Epilogue
Shortly after the stampede, the three individuals appeared at the defense line protecting Ishka.
Arriving from the royal capital, each of them had a distinct appearance.
There was a tall and imposing man clad in oriental-style armor.
A woman with transparent white hair and red eyes, wearing a scarlet hakama attire in a kimono with arrow feather patterns, a rare sight in the Kingdom of Canaria.
The other young man, resembling the woman with white hair and red eyes, led one to assume they were siblings. However, at first glance, he didn’t appear to be dressed in an oriental fashion. Nevertheless, he wore a dark brown robe with a chilling gaze.
All three carried swords at their waists and joined the defense battle. They stated that this was the reason for their arrival from the royal capital.
The defense squad, eager to maximize their assistance, couldn’t refuse the offer from the three individuals and treated them as adventurers, allowing them to join the defense battle.
The power of the three was extraordinary. Every time a horde of monsters approached, they boldly confronted the creatures and swiftly annihilated them.
Their prowess was truly awe-inspiring.
Initially, Ishka’s administration strategy was to hold out as long as possible at the hastily constructed first barrier. Once the second barrier was ready, they would relocate there after the first one fell.
Subsequently, they planned to advance to the third barrier as more time passed. This retreat battle plan was developed while simultaneously fortifying the city’s defensive system.
However, thanks to the actions of the three, the first barrier, which was supposed to be abandoned, managed to withstand the onslaught.
The second, third, and fourth barriers had already been completed in the rear, and the defense line was being solidly fortified.
Opinions began to emerge that the stampede, which posed a threat to Ishka’s survival, could potentially end without breaching the city walls.
According to public opinion, the trio from the royal capital was credited with the greatest achievements so far.
The Canaria soldiers claimed that their skills were comparable to those of a high-ranking knight, surpassing even the dragon knights of higher rank.
The adventurers declared that their abilities were on par with the five first-class adventurers in the country.
However, those who praised the three were unaware.
At a certain moment, the young man with white hair, one of the three, overheard such evaluations and muttered a few words with a disdainful expression.
—”Comparable”? That is an utter mistake.
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“Shiba, how much longer do we have to keep hunting these weaklings in this place?”
“Are you dissatisfied, Klimt?”
“I am. We came here to investigate the death of the bald man in this country, and it turns out that Duke Drag or whatever killed him. So, all we have to do is kill that duke and return to the island. Why do we have to waste our time hunting weaklings in a place like this?”
Klimt, frustrated, kicked the ground in frustration.
“I’m tired of being compared to that dragon knight or those first-class adventurers. It’s only surprising because they’re flattering us. We haven’t even revealed our soul equipment.”
“The standards of resilience differ between the island and the mainland, just like common sense and values. This mission is also meant to help you understand that. Furthermore, I have already explained the reason why we are fighting here. As members of the Mitsurugi family, we have to make up for Jijinbo’s immorality.”
Shiba—Goz Shima stated, and Klimt shrugged.
“I don’t know if I should say this at this point. Even if we fight here, the humans who died because of the bald man won’t come back to life.”
“Even so,”
Goz replied with a heavy voice. While Goz usually wore a calm expression, a tinge of bitter emotion now slightly clouded his face.
Of course, his frustration wasn’t directed at Klimt but at the Seirin standard-bearer who had caused unnecessary disturbances in the royal capital earlier.
Upon witnessing the commotion in the Kingdom of Canaria, Goz was furious when he learned about Jijinbo’s actions.
Even as a personal sentiment, Shiba of the Mitsurugi family—as his lord’s military assistant—found Jijinbo’s behavior unacceptable.
“The Illusory Sword style is meant for national protection. That is, it is used to safeguard those without power. Jijinbo’s behavior was quite contradictory in that regard.”
That’s why Goz had no intention of seeking revenge against Duke Dragnote, who had defeated Jijinbo.
To be honest, he wanted to visit the duke’s mansion to apologize for his comrade’s incompetence and commend the brave individual who had vanquished a soul equipment user from beyond the island.
Klimt nodded with a mix of emotions in response to Goz’s words.
“Well, I won’t disobey your instructions, Shiba. However, constantly fighting weaklings like this will gradually erode our skills. Don’t you think so too, nee-san?”
Klimt turned to the woman who had been silently listening.
The woman, with a resemblance to Klimt, shook her head and replied.
“Pride and arrogance are very similar, Klimt. Never be impatient, and be mindful of your words. No matter how strong you are, it’s never a reason to look down on others.”
“That’s what you always say, Kuraia-nee-san. No matter how you look at it, weaklings are weak.”
Klimt, not receiving his older sister’s approval, coldly stated. However, his face didn’t show dissatisfaction towards his older sister but rather resembled a child’s tantrum.
This interaction gave a glimpse into the relationship between these siblings.
Goz silently observed them.
The older sister’s name was Kuraia Beruhi, and the younger brother’s name was Klimt Beruhi. The Beruhi house was one of the most prominent families in Onigashima, surpassing even Goz’s Shima family in prominence.
The Mitsurugi family had ministers known as the Four Lords who supported the current head. Shito, Shiku, Shikou, and Goz, who was named Shiba. If two members of the Beruhi family were to join, their power would be evident.
It was expected that Kuraia and Klimt would eventually hold significant positions within the Mitsurugi family.
One of Goz’s secret tasks was to assess whether the two were suitable to become future ministers.
While Goz contemplated that mission, his older sister Kuraia spoke up.
“Shiba, there’s something I want to know. It’s about Duke Dragnote from the royal capital.”
“About Duke Dragnote? Hm, what is it?”
“Do you truly believe that person defeated a Seirin standard-bearer?”
Goz narrowed his eyes at Kuraia’s question. Giving her a look that encouraged her to continue, Kuraia elaborated.
“From what I observed from a distance, the duke displayed great skill. His level is probably around ’50,’ just like us. It’s possible that both Klimt and I would have difficulty facing him.”
As the younger brother widened his eyes and attempted to refute, Kuraia restrained him with a wry smile.
“But, that’s without considering the use of soul equipment. If we were to employ soul equipment, we would undoubtedly emerge victorious. Based on what I’ve heard, Jijinbo-dono’s level exceeded ’70,’ and he had manifested his soul equipment. I find it hard to believe that the duke could defeat someone like Jijinbo-dono.”
“Is that the only reason you suspect Duke Dragnote?”
“Another reason to suspect the duke would be his actions after it was all over. I heard that the duke was actively involved in restoring the city that had been devastated by the deceased. In other words, he achieved victory against the higher-level Jijinbo-dono without suffering any major injuries. I find this suspicious as well.”
“I see,” Goz nodded slowly.
Truth be told, Goz was also curious about that.
However, just as he was about to delve into the matter in detail, news of the stampede reached the royal capital, preventing him from conducting further investigations.
At that moment, as Goz was about to inform Kuraia that they would resume gathering information once the stampede was over, a voice from outside the tent interrupted them.
“Excuse me. Is Goz Shima-dono here?”
A woman’s voice came from outside the tent they were assigned.
Upon hearing that voice, Goz skillfully raised his right eyebrow. It was because the voice belonged to a woman.
Due to their achievements in the defense, the three of them had garnered attention from the surrounding soldiers and adventurers. Some women in the defense squad had invited Goz and Klimt to spend the night with them.
For a moment, Goz thought it was one of those encounters.
However, upon listening carefully, he realized that the voice lacked any seductive intention. Even the content of the message was devoid of such implications.
Goz invited the two women into the tent, stating that they were guild personnel.
The two women who exuded a strong presence despite their youth introduced themselves as Liddell and Parfait…
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