Side Story - Side Braver Vii, Part Two
When the captain of the soldier army saw us, his surprised expression transformed into the face of a relieved farmer who had tasted the blessing of rain.
"Oh, Brave-sama! Have you come? With you here, it feels like having the strength of a hundred men── no, a thousand men!!"
"Flattery is unnecessary. More importantly, we have just arrived. Could you please explain the situation?"
Because the captain had command over the troops, it was the vice captain who took over the task of explaining.
According to his account, while there were many monsters, their strength was not considered too dangerous. The soldier army and the remaining mercenaries in the royal capital were more than capable of handling them, and there were no issues with maintaining the front lines.
However, the real problem lay in the sheer number of monsters. Despite being able to reduce their numbers to some extent, they somehow kept increasing. The vice captain himself had come to realize that it was not just a figment of his imagination.
"Just a few soldiers have reported seeing a glowing magic formation deep within the horde of monsters."
Mayuri, upon hearing the news, was taken aback.
"Could it be a large-scale summoning magic formation?"
"That's our assessment as well. It's likely that an endless number of monsters are being summoned from there."
Shion, with a concerned expression, voiced his question to the stern-faced deputy captain.
"Based on what I've heard, this monster frenzy seems to be caused by that magic circles. Why don't we just destroy it right away?"
"You're absolutely right. However, even if we wanted to destroy the magic formation, that area is the most densely packed with monsters."
"Well, that makes sense since it's the place where this massive number of monsters keeps appearing."
Gabert chimed in, prompting a nod of agreement from the deputy captain.
"We're currently in the midst of forming a team to break through the layer of monsters. We plan to incorporate skilled mercenaries into the group."
"It seems like hiring mercenaries would be more suitable for a direct assault rather than a group battle."
"Yeah, so Brave-sama. If possible, we'd like you all to join the assault team."
I had a feeling this request would come. Not just around the magic circle, but monsters are overflowing in this area. So, the assault team should be kept small. With a small, elite group, individuals like us with decent abilities would be suitable.
'What will you do, Master?'
Of course, I'll do it.
"Got it. We'll join the assault team too."
"Thank you. If Brave-sama joins us, we can execute the mission more effectively."
"Alright, I'll get ready for team formation."
The vice-captain said as he stepped away briefly. He began giving instructions to the soldiers of the kingdom.
"Until the team is ready, let's take care of the nearby monsters."
My companions nodded in response to my instructions.
As I were contemplating the ongoing battle and the need to conserve my energy, I spotted a familiar face amidst the chaos.
"Mikage-san!"
"──Brave-dono?"
The silver fox swordsman swiftly cut down nearby monsters and made her way towards me. Her swordsmanship was mesmerizing, complemented by her beauty.
'Master?'
Uh-oh. I couldn't afford to have distracting thoughts in the midst of battle. Besides, Mikage-san had someone important to her, so I shouldn't harbor any inappropriate feelings.
─Although the thought of that 'important person' stirred something in my chest, I quickly shook my head to dismiss it.
"It's been a while, Brave-dono."
"Are you part of the assault team too?"
"Yes. I hope this troublesome situation ends soon."
Behind her, several mercenaries are following. They are probably planning to join the assault team.
Seeing familiar faces gives me a little relief. It's even more reassuring if they are capable individuals I can rely on.
If Mikage-san is here, then her "important person" should be here too. At the very least, if it were 'him' who I know, he wouldn't send Mikage-san alone into the battlefield.
And yet...
"What happened to Yukina? He doesn't seem to be nearby."
Could he be fighting in a different location? Contrary to my expectations, Mikage-san paused for a moment before speaking.
"Yukina-sama is not here. He is inside the royal capital."
"──What did you say?"
I felt a stirring in my chest that I thought I had dismissed earlier. But now, it resurfaced once again.
"First of all, Yukina-sama is still a 4th rank. Unlike me, a 2nd rank, he didn't receive any invitation from the guild to participate, and he doesn't have any obligation to join this battle."
"But, even though Mikage-san is fighting like this, Yukina is just waiting in a safe place..."
I'm disappointed in you, Yukina. I thought you were a guy who may lack common sense but possesses a sense of justice. That's why I considered you as a 'friend.'
'It just means that he was only that kind of guy. In the first place, it's a mistake for someone like him to be the Master's friend.'
Leiva's words that I would usually corrected seem to be easily accepted by me now. That's how much the sense of disappointment towards Yukina was strong.
"Brave-dono, are you misunderstanding something?"
"Huh?" I snapped back to reality, and Mikage-san had a cold expression on her face.
"Yukina-sama stayed in the royal capital not because he was blown by the wind of cowardice. He herself judged that it was necessary."
"What do you mean by necessary?"
"I don't understand either. But if he made that judgment, then I will follow."
Blindly trusting that much, for some reason, I felt a small anger.
Why can she trust Yukina so strongly?
Maybe that's why words that even I feel are unlike me slipped out of my mouth.
"...If by any chance, something really happens, it would be better to be with Mikage-san──"
When I said that, Mikage-san shook her head sideways.
"Yukina-sama decided to stay in the royal capital, considering the possibility of that unlikely event not happening."
"What do you mean by 'that unlikely event'?"
"Yukina-sama is aware that my actions may end up in vain── In fact, he might even prefer it that way. That's the kind of person he is. That's why he sent me here, so that my 'strength' wouldn't be wasted on a futile journey."
I'm starting to get really confused now.
I can understand what Mikage-san is saying. I also understand that Yukina is staying in the royal capital in case that unlikely event occurs.
But if Mikage-san's words are correct, then Yukina hopes that the unlikely event never happens.
In other words, if nothing really happens, all of Yukina's actions will be in vain. He won't be appreciated by anyone, and instead, he might be criticized.
Why would he be able to make that choice?
Suddenly, I felt a surge of questions within me, and I wanted to ask Mikage-san. I wasn't sure if I would get an answer, but I couldn't help but ask.
But that opportunity never came.
Abruptly, Mikage-san seemed to notice something as she widened her eyes. The silver fox ears extending from her head twitched, and she turned her face in a certain direction.
That was the direction of the royal capital.
It was hard to see from a distance, but I could make out something like a beacon of light rising.
"It seems like one in a million hit the mark."
Mikage-san, carrying a tense atmosphere, said as she took a step forward. Toward the rising light of the royal capital.
"I will return to the royal capital immediately. Please inform the captain of the kingdom's army that I cannot join the assault team."
"But if you leave..."
"If it's a hole like me, it will be easily filled if Brave-dono is present. Moreover, there is a 1st rank mercenary who is more capable than I am, so it will be more than enough."
Gabert's expression turned serious when Mikage-san brought up the conversation.
"Silver Flash, do you understand? If you leave the frontlines now, it'll be a violation of the mercenary rules."
Gabert was right. Mikage-san was here at the request of the Mercenary Guild. She had the obligation to fight on this battlefield. If she were to disregard that, she would face disciplinary action as a mercenary.
"Furthermore, if you run away while Brave is still fighting, rumors will start spreading. Are you still going?"
"Well then, let me say this."
──What do you mean by that?
Gabert and the others were taken aback by the response, as if it was expected.
"Originally, I became a mercenary to earn money for my journey and to hone my skills. I do have some attachments, but not to the extent of clinging onto them. Whether it's demotion or expulsion, it's up to me."
"Okay, that's it for me," she turned away from us, as if she had no interest in us anymore.
"...Rather, wouldn't it be easier to work with that person if I got demoted? It might be insensitive, but it might not be so bad."
Leaving behind such a mutter, she dashed off to the royal capital without any hesitation in her steps.
"Relix-sama, what will you do?"
I was staring blankly at Mikage-san's retreating figure when Mayuri's voice startled me. Before I knew it, Mikage-san's figure had disappeared into the crowd of monsters and people.
"...Let's join the assault team as planned. We also need to inform the captain about Mikage-san."
"Understood."
Mayuri glanced at the direction where Mikage-san had run off with a dissatisfied look in her eyes, then nodded.
There's nothing I can do about those who have already left. I, on the other hand, must do my job properly, as it is expected of me.
It is my role to fulfill the duties of a Brave.
──It was some time after receiving the report that monsters had appeared at the royal castle.
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