Chapter 58
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: The Demon Tribe Released Poison in the Dwarf Principality! (6)
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Ambassador Virral announced every single event that had transpired to the entire nation, without omitting a thing. Even to us, it seemed excessively blunt—just the plain truth—which only heightened our worries.
Naturally, many dwarves fell into despair. After all, the divine sword was a source of immense pride for us. The legendary blade said to cleave through anything. A weapon straight out of fairy tales.
We had endured until now with the pride of having forged it with our own hands. Yes, it wasn't merely a single sword. It was the pride burning in every dwarf's heart.
But that pride had crumbled to dust. On top of that, the revelation that our vaunted artisan spirit had been toyed with by demons left some smiths so shocked they set down their hammers.
In more severe cases, there were no small number of artisans who smashed every weapon they had ever made. Ambassador Virral could have easily concealed it all. He was more than capable enough.
But Ambassador Virral chose not to hide it.
He opted to confront everything head-on.
We couldn't remain shackled to the past forever.
Acknowledge our mistakes. And correct them. That was Ambassador Virral's choice. The path ahead would surely be arduous and grueling. But I believe that at its end lies another glory.
So, it's time for me to change as well.
I can't call it foolish to cling to the past. Anyone would do the same. I was no different. The stains of that past still lingered, tormenting me even now.
But the new experiences I've accumulated so far are slowly covering those stains. Layer by layer, one by one. Eventually, even those stains will vanish completely. That's what I believe.
Ambassador Virral's office. Unbefitting the title of ambassador, it reeked of molten metal, complete with a furnace and bellows. Less an office and more like a forge.
"Are you really okay with this?"
"What do you mean?"
"The chance for revenge."
"......"
Ambassador Virral had requested a private word with me. I was puzzled at first, but his unexpected proposal caught me off guard. If I wished, he said, we could hold that man accountable and execute him.
Provided, of course, that I wanted it.
It was a bold offer. The man's crimes certainly warranted death. But punishing him would mean implicating the vast majority of dwarves as well.
We couldn't punish some and spare others. From the nation's perspective, a compromise at an acceptable level was the least bad option. Yet Ambassador Virral asked if that was truly fine with me. If I desired it, he would grant the opportunity for revenge. For a moment, I wondered if he knew about my mother and me. A flicker of wariness arose, but I soon realized.
"I'm really fine with it."
"That's unexpected. I figured you'd want revenge right away."
"Because it has to be by my own hand."
"......"
"To be honest, all of this is thanks to the Captain. I didn't overcome it myself, did I?"
Yes, if it weren't for the Captain, this chance wouldn't have come my way. I hadn't done a thing. So no matter how golden the opportunity, I had to turn it down.
"The Captain presses on steadily. Even with his own painful past... That's why I'm trying to follow in his footsteps."
"Did the Captain tell you something?"
"No, but isn't it obvious? Why a man like that was holed up in some rural refugee camp. And that self-sacrificing spirit that neglects his own well-being."
"True, it's the kind of behavior that screams a backstory."
"So, I'm going to stick with the Captain to the end."
Because it has to be something I do myself. Whether it ends in revenge or something else entirely. Of course, I won't shoulder it alone like Bourbon did. I have reliable comrades now.
"Your way of speaking..."
"Hm? Something wrong?"
"......No, nothing. Just felt familiar, that's all."
"Must be your imagination."
"Yeah, probably."
"Well, I'll be going then."
I rose from my seat, gave a light nod, and left the office. Ambassador Virral picked up his hammer for the first time in ages. Said he felt like forging a sword. Not very honest, is he?
I could guess who that sword was meant for. Stepping outside, a blue sky filled my view. Come to think of it, when was the last time I truly took in that sky?
Before, I had no such leisure. My mind was consumed with getting stronger for revenge. Whether for my mother's sake or for my fallen comrades. But now, I had a bit of breathing room.
"Mineral! What are you doing? Hurry up!"
"Wha—calling me Mineral? Can't use that nickname."
"But you are a mineral!"
"Clara?"
"S-Sorry, Mom."
"What a close-knit mother and daughter."
Five people chattering energetically in the distance, plus one talking monkey. I ran forward with a laugh. There wasn't a single dull moment...
Still, I've set a clear goal now.
To advance unwaveringly, just like the Captain.
Someday, I'll be able to forget the past too.
Heh heh.
My divine sword, dammit. With a divine sword, who needs Royal Knights or whatever? I could've handled everything myself. But that perfect plan shattered to pieces. Damn dwarves.
Not a single thing from head to toe appealed to me. Now I get why they got wiped out in the original story. For a brief moment, a petty thought crossed my mind. But I quickly shook off all such distractions.
Failing to get the divine sword was a huge blow. But it wasn't like I gained nothing at all. First off, resolving this incident skyrocketed our relations with the Dwarf Principality.
Sure, plenty of annoyances and headaches, but their craftsmanship is top-tier anywhere you go. No harm in staying on good terms with them. And second.
The Dwarf Principality straight-up declared they'd outfit the Royal Knights! Meaning we get to use their premium gear to our hearts' content.
And the king didn't miss this golden opportunity. Talks between the Dwarf Principality and the human kingdom are now scheduled. Not wearing that crown for nothing. Everyone's moving fast.
But so what?
Give me back my divine sword.
Sob.
I buried my gloom as best I could and hunkered down in a corner. The other squad members were chatting and laughing among themselves. Makes sense. We'd successfully saved the Dwarf Principality, after all.
Thanks to that, we're getting their full support. There's a saying that a sword rolling around in the Dwarf Principality becomes a famed blade elsewhere—their weapons are renowned for quality.
Knights who make their living by the blade can't help but get excited at the thought of wielding Dwarf Principality gear. But so what? The divine sword's already gone.
"I heard the Dwarf Principality's weapons are masterworks!"
"Never thought I'd agree with the cheapskate."
"It's not just swords. Bows, spears—even clubs. Their weapons are famous for superior quality."
"All thanks to those stubborn artisans with their unyielding craftsmanship~."
"What about you, Teacher?"
"I'm fine with anything."
I meant it literally. Without a divine sword, anything I wield would be equally useless. There's a saying: a true craftsman never blames his tools. Put another way, if you're no craftsman...?
But they seemed to take it differently, gazing at me with brief admiration. Why are they doing this now? As I wondered, Yuren's eyes sparkled.
"Indeed! Relying not on weapons, but on your own skill! As expected of our Captain!"
"I'm not the Captain, that's you..."
"Great, great! Now I'm fired up! Everyone, special training as soon as we get back!"
"Special training?! How'd it turn into that?!"
"I said no running, but special training's the worst!"
At Captain Yuren's declaration of "it's the mood," everyone recoiled in horror. Come to think of it, his special training was brutal. I'd watched from afar once.
It was exhausting just spectating. Naturally, Clara and Ruby were mortified. Bayard didn't look thrilled either. Except for one person. That was Helia.
"Please, a match."
"Excellent! A true disciple of the Captain—never shying from training. I love that spirit!"
"Ugh, if even Helia's on board..."
"Guess we're auto-enrolled."
"W-Well, no choice. We'll power through!"
The carriage was abuzz nonstop. Helia and Yuren discussed training. Clara and Cluna chatted warmly as mother and daughter.
Bayard and Ruby debated Dwarf Principality weapons. Thanks to them, I got plenty of sleep. But it wasn't a bad vibe. Things were steadily improving, bit by bit.
But so what?
No divine sword.
Eek!