Vol 5: Chapter 39
The next morning, just before sunrise, we completed our preparations and left Lulusha-san’s tent.
「Be careful. Well, I am sure you guys are always careful.」
「You too, Lulusha-san. You’ll be busy from now on.」I said.
「Oh, that’s exactly what I want.」
I shook hands with Lulusha-san who was smiling broadly.
Her way of smiling was not similar at all, but it somehow reminded me of old man Hinga. My eyes widened reflexively.
——I exist only to be punished. For I have committed a sin that I can’t atone for even with my death. But I was blessed to bask in the sun’s embrace in my final hour. O God who governs heaven and earth, I pray that thee grant blessings unto this shunned child…
I perfectly remember old man Hinga’s last words.
『A sin that I can’t atone for even with my death』— I still don’t know what that is.
「You came to the Lev Magic Empire under the guidance of my grandfather, and you became my savior, as well as the savior of this country. The whole country should be singing your praises…」
「W-We don’t need that. All the soldiers of the Empire did their best to achieve this result.」
「You’re really humble, aren’t you? The ministers in this country could follow your example.」Lulusha-san said.
「Well said… All of the subordinate’s achievements are credited to the boss, while all the boss’ failures are thrown on to the subordinate. Attitudes like these will make every employee quit their jobs.」Abba-san added.
「Still, it’s a big deal since you’ve risen all the way up to the deputy director position. Please become the director soon and reform the Foreign Affairs Bureau first.」Lulusha-san said.
「That’s what I’m going to do. Though, I’ve already decided on the first thing I’m going to do once I become the director.」
「Oh? I’m looking forward to it.」Lulusha-san said.
「Yes… do look forward to it.」
Abba-san said while biting on his toothpick, thinking about something.
Ah… He is going to propose once he becomes the director. Everyone (except for Lulusha-san herself) started grinning, as if they had figured out the reason.
Noticing our facial expression, Abba-san hurriedly said–
「O-Oh, I just remembered. I have some work to do. Well then, Silver Balance, see you again sometime.」
Then he left. No matter how much work he had, no one would have started working this early in the morning.
「Ugu, ugu… thank you very much, everyone.」
Muge-san also came to see us off. He shook hands with each of us, with tears in his eyes.
「I really wanted to depart with you guys, but Neko-chan’s remodeling hasn’t finished yet.」
In resuming his peddling, Muge-san was remodeling Neko-chan to carry a larger amount of reconstruction materials. For no special reason, Muge-san started his research on “Heroic Gears”, and was now remodeling Neko-chan while continuing to work every day, shortening his own sleep hours. He might be the hardest working person among us.
「Muge-san, please don’t become worn out before Neko-chan does, alright?」Dante-san said.
「I will be careful, Dante-san. I am thinking of hiring a driver and going to nap instead.」
Is he planning to rest while travelling and then work without sleeping? Dante-san’s look turned serious. This was beyond hardworking. This is more like “death from overworking” which exists in Japan. Though, I suppose he will be fine if he is sleeping during travel?
「Right, then. It’s about time for us to depart.」
We said goodbye to Lulusha-san and Muge-san and left the tent.
Although it was just before sunrise, many people had already got up and started preparing breakfast. You could see smoke from cooking.
When will the tents in this square disappear? Or maybe, even after the reconstruction has been completed, the tents will be left here for those who visit the Empire in the future?
「I wonder how far we can go today?」Dante-san muttered.
「We don’t know how fast the carriage is.」Mimino-san said.
「Leaving aside the comfort, a long trip would be quite painful if the carriage is too cramped.」Non-san said.
「I don’t care as long as I can sleep.」Zerry-san said.
Everyone proceeded in front of me while talking.
At that time, dawn’s light shone through the streets, illuminating the rough plains ahead.
I looked back over my shoulder for no particular reason. Queen of the Night was in my sight.
I found a figure on the deck of the airship half illuminated by the sun.
If I’m not mistaken, that is—no, it can’t be anyone else.
I wouldn’t mistake Lady Eva.
Lady Eva was looking at me as her hair fluttered in a gentle breeze.
She brought her hands to her mouth and shouted something out loud.
I couldn’t hear her from this distance, but I completely understood what the young lady was saying.
——Please come back soon. We have a promise to fulfil.
I turned around, knelt, put my right hand to my chest, and bowed my head.
That should be enough to convey an escort’s response to his employer.
Well, the young lady only accepts answers such as “yes”, “understood”, or “roger”, though.
I stood back up and caught up with Dante-san and the others a little later.
「Oh? Bocchan, what were you doing?」Zerry-san asked.
「I was just saying goodbye…」
It was embarrassing to talk about in detail, so I shortened it.
「Now, let’s depart. We have to catch up to her quickly.」
Catch up to my sister, Lark.
