Chapter 26
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 26
Last Day in the Kingdom
Early dawn. I opened my eyes earlier than usual.
"Yaaawn. Is it already today."
Opening the window, the quite chilly dawn air seeped in. The sky was still submerged in the deep blue dawn light, and the street with turned-off streetlights was quiet without a single sign of people. The moon still floating urged sleep, but there were no more dreams left to dream in this place.
I got up from the bed and looked around the room. Thanks to packing my luggage in advance last night, the house was already empty as if the owner had left.
Come to think of it, I was living in this house when I was first possessed. I pledged to move to a better house someday back then, but to think I would leave like this. I was immersed in lingering feelings for a moment while touching the furniture I had been with all this time.
"Come to think of it, did they say departure was in the afternoon."
It was enough time to wrap up the years until now. I looked at the bag at my feet. This was all my luggage for leaving.
Originally, there should have been armor and a sword. And the formal dress of the 4th Knight Order too, but they were things I didn't need anymore. I returned them all at the same time as coming out of the Royal Palace yesterday.
"I should get a new one when I go to the North."
Since I have Ice Crystals just in time, it wouldn't be bad to get new equipment with this opportunity. Until then, I decided to wear the sword Yuria lent me at my waist instead.
After confirming that paralysis powder, poisonous herbs, and even a dagger were in my pocket, only then did I sling the bag over my shoulder.
"...Then shall I go now."
Creaaaak. The sound of the old hinge echoed long as if bidding farewell to the past.
Coming out of the house, the dawn air was unusually clear, and the sky before dawn broke was deeper than ever.
"This scenery is also the last today."
If I knew it would be like this, should I have looked at it a bit more. I moved my steps leaving the regret behind. There were still many places left to stop by.
The first place I headed on that path was the subordinates' house. Because they were the ones I felt most sorry and thankful to, there was no need to worry.
However, perhaps they also couldn't sleep like me, they were gathered one step ahead.
"Haha. Have you come."
"You are the latest. Captain."
The subordinates welcomed me calmly as if they knew I would come. I also naturally sat roughly on an empty seat and received a glass of liquor.
"How did you know and gather all together."
"Isn't that obvious. Our Vice-Captain's house is the widest, so we gathered here."
"If all of us enter the Captain's house, the sun would set while looking for a place to sit."
At that joke, the corners of the subordinates' mouths relaxed all at once. I also smiled and nodded.
"True. The Vice-Captain is the most successful among us."
"Tell me about it. Collecting money like that every day. I can't even get a sense of how successful he wants to be in the future."
"Isn't this all preparation for old age. An opportunity comes to those who are prepared."
"Buy us a meal in that time. Let us benefit from that opportunity too."
"Kuku. Right. Let's go and see what the specialty is in the North."
At those words, the subordinates cheered as if they waited. I watched that scene pleasingly, then asked towards that Vice-Captain.
"Will you really be okay. Leaving this place and leaving with me."
"Yes? What do you mean. Of course it's okay."
"You don't need to overdo it. I didn't intend to take everyone anyway, and it's too much to take care of even ten troublemakers like you guys."
"That's right. Vice-Captain just stay here and hand over the money pouch. We will use it well in a good place."
"This punk. Not a chance!"
The Vice-Captain tapped the subordinate's side with his foot. A round of laughter passed, and he looked at me with a face saying it was no big deal.
"Why is the Captain being like this now. Anyway, buying this house was all to gather comfortably like this. We all obviously know that the Captain suffers every time saving us with medicine costs and equipment costs."
"Hearing such words openly makes me a bit ticklish."
"Kukuk. Who told you to do such ticklish things then. So we will follow exactly as much as the life debt we owe the Captain."
"Right, is that so..."
Since they said it to that extent, there was nothing more to say. After that, I asked other subordinates too, but the returning answer was the same.
Those with family. Those with lovers. And even those whose hometown is here all nodded.
"Well. If not at a time like this, when would we ever go to the North again. With this opportunity, not only me but my family should broaden our horizons too."
"My girlfriend has already packed all her luggage. She was so excited, if someone saw, they would think we were going on a trip or something. Since it came to this, I will hold a wedding first when we go to the North."
"Did everyone hear. Don't anyone approach that guy for the time being."
"Yes. Let's make him ride the carriage alone when going too. I will look for a cemetery first upon arrival."
"No, I am still alive, right? Don't put a perfectly fine prospective groom on the list of the war dead!"
At those words, a low laughter spread among the subordinates. The Vice-Captain lightly clinked his glass against my glass.
"Captain. Anyway, aren't we all commoners. Even if we stay here, we will only receive glares from noble knight bastards, so rather than that, let us follow behind the Captain."
I suddenly looked around at other subordinates. No one denied the Vice-Captain's words. So I also decided to respect their opinions. Since we decided to be together, I nodded while tilting my glass.
"Right. For our battlefield."
"Great! Let's go and dry the seeds of those demon bastards."
"Now, now, let's all drink! Captain. Please receive one more glass."
After spending the remaining time with the subordinates like that, we decided to meet again in time for departure.
Coming out of the Vice-Captain's house, I stopped by several places after that too.
The blacksmith who always repaired weapons and equipment. The market street that was perfect for purchasing fresh ingredients. And even a few knights including Captain Luxen.
As much as my previous infamy disappeared, their expressions treating me looked much more comfortable. Especially, perhaps having realized something from the previous duel, Luxen even asked for a handshake first.
"Captain Carmil. I will not forget your teaching."
"Really? Then that wrist will be safe now too."
At my words, he chuckled while fiddling with his mustache.
"Fufu. May the Goddess look after your path ahead."
Like that, I sorted out the connections I had in this place one by one. I thought it would end quickly because I spent most of my time in the war, but when I came to my senses, the sun had already risen. The moment I was about to go to Yuria slowly, a voice calling me was heard from a secluded alleyway.
"Ca, Captain Carmil."
At that familiar voice, I couldn't help but chuckle dumbfounded.
"Kukuk. Is it okay for the Princess to be in such a place?"
"I-It can't be helped. If I don't do this, the servants will follow me!"
Ilene slightly took off the robe she wore over her head and gestured to come in quickly. As I approached, she glared at me coyly.
"And what Princess. You are not a knight of the Kingdom anymore. Just call me Ilene. Or immature child would be fine too."
"Even if I quit being a knight, I must show courtesy."
"Hmph. Such a person quits like that without even a word to me?"
She turned her head away from me sharply as if angry. Is she really angry because I quit. To say so, the closeness built with her was only the last mission. It would be understandable if she was angry because I made her Master Leohar like that rather.
Even amidst that, she was mumbling to herself with her cheeks puffed out.
"That vixen-like woman. What? No intention of taking him? I knew it would be like this. She was unusual from the first time I saw her. Why of all the many knights, taking this person..."
"Princess?"
As I called quietly, she also looked at me only then. But her two eyes still looked full of dissatisfaction.
"Do you really, necessarily have to go? I finally got to know what kind of person Captain Carmil is..."
"Fufu. I can't possibly ask to return the epaulet back now."
"If that is the problem, I will do it instead!"
She raised her hand and shouted urgently, but she must already know too. That it's not such a problem.
She soon lowered her hand again with a sullen expression along with a sigh. Instead, she rummaged through her bag and soon took out a pouch and handed it to me.
"Take it."
"Hmm? What is inside."
"Because they say the North is cold. I hope it helps."
Opening it slightly, various magic tools were inside. I bowed my head at her goodwill like that.
"Thank you. Princess. I will not forget this grace."
"It's fine. I am the one who hasn't paid it all back yet. This is barely paying the interest, so you must definitely return to receive the rest. Got it?"
I smiled at those words.
"Yes. I will do so."
"Hmph. Naturally you should. Otherwise, I will go looking for the Captain first."
Saying that, she smiled softly. It was a much better-looking smile than when we first met.
But soon, she kept looking back with a nervous expression. Perhaps having sneaked out, she was restless like someone who had to return immediately.
Nevertheless, as she was just hovering in place as if regretful, eventually I decided to say goodbye first.
"Then, I will see you next time."
"Ah..."
She reached out her hand to me but couldn't grab me in the end. I was slightly surprised at that appearance.
Don't tell me she got attached to me in that short period.
...No, regrettably I had no memory of building such a connection. Just that she wanted to learn swordsmanship from me, it must be just such a reason.
Pledging the next time like that, as I was about to go first, an urgent voice from behind called me to stop.
"E-Excuse me!"
"Yes?"
"S-Someday. Someday we will meet again..."
Ilene said something tightly gripping her hem, but it couldn't be heard well. She moved her lips several times, but soon closed her mouth along with a sigh.
And then she looked up at me again and smiled with a face looking like she would cry at any moment.
"Someday, I hope the Captain becomes happy."
She said so and waved her hand small.
I also bowed my head at her sincere words.
"Thank you, Princess."
"..."
Ending with those words, I came out of the alleyway. I saw her still standing in that spot, but I couldn't stop my footsteps.
Because there was work left to do in this city for the last time. I exchanged greetings with passing citizens and arrived at the place decided to meet Yuria.
She was sitting on the carriage and swinging her feet as if waiting for someone.
"Yeah. You came."
And hopped down and approached me.
"Brother came early? There is still a little time left before departure."
"Right. Because there is still work left to do."
By the way, has that title 'Brother' completely settled. Don't tell me she intends to call me like that even when we go to the North.
I put aside that tiring future for a moment and brought out the main point first.
"Remember the day before yesterday? That we decided to go to the underground sewer."
"Yeah. I remember."
During the house arrest, we subjugated monsters in the underground sewer, and the memory of the monsters' behavior being somewhat unpleasant remained. Of course, both Yuria and I said it was a mistake, but leaving like this felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Yuria tilted her head listening to those words of mine.
"You see. Brother is not a knight of the Kingdom anymore, isn't it better to just leave it to other knights?"
"Well, since there is still time left."
Yuria's words are right too, but since it's a work I started anyway, it would be fine to at least finish it before going.
As if understanding my words, she smiled brightly and nodded.
"Then I want to go together too."
"Will it be okay? You can just rest here."
"I was waiting for Brother anyway. Let's go quickly."
Along with those words, we headed straight to the underground sewer. Since other sewers were already cleared, now only one place was left.
Arriving like that, the soldiers guarding the door of the underground sewer blocked our front.
"I apologize, but you cannot enter beyond this point."
"We came to investigate for a moment. We will just check and come out quickly."
At my words, the soldiers answered with troubled expressions.
"I am sorry. Captain Carmil. Your Majesty ordered to put restrictions on all activities of Captain Carmil as of this time today."
"Ah..."
I lost my words for a moment. Is it because I am no longer a knight of the Kingdom. However, with permission, not only Yuria, a foreigner, but also ordinary people could enter and exit this underground sewer.
So it only looked like another intention to me. He is probably still holding onto yesterday's matter in his heart. Eventually, making eye contact with me, Yuria nodded.
"Brother wait here. I will go and look."
"I apologize, but Lady Yuria cannot enter either."
"Me too? Why."
"That is, it is Your Majesty's command. To block even buying a piece of bread until you leave..."
At that ridiculous command, Yuria and I stared dumbfounded. To think he would issue such a command to the Grand Duchess, an honored guest.
Yuria protested, but there was no way the soldiers who received the royal command directly would step aside. Eventually, with a sigh, I asked them.
"Phew. Then go and report to the King. That strange points were discovered in the monsters in the underground sewer, so please investigate. Just in case, form the investigation team centering on knights."
"Yes. I will convey it immediately. That, I am really sorry. Captain Carmil."
"It's fine. I'm not a Captain anymore anyway."
It probably won't be a big deal anyway. It was highly likely to be a mistake by me and Yuria. Even if that wasn't the case, since I conveyed it, the Kingdom will solve the remaining work well.
Looking to the side, Yuria was still making a sullen expression. Well, preventing her from buying even a piece of bread was going too far.
"Cheer up. I will buy you something delicious on the way."
"Really? Then I want to eat slime stew."
It's a simpler menu than I thought. Since it will be a long journey, I should buy everything she wants to eat while going.
"..."
I looked at the underground sewer for a moment, then turned my back leaving the discomfort behind.
"Then shall we return slowly?"
"Yeah. Brother."
Returning and getting on the carriage like that, the subordinates also started gathering one by one before we knew it.
Soon as it was time to leave, the coachman sitting on the driver's seat grabbed the reins properly.
"Then we will depart!"
Soon the wheels rolled and familiar sceneries became distant. As the rattling vibration was transmitted to the body, only then did I realize.
"I am really going..."
After this day, I never returned to this place again.