episode_0019

Things progressed swiftly.

From early morning, materials for repairing the mansion were delivered one after another, and Boget arrived with a load on his back.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen this house…”

Boget remarked.

“Yeah. Reminds you of the old days, doesn’t it? That roof over there. You almost fell off trying to climb up.”

I pointed to a corner of the roof beside him.

“Ah, yes… I remember that well.”

“It would be troublesome if you forgot about the old times. You were here when this house was built. Try to revive those memories.”

“No need to worry about that. What’s more important is…”

“…”

Boget turned his head slightly towards Krisha, who was a bit further away.

“What? Planning to quit now?”

I asked her.

“…No, I’ll continue.”

Krisha approached and placed her hand on Boget’s back.

A faint light emitted, and shortly after, Boget straightened up and stood.

“Hmm, still surprising… My body feels incredibly light. It’s been years since it felt this way.”

“I’ll say it again, it’s not a long-lasting solution. Fundamentally, it can’t cure the illness.”

“Alright. Sir Priest. This will do.”

Boget picked up a hammer.

“It’s been a long time since I held this…”

He gazed down at the tools, including the hammer, with a nostalgic look in his eyes.

“Shall we begin then? I want to finish quickly as well.”

And like him, I changed into work clothes instead of my usual attire and picked up my tools.

“We’ll start too.”

Branko and Aldo lifted their saws.

Aldo’s expression changed as he lifted the worn-out saw.

Work and life are indeed certain.

Or did I secretly mention not taking any money?

“What should I do? I don’t know anything about this kind of work…”

Linde asked.

“Go over there to Jenny. She’ll tell you what to do.”

Jenny, Branko’s wife, came to help us with meals and cleaning.

“Thank you.”

The laborers who brought the materials left with the carts, and we began our work.

Thanks to Branko’s groundwork from before, the initial work went smoothly on the heavily damaged parts.

We completely removed the ruined roof and precisely inserted the framework and reinforcements cut from the lower floor in the correct order.

“…”

I watched Boget working in front of me with a bit of tension.

Initially hesitant, once he started hammering, he transformed into a different person entirely.

It’s a lifetime of dedication.

A few years of rest wouldn’t make his body forget.

The sound of hammering is concise yet uniform.

As I observed the work from a distance, Jenny and Linde came over to sweep away the debris.

Krisha, strong as ever, carried several large pieces of wood from the first floor to the roof alone and handed them over.

Of course, I kept a close eye on Boget’s condition every time he went back and forth, ready to intervene if I sensed any weakening in his blessing.

“Huff… Huff…”

Despite his frail and aging body, Boget poured sweat and panted as he worked tirelessly, trying to deceive his weakened physical state.

“…Should we take a short break?”

Even so, if Boget were to fall from the roof to the third floor, no amount of divine blessing could guarantee his life.

“Nonsense… How can we take a break when we’ve only just started…”

Boget wiped his face with a rag stained with dust and sweat.

His gaze remained lively.

“Alright… understood.”

I said and chiseled away at a protruding section with a knife.

It would be nice to have sandpaper, but such an invention had not yet been made.

Around lunchtime, Jenny and Linde prepared and brought food.

“Hey, let’s eat.”

I said to Boget.

“I’m still… a bit slow…”

“Eating will give you strength to pick up the pace.”

…”

Bogert was disappointed, but I brought him down from the roof.

Honestly, it was hard to concentrate while working.

No matter how blessed, Bogert’s body is close to death.

The fact that we are working right now can only be described as a miracle.

I, too, was concerned about this fact, which delayed progress.

Nevertheless, the objective pace of the work is relatively fast.

Although it was a long time ago, both Bogert and I were technicians who worked together when building this house.

“Hoo, hoo…”

Bogert’s legs trembled as he descended.

To prevent him from falling off the roof, he had been working for hours with his thighs supporting him.

How many years has it been since he exerted that much strength with his legs?

I descended the stairs, supporting him.

“…”

“…”

Various words stuck in my throat as I descended the stairs.

Can you do it?

Can you endure?

Take a break, even just a little.

It’s okay if it’s not today.

Your sons are skilled enough to handle it.

…No.

This lad has made peace with his impending end.

Let’s respect his will.

“…I’m sorry.”

Bogert said.

“I can’t satisfy you… I know. I also don’t believe in myself…”

“…”

“But still… thank you for entrusting me…”

“It’s okay.”

I understand.

This is an illogical act.

Forcing an elderly man on the brink of death to continue a strenuous task for days.

Even if someone criticizes me, there’s nothing I can do.

Krisha was right.

…But, in reality, many things about human life are illogical.

Having lived for a long time, I’ve seen it many times.

Disputes arise even when no one is wrong.

Occasionally, there are irrational people who sacrifice their precious lives and beliefs.

Bogert is just one of those people.

Just one of those people, but…

Still… It’s tough to think that someone I know is like that…

“Hey, Krisha. Come and quickly give your blessings.”

When everyone gathered at the dining table, I called Krisha.

She couldn’t hide her worry, but she blessed Bogert again.

“…”

Bogert could walk alone again.

However, no one felt reassured by his appearance.

They all remained silent, knowing the truth.

Even if it’s called a miracle of God, it’s not omnipotent.

No one knows how long this can continue.

Even Krisha reluctantly couldn’t refuse.

“Alright, everyone. Here’s some hot meat soup!”

Jenny, Bogert’s daughter-in-law, spoke loudly, trying to lighten the mood.

“Did Mr. Lashwood bring good pork? I did my best, so please try it. Oh, and Linda also helped with the cooking. Linda is good at cooking too!”

“What? Oh, no, I… I didn’t really…”

“Well, let’s taste it. If it’s not good, remember it’s chicken from tomorrow, not pork.”

She really found herself a good daughter-in-law.

I joined the table, taking advantage of her consideration.

The rest began the meal in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

Except for one person, Ollie.

He still looked anxiously at his father.

“I’m fine. Go ahead and eat.”

Bogert said, lifting his spoon without further comment.

***

Before we knew it, the sun had set, and it was dark.

“Let’s go down.”

I told Bogert.

“Just a little more…”

As he said, there wasn’t much roof repair left.

Of course, there were still holes to be patched from the first to the third floor, but the overall pace of the work was good.

“Let’s do it tomorrow. It’s dangerous because it’s dark.”

“But…”

“You want to go down? What if you fall?”

“…”

“Stubbornness, really…”

I put my hand on Bogert’s shoulder.

“…”

His shoulders… felt small.

Old and frail body.

“…Alright, let’s go. We have time tomorrow as well. The work here is quite fast.”

“…Is that so.”

Although reluctant, Boget continued to hold onto the extension in his hand as if he couldn’t let go, but eventually relented after continued persuasion.

The Boget family decided to stay in this house while their own home was being repaired.

They entrusted their original home to their grandchildren.

As long as there are rooms here, it doesn’t matter, and during the day, Jenny and Linde had already tidied up the room they would be staying in.

“…”

However, there was a bit of commotion outside.

I peeked out and saw Krisha in front of the mansion entrance, engaging in a confrontation with several people.

Sensing trouble once again, I walked towards where they were.

“What’s going on? Who are you… What? You again?”

It was Horanze and his companions.

“Rashwood. You came at a good time. There’s something you need to explain.”

“What is it?”

“Never mind. It’s not your concern. Go inside.”

Krisha said.

“Krisha! What exactly is the problem?”

One of Horanze’s companions standing beside him spoke up.

“You’re just standing by and watching this! Isn’t it shameful as a holy knight?”

“Ah…”

I roughly understood what was happening.

“I brought that old man here to work. If you have something to say, say it to me.”

“Hmph! Of course, your actions are a problem, but the fact that Krisha is just watching is an even bigger issue! It concerns the reputation of our kingdom of Brigal!”

“This is not a simple matter.”

Krisha retorted, but there was still a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

“That hothead brought this upon himself…!”

“How rude…!”

“What’s your deal with this guy? Constantly pestering him… There must be something going on for you to act like this…”

“We are the esteemed Blade Edge Warriors, honored with the mandate of King Slon of Brigal.”

Under the king’s command?

And they were warriors, not mere mercenaries, holding proper positions?

“Krisha is Brigal’s treasure! Therefore, her actions directly impact the reputation of the entire country!”

“Ah… Is that so?”

Now I understand why that hot-headed hunter couldn’t stand by while his mother figure, Linde, was being harassed.

If Krisha had been affiliated with some organization, she might have intervened, but she was like a wandering holy knight who had grown strong through solitary training.

She didn’t seem to have any particular backing or political ties.

To think she was considered a national hero on such grounds.

The royal family must not have left her alone.

They would have used any means necessary to control her presence.

And judging by Krisha’s demeanor, those means seemed quite subtle.

“Krisha! Have you forgotten that promise? The promise not to betray the hearts of the countless citizens who look up to you!”

“Oh, no. I… ”

“Enough of that, alright? If we want that old man to move tomorrow, this guy needs to rest too.”

I sighed and leaned my arm on Krisha’s head.

“What…! Your insolence knows no bounds!”

“Krisha! Why are you…!”

“Why? Because I have Linde in my grasp.”