Chapter 60

“Regardless of that, walking over there… attempting to cross the Brut Mountain Range unarmed is way too reckless, isn’t it?”

“…….”

“It’s tough just to cross, but if you consider those lurking over there, we’d be in serious trouble for sure.”

“As much as I struggle, those who follow me will face difficulties as well.”

“That said….”

The travel schedule by carriage was rather long.

Moving straight without needing separate camping had its own merit, but being cooped up like this inevitably made one feel somewhat stifled.

The only solace was that I could hear various stories from Fielbar.

Like the current whereabouts of Grandeous’ beloved sword, Elbat.

“Somewhere in a forest within the Metran Kingdom. I heard it’s buried deep in some mountain valley.”

A country with no shared borders or contact points with the Empire.

Diplomatically, there’s little friction; instead, since it’s situated behind the Dabas Kingdom, they maintain a cooperative relationship diplomatically.

However, cultural, religious, and racial issues overlap, so it can’t simply be considered a harmonious relationship.

Particularly because the Metran Kingdom was where Grandeous and the Knights of Glory were most active, leading to their heroization.

And.

Considering that most people who claim the story of Knight Carriel and Warrior Ruelde being defeated by Grandeous is true are from Metran, relations can’t exactly be called good.

This kind of situation was relatively common in this era, though.

Still, compared to before the Demon King Army invasion, things have improved sixfold or more, so for those who didn’t experience that time, it’s hard to know.

“I also have my own schedule, so I can’t accompany you all the way, but instead, I’ll introduce you to a capable guide.”

“…Is that alright?”

Carriel smiled faintly at Fielbar’s words.

“Consider it a thank-you for showing me around and teaching me so much. It’s not every day someone provides me with such inspiration and material for my work.”

“…….”

“You don’t need to feel obligated. Since I’ve received something, I’m just giving an appropriate return.”

Anyway, speaking of which.

“If you’re going to cross the Empire’s border, let alone illegally enter another country, it would be wise to either have some form of identification or create a hidden identity for your activities. If you don’t have any plans for that, I could help arrange it for you. What do you think?”

“…….”

Upon reflection, I hadn’t considered that far.

Most importantly, even if you try to act secretly, revealing your identity would expose your location, wouldn’t it?

…Thinking it through, living semi-anonymously seemed sufficient, but apparently, worldly matters aren’t always smooth sailing.

“I entrust this to you.”

“Yes. In that case, let’s finalize that…”

Afterward, Fielbar continued to offer advice on aspects necessary for the journey.

During the bright afternoon when the sun blazed, he calmly opened his seat and went inside to rest.

When his servants or Carriel themselves rested, they stopped the carriage to eat and camped out occasionally.

Fielbar voluntarily took the night watch, so it wasn’t much of an issue.

He focused on writing during his waking hours, saying nature was a great companion and background.

“…….”

At the campsite, slightly away from the group, Carriel finally sighed and asked into the sky.

“You’re surprisingly quiet.”

-Why? Were you hoping I’d ruin things with unnecessary comments?

“…Not really. Just surprised by how silent you’ve been.”

-If I hovered around while you had a conversation partner, wouldn’t that make you uncomfortable? I was subtly considering your feelings—how ungrateful!

“…….”

-So what? Do you have something to say?

“No. Not particularly.”

All the questions worth asking were already covered earlier.

Whenever something comes to mind, I’ll ask then—it’s fine.

“Grandeous couldn’t possibly have foreseen the future and laid these foundations, right?”

-That again?

What Carriel herself saw must have been transmitted to her, the Demon King.

If she doesn’t know about it, it probably means that.

-Besides, that implies it was done for you, the chosen one, doesn’t it? Aren’t you thinking too highly of yourself?

“…….”

-I agree that coincidences being this perfect might imply inevitability, but… well, I can’t conclude anything. As you know, one of my persistent mental ailments is not believing in anything without certainty.

“Was allowing Alesia to accompany me a good decision?”

-Why are you asking me? It’s your life. Are you going to consult me on your marriage later? Or ask for my opinion when you have kids?

“…….”

Carriel chuckled dryly.

“That makes sense.”

-Handle it yourself. Whether you end up happy or miserable is entirely up to you.

“So, did you enjoy watching me closely?”

-Huh? What part?

Carriel’s eyes were half-certain.

“It’s not easy to meet good people. Yet, on this journey, it feels like luck has piled up, and I’ve encountered unbelievably good connections.”

-If you’ve reached that level of awareness, it means you haven’t completely let down your guard. Excellent. Even if someone among them harbored malicious intent and tried to stab you in the back, you could handle it—that counts as growth, doesn’t it?

“…You’re dodging the question.”

-Me? Why?

“You must’ve thought this while observing me.”

I don’t expect anything.

I don’t trust or dream—I didn’t.

Perhaps.

“I now believe that somewhere along the way, I might encounter kind people like them again. Whether I desire it or not, I may develop such hopes.”

Maybe someone like Alesia.

Or the Baroneurers family.

Kind people met in Carriella.

And.

Someone like Fielbar, who communicates well, is slightly suspicious but clearly shows goodwill.

“But expecting such luck to continue endlessly doesn’t make sense.”

-…….

The Demon King, who had been silent, burst out laughing openly.

-Kr, krk! Ah! It’s troublesome to be this smart! I wanted to see your face filled with frustration and despair in the future! Did you seriously figure everything out already? You’ve grown too much! Beyond expectations!

“…….”

-Were you gloomy the whole time because you expected failure? I thought you were still afraid to trust others, shaking like a wary cat. Guess I got it all wrong?

Carriel sighed at the Demon King, who laughed cheerfully.

“I don’t want to experience the pain of shattered expectations anymore.”

Rather than pursuing happiness, I want to learn how not to be disappointed.

And since I’ve learned and mastered that.

…I won’t repeat the same mistake ever again.

“Also, placing unwarranted expectations on someone I care about, only to feel disappointed and drained, would be rude if anything.”

-You’re more afraid of situations leading to such disappointment, aren’t you? Isn’t that right?

“…….”

-The present and future are uncertain, so let’s just bury them. If the past is beautiful, you think that’s enough, right?

That’s why.

Alesia’s affectionate attention and straightforward love were.

…Overwhelming joy.

So.

If I can remember that moment, that’s enough for me.

Morning dew may be more beautiful than jewels, but it’s fleeting.

But.

Even that fleeting instant.

Was needed by me.

And it was precious beyond measure.

-Strange. Without teaching you, our conclusions on happiness and philosophy are quite similar. Is this what they mean when they say people resemble each other when they spend time together?

“…Is that true for you as well?”

-I always live in the past. The present is extra, and the future? Not my concern.

So it doesn’t bother me at all.

Thus, I can observe and spectate the current situation for fun.

“We’ve lived through the past. While some may glide through life casually… I’ll probably never forget, unlike them.”

-Yet, looking toward the present and moving toward the future is the privilege of the living, isn’t it?

“…If I say more, according to your standards, it might come off as disrespectful, so I’ll hold my tongue.”

-Your quick wit is impressive as always.

The Demon King smirked.

-Secure Elbat soon. That way, you’ll be able to resist whatever mysterious force is clinging to you.

“…What exactly is the nature of that thing?”

-It hasn’t revealed itself to me, so how should I know? It’s probably related to your past, but if you don’t remember, what can I do about it?

“…….”

Perhaps it’s the lingering essence that attached itself when I was used as a hostage and wandered around.

Both the Demon King and Carriel had concluded this long ago.

“Will grabbing Elbat really allow resistance against it? By what principle?”

-Figure that out when the time comes. I don’t oversee the realm of wisdom but the realm of truth, so I don’t know much about it. If I did, I’d probably be grinding stones and carving wood daily like Grandeous or the Great Demon King—or as you humans put it, meditating seekers of truth or sword-wielding warriors striving for enlightenment, searching for answers their whole lives. Maybe?

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

-Whatever. It’s your path forward.

The Demon King snorted.

-Whether you carve stones, carve wood, or pave roads, that’s up to you.

“…….”

Still spouting incomprehensible nonsense.

But this is the word of wisdom. It shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Given the steadfastness of her contract.

She must be on my side.

However, judging and accepting is entirely my responsibility.

Her definition of “helping” might not align with mine.

-The clear fact is that your growth has accelerated beyond my expectations, whether by chance or necessity. So take care of it yourself.

“…….”

Without needing to say.

Without needing to push.

…I intend to do so anyway.

There’s no need to verbalize it.

I’ve already heard the necessary answers beforehand.

Resolution.

She once mentioned.

The same letters, words, expressions, sounds, tones.

Depending on the listener’s position, level, and understanding.

Their meanings are never perceived or applied the same way.

[Otherwise, your miraculous achievements would be hard to explain. Perhaps there was something in that simple resolution you taught me that I don’t understand?]

Because it was something Grandeous refined after seeking guidance from the Great Demon King.

For instance, it’s a domain that even the realm of wisdom cannot fully comprehend.

Therefore, it cannot be forcibly unraveled.

Only guesses are possible.

Because it is…

…the realm of truth.

Using such guesses as advice or a guiding light.

In a world where even a step ahead is invisible.

I must carve my own path forward.

Which is precisely…

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