| Author: Tensei Mikami | Original Source: Syosetu | Word Count: 2269 characters |
| Translator: Jiro | English Source: Re:Library | Word Count: 803 |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | ||
“Here. I’ll lend you these.”
Yennis said as he gave his sister a short bow and a short sword. When Seletina saw them her heart skipped a beat. This was her first time holding a weapon in this life.
She had never held a weapon before, not even in jest, for Melia’s strict eyes were always on her back and forbade it.
… It’s heavy.
Seletina inspected the short sword and short bow in her small hands, sighing as she did so.
It wasn’t so much the sword or bow that were weighty as Seletina being far too weak.
Seletina held the bow and pulled the string slowly. The more she pulled the more her muscles screamed in agony.
But even though she was trembling, she could still make a shot. Yet, given her shaky hands, she would be silly to have any expectations.
How about the sword then.
Seletina assumes a stance with the sword still in its hilt.
The point of the blade trembled, making it seem like she wouldn’t be able to wield it properly.
The sword is even more of a no go than the bow.
Seletina returned Yennis the short sword after shaking her head in dismay.
Yennis shrugged his shoulders and handed Seletina a small knife instead. In comparison to the short sword, it appeared to be something Seletina could handle far more easily.
“It’s your first time holding a weapon, isn’t it Seletina? Don’t push yourself and take it slow. You’ll only be my helper, after all.”
“What? Then why did you give these to me?”
“It won’t be considered that you took part in the hunt if you don’t have anything. It’s to set the mood, or something like that.”
It would seem that Yennis had never planned to include Seletina in the actual hunt. But that came as no surprise.
“I’ll do the hunting and later we’ll share the spoils.”
Yennis spoke while puffing out his chest. Seletina, on the other hand, gave a disapproving shake of the head.
“No. I’ll hunt as well.”
“It’s impossible for you.”
“It’s not more possible for you than it is for me, brother.”
“What did you just say?”
“…Brother, what previous experience do you have with hunting?”
“This is my first.”
I knew he couldn’t be trusted. And although he is my older brother, in my eyes he is simply a kid. I had no intention of trusting him from the beginning.
As she sighed, Seletina contemplated.
“You don’t respect me at all do you?”
“……”
Seletina could only look away when confronted with Yennis’ direct question.
The rocking and swaying of the wagon intensified and reverberated loudly as an awkward stillness permeated the inside.
The two mice’s adventure had just unfolded its curtain.
“Recently, we’ve received a lot of complaints from merchants who have been attacked by bandits.”
“I see…”
Balged ul Gold Aldelight sighed as he leaned back against the leather sofa.
A dignified, elderly man with gray hair stood next to him and solemnly explained the income and expense report for the entire Aldelight territory.
Balged did listen, looking somewhat troubled, but he only let the words pass through one ear and out the other.
The argument from last night was still on his mind.
Seletina had locked herself in her chambers, so Balged had no idea how she was feeling, but he had seen Melia look depressed.
Melia appeared stable on the outside, but it was obvious that she was still upset about what had happened the night before.
“What in the world is going on…”
Balged massaged his temple while muttering.
To think my daughter would want to be a knight…
Two knocks on the door abruptly jolted Balged out of his reverie after listening to the report and burying himself in his thoughts.
The maid, Elita, entered after Balged invited the visitor inside. However, something seemed off about her. She had a pale complexion and one could see tears starting to form behind her eyes. She addressed Balged in a deathly voice.
“Lord, I have come bearing a report.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“Since this morning, neither Lady Seletina nor Lord Yennis have been seen. I searched every inch of the property, but to no avail.”
“What?!” Balged shouted. His face began to lose color, and his heartbeat intensified.
“Is that true?! Are they really nowhere to be found?!”
“Yes, despite my best efforts, I was unable to find them.”
“Damn it!”
“W-W-W-What should we do?!”
With a trembling voice on the verge of tears, Elita asked.
Balged was able to gather himself after seeing Elita in that manner.
Relax, Balged… We need to approach this matter calmly. First, I’ll alert the guards and then…
“Did something happen?”
Melia entered the room looking incredibly worried, with huge dark circles visible under her eyes1.
