CH 100

Chapter 4 : Elders’ Conference

They advance in the dense fog guided by Gil, the tiger-like demi-human.

Their destination is Faea Bergaen. They have walked for an hour with Hajime, Yue, Haulia tribe, and Alfrerick surrounded by the other demi-humans. Apparently, Zam the messenger was using a lot of instant movement.

After walking for a while, they suddenly arrived at a place where the fog was cleared up. Although not all of the fog cleared up, it formed a road that resembled a tunnel inside the fog. If you looked closely, crystals as big as fists were buried at the side of the road that give of blue light. It seems to have the ability to ward off the fog.

Alfrerick who noticed Hajime was focused on the blue crystals starts to explain.

“That was something called Faeadrain crystal. Even though we  don’t know the reason, fog and demonic beasts won’t come near it. It was also used to surround Faea Belgaen and its surrounding villages. Well, it was “relatives” for the demonic beasts.”

“I see. Well, it’ll be depressing to be inside the fog all the time. At the very least I would want to dispel the place where I live.”

It seems there won’t be any fog in the town inside the Sea of Trees. It was a good news because they had to wait for ten days inside the Sea of Trees. Yue, who feels the fog is depressing, seems happy after hearing the conversation of the two.

In the meantime, before their eyes a huge gate can be seen. It was made by thick trees intertwined forming an arch, while a pair of wooden doors were placed at a span of 10 meters. The natural wall of trees were there at the minimum height of 30 meters. It gave off the magnificence suitable for demi-human’s “country”.

Gil gave the signal to the demi-humans who seems to be the gatekeepers then the gate opened slightly with heavy sound. From the top of surrounding trees, piercing glances were directed at Hajime and the others. It seems they can’t hide their agitation for the fact that humans were coming. Without Alfrerick, they’ll surely get into trouble with only Gil’s a.s.sistance. Perhaps, the Elder came out by himself after predicting that this would happen.

After pa.s.sing through the gate, there was a different world. There are lot of huge trees with diameter of tens meter, inside the tree was the dwelling and from opened s.p.a.ce of tree trunk that looks like windows was overflowed with light of lamps. Dozens of people can be seen walking on the corridors made of thick intertwined branches of trees. On the big vines of trees, there are elevator-like things using the pulley also there huge wooden waterway that set up to hang between trees. The trees itself has the height around 20 stories.

Hajime and Yue were mesmerized with open mouth, fascinated by the beautiful cityscape, the sound of cough “gohon” were heard. Apparently, they didn’t notice that they are stopping Alfrerick tried to bring back their consciousness.

“Fufu, it seems you’ve taken a liking to our hometown, Faea Belgaen.”

Alfrerick loosened his expression in joy. The surrounding demi-humans including Haulia tribe looked somehow proud of it. Hajime who saw their appearance, honestly praised the city.

“Aa, it’s my first time to see such beautiful town. The atmosphere is good, truly a town which splendidly harmonizes with nature.”

“N… … beautiful”

Having heard such straightforward praised without any falsehood, as expected, it made the demi-humans a little surprised. However, having their hometown praised surely made them happy, all of them, tried to avert their face with a “hmpf” while their beast-ears and tails were vigorously moves.

The residents of Faea Belgaen were looking at Hajime and his party with curiosity and avoidance, there are various gazes filled with hatred or perplexity, while they continued to go toward the place that Alfrerick had prepared.

“… … I see, trial to gain age of G.o.ds magic, also about the G.o.ds’ game…”

Currently, Hajime and Yue are talking to Alfrerick. The topics were about “Liberators” and the age of G.o.ds magic that Hajime heard from Oscar Orcus, also about how he was from different world and is trying to complete the Seven Great Dungeon so that he can get the age of G.o.ds magic that able to return him to his world.

Having heard about this world’s G.o.ds, there is no change in Alferick’s expression. Hajime who thinks it was strange then asked “This world doesn’t treat demi-humans well, even now” was the answer he heard. It seems even if the G.o.ds didn’t got mad, the treatment to demi-humans wouldn’t have changed at all. This place weren’t under the influence of the church neither they have any faith. There is only the appreciation of nature.

After Hajime’s stories were finished, Alfrerick start to talk about laws of the Elder position of Faea Belgaen. It was an oral tradition that is if someone who bore the crest of Seven Great Dungeons appeared then don’t be hostile to them, and if that person were liked then take them to their destination.

The creator of Great Dungeon of “Haltina Sea of Trees” were called Luluo Haltina, the existence who called herself as “Liberators” (she didn’t told them what kind of beings “Liberators” was) also she told them the name of her comrades. It was endlessly told the one tribe that lived before this country was named Faea Belgaen. They must not be hostile because it was advised they must know that those who pa.s.sed the trial of Great Dungeon are someone who have extraordinary abilities.

Also, Alrerick was able to reacted to the crest of Orcus’ ring because there is a stone monument in which seven crests were carved at the root of the Great Tree where he saw the same crest as that one.

“That means, I’ve pa.s.sed the qualification…”

From Alfrerick’s explanation, the reason to invite human into the stronghold of demi-humans has been understood. However, not all of the demi-humans knows of this story, so it was necessary to tell them in the future.

When Hajime and Alfrerick tried to end their talk, somehow it became noisy downstair. Hajime and the others were currently on the top floor, while s.h.i.+a and the Haulia tribe were downstair. Apparently, they are arguing against someone. Hajime and Alfrerick looked at each other then stood up at the same time.

Downstair, there were a big bear-like demi-human, a tiger-like demi-human, a fox-like demi-human, a demi-human with wings growing out of their back, and a hairy dwarf-like demi-human who looked insecure were glaring at Haulia tribe. In the corner of the room, Kam was desperately covering s.h.i.+a. It seems they’ve already been hit because s.h.i.+a and Kam cheeks were swollen.

Hajime and Yue who have came downstair sent sharp glare to all of them. The bear-like demi-humans began to speak with an insecure voice.

“Alfrerick… … you b.a.s.t.a.r.d, what’s the meaning of this. Why did you invite those humans? Those RabbitMan tribe too. To have the taboo child come here… … according to your answer, I will strip you of your seat in the Elders conference.”

He seems to desperately restrain his fury. His fists that clasped were trembling. As expected, for demi-humans, humans were their nemesis. Moreover, to invited the Haulia tribe who bore crime of sheltering the taboo child. Not only the bear-like demi-humans, the other demi-humans are staring at Alfrerick.”

However, Alfrerick only think that as wind blowing.

“What, I just followed the tradition. All of you are also Elders of various tribes, shouldn’t you able to understand the circ.u.mstance?”

“The h.e.l.l with tradition! Aren’t those kind of things fake? Even after Faea Belgaen was founded, not even once that happened!”

“Therefore, this time is the first time. That’s all. If you are Elders then followed the tradition. That’s the law. We are the one who have the Elder seat so why would we disregard the law.”

“Then, are you saying that those human youngsters are qualified! The one who so strong that we shouldn’t be hostile with!”

“That’s so”

Alfrerick only answered in indifferent. The bear-like demi-humans can’t believe Alfrerick’s words, then stare at Hajime.

In Faea Belgaen, those who become the Elder of various tribes are those who have high ability, and it seems the Elders Conference were council system used to decide the policy of this country where the Elders performs judgement in trial-like manner. Currently, those demi-humans who gathered here were apparently the current Elders. However, there seems to be a difference in the way they see the tradition.

Although Alfrerick was the type that took the importance of tradition, the other elders might be a little different. Alfrerick was from the Forest tribe, even among demi-humans they have longer lifespan. According to Hajime memory, their average lifespan were around 200 years. If that is so, there is a very large age difference between Alfrerick and the Elders in front of him, in effect, there might also be a difference in their sense of value. By the way, the average lifespan of demi-humans were 100 years.

Because of it, the other Elders beside Alfrerick were unable to endure having humans and criminals in this place.

“… … then, right now, let me test you!”

Having finished his word, the bear-like demi-human suddenly rushed toward Hajime. Because of the suddenness, the others can’t react. Alfrerick too, who didn’t think he’ll attack suddenly, was widen his eyes in surprise.

And in an instant he get in his range, the man who was 2 and half meter with great arms made of lump of muscle, swung his arm toward Hajime.

Even among demi-humans, Bearman tribe were superior in physical and endurance. That great arm was able to break a big tree into two, this destructiveness was the clear distinction that made him the representative of his tribe. Aside from Haulia tribe and Yue, the others were visioning there’d be nothing left of Hajime except lump of flesh.

However, in the next moment, they are frozen because of the impossible spectacle.

ZUDONn!

The fist that swung down and produced a sound of impact were easily grabbed and stopped by Hajime’s left arm.

“… … what a lukewarm fist. However, there was killing intent. So, you’ve prepared, right?”

While saying so, Hajime manipulate his artificial arm using magic to increase his grip. The sound of bear-like demi-human’s bones cracking can be heard. Sensing his crisis although he was still surprised, the bear-like demi-human desperately tried to distance himself.

“Guuu! Let go!”

Even though he desperately tried to pull his arm, Hajime who was around half big as him didn’t move an inch. Actually, at that time, Hajime trans.m.u.te metal plate on his shoes into spike that drilled into the floor to secure his position, the bear-like demi-human who didn’t know that only can feel Hajime was like an immovable big tree.

Hajime silently pour his magic, then the grip of his artificial arm increased at once.

BAKI!

“Gh!?”

Sound of something broken come from the arm of the bear-like demihuman. Even so there is no scream that can be heard just as expected of an Elder. However, Hajime didn’t missed him became stiffen in pain and astonishment.

His free left arm then thrusted with a Karate-like chop, Hajime immediately dashed into the bear-like demi-human’s bosom.

“Fly”

DOPANn!

His “powerful arm” activated and gunshot came from his artificial arm that moved with a thrust. And, at the same time impact were generated from part of the elbow while a cartridge jumped out and flutter in the air. The fist that already strong to begin with were accelerated to increase the destructive power.

The fist that used mechanism to give it tremendous power were piercing the belly of the bear-like demi-human without mercy, while at the same time it generated shock wave and literally blown him off with full power. The bear-like demi-human, without even a chance to scream, with his body bent into

What Hajime used was a shotgun that can be fired from his elbow. The propulsion was possible by using the recoil of shot sh.e.l.l that was built-in, also while shooting Schlag he can use it to shot enemy in the back at the same time. This time the propulsion was used. His “powerful arm” demonstrated its full power.

While everyone stunned and at loss for words, sound of GASHUN! that come out from operating the gimmick can be heard then Hajime look at the other Elders with killing intent.

“Well? Are you my enemies?”

To that words, no one was able to nod.

After Hajime blown

off the bear-like demi-human, Alfrerick somehow manage to intercede, so the trampling play by Hajime was avoided. The bear-like demi-human’s internals were ruptured along with almost all of his bone fractured, but it seems his life was saved. Using the most expensive recovery medicine (spending money like a faucet). However, his life as a warrior were finished…

Currently, the Elders, Zell of Tigerman tribe, Mao of Wingedman tribe, Rua of Foxman tribe, Guze of Earthman tribe (commonly called Dwarf), and Alfrerick of Forestman tribe were seated opposite of Hajime. Yue and Kam seated beside Hajime, s.h.i.+a was seated along the other Haulia tribe cl.u.s.tered behind him.

Expression of Elders, except Alfrerick, were stiff with tension. The bear-like demi-human (called Jin) who had battle prowess of number 1 or 2 was unable to attend because he was instant-killed so neither his hands nor feet can be used.

“Well? What do you want to do with us? I only wanted to go to underneath the Great Tree, if you don’t interfere then I will leave you alone… … the demi-humans was > thinking if they don’t unite their intention then when the time come, won’t they be troubled if they don’t know which is good? For your information. In the middle of ma.s.sacre, to consider the distinction between enemies and allies, I am not that kind of good natured person you know.”

Having heard Hajime’s words, the Elders were stunned. They have noticed that it was implied he won’t hesitate to start war against the demi-humans.

“For our incapacitated companion’s sake, first of all this is… … is it possible for us to become friendly?”

Guze muttered with groan along with bitter and crushed expression.

“Huh? What did you say? Aren’t that bear the one who came with killing intent? I was only pay him back. Resulted with him became incapacitated was his own fault.”

“Y-you! Jin was! Jin was only thinking of his country!”

“And, is that why it’s okay to kill someone he met for the first time without talk first?”

“Th-that was! But!”

“Didn’t you misunderstand? I am the victim while that bear is the a.s.sailant. Aren’t Elders must judge the crime? Then, that’s why, aren’t that Elder of your the one who made mistake?”

Probably Guze was gotten along well with Jin. Therefore, though he understand in his head that Hajime was right but he was unable to accept it. However, to consider his feeling was not something Hajime would do.

“Guze, though I understood how you feels, but leave it at that. His is a sound argument.”

Having heard Alfrerick’s word of admonishment, Guze who tried to stand up was “DOSUNn” sit down with distorted expression. And currently, he fall into silent sullen.

“This boy, certainly, has one of the crest, his ability also made him able to completed a Great Dungeon. I have admitted that he has the qualification as said in the tradition.”

The one who said that was Elder Rua of Foxman tribe. After his slit eyes looked at Hajime, he looked at other Elders asking what they think.

Having received his gaze, Mao of Wingedman tribe and Zel of Tigerman tribe even though it wasn’t known what they think, they give their consent. On the others behalf, Alfrerick tell Hajime.

“Nagumo Hajime. We of Elder council admitted that you’re a person qualified as said in tradition. Therefore, it is our consensus to not oppose you… … as much as possible, I’ll told them to not lay a hand on you. … … however… …”

“It was not absolute… huh?”

“Aah. As you’ve known, demi-humans don’t think well of humans. Honestly, it can be said that they hate them. The is possibility of someone disregarding the notice from Elders conference. Especially, the tribe of the incapacitated Jin, the Bearman tribe’s anger can’t easily be suppressed so there is a high possibility of it. He is popular after all… …”

“So?”

Hajime’s expression didn’t change even after heard Alfrerick’s words. What’s done is done, He only do what should be done, it can be understood from his eyes. Alfrerick who can understand that, he look back with the will of an Elder.

“I want you spare those who attack you.”

“… … are you asking me to take it easy at those who came with killing intent?”

“That’s right. Isn’t that possible with your power?”

“If it was someone with ability around the level of that bear, I can’t say for sure. However, I won’t take it easy when killing each other. Although I understand your feeling, I can’t relate to your circ.u.mstances. If you don’t want your brethren to died, then seriously stop them.”

It was something he cultivated in the Abyss, sense of values to kill it if it was enemies were deeply ingrained in Hajime’s mind. Even he doesn’t know what will happen when killing each other happen. If he take it easy, even cornered mouse can mortally wound the cat. Therefore, Hajime can’t accept Alfrerick’s request.

However, Zel of Tigerman tribe intervent.

“Then, we, let us refused to guide you to underneath the Great Tree. Even though it was tradition, there is no need to guide someone which we didn’t like.”

Having heard his words, Hajime was dumbfounded. From the beginning, he was leave it to Haulia tribe to guide him and there is no intention to seek help from anyone in Faea Belgaen. Even they surely know about that. However, Zel’s next words clarified his intention.

“I don’t think Haulia tribe will be able to guide you. They are criminals. They’ll be judged by Faea Belgaen’s rule. Although we don’t know what had happened, you will be separated here. Their crime was to harbored the child who has the same power as demonic beasts. It was the same as exposing Faea Belgaen into danger. Their execution has already decided in Elders Conference.”

s.h.i.+a was trembling in tears having heard Zel’s words, while Kam and his tribe were already thoroughly resigned. Even now, no one blame s.h.i.+a, that’s just how depth their affection is.

“Honored Elders! Somehow, somehow please let my tribe go! Please!”

“s.h.i.+a! Stop it! We are already prepared. It was not your fault. No one wanted to stay alive so much to the point of selling out a family’s member. It was already talked many times in the Haulia tribe. There is nothing for you to worry about.”

“But, Father!”

Even though s.h.i.+a desperately beg while prostrating, no words of pardon come from Zel.

“It has already decided. All of Haulia tribe will be executed. Even though if you didn’t escape from Faea Belgaen, it’ll only ended with banishment from harboring the taboo child.”

s.h.i.+a who cried was comforted by Kam and the others. The decision been decided in Elders Conference was the truth. The other Elders didn’t say anything. Probably because it was a taboo child, to kept concealing such factor of danger in Faea Belgaen made their crime heavy. It also can be said their strong feelings for their family worsen the situation. It was an ironic story.

“And that’s it. With this, aren’t your method to go to the Great Tree were gone? What will you do? Will you leave it to luck to reach it?”

Zel was implying that they should accept the demand if they don’t want that. The other Elders of council also didn’t give any objection. However, Hajime who didn’t even show any bitterness in his expression, told him back as if it was nothing.

“You, are you an idiot?”

“Wh-what!”

Zel raised his eyes having heard Hajime’s objection. s.h.i.+a and her tribe also looked at Hajime in reflex. Yue who understand what Hajime was thinking only keep a clarifying face.

“As I said, I can’t relate to your circ.u.mstance. If you want to take them from me, then you are trying to obstruct my way after all.”

Hajime who glared at the Elders, reach out his hand and put it on the crying s.h.i.+a’s head. Having surprised by it, s.h.i.+a look up at Hajime.

“If you want, to take them away from me… … I hope you’re prepared.”

“Hajime-san…”

What Hajime mean by that was he won’t forgive anyone who tried to obstruct him anymore than this. However, still, for the sake of Haulia tribe he won’t hesitate to wage war against Faea Belgaen, the stronghold of demi-humans, that resolution, was piercing into s.h.i.+a whose heart already sank in despair.

“You are serious, right?”

Alfrerick looked at Hajime with sharp gaze that won’t permit any deceit.

“Obviously”

However, Hajime wasn’t shaken at all. His unyielding resolve can be seen. There is no respect for this world, those who obstructing doesn’t need to be compromised and pardoned. It was his decision that he made in the Abyss.

“Even if I say that there will be guide from Faea Belgaen?”

The execution of Haulia tribe was already decided in Elders Conference. Even more, it’ll will affect the country’s prestige to overturn it by yielding to the threat. Also in the future, the card of guiding can’t be used as bargaining chip because they might attack Hajime and his party because the Elders Conference’s decision can’t be overturned.  Therefore, Alfrerick make the proposal. However, Hajime made it clear that there is no more room for negotiation.

“Don’t make me say it again. My guide is Haulia.”

“Tell me the reason, for you to stick to them. If you only wanted to go to the Great Tree then anyone can be your guide.”

To Alfrerick’s words, Hajime reveal that it’ll be troublesome, while s.h.i.+a take a peek at him. From a while ago, s.h.i.+a kept staring at Hajime and their eyes met for a moment. Then she felt her heart slightly throbbed. Even though their eyes met only for a moment, s.h.i.+a pulse keep rising.

“I’ve promised to them. I’ll help them in exchange for their guide.”

“… … promise. If it was that don’t you think it was already fulfilled? Haven’t you protected them from the demonic beasts of the canyon and the empire’s Soldiers? Then, it’s only left with the reward to guide you. There won’t be any problem if the one who give the reward was different.”

“There is one big problem. I’ve promised to ensure their safety while guiding me. Just because there is better thing on the way, I can’t just tossed them aside and subst.i.tute them that’ll be…”

Hajime cut his words then look at Yue. Yue also looked at Hajime then slightly smile. Having told by Hajime, Alfrerick can only shrugged his shoulders while smiling wryly.

“Uncool right?”

Sneak attack, surprise attack, deceptive attack, cowardice, despicable lie, bluff. When killing each other, Hajime doesn’t think those were bad. In order to survive, it was necessary to do that.

However, because of that, other than killing each other he want to protect his honor. If that can’t be done truly he won’t be no more than a sc.u.m. Hajime is also a man. For the girl that he met in the Abyss he wanted to draw that line, to not show any disgraceful behaviour more than needed.

Maybe because he realized what Hajime was thinking, Alfrerick can only let out a deep sigh. The other Elders’ face was looked to ask what should they do. For a while, silent wrap them, before long Alfrerick made a proposal with a tired face.

“Then, let make it that they are your slaves. In Faea Belgaen’s law, those who gone outside the Sea of Trees and didn’t come back, those who catched and made slave, was a.s.sumed to have died. Though there is a good chance we can win inside fog of the Sea of Trees, there are person who can use magic outside so we hardly has chance to win. Therefore, we considered they died so that no one come after them and expand the damage. … those who already considered to be dead won’t be able to be executed!”

“Alfrerick! That is!”

It was a complete sophism. Naturally, the other Elders’ expression turned into “gyo”. Zel unintentionally leaned over then raised his protest.

“Zel. You should understand. What that boy shown and his power. If you execute the Haulia tribe then he’ll be our enemy. In that case, how many will be sacrificed… … as one of Elders, we must avoided that kind of danger.”

“However, what will it show (to the citizen)! If the rumour that we yield to power and let loose a monster child spread, then the Elders Conference’s prestige will surely fall!”

“However…”

Other Elders also joined the discussion between Zel and Alfrerick, the place became full of commotion. As expected, having overlook and let loose the risk factor, then suddenly they can’t punished them was not an easy thing. With the establishment of this bad precedence, the Elders Conference’s prestige will take a fall and there’ll be various speculation such as approval with ulterior motives.

However, inside that (discussion), Hajime made a remark without reading the mood.

“Aah~, even though it’s bad to say it now, isn’t it too late that you realized that you’re not only overlooking s.h.i.+a?”

Having heard Hajime’s words, their discussion stopped, then the Elders glance at Hajime asking what he mean by that.

Hajime slowly turned over his right arm’s sleeve then he did direct magic manipulation. By doing so, red lines appear on his right arm’s skin. In addition, spark come off from his right hand that use “Lightning-clad”.

The Elders’ eyes were opened wide. Because the magic was invoked without chant and magic circle made them startled. They only thought that he was able to defeat Jin because his artificial arm was an artifact.

“I am also the same as s.h.i.+a who can directly manipulate magic and use unique magic. Next is Yue. She is the one whom you call a monster. However, aren’t your tradition said “whatever that person is, don’t be hostile to them”? According to your law, you must overlook these monsters. Well it’s already too late for s.h.i.+a though.”

Although the Elders was stunned for a while, before long they began to whisper to each other. Because it looks like they’ve come into conclusion, represented by Alfrerick, he began to report the result of Elders Conference with a big sigh.

“Haa~, Haulia tribe’s taboo child, s.h.i.+a Haulia, was regarded as relative to Nagumo Hajime who is also a taboo child. Therefore, because Nagumo Hajime pa.s.sed the qualification we won’t be hostile to them, but they are forbidden from entering Faea Belgaen and its surrounding villages. Followed by if someone tried to lay their hand on Nagumo Hajime’s family then everything will be their own responsibility… … over. Are there anything else?”

“Well, whatever it is as long as I can reach the Great Tree is okay. These guys were my guides, There are no problem”

“… … I see. Then, hurry and leave. Although it hurt our heart to be unable to welcome someone who pa.s.sed the qualification as stated in our tradition that finally came…”

“Don’t mind it. There is no need to say everything because there will be lot of absurd remarks that I hear. Even so, to have such rational judgement I can only be thankful about it.”

To Hajime’s words, Alfrerick can only smile wryly. The other Elders have bitter and tired expressions. Rather than bitterness and grudge, Quickly go away! was what they had in mind. Having seen that, Hajime shrugged his shoulders then urged Yue, s.h.i.+a, and her tribe to stood up.

Even though Yue was expressionless from the beginning till the end, having heard their talk she didn’t say anything and only stood up to match Hajime.

However, s.h.i.+a and the Haulia tribe still didn’t believe it was reality and there is no sign of them standing up in their stunned state. Even though they are prepared to die until a while ago, then strangely in the end it suddenly turn into banishment. “Eh, is it okay for us to leave like this?” that’s the kind of feeling that rolled in their mind.

“Oi, when will you stoppdaydreaming? We must quickly go.”

Having heard Hajime’s words, they finally start to stand up in hurry, then s.h.i.+a and her tribe follow Hajime who was quickly going outside. Alfrerick and the other Elders send them till the gate.

s.h.i.+a asked Hajime while fl.u.s.tered.

“U-um, is it okay… for us to stay alive?”

“? Didn’t you hear the talk a while ago?”

“W-well, even though I heard it… … that is, somehow it doesn’t seems to be real to be able to go out of that kind of predicament suddenly… … it makes me feel it was an unbelievable situation…”

Her perplexed expression also shared by the surrounding Haulia tribe. That was because for demi-humans, the decision of Elders Conference is absolute. Yue then talk to s.h.i.+a who is perplexed that she can’t understand how to process that.

“… … it’s okay to honestly rejoice about it”

“Yue-san?”

“… … Hajime saved you. That’s the truth. It’s okay to just accept and rejoice.”

“… …”

Having heard Yue’s words, s.h.i.+a glances at Hajime who quietly walks next to her. Hajime then shrugs while facing forward.

“Well, it was a promise.”

“Uh… …”

s.h.i.+a shoulder was trembling. In exchange to guide inside the Sea of Trees, s.h.i.+a and her tribe were protected. It was the promise that s.h.i.+a desperately attached to Hajime. Originally, using “Foresight” she saw the future where Hajime protected her family. However, that future wasn’t absolute. Depending on s.h.i.+a’s choice of actions, it can change a lot. Because of that, s.h.i.+a was “desperately” trying to obtain Hajime’s cooperation. The other party was humans who  discriminate against demi-human, and s.h.i.+a didn’t have any fortune to offer. Her negotiation materials were only herself as “woman” and “special ability”. Even so, when it was easily discarded, she almost cried without knowing what else to do.

Even so, she somehow able to get his promise, and while talking on their way she felt that if it was Hajime then he’ll kept it, that kind feeling. That maybe because even though she was a demi-human, she didn’t felt any discriminatory glance. However, it was something she felt “somehow”, it was not something for certain. That’s why because she lose to her anxiousness, he said to the “one who promised to protect” that “even though the enemies were humans”. In fact, when he fight those empire’s Soldiers without any hesitation, it made her so relieved.

However, this time even s.h.i.+a thought that even if it was Hajime, it wasn’t the same as with those empire’s Soldiers. It can be said it was the same as declaring war in front of the emperor. And the promise was protected without even flinching. Although, even if it was for Hajime himself, as Yue has said, s.h.i.+a and her precious family were certainly protected.

Since a while ago, her heart kept throbbing hard. Her face was hot, a mysterious impulse that kept jumping up and down as if something stuck in her throat. Is it the joy because of her family’s safety or…

s.h.i.+a tried to follow Yue’s advice to honestly be happy and left her current feeling then entrusted everything to her impulse to make the best of it. That is, she clings to Hajime with full force!

“Hajime-sa~n! Thank you very much~!”

“Uwaa!? What’s so sudden!?”

“Mu…”

I absolutely won’t be separated even if the bruise will make me cry! that’s what s.h.i.+a said while pressing her face into Hajime’s shoulder then starting to rub it. Her expression started to loosen and her cheeks were  dyed in pink.

Yue who saw that was groaning in bad mood, when she think about doing something, she only hold Hajime’s hand, nothing special was done.

Having seen s.h.i.+a explode in joy to Hajime, the Haulia tribe finally understood that they escaped with their life, they started to share the joy to each other.

The Elders can only see them with complex expression. Also, there are many who avert their gaze of hatred and discomfort.

Hajime while understand what was happened, can only smile wryly because for a while he was rolled into a troublesome thing.