| Author: Tensei Mikami | Original Source: Syosetu | Word Count: 2269 characters |
| Translator: Jiro | English Source: Re:Library | Word Count: 1121 words |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | ||
“They’re finally gone. Now, let the witch hunt begin.”
“Do as you will.”
And so, with a thump, Lord Zeeney and his men stepped over the gate and entered. They were going to restrain the beautiful young lady standing on the balcony.
“Although the disguise worked I wonder just how long that will last for… Dear Angel… please take care.”
The man with the melancholy glasses looked up at the crescent moon as if in prayer.
“YEEEEEEES!”
Kauf ran back to his room and took off his wig, carefully made to mimic Seletina’s hair, and dress. Lord Zeeney was coming in, and these had to be taken care of before he arrived.
Kauf rushed over to the fireplace. He hesitated slightly as he was about to plunge the props in the flames. His Dear Angel’s scent still lingered on her dress.
“……”
After a few moments, Kauf shook his head and shoved them into the flames of the fireplace with some regret.
The wig and dress burned up quickly. It wouldn’t take long before they vanished completely.
With this, Seletina had successfully vanished from the garrison without a trace. If she now went to a church to wash away all of the doubts surrounding her, she’d be able to buy even more time.
The sound of the soles of many men came up the stairs. Kauf was determined to buy as much time as he could. Dressed in his original military attire, Kauf looked at the burning disguise set, the fire of determination burning in his eyes.
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
“Are you really okay with it?”
Inside one of Leverence’s alleyways, Seletina and Lichter, who had left the children at the church, were making their way toward the south gate leading to Ulbdor to avoid the flow of people.
A horse was waiting for them just beyond the south gate. If they could make it there, their escape from Leverence would be a success.
But even though the difficult part was over, the whole town was talking about the witch hunt. If they didn’t get out of the town soon, it would only be a matter of time before they got caught.
The two ran in the darkness of the night. Their gliding steps were light and fast.
Seletina lightly held down the ragged casket hat to keep it from flying off and jumped over a rolling liquor barrel.
“What do you mean?”
“Your hair. I heard that the daughters of noble families take very good care of their hair. The men in the garrison were quite shaken up about it.”
“It was a necessary sacrifice. We had no choice. On top of being able to disguise myself I even managed to make Kauf a wig. It was a good payout. It’s a small price to pay for staying alive.”
“I’m not sure if you just didn’t care or if you don’t care about being feminine, but despite how lovely you appear, you are one cunning fox.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. Still, men’s pants are quite comfortable. The shoes as well. Unlike skirts and heels, they are very functional and easy to move in.”
“Lady Seletina, are you really a woman?”
“Mind your language. I’m a seasoned woman. Hearing you say that is a bit hurtful.”
Seletina said with a mischievous smile. She had cut off her long hair and taken off her skirt and heels, and it was only now that she remembered that she had once lived as a man for a long time.
Lichter pointed this out to her, and she found it hilarious herself, and couldn’t help but laugh.
“So then, Lady Seletina.”
“No, not Seletina.”
“…….?”
“It will spell trouble if someone hears you calling me Seletina, Duchess or Dear Angel while we’re in the Empire.”
“Then what should I call you?”
“I’ll think about it later1.”
Seletina said, stopping in her tracks.
With her back against a stone wall, Seletina slowly showed her head from the corner and looked out over the stream of people.
“It’s safe to assume that every exit is completely blocked.”
Around the south gate, which was their target, well-equipped soldiers and adventurers, who had probably been dispatched by Lord Zeeney, were blocking the way and conducting searches. The entire city had been transformed into a witch hunting ground.
Seletina clicked her tongue.
“I’m afraid to say it, but the security is very tight.”
“Why not just kill everyone who comes at us? It’s inevitable, a self-defense measure if you will.”
“Are you sane? You can’t kill aimlessly like that. Lichter, you’re a knight. Everything you do and everything you say is for His Majesty.”
“Yea, yea. Everything is for His Majesty, right…”
“But what should we do now… Should I just try leaving disguised as a boy? Is that really safe? I was able to fool Zeeney, but in the unlikely event that they suspect me that’d be the end. I’m not sure just how rigorous their examination is but blond hair is not that common in the Empire. If they decide to do a thorough check then…”
Seletina was completely lost in thought.
“Found you. A golden haired witch… An angel?”
Suddenly a presence appeared behind the two, as if it had just appeared out of the shadows. Seletina and Lichter turned around at the same time, startled by the voice.
There, a girl stood before them. The girl had her teal colored hair tied up in a ponytail and stood next to the shadows, as if blending with them. A black dancer would be a better word to describe the girl. Her entire body was clad in functional black attire, with a black face veil covering her mouth.
She closely resembled the so-called Shinobi that were famous in the East. Her long, slender black eyes gave off an air of sagacity, catching and holding Seletina and Lichter’s attention.
“Question. You, witch?”
Her voice came out muffled and clipped. But the sound of the girl’s alto voice reached their ears firmly even amidst the bustle around them.
I smell something.
Seletina’s sense of smell sensitively picked up the distinctive presence of a powerful individual that the girl gave off. Above all, it was evident that this girl possessed exceptional skills as she had managed to get behind Seletina and Lichter unnoticed.
“And you are?”
Seletina’s hand subtly made its way to the hilt of Elytinius at her waist. Lichter too was intrigued by the unexpected appearance of a strong and capable individual.
“Answer. I’m Eupho. Catch you, get money.”
She spoke in a relaxed manner. The girl who’d called herself Eupho swayed gracefully, shimmering like a mirage, and pulled a knife out seemingly from nowhere2.
