Chapter 17: Half-Baked March

────Rudeus’s Perspective────

"Regarding Orsted, let’s just say we’ll pass it off as focusing on improving his armor, Master. But even from my perspective, you’re acting strange. Please understand that your behavior is only deepening suspicions toward Orsted."

"I’ll handle the research on curses. I admit, it stings that you won’t rely on me… but Zanoba already said everything that needed to be said. We booked a good place after all—let’s raise a glass and eat."

"As I’ve said before, if push comes to shove, we’ll save Rudi whether he wants us to or not. We won’t ask why he’s keeping secrets from us, but I need you to remember that much."

"Onii-chan… why don’t you go play with Edith and the others? You’re looking scary right now."

Everyone around me voiced their doubts—and even more than that, their concern. With the exception of the still-young Edith and Lucy, the only one who didn’t press me with questions before our departure for the Asura Kingdom was Eris. In fact, she was so unconcerned that I found myself wanting to ask if she had anything on her mind. But she simply declared she’d protect me no matter what. As always, manly as hell.

Right now, I was near the highway by the Red Dragon’s upper jaw, keeping my scheduled contact with Orsted, who had been shadowing me. Since the journey began, the amount of direct suspicion voiced aloud had decreased, but I knew full well it didn’t mean the doubts were gone.

"Well? How is it?"
"Honestly, they’re pretty suspicious of me."

The moment I said that, Orsted twisted his already devilish face into an even more displeased scowl. Can’t be helped—manipulating others through deception was never my strong suit. Hell, I haven’t even killed another person before. This’ll be my first time.

"Then there’s no point in hiding that my orders are behind this."

"There is a point. Even if they’re suspicious, I’m still being useful, and I have no intent to betray anyone. If they think Orsted-sama is pulling the strings behind the scenes, as long as it causes no real harm, they’ll get used to it. Better that than showing you openly, where just meeting you earns you suspicion and hostility."

"Mmm…"

At that, Orsted’s expression visibly sank, as if depressed. Did I say it too harshly? But facts are facts. Until Cliff completes his anti-curse magic tool, I need to minimize unnecessary distrust as much as possible.

"If there’s an attack, there’s a high chance the North Emperor, Auber Corbett, will appear. Be cautious."

"Yes. With the Water God at our side, if he comes, we’ll finish him there."

"…Strange."

"What is?"

"You. You’ve had your fair share of experience, yet I sense a clear impatience in you."

"Sure, I’ve fought more monsters than I can count, but this is my first time killing a human. Of course I’m nervous."

"I see… very well. Take this."

From his cloak, Orsted drew out a bundle of scrolls inscribed with complex magic circles and handed them to me. These could unleash King-tier Healing magic. I wasn’t sure to what extent, but being able to restore even missing limbs was reassuring.

"If Auber is killed in the attack, is there some kind of next candidate lined up to become an Apostle?"
"No issue. His foresight hinges on certain turning points. This time, it will last until the next king of Asura is chosen. Until then, there will be no replacements or reshuffling of Apostles."

…He’s hiding way too much crucial info about his plan. Maybe it’s not my place to complain, but being left in the dark for no reason, only to be forced into corrections later, is a colossal waste. And when I try to dig deeper, he just intimidates me. I can’t even count how many times I’ve nearly clicked my tongue at him.

"…Then, I’ll be going. If I’m gone too long, it’ll raise suspicion."

"Very well."

So until the foretold future plays out, Apostles can’t be replaced. Kill one, and at least for that stretch of time, Hitogami loses a pawn. In other words, he’s telling me to kill.

The next day, while passing along the narrow road of the Red Dragon’s upper jaw, we came across a merchant caravan. The sight made me recall the time I thought Eris had abandoned me—and realize that back then, she was already carrying my child. A flood of bittersweet feelings came over me, and in the moment, I asked Eris if I could grope her breasts. Naturally, she flatly refused.

It’s fine. At night, she always comes at me so fiercely that I’m left crying out apologies anyway. And Silphy, currently sharing my saddle, lets me grope her absentmindedly without a word of complaint. …While I was thinking that, Eris told me I could ride her horse tomorrow. Really, I’m blessed with amazing wives.

As we exited the Red Dragon’s upper jaw and neared the time of the attack, I braced myself. Then, I saw Ariel offering a prayer to a line of stones laid by the roadside. I realized why and followed suit.

(Before coming to Sharia, they passed through here… Ariel lost her companions in this place. And it was the same for Silphy. Of course Ariel would want Silphy by her side. And of course Silphy wouldn’t refuse.)

The next day, I saw the signal Orsted and I had agreed upon that marked the ambush, and we shifted into battle readiness. So it’s finally happening—Auber is coming.

"My name is North King Wii Taa! One of the North God Three Swordsmen! Wii Taa of ‘Light and Darkness’!"

…Another one I hadn’t heard about. And if he says “Three Swordsmen,” then there are more out there. Seriously… is it really safe for me to keep following Orsted?