episode_0083

“… … .”

After confirming that Hamel was no longer moving, I threw the spear to the floor.

Empty!

The spear, which could not be saved even after paying hundreds of millions of dollars, was rolling around on the floor in vain.

“… After.”

Only then did I sigh.

Hamel’s proposal to cooperate against the ‘organization’ sounds tempting at first glance.

He is a person who can move Aguilem at will, and is a warrior who has reached the level of the Ten Swords.

If I could borrow that power, it would probably be of great help.

However, it is a proposal not worth considering.

To begin with, the person named Hamel is someone who cannot be trusted, and it is unclear to what extent the taboo of the ‘organization’ can control Hamel.

If even actions were controllable, cooperation with Hamel would not be helpful, but rather strangling me.

That’s why I didn’t even listen to the suggestion in the first place.

No, in fact, the value or reasonableness of the proposal was not important in the first place.

No matter which direction the story goes, I planned to kill Hamel from the beginning.

This is because Hamel is an undeniable villain.

He killed many people at will and ruined the lives of even more people.

Among other things, he killed Belle’s father and played with Belle’s life just for fun.

I couldn’t forgive that guy.

So I killed him.

However, what bothers me is that they killed Bell without confirming his intentions.

Her grudge against Hamel may not be that simple.

There is a possibility that simply killing him will not relieve his anger.

Or, even if he had to kill him, he might have wanted to kill him with his own hands.

However, it was difficult to consider that aspect in this situation.

I was at my limit, and Hamel was recovering in real time.

There was no chance of winning if I delayed or made a mistake and Hamel recovered from his wounds, so I had no choice but to hurry.

Also, although it is low, there is a possibility that intervention may occur at any time.

… Well, anyway, it’s already happened and it’s a choice I made. There’s no need to think about it anymore because you can’t turn it back.

After gathering my thoughts, I turned around.

Then I made eye contact with Belle, who was still sitting on the ground, looking up at me with her eyes widened to the limit.

“… What on earth is this… No, I mean… … .”

It was clear that he wanted to say something, but he could hardly form a proper sentence.

It could have been so.

There are probably very few people who can calmly organize what they want to say in this situation.

“Calm down. I know that you probably have a lot to say and a lot to ask. however… It would be best to put that off until later.”

I stopped that bell.

I understand her feelings a hundred times, but the situation was not very good to wait for her to talk slowly.

“People will come soon.”

There was too much commotion during the fight with Hamel.

So much so that no one can be seen at all in the vast entertainment area of Aguilem.

Considering Hamel’s history and the reactions of the people here, it seems that such incidents were not that rare in Aguillem, but in any case, as the fighting ended and the commotion quieted down, it was as obvious as seeing fire that people would come back one way or another. It’s work.

So, if it continues like this, it will attract unnecessary attention.

That’s not a good thing from my perspective.

This would have been something I would have declined in normal times, but even more so considering the situation of being chased by the empire.

After hearing what I said, Belle seemed confused for a moment and looked at me and the surroundings with trembling eyes… … .

“… That’s right.”

He quickly nodded.

Then he rummaged through his chest, took out something, and held it out to me.

“This is… ?”

That was the key.

“It’s a key to one of the hideouts I have. It would be better not to go back home just in case something goes wrong.”

With that said, she gave me the detailed address of the hideout.

“Go first and wait. I am… There is something I need to sort out here.”

Something to sort out.

I immediately figured out what it was.

We’ll have to look into the people who fainted after being attacked by Hamel, and considering her position, we’ll need to organize various things.

Moreover, it would be even more so if the head of the underworld named Hamel and Aguilem had disappeared.

“Don’t be too hasty.”

So I nodded lightly and turned around.

Behind my back.

“… Thank you.”

A quiet greeting was heard.

I didn’t look back.

***

After entering the hideout that Bell told me about without anyone noticing, I first administered first aid with the medical supplies and potions that were available there.

It wasn’t a life-threatening wound, but that’s just my standard, and from a general perspective, it was enough to be called a serious patient, so I couldn’t just leave it alone.

Moreover, although I think the possibility is low, I never know when pursuers targeting me will strike.

So, just in case, it was necessary to treat the body as much as possible.

So, after finishing the first aid while whining alone, I closed my eyes and rested for a while.

Because I was overexerting myself with a body that had not fully healed yet, and because I was drawing on a realization that I had not fully acquired yet, the fatigue I felt was unusual.

I can’t believe I’m taking a break like that.

Crash─

The door to the hideout opened quietly.

Although I was prepared to respond at any time just in case, I wasn’t truly nervous.

“… It’s me.”

I had already figured out that the sign approaching this place was Bell’s.

“You’re here.”

I immediately woke up the body that was lying on the bed in the hideout.

“Yes. sorry. It’s a little late.”

Belle said with an apologetic expression.

“No. are you okay. Because I was resting during that time too.”

I shook my head lightly.

Actually, it took quite a long time.

The fight ended around dawn, and it was now the time of day after morning.

However, I did not complain about that fact.

“Is your work well organized?”

Instead, I asked her another question.

“… yes. Thanks to you.”

Belle thought for a moment and nodded her head.

“Call the priest to heal the injured people, and… I organized the organization’s work as urgently as possible. I guess I’ll have to start working on it in earnest now.”

“I see.”

I kind of expected that kind of answer from her.

Although it is said that a considerable amount of time has passed, there is no way that problems in this regard can be resolved in just a few hours.

Even if we start working on it in earnest, it will take quite a long time. Especially if you don’t have a specific foundation like Bell does now.

“And just in case, I contacted some intelligence groups, and there wasn’t a single person who thought you might be involved in this matter. You may not be completely reassured, but I don’t think you need to worry too much.”

“… That’s a good thing. Thank you.”

I didn’t expect her to care about this part, but honestly, it was a welcome consideration for me.

I thought that would be the case, but the difference between having information and not having information is the level of security.

After ending this series of conversations, I said nothing more.

Because I thought Belle had a lot to say and a lot to ask.

How much time had passed since silence fell inside the hideout?

“… Thank you.”

Belle opened her mouth again.

“Thanks to Mr. Wade… I was able to get revenge.”

She lowered her head towards me.

“If it weren’t for Mr. Wade, my life would never have been that man’s toy. Even though he wanted to die, he couldn’t. He must have lived a life that was worthless and painful, playing into the hands of the enemy who killed his father. really… Thank you.”

In a sincere voice, Belle thanked me.

I looked at her, then smiled lightly and said.

“There is no need to be so thankful.”

“No. I can’t thank you enough for this-”

“Mr. Bell, you also saved my life.”

“… … .”

“If it weren’t for Mr. Bell, I would definitely have died. I’m just returning the favor.”

It may be true that I saved her life, but the same goes for Belle.

She saved my life. Not only that, even after that, he stayed by my side and took care of me all day even though I couldn’t even move my body properly.

So there is no need for her to thank me.

Because I’m just returning the favor.

“… I understand.”

Finally, Belle raised her head.

Her expression didn’t look like that of someone who was completely convinced, but it seemed like she was thinking of moving on for now.

“… Are you okay?”

She asked with a worried face.

“It’s okay. I administered first aid and drank potions. I can’t say I’m fine, but it’s not a big problem.”

“… … .”

Although she didn’t say anything, the worry in her eyes showed no signs of disappearing.

At that, I smiled.

“Don’t worry too much. Even though it looks like this, my body is strong. You saw it yourself, right?”

Although it was meant to ease her worries, it was by no means a lie.

My body has reached the state of consciousness, which is said to be the state of superhumans, and has gone far beyond the normal level.

It’s enough to walk around unharmed even after being hit so hard by a window pole that even destroys a building.

“… Haha.”

At that time, Belle sighed.

Then he looked at me with somewhat puzzled eyes.

“You can say that right away. My heart almost dropped.”

“… Haha.”

I smiled bitterly at Belle’s words.

Certainly, it would not have been easy for those watching.

It would be absurd to use that as a joke.

‘I’m glad.’

Still, deep down I was relieved.

Belle, who has always been listless, seems to have returned to her normal self a little, although not completely.

“So, what happened to that skill?”

“… Ah.”

“I expected his skills to be good, but… It far exceeded my expectations. To fight against ten swords and even win… … .”

“… Um.”

I expected to hear questions like this when I showed off my skills in front of her.

However, I didn’t even think about the answer.

“… I was lucky.”

“Do you think that is a persuasive answer?”

“… No.”

Belle glared at me with her slanted eyes, and I couldn’t help but notice.

There is nothing to say about this.

I didn’t say anything until now because I thought it wouldn’t be necessary, but I thought it was something that would be quite surprising and disappointing from Belle’s perspective.

“… Well, I don’t plan on saying too much. Even if I were in Wade’s position, I wouldn’t have revealed all my skills from the beginning.”

Belle’s gaze, which had been staring at me for a while, finally lost its sharpness.

I felt relieved by that, and the mood returned to normal.

After that, we started talking as usual, like before she got really busy.

She checked my physical condition and reorganized the parts where first aid was sloppy.

We also listened to how she, who remained at the scene, organized things and the reactions of those around her.

Time passed in this process, and before I knew it, the once blue sky was slowly starting to turn orange.

It was then.

“… I am.”

Suddenly, Bell opened his mouth in a new tone.

“I will completely resolve the chaos in the dark night and return it to its former state.”

It was a somewhat sudden declaration and expression of will, but I just stared at her without saying anything.

Belle, who caught my gaze, opened her mouth again.

“And at the same time, the influence within the underworld will also expand. Now that the man is dead, chaos will return to the underworld and Aguillem. Taking advantage of that time, I plan to increase my influence and power in the underworld.”

Her words continued.

“Soon, when you gain enough power, you will stand at the top of the underworld. And I will manage and watch over Aguilem’s underworld so that it does not run away. … In the past, just like my father did.”

Her eyes showed signs of fatigue, but they did not waver.

“I know it won’t be easy. Because I don’t have overwhelming power like my father. but… There is a possibility. Although I am not as good as my father, I am confident in my abilities, and although I am not very happy, I have built a reputation in this world.”

After experiencing a stormy day, she was already envisioning the future, even though she had not yet sorted out the aftermath.

“It must be difficult. It will definitely be difficult. still… I won’t give up. I will definitely return the dark night, the underworld, and Aguilem to their former state.”

“… I see.”

Only then did I nod.

A normal person would have broken down a long time ago, but it wasn’t surprising, but she didn’t break down.

She is a strong person.

“So, if it’s okay… … .”

As she was about to continue speaking, her lips stopped.

For the first time, hesitation appeared on that face.

“… No, it’s nothing. just… I wanted to express my will. Mr. Wade… Because it’s the opportunity you gave me.”

“That’s right.”

I nodded calmly.

By telling someone your goal, you gain the strength to move toward it.

Perhaps Belle also felt the same way.

At the same time, I felt relieved.

That Bell has a firm goal.

And, that Belle is a very strong person.

“I will support you.”

“… Thank you.”

What was a little strange was that there was something somewhat unclear about Belle’s expression.

However, I didn’t pay much attention to it.

I thought it was because I was exhausted from the series of events and moved on.

Anyway, time passed like that again.

Until the sky was completely colored by sunset and then turned black again.

***

“… … .”

Darkness fell on the world again.

I slowly woke up in the silence of the hiding place.

Now, it’s time to leave.