Volume 6 Chapter 34 The Whole Story
After finishing his long story, Rouza let out a sigh.
"Even though I half-expected it, you got caught up in our own internal affairs and didn't reveal the details. That's why I had to consult with Karan-dono, the guild leader."
"I understand the circumstances. Thank you for explaining."
Karan furrowed his brow and grumbled in response.
It turned out that the wealthy tourist was actually the next in line to be king and was being targeted for assassination. Just explaining the situation was already bad enough, but if things got out of hand, it could escalate into a conflict between nations.
"This could become a problem of my own responsibility too. I should have been more careful, but I didn't consider the consequences and asked Yukina-kun for help. I knew that things like this could happen around you."
"It's not my fault, though!"
"That's right. It's my responsibility. I apologize, Karan-dono."
"Apologies are fine. So, what are you planning to do from now on?"
After smoothing out the wrinkles on his forehead with his finger, Karan asked Rouza.
"At first, I planned to take my time and explain the situation to persuade you, but it's come to this. If the news about Mikage reaches my brothers, they'll probably send more people to attack. Next time, the damage won't be limited to just one building."
It's unfortunate, but this time the damage was limited to a part of the clinic. But if Rouza's brothers get serious about eliminating Mikage and Rouza's group, the scale of the damage could be immense. In the worst-case scenario, it's easy to imagine ordinary people getting caught up in it too.
Rouza stared straight at Mikage. When their eyes met, Mikage's shoulders flinched slightly, but Rouza spoke clearly and firmly.
"We'll be heading back to Sanmoto soon. Mikage, I want you to come with us. I want you to lend me your arm once more."
"...I, I."
Standing in front of Mikage, whose expression clearly showed confusion, I stared back at Rouza. I couldn't help but feel my gaze harden.
"Did you really think I'd just let her go so easily?"
"Didn't you listen to what he said?"
Getsuya stepped forward, standing between Rouza and me, exuding an intimidating aura and hostility as he glared at me from close range.
"This is a matter that transcends individual emotions, one that will decide the fate of the nation. You, a mere mercenary, should just――."
"Mind your own business."
I understood Rouza's situation, but what's the point of that?
"You think it's none of your concern? Who do you think you are?"
"I'm talking to Rouza. You, a 'lowly' minion, should keep quiet."
"――!"
Getsuya was taken aback by my words, but they were genuinely from the bottom of my heart.
"I've already gone and asked the king for his daughter, Aina. And now I'm going to quiver in fear before that king's subordinate?"
In a one-on-one fight, I'd probably lose to Getsuya. I might be able to win once or twice out of ten tries, but that's about it. Even I knew that.
So what's the point, I thought from the bottom of my heart.
'Honestly, it's just the usual, anyway.'
Gram's cheerful voice made me naturally curve the corners of my mouth upwards.
I'm not one to back down from a stronger opponent, and I've never been in a situation where I'd get cold feet. I have confidence in my bravery and guts, which aren't inferior to those of a 1st rank mercenary. Compared to when I faced Aina's old man, I'm way more relaxed now.
"...Ugh."
Getsuya bared his canine teeth, revealing his anger, but took a step back, intimidated. When he realized this, he twisted his face even more in frustration, but Rouza placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Stop it, Getsuya. The one standing in front of you is the man Mikage respects as his master. He's not some ordinary mercenary you've seen since you came to this country."
"But, Rouza-sama..."
"Is your sister the kind of woman who would pledge loyalty to just anyone? I don't think so."
"......I've made a mistake."
Getsuya looked regretful, but he glared at me and followed Rouza, stepping back. Rouza took his place, wearing a fearless smile.
"Your bravery is commendable. It's impressive that you can suppress Getsuya with just your aura."
Rouza chuckled cheerfully.
"Well done, Black Blade. It's only natural for you to object. But, as I said earlier, we're not in a situation where we can easily back down."
"That's true. I think we both understand that."
When people with weapons that hold a will of their own meet, the words they speak from the heart――or the intentions they keep in their hearts――are something that can never be taken back, no matter who the opponent is.
"It's going to be a stalemate if we continue like this."
"That's right... Then, how about we make a wager here?"
The word "wager" made me instinctively tense up.
"Don't worry. I don't mean to leave everything to chance."
As I took a step back, Rouza turned around, pointing the azure monk staff in my direction. Mikage and Aina, as well as Kyunei, looked like they were about to jump back in surprise, but I stopped them with a hand gesture.
This is a declaration of intent.
"You and I, Black Blade, will have a one-on-one duel. The winner takes all. The loser will give the winner what they desire. This way, it won't go against your principles, either."
"...I guess it had to come to this."
To be honest, when I first met Rouza and found out he possessed the azure monk staff, I had a hunch it would come to this. It was the same with Reed. Even without knowing about the snake belly sword (Slay), I had a feeling similar to intuition.
"Mikage!"
"Y-yes!"
When I called out Mikage's name sharply, she straightened her back like she were jumping up.
"Sorry to take liberties, but I'll take care of your fate from now on."
I drew the black spear, Gram, from my back and quietly clashed it with the thrust-out azure monk staff.
"Alright, Rouza. I accept this duel."
"Let's not hold any grudges, no matter who wins."
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