CH 6

“Felix……Morning.”

“Yes, good morning.” 

Felix smiles gently. With his golden hair glistening in the morning sun, he resembled a prince on a white horse from a picture book. I looked over and saw that the innkeeper next to him was also blushing.

…… Oh! Right, I need to get down on my knees!

I rushed over to Felix and tried to get down on my knees before him.

But just before I could do so, for some reason, Felix held me by the waist and pulled me to his chest. 

“Takumi-……! I’m sorry, I see that your body is still not at its best. Please take it easy, you almost fell over, didn’t you?”

I wasn’t on the verge of falling over, I was doing a jumping dogeza!

However, as he held my waist with one arm and looked deeply into my face, Felix looked genuinely concerned. The expression of sincere concern made it hard for me to say, ‘No, that was just me getting down on my knees.’

I mean, looking at how Felix embraces a person who is about to fall down with one arm, is he actually a prince?…… Not only his face and personality, but even his actions are handsome!

Stop putting me on the spot with all that extra hottie power!　My HP is zero now!

Wait, this is not the time for that. At any rate, I must apologize for yesterday.

“I apologize, Felix. I’m, um,…… sorry about yesterday.”

“……?　Why is Takumi apologizing?” 

Why, you ask…… But I’m the one who wants to ask why to Felix’s why!?

“I-I mean, yesterday……despite not meaning to, I know I caused trouble for Felix and Gazelle. I know neither of you really wanted to do ‘that’ with me.”

“………… Takumi, you–”

“What is it?” 

“No. I mean, I just thought that you’re really oblivious……”

Oblivious he says.

No, I’m aware of my unattractiveness as much as I hate to admit it, but……?

To my bewilderment, Felix narrowed his amethyst eyes and smiled softly. 

Then he moved his face close to my ear and whispered softly.

“I don’t mind what happened yesterday, and neither does Gazelle. In fact, I think it was a blessing in disguise, so please, don’t say anything derogatory about yourself.”

Then he gently let go of my body and gently stroked my cheek.

I was unable to say anything back as I felt the heat of his sweet voice concentrated in my ears. 

…………wh, what a freaking hottie–!

So this is that!　I’ve heard stories about this, it’s what they call “getting your ears pregnant”!

What’s more, his mellow voice tells me that he is concerned about me so that I won’t be too anxious about what happened yesterday. Embracing me would have definitely been more of a punishment game than a reward……

As I gazed at Felix, feeling my cheeks flush, a small voice sounded beside me. 

“Uh, um,…….”

The innkeeper lady looks at me and Felix with an awkward expression.

Come to think of it, I had completely forgotten about her.

I had been trying to figure out when to call out to her, since Felix and I had been talking so intimately. 

“Yes, you must be the innkeeper. Thank you for being so kind to a large group like ours yesterday.”

When Felix politely bent down, the lady’s face turned red and she shook her head.

“N, no! It was nothing out of the ordinary sir! It would be an honor for us if we could help the prestigious Blackwing Knights! It’s just that……”

“Is something the matter?” 

Felix gently urges the innkeeper lady to speak, with a soft smile on his face. Perhaps encouraged by Felix’s sweet visage, the lady opened her mouth.

I heard that a giant flora appeared near here yesterday…… Could the rumor be true after all?”

“Rumors concerning?”

“This year is the 300th anniversary of the time when the heroes defeated the Demon King…… The number of monsters began to increase because the seal was broken and the Demon King had awoken from his slumber……” 

The lady looks up at Felix’s face and speaks fearfully. In response to her, Felix answered in a firm voice, without losing his gentle smile.

“Rumors are just rumors. But it is also true that the number of monsters has begun to increase. It is understandable that you are concerned.”

“Ye, yes……”

“Please rest assured. Our Blackwing Knights are always on the side of powerless people. We have sworn on our swords to protect the peaceful lives of everyone.” 

Felix’s smile deepened as he said this, and in the dazzling morning light, his gold thread hair and amethyst-colored eyes twinkled. With the Blackwing Knights’ armor, he looked as if he were a work of art.

The innkeeper’s wife was fascinated by the mystical look of his appearance, her cheeks blushing like a maiden’s.

However, the series of exchanges that took place in front of my eyes made my blood run cold as I remembered a certain game event.

Uh……Um? 

Could this be that event?

–An event that occurs when you raise the favorability of Felix, the deputy commander of the Blackwing Knights in “Change the World”.

The protagonist and Felix, who have become good friends, go out to play in the city and get into all sorts of trouble along the way. If the two solve these problems together, the intimacy with Felix will be further increased.

Then, when the sun was setting, Felix prefaced his talk with, “I’ve never confided this to anyone before,” and then began to talk about a certain “regret” he had to the protagonist — 

Pa kjr yfobgf, ktfc atf qgbajubclra tjv sfa yffc rewwbcfv.

Coafg vfofjalcu atf yjcvlar, atf Dijmxklcu Bclutar vfmlvfv ab rajs bnfgcluta lc j nliijuf bc atflg kjs yjmx ab atf gbsji mjqlaji.

Yc atf wbgclcu bo atflg vfqjgaegf, Mfilz, atf vfqeas mbwwjcvfg, kjr jqqgbjmtfv ys j nliijufg ktb jrxfv tlw, “Pa rffwr atja atf cewyfg bo wbcrafgr tjr yffc lcmgfjrlcu gfmfcais.” 

At that time, the increase in the number of monsters was not yet as pronounced, and the resurrection of the Demon King was just a rumor. Felix tried to cheer up the anxious villagers by saying, “Please rest assured. We, the Blackwing Knights, are always on the side of the powerless. We have pledged our swords to protect the peaceful lives of all people.”

The villagers smiled, as if relieved by his words, and the Blackwing Knights departed from the village.

–But just after the Knights leave, the village is attacked by a monster.

The damage to the village was not so severe as to cause despair, as the Blackwing Knights rushed back to the village upon receiving the news. However, some people were killed or wounded, and the village crops were damaged. 

Although the villagers thanked him, saying what they would have done without the Blackwing Knights, many villagers whom Felix had exchanged words with before his departure had died in the attack……

Felix divulges his painful recollection only to the protagonist. After Felix opens up his heart to the protagonist and tells him about his bitter past, and as the protagonist leans toward him, Felix promises him or her, “I will protect you”…….that was the plot development.

After the destruction of the Blackwing Knights, either Gazelle or Felix, whoever had a higher favorability rating, only one of them would survive. I had played this game for many weeks, and alternated between Gazelle and Felix. I had to go through the favorability boosting event many times in order to increase Felix’s favorability…… 

Could it be, no, it should be.

Isn’t the “village that was attacked by monsters right after we left” mentioned in that Felix event……the one right here?

“-……!”

“Takumi, is something wrong? You look pale……” 

“Oh dear! Please wait, I’ll bring you some extra water!”

Felix peers at me, his face pale with concern. The innkeeper, who was standing nearby, rushed back into the inn.

Okay, here’s my chance!

I must take this opportunity to tell Felix that the village will be attacked by monsters today! 

“–a.”

……wait. Just how would I tell him?

Le-let’s do a little simulation.

“Hey, Felix!　Actually, I didn’t tell you this, but I’m not from this world!　This world was a videogame in the world I lived in, and because of that I have some knowledge of what will happen in the future. In other words, this village is going to be attacked tonight, so can’t we wait a little longer before we leave?” 

“Takumi, I see that your head injury from yesterday has not healed after all. And no, I don’t mean externally, but internally.

………… Yeah, there is no way I can say that!

Plus even if I were to conceal the fact that I am not from this world, the question would still be, “How am I able to predict the future?”! To begin with, an illegal immigrant like me who came from out of nowhere has zero credibility when he says “I know what’s going to happen in the future☆”!

Bu, but if I don’t say anything, this village will be attacked……! 

When I thought to that point, suddenly, in a corner of my mind, I thought I heard a voice saying, “It’s okay to ignore them.”

–In the first place, I had no intention of doing anything about the destruction of the Blackwing Knights.

I knew it was going to happen, but I hadn’t done anything to stop it. 

It’s as good as abandoning them. If so, then I should abandon this village as well.

There’s nothing I can do about it anyway–

“Are you feeling alright, mister? I brought you some water, please drink it. Please have some as well, if you would like, Mr. Vice Commander.”

While I was silent, the innkeeper lady came back. 

She had given me a glass of water earlier, but she brought another glass, probably because of my pale face. Her plump cheeks were red from running.

Felix took the two cups offered by the innkeeper aunt and handed one of them to me.

“……Thank you very much.”

“Please don’t worry about it, it’s nothing much.” 

The lady smiled wryly and left because she had work to do. Her thoughtfulness makes me so happy that my voice almost quivered. No, perhaps I was actually quivering.

But despite my trembling voice – my feelings were strangely solidified.

I wonder if I had made up my mind and came to terms with my decision, or if I had just given up on the idea of going back to the drawing board.

We haven’t exchanged that many words, and I only met her for the first time today, but even so, she was kind to me. 

If this person dies, I will surely live with regret.

I don’t want to be like that. Such a way of life is no different from being dead.

Yes, let’s think more calmly. There must be a way to avert the monster attack on this village without having to explain to Felix the whole story.

No, it doesn’t have to be an aversion. Instead of aversion, for example, if we could immediately inform the departing Blackwing Knights of the monster attack, then….. 

— That’s right.

It doesn’t matter if the Blackwing Knights don’t stay behind. I can stay by myself.

And while I’m dealing with the monsters and buying time, I’ll have someone call the Blackwing Knights.

I don’t know how long I can last fighting them by myself, but since I have this sword and I was able to cut down a B-class monster, I should be able to buy some time. If I can get the villagers to evacuate and call the Blackwing Knights for help, that would be great. 

It’s a given that the Blackwing Knights will come back. Until the Blackwing Knights return, I will hold out and try not to let the village suffer any damage.

“Felix……”

“What’s wrong?”

“I wonder if I could remain in this village for a while longer. I thought of something I wanted to do in this village.” 

At the sudden request, Felix looked like a pigeon that had been hit by a bean bullet. But soon his expression changed to a gentle, comforting smile.

“Is that……something that we cannot help you with?”

“-……Yes, I can’t give you the details, but it’s something I have to do.” 

I could feel Felix’s kindness and concern for me in his words and attitude toward me. His kindness almost made me want to tell him about what I knew about the future, but I stopped myself.

A quiet silence falls for a while. A cool breeze blew through the air, and the light song of birds could be heard in the distance.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Felix was the first to speak.

“I knew it…… you must be very concerned about yesterday. 

Felix took my hand in his and held it softly in his palms. Then he looked at me with his amethyst-colored eyes, filled with a tender glint.

“I understand your feelings of reluctance towards accompanying us……after what you suddenly experienced yesterday.”

Ah, you mean that? Well, I am certainly very sorry to Gazelle and Felix. But I’m not being evasive towards the two of them……

“I understand how Takumi feels. It’s just…… hard for me to say, but I have to go to the royal capital to check your family register. Therefore, I really need you to come to the royal capital at least once……” 

“Family register?”

I tilt my head and look at Felix in surprise at his abrupt words.  He gave me a small nod.

“Yes, that’s right. If you were born in this country, you should be registered in the family register, so we need to check it. If you were born in another country, you will need to create a new family register and register as a resident in the royal capital. To do so, you must first come with us to the capital.”

“A family register…… I haven’t ever thought of that.” 

–A, a family register!

I didn’t know this world had such a thing!

I really hadn’t thought about it…… It’s a fantasy world and I thought those kinds of things were like fluffy clouds…… Yup, it was my head that was fluffy.

“…… I see. I figured Takumi lived in seclusion from the everyday world.”

“Hmm?”

“No, it’s nothing. Back to the main topic…… You said you had something you wanted to do in this village, didn’t you?　Is it too late to go back to this village after going to the royal capital?”

“Yes. It has to be right now or else.” 

When I firmly refused Felix’s proposal, he put his hand over his mouth and looked at me with a difficult expression on his face.

“I understand. It’s true that you almost fell over earlier, and your body doesn’t seem to be in its full strength yet, either. So, Takumi, in the name of recuperation from the injuries you sustained while defeating the Giant Flora, may I suggest that you stay in this village for three days to recuperate before heading back to the royal capital?”

“Wha-” 

“Let’s leave behind two members of the Blackwing Knights as your escort in this village. After staying in Tomi village for recovery, would you come with them to the royal capital later? Because of our position, we still need you to come to the royal capital. I am sorry, but we can only compromise so much.”

Felix lowered his eyebrows apologetically. I gave him a small smile.

“No, that’s fine. In fact, that would be much appreciated.”

Lucky! Two members of the Blackwing Knights are going to stay in this village! 

Then, while I’m stuck here, they can go call the Blackwing Knights back and lead the villagers to safety, and it would be perfect!

“Thank you, Felix, for taking such good care of someone like me.”

“No, this is no big deal. If you don’t want to see me or Captain Gazelle, I’ll let Iris take care of the formalities in the royal capital.”

“Ah, that’s not it. It’s not that I don’t like you two. Well, you know, I guess it’s true I have trouble facing you two……” 

Embarrassed, I turn my face away from Felix. Then, Felix chuckles.

“I’m glad to hear that. I’m relieved to hear that Takumi doesn’t hate us.”

“What are you talking about? How could I possibly dislike Felix and everyone?”

“-……” 

For some reason, Felix’s cheeks flushed a little at my words. I wonder why?　But even when he makes a face like that, Felix is still very handsome. I envy him.

That being said, aren’t the members of the Blackwing Knights really overly nice to me……?

Is it possible that when we reach the royal capital, I’ll be forced to buy some suspicious vases or paintings, or be made a guarantor for something?

If that was really the case, this lavish display of kindness would be way worth the cost, to the point where I would be left with some change. 

Hmmm, should I maybe lick his shoes? If I were asked to lick it, I would say, “With pleasure!” Gazelles and Felix are so nice that I would run up to them in a flash.

…… Yeah. I’m going to have to work hard to make up for all the kindness I’ve received from everyone!

Later, when Gazelle heard through Felix that I was going to stay in this village, he came to me and tried to persuade me to come with him to the royal capital. But when I stubbornly refused to budge, he reluctantly nodded his head in agreement.

“Takumi, I’ll be waiting for you in the capital. That’s a promise.” 

“Yeah. If we meet again in the capital, please give me your regards then.”

Well, the Blackwing Knights are coming back to rescue us, so we will see them soon, not necessarily in the capital! I mean, if you don’t meet me then, I’ll be in trouble.

And so, together with the villagers, I watched Gazelle and the rest of the Blackwing Knights depart from Tomi Village.

Incidentally, before Gazelle left, I had apologized to him and thanked him for last night’s incident, just as I had done with Felix. Gazelle replied, “…… I never thought Takumi would apologize to me. Isn’t it supposed to be us who should be apologizing?” He was somewhat puzzled. Eventually, however, he said and grinned at me in a handsome way, “It’s kind of ambiguous, but don’t worry about it. If anything, it was a pretty good reward for me, you know?” Thank goodness. Yes, I’m really glad. With this, everything I needed to do was done, and I had no regrets. 

No matter how the battle ended, I was relieved that I was able to tell them everything I needed to and wanted to tell them.

◆

“Takumi-dono, we will leave three days from now at noon. Until then, please take your time to recover from your injuries.” 

“Thank you.”

A little over an hour had passed since the Blackwing Knights left for their departure.

I introduced myself once again to the two members of the Blackwing Knights who remained in Tomi Village, thanked them for staying here, and apologized for the trouble I had caused them. They were men in their mid thirties, and they were very concerned about my injuries. Seriously, what nice guys……!

I parted from them and returned to the room to which I had been assigned. I picked up the cursed sword from the “Cursed Collection” that I had left in my room and decided to take a walk around Tomi Village. 

As I recall, in the game, the monster attack was a few hours after the Blackwing Knights had departed, and there should still be some time left. It would be a good idea to know the structure of the village and evacuation routes in preparation for the attack.

As I walked around the village, I found that Tomi Village was truly a deserted farming village, with a population of less than 200 people. At a quick glance, it appeared that 30% of the population was in their sixties or older, 20% were in their early teens or babies, and aside from the above, less than 10% were people who looked crippled or had difficulty running. This would allow all of them to escape to a safe place if the adults who can move could calmly guide and assist those who were not as mobile.

“…… this seems manageable.”

“Oh, Takumi-dono. I didn’t know you were in a place like this.” 

After confirming the population ratio, location of buildings, and construction, I took a break at the west gate of the village and was spotted by a member of the Blackwing Knights.

“I was startled when I went to your room and you were not there. Is something bothering you?”

“No…… I just thought I’d take a moment to check the perimeter of the village.”

“Since Takumi-dono is injured, please leave these matters to us.” 

I answered the group member who reproached me, and was about to turn and leave the west gate.

At that moment, however, a low, earth-shaking growl, “GAGUGU……” reaches my ears.

“…… Just now…….” 

The roar that echoed from the direction of the forest seemed to be heard by the group members who were standing nearby.

The owner of the growl could not be seen. However, judging from the volume of the voice heard, it was definitely not far from this village.

“—, so you’re here!”

Reflexively, I muttered something to myself, and pulled out the sword I carried at my waist. The group member standing next to me gives me an anxious look. 

“Ta, Takumi-dono, what in the world was that sound……”

“Probably the same kind of monster we encountered yesterday, judging from its cry.”

“Wha-!?”

“Please evacuate the villagers. Also, we can still catch up with the Blackwing Knights right now. I want one of you to go to the Blackwing Knights on horseback to call for help.” 

“W, Wouldn’t it be better for the three of us to fight together?…… If I’m going to lead the evacuation and he’s going to call the group back, what about you, Takumi-dono?”

“……It is likely that there will be several monsters this time.  Even if the three of us fight them, we’ll be outnumbered. Instead, it would be better to ask for help and evacuate the villagers to minimize the damage. I’m going to stay here and try to get their attention.”

“Takumi-dono……” 

The group member calls my name in a small, bewildered tone. To reassure him, I nodded my head firmly.

Still, what the heck is this? Isn’t this a little fast?

According to Felix’s recollection, wasn’t it said that the attack took place a few hours after the departure of the Blackwing Knights?

Could it be related to the monster I killed yesterday?　　Maybe they were angry that their friends were killed and the raid was timed to happen earlier? 

…………W, well, the sooner the better. Yeah. That way, I doubt it will take that long for the Blackwing Knights to come back here.

The speed at which a large group of knights can move ahead is not very fast. They won’t be that far away yet.

Meanwhile, a green tentacle slithered out of the thicket of the forest.

At first glance, it was a monster similar to the giant flora I had defeated yesterday. However, while the giant flora’s petals were a poisonous red, these were a dull orange. It is also smaller in size than the giant flora. 

Perhaps it was……a drainflower. If I recall correctly, it is a C-class monster with a lower rank than the Giant Flora, but if it’s like in the game, it should have a skill that absorbs HP when it attacks.

Damn, that’s a nasty opponent……

From behind a thicket of bushes, seven more of these drainflowers slowly crawl toward the village.

“From the looks of it, they appear to be drainflowers. I’ll stall here, and you tell the other member of the group and the villagers about this.” 

“B, but……”

The group member’s face turns pale at the sudden appearance of the monster. I said to him briefly, “Please” and stared at his face.

I looked at him and said, “After you finish guiding the villagers to evacuate, please come back to support me as soon as possible.”

Then, after a moment’s hesitation, the group member quietly removed his gaze from me.