NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 137
The God of War, me, and that Grandfather.
The three of us found ourselves in a moment of silence, staring at each other.
Grandfather had a look of shock on his face.
The God of War seemed lost in thought.
And I… was just astonished.
Why on earth were the God of War and that Grandfather together?
And from the looks of their recent conversation, they seemed like good friends.
Wasn’t that Grandfather supposed to be disliked by the Knights?
“W-well,”
As Grandfather tried to say something, the God of War suddenly brightened up and looked at me.
“Oh! I see! You’re….”
“Goodness, you wretched brat!”
Just as the God of War was about to speak, Grandfather suddenly surged forward, bringing his staff down on the God of War’s head and clamping his mouth shut.
“Uh, eeeh?!”
“Stop spouting nonsense and just get out of here!”
“Wait, huh bu-be, ievou-?”
“Oh good grief, you little brat, come out here for a second.”
With a series of unintelligible exchanges, Grandfather dragged the God of War outside.
For some reason, the God of War couldn’t do anything and was being led away by that Grandfather.
Thud.
After this sudden event, I couldn’t help but think:
There’s someone who can physically overpower the God of War?!
…I resolved then and there to avoid getting on that Grandfather’s bad side.
#
From outside, I could hear some murmurs of conversation going on before only Grandfather returned inside.
Since the God of War didn’t come back, it seemed like he was just kicked out.
I had a hunch that he was hiding something from me, but without solid proof, I felt hesitant to say anything.
“Welcome, Sir Tanton. I have been waiting for your arrival.”
“…Oh, really? Waiting for me?”
“How could I not welcome someone who understands the Watcher’s words? Those who act otherwise shall not be forgiven by the Watcher.”
Ugh.
That cultish vibe was still strong.
But maybe it’s just nostalgia since it’s been a while.
Um.
But now that I’m about to ask something, it feels awkward.
Is it okay to just ask anything?
“Well…”
“Oh, if you feel like it might take long, how about we talk inside? Have you eaten?”
“Yes, I had a light meal.”
“Then I’ll fetch some snacks, so please wait a moment.”
Hah.
Is the Watcher still around?
How did they know I’d be speaking for a while?
Before I could gather my thoughts, I was led by Grandfather and seated at a table.
“Please wait a moment. I’ll bring some sweet jam and bread.”
After seating me, Grandfather opened a door and disappeared inside.
Hmm.
What’s this about?
Suddenly being treated like a guest feels a bit uncomfortable.
I took a look around to distract myself from my awkwardness.
The walls were made of stone, giving a clumsy vibe, but the interior decor was quite well organized.
It gave off that quintessential medieval imagery.
Yeah, it really is a space I’ve never seen before.
Why does it feel so familiar, though?
Like I’ve been in a place just like this.
“Oh dear, you look so bored. I’m sorry. Here’s the bread and jam. I brought some milk too; your throat might feel dry.”
Just then, Grandfather arrived, carrying a tray with bread, jam, and a cup of milk.
He set aside my share and his, then motioned for me to eat first.
Well, I did feel a bit hungry.
I accepted the food he offered and popped it into my mouth.
It was soft and mild-tasting bread, exactly to my liking.
“Grandfather.”
“What is it?”
“The room’s decoration is a bit unusual.”
At my question, Grandfather smiled warmly, as if recalling a fond memory.
“Ah, yes. This is how I’ve always decorated my rooms since I was young.”
“Oh, really?”
“I used to decorate like this even when living in another land.”
Huh.
“You came from somewhere else?”
“Indeed. I was led here by the Watcher’s revelation.”
Wow, I hadn’t realized he spread his teachings in so many places.
If there really is a revelation from the Watcher, perhaps he genuinely wanted to enlighten people.
Seeing that Grandfather, I couldn’t help but feel he must have also struggled back in the day, just like I do.
A sense of kinship, perhaps?
My initial discomfort had turned into a warm feeling.
Oh dear, I was rambling on for no reason.
Clearing my throat, I interrupted my thoughts.
“Now, onto the main topic.”
Grandfather’s eyes shifted to a kind expression as if to say I could ask anything.
“I wanted to ask about the Watcher.”
“Oh! So Sir Tanton also wishes to understand the Watcher more deeply!”
“Uh, no. I’m not asking from a religious standpoint.”
I slightly pressed down on the overly excited Grandfather’s shoulder to calm him and settled back in my seat.
“Grandfather, please don’t go blabbing about this to others.”
“I swear by the Watcher, I promise!”
If he’s invoking the Watcher, it should be safe, right?
After giving him the signal to lean in, I whispered.
“Right now, we’re almost gathered enough power to face the Giant of the Snow Mountain.”
“Is that true?”
“Yes. We just need a bit more preparation and to eliminate any variables.”
It seemed he finally understood what I meant, as Grandfather nodded with a serious expression.
“Is that why you came to understand who the Watcher is?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“In that case, there might not be much to find out. The Watcher has always been favorable toward Sir Tanton.”
But his response was more deflating than I’d expected.
The idea that the Watcher was favorable to me was somewhat disappointing.
Well, I mean, it makes sense that he asked me to help during the purge of the cultists.
“Still, I want to experience it myself. I’m the kind of person who realizes things through direct experience.”
“That’s fair. I think it’s a good method to engage directly, Sir Tanton. In fact, the Watcher might appreciate it more!”
Grandfather’s enthusiastic assurance made me scratch my head.
No.
Why has everything related to this Outsider been so welcoming to me from the beginning?
“If Sir Tanton intends to go himself, I’ll provide you with a map of the buildings from where you used to live. You’ll be able to trace the Watcher’s traces there.”
“Oh, thank you! I’ll make good use of it.”
Hmm.
So I’ll need to take a train again.
I wonder who would be the best to take with me.
…A Hunter would be ideal for this kind of situation, but would just the two of us be okay?
Sounds a bit scary.
“Thank you for today, Grandfather. I’ll come visit again sometime.”
“Come by anytime, Sir Tanton. I’ll always have bread and jam ready for you.”
“Haha, thanks.”
Due to my immediate departure, I didn’t catch what he murmered.
“The time we shared over a meal is always a joy, you see.”
#
I checked the map Grandfather gave me, but it wasn’t a place I could visit comfortably in just a day.
It was at least a four-hour train ride away.
Isn’t this the center of the empire?
Grandfather really is an impressive person, huh?!
Anyway.
For now, let’s head back to the branch.
In order to prepare for the final battle, I need to manage my condition as best as I can.
I’ll maximize recovery and eliminate any accumulated fatigue.
That is the first principle of becoming stronger.
“Sir Tanton.”
“Branch Manager.”
Oh?
Didn’t the Branch Manager say he was going on a mission today?
He’s already back.
“Thank you for your efforts.”
“It’s nothing; compared to what you endure, it’s trivial.”
The Branch Manager greeted me with a warm smile at my salute.
Hmm?
Now that I think about it, he’s wearing a purple hat.
Did he get it when he went on his mission?
The Branch Manager has quite the cute side.
“Where did you go today?”
“Remember that cult old man?”
“Ah, that one.”
“I went to ask him something.”
“Hmm, I see.”
The Branch Manager seemed curious but stopped talking after noticing my tired expression.
He really is thoughtful at times.
“Oh, by the way, Sir Tanton. Didn’t anyone visit the branch today?”
“Who are you referring to? No one came while I was here.”
“Surely that can’t be true. Someone was supposed to visit today.”
Hmm.
This is tricky.
If the Branch Manager is saying so, it implies it’s someone quite important.
There’s no choice but to find out for myself.
I pulled out my notepad to write down what I heard.
“Could you tell me the name? I’ll go find them myself.”
“Hmm, alright. Listen carefully and write it down.”
With that, I cleared my mind and focused on the Branch Manager’s words.
“Yes, please go ahead.”
“Zumiya, that’s her name.”
“Zumiya, is that correct? …Uh.”
Without thinking, I repeated what the Branch Manager said and suddenly felt a chill run down my spine.
Zumiya.
That name sounded very familiar.
Realizing this, when I turned to look at the Branch Manager, it felt like my brain was going numb.
“Yeah, that’s right, Sir Tanton.”
Yellow eyes.
Purple hair.
And the horns sticking out from the top of her head.
“The one whose name you now speak is me.”
The Dragon Slayer was standing right in front of me.
“So you did know and just didn’t call, my lord.”
“Uh, no… it’s just that you…”
“Regrettably, my lord. Words that cannot be heard originally cannot be conveyed in this manner.”
Ah.
No way.
This is terrible.
“Yeah, you insufferable lord. Since you’ve called my name, you must come to my domain, just like you did for that weed.”
“Ah, no, this isn’t a Count…”
“My lord.”
Stepping back while trying to escape from the Dragon Slayer, I ended up in her embrace.
It felt even tighter than being in handcuffs.
“Don’t resist; just surrender your body to me.”
“…Gah!”
And thus, Leydan Tanton vanished on the spot.