𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒
(4)
Birds fly with a purpose. However, contemplating that purpose can be bothersome. Thus, Tenku flies obeying commands.
He is relatively submissive to his superiors and rarely causes disputes among his peers. He accepts being a useful pawn because he doesn’t want to get entangled in terrestrial disputes.
Essentially, all he wishes for is to fly freely in the sky. However, during the journey of trials, he constantly faced tension.
Although they are few, there are demon beasts in the sky. Even Tenku, with the power of the wind-cutting kite which dominates the sky and excels in high-altitude flying, would find it challenging to escape if attacked by a group of the same species of demon beasts.
Tenku understood that his death would mean the annihilation of the Hero Squad, but he did not take it too seriously.
When things are bad, everything is futile, and pondering about what happens after his death is a waste of time.
Such a character as Tenku would whimsically act even during reconnaissance missions.
Gliding high in the sky where the ground looks hazy, he recognized the terrain around.
It’s close to where he was born.
A thought crossed his mind.
He wondered what had become of that city.
A city adjacent to the “wilderness” and boasting the strongest walls in the country. The Wilderness Guild had great influence, and the rogue demon beast hunters strutted around the main street with a defiant look.
It’s a journey with no guarantee of a safe return. It might be interesting to glimpse his transformed hometown.
When Tenku changed his reconnaissance destination with such a thought, he was surprised by an unexpected sight.
The walls were not broken.
The buildings remained intact.
As he descended to get a closer look, he saw people gathered on the main street, creating a ruckus.
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“What on earth happened?”
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The town of Arche, his birthplace, was intact.
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Tweney was downhearted.
On a dangerous journey, uncertain when a demon beast would attack, and unaccustomed to camping outdoors. The overwhelming pressure weighed on her. Upon returning to a room full of memories, she broke into tears.
After dinner, Battsu curtly told her to take a bath because she was dirty, only to be promptly punched by Paulun.
Maybe Battsu was concerned about her?
Determined not to falter here, Ozma appeared just as she pulled herself together.
She recalled the unveiling ceremony held in front of the royal palace. The light of countless bonfires, people screaming and reaching out to her. The flame of the lantern held by the wizard emitted the same light as those bonfires.
Ozma tried to manipulate her feelings. Although the illusionary flame magic seemed to have failed, the fact remained.
The next morning, while Tweney was on guard, Ozma greeted her with the usual smile. He chatted pleasantly with the members during breakfast.
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“Let’s rest here until we decide our next destination.”
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In the destroyed Mido Village, they searched for fodder for their exhausted horses after the long journey and loaded the food and goods from the warehouse onto the wagons.
Two nights later, Ozma gathered everyone, including Tweney, in the dining hall.
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“The next destination has been decided. It’s the city of Arche. Tenku confirmed that there are no signs of an attack by demon beasts, and the administrative machinery seems to be functioning.”
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The city of Arche, located in the northernmost part of the kingdom, is adjacent to the “wilderness.” Communication had been cut off since they sent a fast horse with the first report of a demon beast invasion.
Tenku explained his findings.
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“I had assumed they were defeated. However, they hunted a “big” demon beast and even held a victory parade. It was quite a lively scene.”
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It’s also Tenku’s job to convey the king’s decree to the city’s authorities and gain their full cooperation.
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“The governor is a fat man named Norancho, and he seemed skeptical even after hearing my story. Please have the captain explain directly to avoid any confusion.”
“Of course, that’s the plan.”
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The members had various reactions, but Tweney wasn’t listening to them.
The city of Arche.
If one could freely travel, it was the city she had always wished to visit.
There’s a possibility they might meet there.
Fortunately, they didn’t encounter any demon beasts and reached the city of Arche. A month had passed since they left the royal capital.
Tweney was amazed by the long walls that surrounded the city.
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“What, are you interested?”
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Battsu, the coachman, seemed suspicious as he saw Tweney leaning out of the simple carriage that had a roof.
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“This is the biggest city on the frontier. It’s one of the top five in the kingdom. The local specialty is demon beast cuisine. Have you ever had it?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“I recommend the freshly grilled blood beef skewer. They sell it a lot at street stalls. One person distracts the shopkeeper while another quickly swipes it. The trick is not to show any signs until the last moment.”
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Tweney tilted his head, not fully understanding the meaning of “swipe.”
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“Battsu-sama seem to know a lot about the city of Arche.”
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At that, Battsu hesitated a bit.
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“Well, it’s my hometown. Same for Tenku and Paulun.”
“Are there many wizards here?”
“The “wilderness” is swarming with demon beasts. That’s why the slum kids aim for the demon beast eggs, hoping for a big turnaround. They don’t think ahead. They’re fools.”
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Disgusted, Battsu went silent.
At the southern gate of the city, there was a crowd. At the front, there was a round, plump man in a palanquin. Ozma seemed to be discussing something with him, and it looked like they were having a dispute.
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“What are they doing?”
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As the impatient Battsu moved the carriage forward slightly, the conversation between the two became audible.
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“I don’t doubt the royal decree you have. However, I’d like to ask for a little cooperation from Princess Tweney. Since the appearance of a large group of demon beasts from the “wilderness”, communication and trade with surrounding areas have been cut off, and the residents are reaching the limits of their patience.”
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According to the story, they wanted to hold a welcome parade, which would also serve as the unveiling of Tweney to boost the morale of the residents. A special carriage for this purpose was prepared very close to the palanquin.
It seems Ozma is hesitant because it’s a carriage without curtains, which poses security issues.
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“I understand your concerns, but the princess is tired from the long journey. A taxing event like this. . . . . .”
“I don’t mind!”
“Hey, wait!”
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Ignoring Battsu’s attempt to restrain her, Tweney jumped out of the carriage and ran towards the plump man in the palanquin.
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“O, Oh, could you be Princess Tweney?”
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Tweney nodded in affirmation.
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“Hey, you lot, show some respect! Kneel down! Oh, ahhh!”
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The men carrying the palanquin stumbled, causing the overweight man to lose his balance and tumble to the ground. He bounced a few times before regaining his posture, and then quickly prostrated himself in a flustered manner.
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“Greetings, it is my first time meeting you. I am Norancho, the magistrate of this town.”
“Very well.”
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Tweney curtsied, holding the edge of her skirt.
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“I should ride that carriage and head into the city of Arche, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Already, many citizens have gathered on the main street leading from the southern gate to the inn, hoping to catch a glimpse of the princess.”
“Understood.”
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Tweney herself boarded the parade carriage. Ozma and the others looked surprised, but she didn’t mind.
As they passed through the enormous gate, music echoed loudly. Crowds of people lined the cobblestone streets.
Leading the procession was a band, followed by the city guards, and then Tweney’s carriage guarded by the Hero Squad. Behind them was the magistrate Norancho, giving mysterious gestures and instructions from atop his palanquin.
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“The one riding that carriage is Princess Tweney. Such a lovely figure she has!”
“I heard she’s continuing a perilous journey to quell the demon beast disturbance. She’s said to be heading to the wilderness next.”
“Oh, I heard that too. They say she possesses a holy power. With her, we will be saved!”
“The city of Arche wholeheartedly welcomes you!”
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Following the oddly explanatory shout, the townspeople lining the streets cheered loudly.
Tweney didn’t have the luxury to respond to those cheers.
She peered intently at the roadside crowds.
Not to uplift the spirits of Arche’s residents, but to search for a single boy. That’s why she was on this carriage.
Back then, she had worn a mask.
So, she had to spot him first.
A few months ago, they met for just a few days. He might have forgotten about her by now.
Still, she wanted to see him again.
To talk to him.
By the bay window of that room, the boy had shared many stories with her.
His sorrowful parting from his parents. The confrontation with the magical bird. Becoming a wizard and his new life in Arche after that.
At that time, Tweney had nothing about herself to share.
But now, it’s different.
She has a lot she wants to share.
Tweney was aware that she was now at a point where she desperately needed someone to lean on.
But there were just too many people. Not only along the streets, but many were also poking their heads out of windows, waving at her.
Amidst the passing scenery, trying to distinguish each individual, Tweney desperately scanned the crowd.
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