Chapter 28
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 28: The Past is Bound to Be Glorified
“Oh? Who is this. Isn't it Irion? What brings you here?”
I visited the underground arena.
Familiar faces are seen one by one.
“I came to see if everyone is alive and not dead.”
“You are truly unusual too. It’s the first time seeing a slave return on his own feet.”
“A man is supposed to bury grudges of the past as memories.”
“Kya, this bastard. A man, aren't you?”
“Can I go in?”
“Of course. The manager will welcome you very enthusiastically.”
Receiving welcome, I entered the arena.
Familiar structure. The place where I stayed the longest since coming to the other world.
Is that why. It feels like visiting the military unit again after discharge. Nostalgia is felt even though it hasn't been long since I left the arena.
“What, it’s the blackie?”
“Yeah yeah. Nice to meet you.”
“Kya, look at how this bastard is dressed. The person has changed. What clothes are these? The quality is considerable?”
“Ah, this is. The uniform worn by apprentice knights of the Edelheid Ducal family.”
“What? You became a knight?”
“Although still an apprentice.”
Gladiators burst into exclamations consecutively as if surprised.
“Wow, to think a knight would come out of our arena.”
“He got caught by a noble lady and his appearance improved. A brat walking around with a woman by his side.”
“See, what did I say? I said this blackie bastard would become big, right? I recognized it from the first match.”
“Bullshit. You said back then he would die soon.”
Gladiators arguing back and forth.
Bibi whispered from the side.
“You receive quite a lot of affection.”
“Past events are bound to be packaged beautifully.”
Would they be doing that because they really adore me? Since I’m wearing an apprentice knight uniform, they can’t treat me carelessly.
Still, what can I do. Being a big-hearted person, I should let it slide.
Moderately ignoring them bickering, I entered Bardick’s office.
“I’m here.”
“Oh my, Irion! Welcome! Nothing special happened meanwhile?”
“There was a lot but I’m fine for now. How about you, sir?”
“Don’t even mention it. How much the audience dropped after you left! Even Alex left...!”
“Alex left?”
What kind of sound is this again.
Alex is the signboard gladiator of the arena. That’s why Bardick treats him exceptionally well, but to leave the arena.
Did he sell him too?
“He came the very next day you left and said he suddenly wanted to do adventuring again?”
“Didn't he retire as an adventurer?”
“My words exactly. Since the signboard gladiator left overnight, the number of spectators plummeted too....... How about it, Irion? Wouldn't you like to come back even now?”
What is this human saying.
When was he excited selling me saying they gave a lot of money.
“Bibi, if the Princess sells me again, how much would she sell me for?”
“She will absolutely not sell. It is the first time the Lady took an interest in something. Regrettably.”
“She says so. Regrettably.”
“Oh my.”
Bardick genuinely regretting the past. But I didn't feel sorry for him at all.
Because he ignored me even when I clung desperately. I will never forget the events of that day.
Leaving Bardick behind, I moved to the training ground. It was the main purpose of today.
In the quiet training ground with no one, Doban was sitting. His face was red drunk on alcohol, unchanged from when I first saw him.
“Master.”
“Hm? Ooh! My disciple has returned!”
“I came to repay as promised.”
The alcohol bought at the pub was to give to Doban. There should be a reward for a wise person who invested at the low point.
“What gift. As a person being a master, there is no gift like my disciple succeeding in life!”
“Really? If you don't drink, well, can’t be help.......”
“But I shouldn't ignore the disciple’s sincerity, right? Give it here.”
Doban snatching the alcohol from my hand as if stealing. Pulled out the stopper and drank from the bottle. He drinks straight as if intending to empty the whole bottle.
Bibi whispered.
“Is it okay to give alcohol as a gift? He seems like a person who shouldn't drink.”
“Living short and thick doing what one wants and eating what one wants isn't a bad life either.”
“Hmm, that is true too.”
While conversing with Bibi, Doban emptied all the alcohol. To drink all that expensive alcohol at once.
Should I say he doesn't know how to drink, or should I say he likes alcohol that much.
Whatever, it doesn't matter if he likes it.
“Hmm? Who is this! Isn't it this Doban’s disciple!”
...Is it not.
***
Finished all business and came out of the arena.
Repaid Doban too. I feel at ease as if I solved delayed homework.
After coming out of the arena, I walked the streets lightly.
Freedom enjoyed for the first time.
Smell of freshly baked bread wafts, people walk around the streets, and boisterous noise is heard from the market.
Looking up at the sky blankly, the intact blue sky was there.
Really nothing special, everyday scenery. But to me, it was unfamiliar more than anything, a dazzling sight enough to bring tears.
“Ha.......”
A short sigh leaked out.
Do they know. That this boring and ordinary daily life is a miracle someone wants to grasp even risking their life.
‘I should try harder.’
For me who will run again, I shouldn't leave regrets today.
“Want to eat snacks? I’ll buy.”
“Food bought with others’ money is always delicious. I won’t decline.”
Bought and ate lunch-cum-snacks at the market with Bibi and toured the city.
Went here, went there.
To me who couldn't walk around freely even once after coming to the other world, everything was a new world, truly a fantasy.
Next to such me, Bibi kindly guided me.
“What is over there?”
“A general store. Selling various items needed for living. Would you like to stop by for a moment?”
“Shall we?”
When we opened the door of the general store, a clear bell sound ting-a-ling welcomed us.
“Welcome!”
Along with the owner’s lively greeting, what rushed in was a subtle yet cozy air mixed with the smell of dried herbs and soap.
Inside the store was truly a general store.
Colorful baskets hanging from the ceiling, and all sorts of sundries displayed densely on the walls.
Candles emitting subtle scents, and even accessories women would like.
‘There is everything.’
This is totally a medieval Daiso.
While looking around the shelves slowly, I discovered small wooden boxes placed in one corner.
Opening the lid, a subtle lavender scent tickled the nose.
“What is this?”
“Ointment. Usually used when hands are dry or chapped. Seeing it has scent, seems they mixed scented oil.”
Something like hand cream.
Dipping slightly with a finger, it was quite moist and the scent wasn't bad.
‘Should I give it to noonas as a gift?’
Thankful people who take care of me without ignoring me, a former slave.
With water work and mopping every day, their hands must not have a healthy day.
If not now, when can I repay. Picked it up without hesitation.
‘Should buy one for Helena too.’
Because swinging a sword often damages hands. Since I’m receiving big help, I took one for her share too.
“I will go with this.”
Bibi thrust her arm forward abruptly. A bracelet was placed on her palm.
I never said I’d buy it for you.
As I sent such a gaze, Bibi explained calmly.
“Weren't you gifting to maids?”
“That is correct.”
“What are the clothes I am wearing right now?”
Bibi fluttering her maid skirt as if showing off.
“Maid uniform.”
“Correct. Maid uniform. I am a maid. But surely you aren't trying to leave only me out? Against a woman you are dating? I’ll die of loneliness.”
“What.... Do as you please.”
“Thank you.”
Selected all items so about to pay now.
“Would a gift for the Princess be needed too?”
Suddenly Renoa came to mind.
“A novel idea. But I actively recommend it.”
“Why?”
“Because my share will increase by one.”
In short, meaning Renoa will throw it away immediately even if she receives it, so Bibi will have it.
As expected, if she becomes a Princess, she would consider items sold in such a commoner general store as trash, right?
Although I wasn't going to buy it thinking it’s a waste of money.
‘You never know. She might get angry that I didn't buy only hers.’
Nothing bad about being careful. Even if she throws it away, it’s much better for her to throw it away herself. Not my money anyway.
“What would be good?”
“Well. I haven't thought about the Lady’s gift either. Since she is a person with so little material desire.”
“Accessories wouldn't be good, right?”
“What overflows around her are accessories. Embedded with expensive jewels. I cannot recommend it much.”
“Hmm....”
As Bibi said. What money can buy already overflows to her.
Just what should I give to be cursed less.
At that moment, the display case in front of my eyes came into view.
Pressed flower bookmarks made by attaching wild flowers or leaves on stiff paper and applying glaze.
Among them, what caught my eye particularly was one with a four-leaf clover.
As sunlight entered, the green of the leaf shone freshly like a jewel.
“Bookmark. Seems not bad. Since the Lady often locks herself in the study and reads.”
“Right?”
Selected the bookmark. I don't think Renoa will like it, but it’s better than nothing.
“Do you study capturing women’s hearts separately by chance? I’m about to get slightly goosebumps.”
“To a slave, flattery is life. Not only women’s hearts, but men’s hearts must be captured too.”
You’ll know everything if you live as a slave too.
***
Bought gifts for people at the general store and headed to the mansion.
There was still time until sunset, but there was nothing more to see anyway, and it was better to return leisurely than to move tightly.
The mansion arrived at like that.
In front of the main gate, a carriage that wasn't there until lunch was parked alone.
“Did a guest come?”
To say that, the crest engraved on the carriage door was familiar.
An owl sitting on a book is a crest symbolizing Edelheid.
Is Renoa trying to go out?
“...Let’s hurry inside.”
Bibi’s voice was stiffened harder than usual.
She took the lead and moved with quick steps full of urgency.
For Bibi, who was naturally leisurely, to hurry that much.
Feeling doubtful, I adjusted the paper bag in my arms and followed behind.
And the moment I crossed the door of the mansion.
‘...Heavy.’
The air pressed down on the skin like lead. A mansion quiet usually, but now it was to the point breathing was stifling.
Servants were out in groups in the lobby. It’s a time they would be working in their respective areas usually, but everyone was whispering with frightened expressions.
I discovered a familiar back in that gap.
“Nina-noona.”
“Uh? Gasp. I, Irion, you came.”
Nina turned around startled. Her face was pale white.
“What is everyone doing here? Is something wrong?”
“Ah, that is.......”
She smacked her lips and couldn't stay still. Her gaze kept heading to the opposite hallway.
“That person came again. The Madam.......”
“Madam?”
The moment I was about to ask back.
—Slap——!!!
A horrific rupture sound tore the silence apart. As if wielding a whip.
“You, ugly thing...! You were determined to disgrace Edelheid!”
One side of the hallway, between the split crowd. The sight of Renoa being beaten was seen.
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