Chapter 111: Departure
Chapter 111: Departure
The day of departure.
Only me and Finne are in the room.
Its almost time isnt it.
Right. Well, the preparations are completed. Unless something unexpected happens, everything should be okay.
Yes, theres no need to worry.
Saying so, Finne smiles to reassure me.
Seeing her like that, I stay silent for a little.
There have been many cases that something unexpected happened so far. I cant say that it wont happen this time.
Finne will be standing at the center of it. She is now in danger more than ever.
I will be honest. I dont want you to go if possible .
Im really sorry.
You are.strong huh.
Finne quietly lowers her head and raises it up. There was not a shred of worry on her face.
What made it possible is her trust in others. She really is strong to be able to place so much trust in others.
Im not strong at all. I have been reminded of how helpless I am every day after all.
You are?
Is it surprising? I have always wanted to help Al-sama you know?
Im thankful for that but you have already helped me enough as you are.
No, its not enough at all. Im your sharer of secrets. I should be lightening your burden. But.all I can do is helplessly watch as you get hurt.
Finnes line of sight turned to my left hand.
The bandaged left-hand looks a little painful as it has not been fully cured yet.
However, thanks to this wound, the Narbe Ritters will do their best to protect them.
Its not a big deal.
.even small scratches can turn into a big scar. My duty is to prevent you from getting seriously hurt. I take pride in that.
When Finne looked straight at me, I made a bitter smile.
Then, Finnes cheeks inflated a little bit.
I, Im being serious here, you know!
Yeah, I know. I just thought that your serious expression was a little unexpected thats all.
A, Are you making fun of me!?
Im not. I understand that you really are worried about me. So let me tell you this. I am worried about you too. You are gentle and always tread on the right path. To me, you are an important guiding beacon. I would be troubled if you are gone.
Since the succession war started, my three older brothers have changed.
For that to not happen to me as well, I need Finne by my side.
So that no matter how many evil plans I have to use, I do not become a fiend. I will never use a plan that Finne shows clear disapproval of.
If I do that, I too will also fall into the darkness of the succession war.
Leo would never do anything that Finne clearly disapproved of as well.
To not let that happen, I want Finne to stay as our guiding light
Soif something happens you must blow the flute right away. I will definitely come to help you. No matter what Im doing, no matter who Im with, I will give you my top priority
If you put it like that then it will be troubling for methere must be more important things that Al-sama has to do right.
No, you are my top priority. Of course, I will finish other tasks as much as I can.
Is that so.then I will be counting on you when the time comes.
Yeah, leave it to me.
Saying so, I fearlessly smile.
I have to give Finne as much peace of mind as I can. So that she doesnt have to worry about me.
Its almost time.
Its that time already huh..
Looking at the clock, I get up.
After this, Finne will join Leo and the others for their departure. I will also be keeping watch on Gordon after this.
With that being the case, there wont be many chances for us to meet. We do not have time for that after all.
So I was thinking if I havent talked enough with her.
But I couldnt think of anything.
While I was thinking about that, Finne opened the door.
Lets go.
Y, Yeah.
As I scratched my head as I was being awkward.
While I was doing that, Finne grinned.
Then.
Al-sama. Al-sama has been helping me ever since the first time we met. I will always believe in you. So I am not worried. No matter what happens I will not be afraid. So please send me off without worry about me.
..I dont remember helping you out that much though.
Even unconsciously, Al-sama has always helped people out. I am proof of that.
The matter with Duke Kleinert was simply a calculated move you know?
When I said that, Finne cheerfully smiled.
Unable to read the true meaning of her smile, Finne went on ahead, leaving me confused.
What does that smile mean?
While pondering about that new mystery, I follow after Finne.
Be careful out there.
Of course.
Saying so, I and Leo say goodbye to each other.
It is obviously dangerous for Finne but the same also goes for Leo.
But Leo also seems to be enthusiastic about this as well. I mean, he seems so fearless.
The place he is heading to is the South, the place where Duke Kruger holds the most power in.
It seems Nii-san is worried about something right.
Of course.
You can be relieved you know. I will be escorted by those powerful guards you recruited for me after all.
Saying so, Leo looks at the Narbe Ritters lining up in front of us.
With Lars leading them, they saluted us all at once when they noticed our gazes.
Your Highness Arnold. Please push out your chest more when you send us off. It will affect our morale.
Dont be unreasonable
Are we not worthy of your trust?
The top 300 strongest Narbe Ritters will be acting as escorts for the envoy. The other members are currently working on the information blockade around the imperial capital.
This means that Leo will have to take down that castle with only 300 men.
No matter how strong they are, I cant help but worry about them.
If I dont trust you then I would never leave my brother in your care.
Then please push our your chest. What we want to see is your confidence. Please let us see the trust you placed upon us.
When he told me that, I lifted up my face and pushed out my chest.
Then I address the 300 Narbe Ritters.
I will leave them in your care.
Instead of an answer, they gave me a salute.
Lars then lined up with his comrades.
Its almost time for them to leave huh.
Isnt it quite something for you to be able to earn the loyalty of such powerful men, Kid.
The one who suddenly called out to me was Sieg who is currently sitting on Sebass shoulder.
Lynfia is also next to them.
All the power our faction has is gathered to protect Leo.
We will be leaving now. Your Highness Arnold.
Yeah, take care of them. Still, cant you do something about the way you call me, Lynfia?
Do you hate it?
Its like Im being put at a distance.
Is that so..I will change it when I get back.
Alright. I will be looking forward to it then.
Please do.
Lynfia said that as she performed a polite bow and left.
The place she walked toward is the carriage that Finne boarded. Aside from protecting her, Lynfia will be providing various kinds of support for Finne this time.
For a moment, my eyes caught Finne as she grins and waves at me.
So carefree huh.
I think it is better than being nervous though.
Right. If she is that relaxed then the opponent wouldnt be so cautious either. Shes quite a good woman. Shes a beauty, her style is good, theres nothing to complain about at all.
Saying so, Sieg made a loose smile that doesnt suit his appearance at all.
This guy is also carefree huh.
Im begging you, dont start hitting on her on your trip alright..
I cant promise you that. Its natural for me to seduce a beauty right.
What about Elna?
Hmm, you think of her as a beauty huh?
I frown at the skillful reply.
Seeing me like that, Sieg grins.
Unfortunately its against my policy you see. I see a woman who can catch my spear as a warrior before a woman. Its a waste, right? She can provide me with a good fight after all.
Saying so, Sieg smiles.
It seems Sieg drew a firm line there.
Thats why even though that missys appearance is perfect, shes outside of my strike zone. Shes a warrior after all.
On the contrary, if she couldnt catch your spear you would treat her like a lady right?
Well, of course. theres no way I would leave such a beauty alone.
Oi Oi.Im begging you here alright?
Dont worry. Believe in me.
Sieg replies to me as he clings on Sebass shoulder.
That doesnt look reliable at all though.
After such a conversation, Sebas bows and leaves.
Then, only me and Leo were left.
They really are reliable right.
You think so?
They are the people that Nii-san gave your all to gather after all. Theres no one more reliable than them you know.
Leo said as he pushes his right fist out to me.
I saw that and I pushed my fist out in the same way.
When our fists met, Leo made a serious expression.
I will put a stop to it. This war.
Yeah, I will leave it to you.
After such exchange, Leo gets into his carriage.
Thus the envoy set off.
Climbing up to the rampart, I see them off until they left the capital.
They left huh.
Yes, they left.
Jurgen murmured the same thing as me.
Then, I turn back.
Where are you going?
I have something to do so I will be leaving the imperial capital for a while. If someone asks for me could you give them an appropriate excuse.
I dont mind butare you going to monitor His Highness Gordons rumored strategist?
So you are aware after all.
Of course. But please dont do anything reckless. I cant show my face to Lizelotte-sama if something were to happen to you after all.
I see. I will be careful then. Dont worry. I will just observe the situation from a distance.
That should be fine but..what about your escort?
I already have one.
Jurgen nods several times and sends me off with a smile while saying that I should be careful.
With this, there shouldnt be a problem for me to leave the capital for a while.
I dont have Sebas to cover for me this time so I have Jurgen fill that role instead.
Its normal for me to suddenly leave for somewhere so no one would find it suspicious.
Dont think that I will let you do anything as you please now, Gordon.
Muttering that in a small voice, I speed up my pace.
It would be easier for me to move once I left the capital.
Now, its time for the secret maneuver.