The next morning, after Master and I finished a brief greeting at the guild, we finally headed toward the meeting place with Windmill.
I had completely forgotten until now, but the recent incident at the Gouzel dungeon had apparently been a catastrophic blunder for the guild, a total bolt from the blue. Not only had the dungeon’s completion approval been an error, but a young A-rank party had nearly been wiped out because of it. A significant investigation into the responsibility of those involved was currently underway.
Perhaps because of that, the woman at the reception desk gave me a strangely sympathetic send-off. "You'd better find some happiness, okay?" she said.
According to what Rosche had told me—I have no idea where he digs up his information—this guild was merely the one closest to the dungeon. While they had received the report of its completion, the guild in the Holy City had been the one to actually conduct the investigation and issue the approval. The receptionist here had no reason to feel responsible, yet she had still worried about us, even coming to visit us personally rather than in an official capacity.
"You'd better find some happiness"—I thought she was absolutely right.
Master and the others had met such tragic ends in the Original Work... No, the Original Work didn't matter anymore. Even if I hadn't regained those memories, I would have desired their happiness just the same.
Leaning on my staff and being careful not to trip on my prosthetic leg, I walked slowly along the cobblestones, holding Master’s hand. I only did it because she wouldn't feel at ease otherwise, but I wondered how we looked to others. Was I the one babysitting, or was I the one being babysat? I felt a prickle of embarrassment as I noticed the warm, smiling glances of the passersby.
"Hey, Master... you don't really have to... hold my hand..."
When Master looked up at me, her face was a mask of pure despair.
"D-Did you... hate it? I see. Of course you did. This is just a-annoying, isn't it? I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Wolka. I was just so worried, I..."
"—That’s what I thought at first, but it actually helps. Thanks."
I was weak. I couldn't bear to see Master cry. I wondered if I could really help her get back on her feet if I kept indulging her like this.
Atri told me with a straight face that she would offer her very soul to me, and Yulitia’s eyes turned frighteningly intense sometimes. I really wished they would all just prioritize themselves more.
As the plaza—our meeting place—came into view, I noticed from a distance that Yulitia was being spoken to by someone. I was about to sigh, thinking it was happening again, but then I recognized the person's profile. It was the boy who had been shot down when he tried to recruit Yulitia.
Oh, it’s you, kid. I hadn't seen him since then, but he looked energetic. I hoped his feelings weren't running wild again, hitting her with another unreasonable invitation. If he made the same mistake twice, Yulitia wouldn't even recognize him as a human being.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, the boy started running with a look of fierce determination. He was about to pass right by us without noticing, when—
"——!"
He noticed at the last second and skidded to a halt. Against the backdrop of the tranquil, early-morning plaza, our eyes met.
"...?" Master wore a look of "Who is this?" It seemed she had long since wiped the memory of the person who treated her like a child from her mind.
I waited for his reaction, expecting him to say something.
"—won't!"
"Huh?"
"I don't intend to keep losing like this!"
The boy pointed a finger at me and shouted a brave declaration.
"Don't think this makes you the winner!"
With that, he sprinted away toward the city exit.
...Well, what was that about? I tilted my head, then joined up with Yulitia and the others.
"Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting."
"Welcome back, Senpai."
"Mm."
Yulitia and Atri both seemed to be in a slightly foul mood. Hey, kid, what did you do this time? The air is a bit chilly over here.
"Aha, you've arrived, Wolka! Hahaha!"
"Rosche-sama, it's still early, so please be quiet..."
But I was relieved because Rosche was his usual self. If this guy were a character in a book, he’d probably have sparkling effects drawn around him in every scene. Honestly, he was a handful for Anze.
Putting the lovable idiot aside, I asked, "What was that about?"
"Ah, yes... I don't really understand it myself, but he said something about becoming strong enough to not lose to you, Senpai..."
Hmm? Did that mean he intended to reach A-rank? I see. If he wanted Yulitia to join his party, he was determined to become a fine swordsman who could stand beside her first. How youthful.
That alone didn't seem like something to be upset about, but Yulitia let out a long sigh.
"Hah... I told him I have no intention of forming a party with anyone else. Why can't he understand?"
"Is it really that—"
"I absolutely hate the idea."
That was a fast rejection. I hadn't even finished my sentence. She truly, honestly hated the thought.
Well, in Yulitia's case, she had been mistreated and subjected to violence by her older brother, the one man she should have been able to trust. That was why she had become our companion, leaving her home and the Royal Capital behind to choose the life of an adventurer.
"Besides, saying he'll become as strong as you, Senpai... it feels like he's belittling all your hard work, and I hate it!"
While I was flattered that she was huffing in anger for my sake, I didn't think the boy meant it that way. Perhaps because their first meeting went so poorly, Yulitia was simply cold toward him.
Good luck, kid. If you want Yulitia to acknowledge you, you have no choice but to use your sword instead of your mouth. You might need the resolve to reach A-rank just to be allowed to stand at the starting line.
"That's right... when I think about how much... how much blood, sweat, and tears you've shed, how you've suffered and fought desperately to become strong—"
/
"—E-Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting!"
A few minutes later, Ruerie and the rest of Windmill joined us.
"I-I'm so sorry... Even though I'm the one who asked for this, I'm the last one here."
Even though she wasn't actually late, Ruerie hunched her shoulders and apologized profusely. On the other hand, the duo of Cain and Lloyd were strangely casual, offering a breezy, "Sorry 'bout that, haha."
When you look at someone with suspicion, everything they do seems suspicious—but still. These two were likely not the real Cain and Lloyd.
Aside from that initial comedy act of bowing and groveling, I hadn't seen Ruerie and these two talk like actual teammates once. In fact, I felt like Ruerie didn't even try to make eye contact with them unless she had to. And despite Ruerie being so anxious that she was desperately seeking help, the two of them showed no sign of supporting her. They just stood in the back with carefree smiles plastered on their faces, as if watching a funny play.
...I might not even need Anze to "see" them.
It wouldn't be impossible to just apprehend these two right here and now. However, since they were targeting A-ranks like us, they were likely part of a larger group. Catching two low-level grunts wouldn't solve anything. The failure would be reported to their base immediately, and Ruerie's sister would vanish into the darkness along with them.
Therefore, we would play the part of the fools who were easily deceived and crush them all at once at their "hunting ground." It was a method the protagonist had used a few times in the Original Work—an undercover sting operation.
Of course, it was a risky move. Everyone had told me to rely on them, and I couldn't imagine them losing to a bunch of thugs—if only my leg were fine, I could have fought alongside them.
I have to make sure I don't become a burden.
"Um, this person is the one you mentioned yesterday... Whoa, she's so beautiful..."
"Oh... fufu, thank you."
As soon as Ruerie tried to introduce herself, she was captivated by the sight of Anze. I didn't blame her. Anze was beyond just cute or beautiful; she felt almost divine.
"Nn-hm, thank you, little mademoiselle! Phew, to think I'd fascinate a young lady I just met... it seems I can't suppress my radiance today either, hahahahaha!"
"Huh...? Ah, yes..."
She wasn't talking about you, Rosche. I mean, you have a good face, but look—Ruerie is cringing.
...But I hoped this kind of casual interaction would lighten the burden on Ruerie's heart, even a little. Perhaps Rosche was doing it with that in mind. He was always careful in his treatment of women, after all.
After finishing the introductions, we followed Ruerie to the client. In a corner along the defensive wall were two wagons. The client and another unknown man were loading supplies.
The client, Staffio, noticed us. "Oh, everyone. We've been waiting for you. I'll be in your care starting today." He gestured to the other man. "This is my friend. He will serve as a Driver alongside me this time."
"Nice to meet you."
Unlike Staffio, this was a remarkably well-built man. He didn't really look like a fellow merchant.
Master stood on her tiptoes to look inside the wagon. "Is this all the luggage?"
"Yes, this is the outbound trip for procurement, you see. Most of it is in my Storage."
Storage—a Magic Tool that stores items in a pocket dimension. It wasn't magic, but a tool embedded with specific formulas created by the Magisterica, the Royal Capital's magic research institute.
Most Storage units took the form of keys. They ranged from cheap versions that could only hold a small box to high-end ones with the capacity of a warehouse. For adventurers who preferred to travel light, they were a necessity. Everyone in our party owned one.
I digress.
"So... um, about the seating." Ruerie raised her hand nervously. "Since we're here, why don't we... split up? Half from your party and half from mine in each carriage?"
"...Ah—"
For a moment, I was at a loss for words. It was because I thought a girl like Ruerie might actually make such a proposal naturally.
Ruerie, I can guess who put that idea in your head, but adventurers don't swap party members during an escort mission unless it's absolutely necessary. If something happens and you can't coordinate, you endanger everyone. If you wanted to divide our party, you should have used a better—no, why am I giving her advice?
"Come on, don't be so stiff."
"Since we're all together, let's build some camaraderie, yeah?"
Cain and Lloyd were definitely the ones behind this. Why hadn't they given her a better excuse? This would look suspicious to anyone—seriously, why am I helping them?
"Deepening bonds is important for adventurers. I'll leave it to you," Staffio added.
Staffio, if you were really the client, you should be scolding them. This isn't a game. You're definitely in on it.
"Is it... no good?"
"...No, I understand."
It was bizarre to be the one showing consideration while being the target of a trap, but I accepted the proposal. People are less likely to change their plans if they think things are going their way.
After a brief exchange, we split up: Me, Master, Cain, and Lloyd in one wagon; Yulitia, Atri, Anze, and Ruerie in the other. Rosche followed on his horse.
As we began the final checks for departure, a voice echoed in my mind.
«Everyone, Anze's judgment is complete.»
It was Master’s voice, utilizing Telepathia—a magic that transmits thoughts directly. It was an extremely advanced technique; as far as I knew, Master was the only one who could use it. Her voice was laced with disgust.
«Just as we thought. Aside from Ruerie, they're all guilty.»
Everyone—meaning Cain, Lloyd, Staffio, and the driver. Every single one of them was an accomplice in the plan to exploit Ruerie.
«Fraud, identity theft, intimidation, looting, human trafficking, murder... and sexual assault. That’s the list.»
—Irredeemable scum.
"............"
I felt the direction of my emotions hardening. Even among Ruffians, there were levels, but these were the worst kind. Men were killed, and women were sold off or worse.
I wondered if this was orchestrated by some "God." Was it just something that wasn't shown in the Original Work? Did that divine will, which seemed aimed at making characters suffer, exist here too?
"...There, there."
"Whoa."
While I was lost in thought, Atri suddenly reached out and patted my head. ...Why my head?
"...?"
"What's wrong?" Atri tilted her head. I should be the one asking.
"Just felt like it."
"I see."
"It's okay," Atri said. "Me, Liesel, Yulitia... and Wolka. Everyone is strong. No need to worry."
"...That's true."
Alright—enough grumbling. It was time to steel myself.
There was no need for mercy toward Ruffians who didn't view others as human. If you showed them mercy, they would just attack someone else tomorrow.
Don't show them any pity. That was what my grandfather used to say.
/
In this country, the majority of Ruffians were petty thieves. Because the knights in the Holy City and Royal Capital were so highly trained, criminals didn't usually act brazenly. The Holy City, in particular, had spent years eradicating crime to maintain its reputation as a "Divine City."
However, that safety was also a weakness. Because the knights handled human crime, young adventurers often lacked experience in fighting other people. Naturally, that made them targets for those who had lost their faith and grown desperate, or for outlaws from other countries who saw the locals as easy marks.
"—By the way, Wolka-aniki, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"About those scars..."
How was Wolka feeling right now, speaking with the young man in front of him as if nothing were wrong?
"What kind of monster did you have to fight for an A-rank like you to get scarred that much?"
"...Well, various things happened."
Sitting side-by-side on cargo crates, Lieselalte gripped the sleeve of Wolka's light armor. While pretending to be nervous, her entire focus never wavered from the two men opposite them.
Fraud, identity theft, intimidation, looting, human trafficking, murder—and sexual assault. Lieselalte didn't recall ever seeing villains who had committed such a full sweep of evil deeds.
"I was thinking... was it your party that defeated the real boss of Gouzel?"
"Ah... don't go spreading that around."
In this world, Monsters were the common enemy of all humanity. And yet, humans still found ways to hurt one another. Why couldn't they live hand-in-hand?
Surely, Wolka—the man who had risked his life to protect his companions—felt a deep disappointment in the world because of this. The emotion she had seen on his face yesterday wasn't just anger or pity. It was a profound despair toward the world itself.
That was why Lieselalte was so afraid. She felt like Wolka might disappear from her side one day, moving to a place she couldn't reach.
"Whoa, so it really was you. ...But since you put your life on the line, the reward must have been huge, right?"
"No, the reward was—...well, the Drops might sell for a high price."
Why did things that hurt Wolka keep happening? He had already lost so much, and now his heart was being pushed to the brink.
And yet, he still didn't show any weakness. He had mastered his Quick-draw Technique and his stoicism under his grandfather’s harsh training. He had become able to handle most things in life alone—and had ceased to show vulnerability to anyone.
"—But well, I can at least protect myself."
Please, Wolka. Don't carry it all alone. I'll do my best so we can carry it together. I'll defeat every last one of these scum. Just don't go anywhere.
"Haha, that's cool. But you can't let your guard down, okay? You never know when bad guys might attack."
"...That's true."
Lieselalte felt a molten fury churning within her. She knew exactly why they had split the party. They wanted to take Wolka hostage. They saw an injured man and a child-like mage as the easiest targets.
Lieselalte’s mind was strangely calm. If they weren't in this situation, she could have even said it with a smile.
(—It's okay, Wolka. This time, I'll definitely protect you.)
The wagons moved forward, their wheels echoing as the sky remained a clear, indifferent blue.
/
With breaks every two hours, the journey continued. They left the city far behind as the road entered a route bypassing a mountain. There were no other travelers now, only thick forests on either side.
The move finally came at dusk.
Rosche, following on his horse, was the first to notice.
"—Whoa!?"
Staffio's panicked shout and the neighing of the horses happened almost simultaneously. Both wagons suddenly accelerated, veering off the road into a hidden animal trail. It looked like the drivers had lost control, but Rosche knew better.
He tried to give chase immediately, but—
"—!"
With the sound of cutting wind, an arrow pierced the ground at his horse's feet. Rosche calmed his startled horse and scanned the area. There were nearly ten presences coming from the trail and the surrounding forest.
"Well, well, you're quite on your guard."
"—Well, you're a knight. You're the most troublesome one."
The answer came from the shadows among the trees. "Once we take care of you, the rest are just women and a piece of baggage with one leg. Easy job."
"...I see."
Four people blocked the trail, and another four surrounded Rosche. All wore dark cloaks. The wagons were being led to a "hunting ground."
Rosche wasn't worried about his friends. If anything, he felt heart-wrenching pity for these Ruffians. To have attacked Silvery Grey at this of all times—it was as if God had abandoned them. Lieselalte, Yulitia, and Atri would likely annihilate them like dust to protect Wolka.
/
Meanwhile, inside the bolting wagon.
"Well then... if you value your life, you'd better stay quiet."
"—Is your little game of 'playing adventurer' over?"
I stared down the two Ruffians, Cain and Lloyd, who had finally drawn their swords.