Volume 7 Chapter 59 Beyond The Promised Victory
Despite receiving a full blow from Durandal to his midsection, Arthur remained standing upright.
"Ah..."
With a face that seemed to say "I did it," I drew Durandal and approached Arthur.
"Wade. I saw your true strength. It was amazing."
"It was my true strength, but also the strength of everyone else. Like Terin, who engraved the Grand Rune onto Durandal at breakneck speed this morning."
"...I see. She had been acting strange every time I brought her up, but I never expected... I never expected..."
Arthur's appearance was strange. His body was half-severed, yet there was almost no blood flowing. There were no organs spilling out either.
His body was hollow. Arthur let out a bitter laugh.
"I've been forced to live on, my body barely hanging on. Even among elves, there's no one who has lived longer than me. I've been kept alive as a witness to myths."
"...I would have liked to talk to you as a comrade. You seem to know a lot of things I want to know."
"Yes, you're right. Wade, we could have gotten along well. But I have no regrets. I lived as a swordsman, and I died as a swordsman. And what an honor it is to be defeated by such a remarkable swordsman as you."
"Hearing you say that makes me feel better."
"Yeah. It was truly a fun fight. If I can die like this, then I can truly say that I have no r..."
With that, Arthur fell forward. I closed my eyes in front of him.
"Arthur!"
Someone came running up to us. Alkei, Arthur's partner.
Alkei embraced Arthur and, realizing his condition, burst into tears.
"So... you fought with all your might and lost... You wielded Excalibur and were freed from that cursed life..."
"...Alkei."
"I must thank you, 'Slow'. Arthur had always wished for death. His life was a journey to death. But I never expected him to pass away so peacefully."
Alkei smiled through her tears. I thought she was happy for her loved one's achievement while also sad about the farewell. But that was just my guess. I couldn't read Alkei's tears.
So, what I can do is not to interfere with their parting. Since I've won the battle, I should leave this place quickly.
"Is it okay if I leave this place to you?"
"Yes. You are the one who defeated Arthur, our benefactor. I will take over from here. And I will withdraw our request from the Roman emperor. You can do whatever you want after that."
I nodded. Then I straightened my posture and spoke in a strong voice.
"Arthur was a strong opponent. He was the best rival I could ever ask for. He was a wonderful swordsman, as good as, if not better than, the Fist of the Dragon, Sieg, who gave me the most trouble!"
I bowed to Arthur's body.
"I am proud to have been a part of his honorable death! ...Rest in peace, Arthur."
Alkei shed more tears at my words and squeezed out a voice that barely sounded like a "thank you."
I raised my head, turned my heel, and walked away from the plains. I pretended not to hear the sobs coming from behind me.
When I returned, I was greeted by all of my new comrades.
"Wade-kun! Did you do it? Did you win!"
"As expected of papa! I knew you would win! Waaah, I believed in you! Waaahhhh!..."
"It's a relief that you're safe~desuwa. I was so worried when I saw the light clashing and exploding on the plains... I'm sorry. Please don't worry, I'm just... crying..."
"I didn't worry about you. I know your strength from the bottom of my heart."
"I-I-I wasn't worried! I knew you would win!"
"Sylvia was so restless, saying 'What if something happens? Is he okay?'. Here, wipe your tears. Anyway, I'm glad you're safe, Wade. Was Durandal helpful?"
"Y-your fight was incredible... I could see it from afar. You looked more proud than worried...! Congratulations on your victory."
"Wade-san, don't worry about what's next. You've done everything I asked you to do. From now on, it's my job."
"That's great news! Let's celebrate with a toast from now on. Well, my husband, it's time for the rest of the work."
"I thought to myself, 'I've made a terrible enemy.' You've worked hard, and I appreciate it. Please leave Lord's business to me."
Roman, Moruru, Ridge, Windy, Sylvia, Gold, Terin, Lord Birk, Princess Cecilia, and Coin.
I was taken aback when I arrived, but when I saw Lord Birk being led away by Princess Cecilia and Coin, I couldn't help but laugh. After calming down, I told everyone.
"Thank you. I couldn't have won without you all. ... I mean it. I'm not being humble."
It was an incredible battle, almost as intense as the one against Sieg. The rewards were great. I think Durandal has become the best sword it can be.
The days that followed were peaceful for a while. Lord Birk's work would continue, but it was said that a milestone would be reached in a week, so we waited for that.
A week later, 2 types of currency were confirmed to be circulating in the Birk territory. I was convinced of Lord Birk's ability by his skill. This guy is seriously amazing. This is like an internal affairs cheat code.
"I owe it all to you, Wade. Now I can finally defect to the Alexander Empire. So―――next time, we'll meet again at the fall of the capital of the Roman Empire."
It was amusing that Lord Birk, who was basically a kind and gentle man, would become murderous when it came to the Roman emperor.
I jokingly thought to myself, "I beat Arthur, but I don't think I can beat Lord Birk." We prepared a carriage similar to the one we took to get here and got in.
I think we've come a long way. But from here, we're going even further away from Karditsa. Our destination is the Alexander Empire.
As the carriage swayed gently, I watched Moruru and Ridge playing. Yawning in the mild spring air, I asked, "Speaking of which..."
"Ridge, don't you need to return to Karditsa?"
Ridge was brought along under the guise of borrowing her wisdom due to the political turmoil. The political strife was over now, so I thought she might be leaving soon.
But Ridge blushed and said, "No, Wade-sama."
"After you've been teasing my heart like that and telling me to 'come to you if I'm ever at a loss,' I have no choice but to make up my mind."
"Eh?"
"Wade-sama, I ask you again."
Ridge straightened up and turned to me.
"Would you please take me in as a concubine? I have changed my mind. I pledge to serve you humbly yet shrewdly as a noblewoman."
With that, Ridge lowered her head so low that it touched the carriage floor. From the side, it looked like a deep bow.
"Please, please, let me stay by your side, Wade-sama. Please...!"
I looked down to see Ridge's small hands trembling. I understood that this was a proposal made with considerable courage. After all, it was something that the lord had suggested to him in the first place.
I closed my eyes and thought. But in my heart, I felt like I already had an answer.
"Ridge."
"Y-yes!"
"First, raise your head."
"...yes."
She raised her head. Ridge, wondering what I was going to say, was staring at the area around my feet, her face flushed red.
"This time, I was saved by you many times. To be honest, I was surprised. That spoiled brat, she was the first to help, come up with ideas, and try to contribute to us."
"Y-yes."
"But going so far as to volunteer to be kidnapped because 'it's better than getting myself kidnapped' is a bit too much. It's true that if Windy is kidnapped, we won't have any food. And without Gold and Sylvia, we're screwed in the blacksmithing department. But..."
I patted Ridge's head.
"You're one of my precious comrades now too. Take care of yourself. I'll say it as many times as it takes. Unlike before, you're a cute little girl now."
"―――――that is to say..."
"...Well, I'll think of an excuse for the other 3. Also, wait until you're the same age as Ice now to make a move."
"―――――! Moruru! Moruru! I can be Wade-sama's bride! Yay――――!"
Ridge rejoiced innocently, like a child, well, she is a child. I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Ridge saying 'yay'.
Moruru, on the other hand, had a very sullen look on her face.
"...Papa, can't you reconsider even now? It's tough for Ridge to join Mama."
"Sandra's slot is fine. You don't call Sandra 'Mama', do you Moruru?"
"Noooo! It's not like that, it's Ridge..."
"Oh my? What's wrong, Moruru-chan? Come on, tell Mama Ridge."
"It's annoying that you're teasing me like this~~~!"
I burst out laughing at the sight. As I laughed out loud, the smiles spread to the people around me.
The carriage swayed as it was enveloped in laughter. While enjoying the spring breeze, we headed towards the Alexander Empire.
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