Chapter 1: Trying Out Practicing – Part 4

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Part 4

　They came out onto the main road.
　The sun had gone past its peak.
　Shera grumbled with a frail voice.
「Uugh……I’m, hungry……」
「……It would be better if we at least had some water.」
　The Kobolds told them “take some food”, but they refused it.
　They needed to do a huge move with their entire tribe.
　Preserved food wouldn’t be enough no matter how much they had.
　We’re grateful to have even just our lives──is what the Kobolds said, but Diablo’s group didn’t want to put any more of a burden on them.
　Shera pointed at the end of the main road.
「Isn’t that, a post town!?」
「……So it would seem. However, will it be alright for us to approach it?」
　If the fact that they were opposing the Lifelia Kingdom were to have been circulated, there was a possibility that they would be pursued by the guard or vigilante corps.
　Shera pressed down on her stomach.
「At this point, I’m fine with getting caught……Food……」
「……Your will is way too weak.」
　Diablo shrugged his shoulders.
「If there is anyone that opposes us, we merely have to crush them. Rather, knowing whether or not we’re fugitives here would make things easier from here on out.」
「……True.」
　He spoke out the word “crush”, but he didn’t want to fight against people of the Races that weren’t exactly scoundrels.
　He needed to think of a way for both sides to be uninjured as they run away, and after they obtain some provisions if possible.
　They approached the town.
　A single carriage was stopped on the main road.
　When they tried to pass by it, someone came down from the carriage’s luggage carrier.
　It was a panther-headed gentleman.
「Ojou!」
　It was an apprentice of the Gado Clan──the man who stood out even among the rest of them.
　Diablo put himself on guard.
　They cherished Rem.
　However, Sorami, their assistant instructor, probably cherished her even more than them. And Diablo had blown that Sorami away. He didn’t think she died but……
　It wouldn’t be strange if they were being targeted by the Gado Clan.
　He confronted the panther-head.
　Rem probably thought something similar. She didn’t carelessly come forward.
「……Orzen, did you lie in wait to ambush us?」
　It seemed that panther-head’s name was Orzen.
　He lightly raised his hands.
「I was waiting for you, Ojou!」
　It was a pose that said that he “didn’t have any intention of fighting”, but they couldn’t let down their guard at all. The thing about old school martial arts is that they polished techniques that could make attacks from submissive postures.
　Rem asked a question.
「……I heard that Diablo and Oba-san confronted each other though?」
「That is something that happens often in work. The Assistant Instructor is alive, and above all, Ojou, you are safe and sound. I am happy to be able to report that you are safe.」
「……I would be grateful if those were your true feelings.」
　Orzen made a wry smile.
「Looks like you’re wary of me. How very promising. Ojou, we apprentices are hoping that you will return someday, and succeed the clan.」
「……Sorry. I, really am, going to be Diablo’s wife after all.」
　Rem lowered her head a bit.
　Orzen’s gaze turned towards Diablo.
「At first, there were also disciples that didn’t think well of the fact that it was a Demon that placed a 《Slave Choker》 on Ojou but……」
「……」
「We are also parts of military families. We show respect to the strong. If it’s a man that can defeat the Assistant Instructor, then he is in no way lacking to be Ojou’s partner. Rather, I have a wish of wanting you to liven up the Gado Clan together.」
「…………」
　That was unexpected.
　To think they would be talked to like this……
　Orzen looked like he remembered something.
「Ahh, the Assistant Instructor had the message of “I’ll win next time”.」
「Is that so.」
　Diablo shrugged his shoulders.
　The strong get acknowledged. And on top of that, they seek battle. The probably have that sort of way of life.
　Rem took control of the conversation.
「……Putting the matters of the future aside, why don’t we talk about now──will we now be pursued?」
「Yes. I cannot advise you to approach that post town. A thousand soldiers are lying in wait.」
「……Didn’t the Gado Clan also have a request for our capture?」
「No. All there was, was a warning. If we join Ojou’s side, we will be crushed──is what they said.」
「……I see.」
　Rem was a relative of the Gado Clan.
　She was the daughter of the previous head, and the niece of the current head.
　It would be troublesome if there were to be a betrayal at the time they were about to capture her if they made the Gado Clan pursue her.
　So without adding them to the pursuit, they gave them a warning so that they wouldn’t assist in her escape.
　Rem tilted her head.
「……And yet, Orzen, why are you here?」
「Of course, it’s in order to join Ojou’s side.」
「……I don’t understand. Didn’t you all receive a warning?」
「Well, that’s why, I was the only one to make a move. This carriage has been packed with things that you would seem to need. Please go ahead and use them.」
　He narrowed his eyes.
　Rem opened her mouth in surprise.
「If you get found out, you won’t be let off lightly, you know!?」
「If we were to edge up close only when things are going well, and feign ignorance when times are troubled, we wouldn’t be able to say “we want you to come back” to you, now would we, Ojou? Ojou, you being alive and the clan also persisting, that is the future that we desire.」
「……I, don’t have that much value……Either uncle or aunt could have children, right?」
「It would be a joyous occasion if that were to happen, but the both of them are still unmarried after all. But above all, Ojou, your abilities surpass the previous generation’s abilities.」
「……I, don’t think that is the case.」
　Even if they were to have this dialogue here, there would be no progress. There was also the possibility that they would be discovered by patrolling soldiers.
　Orzen shrugged his shoulders.
「Ojou, no matter what action you take, if that is the path that you have chosen, we shall give you our utmost support. However, right now, please prioritize your personal safety. You should head to the Greenwood Kingdom without stopping by any town.」
「……Thank you very much.」
　Rem said her thanks, and they decided to borrow the carriage that was prepared for them.
　It was a medium sized canopy carriage, and a large amount of preserved foods were packed on the luggage carrier.
　With this amount for only three people, it seemed like they would be able to go as far as the Greenwood Kingdom without stopping anywhere.
　Moreover, there was even a bed in the luggage carrier.
　Orzen expressed a smile.
「Ojou, I thought you might need it.」
「……That’s true.」
　With it being a medium sized carriage, it would shake a fair bit. Most likely, she would end up laid up in bed due to motion sickness.
　After Rem got up onto the driver’s seat, she gripped the reins.
　And then, she called out.
「Orzen……You have my gratitude. But as for answering your expectations, I might not be able to do it.」
「That is something we are doing of our own accord.」
「……Is it because of a debt of gratitude towards father?」
　Orzen displayed an un-panther-like complicated expression. His panther ears were twitching.
「No……We haven’t forgotten our debts of gratitude from the previous head but……we disciples, without leaving out a single one, have fallen for you, Ojou.」
「……!?」
「Now then, please get going. By all means, please take care!」
　With the horse seeming to be well trained, it started walking with Orzen’s voice. The carriage slowly advanced.

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