Chapter 317: Farewell, Military State
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 317: Farewell, Military State
Historia decided to remain in the Military State. Her body was battered from the successive battles, and she needed time to hone her newfound enlightenment... or so that was the official reason.
Of course, the biggest reason was to protect the Military State and its ‘secrets.’ If the secret buried in the basement of the Communications Headquarters wasn't protected, the State could collapse with absurd ease.
“Ugh. Well, it’s not like I care what happens to the Military State. Still. I guess it wouldn't hurt to have an ally here.”
The Regressor grumbled with a hint of disappointment, handing Historia a bundle of World Tree leaves.
“Here. They’re World Tree leaves. They’re precious, so don’t just smoke them like mana herbs.”
Historia muttered as she took the leaves.
“...Not very honest, are you, cutie.”
“They’re not for you! They’re for Nabi!”
“The Cat King? Mana herbs?”
The Regressor crossed her arms.
“Yeah. Maximilien is gone, and so is the catkin lieutenant general. Nabi isn't exactly a pushover, so no one should mess with her. But I’m still worried about leaving her alone. Animals like cats, with their ambiguous wildness and subtle closeness to humans, are easy to exploit... If possible...”
She was rambling on and on. She could have just said it simply. For the sake of the less-than-honest Regressor, I kindly summarized for her.
“She wants to entrust Nabi to you. She says she can trust you, and since Nabi is useful, she’d like you to look after her. The mana herbs are a means to control Nabi, and she says it’s a good deal for you since you can smoke them too.”
A perfect summary. Historia nodded.
“...Cute.”
“I don’t know about that, but she’s certainly not honest.”
“Stop spouting nonsense! I’ve never been anything but honest!”
Her getting defensive was ridiculous. Why don't you take off that mask before you talk? How long do you plan on dressing as a man?
Well, I could guess the reason. If she revealed she knew the future, she’d be suspected of being a Saintess, right? And she could hide her origins at the same time. It was logical.
But honestly, you’re not that honest, are you? So much so that all it takes is a little poke from me for the truth to come out.
Alright, let me point out your contradiction.
“Perfect timing. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask, but I’ve held back because once it’s said, there’s no taking it back. Since you’re so honest, please tell me. What should I do?”
“What about you?”
“As you know, I’m just a weak human whose only talent is a silver tongue. I managed to overcome difficulties here in the Military State because of my connection with Historia and because I grew up here, but that won’t be possible in other countries. Especially not in a place like the Fallen Dominion, where the law of the jungle reigns.”
“Why are you beating around the bush?”
Because that’s what you were just doing, you idiot. I was trying to give you a taste of your own medicine, but I didn't realize you couldn't even pass the mirror test.
Once again, I explained kindly.
“I’m an empty can with nothing left to strip off. Wouldn't it be better for a weakling like me to stay here?”
“Huh?”
“I’m asking if it wouldn’t be better for you, Shei, if I weren’t around.”
I feigned a lack of confidence, appealing to her to acknowledge my necessity.
I could have played hardball and refused to go unless she got on her knees and begged, but knowing the Regressor’s rebellious nature, she might have actually left on her own. That wouldn’t help me now, nor would it help the me of the next timeline, so I passed on that idea.
This was the best approach for now. As the saying goes, you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. The Regressor would surely feel a sense of loss if she imagined my absence.
‘Thinking about it calmly, he’s right. In terms of pure combat ability... he has a few tricks up his sleeve, but he also seems like he’d drop dead if I took my eyes off him for a second. He’s not exactly reassuring.’
Huh. That wasn't the part I wanted her to admit.
‘But it’s a different story in other areas. Negotiation, persuasion, creating variables by exploiting an opponent’s weakness... he’s quite competent in those fields. And those happen to be the areas I lack most. It’s hard to give him up.’
Finally, you get it, Regressor. You’ve realized my value. Now, you just have to admit it honestly, right?
“Ahem. Well, it’s not that I’m not a little worried, but... you can come along. We have enough people for the heavy lifting anyway.”
“In other words, you’re saying I’d just be a burden to you all? How could I ever boast about that? A member of the hero’s party that will save the world... as the baggage carrier. No, not even that. Just baggage.”
“No, no! I mean, there are different kinds of baggage!”
“But even a ‘different kind’ of baggage still falls under the category of baggage, doesn’t it? In that case, I should just stay behind.”
As I let my sentence trail off, the Regressor quickly waved her hands.
“N-no! What does strength matter! We have a bond, don't we!”
“Is a bond really that important when it comes to saving the world?”
“B-besides me! There’s Azzy and Tyrkanzyaka, who are close to you! Motivation is important!”
“On the contrary, there’s a risk I’d become a hostage. That’s one more reason for me to stay.”
“I’ll protect you so that doesn’t happen! I mean, it’ll be a bit of a hassle, but it’s fine!”
“We’re back to square one. If I’m going to be a hassle, it’s better if I don’t go.”
“Ah!”
Does she not know the meaning of self-contradiction? Why do her own words keep refuting her?
Watching the flustered Regressor, Historia muttered as if she found it cute.
“She is pretty cute. Dishonest, yet honest. I can see why you like her, Huey.”
It’s less about liking her and more about wanting to tease her. There’s quite a difference between the two.
All she had to do was honestly admit she needed my skills, but the Regressor couldn’t bring herself to say it and just stammered. I waited quietly for her answer.
There. My logic is flawless. Now, just admit you need my abilities and beg me to come with you. I have to go with her anyway, but it’s always better to be invited, isn't it?
‘He’s weak. But he’s useful. I have to take him. In that case... huh?’
As if she’d finally found a solution, the Regressor clapped her hands once and declared confidently.
“I’ll make you strong!”
“...Excuse me?”
What is this, all of a sudden? That was your cue to acknowledge my value and ask me to come with you. What’s with this weird suggestion?
“I know exactly what kind of training a weak person needs to become strong. I’ve been through it myself. You can do it too! Your growth phase might be over, but you’re not that old. And you must be smart if you graduated at the top of your class!”
Hey, you’re younger than me right now. Don’t get your age confused just because you regressed.
“So, I can just train you whenever I have a spare moment! If you feel you lack strength, then you just need to get stronger!”
“What do you mean? That sounds even more troublesome.”
“It’s fine! It’s an investment!”
‘And if I figure out which training methods are most effective this time, I might be able to get stronger even faster in the next timeline! This could be an even greater stroke of luck than Tyrkanzyaka! I’ll have eliminated two seeds of calamity, and he’ll be the link to move the Gunmaster!’
This was bad. Her conclusion was heading in a very strange direction.
When I said I couldn’t go because I lacked strength, the normal response would have been to comfort me by listing my strengths, right? That’s how any person with basic social skills would react.
But her response to ‘I lack strength’ was ‘Then I’ll give you strength’? Are you a devil?
“Hahaha. What are you talking about? It’s not like I’m going to suddenly have an awaken—”
“—ing. That’s a good idea. With Huey, there’s a possibility.”
“Ria, what are you talking about?”
Historia’s face was several times more excited than when I was teasing the Regressor.
“I think it’s a great idea. No, it’s essential. It’s what Huey has needed most.”
No, wait! I don’t get strong that way. Do you think the story of the King of Humans losing all his power and vanishing is just some random tale?
It’s real! I haven’t been lazing around because I don’t know how to get stronger! My talent for everything is just average! Besides, this isn’t a world where only the strong survive!
‘Let’s see. The training menu? It would be logical to start with repetitive exercises to build up his basic stamina. I’ll monitor his physical response and gradually increase the load.’
This was no good. Historia was on board with the Regressor’s idea. If I stayed here any longer, they might come up with a training menu that could actually kill me. I frantically looked around for an escape route.
Found one. A large, heavily enclosed automaton carriage was rolling down the road toward us. It was the same one Hilde and Tyrkanzyaka had gone to pick up after the signaller’s call.
The noon sun was pouring down, but even its direct light, which illuminated all things without shadow, shattered helplessly against the steel box. The automaton carriage, covered in thick armor, would not only protect its occupants from various threats but also provide perfect protection from the sun. It didn't seem designed with vampires in mind, but it was a feature we desperately needed right now.
A hatch on top of the carriage opened, and someone poked their head out. It was Hilde. She waved her arms widely from side to side and shouted.
“Father! We’ve received the command APC, the Cataphract! We’re all ready! Just hop in and we can go!”
Nice timing. You’re a real lifesaver.
“Everyone! She says they’re ready. Let’s get going before it’s too late.”
“...One hundred reps. Make him run alongside in between. Force-feed him elixirs...”
“Let’s go!”
Cutting her off before she could say anything more horrifying, I made a big show of running toward the Cataphract. Only then did the Regressor start to move.
The rear of the Cataphract opened with a clank. The open entrance formed a slanted ramp, a structure designed for loading and unloading cargo. I climbed up it and shouted.
“Bye, Ria! I’m leaving!”
‘...He’s leaving again.’
As I was about to leave, Historia felt a strange sense of anxiety, as if some lingering attachment remained.
Historia’s attachment to me stemmed from a bad memory from the past. After I disappeared, the Hamelin incident occurred. The horrific memory of recovering the bodies of her dead friends was a shackle that weighed her down, but it also became the catalyst for her new goal. Although it was something she herself had wished for, it didn't change the fact that it was a scar born from pain.
For a moment, Historia reached out to grab me, but it ended as just a thought.
‘Still, it’s different from back then. Huey is properly saying goodbye to me. And... he’ll probably come back.’
Her hesitation ended. Historia forced the hand she had been reaching out with to rise. It was an awkward gesture, as it wasn't what she had originally intended. Waving timidly, she bid me farewell.
“Come back stronger.”
“I can’t get any stronger!”
She kept egging me on. If I actually got strong, could you even handle me? The first thing I’d do after gaining power would be to give you a massage that was really just torture. I’ll teach you that a massage can become painful depending on who’s giving it.
...Well, no matter how much I trained, I’d probably never be strong enough to cause Historia any pain.
How depressing. This is why I don’t train.
And so, leaving behind one secret and one friend, I departed from the Military State.