Chapter 82
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Ruby's Fury (3)
Tracking the monster fell to Cluna and Clara.
That was the plan, at least. But in truth, it was mostly Cluna doing the work. So why was Clara involved? Simple—it was down to Cluna's training philosophy.
The Royal Knights at their peak had been the undisputed strongest order. But now, their glory had faded. They needed to rebuild everything from the ground up.
And among those efforts, scouting and rear support had been assigned to Cluna and Clara. Cluna dove straight into training: how to track, how to shoot a bow properly, and so on.
"Clara, didn't I tell you clearly?"
"S-Sorry."
"Outside, you use formal speech, right?"
"I-I'm sorry."
"......"
From my perspective, it seemed overly strict. Ignoring everything else, she was latching onto a single slip-up like a vice grip. I'd even tried to intervene.
"Cluna, training too harshly is......"
"It's fine, Captain."
"Clara?"
"Mom's skills are the real deal. I want to be useful sooner."
But she was already plenty useful. Far beyond what you'd expect from the lowest rung of the Royal Knights. Ruby and Clara's growth wasn't Helia-level, but it was impressively fast.
Especially lately—they'd even managed to take down Bayard 2-on-1! Of course, they grumbled about having to sync up with that annoying jerk.
Surprisingly, they were still playing along obediently. But they were already doing great. Wasn't this a bit too enthusiastic? That's when Clara spoke up.
"And if I learn enough, I can take Mom's spot, right?"
"Oh my, you little brat think you can replace me?"
"Why not, Mom? Retire already and spend your golden years traveling like you always wanted."
"I couldn't possibly leave with the Captain still in my sights like that~."
"Ha! As if that's the real reason!"
Why were they suddenly at each other's throats? They'd been getting along fine just last time. Now sparks were flying from their eyes—it felt like watching rivals in a stare-down.
"Teacher, having trouble?"
"Yeah, a lot."
"I have a solution."
"What is it?"
I'd been hemming and hawing, unable to break up their bickering. That's when Helia, ever faithful at my side, tugged my sleeve. I was a little wary, but...
I decided to hear her out. She'd used to lose control to her emotions, but lately she'd improved. Maybe she had a good idea...
"Just kill them all."
"Okay, you go stand next to Bayard over there."
"Yes, Teacher."
I promptly sent Helia—complete with her throat-slitting gesture—off to Bayard. Thankfully, she obeyed meekly. Only then could I relax.
"I really thought she'd gotten better."
Was it just my imagination? No, I'd definitely seen improvement. With Helia separated from the mother-daughter duo, I quickly pulled Clara and Cluna apart.
The fight settled down, but petty sniping continued. Until the monster showed up, that is. And wouldn't you know it—once it did, they teamed up like ghosts in sync.
In the end, I gave up thinking about it. They'd figure it out themselves. The monster had flown off into the sky, but Cluna easily picked up its trail.
"Traces, huh?"
"Yes. Signs of it resting, mana lingering in the air, and more. Endless ways to track."
"Good to know. Relieved."
I'd worried if tracking would fail. But it was needless concern. The monster had flown nonstop before resting somewhere—that was Cluna's read from the traces.
And finally, we found it. Wings folded, hanging from a tree branch to rest. I clicked my tongue at the sight.
"A guy about to die, clueless to his fate."
"Captain, what's the plan?"
"Block its escape first. Clara, Cluna."
"Yes, Captain!"
"Leave it to us!"
We couldn't let it flap off with those wings. So I ordered the archers to pin them. Our two sharpshooters nailed it effortlessly.
Three arrows, then four. Seven in total pierced both wings. Massive holes tore open, and though it woke to attack and flee, it couldn't take flight.
"The stage is finally set."
"......Thanks!!"
"Huh?"
What now, you?
"The stage is finally set."
Those words from the Captain weren't meant for anyone else—or so Ruby believed without doubt. She snatched up her hammer in one go and charged forward. No hesitation whatsoever.
Because she'd waited for this moment alone. From childhood to now, that wretched thing had stolen her mother, her family's happiness—everything. She'd cursed it relentlessly.
Why are you my father? Why was I born into this misery? If only she'd been born into an ordinary family like others, wouldn't she have been happy?
As if denying those thoughts, Ruby's massive hammer smashed down on its head. Boom! With the explosion came a horrific scream—one Ruby had never heard before.
"Kuh?!"
The unexpected strike froze Ruby momentarily. It seized the opening. Out came thick, razor-sharp claws, swung wide at her head.
She could have blocked it. She was startled, but up to that level? Yet someone had to butt in. Ruby bit her lip and yelled at him.
"What are you doing, Captain?!"
"......"
The intruder was none other than the Captain. Honestly, her first impression hadn't been great. Shabby armor, face hidden by a helmet—what a joke.
For such a guy to strut as Captain? Anyone watching would be baffled. But he'd casually proven his strength and taken them in.
There was always some hidden meaning in the Captain's words. Those who grasped it found salvation. So, was there one now? Ruby realized it soon enough.
"Don't let anger control you. Fight calmly."
"How can I, with this boiling rage...!"
"Cool head, hot heart."
With that, the Captain withdrew. Easy to say—how could she stay calm facing her mother's killer? Once one of the four jewels upholding the Dwarven Principality.
Born to a Ruby whose name had grown hollow. Even without much, there must have been happy days. But as time passed, things started going wrong.
It began with simple demands. Nail clippings, hair—easy enough. But demands escalated. Until it came to that.
She'd come home from playing outside. Mother was gone. Instead, "Father" was reforging a weapon. No sign of Mother anywhere, so Ruby asked.
[Dad, where's Mom?]
[She's right here.]
[What?]
[Behold this beautiful form. Isn't it exquisite?]
Rage surged. Thinking back, she couldn't kill that trash cleanly. Fury gave power, but it was a double-edged sword—exposing weaknesses too.
Her stance opened wide again. It nearly landed a fatal blow in that gap. If not for the Captain's intervention. Grateful, yes, but...
Ruby lashed out shamelessly. She knew it was nonsense. He'd just saved her, nothing more.
"Stop saving me!"
"......"
"If I can't win anyway... my life has no meaning...!!!"
Slap!
She'd thought it endlessly. If victory was impossible, better to die. She'd figured she could win. It had grown monstrously strong, sure.
But tricky to fight, not overwhelmingly so. Yet she'd nearly died twice already. Without the Captain, fatal wounds—and death by now.
That truth crushed her. Unreasoning anger burst out unbidden. In that instant, Ruby's head snapped to the side.
"A mere brush of sleeves is fate enough. How much more those who've shared hardships together."
"......"
"Say it again."
And then, Ruby saw it.
"Whose life has no meaning?"
For the first time, his anger—not at an enemy, but at a comrade.