Ch.10434. Something Trying to Devour Me (3)

# The Blue-Skinned Beauty

If not for that characteristic, she could have easily been classified as a foreign race.

The horns growing from her head contributed to a different perception.

A prejudice that wasn’t quite a prejudice.

They say various races live together harmoniously, but even among them, there are hierarchies, disparities, and known or unknown power dynamics.

Being a demon from the demon realm was a kind of stigma.

Though considerable time had passed since they integrated into the continent, and now second generations and descendants were growing up and mingling across generations, numerous problems still persisted.

They were people who had resigned themselves to enduring inequality, discrimination, prejudice, and the resulting ostracism, disregard, and rejection.

Long ago, the Demon King of Wisdom had told them to accept such treatment as natural.

When setting up house in someone else’s home, it would be strange not to be viewed with suspicion.

“Even you—imagine if strange creatures were making themselves at home in your territory. Would you just stand by and watch?”

In that sense, the middle realm was merciful.

There were even some passive opinions circulating among them that this treatment was too harsh.

In the demon realm, one would either be eaten, enslaved, or used as a plaything. Those would have been the only three options.

The defeated have no rights.

Harsh, but that is the immutable truth.

…The Great Demon King was the one who twisted that structure.

And the de facto successor to the Great Demon King was none other than the Demon King of Wisdom.

“Mines.”

Inside the Edenlevan Alliance branch building.

In her personal space used as an office, Ruslan gently tilted her yellow eyes toward the girl—or rather, woman—who had appeared without sound or presence, as if she had been waiting for her.

“Has he left?”

“Yes. He just departed.”

Kariel Brendiar.

The son of Rueld Brendiar.

Though he had gained fame in various places since childhood, given the era, the process was inevitably either exaggerated or diminished.

Some parts were regarded as fairy tales or legends.

In some ways, despite being a story from not long after Grandeus’s death, because of the times… it was a reality that wasn’t quite reality, where people lived without knowing such things had happened unless rumors spread actively through wanderers and minstrels.

Perhaps it was different in some large-scale cities that seemed to transcend time, or in royal capitals and imperial territories.

…In this era, it wasn’t so easy for someone’s story to spread widely.

Especially if there was a half-intentional effort to bury incidents or avoid spreading them.

But those who know, know.

The child named Kariel was incredibly intelligent, and beyond mere intelligence, he brilliantly solved many hardships and difficult situations.

That was possible partly because he was an outsider and a child.

But I believe it was also possible because he himself was capable and intelligent.

However, aptitude is inevitably influenced by luck, era, environment, and circumstances.

The child who had excellent communication skills and an outstanding mind…

Before fully recovering from the aftereffects of a major accident, his communication abilities closed off, and his mind was once consumed by malice.

Everything became constrained.

The child who had finished his life abroad and once hovered near death due to an unfortunate incident was handed over to excessive expectations just as the shadow of glory was beginning to fade.

But as luck would have it, his parents were those two.

Surprisingly many people lower their expectations of themselves thanks to overbearing parents or those around them.

“He had memory loss. Therefore, he couldn’t remember his childhood. He didn’t know how extraordinary he was, and he wasn’t even given situations to utilize his talents and abilities. Looking around, he was crushed by feelings of inferiority, and despite excessive expectations, there was little he could do.”

“What… are you trying to say?”

“Most rulers of nations feared the future of the child named Kariel.”

However, that future, though fearsome, was not miserable.

Peace is merely a process, not a goal.

Kariel’s pursuit of cooperation, integration, and harmony at that time was because it was in everyone’s common interest.

That’s why the rulers of each country seriously considered it. If he had only displayed his abilities and attitude without that common interest…

Kariel would have been killed one way or another, and war between the Empire and various countries would have been inevitable.

“I told him to look outside, not inside.”

Though we call it a continent, the unexplored territories are still endless.

“I said there might be unknown dangers outside. And there might also be new paths for a better future.”

“…What are you talking about by yourself?”

“I’m telling you about your benefactor. You might want to ask about him later.”

But she didn’t seem inclined to let her speak just yet.

Therefore…

“Congratulations, Mines. For now… I’m just relaying what I heard, so don’t take out your frustrations on me.”

“…?”

“The contract between you and ‘him’ was nullified just now.”

“What… do you mean? The contract was nullified? Which contract are you talking about?”

“The Sword Guardian duty.”

“……”

“He transferred the contract authority to Kariel. And Kariel nullified the contract that burdened you. Therefore, from this moment on, you are free.”

Mines seemed to ponder for a long time at Ruslan’s words.

However, there was still something she absolutely had to ask.

“Then, what about my brother?”

“He’s doing well. Not just okay, but very well.”

“…How do you know that?”

“I told you. I heard it.”

Ruslan calmly continued her explanation.

“According to him, your brother was originally meant to be a hostage to control you, but it seems the child had his own will to live and talents.”

“What… talents?”

Though she could only think of ominous possibilities,

the explanation from Ruslan’s lips was somewhat unexpected.

“He’s good at making clothes, they say.”

“What? Clothes? What kind of clothes?”

“In this era, for a man with leg difficulties to handle and work with fabric might be seen as inappropriate. Especially if he’s the head of a noble family, albeit a fallen one.”

But.

“Because his legs are impaired, the things he can do are limited. Physical labor is impossible, and to be treated and respected for labor alone… is realistically too much to ask, isn’t it?”

“……”

“However, a special talent can only shine when the right environment is provided.”

In that regard, that child, Louis, was fortunate.

“I hear he’s good at weaving clothes that demons and nobles would like. Because of that, it seems ‘he’ was also actively looking to employ your younger brother.”

“That can’t be…”

“To avoid misunderstanding, he added that if you hadn’t properly fulfilled your role… he would have dealt with the child as promised, regardless of whether he had talent or not. After all, he is a strict principlist.”

“……”

“That’s why both of you are still alive. Who would care so much about preserving the life of a child sold by parents in place of debt?”

At those words, Mines snapped back as if upset.

“So what is he trying to say? That he did well, showed mercy, was generous?”

“That’s not for me to judge. I’m stating an objective assessment. In reality, he acknowledges necessary evils but makes a reasonable effort to prevent evil from tilting to extremes.”

“……”

It sounded absurd.

…But on the other hand, it was strange.

Thinking coldly, among the children who had been forced to undergo various tests and trials, including herself, surprisingly none had died.

…Though she couldn’t know what terrible things might have happened in places they couldn’t see.

“After you became the heir to the legacy, it was indeed his role to ensure that all the other children could settle down.”

“So what now? Are you asking me to forgive him? Because I have immense power that needs to be controlled, so…”

“That’s not wrong either. Ah, this is my thought. He didn’t say that much.”

“……”

Who would want something like the Great Demon King’s legacy?

Why did it have to be her, why specifically…

“Whether you seek revenge or not is up to you. As you know, from now on, you are free.”

“…Why am I free? Am I really free? Why?”

Why did Kariel do it?

Knowing full well what power she possessed, why did he irresponsibly set her free?

More than that, what right did he have to do so? Why?

“Go ask him directly if you’re so curious.”

“…I don’t understand Kariel? Why does he know about me when I haven’t properly revealed anything about myself… How is that possible?”

Could it be that you all…?

Using the terms of her contract as leverage, forcibly connected him to it?

Did you burden him with some condition in exchange?

“I don’t know that much either. All I know is that ‘he’ transferred your contract authority to him, and he ended everything by nullifying it. That’s the story.”

“I don’t understand. I really don’t.”

How pathetic. Would it hurt to just accept it graciously?

Ruslan snorted and said:

“Let me give you some advice. Why not try being shameless?”

“What?”

“Just be grateful for the grace given to you and accept it. You are free. Why not focus just on that? Now no one can say anything if you rush to see the younger brother you’ve been missing, right?”

“……”

That’s true.

It’s true, but…

“Ah, there was one condition he requested.”

“…Did he anticipate that I would come to you?”

“He probably saw it as highly likely. And anyway, if you hadn’t come to me but had gone directly to him, you would have heard this from him.”

And Ruslan’s next words:

“Somern, was it? You only froze the people there, not completely killed them, right?”

“……”

Shocked Mines greatly.

“He said if you’re too inexperienced to handle the power and can’t restore them to their original state, make it possible.”

“How does he… know that…”

I didn’t even openly reveal that to ‘him’.

Why does he know that?

How does he know?

“That’s the only thing he asked you to keep. Well, I think I’ve relayed all the messages I needed to. Do you have anything else to say?”

“…What about our children?”

“We’ll give them work and education, helping them become self-sufficient. For those who aren’t ready, we’ll make sure they can continue working here or elsewhere, so don’t worry about that. That’s also why you came here, right? But I see you didn’t even say a proper goodbye to them. What kind of behavior is that toward children?”

“……”

I don’t know.

Is it luck? A miracle?

With such unexpected grace suddenly pouring down like a shower,

it was hard to put into words.

“If you’ve said everything you wanted to say, would you please leave now? I also have a mountain of work to do. With the village in chaos, trying to clean up…”

“Where did he go?”

“I was wondering when you’d ask.”

Ruslan said with a smirk.

And Mines, who had been listening intently:

“……”

Bowed her head deeply.

And disappeared without a sound.

“How remarkable.”

Ruslan let out a hollow laugh, took out a parchment, finished writing the contents, sealed it, and stamped it with a seal.

Then she took out another parchment, wrote different content,

sealed it again,

and stamped it with a seal again.

…As always, when incidents occur, work piles up.

This is why peace and tranquility are the best.

While also satisfying desires moderately.

She didn’t find this life too bad.

Advancement is good, but for someone like her who could live for ages longer than humans,

this kind of worldly life was, in some sense, something she had longed for.

Compared to the demon realm, it’s incredibly peaceful.

Learning languages, learning writing, becoming a member of society, belonging to organizations, taking on responsibilities.

It’s a fairly interesting life.

And like now,

being a supporting character in a dramatic story.

====

The village was peaceful to an unbelievable degree.

Just a few hours ago, it had been in utter chaos.

The group sat at a round table for a meal and rest.

With Luciri and Deike temporarily away, with nothing to eat or drink, the mood was somewhat gloomy.

Perhaps that’s why.

Luirin sincerely expressed her complicated feelings to Leo.

“I wonder if it would have been different if my brother had been here.”

In the end, the sense of betrayal Luirin felt? This unsettling feeling of abandonment.

…It might have been possible because she cherished him.

Capable yet kind.

Kind yet appropriately cunning.

Such people are rare.

He has a wide reach of concern, but this isn’t self-satisfaction or an awkward sympathy or mercy born from wanting to believe in his own goodness.

Nor does he indiscriminately reach out or open his arms? That’s not it either.

Moreover, he gives unconditionally to his own people, respects them, cares for them, cherishes them…

How can someone do that for a complete stranger with no blood relation?

One can be kind to neighbors and guests, but that’s temporary and momentary.

Maintaining a long-lasting relationship with such a good person… that would be the best.

Seeing Luirin so desolate, Leo calmly offered a suggestion and explanation.

“He asked me to look after you for a while. He was probably worried you might be deeply hurt.”

“…So he knew that and still ran off alone?”

“……”

Leo had nothing to say about that point.

After all, how much could Leo know about him?

However.

-He’s someone who can glimpse parts of others’ pasts. Without explanation… he probably understood the circumstances.

He could now communicate, albeit minimally, with the holy sword.

It was possible if he concentrated.

When the sword wanted to say something, it would tremble, so he just had to hold it and focus.

“Does the sword just talk to you?”

“…Y-yes.”

It probably looks quite melancholic to those around.

Suddenly,

he realized a snow-white girl was looking down at him.

The reason for the height difference was likely because they were sitting down.

The issue was, why did she suddenly appear?

“I’m sorry.”

…He almost reflexively drew his sword, but Leo’s movement froze at that apology.

“I will do what I can. I will make every effort to restore the villagers’ condition.”

“Why did you do it? Can you tell us the reason now?”

“……”

The girl with sky-blue hair,

Mines, briefly explained the situation.

They wanted to kill you.

As a result, the village suffered calamity.

But I couldn’t bring myself to do it, I was very confused, and I made a big mistake.

At the time, if I hadn’t done that, I might have had to kill everyone.

To be honest,

…she herself was still uncertain.

Are they really not dead?

Are they truly alive?

But because Kariel said so,

…she could now have confidence.

If there’s any atonement or responsibility to be taken,

for now, that’s all there is.

“You were destined to become a hero, and someone didn’t want that, right?”

“……”

Leo showed the holy sword, still in its scabbard, leaning against the chair.

Like something prepared, the scabbard that Venus had given him.

Didn’t he say it wasn’t Elbat, so it wasn’t his concern?

“And now, I have no reason to target you anymore. I wanted to tell you that.”

“I was surely just the son of an ordinary forest keeper.”

Me, a hero?

I never even dreamed of such a thing.

I have a perception that heroes are great people.

But it was truly a distant tale.

Something that seemed like it would never have anything to do with me…

“I heard your companions’ wounds weren’t as deep as they appeared.”

Judging by their outward appearance, they all seemed seriously injured…

This must mean she showed consideration.

It seems she truly intended to kill Leo himself.

But even in that, she was clumsy.

Perhaps.

“……”

Maybe she wanted to die.

If not, she could have dealt with him through ambush or in some other way.

Yet, she openly declared her intentions and purpose.

Even if she had the confidence to do so.

…That’s a bit strange, isn’t it?

“What will you do now?”

“I’m thinking of following him. I received his grace, but I’m not shameless enough like someone said… I don’t understand why he bestowed such grace upon me.”

“You’re talking about the master, right?”

Luirin interjected.

“Don’t think about it. That man just helps because he wants to help, that’s the kind of person he is.”

“Is that… so?”

“When you can’t stand up on your own, when you desperately need help, if no one helps you, isn’t that too sad? If I felt that way, others must feel the same. That’s why he helps.”

“That’s…”

“No matter how you think about it, it’s strange, right? But the answer lies in those words.”

The master…

“He must have a lingering resentment from a time when no one helped him when he desperately needed it. And he’s still troubled by that wound.”

Ah.

Come to think of it,

maybe that’s why I became so attached to the master.

…He seems kind of pitiful, doesn’t he?

One should be able to just leave him be, to let him be.

But in reality, it was Luirin herself who was being cared for.

…Well, it’s not like she was always cared for.

I was a capable guide, after all.

“Damn… I should have followed him forcefully no matter what he said.”

Belatedly, sadness welled up.

Why didn’t I act spoiled?

Why didn’t I insist?

After all, I’m a child, right? I’m a young child, right?

I could have done that.

I awkwardly pretended to be an adult. By pretending to be mature and considering the circumstances, I missed my chance.

“Wait? So you know where the master is going?”

“……”

Mines nodded slightly.

……

“Don’t you want to follow him?”

At Leo’s question, Luirin weakly rubbed around her mouth.

I tried to smile, but it’s not easy.

I’m so awkward that I don’t even know what expression I’m making right now.

“I realized that even if I followed, I don’t think I could do much.”

Above all, I’m very picky about what I eat.

“I need to earn money for food.”

Nevertheless, Luirin is a realist.

An inevitable realist.

But that doesn’t mean she’s giving up.

I…

“I was already living diligently, but now I need to live even more diligently.”

So that maybe,

later on,

when he has no one to rely on or depend on.

At that time, I can firmly extend my hand.

Even for that,

I might need to grow a little more.

If I were to be a bit more greedy,

a lot more.

Because I want to grow.