episode_0044

With a Dead Father’s Heart

” ‘Something I didn’t want?’ ”

” ‘While raising Veronica, I pursued only her happiness. And because of that, there was something I had forgotten. That was…’ ”

Prosh sighed, remembering when Veronica was twelve. Even then, Prosh was reviewing reports from his subordinates. The reports contained stories of human intruders and how their numbers had recently decreased.

‘Hmm… If things continue like this, can I retire? If so, I might have to flee this village… There’s a limit to how long I can keep deceiving Veronica about her having a rare disease…’

” ‘Father!’ ”

As Veronica burst through the door and approached, Prosh greeted her with an even wider smile than usual.

” ‘Oh? Veronica, you’re here? How was school today?’ ”

” ‘Nothing happened! Ah…! Well, one thing did!’ ”

” ‘Oho… What happened to our Veronica this time? Did someone bully you again?’ ”

” ‘…Father. But you seem to have become friendlier than before…’ ”

” ‘It seems my face has softened thanks to you, Veronica. So… what happened?’ ”

” ‘Ah, at school, they asked what I wanted to be in the future.’ ”

” ‘I see. What kind of profession is our daughter dreaming of bein…’ ”

” ‘I’m going to be a soldier! I’ll become a soldier and stop those inferior humans from daring to set foot here with all my might!’ ”

” ‘What…?’ ”

” ‘Father? Why are you so flustered?’ ”

Hearing Veronica’s dream, Prosh was greatly startled, his face hardening. And I, too, stiffened when I heard it. Prosh saw my expression and sighed, then explained.

” ‘Haa… You must be surprised. My face was exactly like yours back then. I was extremely shocked. Veronica thought she was an elf at the time.’ ”

” ‘Why… why is that?’ ”

” ‘Because I lied to Veronica too. I told her she was an elf, just like me… Honestly, elf society teaches that humans are inferior to them, so what would Veronica think if she knew she was human? What would the other elves think of Veronica?’ ”

…That makes sense. But the cost is racial identity… Is this what Prosh Uncle didn’t want? Veronica living her life rejecting humans without knowing she is one…?

” ‘Hearing that, I fiercely opposed my daughter’s dream. At that moment, I thought. That I had done something I shouldn’t have done from the beginning… Because of me, Veronica had ended up living her life rejecting humans, completely unaware that she herself was human…’ ”

” ‘Uncle…’ ”

” ‘So whenever my daughter talked about her dream, I would furiously oppose it. But… I could never tell her the truth instead of just opposing it. I couldn’t find any way to save my daughter, whose mind was already set on humans being evil because of elf school… And most of all, I was afraid. Afraid that my daughter would hate me if she knew the truth… That’s what I was afraid of…’ ”

” ‘I can understand how you feel, Uncle… You’re saying it was too late.’ ”

” ‘Haa… Until then, I had only pursued my daughter’s happiness. But I realized then that as a father, I hadn’t given my daughter the education she truly needed. I kept hiding the secret from her, and then… I died the year she turned fourteen.’ ”

” ‘…So you were still hiding the truth from your daughter until then, Uncle.’ ”

” ‘…If the elves in elf society… and if Veronica herself were to find out she was human… I don’t even want to imagine what would happen to Veronica. Unless they’ve raised a human baby like I did… everyone is still stuck in those stereotypes, thinking strange thoughts…’ ”

” ‘If Veronica still thinks she’s an elf now…’ ”

” ‘…Hoo… When Veronica said she wanted to be a soldier… I gained an important realization, Zeke. That living beings are influenced by the society they live in. Just as I lived in elf society and came to harbor a heart that rejected humans, Veronica also lived in elf society and came to harbor a heart that rejected humans, just like other elves.’ ”

” ‘But then, Uncle, you didn’t pick up Veronica…’ ”

” ‘I know. I’ve replayed that thought a thousand times. But this one thing hasn’t changed, even after I died.’ ”

” ‘Huh…?’ ”

” ‘I want to do something for my daughter. For Veronica’s sake, I want to change even the elves’ terrible ideology. Though in reality, I ended up caught by the elders and quietly met my end…’ ”

I see… So the reason this uncle died was because he tried to do something for his daughter… His thoughts must have been blasphemy to the elders… And the remaining Veronica eventually became a soldier…

” ‘Haa… I am bound to this place, a body that will soon disappear. So, Zeke. Can I ask you, a human, for my last favor?’ ”

” ‘Ye… Yes?! Ah… W-wait a minute! Are you sure about this?!’ ”

” ‘What do you mean?’ ”

” ‘No, I’m a human! Isn’t that an act of completely denying your own life, Uncle?!’ ”

” ‘I already started denying my life the moment I picked up Veronica. And… I denied half my life with that bright smile, and hearing Veronica’s dream made me deny my entire life. So now, I believe that even you, a human, possess honor and pride, just like an elf. Well… in truth, all living beings do.’ ”

” ‘…Uncle, are you really sure?’ ”

” ‘Of course. So… will you listen?’ ”

” ‘…Since you can’t rest in peace, Uncle… shouldn’t I help you, naturally?! What is your final wish, Uncle?’ ”

” ‘…! Really?!’ ”

” ‘This time, you can’t believe it, can you, Uncle?’ ”

” ‘…That’s true. Hahahahaha!!’ ”

Honestly, it was a funny situation. I had the perception that all elves rejected humans, and Prosh Uncle had the perception that all humans were evil beings who tormented them. Even though we, with these perceptions, eventually realized that both races were fundamentally the same, we still harbored suspicion towards each other. If it’s truly fixed, we shouldn’t be suspicious anymore…

” ‘Then I swear, Zeke. I trust you. But I don’t trust all humans. I trust *you*. Because it’s impossible that all humans are a good race.’ ”

” ‘Me too. I’ll trust you, Uncle, because you are a good elf. And… because you truly love your human daughter.’ ”

” ‘…Thank you, Zeke. Now, I’ll tell you my request. If… if Veronica ever realizes she’s human… and if elf society is still rejecting all humans by then… would you be able to take Veronica away?’ ”

” ‘Ah… Tha… Hah…!!’ ”

” ‘Hmm? What’s wrong, Zeke?’ ”

The moment I was about to grant his request, a chilling sensation ran down my spine. Wh-what is this feeling…? Aria isn’t behind me… Ah… C-could it be?

‘Never bring any other companions besides me, Sir Zeke. Isn’t just me enough by your side?’

Damn it… Those words I heard from Aria… As those words, which I’d heard so often they were practically etched into my ears, came back to me, I instinctively felt a sense of crisis. Prosh, unaware of my state, cocked his head, then bowed it deeply and spoke.

” ‘As expected, it can’t be done… I’m sorry for asking such an unreasonable favor of you, Zeke… Indeed… If Veronica still thinks she’s an elf, it could harm you…’ ”

” ‘N-no, Prosh Uncle! I… I’ll grant that request! And I’ll also tell all the elves your belief that not all humans are evil!’ ”

” ‘…! R-really, Zeke?!’ ”

Oh well, I don’t care. I’ll just have to sacrifice my life… Damn it… If Veronica really does follow me, I’ll probably get beaten with a staff by Aria… Ugh, my life…

” ‘Thank you… But are you really willing to go that far?’ ”

” ‘Yes. Otherwise, your sacrifice would be in vain. The idea you sacrificed your life to convey to the other elves. I will definitely tell it to them.’ ”

” ‘…That’s what they say, but it was never an act done for the sake of other elves.’ ”

” ‘Huh?’ ”

” ‘I moved solely for my daughter. This life… was a life I sacrificed for my daughter. A father… is someone who will do anything for his daughter, Zeke. Seeing that you have such a heart… your parents must be good people.’ ”

” ‘Ah… Yes. They are wonderful people who taught me what I needed for my explorations and how truly terrible slavery is.’ ”

” ‘I see… They are certainly more wonderful than elves. That’s how it is, Zeke. I also want to teach my daughter what is bad and what is good. It’s a problem that I gained this realization too late, but… even now, I want to teach my daughter what is truly bad. Because it’s a father’s role to help his daughter have a good heart.’ ”

” ‘…You definitely seem like a good father, Uncle. Though I don’t know if Veronica will accept it… Ah, Uncle. If you have anything you want to say to Veronica, please tell me. I’ll write it all down and show it to your daughter.’ ”

” ‘…! Really?!’ ”

” ‘Yes. You trust me, right?’ ”

” ‘…Understood… And thank you.’ ”

I wrote down everything Prosh Uncle wanted to say to his daughter in a book. I don’t know why my eyes welled up every time I wrote. Perhaps it was because this was a father’s last will to his daughter… Unconsciously, tears began to brim in my eyes. Get a grip…

” ‘This is all. Thank you, Zeke. Truly.’ ”

” ‘Ah… Yes…’ ”

” ‘Hmm… You… used a greatsword, didn’t you?’ ”

” ‘Yes… Huh?! How did you know that, Uncle?!’ ”

” ‘Even looking like this, I’ve lived for over 200 years. And as it happens, I also used a greatsword. If one becomes a captain, they are bestowed a greatsword by the Elder-nim. But… what about your greatsword?’ ”

” ‘Ah… I used it to save a precious comrade.’ ”

” ‘I see… Would you look to your side?’ ”

” ‘Huh…? What?’ ”

Looking to my side, I saw a beautiful greatsword. Its hilt was wound with cords around wood, and the blade… how should I describe it… elegant? In the center of the greatsword was an ornament that resembled a vine growing from the hilt, and around the brown vine, golden characters in an unfamiliar language were inscribed.

” ‘It’s a greatsword called ‘Trahan,’ meaning nobility. It’s the weapon I used when I was alive. You may use it until it can be delivered to my daughter! If it breaks in the middle and you can’t deliver it to her, even a part of it will be helpful.’ ”

” ‘What?! I can take this?!’ ”

” ‘Think of it as a temporary loan. Try out that greatsword here, Zeke!’ ”

” ‘Ah… Thank yo…’ ”

” ‘Before that, would you grant another request?’ ”

” ‘Huh? What else…’ ”

” ‘You… just said you were an explorer, didn’t you? Do you happen to have anything you recorded during your explorations?’ ”

” ‘Uh… Yes…’ ”

” ‘I’ve barely left this place, so I’m very curious about the outside world. I want to do everything I wanted to before I disappear.’ ”

” ‘Ah… Of course, I’ll lend it to you! Then, in the meantime, I’ll practice swinging this greatsword until I get used to it.’ ”

” ‘Understood. Thank you for granting my request as well.’ ”

I showed Prosh Uncle my exploration journal, and meanwhile, I began to swing Trahan. Uh… but this is heavy… And the hilt… I thought it would be light since it was wood, but… Wh-why is it so heavy?!

” ‘Ugh… Ughhh! Ughhhhhh!!’ ”

” ‘Hahaha! So you also fell for that wooden hilt, didn’t you? I had the exact same expression when I first tried it!’ ”

” ‘What?!’ ”

” ‘That hilt isn’t made of ordinary wood, Zeke. In Probelitu, a tree called ‘Edan’ grows! That tree is known to be… as strong as a Behemoth’s tear!’ ”

” ‘Wh-what?!’ ”

” ‘Edan doesn’t grow well, and it’s not easy to cut, so tools made from Edan are rare enough to appear only once every 100 years! Isn’t that quite an honor?!’ ”

To me, it feels like handling a sword made of gold?! I mean, why is he just handing me something so precious…? Anyway… this sword… it’s definitely heavy. The greatsword I used before was just an ordinary greatsword with Aria’s blessing, so it felt a bit lighter… Th-this, how much does it weigh?!

” ‘Ugh… S-still, I’m getting used to it… Just how much does this sword weigh… Uh…’ ”

Unconsciously, my mouth fell shut as I looked at the Uncle’s muscles. Was it thanks to those muscles that he could wield this sword so easily…? Wait. But the Uncle’s expression isn’t normal. Why is he like that?

” ‘Hmm… Zeke. The story you experienced… and the contents of this book are certainly interesting. But… this Bosca… this man who annihilated the nation of Bosca… I’m really curious who he is.’ ”

” ‘Ah… that human? Oh… I’ll tell you, Uncle. He’s some strange man who introduced himself as an otherworlder. His alias was… Twenty Mana, perhaps? That man swept away all of Bosca’s soldiers…’ ”

” ‘Did you just say otherworlder?’ ”

” ‘Yes. The possibility is…’ ”

” ‘…This… it’s fortunate I have something to repay you with.’ ”

” ‘Huh?’ ”

” ‘Zeke. If you manage to leave Porbelitu, go to a cemetery called ‘Grobel’.’ ”

” ‘Suddenly, what’s that…’ ”

” ‘For you, an explorer, this might be the best gift. Go there, Zeke. There’s something in Grobel you can’t even imagine.’ ”

” ‘What? W-wait a minute. How do you know something like that, Uncle?!’ ”

” ‘…I once left the forest before. Though I didn’t go outside the Kriton region. Anyway, listen to me, Zeke. If you pass it by, it will only be your loss. Grobel is located north of Probelitu. Remember that, Zeke.’ ”

” ‘Ah… Yes… Yes…’ ”

Why is the Uncle suddenly acting like this…? Could it be… that he knows something about otherworlders…? So he’s really an otherworlder?!… Since the Uncle is saying this much, I should go, right? Let’s go past the Croa Spring and to Grobel. Being a cemetery doesn’t give a good feeling, but…

” ‘There’s one last request, Zeke…’ ”

” ‘What now… Huh?!’ ”

The moment the Uncle made another request, and I sighed, looking at him, I was greatly horrified to see his body gradually disappearing. Then Prosh Uncle smiled faintly and spoke.

” ‘Well… it seems it’s time for me to disappear. It’s fortunate that the last human I met was you, Zeke, who possesses a noble heart. Because in the end, I was able to completely correct my thoughts about humans.’ ”

” ‘Uncle…’ ”

” ‘It’s alright. I have no more regrets, except for one thing. So, Zeke. Will you grant my final request?’ ”

” ‘Hoo… I also think it’s fortunate that I met such a noble elf like you, Uncle. So, your request… I can’t refuse it, can I?! Please, tell me quickly!’ ”

” ‘…Alright. Zeke. This request is not only for my daughter… but it’s also a request that concerns the lives of other elves.’ ”

” ‘…What?’ ”

What…? S-suddenly, the responsibility feels so huge?! Are you saying the welfare of an entire race is on me right now!? As I became greatly flustered, Prosh Uncle chuckled faintly and spoke.

” ‘You can refuse. The burden will be immense. Well… considering how elves have killed innocent humans until now…’ ”

” ‘That’s because they didn’t know, isn’t it? And… it’s alright. I have Aria by my side, the strongest human and Saint, who can beat down gods or anything. Haha… It feels like I’m leaving everything to Aria these days, but… I’ll still do my best if there’s anything I can do with my own strength, so don’t worry.’ ”

” ‘Ah… you mean the Black Saint from your records. Yes, I understand. It would be a great discourtesy not to trust you now. Listen carefully, Zeke. This World Tree… and even the elves and Alraune… I will tell you the shocking truth I learned while trying to change the negative perception of humans embedded in other elves.’ ”

” ‘Truth…?’ ”

” ‘Yes. I was actually half-doubting it, but… seeing your records, I became certain. So listen carefully.’ ”