Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Valkeros (3)

#51

The normalization work of Valkeros began.

The most urgent task was rescuing the real lord and the hostages.

The location the mouse man informed was the same as the place he knew.

Bran who was walking along the sewer turned to the side.

“Kale. Are you okay?”

“Yes. Now nothing.”

Kale nodded.

Light had returned to the large clear eyes.

It was unbelievable that until just one hour ago he was suffering from a severe fever.

“I don’t know why suddenly like that. There is becoming extremely cold.”

“Hmm. Because of the energy of the Outer Sea? Although it didn’t even touch directly.”

Fortunately now both Divine Power and mana were activating well.

The sphere floating above the two’s heads emitting light that Kale created was proving that.

Bran tapped Kale’s head.

“As of now I also don’t know. If it hurts again tell me.”

“Yes.”

“You have to definitely tell? If just enduring for nothing the illness gets bigger.”

“Ehehe··· understood.”

Kale smiled bashfully.

Touching the head was also good, but above all the fact that Bran cared about him was happy.

While walking side by side every time shoulders touched the impulse to hold hands rose, but he well knew the fact that holding hands between men is not ordinary.

Looking around Bran let out admiration.

“Complicated too. Like this people can’t find it.”

Whether because a large city the sewage facilities were also giant.

Sewage that flowed from the Steel Tower was flowing beside the two.

Kale who forcibly hid the flustered signs nodded.

“Th-that’s right. Still the smell not coming is good I think.”

“Of course because you are exerting Divine Power. The moment this light goes out it will be a dying taste··· eh? Arrived.”

Then, Bran who discovered the destination stopped in place.

In front of the bending corner two armed soldiers were loitering.

The soldiers who discovered Bran gripped the spear shafts.

“W-wait. Ahead of this is entry prohibited!”

“Kids? Do you know where here is and loitering?”

The movements were threatening but there were plenty of flustered signs on the faces.

Behind them one new model golem was sprawled.

The reason security is lax compared to the importance of the facility is originally because that golem is the main force.

Bran muttered.

“No need to leave them alive. Anyway they would be Silien’s snitches.”

“What?”

Even before the soldiers expressed doubt.

Bran who was shot forward like a bullet pulled the sword hilt.

Slaaash!

The two’s heads surged to the ceiling.

The staggering corpses collapsed over the golem.

“Hik.”

“Let’s enter.”

Bran who collected the key from the soldiers’ bosoms moved his steps.

The fact that stats rose in bulk was clearly felt.

Someday bursting the head by gripping it barehanded like Ilark would not be a distant future.

‘Fortunate Ilark is not here.’

Because the sewer is narrow it seemed good that he left her at the Steel Tower.

If together she would have definitely rushed first before himself.

Turning the corner several times iron bars came out.

Click.

The moment inserting the key into the lock and turning, a surprisingly clean prison was revealed.

“···W-who are you?”

“Hiiiik! I can’t die yet!”

About thirty people were confined in the prison.

Men and women old and young mixed evenly. Most were families of researchers working in the secret laboratory.

Judging from the reaction it seemed they mistook himself and Kale for Silien’s subordinates.

“Not that kind of thing so everyone prepare to go home.”

“H-home?”

Leaving the researchers who were having fits behind Bran entered deep into the prison.

By chance the first goal and second goal were together.

A man with impressive wild long hair and beard sitting cross-legged and a girl braiding that man’s hair.

“Guest. I’ll make it pretty~”

“Mm. Please.”

It was a truly perplexing scene but the work had to be done.

Stopping in front of the man enjoying the hair salon Bran opened his mouth.

“Lord. I came to rescue.”

“You are.”

The lord of Valkeros, Rohart raised his head.

Unlike other prisoners the eyes are alive.

Most of the hair was braided in Anne of Green Gables style so not much dignity was felt.

Bran said.

“I am Bran.”

“Did Silien send?”

“The opposite.”

Bran took out one fountain pen from his bosom and showed it.

The lord’s eyes opened round.

The fountain pen made of bulk metal was one of the items symbolizing Silien as the chief magic engineer.

One that is absolutely never handed over to others.

The lord nodded.

“Go.”

Truly a cool reaction.

The girl who was braiding hair tilted her head.

“Oh? Are we going out now?”

“Yes.”

The lord raised his body with the girl sitting on his shoulder.

The girl excited by the heightened vision cheered while squealing.

Click.

When Bran released the shackle, the lord who was blankly looking at him extended his hand.

“Thank you.”

Vocabulary inferior to the new model golem.

Smiling faintly Bran held his hand and shook it.

“You’re welcome.”

Anyway, this time it seems it is the real lord.

****

The rescue play ended smoothly.

Whether because the measures were fast no one died.

Bran and Kale returned to the Steel Tower bringing the hostages.

“Waa! Oppa!”

“My god, Ellie!”

The Linhardt siblings could also have an emotional reunion.

The girl who braided the lord’s hair was Linhardt’s younger sister.

The girl who ran with steps was embraced in Linhardt’s arms.

“No place hurt? Didn’t they just hit or something there?!”

“Yes. The lord played so it was fun.”

“Th-that is what···?”

“Still being with oppa is good. Now don’t work and stay with me.”

When the girl buried her face Linhardt bit his lower lip.

By the way for being in the sewer it seemed they paid attention to the hostages’ meals and health.

Although the possibility Silien did that kind of thing out of goodwill is slim, anyway since the result is good it was a well-done matter.

“Thank you. Really thank you.”

“Thanks to you I could regain father! He was the only family···!”

Happy was not only Linhardt.

The researchers who worked below the 3rd floor were all embracing and achieving emotional reunions.

Kale rubbed his eyes with his sleeve.

“Hueuk. Too fortunate.”

“Tsk, seeing this kind of thing appetite drops.”

Although Ilark grumbled of course it was bluff.

Turning her head in a direction without people she lightly swept her face.

“Uheuk··· heukheuk··· is it because I aged, only seeing this kind of scene tears come.”

The mouse man also sniffed.

He was standing next to Bran wearing thick handcuffs and shackles.

Wearing the lord’s clothes that do not even fit the body.

The more looking the more funny bastard this.

Bran called him.

“Hey. Bentley.”

“Squeak.”

The mouse man’s name was Bentley.

Actually a person with about 1/4 mouse beastman blood mixed, a character never encountered in the original world.

Called by Bran Bentley turned his head while making a servile smile.

“W-why is it sir···?”

“You. You said you weren’t Silien’s subordinate from the beginning?”

“Yes. Although she was my employer she was not the master. Knowing that witch was also only three months ago.”

“Then what did you do until coming here?”

“Embarrassing but··· I committed fraud going around various places. Because I could not change into the same person twice again I wandered the entire continent.”

Bentley deeply lowered his head.

Since it is words spat in a state of having ingested a truth serum it did not seem a lie.

Although an unbelievable petty criminal on the other hand it was understandable.

If a person deeply involved with the Abyss there is no way Bran would not have known until now.

Especially with such a luxurious name.

‘What to do with this bastard.’

Bran scratched the back of his head.

Originally he intended to cut the neck in one stroke but the degree of the crime was not as deep as thought.

He did not commit any evil deeds other than instructions and even that was poor.

A fool at the opposite point of Silien or something.

Strictly speaking the fact that he could quickly notice the anomaly of the Steel Tower was also thanks to Bentley’s terrible acting.

Transformation ability.

Finally making a resolve Bran nodded.

“Good. I’ll spare you.”

“Squeak! I-is it really?!”

“Yes. But you have to receive punishment.”

“P-punishment. What kind···!”

“Put your forehead here.”

Bran beckoned with his finger.

And showed the so-called “flick” motion of rolling the middle finger and unfolding at once.

Bentley’s eyes widened as if they would pop out.

“W-with that you let it pass? Sincerely?”

“Private sanction is. The rest the empire’s interrogators will judge.”

“Hueuk, if I can just save my life I don’t care anything. Thank you sir!”

Living he did not know he would see being glad hearing the words empire’s interrogators.

Bentley extended his head with a willing expression.

“Come, hit!”

A forehead that looked like it would have a hitting taste because glossy.

Because the stats rose in bulk only a few hours ago it was hard to catch the sense of how hard to hit.

Still he should give pain to the degree of obtaining a lesson right?

The moment the rolled middle finger unfolded.

Crack.

A sound as if bedrock splitting rang out.

If not a feeling then clearly there was a feeling of something breaking. Kale covered his mouth.

Thud.

Bentley with eyes flipped fell forward.

“Squeeb, squebebebeb···!”

And began convulsing the limbs.

Like a marionette with epilepsy.

The place hit by Bran was dented in.

Seeing the appearance of steam rising softly below the pants Kale was startled.

“Hiiik! D-dead?”

“Probably not.”

For now he was breathing.

Examining Bentley’s condition Bran added in an unconfident voice.

“······Probably.”

If wrong what. Regrettable.

Since he remembered all the information Bentley confessed it did not seem great regret would rise.

Still rather than dying it would be good if it ends at the line of becoming a fool.

Because the ability to imitate others belonged to quite rare even in the world of Return Road.

If only managed well usefulness would definitely arise.

‘What can be utilized should be utilized as much as possible.’

The Abyss is not omnipotent either.

At least at this point it is so.

And ending before they become complete was Bran’s goal.

Just as he was organizing the plan again in his head then.

“When would be good.”

The lord who approached without sound conveyed a meaningless question.

“Eh, when?”

Ilark flinched.

A human with similar eye level to herself so subtly threatening.

“I. Didn’t say the subject.”

Still the hair was braided in Anne style.

Sweeping the beard once the lord continued.

“The Steel Badge. Have to receive.”

***

Steel Badge.

A medal awarded to talents who devoted to Valkeros.

Including gold coins and citizenship, the best among the rewards of the commendation event.

Furthermore this time not a fake but the real lord.

‘There is absolutely no reason to refuse.’

The awarding ceremony of the Steel Badge was held in the evening three days after the rescue day.

Originally it was scheduled to proceed a month later, but the schedule was advanced by Bran’s request.

Although a good place, he could not stay in Valkeros forever.

“Uik, still broken. Disgusting woman.”

“H-here we fought··· extremely high···.”

Kale and Ilark stuck out their tongues.

Ilark the remaining traces of battle, Kale was admiring the scenic view where only the sky exists above the head.

The peak of the Steel Tower returned again.

The high wind brushing the cheeks is refreshing.

“Ahem. Everyone?”

Suddenly a clearing of the throat was heard from in front of them.

Turning the head a host standing with a troubled expression was visible.

Lord Rohart of Valkeros and the people surrounding.

“Ah···!”

The lord’s hair and beard were neatly trimmed.

On the crown the steel crown symbolizing the ruler of Valkeros was worn.

When met in the sewer it was like some beggar king but looking like this the dignity of the lord was definitely being transmitted.

Late realizing it is a place where formality must be kept the two took postures.

Rustle!

The host who let out a sigh of relief unfolded a golden scroll.

“Bran! Kale! Ilark Zarheim!”

As expected a vassal next to the lord the voice was clear.

Rustle!

Covering the scroll again the host retreated back.

“From now the medal awarding ceremony for these three contributors is conducted!”

Although the place was shabby the formality is certain.

Originally it was an event that should be held in the audience chamber, but because restoration work is not finished yet it could not be used.

But Bran rather liked the current situation.

Because it is also the place where he defeated Silien, and unlike then he could enjoy the scenery with a comfortable mind.

Step.

The lord who approached with a stride opened his mouth.

“Bran. Thank you for devoting for Valkeros.”

Finally came out.

The longest line output in the game.

The pentagonal medal gripped in the hand, the Steel Badge was glowing red receiving the sunset.

“You are. The hero of this city.”

Saying that Rohart bent his waist.

The moment the Steel Badge was attached to Bran’s chest, applause burst from all directions.

Clapclapclapclapclapclap!

Not a particularly loud sound.

Even that is buried in the wind sound and not well heard.

Honestly for a place commending the feat of stopping destruction there is a modest feel.

Because there was no thundering cheer, nor fireworks embroidering the sky.

‘Good.’

Still it does not matter. Rather he wanted that. The important people were all there.

Bilmoris who was clapping smiled brightly.

“As expected I knew you would do it. Iya, at the peak of the Steel Tower this kind of smell comes!”

Blind fairy blacksmith Bilmoris.

He closed the door of the workshop for one day today to see this awarding ceremony.

An extremely exceptional matter for Bilmoris who hammered iron without rest even one day.

Staring piercingly in the direction where the three are he smacked his lips as if a bit regrettable.

“Still at times like this not being able to see the front is regrettable. I should have managed even a little.”

“Definitely so. I’ll look if there is a way to regain my vision.”

Leodorn who was right next to opened his mouth.

“Ah. It was just words so you don’t have to mind!”

“Hehe, strictly speaking I also saved my life thanks to the weapon you made. If there is anything needed I’ll actively support so just say.”

Leodorn smiled benevolently.

Strictly speaking it was not wrong words.

He turned to Bran again.

“The best day.”

Although after returning to White Silver Song he always maintained a suit attire today is a bit different.

He was wearing the shirt and pants he wore when first meeting Bran restored.

The attire of that day when he was struggling with all his might to pull the carriage out of the swamp.

“Enjoy. Friends.”

Leodorn who exchanged gazes with the three showed a gesture of raising a glass like Gatsby.

“We have the qualification. Isn’t that right?”

Indeed it was so.

Kale whose emotions surged slightly bit his lower lip.

Suddenly, a soft tone rang out.

“Miss. The expression is too stiff.”

This is also a welcome voice.

In the place he slightly turned his gaze a woman in classic maid clothes was standing.

From the posture of modestly gathering both hands and straightening the waist more than enough elegance was felt.

“Try to recall the most pleasant moment as much as possible. Imagine when hugging the two and sleeping. The heart lightly. While calming the heat-.”

“S-shut up···! Not being quiet?”

Ilark’s ears reddened.

In a way Freude the number one contributor of the Silien raid.

Although he thought she would not come when sending the invitation she flew in one breath.

With the gold plum blossom colored tail fluttering under the maid clothes the surrounding attention was being drawn.

“Th-that tail? A snake beastman?”

“Lower the voice. It is the chief attendant of the Duke of Light Flame.”

“Huff. If the Duke of Light Flame surely...!”

Even from the appearance of the lord’s direct vassals holding their breath her position could be known.

Really thank you Freude. I’ll repay later.

“Everyone cool!”

“Oppa, unnie! Congratulations!”

Besides that there were several more.

Linhardt and his younger sister, some researchers who received favor in the secret laboratory.

Without empty formalities everyone was only people with connections.

“Sorry.”

“Yes? For what?”

Suddenly, the lord said.

Although a dry expression like always regret was dripping in the eyes.

“The place commending the heroes. Too frugal.”

“Aha. It’s okay.”

Bran smiled faintly.

If forcing a full-scale triumphal ceremony he would rather have refused the Steel Badge.

When enhancing hearing the sound from far was heard loudly.

The noise of the Steel District coming riding the wind was brushing the ears.

“You stupid bastards! How many times do I have to say I have to match the delivery cycleeeee!”

“Safety! Safety! Safety! Work start!”

“Yes. Thirty thousand crossbows you say. Not three thousand but thirty thousand··· fucked just.”

"Buy delicious chicken skewers!"

Surprisingly ordinary.

Things like destruction, or a fight staking the city’s fate are all dream-like stories.

The citizens who know nothing were leading the same daily life as always.

The same as that day when the two boys who just escaped slave status, and the old man whose entire property was one old carriage entered the city.

Bran said.

“I like this.”

Originally he fought to protect this kind of thing.

Because the most important value is originally within the obvious.

A smile rose at the corner of the lord’s mouth for the first time.

“Is that so.”

The smiling appearance was quite okay.

The lord who shook hands with Bran moved his steps to attach the medal to Kale.

It was the moment Bran who became a recipient of the Steel Badge slowly straightened his waist.

Pat!

A golden message rose before the eyes.

『The city of fire and steel. Succeeded in the salvation of Valkeros.』

『The shadow of destruction retreated from the city.』

『Amazing achievement! The good deed you achieved will remain and be transmitted for a long time.』

It was a message that automatically makes the mood good.

A period announcing the conclusion of a large episode, that exists even in the game.

Although there was no additional reward it did not matter anyway.

Because he already received more than the value of the hardship.

Just as he was enjoying the lingering of the endpoint then.

『However, your greatest achievement is not this.』

“Eng?”

『There were companions by your side.』

『Companions you led this far.』

『You twisted their fates and guided them to a new path.』

『The roots are deep and wide. You have sufficient qualification to advance to the next realm.』

A message of unfamiliar content rose.

Even as Bran who saved Valkeros with most characters this kind of thing is the first time seeing.

Roots? Next realm?

Just as he was dumbfounded wondering what all this sound is.

『The second unique trait of the playable character “Nameless Hero” is opened.』

“What.”

『You acquired the new trait “Weed’s Pack”!』