◈Episode 136 Because it is not a story (4)
“Hahaha! Comrades! How do you feel after sweating? “Isn’t it incredibly refreshing!”
I rolled my eyes at the smiling Berserker.
It’s true that I feel relieved after fighting like I was having fun playing a game for the first time in a long time…
“…Are you smiling now?”
My blood pressure was soaring, and as I stood in front of the Archmage who looked somewhat lethargic, my conscience, which I had lost while enjoying the game, came back to work.
I slowly turned my eyes away from her gaze. Even for an incredibly shameless concept, this one was a bit excessive.
“Hey. You destroyed it well…”
That’s right… Due to the fight between the two of us, the bridge that connected the magic tower and the village and the bridge over the lake were completely destroyed.
From the railings to the pillars and footboards, it has been changed so that not a single corner is intact.
Some sections even broke and were cut off due to flooding. The only fortunate thing was that there was no damage to the main building of the Magic Tower.
I tried my best to avoid harming them in the first place, but anyway.
“Meanwhile, the temple also sent someone. hmm! In fact, it’s hard not to send someone after seeing that mess!”
Thanks to this, the place was crowded with people, not only people from the Magic Tower, but also adventurers sent by the city guard adventurer guild to assess the situation, and priests who rushed out to prepare for an emergency.
And they’re all looking at me and Berserker sitting in the corner.
For your information, I don’t really know why I only watch it. Is it because you’re scared? I think it’s like that when you see everyone bickering and saying things like, ‘You go’ or ‘No, you go’.
“…I can already guess why, but I’ll ask anyway. “Why did you fight?”
As a result, the first person to approach us was the Archmage. After coming over by boat, she looked at us with liberated eyes and asked.
However, if you are shameless, you should not say that the other side should start the dispute first. This is because not only do I not consider it a fight, but even if it is a real fight, the sin that I intentionally accepted does not disappear.
Even though it may not be what I wanted, I cannot deny that I ended up like this while being so absorbed in the fight.
“Berserk wanted to fight now! That’s why we fought!”
However, unlike me, who remained silent for that reason—this is also a story, not a concept—Berserker confidently shouted.
We are so confident that someone might think we have no sin.
“Fighter Nariii….”
“That doesn’t seem like something that should be boasted about…”
But is that really possible?
I tried to ignore the kimchi dumplings and meat dumplings who came running late and tried to stop us, but had to watch the fight in vain because their legs were broken. Akata turned away even more.
I felt really embarrassed because I felt like I was caught being an immature adult—not because I felt like it, but because I really got caught.
But if I pout, my life will be at risk? Is that why you had no choice but to join in? Of course I enjoyed it, but I also tried to minimize the damage, right?
Isn’t there room for consideration?
“What about you, Demon Knight?”
Yeah, probably not. No matter how concept it is, an accident of this magnitude cannot be tolerated. Ugh.
“Are you not going to say anything?”
I glanced at the Archmage asking me a question. Of course, even if there were a hundred mouths, there was nothing to say.
“Demon knight.”
…Still, there are some things that are a little unfair to me.
I really didn’t know it would turn out like this.
When Berserker kicked the railing and smashed it, I felt something was wrong and tried to move.
Berserker was so good at fighting that I failed to get rid of him, but as a last resort, I even threw my body into the lake!
He voluntarily went into the lake to avoid being harmed by others! If people felt like they were going to get involved, they even volunteered to use punching bags!
Above all, the one who broke the bridge was actually Berserker! I really didn’t break much!
“Demon knight!”
…but yeah. Yes. Since I was the one who fought that Berserker, I am also responsible… It’s not even that I didn’t enjoy the fight.
shit! If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have tolerated the escape…!
“…how much is it?”
“…?”
“I will compensate you.”
The problem is that the concept does not admit mistakes.
It’s not like he has the mindset that money is everything, but do you think he would willingly admit his mistakes out of pride?
Considering the past history of the concept I set, it is highly likely that he rarely admits his mistakes, and as a result, he has not learned how to apologize.
How many times have accidents like this occurred in a life where cancer is the only devil to control? Even if an accident occurred, it would have been a minor accident, and it is clear that most of the accidents would have been passed over as threats or compensation.
So there is no room for reflection.
That was a kabung.
“Now… do you think I’m doing this for compensation? “Compensation is a process that must be done, of course, but there is one thing in this world that must take priority over that.”
But still, it’s painful! My conscience hurts! My conscience hurts!
I screamed inwardly as the Archmage’s words poured out quietly.
Anyway, I don’t know? Don’t you understand that an apology is more important than compensation?
Actually, I really, really want to atone!
“Demon knight.”
But what if the concept is stubborn? I know what you will do to me if I complain, so what should I do here?
I cried helplessly inside and kept my mouth shut. It was so unfair that they made me unable to apologize when I wanted to, but I couldn’t help it.
It was a concept I chose and therefore a guilt I had to bear. I had to endure it with tenacity.
My eyes became warm with resentment.
“What’s wrong? Berserk will also reward you! “Berserk has money!”
Meanwhile, Berserker shouted loudly. The Archmage’s expression as he heard those words began to change to various angles in an instant.
From someone who listened to nonsense to someone who realized a strange truth.
“…That’s not it. In times like this… In times like this, I ask for forgiveness first before talking about compensation. “That is the right thing to do.”
I don’t know what he realized in that moment, but the Archmage spoke in a slightly softer voice.
It seems that he realized that we have a personality worse than that of a three-year-old child.
“Isn’t an apology supposed to be compensation?”
“Compensation does not always consist of material things. At some point, you can atone with heartfelt words. Of course, since this case is large, we will have to provide compensation.”
“I see… Well, she also said that if you do something wrong, you should apologize first.”
After the Archmage coaxed and soothed him, Berserk woke up without scratching his head. Because the water had not completely dried yet, a few water droplets splashed out.
“good night! “I apologize!”
“Good. Then go to the security station first. “I answer everything they ask.”
“I get it!”
It was the moment when the comrade who would share the guilt with me disappeared. I am now left alone.
“Demon knight.”
Now, are you saying I did something wrong? sun??
But, if you reflect on it, doesn’t that mean you’ll hear kabung? Aren’t you suspicious because I listened too obediently?
My eyes widened at Schrödinger’s apple.
If you open this apple (Apology), there may or may not be destruction due to cabbage. The cat muttered, pointing to Apple in my brain.
“That’s me.”
At that time, Dev sneakily approached the Archmage and handed him a note. I don’t know what’s written on it because it’s made of a material that doesn’t show the text.
All that could be seen was that the Archmage’s expression hardened.
“…let’s move on for now. However, I hope you will cooperate properly when the guards come and ask about the situation later.”
What is it? What did I show you that made the Archmage retreat? Did something happen?
I bit my lip slightly as I turned around and disappeared among the people.
I want to reflect, but I can’t and I don’t know how the situation is going.
It’s sad.
* * *
“…Is this really true?”
Meanwhile, Archmage confirmed the authenticity of the contents of the note. Dark green eyes nodded slightly.
“Right.”
family. Is it family?
Was he reminiscing about his family? That was interrupted by Berserk. And that leads to a fight…
“I’m not sure. But unless we’re in that kind of relationship, there’s no way the knight Nari could draw a picture…”
“I guess so.”
There is no need to worry too much about why I suddenly thought of my family.
He may have seen himself lose his family to Akata, and in the first place, it is no wonder that family comes to mind at any time.
But just like that.
『Kill! Even adding the blood of children to bodies that have already murdered their own relatives will make no difference!”
How could she criticize the subject any further after hearing those words? The devil knight confessed that he didn’t do a good job, but that he killed his own blood relatives, and he misses his family.
how she
“For now, please watch over the demon knight. “I don’t think I’ll buy anything more there, but you never know.”
“yes.”
The Archmage sent the young man away, hiding his mixed feelings. That’s because if you’re sharp, you’ll be able to observe it without offending the demon knight.
“Did you talk?”
Instead, she turned to the White Wind. The number one thing we had to talk about in order to take care of things afterwards was White Wind.
“…First, I will apologize on his behalf. “I will also pay the compensation on your behalf.”
“why? Even if we’re in the same group, there’s no reason for you to take care of this, right? There’s no way the devil knight doesn’t have money.”
“…yes. There’s definitely no reason for me to take care of it. “He could probably pay for the repairs.”
But, but….
When the Archmage was reminded to reflect, he looked sideways, his eyes slightly red. I recalled the face of a boy who had been hurt by the mere words of an apology to a subject who had the power to shatter a bridge.
Really. Even without the sunglasses, Iida was young and imperfect.
“But isn’t it an adult’s duty to take responsibility and protect a child?”
How can one’s mind be so young while one’s body is all grown up?
However, when you piece together his remarks and actions, there has to be a reason for it, which makes it all the more sad.
The Archmage can no longer be angry at the Demon Knight.
“…kid?”
“I didn’t say this in hopes of understanding, so ignore it.”
“No, whatever. He looks young… but isn’t he too strong for Ai?”
“Physical strength and mental strength are two different things. “You know.”
“Oh… that’s right.”
There is a high probability that he lost his family when he was young, and there is a high possibility that he was consumed by the devil and killed his own family, so how could he be angry?
Even at his age, the past he carries is too heavy for him to click his tongue and say that he is an immature adult.
“But I’m not sure if I have to do all the dirty work of a grown man…”
“I don’t think that’s the case for everyone. “It’s just me.”
“so. What is it? It’s none of my business, we just get compensation and that’s it. But those people will be different. know?”
“Don’t worry. “I will take care of making excuses and apologies.”
“You would do well.”
Of course, I won’t just ignore this incident.
Isn’t it one thing to understand that you grew up lacking something and don’t even know how to apologize, and two different things to get over it?
If you realize that fact, you should not just ignore it and fill that deficiency. That was the duty of humans and those who lived a little longer.
“I am Archmage. The demon knight…”
“Ah, Inquisitor. Don’t worry. “What you think… will not happen.”
“No matter how much of a demon knight he is, shouldn’t he be arrested for this incident?”
“Not really. “Unless the victim, Magic Tower, requests severe punishment, there is a high possibility that this will end in a fine.”
“If it’s because I’m a warrior, then that’s an abuse of power…”
“Oh, that’s absolutely not the case, so don’t worry.”
Of course, I don’t think it will be easy. Even just social education for warriors is extremely difficult right now.
However, you cannot give up because the level of difficulty is high. The Archmage had little by little created a socialization training schedule for the Demon Knight in his head.
Until now, I had ignored it because I thought it was because of my bad temperament, but now that I figured out the reason, I couldn’t leave it alone any longer.
“…chills.”
“yes? “What did you say?”
“no.”
However, the fact that it caused someone to feel an ominous feeling close to chills and break into a cold sweat was, unfortunately, a story that could not reach the Archmage.
* * *
I trembled slightly at the sudden ominous feeling that struck me. There were so many ways to guess where this came from that I had no idea what to say.
“Nari, you really don’t look good—.”
“I said no.”
No… this is just a product of my guilt…
I curled up, keeping my mouth shut. Of course, I never squatted in a desperate situation. I couldn’t lose Gao any more than this.
【I…】
At that time, Akata sneakily approached me. In the girl’s hand is the same thread bracelet she received earlier.
【I made two just in case…】
Oh well. Am I giving it to you again? Or maybe you thought you lost it earlier.
I looked at the bracelet being handed over with mixed feelings. I didn’t get upset for no reason because I let out a lot of my emotions while fighting at the lake.
I just felt a little complicated. It was similar to before. The emotion is just much lighter.
“…Little.”
Still, thanks to that, I was able to receive the bracelet with a calm attitude.
What, you already have one in your inventory? But I don’t know whether the reason she gave it again was a misunderstanding that she lost it.
And even if the misunderstanding is correct… I won’t lose it again here and will keep it! It’s okay to take it out and show it. A bit shy.
“….”
I called the child and tried to put only the thread bracelet in the bag. It would have been so if the child hadn’t looked a little hurt.
No matter how much you think about it, this is something you should wear now, right?
But wouldn’t wearing this right away be a kabung? Before that, how do you wear a bracelet with one hand?
I couldn’t even put it in my bag or put it on, so I kept holding it in my hand. Then the child slowly approached and stretched out his hand. I guess he wants to fill it in himself.
A thread bracelet was placed on my left wrist. I was somewhat reluctant because I remembered the moment my neck was tied, but it was still worth holding on to because it was my hands.
I didn’t have the courage to open my mouth in this situation.
The silence of hell fell between me, the child, and Dev, who was caught in the middle of nowhere.
“Um…”
At that time, someone who appeared to be a security guard approached. I guess this is what the Archmage meant when he asked me to cooperate earlier, but it was a very pleasant thing for me.
Now, hurry up and save me from this awkwardness! If you urge me to reflect, I will only listen, so let me get out quickly!
“We’re almost done hearing the circumstances, but I still have something to tell you…”
Ah!!
I stood up while listening to the trembling security guard. This situation itself was not a happy concept, so of course I adjusted my facial expression.
Is it because of that? The security guard, who was already in mortal danger, suffered even more mortal wounds, but whatever. I think it’ll be okay because it’s just an expression and it doesn’t really eat up anything.
【Uh…】
“I’m not following you. You’re with me.”
【Ah.】
I was taken to the interrogation room with the security guard.
Fortunately, the scale was only large, but it was dismissed as a fight between young people, and the Magic Tower’s record was so bad that the residents calmly passed it off as ‘the Magic Tower did it again,’ and there was no damage to that side, so the punishment did not lead to much.
The matter was completed by bearing the full cost of compensation, paying damages to those who were swept away, and paying additional fines.
It was a very fortunate thing.