Chapter 64

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Translator: MadScientist

Chapter: 64

Chapter Title: The World Conference Has Romance (8)

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"Being an old, frail man, I couldn't come out to greet you personally. Please, have a seat."

As we sat down, he bowed his head. With that same unwavering voice and a serene yet dignified expression, he faced us.

"It's fine. We didn't come here expecting any special treatment."

I responded with equal gravity, and the Border Count gestured to the butler, who handed each of us a glass of water.

"I have nothing proper to offer as refreshments. I'm truly sorry, but given Shyrn's dire circumstances, I hope you can understand."

The scenes we'd witnessed on our way to the count's manor flashed before my eyes—the emptiness inside the manor itself. I was just grateful even for a glass of water.

"As I mentioned earlier, the hospitality isn't the issue. So, could you start by telling us about the current situation? I'm still quite inexperienced and lack prior knowledge."

"That's music to my ears. We were the ones eager to get straight to the point."

The Border Count continued.

"Shyrn's troubles began the moment I inherited the position of Border Count from my predecessor. After all, Shyrn was built to fend off invaders from beyond our borders."

"Funding had been gradually cut for years, and now it's completely dried up. It seems they grew tired of covering our endless defense costs, so even as they incorporated us into the Empire, they treat us like an autonomous region."

"Since the support ended, we've done our best to be self-sufficient and keep Shyrn afloat. When monster or demon attacks from foreign lands were scarce, we'd import resources, farm for sustenance, and pour the manor's wealth into supporting the citizens."

"But as a borderland, surviving on this barren, narrow strip of earth without aid has been excruciating. Every invasion forced us to conscript citizens, who died off one by ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠one. Even my own children all gave their lives on the battlefield."

"Starvation started claiming lives, and soon people began fleeing the city under cover of night. Cutting back on manor expenses to feed them didn't help. We couldn't even stop the deserters. On what grounds could we?"

"It's a pitiable mess. Far from a proper city, it's a ramshackle slum, with bodies littering the streets. And amid all that, conscription never stops. If this isn't hell, then what is?"

"We'd love to abandon the city and leave together, but the Empire always blocks us like ghosts in the machine. Their soldiers or spies must be watching our every move from somewhere."

"The invasions never cease. Even now, with the Hero here, soldiers guard the walls, and we'll have to conscript someone from those collapsing from hunger."

"To be frank, it's utterly demoralizing and laughable. They've doomed us to be caged here, blocking invaders until we die—then they send the Hero and his party to us. I can't help but pity myself."

"But I beg you."

He paused, then bowed deeply toward us—head touching the table, face hidden, pleading earnestly.

"Lend us your strength. Help our pitiful citizens. That's all I ask. Save Shyrn. Save the innocent."

If the Hero can make this happen, I'll bury the hollow, pathetic feelings I harbored for a moment.

He didn't lift his head, waiting steadfastly for my affirmation, simply hoping.

So, I had no choice but to grant it.

"You don't need to beg. That's the only reason we came here."

I stood, downing the water on the table.

It was bittersweet, with a faint sugary tang.

While the conference was still ongoing, the community boards were flooded with talk of one person.

The stunning hunter who burst onto the conference scene had everyone talking, and her absence since the third-day duel only fanned the flames.

With Yuna ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠and Seren's duel over, cheers erupted from the stands. These people had been timid and fearful just yesterday—what had them so thrilled now?

I helped the approaching Seren to her seat.

"Seren, you okay? That hit you took earlier looked painful."

Seren smiled.

"I'm fine. We're both used to the pain by now~ But more than that... that technique she used... it was the one I showed you, right?"

"Yeah. I showed it to her. Never thought she'd actually replicate it."

During the duel, I'd noticed her hesitate for a split second—she must've been shocked seeing Yuna pull it off.

"Right? She's got talent. Not something you can just copy on the spot. And of all things, she teaches the kids' moves and gets smacked for it!"

Seren pouted, playfully slapping my back before slyly taking my hand.

"As punishment, you're holding my hand for a while. I'm a bit tired, so lend me your shoulder too."

"What, suddenly?"

"Oh, where's Karin...? We came together, but I totally spaced."

Seren's eyes widened as it dawned on her late.

You're only asking now...?

"The one who came with us is resting at the inn. She was anxious about being separated from you, Saintess, but she was exhausted, so I tucked her into bed."

Sihyun answered with a look of exasperation before I could.

"Ah! Thank you. That puts my mind at ease~"

As Seren beamed her thanks, Yuna shuffled back to her seat sheepishly.

"Um... sorry. I didn't think she'd hit me..."

Standing before Seren, head bowed in apology like a scolded child, Yuna was too much—Seren burst out laughing.

"Pfft!"

"...?"

Yuna blinked blankly at the laughter.

"Sorry! You're just so cute. You were glaring daggers earlier, and now this~"

"...You're mean. I'm not worried about you anymore."

"Ahaha~ Don't worry. Let's get along from now on, side chamber."

Seren teased with a mischievous grin, and Yuna—actually sulking—puffed her cheeks and huffed beside me.

"Told ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠you not to duel."

I whispered to Yuna.

"Don't care... Siu's mean too. Don't talk to me."

She turned away, putting on a show, though she still clung to my collar.

"Oppa, can't you stay a bit longer?"

"Yeah... just a little more..."

Sihyun and Yuna pleaded reluctantly, but I shook my head.

"Seren looks tired. I'll head home first and wait. Come when the schedule's done."

"It's my house to begin with... Don't bring other girls so casually, you playboy."

"Yeah, playboy..."

"Whatever, I'm going ahead. See you later!"

I waved to Sihyun and Yuna before turning toward Seren.

"Arsius, you sure? Long-distance teleport is still tough, right...?"

Since we hadn't flown, I began drawing the teleportation circuit again.

"It's fine~ This place is peaceful anyway; a few days without mana is no biggie."

As I infused mana and etched the circuit in the air...

"Um... Hero. It's an honor to behold your noble face..."

The person who'd crossed over with Seren kept using overly formal speech—it was driving me nuts.

"No, Karin. I'm not the Hero anymore. Just call me Siu normally, okay?"

"How could I address the Hero so..."

"You treat Seren casually."

"I speak to the Saintess with the same respect."

"Right~ I told her to drop it, but she keeps being formal~"

This is insane.

I sighed, poured in the last of the mana, and opened the massive door.

"Let's head back."

They nodded. The other two waved from behind.

- 「Teleport」

The spell enveloped us.

Mana's flow guided us, and soon my feet touched the living room floor.

Thus ended our bizarre, neither-long-nor-short overseas trip.