Volume 6 Chapter 74 A Boy's Pride And Honor — And The Beginning Of Tales Of Mountains And Plains
Gabert chuckled, raising his glass.
"I'm starting to get a bit curious about what kind of guy that kid Yukina is, considering how much he changed you guys — who were so hard to deal with. Our boss, Relix, said he's from the same hometown, but that was about it. Didn't tell me much more."
Mikage blinked, clearly a little surprised.
"Is that so? Yukina-sama talks about Brave a lot, but he often says Brave is 'too good of a person,' and that... makes me uneasy."
"That's the kind of guy who gets so caught up in others that he forgets himself," Reed added with a slight nod. "Brave's usually chosen from those kinds of people. So maybe it's not so surprising."
Mikage clapped her hands, understanding. "In a sense, Yukina-sama is the opposite of Brave."
"Darling is fundamentally self-centered," Reed said with a teasing smile. "I'm really envious of Mikage, who's so cherished that someone would come all the way to Sanmoto just for her."
Mikage's face flushed. She lowered her fox ears, embarrassed by Reed's grin.
"R-Reed, please don't say too much in front of Gabert. Besides, you're in the same position right now."
Gabert, still pretending to drink cheerfully, listened to their words and kept thinking.
(Self-centered, huh.... From what I've heard, he's got obligations to the young master, Rouza. But more than that, he came to Sanmoto because of his bond with Silver Flash — that's Mikage.)
Gabert had also heard of the link between Rouza and Mikage. They shared a master-servant relationship in childhood. Though that had been settled, their bond remained close. If Rouza was in a dangerous place so far away in Sanmoto, Mikage would surely be worried. It seemed he had made the choice to go there because of her.
The fact that these two, once so distant and difficult to approach, had grown so friendly was definitely thanks to that man, Yukina. He seemed like the type who blurred the line between himself and others once he truly trusted someone. In that way, perhaps Yukina and Relix were alike.
If Relix were in Yukina's situation now, he probably would make the same choice.
Still, there had to be a big difference in the strength of the 'determination' behind that choice.
That must be the reason for the intense emotions Relix sometimes showed.
(But this isn't something anyone else can talk about easily.)
Gabert felt a rough idea of how Relix would react, but he knew this was about pride and stubbornness — things a man guards tightly. Even if they were the same gender or comrades, it was not a topic to approach lightly. Shion had likely come to the same conclusion and was waiting for the right time to speak.
In the end, Gabert could only watch quietly, frustration rising as he sipped his drink.
* * *
While the mercenaries enjoyed their talk at the tavern, in a room of the inn introduced by Rouza, two girls faced each other.
They were Aina and Mayuri.
Both were magicians in their respective parties, and each held a role that could be called the brains of their groups. Naturally, they carried complex thoughts that they could not share with others, so it was only natural for them to exchange such information.
But before that—
"I sincerely apologize for the late introduction," Mayuri said, kneeling before Aina. She placed her hand over her flat chest and bowed deeply — a form of respect a vassal gives to a noble.
Though young and still inexperienced, Mayuri had shown outstanding talent as a court magician. She was included in the Brave party because of her skills and wide knowledge.
However, someone had been declared to join the Brave party before her.
That was Princess Aina.
Though Mayuri was called a genius magician, sometimes said to be equal to or surpassing Aina, there was more than just magical skill involved. Being part of the royal family and gaining a personal connection to the Brave held a deeper meaning. But after strange events, Aina had become Yukina's companion and lover.
"There's no need for such formalities, Mayuri-san. I'm just an ordinary commoner now, removed from the line of succession. Please, raise your head."
Aina's voice was calm but troubled as she clasped her hands beneath her ample bosom.
Until her demotion, she had been part of the same family as Mayuri, who served in the court. Naturally, they knew each other from their time in the royal castle.
"...Well then, I shall do it," Mayuri said, raising her face. She smiled, warmer and more natural than before.
Aina and Mayuri were close in age, and while not especially close, they shared a friendly bond. Of course, there was still a master-subordinate relationship, but they had shared concerns fitting their youth.
The formal greeting was like a rite of passage. Aina knew she no longer held her royal status and was aware of how little formality mattered now. Still, she judged it easier to go through the motions for the time being.
"Once again, it's been a while, Aina-sama. I'm glad to see you well."
"Yes, likewise. I've heard about your activities in many places."
"Hahaha... Indeed. I always worry I might be holding you back."
"I feel the same. I try my best to keep up with all of you moving ahead."
Starting with light greetings again, both said similar things and chuckled softly. Since their positions were similar, their understanding of worries was close. In truth, both Aina and Mayuri were indispensable in their groups.
"This must be mutual, but I didn't expect to meet you in Sanmoto."
"Agreed. Well, standing and talking is tiring. Let's sit."
The two lowered themselves onto the floor, which was lined with a strange, soft material.
Notes:
• Gabert - 1st rank mercenary; part of the Brave group.
• Shion - Male Monk; part of the Brave group.
• Mayuri - Magician girl from the Brave group.
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