Reflections, Admonitions, and the path to one’s goal
“Phew…I think we’re okay if we’ve come this far.”
Myself, Diana, Ellen, and the two monsters left Marein-Condroy’s mansion as inconspicuously as possible when the soldiers rushed in. Of course, Farah, Asna, and Chris were aware of this. To begin with, this place is neither the Empire nor Baldia’s territory. If we caused a disturbance in such a place, various problems could arise.
The strong opposition will likely not surface due to Norris’s downfall. However, if I show any openings, there will definitely be those who will try to undermine me. At that moment, Ellen, reacting to my words, asked me a question along with her response.
“That’s true. We’ve gotten quite far from the mansion. But why did you initially give the order of ‘don’t kill’?”
“Hm? It’s simple. To protect everyone.”
“…What do you mean?”
Since Ellen tilted her head at my answer, I began to explain. First, this is the country of Renalute, and Diana and I are outsiders from another nation. If we outsiders attack a nobleman within this country, it will naturally become an international issue. Even if they were thugs, if they were ‘hired’ by the noblemen, the issue could be problematic depending on their claims. Especially since I am not well-regarded by some people in this country. If we cause any deaths or injuries, they will undoubtedly blame me at every opportunity. Moreover, some of the thugs may have had families. Once you point a weapon at someone, you can’t complain if you’re killed…that’s how it is. However, even if the parties involved are fine with it, there may be cases where others are not convinced.
There is no need to needlessly kill people and earn their resentment. If we can avoid earning people’s resentment by showing mercy, that would be the best option. In the end, “mercy is not for others’ sake.”
Of course, I also strongly dislike easily taking “human lives” myself. After I finished explaining, Ellen let out a sigh with a dumbfounded look, saying, “Haaa…..”
“Your thoughts are noble, but you should also consider the people supporting you. Not everyone around you is like Diana or Asna.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m reflecting on this too.”
Nodding at Ellen’s words, I turned my gaze toward Diana. She was almost unharmed, but her maid outfit was in tatters, leaving her in an unsightly state. The iron mask had gradually adapted to Diana’s movements. If the battle had dragged on any longer, she could have been injured. Reflecting once again on the reckless aspects of my actions, I bowed to Diana.
“Diana, I’m sorry for putting you through that.”
“…My lord, there is no need for you, my master, to apologize to us. Please do what you believe is right. If there are any mistakes, I will remonstrate with you.”
Looking at me gently yet firmly, she continued speaking.
“However, this time is different. You acted with consideration for the ties between nations, aiming to improve your own territory. For a knight, it is an honor to walk the path alongside such a master.”
I silently lent an ear to her words.
“…Moreover, one day, you will inevitably face a time when you must make a harsh judgment. What you will need then is a firm conviction. I believe this was a good opportunity to learn such things. …I have spoken too boldly. My apologies.”
After saying her piece, Diana bowed her head to me.
“…No, it’s alright. Thank you, Diana. …But, I don’t really want to make such harsh judgments.”
With a wry smile, she tightened her expression and spoke in a dignified voice.
“…Permit me to remonstrate. You cannot say ‘I don’t want to.’ You will eventually find yourself in a position where you ‘must.’ This time, it was you who decided to ‘do’ it. You may reflect, but you must not regret. No matter how difficult things become, you must look ahead. That is the future position you bear.”
“…I understand. You’re right. Even though you just told me, Diana keeps helping me out.”
Feeling her words deeply pierce my heart, I quietly lowered my head. I have memories from my previous life, but that world was peaceful, and I hardly ever had to consider human life. I feel like I still have that sense. However, in this world, the views on ‘life’ are different.
Even if this world resembles the games I played in my previous life, the reality of life and death remains unchanged. One mistake can mean the difference between life and death, and the ‘weight of life’ is undoubtedly lighter than in the world of my previous memories. Still, I do not wish to needlessly take human lives. Thinking this, I naturally murmured as I raised my head.
“…I wonder how I can become someone who protects people’s lives.”
Upon hearing my words, Diana widened her eyes slightly before replying.
“Those words, ‘I want to protect people’s lives,’ are very noble, my lord. Then, it would be best for you to become the ‘strongest’ of all.”
She gently spun her words, as if advising me.
“Of course, strength is not limited to one aspect. If you hone various forms of ‘strength’ such as martial arts, wisdom, strategy, political power, financial power, eventually, the ‘path’ you seek will come into view.”
“…I see, you’re right. There’s no use worrying about it. As Diana says, I’ll first strive to become ‘stronger.'”
With a smile, I gave Diana a firm response. Seeing my expression, she smiled back. At that moment, Ellen nodded and joined the conversation.
“I see, I see. So you intend to further defy common sense, my lord?”
“…Don’t say it like I’m being unreasonable.”
Brushing off my words, Ellen continued speaking.
“No, no, but what piqued my curiosity is…is Tia real name ‘Reed,’d? It’s quite a boyish name, isn’t it?”
At Ellen’s words, I let out an “Ah!?” and turned to Diana. Earlier, she had referred to me as “Reed.” Diana averted her gaze, refusing to meet my eyes. The disguise I had intended to keep concealed had unexpectedly been revealed, and I found myself clutching my head. Ellen and the two monsters watched our reactions with puzzled expressions.
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“Diana, you look absolutely lovely in that!”
“Yeah, it really suits you well.”
“…Is that so? Since it’s an unfamiliar outfit, I’m not sure myself, but thank you.”
As we walked through the town outside Renalute’s castle, Diana responded with a slightly embarrassed look to our words of praise from Ellen and me. After leaving Marein-Condroy’s mansion, we held a meeting, or rather, a discussion to reflect. I will never forget what Diana told me during that reflection meeting.
Once the reflection meeting concluded, we returned to the town outside the castle to tidy up Diana’s tattered outfit from the commotion at Marein’s mansion. The two monster companions also came along, but since their size and appearance were that of ordinary ‘cats,’ it should not be an issue. Indeed, the townspeople did not react particularly to their presence.
More importantly, we needed to do something about Diana’s outfit. Just then, a nearby shop caught my eye. It had a wide variety of Eastern and Western fusion clothing, so we decided to purchase some Renalute-style attire with a hakama and boots for Diana to wear.
The outfit Diana is currently wearing is an Eastern and Western fusion with a hakama and boots, and her long hair is tied up with a hair ornament. For Diana, an imperial citizen, to be dressed in such an Eastern and Western fusion style must be quite rare. Combined with her dignified aura, the dark elf men passing by could not help but turn their heads at her appearance. However, Diana herself seemed oblivious to this, muttering discontentedly.
“I understand that it is unusual for someone of my appearance to be dressed in Renalute’s attire. However, aren’t they staring a bit too much? Honestly…even though it’s obvious to the one being looked at.”
She shook her head with an exasperated expression. I offered Diana a wry smile.
“Ahaha. But if Reubens saw your current situation and appearance, I think he’d get jealous.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
As she tilted her head, unable to gauge my intention, a voice called out to us from behind, “My lord!!” At the sound of the voice, we stopped and turned towards its source.
“Haah…haah…my lord. Thank goodness, I caught up with you.”
“…!! Chris, are you alright!? Did something else happen at Marein’s mansion…!?”
Catching her breath, Chris must have hurried back to town from Marein’s mansion. After regaining her composure, she slowly answered.
“No, the royal army and Princess Farah and Asna are discussing things at Marein’s mansion, so it’s alright. It seems all the thugs have been apprehended. However…”
“However…what’s wrong?”
Chris wore a stern expression before murmuring.
“Marein-Condroy himself has not been captured. Since the mansion’s butler had already been murdered by someone, I was a bit concerned…”
“I see…”
Nodding at Chris’s words, I lowered my head and placed a hand over my mouth. If Marein has not been captured, considering his connection to Norris, he may have prepared an escape route or other measures in advance. As I pondered this, Chris muttered with a perplexed look.
“But, it’s strange…”
“…Strange? Was there something bothering you?”
In response to my inquiry, she began explaining the point of concern as if recalling it.
“Ah, no. Apparently, this country’s toy, a ‘red windmill,’ was placed at the spot where the butler died. When the gruff-looking head soldier saw it, I heard him mutter, ‘…My condolences.’ Furthermore, the soldiers didn’t seem too concerned about Marein’s whereabouts…”
“I see……”
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