Chapter 62 Return
"Kukuku... Kukuku...!"
Dear Goddess, how are you doing?
Hello, it's me, the protagonist of this story. I'm writing from the carriage on my way back, and as you can guess, I'm feeling really great right now.
"What are you grinning about? It's kind of creepy."
"Kukuku, you'll never get it. You were already a big shot, after all..."
I can smile if I want to. The people of Korghi Village praised me.
They thanked me for waking them up from their nightmare and said it with tears in their eyes. It felt just like a hero's moment. Ah, just thinking about it makes me smile.
"Now I've finally caught up to you. Just hang tight, Ash Valkyrie! My fame is gonna crush your little nickname!"
"Yeah, yeah... What's with you acting all childish? It's kind of cute, I guess."
"Huh? Did you say something?"
"Nothing, you idiot."
Shura mumbles quietly and looks away out the carriage window.
Since I woke up, Shura has been acting a bit different. She seems closer to me and tries to keep me in her sight.
I thought maybe she felt guilty about that crazy explosion, but it seems she doesn't even remember it. Well, if she doesn't remember, that's fine. I don't want to tell her and make her feel bad.
(She think she's so special, huh?)
Hmm. Looks like Shura is jealous of my achievements. She probably realized that I, the protagonist, could take away her spotlight in this situation. The way she keeps glancing at me is proof of that.
She took care of me, making sure I had food and wet cloths until my burns healed, probably to observe my strength. Hehe, I like this. Staying alert and not getting too comfortable in my position makes her a tough rival.
(Well, I did help beat the Banshee, so my master's fame is kind of my achievement too.)
(Oh yeah? Who suggested running away in the first place?)
(That's not fair! I was just trying to protect my master!)
(Spare me the gratitude act)
(Hmph. Then that's good.)
And this voice in my head is from that girl.
I glance at my right hand and see a black iron ring on my ring finger. Yes, this is Ms. Ruthless.
I'm amazed she can not only amplify magic but also shrink herself.
(By the way, are you sure you're sticking with me?)
(What are you talking about? You picked me up, so it's only right you take care of me, right?)
(Sounds like some scrappy stray cat.)
(Whatever. It's not like I could stay in that place. Plus, I'd rather be used by someone interesting like you!)
(If Ruthless is cool with it, then whatever... but don't call me entertaining or anything.)
(But you are amusing! The way you act in thought and in real life is so different!)
(Ah... there's a lot going on over here too.)
For some reason, Ruthless has taken a liking to me and seems willing to help me from now on. Calling me "master" is like a sign of her cooperation.
Yep. This is definitely a protagonist power-up event. I never thought saving Korghi Village would lead to my own upgrade. I'm really glad I took the request. If Ruthless hadn't amplified 'Svalinn (defense boost)', I would have been toast by now.
(Amplifying magic is great, but don't get any ideas about using you as a weapon or anything!)
(Huh? Why not? I'm super tough, way tougher than any mithril weapon!)
(You remember that time when Shura's sword hit me at the orphanage?)
(Ah, that was when I was asleep. When I'm awake, I can shut down my pain senses, so you don't have to worry about it!)
(Seriously? What kind of convenient little girl are you? You're probably just going to coddle guys all day!)
(I'm not saying you shouldn't care about a girl's feelings!)
This talking iron pipe is really something else, isn't it?
Well, if there's one thing I wish was different, it's Ruthless's form. A talking sword would be super classic, but it's just a metal pipe.
A knight fighting with a blunt weapon? Doesn't that feel a bit too much like a vanguard story?
(Still, why was something like you just left in that orphanage?)
(I said that was a secret. Well, it's not really a big deal, though.)
(Then spit it out already! I'm not going to beg for information.)
(No way! It sounds more fun to keep it quiet. Plus, I've said it many times, but... I can't let anyone else touch me, okay?)
(Didn't you say that even accidental touching messes with your mind?)
(Exactly. If a normal person touches me, they're done for. I'm fine, but that would be a problem for the master, right?)
(That'd be a huge freakin' problem... But then why am I okay?)
(I have no idea. Maybe master's mind is crazier than the curse?)
(Don't go callin' people crazy on me! I'm the hero here!)
(So, you're saying you're not very smart.)
(...........Damn it.)
(Even if you know it, you should deny it...)?)
It seems like Ruthless is a dangerous weapon that curses its owner.
But for some reason, that curse doesn't affect me. I'm curious about the reason, but it's great that I don't have to deal with the downsides.
Also, maybe Hiiro actually has some holy power or protection. If that's true, I'm even more excited. After all, a protagonist usually has a special background. I can totally see it being a story where they're half great spirit and half human.
(Screw it... let's get this over with, Ruthless.)
(Ehehe. Let's stick together for a long time, master!)
Anyway.
The request in Korghi Village is definitely a boost for Knight Hiiro.
With Ruthless, I'll come back with fame and many achievements.
Let's walk through the gate with our heads held high.
I used to think like that.
"Thanks for the long journey... I want to say that, but Hiiro Merifar, Eshurareze Milgards. Even though you haven't officially become knights, you two are being detained for taking a request from the public. Please don't resist."
On the other side of the gate, the guards who seemed to be waiting for our return were lined up.
As soon as the one-eyed man, Instructor Shidou, stepped forward and gave the order... we were quickly captured.
Yes, we still hadn't realized.
The nightmare was over.
But the malice behind this whole situation was far from finished.
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