Nagai Koto Chapter 011

The Long Journey Until I Reunite With You

Yet Another Regret

I awoke. By awoke, I meant that I was still alive. But where was this place? As I thought of that, my body was met with a sudden impact.

「Velt! Thank goodness you’re okay, Velt!」 (Forna)

It was Forna. She had jumped at me vigorously as I lay on the bed. Large teardrops flowed down her face, and her body was trembling. It was as if she were confirming my existence, and once she had done so she transmitted her desire to never separate from me.

「Forna, this is...?」 (Velt)

「The castle’s sickroom. It has been three hours, and if you didn’t wake up... I, I...」 (Forna)

I see, I was saved. At that time, Galva and the others arrived, and then...

「Mom and dad, they...!」 (Velt)

My consciousness had completely returned. That’s right, that wasn’t all just a dream. Were my parents saved? However, before I could figure it out, Forna hung her head down.

「Velt, umm, about mother and father, you see...」 (Forna)

Don’t...

「Oi, what’s wrong? Why are you making that face? Mom and dad are here right? They were saved by Galva and the others right?」 (Velt)

They should have been saved. But why... why was Forna crying...

「Velt-kun, you’ve finally woken up?」 (Galva)

「Galva! Good timing, where are mom and dad?!」 (Velt)

Galva made his way over with a calm face. However, at the moment I asked, Galva had bit his lips and closed his eyes, shaking his head in regret.

「I’m sorry. We made our way over there as fast as we could but... it was already...」 (Galva)

「Oi...」 (Velt)

「The demi-humans ran away in a panic, but...those two were...」 (Galva)

「Are mom and dad here? Then let me see them.」 (Velt)

「No, that's, it's better for you not to see them.」 (Galva)

「It's alright, I'm fine now.」 (Velt)

「But,」 (Galva)

「Please.」 (Velt)

It's just, I said I wanted to meet them. And he said that it would be better if I didn't look. However, I said I wanted to see them. I was led out of the sickroom and walked about inside the castle, finally arriving at a gloomy room.

「...Dad...Mom...」 (Velt)

I told them to leave me alone, but Galva and Forna followed me inside. It wasn't about whether I accepted it or not, but that I wanted to affirm it myself. I looked down at the table, my mother and father lay on sheets, dyed red with their blood.

「I didn't, think about it at all.」 (Velt)

「Velt?」 (Forna)

It's not the attack by the demon. I haven't thought how I should feel now that the situation's come to this.

「Am I not Asakura Ryuuma? And yet, why, this conflict, these feelings...」 (Velt)

Truthfully, I thought, they were just some other people. In spite of that, why. Why do I feel this way, now that things ended up like this.

『Velt, won't you play with papa today?』 (Aruna)

『Velt, do you dislike being held by mama that much?』 (Bonapa)

Memories of playing with father. Memories of being embraced by mother.

「We were only related by blood... by blood...」 (Velt)

What is it, this feeling.

「They should have just been normal...」 (Velt)

Of course, mom and dad won't be there when I go home. Tomorrow and forever more, no matter how many years pass, I won't be able to meet them ever again. I can't hear their voices any more. Their noisy bantering, their jovial exchanges, me being spoiled.

「What use is it regretting it now!」 (Velt)

However, the tears didn't stop.

「Daaaaaaaaaaaaad! Mooooooooooooooooooom! *Waaaaaaaaaaaaah!*」 (Velt)

That they're strangers only related by blood is a lie. They really are my parents, and are important to me after all.

「I'm going to kill that, that monster! I'll tear it limb from limb and burn it to ashes! No matter how far I have to search, I'm going to slaughter it!」 (Velt)

As if I could forgive it. Of course not. Not that bastard.

Just wait for me, I'll find you one day and kill you for sure. Even if I die, if it's to...

「Stop thinking of doing something stupid.」 (???)

An unexpected person entered the room where it was only the three of us.

It's sensei.

「Sensei... Why...」 (Velt)

「I was asked by the princess. To be here for you. I heard what happened.」 (Melma)

When I saw Forna, she nodded her head slightly. It's none of their business... so I thought. Really, I don't want to see anyone right now, her most of all.

「Sensei, I, I didn't get the chance to introduce you to mom and dad.」 (Velt)

「Yeah. I regret not even being able to say hello. How did things manage to end up like this.」 (Melma)

I regret it as well. Why was I so difficult, why did I shy away from them.

「Hey, sensei. They protected me, gave their lives for me.」 (Velt)

「Aah, that is surely their love for you.」 (Melma)

「They knew they would die, but they, even though they should have known.」 (Velt)

「However, you were more important to them than their own lives. That's the kind of existence you were to them.」 (Melma)

「...Asakura Ryuuma's parents... If Ryuuma died, would they have cried?」 (Velt)

「I don't know. But you know, just remember this, you are Velt Jeeha. Not related to Asakura Ryuuma at all. And the one that loves Velt Jeeha from the bottom of their heart is right beside you. That is the truth, the undeniable reality.」 (Melma)

I know. It's just, I was putting a wall between us.

「Asakura, no, Velt. We've completely forgotten. Even though we've been reborn, it's over if you die.」 (Melma)

Of course. I should have regretted this life having died before.

「Aah, that's right. That's how it is. It's too late to regret when you're already dead. I should have realized that from Kamino already.」 (Velt)  (TN: Remember Kamino? Refer to chapter 000.)

Just how long have I regretted not telling her what I wanted to say?

「I really, wanted to be spoiled more... be together more! I actually loved mom and dad a lot.」 (Velt)

What a fool I've been. Even dying didn't fix me. This time it won't be the same. Instead of dying a second time, mom and dad died in my place. I will never regret things, ever again.

「Forna...」 (Velt)

Forna didn't say anything, but I think she really wanted to ask me and sensei something. Probably about who or what 『Asakura Ryuuma』 is. But, she never asked about anything. I guessed she hadn't heard about it until now. However, that's just my own childish line of thought.

「Someday... I'll tell you about it someday.」 (Velt)

「Velt?」 (Forna)

「Yeah, I'll tell you. That's all I can promise.」 (Velt)

I don't know if I can smile at all, but I've had enough of being a crybaby today. Forna seemed ready to cry again, and it made me want to cry. I can't say any more than this today, though.

「I'm alright, already.」 (Velt)

I bade farewell to my mother and father, strongly embracing Forna as she sobbed.

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Nagai Koto Chapter 010

The Long Journey Until I Reunite With You

Parents

Though it was simply essential, I was able to purchase something good. The teacher’s canes, which are basically batons, were placed in holders at the sides of my waist. Since they are very heavy for a child, it would take some time before I could get accustomed to them, but nonetheless I feel like I’ll dual-wield them. Since I can’t go about testing them on a human opponent, I’ll go home and try it out by hitting a tree instead.

「But it’s become really late. My overprotective mom and dad might be worried, so I’ll hurry back...... What a pain.」 (Velt)

I left Taira and the others with the usual, but while making my way back, my pace had slowed down. That is, since Asakura Ryuuma’s memories returned, I have been able to reunite with my previous life’s teacher, and though I have my conscience as Velt, my other conscience as Asakura Ryuuma has gotten stronger. When I think about it, Velt Jeeha’s parent’s love for him was a bit strong. It’s not like I dislike them, but if I were asked whether or not I loved his parents, answering would be a bit difficult.  

「Mom and Pop huh? They’re a bit nosy, but well, it’s not like I hate them or anything.」 (Velt)

Recently I’ve been thinking over stuff like the future and magic, but these thoughts had come up out of the blue. However, these thoughts immediately dispersed.

「Eh?」 (Velt)

Is that the color of the sunset? No, my field of vision was wrapped in flames, and in it I could see my house. I was immediately thrown off. Right now I was still trying to understand the situation.

But when I realized it my legs were moving at full speed.

「MOM! DAAAD!」 (Velt)

What was happening? A fire? All thoughts had stopped and all I could do right now was scream.

「VELT, DON’T COME ANY CLOSER!」 (Aruna)

It was the first time I had ever heard my mother yell that loud. Because of that, even though I was told not go any closer, I had no choice but to head towards them. And then, I saw it. My father bleeding from one of his knees, and my mother sobbing right next to him.

「DON’T COME HERE, VELT! RUN, RIGHT NOW!」 (Bonapa)

The moment my father’s words reached my ears, a strange figure with a wicked smile was reflected in my eyes.

「What? A kid?」 (Demi-human)

Its entire body was covered in pure, white hair. It had the face of a monkey and the ears as long as a rabbit’s. Its limbs were abnormally long, within inches from touching the ground. From top to bottom it was nearly three meters tall. It was a demi-human. I understood that in an instant.

「That was close. But look at the flames, by the time the knights from the kingdom arrive it will already be over.」 (Demi-human)

Why was there a demi-human here? Why was it attacking my home? No, that wasn’t the biggest problem here. It’s just that... I’m scared.

「I’ll kill everyone.」 (Demi-human)

At the moment the demi-human uttered those words, my dad raised his axe as if possessed, and lunged at the demi-human.

「UOOOOOOOH! ARUNA! TAKE VELT AND RUN!」 (Bonapa)

「Dear!」 (Aruna)

It’s impossible. There’s no way we can run. My dad doesn't have any experience fighting nor a great deal of magic to use. There’s no way he can win against the demi-human by himself.

The demon faced my dad’s spirit, grabbed his head with its long arm, and casually threw him onto the ground.

「Die.」 (Demi-human)

I was scared. I was trembling, I couldn’t speak. But, at the moment I thought my father had died, I undid both of the holsters and took out my batons, shaking off my mother’s screams restraining me and faced demi-human.

「This, this guy’s a strange one!」 (Demi-human)

I put out all the strength in my body and struck the demi-human’s head. The recoil shot through my arm, a numbing sensation spread throughout my body. However,

「Hm? Something tickles.」 (Demi-human)

If it had the body of a human, then it would’ve dealt a good deal of damage. But, this enemy had a body that was many times stronger and more fortified than a human’s. Even if I were to hit him with the baton using slender arms of a child, there wouldn’t be any damage.

「Hey, stop that!」 (Demi-human)

There was a response. I had given him an axe kick on his forehead. If I can......The moment I thought that, the world had turned upside down.

「D-Don’t! Don’t lay your hands on my child!」 (Bonapa)

「VELT! NOOOOOO!」 (Aruna)

Like my father, my head was restrained and I was thrown onto the ground. My power left my body. I couldn’t breathe very well, and my vision was distorted. More than anything, my entire body was instantly afflicted with a pain to the extent that I couldn’t even yell.

「A hindrance. Hurry up and kill them, take the wheat back. We can sell it in the country at a high price. Kaizer-sama died, leaving his position behind, but I will become rich.」 (???)

The demi-human straightened its fingers and prepared to slash into my head. I took a good look, and could see the sharp fingernails glisten. It was without a doubt going to swing its fingers downwards and tear my child-like body apart. Am I going to die? Is this going to be the second time I face death? Am I going to die right after I’ve finally decided that I would search for Kamino?

「S-Save...... me......」 (Velt)

It was the first time, including my past existence, that I begged for my life. I was so afraid, my tears wouldn’t stop. Was it that I’m afraid that I’ll actually die? This can’t even be considered the result of a fight.

(TN: It wasn't even a fair fight, just a one-sided slaughter.)

No.

I don’t want to die.

I’m scared.

I’m so scared that I can’t think of anything anymore.

「Not a chance.」 (Demi-human)

I’m going to die here. The moment I thought that, the demi-human swung his arm down, and fresh blood was splattered across my face.

「......Eh?」 (Velt)

Fresh blood had viciously splattered all over me. However, it wasn’t my blood.

「Velt...... please...... run......」 (Aruna)

「Mom......」 (Velt)

「Mama...... prote-......」 (Aruna)

What happened? What just?

Her smiling face was right before me.

Her body had been pierced by the demi-human’s hand, bathing me in her blood.

Mom......  Why......

『I’ll sleep by myself. You’re annoying.』 (Velt)

『Calling mama and papa annoying, punishment punches! Bad! Bad! Bad!』 (Aruna)

Why, why am I remembering these things now!?

「It was all a lie! I was just embarrassed!」 (Velt)

What am I saying?

「I was lying when I said you were annoying! It’s just that I was shy! I was confused, I didn’t know how to rely on you, but, I really, really-!」 (Velt)

At a time like this, what am I saying?

「......It’s ......okay Velt ......I......lo......ve you.」 (Aruna)

「MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!」 (Velt)

Why was I crying?

「Noisy.」 (Demi-human)

The demi-human once again prepared to swing his arm. He was going to kill me like my mom.

However,

「LIKE I’LL LET YOUUUU!」 (Bonapa)

「Hm?」 (Demi-human)

My father tackled the Demi-human from the side and tore him away from me.

He spoke to me while panting,

「Velt, are you hurt?」 (Bonapa)

Am I hurt? There was some pain. But I could move a bit. But, my mom was much more injured than I was. When I realized it, I was in a pool of blood, and my mom was no longer moving. At this rate, she was going to die. But my father wasn’t saying anything. The only thing he did was bite his lips as his shoulders shook.

「Velt. Papa is going to fight this guy. In the meantime, run to the castle.」 (Bonapa)

「N-no, but, mom, at this rate... it’s dangerous, I...」 (Velt)

I couldn’t speak right. I couldn’t say what I wanted to say. I didn’t even understand what I was trying to say.

「All of you will die.」 (Demi-human)

It was easy to understand as the demi-human stood up. There's no way we can win. We are absolutely going to die.

「No...... We can’t run......」 (Velt)

That was the only thing I could squeeze out. But, at the moment I said it, my father, for the first time in my life, grabbed me by the collar.

「Didn’t you hear me? I told you to hurry up and RUN! You should listen to your parents once in a while, you damned idiot of a son!」 (Bonapa)

「Ugh!」 (Velt)

「GOOOOOOOO!! RUUUUN!!!」 (Bonapa)

When I didn’t run, my resolve to die was easily and completely shattered by my dad’s words. Even though I was injured, I simply lost myself as I ran.

「No, somebody, help, they’re going to be killed. My dad is... My mom is…!」 (Velt)

Somebody help me. They’re going to die. Somebody help!

「Velt...... Mama and papa...... will no matter what, and no matter when, protect you because......」 (Bonapa)

I could only faintly hear his voice at this point.

「Somebody, SOMEBODY, SOMEBODY COME! COME AND HELP!!」 (Velt)

I yelled towards the direction I was running.

Somebody, please hear my voice, that’s all I want.

Wishing for that, I could see something in the distance. It was an uncountable number of horses.

「Velt-kun!」 (????)

It was Guard Captain Galva and the knights. The moment I saw their figures, I felt complete relief, causing me to lose consciousness.

―――Of all the things in the world, we love you the most, Velt.

I felt as if I could hear the words of my father, as if they were whispered on the wind.

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