Chapter 81: Opening My Eyes Again

“Why are you asking such a thing?”

Time passed.

Luiness arrived at the stall accompanied by children carrying flower baskets.

The children habitually lined up the baskets in front of the stall and guided Luiness toward the chairs.

A few of them greeted Kariel with friendliness, while others did so with caution, before leaving the area.

Sitting in the chair with her staff resting on her lap, she tilted the corners of her mouth into a small smile, wearing an expression that looked lonely but tried its best not to show it.

“You’ve come again today.”

“…Yes.”

Kariel announced his plans plainly.

“I intend to leave tomorrow.”

“Is… is that so?”

“…….”

Kariel, who had been staring at her, asked.

“You look relieved.”

“Pardon?”

“You hope it won’t be drawn.”

Kariel acted as if he had only just realized something he had known all along.

At that, she asked with doubt.

She asked why he was questioning such a thing.

So, he gave her a reason that would make sense.

“The only person around here who is truly anxious that the sword might actually be drawn, Luiness, is you.”

“…….”

“What is it that makes you so uneasy?”

Kariel found himself wanting to ask the same of himself.

Why am I asking her this?

Was there something he suspected?

Or was it simply meddling, as Luirin always nagged him about?

“Lord Riel… you are a thoughtful person, one who observes others and their surroundings carefully, not just yourself.”

Was that a compliment?

Or was it a manifestation of caution?

“That must be why you helped us. I am grateful for it. So… I sincerely hope that whatever you are doing goes well and that you remain safe.”

“…….”

That wish was hollow.

If one’s life simply stabilized because someone prayed or wished for it.

That in itself would be a deception.

It wasn’t that he was dissatisfied, but he felt a strangely strong aversion to such things.

“And what about you?”

“Pardon? What do you mean?”

“Are you not unhappy?”

“…….”

Perhaps the question was quite unexpected.

No.

Her reaction suggested she hadn’t even imagined encountering such a question.

“Am I… unhappy?”

An eccentric answer.

Responding to a question with another question usually serves to shorten a few reasons.

“Doing things one does not wish to do. Forcing oneself to hold onto things one hates—we do not call that happiness.”

It wasn’t a perfectly given set of facts.

However, the life he had seen of her yesterday was generally driven by the instructions, orders, and suggestions of others, rather than her own will or desire.

“We’ve only spoken a few words… and you’ve perceived even that. You are remarkable, Lord Riel.”

“…….”

He was simply curious.

Curious about her state of mind—the sincere hope that the damn sword would not be drawn.

And when it was drawn.

He wondered how she would react.

Would she be frustrated? Would she despair?

Or perhaps, would she be happy?

Or perhaps, would she be discouraged?

Maybe he was thinking that he might actually get his hands on it tomorrow.

If so, he would eventually see it.

The sight of her youthful wish—that it would absolutely never be drawn—shattering into pieces overnight.

…And how he would react then.

“I am a watcher. The person who watches from this spot whether that thing is drawn or not.”

Even so.

“I hope this moment lasts as long as possible. To wish for it to be eternal… would be my own greed.”

“…….”

“Even if you can draw it, you must not. It will become dangerous.”

Though she murmured with a sorrowful face, wondering if such words even had any meaning.

Nevertheless, this time, she spoke with conviction.

“This is not a simple warning. I want you to keep this in mind. If that is drawn… a very terrifying person will come.”

“…….”

Kariel let out an unintentional chuckle.

Luiness, misinterpreting the laugh, looked bewildered.

“My words…”

“No, it’s nothing. Luiness, I believe what you say.”

Only.

“…No matter who in the world it is, they couldn’t possibly be more absurd than the two I know.”

Kariel glared into the void.

At the same time, he recalled someone from his memories.

The Golden Girl, who appeared like a phantom only to his eyes.

…And you, Father.

If there is someone more formidable than those two… tell them to bring the Great Demon King himself.

“And since I embarked on this journey to strike them down, it seems it will be difficult for me to give up so easily.”

That thing too.

As Kariel pointed to the sword with his eyes, Luiness lowered her gaze.

“Is… that so.”

Just as their conversation was about to reach a breaking point.

Several men approached them.

“Excuse us.”

Men wearing iron protectors on their chests, shoulders, arm and knee joints.

Just by looking at them, it was clear they were the ones dedicated to maintaining and managing public order here in Somern Village.

There was likely no one who didn’t know they were the Somern Guard.

After all, they were the ones controlling the checkpoints at the entrance.

The emblem of Somern Village—a diagonally placed sword with the word ‘Somern’ beneath it—was stamped on their chests as a seal.

From within an iron helmet that could open up and down, a man with a large scar spoke with a calm face, contrary to his fierce impression.

“We request your cooperation as a witness to an incident that occurred within the village.”

“…….”

Even in the Empire, they didn’t offer requests with this much courtesy.

The reality was that suspects were treated as criminals, pushed and shouted at; this treatment was somewhat unusual.

Or perhaps they were treating him this way considering he had identified himself as a noble during the checkpoint?

He was even a foreign noble.

If he were just some low-ranking noble, it wouldn’t matter if he died a sudden death, but perhaps they thought he was the child or associate of a Great Noble?

“That is fine.”

Or perhaps they did this as a formality, anticipating that he might resist or rebel?

The reasons were varied.

However, if one were to pick their biggest mistake.

“…….”

Complying with their guidance and escort, he descended the stairs and reached the third level.

Soon, upon entering a secluded alley, they naturally blocked the entrances at the front and back as if surrounding him.

“If you answer our questions, nothing serious will happen.”

“…….”

“We found you based on the statements of witnesses.”

This was exactly why he had induced that guy to be dragged out of the warehouse yesterday.

“Yesterday afternoon, you said your name is Riel, and the other was Venus? According to those who witnessed the clash between you two…”

As expected, they asked if he was connected to the multiple murders that occurred in the warehouse.

“Everyone was already dead when I arrived.”

“Are you saying Venus did it? And you happened to witness the scene by chance?”

“It wasn’t by chance.”

He stated honestly that, along with Luiness’s circumstances, he had split off and headed there, only to find it in that state.

“Now the story adds up.”

The man seemed to calmly piece the situation together.

“Understood. However, as the matter has become larger than expected, we urge you not to cause any commotion.”

“…That sounds almost like you’re asking me to leave in the near future.”

“To be more precise, we would like you to leave today or tomorrow.”

Had he dug too deep into their intentions?

If he had pretended not to know, he might not have heard such blunt words.

“I assume there is a valid reason why you are recommending departure rather than expelling me?”

“…Rumors are circulating.”

Rumors?

“That a descendant of the Great Hero has arrived in the Metran Kingdom. And that the man is of the Bloodline of Radiance.”

“…….”

Bloodline of Radiance.

Within the Empire, they didn’t call it something so grandiose.

This was a term closer to praise or glorification regarding his father and his own legendary past, used by those outside the Empire.

“I settled in this land without knowing the legend of Grandeus, but it wouldn’t be strange for others to harbor resentment. I suspect that was the reason Venus fought you.”

“…….”

“According to witness reports, even Venus couldn’t do anything about it, but since there’s a possibility they might plot behind your back even if they can’t face you head-on, we are asking you to leave.”

In other words, they were taking preemptive measures to prevent a situation that would cause turmoil in the village.

“You are very considerate.”

“…We simply do not want troublesome situations to arise in this land. We are mere commoners, not nobles or warlords.”

As long as the opponent didn’t show blatant hostility, there was no need to rebel if communication was possible.

“I was planning to leave tomorrow anyway.”

“One last thing. Why of all places did you stand before the Sword of Grandeus?”

Why did you, the child of your enemy, come here?

“I assume you didn’t come to pay your respects.”

“…….”

Kariel closed his eyes and murmured in a tone of resignation.

“Because someone instructed me to come here. In the end… it seems it was a waste of effort.”

In truth, he could have left today.

However.

“I left my sword at the forge. I intend to leave immediately after retrieving it. So… please be at ease.”

And while he was at it, he would have one or two more conversations with that damn sword of Grandeus.

And if, in the end, it did not fall into his hands.

He would definitely… break that damn sword later on.

Even if he were to discard it.

He would never be the one discarded by a mere sword.

Unlike a certain someone he had clung to since childhood, he had no particular reason to be obsessed with it.

Grandeus?

He respected him.

But that could not control his life.

A sword is not a tool of conviction, nor is it a proof of qualification as a knight acting on the will of a god.

It is merely a tool and a means.

He still.

Had not forgotten his original intention.

====

“Master.”

Upon returning to the branch building, Luirin welcomed him.

“Where did you hear that?”

He spoke as if guessing, but Luirin understood perfectly.

“Leo’s colleague and Sister Luciri told me.”

“I see.”

He didn’t press for more details.

“So, what do you plan to do now? I am leaving this place tomorrow.”

“What? Already? I thought you’d be hunkered down here until you drew the sword.”

“…That damn sword must have a profound antipathy toward me.”

“What? What does that mean? Don’t tell me you heard the sword’s voice like Brother Leo did?”

“Let’s just say it was similar.”

Leo.

Perhaps that damn sword was more talkative than expected.

“As you’ve probably noticed by now, countless obstacles will stand in the way of my journey from here on.”

Therefore.

“There is no need for you to follow me, as there is no money in it.”

“…Doesn’t Master have a lot of money?”

“I have enough to live on. But my family was steeped in asceticism.”

Kariel let out a short laugh.

“It’s not money I was given, but money I saved myself. Over several years. So, you don’t need to think that I don’t know the value of money. I’ve just been pretending to be indifferent to give that impression.”

“I see.”

A disposition for gathering and hunting, eating little, and acting with efficiency and optimization.

It was a specialty and temperament that didn’t fit at all with those of Great Nobles, who viewed leisure and ostentation as virtues.

Of course, they could be humble in unseen places, but generally, bluffing as if they had things they didn’t possess was a way of life for them.

At that point, they reached a stage where they truly believed the delusion that they were unique and special.

Among them, those who truly possessed the dignity of a Great Noble probably didn’t even make up half.

Even if a pig is adorned with gold and jewels, it is still a pig.

But humans are such that if someone wears shabby rags, they perceive even the great queens, prime ministers, or dragons as frail, clumsy, and insignificant.

In the end, one must not let the balance tilt too far to one side.

“If there is anything you are curious about, ask me today, now. I will answer within the limits of what I can. Anything you want to know.”

“Isn’t it human nature to seek help wherever possible when things get dangerous? Why does Master try to handle it all alone? Ah, I know. It’s better not to trust than to trust. But… regardless of trust, couldn’t you at least use them? Why do you refuse to even do that?”

“…You already know the answer, don’t you?”

“Is that also meddling? Because if someone stays with you, they’ll be put in danger too? Then what about you, Master?”

“…….”

“It’s not that you don’t care or aren’t interested… The Master I know is not someone who optimistically accepts and conforms to threats.”

He faces it because he can.

He faces it because he must.

What calculation is needed for that?

“You could die or be captured and suffer something terrible. Even so, you still think that way? That way of thinking… is incredibly arrogant.”

“Even if you say that, I have no intention of hiring you as a guard. Even if you’ve coordinated with others and decided to help me, to me, that is merely unnecessary interference that I have no reason to welcome.”

“…….”

“As you well know, if you don’t expect anything, you won’t be disappointed or betrayed. I bear the burden entirely on my own. Sharing it only makes it harder for everyone.”

“My point is, why does Master decide that for me?”

Luirin knew.

He had known for a long time.

He was the type of person who was communicative, yet unreachable.

Within the lines he drew, there was no compromise.

Because he could not be selfish, he bound himself tightly with such rules.

If he were selfish, there would be no reason to act so stingily toward the benefits and advantages given to him.

Even if he bestowed goodwill.

He rejected the goodwill of others.

…What an arrogant way of thinking.

Is this the pride? The responsibility? The dignity of the Great Hero, the Nine Heroes, and especially the unique Bloodline of Radiance?

“What do you live for, and for what purpose do you live?”

“I already told you everything before.”

“Yes. Which makes it even more troublesome.”

Peacefully.

Sated.

Even if not overflowing, he hoped it could be so if possible.

“I am still standing in the wilderness.”

“Pardon?”

“I barely escaped from a cold and dark abyss. But what unfolded before my eyes was an endless wilderness.”

He expressed this, immersed in sentiment.

He spoke as if informing him.

“Yes. It was a time to rest for a while.”

That gaze, occasionally shown during the journey, sunken in emptiness and void.

Luirin felt cold sweat trickling down his neck.

“It seems I was still lacking in resolve.”

What was he talking about?

However, the image of the Master Luirin knew—reliable yet somehow lacking—had vanished.

He felt like a completely different person.

Like someone he was seeing for the first time in his life.

“I hope the sincerity I passed to you reached you well. I hope it lights your path, even if only a little.”

Yet, although the human before him was certainly the same person.

Why did he feel…

…like someone so distant?