Mobuseka Volume 13 Chapter 5

This is MTL. So, I cannot guarantee that the translation 100% contextually accurate or appropriate.

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Chapter 5 "Departure"

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Part 1

"The Imperial Army's movements are strange?"

[They're coming at us so leisurely. Facto and others were suspicious that they were spending too much time.]

It was around midnight when I received the report from Creare.

The Voldenowa Holy Magic Empire has departed with its army, and it seems that they are taking a long time to march.

Thanks to that, we had more time to prepare, but it seemed unlikely that Arcadia, the magic creature, would slow down its march for nothing.

As I sat on the bed in my room, my hand on my chin in contemplation, Ange, who was wearing her hair down, opened her mouth.

"Aren't they just wary of a surprise attack?"

Because they were on guard, their marching speed was slow —— it was certainly possible.

However, not only Creare but even Luxion denies it.

[It's impossible.]

[Sporadic attacks would not be a threat to Arcadia right now."]

When Arcadia awoke, the old human weapons were also released from their standby status.

At that time, the weapons on the old humans' side —— the artificial intelligences were conducting a seemingly reckless assault to collect detailed data on Arcadia.

From the Empire's point of view, it may have been a sporadic attack, but the artificial intelligences were sacrificing themselves to collect data on the current Arcadia.

From that data, Luxion and others calculated the enemy's strength.

Untying her side ponytail, Noel joins our conversation, carefully absorbing the moisture from her hair with a towel.

"Did they just keep up with the others because they're slow?"

Creare also denies that this is different.

[I've also checked the flight speeds of the Empire's flying battleships, and this time their marching speed is way too slow.]

Livia, who came out of the bathroom, seemed to have heard our conversation as well.

When Livia finishes dressing, she comes over to the bed and expresses her opinion.

"Are they giving us more time or something?"

The strongest lost item at this time is the Arcadia left behind by new humans.

Even for Luxion, it is difficult to win alone.

With Arcadia like that, they must have underestimated us and cut corners, right?

It is not surprising that Livia would think so.

But Luxion denies it, too.

[There is no possibility that Arcadia would give a postponement out of his pride.]

[Right. They would rather destroy us than give us a postponement, even if they have to invade us alone.]

When Creare agreed, Ange let out a small sigh.

"You guys and those magic creatures really hate each other."

It has been a long time since both the old and new humans perished, but only the cause and hatred have remained.

Creare deservedly begins to talk about the misdeeds of the new humans.

[We were created to destroy the new humans. We will do anything to achieve that. Yes, anything!]

We were at a loss to react to Creare's sudden intensification of the end of her words.

The voice sounds hilarious, but is it supposed to be funny? Or is this a frightening scene?

Noel smiles bitterly and says to Creare as if to remind her.

"Then you don't have any personal grudges against them, right? You are fighting because the old humans told you so, and if they told you to stop——"

[The leaders of the old humans who were supposed to give us that order have been destroyed by the new humans who gained the power of magic and multiplied.]

"——Ah~, etto——that——Leon, help me!"

Noel, unable to say anything, asked me to do something about it.

I have no choice but to convince Creare.

"I'm your Master now. Give up and follow my orders."

[It's terrible! How much do you think the old humans have been tormented by them! Master is oni!]

"And it's none of our business what happened a long time ago in the first place."

[Not true! It's our big business! Isn't that the reason the Empire invaded!]

Livia hugged herself tightly at the words uttered by noisy Creare.

"——How did the situation get so bad? I think we should all be able to find a more peaceful way to solve the problem."

Seeing Livia looking sad, Ange approached her and hugged her from behind.

Seeing that, I collapsed onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling.

"Really, I wonder why things turned out the way they did"

Who is to blame? Or is this the setting of that otome game?

I have been trying to discard the perception that this is a game world, but as expected, this situation makes me want to complain about it.

"I'd prefer a more peaceful, happy, fluffy world. I miss the days when I was just enjoying life at school carefreely."

As I recall the first time I entered the school, Luxion approached me.

[In those days, Master was unsuccessful in organizing tea parties for marriage hunting, weren't you? Do you want to go back to the marriage hunting life again?]

When hearing the word "marriage hunting," Ange, Livia, and Noel —— the three of them are giving me piercing gazes, so I choose my words to answer the question.

Don't make a mistake here, my normally dense instincts were ringing alarm bells.

"I have nothing but bad memories of marriage hunting, so I prefer the days when we all had relaxing tea parties together. I'd buy a new tea set and prepare some tea leaves and sweets."

Livia, who had been depressed, giggles.

"That's nice. I'd like to spend some time chatting with you all again."

Ange was a little stunned, but her voice sounded happy.

"Are you going to buy a new tea set again? You never get tired of it."

Noel is interested.

"It's very aristocratic, isn't it, having a tea party in the afternoon? Although all we do is talk and have drinks and snacks after school. But maybe I don't dislike it."

As we talked, I was remembering the happy past.

I'm just reminiscing as it is.

"I'd go on holiday and find tea leaves and snacks. Sometimes I order from the store and arrange for the sweets to be delivered on the same day. I put a lot of time and effort——"

It's not as convenient as it was in my previous life, so it's not easy to organize a tea party.

Preparation in advance is essential.

But it is a hobby that makes even that time and effort seem enjoyable.

The three of them listened to my story in silence.

And yet I am.

"——Then I consult my master. I ask him if the combination of tea set, tea leaves, and sweets are okay. I'd be happy to take my master's guidance as it is. And it would be great if we could have tea together."

When I close my eyes and imagine myself learning how to make tea with a master, I feel a sense of joy.

As I was basking in my happiness, Luxion put a damper on me.

[Master is really stupid. I don't think he can be expected to grow in romance.]

"Why?"

When I opened my eyes and raised my upper body, Ange and the others were looking at me with smiles on their faces.

However, none of the three had smiling eyes.

Ange's red eyes stare at me.

"Even in this situation, my master, my master——You are a truly terrible man, Leon."

Livia held her hands together in front of her mouth and smiled.

"Before you invite us, are you going to have tea with the teacher?" (TLN: Sensei)

Noel is clutching her hand.

"You left your fiancée alone and called your master, master. Why don't you put us first, even if it's a lie?"

——Apparently speaking my true feelings makes the girls angry.

I smile at the three of them.

"Because I've decided I'm not going to lie about tea."

As it was, the three smiling girls approached me and raised their right hands in the air.

I hear the voices of Creare and Luxion.

[Master is really an idiot, isn’t he?]

[His personality has to be corrected.]

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Part 2

The next morning.

Alberg-san was worried about me as both my cheeks were red and swollen.

Alberg-san, who leads the fleet dispatched from the Republic of Alzer, brought Louise with him and asked me.

"What's wrong with your cheeks?"

"When I slapped it to fire myself up, I did it too hard."

It is a lie.

I was too embarrassed to say that I had been slapped by three of my fiancées.

"I-I see. I hope so."

"More than that, we thank the Republic for its assistance. You can expect a reward when it's all over."

When I smiled, Alberg-san was smiling bitterly.

"Of course, I'll be looking forward to it. That being said, were you really okay about that?"

"About that?"

When I tilted my head, Alberg-san tried to explain the details —— But he was stopped by Louise-san.

"Otou-sama, Leon-kun is also busy, can you end the conversation there?"

Louise-san was smiling, but there was a power in her smile that left no room for argument.

Alberg-san seemed to want to resist at first, but it's true that I'm busy.

Maybe he held back on me, so he gave up.

"You're —— right. So, when everything is over, let's talk. I thought I should talk with you once, slowly."

"——Yes, I don't mind."

I don't know if I can come back, though! I'm not so much of an airhead as to laugh and say things like that.

I'm not going to divulge my concerns here because I feel bad for the people of the Republic who are helping me.

Louise-san holds my right hand.

"Come back alive. ——Don't disappear like my little brother."

The crest of the Guardian of the Sacred Tree on my right hand and the crest on the back of Louise's right hand were emitting a pale light as if they were resonating with each other.

"Of course."

I smiled and replied, and I parted ways with the two of them.

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Part 3

As I was walking towards the pier of the royal palace, Luxion informed me that someone was coming from ahead.

[Master, it is Hertrude. It seems that she has been waiting for Master.]

I didn't expect Hertrude-san, who was wearing a black one-piece dress, to be waiting for me.

From a short distance away, I can see the knights of the Duke Fanose, who seem to be Hertrude's bodyguards.

She looked at us with concern, but did not approach us.

When Hertrude-san brushed her hair back, her long black hair spread out like a cloak.

Although her height and other features have not changed much, she looks much more mature than before.

"Did you go out of your way to wait for me?"

When I said that, Hertrude-san turned her head away from me, as if she was annoyed at having been guessed.

"I'd like to say that you're being overly self-conscious, but you're right."

What was the reason Hertrude-san was waiting for me?

Since there is no deep connection between us, I imagine it must be about the reward.

"If you're looking for the compensation, you can talk to Creare——"

"That's important, but I have something more important to talk about."

"Haa, I see."

"——You better come back. It would be a disaster for me and for the Dukedom if you were to become a dead hero."

"Rather than my life, you're more concerned with your own and your home's?"

I laughed thinking it was just like Hertrude-san, and she seemed to take it for granted.

"It's only natural. It is in my best interest that you return alive. So you must come back and fulfill your promise to me."

Promise——Come to think of it, I did write a note.

While it's doubtful that I will be able to fulfill that promise, I'll nod my head for the moment.

"Are you going to be on the battlefield too?"

The Duke of Fanose's fleet is commanded by a military officer, but I am told that Hertrude-san will also be aboard the ship as a representative.

You don't have to come all the way to the battlefield —— but the person in question won't budge.

"Unlike you, I know when to back off. It's you I'm worried about."

"——As you say."

After hearing my reply, Hertrude-san turned her back and started walking.

As she leaves, she whispered.

"Don't make people around you feel too sad. Remember that it's also painful for those who are left behind."

I was about to open my mouth to speak the words that pierced my heart, but nothing came out.

When Hertrude-san left, I scratched the back of my neck.

"Did she see through me?"

[She must have been worried about the reckless nature of Master so she warned you.]

"——I see"

Being worried by a former enemy reminds me of some kind of shonen manga-like development.

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Part 4

On the way to the royal palace's dock, there were officials lined up along the walkway.

They stand at either end of the corridor and stand so as not to obstruct the passage.

Among them was Minister Bernard, who looked a little worn-out.

[The civil servants.]

"You can tell by looking."

Their hands and sleeves are stained with ink, and they look tired, but when I come to them, they straighten their posture and salute me.

I can't say that everything was perfect —— but their feelings warmed my heart.

"It's embarrassing."

When I approached Minister Bernard and spilled my true feelings, the other party was also embarrassed.

"I think we've done something we weren't prepared to do. But we can't be on the battlefield."

They were busy until they sent us off to war, and I'm sure they'll be busy while we're fighting.

Even if we came back safe and sound, they would still be busy after all.

Actually, they would probably like to jump into bed right now, but they've been waiting to see me off.

While Minister Bernard and I were chatting and laughing, Claris-senpai and Deirdre-senpai came over.

Even though they were probably tired too, they changed into dresses and hid their dark circles with make-up.

Claris-senpai was tucking her hair behind her ears with her fingertips.

"Please return safely."

She bowed her head politely, but there was no tone there toward her junior.

Deirdre-senpai also puts away her favorite folding fan and bows her head just like Claris-senpai.

"Good luck."

There were no jealous glances directed at me as I was being seen off by two beautiful women.

People around me were giving me serious looks.

As I am feeling uncomfortable in a situation where there is no cursing or yelling, Minister Bernard lightly slaps me on the back with the palm of his hand.

"Now, I think it's time to go. It's almost time to leave, right?"

"Right. ——I mean, did you see anyone else off besides me? Like those five?"

When I asked if they gave the same send-off to the five idiots, Minister Bernard and —— civil servants burst out laughing exaggeratedly.

And yet, it was a little scary because they immediately turned straight-faced.

"Hahaha! ——I don't want to see them off, not even if they beg me to."

Even the surrounding civil servants raised their voices of resentment towards the five idiots.

"They are the ones responsible for increasing our work."

"We will never forget the resentment I felt when they finally broke up the talk we had put together. —— For sure."

"I think it's okay for that Jilk bastard who betrayed Claris-ojousama not to come back."

They seem to hold quite a grudge.

I can't deny what they think either,

"I-I see"

That was all I could answer.

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Part 5

When I arrived at the dock, I found five idiots and another bastard making a fuss.

"Anegoooo!"

Julius and the others were desperately trying to stop Loic, from the Republic of Arzel, from trying to hug Marie.

Desperately or rather, they hit him a number of times.

"Don't get close to Marie!"

"I'm just greeting anego on behalf of the Republic!"

The way Loic also grabbed Julius and punched him back —— how can I say, it looked childish.

When I saw Marie on the pier, she was smiling wryly, apparently feeling the same way.

Marie was dressed in a white outfit prepared for the saint and was wearing the saint's items.

Behind her stood high-ranking priests and temple knights dispatched by the temple.

"So it was true about being accepted as a Saint."

Marie is a little embarrassed and doesn't even look at my face.

"Well~, I can't hide my overflowing aura. I guess it's only natural that I recognized as a saint, right?"

When I saw Marie make the cocky statement, I was relieved to see her acting as she normally does.

"Don't get mad at me if you screw up again."

"——I'm not going to fail."

I felt that Marie, who raised her head and looked at me seriously, was calm compared to the five idiots and the extra guy who were making a lot of noise.

"Well then, you take care of Licorne."

When I said this and waved my right hand, Marie shyly raised her right hand and waved it as well.

"Yes. Aniki——"

"Huh?"

I couldn't bring myself to accuse her of calling me aniki at this moment —— and when I turned around, I saw Marie smiling at me.

"You've got to get it sorted out."

I guess she's telling me to end the war with the Empire.

It's easy for you to say.

But then again, Marie is that kind of person, so I can speak lightly.

"I don't need to be told."

As I board the Einhorn, I turn around halfway up the ramp and yell at the five idiots.

"Get in or I'll leave you."

When they were told they would be left behind, the five idiots rushed to grab their luggage to board the ship.

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Part 6

Julius and the others boarding the Einhorn.

Marie calls out to their backs.

"Guys —— look after aniki for me."

She clutched her skirt with her left hand and said, almost in tears.

The five of them turn around and smile at Marie.

Julius nodded.

"Leave it to me."

Jilk ruffles his hair.

"We will definitely bring Leon-kun home."

Greg flexed his arms and made a powerful flexing gesture, appealing to Marie.

"Rest assured and wait, Marie!"

Chris adjusted the position of his glasses with his index finger.

"There's no need to worry. We're by his side."

Lastly, Brad winked at Marie.

"It's Marie's request. We'll do our best."

Five people get on board.

At the entrance of Einhorn, there was Leon watching the five of them.

Marie wipes her tears as she watches Leon from afar.

Loic, who was watching her, offered her a handkerchief.

"Anego, here."

"Thank you."

Wiping her tears with a handkerchief, Marie did not move from her spot even after the door closed and the six were out of sight.

When Einhorn takes off, Loic says while looking at it.

"They've departed."

"——We'll be leaving right away. Loic, please don't do anything reckless."

Loic, worried by Marie, looked happy —— but his expression tightened.

"Yes, I'm not planning on dying yet. I hope anego will be safe as well."

When Loic told her that, Marie smiled wryly without answering.