Nagai Koto Chapter 017

The Long Journey Until I Reunite With You

Intolerance

Forna came back, and though rumors of the demon lord coming spread throughout the country, nothing seems to have changed. If the demon lord were to come, the army would prepare a defense far from the capital. There should have been some reports from the area near the border, but no information has come yet. There's nothing worse than having needless anxiety or false information.  Rather than live in fear of when the demon lord may come, living life to the fullest until that moment is better. And so, today is no different than normal, I am once again covered in oil and fire.

「What, delivery?」 (Velt)

「That's right. It's near where you used to live, Motaro's house.」 (Melma)

「Hey hey, ain’t that outside the capital? The noodles are going to swell, yeah?」 (Velt)

「Right. Now that you say that, fried rice, soup, and gyoza will do.」 (Melma)

「Jeez, we're so darn busy and now we have this delivery system on top of it.」 (Velt)

「Well, I did get laborers for cheap. Get moving.」 (Melma)

「Yeah, yeah. This is training too.」 (Velt)

I've been living in sensei's house for a few weeks. The shop has become wildly popular in the capital, and it's always crowded at lunch and dinner now. It's smooth sailing though, with more helping hands and experienced cooks in the kitchen. In a way, sensei has used his memories from his previous life and been successful. If I had to say something, it would be that I'm only washing dishes and running odd jobs in order to better myself in ways other than fighting, and today another task was added at last. That would be the new delivery system.

「Flotation (levitation).」 (Velt)

I learned to make wooden travel containers by watching and imitating others. Since I never carried anything around as Asakura Ryuuma, it’s somewhat refreshing, but it's also pretty heavy. However, flotation (levitation) magic is quite helpful for transporting heavy things, so I've gotten more skilled from the countless repetitions. It's the perfect practice for me.

「Hold on, sensei, you didn't happen to overhear my plan and start the delivery service for me did you... there’s no way, right?」 (Velt)

As promised, I only spoke to sensei. When I quit school, I had a plan for what I would do afterwards. Search for Kamino. I won't regret a third time. What is necessary for that is strength. That means techniques to fight and survive. First off, the most important one is the strength to fight. I’ve spoken to sensei about my process, was he taking things into consideration for me as well? No, let's put that aside because he'll dodge the question even if I ask. It's just, I'm only doing what I need to do.

「Hey, kid.」 (???)

「Oh, old man from the weapon shop!」 (Velt)

「Errands?」 (??? à Weapon Shop Man)

「Something like that.」 (Velt)

By chance, I ran into the old man from the weapon shop. Since the battle with Shalt, I've seen him every now and then. I'm done with school and practicing magic, so now all that's left are the weapons. I talk to him sometimes if I want advice concerning weapons.

「How's it been, since I remodeled them?」 (Weapon Shop Man)

「Aah. Well, it'll be fine. I haven't been able to use them, so I don't know how good they are.」 (Velt)

「Hmph. Drop by if something comes up.」 (Weapon Shop Man)

「Sure. I'll come by the shop. I'll bring something next time.」 (Velt)

「Boy, don't start talking like an old man.」 (Weapon Shop Man)

When we first met, the old man at the weapon shop said I didn't have the conviction nor preparation to hold a weapon. However, I quit school, sought instruction on how to wield a weapon, seriously bowed my head, and somehow received advice. According to the old man, even I don't know how much I've changed since I first lowered my head to him. However, the old man, sensei and Laraana, and Forna and Farga too. I think I'm quite blessed by my circumstances.

「Hey, Velt. I heard you started doing delivery, yeah?」 (Gatekeeper 1)

「This time, take my order, please!」 (Gatekeeper 2)

「No, I can't take it right now! Come by to eat!」 (Velt)

Passing by the carefree gatekeepers, I went outside the capital after a long time. Right, it's been a while.

「Ah, right, mom and pop's grave are in the capital and our home got razed to the ground... I haven't been out since then have I.」 (Velt)

Since then. Since the day I lost mom and pop. I'm not particularly scared. However, I'm slightly apprehensive. Right now, I'm still weak. I'd be killed in an instant by demons and devils.

「Sheesh, I'm an idiot. There are countless countermeasures against the demon invasion at the border, but one still got through.」 (Velt)

So, it's alright. And yet, it's dazzling. Our house burning brightly. Mom and pop, covered in blood. No, that's not it. I'm still scared. I told Forna and sensei that I was fine, but I wasn't actually alright. As I had these thoughts, my pace naturally quickened. I want to leave this place quickly. My heartbeat quickened.

「*Haa, haa, haa,* here. It's been a while, since I've come here.」 (Velt)

The neighborhood elderly couple. I've met them a couple times with father. They were always jovial and happy. I haven't seen them ever since mom and pop's funeral, so they're probably going to be surprised. Without taking it too seriously, I opened the door.

「Heeey, delivery's here—」 (Velt)

However, my voice didn't come out.

Instead, I only heard sounds of panic coming from inside the room.

「G, Gramps! Grandma!」 (Velt)

There's an unpleasant feeling. My body was covered in goosebumps.  Before I realized it I had run into the room, and I saw it.

I found Gramps and Grandma collapsed on the floor.

Next to them stood a tall, mysterious person, fully clad in jet black armor, with blue hair, red eyes, and pointed ears. No, not a person. It looks like a person, but it's not.

——A demon.

「Th, this, bastard, you...」 (Velt)

Now, I can't think anymore. Why is it here? How did it get here, past the border? Are there others? For what purpose? None of it mattered. Recalling that day in a flashback, I prepared my baton and charged forward.

「I'll kill you!!!」 (Velt)

However,

「I did not harm them! I beg of you young one, overlook this!」 (Demon 1)

The young, handsome demon said something unbelievable right before I hit it. It prostrated. Honestly, I had no idea what happened. However, I refocused immediately.

「"Overlook this," don't screw with me! You killed Grandpa and Grandma, how could I ignore that!」 (Velt)

「I did not kill them! They are just sleeping from magic! I promise, I do not care what happens to me. Please overlook it. Help me!」 (Demon 1)

What is it saying, this demon? This situation. And the conspicuous sword at its waist. It's a demon soldier no matter how you look at it. Furthermore, that dignified armor can't be mass-produced. If it has that, it has to be quite high-ranking. It's taller than the average man. Not quite two meters (6'7"), but it's close. It's strong no matter how you look at it. And, it has the power to kill me in an instant. Yet, why is it begging for its life?

「Ruuga... What are... doing...」 (Demon 2)

That was, the unbelievably feeble voice of a young child.

「W, wh, what's going on?」 (Velt)

I didn't realize it. In the corner of the room leaning against the wall was a young demon child, on the verge of death.

She had long silver hair, and radiant red eyes which were on the verge of closing. Furthermore, she had pointed ears unlike a human. She wore armor fit for a child with her bottom covered by a white skirt. She seemed to be the same age as me and Forna.

「Ura-sama, you mustn't speak. Please leave this to me!」 (Demon 1 -> Ruuga)

Looking at the expression of the soldier named Ruuga, as well as the condition of the child named Ura, even I understood what was going on.

「Young human boy, we are demons. We fought against humans and have run far away, all the way here. We wish to return to the demon country, but have already run out of provisions, and are in trouble as you can see. I beg of you, please share your food. That is all!」 (Ruuga)

It doesn't seem to be a lie. They truly seem to be desperate. However,

「Don’t screw with me by saying crap out of your own convenience! Grandpa and Grandma refused, so you made them sleep, and once you recovered, you were planning to steal from them?」 (Velt)

「Th, that is—」 (Ruuga)

「Either way, you probably deserted after being beaten, so stop bullshitting me! Why do I have to help you anyways!?」 (Velt)

Truthfully, I don't hate demons. Mom and pop were killed by a devil. I know that. However, ever since then, I've found it hard to deal with anyone that looks different.

「I am sorry... But, please understand. I certainly killed humans during war. I am willing to accept any punishment, even death. However, this child is different. She absolutely cannot afford to die. I beg of you. Provide us with provisions. We will leave quietly afterwards.」 (Ruuga)

Bullshit.

「Don't fuck with me! As if I could trust your promise!」 (Velt)

As Ruuga looked up from his dogeza, I gave him an axe kick. Even with the strength of a child, it's a strike to the head. Ruuga's expression distorted a bit.

「You'd go on killing humans if you kept living I bet! I don't know who that girl is, but here and now...」 (Velt)

And then it happened. Ruuga grabbed the sword at his waist. I'm dead when he pulls that out. I really am a fool. If I obediently handed over the food, I might have survived. However, at that moment, I was too frightened to run away. I was going to be killed. The moment I thought that, I couldn't believe what I saw.

「W-what, what are you...」 (Velt)

Blood was scattered about. However, it wasn't my blood. The blood was blue, demon's blood. Ruuga had cut off his left arm. Together with a gauntlet, the left arm rolled on the floor.

「If you wish it, I will cut of my right arm as well. Though it pains me to only be able to prove my feelings in this manner... Please, have mercy.」 (Ruuga)

Wouldn't it be better to just kill me? I'm small fry that would die instantly you know? Are you trying to show me chivalrous spirit? From a demon? I thought he was just a thief showing off his pride? No, that's not it. He didn't think about it that all. He desperately sought to help the demon girl, that's all.

「Ha... I’m also intolerant... aren’t I.」 (Velt)

He's the real deal. You would know just by looking. And yet, compared to my fear of devils, I was afraid of demons for a different reason. It's not like I had a grudge, nor did I have the desire to kill them from the bottom of my heart.

「Today, what I do here, must be taken to the grave without telling anyone.」 (Velt)

Opening the lid of the box I carried, fried rice, gyoza, and soup were placed in front of Ruuga.

「I am in your debt!」 (Ruuga)

With an expression of relief, Ruuga bowed until his head touched the floor once again, and immediately rushed over to the fallen girl.

「Ura-sama, open your mouth, slowly, please eat.」 (Ruuga)

「*U, uuu...*」 (Demon 2 -> Ura)

「Do not panic. Slowly.」 (Ruuga)

It was slow at first, but the girl named Ura slowly began to move her mouth. She's probably extremely famished. Her countenance slowly became more lively. As I watched them, Ruuga appeared ready to cry at any moment while having a delighted expression. All he could do was repeat "thank goodness" countless times.

「Oh my, have I just condemned humanity to destruction?」 (Velt)

I grew slightly dejected. However...

「Ah...」 (Ura)

「Hm?」 (Velt)

「...Thank....you.」 (Ura)

Though she was considerably thin, I'm certain she said the words "thank you." Well, It’s not like I hated it.

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Nagai Koto Chapter 016

The Long Journey Until I Reunite With You

Big Brother

TN: Expletives abound in this chapter. It was the only way to make the character feel even remotely similar to the original. Also, if anyone knows Egyptian lore, please help! We can’t figure out who or what シャークリュウ (Shakryu as translated here) is, but Neferti is referred to in a later chapter.

「Velt, what happened? You're staring off into the distance.」 (Forna)

「Nothing really. Just, giving my thanks to someone, somewhere far away.」 (Velt)

「What does that mean?」 (Forna)

「Not much. Here, I bought the ribbon, let's go.」 (Velt)

「Ah, w, wait a minute! After this we, we usually have tea and cake somewhere, ah, hey wait a minute!」 (Forna)

I did a little too much service. Even though she's a child, being spoiled too much isn't good, so this should be enough for today. Time to go home now, and practice making ramen and…

「Bastard, you trying to start a fight!?」 (???)

I heard an angry voice. It's sensei's. However it happened, we heard sensei shout angrily for once, so we naturally quickened our pace. I understood when a crowd had appeared in front of the shop. Wondering what in the world was going on, I pushed my way through the crowd, only to see a single person seated at the counter.

「I'll say it as many times as I have to. This disgusting enthusiasm, sickening smell, and what's more this small, shitty excuse for a store!」 (???)

「Woah there, sorry if I offended you, but that's just how this shop is.」 (Melma)

Sensei was in an argument with a mysterious man. He wore a purple mantle, decorated with the emblem of the Elfashia kingdom. The somewhat small man had long orange hair was tied back. What stood out, though, was the spear leaning against the counter, decorated with skull markings.

Laraana seemed to be shaken and was crying. What is she doing even though she's an adult, I thought, but I’ll forgive her because she looks cute. The problem is the foulmouthed mystery man.

「Hm? Hey, Forna I, I think I remember that guy.」 (Velt)

「What a coincidence, Velt. I seem to remember that man as well.」 (Forna)

With complicated and disturbed feelings, we watched as sensei and the mystery man continued their "conversation."

「More than that, I can’t let you off on these shitty things you call chopsticks. What’s with them? You can't even eat this crappy looking stuff with a fork. The thing I can handle the least is the taste. Even though it's horrible, why does it taste so good?」 (???)

「Haa? Kid, what's with you coming into this restaurant here spewing shit this and crap that?! And more than that it's horribly good you say? Why don’t you tell me what about my ramen is it that you're saying is disgustingly... good? What?」 (Melma)

「Are you kidding me? Garlic? There’s no way it wouldn’t be crap be putting in soup, so why is it so good?! It's addictive!」 (???)

「O, oh.」 (Melma)

Ah, we know this troublesome man that's stupid in the head.

「Brother Farga!」 (Forna)

「Farga!」 (Velt)

At our words, the man turned to look. With a glare as sharp as a dagger, he was the man we thought he was.

「Yo. Dumb sis. Stupid bro It's been two years?」 (??? à Farga)

That man is not only Forna's brother and two years older, but has been away from the country despite being the prince.

「Wh, What? Hah? The princess' brother? Eh?」 (Melma)

Having learned that the man is Forna's brother, sensei turned pale. Well, it's only natural. After all, who would think that this repulsive man was actually a prince?

「Elder brother. It, it has been a long time. Ever since you joined the adventurer's guild and left the country after becoming a hunter, I have not heard from you. What have you been doing?」 (Forna)

「Well I mean I got away from home after fighting with the king and queen, but I somehow ended up coming back!」 (Farga)

It's been two years. In spite of that, the sharp and condescending glare in his eyes was still going strong. That exchange of words with sensei earlier was just the same as always.

「Hmph, so little sis'. How many kids have you had since I left?」 (Farga)

「What?」 (Forna)

..........................?

「Tch, you look like you're married like that. Dumb bro. I told you make her pregnant when I was gone didn't I? Did you forget I was going to make myself king when I came back? Goddamn couple.」 (Farga)

Yep. His train wreck of a mindset is still going strong. If I remember correctly, he was fifteen years old two years ago, so he’s seventeen now right? The same age as Asakura Ryuuma was. If he went to school, he absolutely wouldn't make any friends at all.

Wait, why do I even care?

「Screw you man! Thinking about how we met back then, you said some really crazy shit! Use your common sense, idiot!」 (Velt)

「Haa? You worthless dumbass who can’t even get it up, it’s cause of your stupid dick and it’s weakass white stuff.」 (Farga)

「I'm ten years old, there's no way we’d be doing it! Care about your sister's chastity a bit more!」 (Velt)

「Chastity? This damn kid. Not only no kid, you haven’t even had sex yet?」 (Farga)

「Of course we haven't! Aah, I can't take it anymore, talking with this guy is disgusting.」 (Velt)

He is Forna's real brother, Farga Elfashia, heir to the throne. However, there were some family circumstances and he fought with his parents and ran away, just another delinquent you can find anywhere. There were rumors going around about how he joined the adventurer's guild that exists all throughout the continent, like how he defeated demonic beasts, subdued groups of thieves, and even managed to take down a giant dragon.

「Brother, please don't speak so improperly in public!」 (Forna)

Yes, that's it, tell it to him straight, little sister.

「Velt and I have our own order to things. At the very least, please wait until we are twelve years old to expect children!」 (Forna)

「Don't go saying something that'll make me feel bad! Brother and sister both, don't make your stupidity level go up!」 (Velt)

I can't take it anymore. That's right, when these two are together, it always gets worse. I've been responding to their idiocy all along, but ever since my memories as Asakura Ryuuma returned, something has felt more uncomfortable. Right as I was deciding to change, someone troublesome came back.

「So, you, why'd you suddenly come back? Make peace with the king? The queen's not here though. Been away on an expedition for a while.」 (???)

「Peace? 'Course not. If I'm here, the big man will just chase me away.」 (Farga)

「The big man, huh? Hey hey, you're rumored to be the strongest hunter in all of humanity, what could you be scared of.」 (???)

My interest was piqued, and as I passed by Farga...

「The damn hero and the allied forces that were fighting Shakryu of the seven demon lords came back to the country.」 (Farga)

..................What?

「Wh, whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?」 (????)

「B, brother, is that true? Then in the meantime, Shakryu destroyed the kingdom of Bolbardie...」 (Forna)

「Yeah, After that, the damn hero and allied forces went to fight. They couldn't kill the demon lord, chasing it all over.」 (Farga)

The demon army, is coming to this country? Why? What is the hero doing Wait, really?

Woah, just like I thought, those words started to cause a panic in the onlookers.

「The guard at the border's been strengthened. This time it's General Taira's damn turn.」 (Farga)

For a while now, my heart that was supposed to be calm and at peace, has become uneasy. I’ve always felt indifferent to war, but is one going to start nearby?

「Are those weird-looking bastards......Coming? Are they... to this country... 」 (Velt)

「Velt...」 (Forna)

「Tch. This dumb bro.」 (Farga)

I suddenly recalled my mom and dad, and tightly clenched my fists. And then, Farga sent a high kick, right to my head.

「Ow, wh-what the hell are you doing!?」 (Velt)

「Little bro. You don’t need to overthink things. With the defenses at the border of this country, there’s no way that some shitty monster’ll make it to the capital.」 (Farga)

「Wha?」(Velt)

「Besides, I’m here now. I won’t...... I won’t let something like that happen again. Whether or not it’s a demon, the demon king himself or...... even demi-humans.」 (Farga)

I involuntarily clicked my tongue. Farga’s expression didn’t change, but he tightly gripped the fork he was holding.

「Farga, did you hear? About my mom and dad?」 (Velt)

「I heard about what happened earlier. It was a pretty shitty surprise. Especially since those two took good care of me when I was young...」 (Farga)

Feeling somewhat angered, I found Farga’s words reliable...

「As long as I’m in this country I won’t let those shitty bastards do something like that ever again... That’s why I won’t let you lose your family again, mark my words.」 (Farga)

As ever, he was someone with a terrible tongue and way of thinking, but in reality he had always been a really good guy, and because of that, I’m glad.

「O-oi, Velt, is this guy really the prince? Or rather, is he actually a good guy?」 (Melma)

「He really is the prince, and he really is someone good. Well, his tongue and the look in his eyes might make him seem like a mess, but he’s tolerable.」 (Velt)

It was more or less the truth. As a friend of my family, I felt that he was trustworthy. I don't want to turn him into an enemy, though.

But at that time, including me, nobody could have anticipated what was coming.

I was told that I absolutely did not have to do anything, even though the demon lord was coming, but exactly because it was the demon lord, I went all-out.

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