements and restore your trust . Then I will extend the period and search for the real culprit . ”
“Is that possible to do? But to earn achievements so conveniently…” (Adofu)
I touch my mouth and hide my laughter . As usual, he is a simple man . That aspect has not changed since four years ago .
“Actually, it seems that a merchant’s carriage was attacked by a darkness dragon . There’s a rumor that it is actually an evil plague dragon . If that is true, and it’s left alone, it may come to spread disaster to Hallenier . I heard that the church is now organizing an investigation team . I also do not know if the rumor is true or not . Adofu’s place will change greatly if you were to defeat the dragon in the vicinity of Haleena . If that were to happen, you should be able to deal with the matter of re-investigating the incident and appeal your case towards the guards . ”
Adofu stands up, swallows and spits .
I turn my back on the cell .
“Since only I am allowed to go through here . I will go and make a report . ”
“Hey, Irushia!”
Adofu calls my name .
“For my doubt…I am sorry . I thank you for this matter, truly . ”
“No, it’s nothing, as I must do the right thing as I am a brave man . ”
Now that I’m done here, I turn around and leave the prison . I could not keep facing Adofu, as I could not help but leak out a laugh .
Four years ago, I had a practice duel with Adofu at the end of the rainy season . There in front of the masses, I was beaten and put to shame . There is not a single day where I forget that humiliation that was sung preaches from above . It is the biggest blemish of my life .
Just letting him be executed like this is boring .
I will not be satisfied until I had stolen everything from this man . I will make sure you are properly humiliated, I’ll let Adofu die in regret and resentment . Because you defied me, it must be done .