Chapter 110 – Return to the Royal Palace (2)
The dwarves, who were usually lazy, saw us off all the way to the entrance of the canyon.
“Strong human! Come back soon! I’ll be waiting for our next arm-wrestling match!”
“We’ll be working hard on your city!”
“We’ll have plenty of potatoes ready for you!”
That was one of the dwarves’ strengths.
While they are quite reserved when you first meet them, once they accept you, they have no reservations about showing their affection.
After they learned I was a disciple of the Great Hero and that I had accepted Bolt’s request, their fondness for me only grew.
However......
‘They’ve been used and betrayed many times because of that personality.’
They were diligent to a fault, dedicating themselves wholly to their work. Once they gave their heart to someone, they remained loyal until death.
Yes.
The dwarves were like Bastion. And so, I didn’t dislike them. At some point, Bolt, now at the front of the group, turned to me.
“Our promise......”
“Don’t worry. I’m not like other humans—I keep my word.”
“......The more I see of you, the more I like you.”
Bolt grinned widely, the corners of his mouth curving upwards.
“By the way, here.”
I unhooked the sword hanging from my waist and held it out to him.
“......What’s this all of a sudden?”
“I know you dwarves don’t care much for finished products.”
“Then why are you giving me this?”
“Because, for you, Bolt, isn’t this finished sword far more valuable than any raw ore?”
“......You bastard......”
Bolt’s eyes trembled slightly.
“This sword. It’s your child’s work, isn’t it?”
“......”
The moment he first saw the sword, I knew. One look at his reaction told me everything.
‘Nostalgia, longing, and beyond that, a deep, unfulfilled yearning.’
It wasn’t just intuition that made me so sure. I had a solid piece of evidence.
‘He said the elves stole all their weapons and gear.’
Given the circumstances, the weapons crafted by his child would have been among the stolen items. This sword must be the last memento Bolt had left.
‘He must’ve wanted to ask for it back, but couldn’t bring himself to because of his pride.’
His thoughts were crystal clear to me. I couldn’t ignore that kind of sentiment.
No matter how valuable a sword might be, it could never compare to family. I knew that feeling better than anyone.
“Heh heh heh.”
“Wh-Why are you laughing?”
“......Sorry. Don’t take it the wrong way. It’s just a habit.”
I fixed my expression and gestured toward the sword.
“Anyway, take it. It’s yours.”
“......”
Bolt stared at me for a long moment before shaking his head.
“......No, that sword belongs to you.”
“I won’t ask twice, you know. Are you sure you won’t regret it?”
“Bullet would have wanted it that way, too.”
“What?”
Suddenly, Bolt grinned.
“You’re going to use that sword to cut down the Empire, aren’t you?”
“......!”
“Rather than letting it gather dust in a corner, he would’ve wanted to use it to cut down those damned bastards. Bullet was a great warrior, after all.”
“......”
A faint smile tugged at my lips.
“For Bullet’s sake, I’ll have to put extra effort into taking those bastards down.”
“Bwahahaha! Now that’s a response I like to hear!”
Bolt clapped me on the shoulder with booming laughter.
Yet, even as he laughed, his eyes were filled with sadness. The same kind of sadness that hid behind my own habitual laugh. The other dwarves watched Bolt with sympathetic expressions.
“......I promise.”
Bolt froze mid-laugh at my words.
“I’ll repay blood for blood. That’s a promise.”
Bolt’s body trembled for a moment, but when he lifted his head, his face was as steady as ever.
“......I believe in you, friend.”
Meanwhile, watching the scene from afar, Krong couldn’t help but mutter in awe.
“Isn’t he something?”
“Huh?”
“I’ve never seen anyone win the dwarves hearts so quickly.”
Trevor chuckled.
“Why aren’t you answering?”
“......Yes, sir.”
It was the weakest response they had ever given.
***
Half a day later, we arrived at the Arsene estate.
“Jan! Kirian!”
“Father!”
The two brothers, who had quickened their steps as we neared the estate, sprinted ahead. They rushed into the waiting arms of Count Arsene, who had come out to greet them.
“Gosh—Grown men, acting like children......”
Despite his words, the count’s face was filled with joy. Harun and Winley watched the scene with a hint of envy.
“Our honored guuueeesssttt!”
Suddenly, a figure ran toward me.
Fwip! Fwip!
Then, he swiftly inspected me from head to toe.
“......What are you doing?”
“Hmm. It seems you’re uninjured, thank goodness!”
Baron Tucker announced this loudly, as if reporting a crucial observation.
“Is this really something to make such a fuss about?”
Marquis Foltaine asked, bewildered. Baron Tucker flinched slightly at the question—he was still not entirely comfortable around the marquis.
But the moment of discomfort only lasted a split second.
“Of course it is! This guest is an important benefactor to our family. Oh, by the way! Congratulations.”
“Congratulations?”
“The whole kingdom was buzzing with news. That a genius had been born into the Hart Kingdom.”
Viscount Rodri, who had quietly walked up to us, smiled faintly.
“Although that goes without saying.”
“And yet, the head of the household is still busy fussing over his sons. He always insisted he would repay his debts......”
“Well, it’s been a while since they last met.”
“We apologize on his behalf. Even the princess is with us, and yet......”
Baron Tucker and Viscount Rodri bowed deeply.
“Since the death of the countess, he hasn’t been himself......”
“O-Oh, it’s fine! It’s a heartwarming sight.”
Winley quickly assured them.
“Rather, may we impose on you for just one night?”
“......?”
Baron Tucker and Viscount Rodri exchanged curious glances before smiling warmly.
“Impose? Think of it as your second home and stay as long as you like.”
“Welcome to the Arsene estate. We will do our best to make you comfortable.”
“Thank you!”
None of us knew, however, that this warm atmosphere would not last through the night.
***
Late at night.
Was it because I’d let my guard down, finally sleeping in a soft bed for the first time in a long time?
-Dad. Why did you leave me to die?
Andy appeared in my dreams without a head, resenting me.
-You seem happy, Dad. While I’m cold and lonely......
I’m sorry.
I’m so sorry, Andy.
In my next life, I’ll live only for you.
So, please......
“......Lot!”
“......”
“Ancelot!”
“......Gasp!”
Bang!
I inhaled sharply and shot up from the bed. A sharp pain immediately throbbed through my skull.
“Ugh...... I-Is your head made of stone?”
“I-I could say the same? My eyes are glistening with tears.”
The collision cleared my head instantly. The one I had bumped heads with was none other than Count Arsene.
“Th-This isn’t the time. There’s an emergency.”
“An emergency......?”
As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw his face clearly. And with it, a familiar expression I hadn’t seen in a long time.
“......What happened?”
Every remaining bit of drowsiness vanished in an instant.
“There’s been an...... Incident at the royal palace.”
It was the same expression he wore when the countess passed away.
***