That sound rang out and the walls shook.
Both Cocco Doll and Climb looked in the direction of where that sound had come from.
There, Succulent’s body was collapsed on the floor and did not budge. A sword was rolling on the ground near him.
Brain’s draw slash had blown back Succulent’s body and it had crashed into the wall at unbelievable speed. If he had not used the back of his blade, even with the orichalcum chain shirt, Succulent’s body would have been in two pieces. That’s how much power was behind that attack.
“… My ‘Field’ can detect your presence even if I can’t see you with my eyes. To think that you would use an auditory illusion to try and focus my attention to the front so you can attack from behind… It was a great trick, but too bad your opponent was me. And going for Climb was also foolish. You were probably planning to kill him and babble about how I couldn’t protect him and what not, but you focused too much of your attention on trying to attack Climb who was on the floor. Did you forget who you’re facing?”
Brain sheathed his katana and smiled at Climb.
“See, one hit, right?”
“That was splendid!”
His voice was overlapped by another voice that also said “That was incredible.” The two were shocked. The voice they heard belonged to Sebas, but that by itself was nothing to be surprised about. What shocked them was the direction that the voice came from.
The two turned their eyes in Cocco Doll’s direction.
There, they saw Sebas. Cocco Doll was collapsed next to him.
“When did you arrive?”
Sebas calmly replied to Brain’s question.
“I just arrived. It seems everyone’s attention was focused on Succulent and did not notice me.”
“I-I see.”
Even as he answered, Brain didn’t think that was possible.
But I had my ‘Field’ up. Its range is narrow but it should still catch anyone who ran in a straight line. And I still couldn’t sense him…? The only one who’s capable of moving like that until now was that monster, Shalltear Bloodfallen. I’ve thought this when I got hit with his bloodlust, but is he on the same level as that monster? Just who is he?
“Regardless, I have rescued everyone who was taken captive. And I must apologize to Climb-kun, several of the guards fought back so fiercely that I had no choice but to kill them. Please forgive me… or so I’d like to say. It seems that before I apologize, it would better for me to treat your wounds.”
Sebas walked up next to Climb and touched his stomach with his hand. He very briefly held his hand lightly against his stomach and immediately retracted it. But the effect was dramatic. Climb’s face that had been pale even after he drank the potion had immediately regained its healthy complexion.
“My stomach’s healed…! You were a priest?”
“No, I did not use the power of God, but rather poured in my Ki to treat you.”
“So you were a monk! No wonder, I finally understand.”
Brain nodded his head, now he understood why he didn’t have any weapons or armor. Sebas showed a smile of affirmation.
“Then what will the two of you do from now on?”
“First, I plan to run to the guard office to explain what happened here and bring some soldiers back. Meanwhile, I would like to ask Sebas-sama and Brain-sama to keep watch here. However, Eight Fingers might send reinforcements.”
“… I’m already on board this ship. I’ll ride it out til the end.”
“I do not mind either. However, could you keep me and my matters a secret? I only came to this country for business and do not wish to involve myself any further with the darkness of a foreign land.”
“I don’t care either way, Climb. Well, know that my guarantor is Stronoff for now so I’ll leave it to you.”
“I see. I understand. Then to you both, I apologize but please give me some time.”
Part 3
Lower Fire Month (9th Month), Day 3, 19:05
As night began to fall on the Kingdom, Climb finally returned to the palace.
Although his injuries were completely healed, his body was tired. Not just the battle, he had to mediate several times to handle the aftermath and those took time. The reason it had worked out in the end was not because Climb was Renner’s bodyguard, but because the guards feared the Eight Fingers and remained passive. What was especially significant was the problem of responsibility.
The one responsible would be made an example of and murdered by the Eight Fingers— it was a not a groundless worry. There was a high possibility of it actually happening. That was why he ordered a soldier to deliver to Renner a document containing a brief account of the situation. He then received permission to write down his name and the name of his master as the ones responsible.
Even though it would obviously have its share of disadvantages, there were at least two benefits.
One was obvious; it would raise Renner’s reputation.
They were the organization that was dirtying the Kingdom. And not only that, she exposed the people who committed filthy acts while being involved with the slave trade. Even better, for Renner who does not step outside the palace, the fact that she sent her bodyguard to the front would raise her evaluation.
Next were Sebas and the fact that they could protect the girl that he was sheltering. If they became the ones responsible, they could hide her since she was trying to not stand out. And once that was done, it would be difficult for them to become Eight Finger’s primary targets.
I couldn’t be of much help when we charged in so I have to do at least this much…
Brain said that he was going to deliver the news to Gazef personally and told him to not worry about it.
Climb absent-mindedly pondered such thoughts as he knocked on Renner’s door.
Normally, he could just enter without having to knock. But he declined to do so when it was late, thinking that it would be rude after all. After that one time when he encountered a Renner who was only wearing a thin silk dress, even his master consented to him on that point.
Climb smelled himself before he could hear the answer. Even though he had washed, his nose was used to the smell and he wasn’t confident whether or not the smell of blood was gone from his body. There was just no way that his attire was good enough to enter the room of a princess. However, it was necessary that he promptly report today’s events with his own mouth.