Chapter 21

It's heavy... I really agonized over it.

Next, I'll insert some casual conversation before moving on to the next chapter.

The next chapter is the Kingdom Arc, right? I'll change the chapter title.

What would be good?

Amidst the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

Lord Yuse said, leaving me frozen in shock, "As a guild staff member, you will train adventurers and mercenaries in the capital while also visiting the knights."

I will move to the capital's guild and continue working at the counter as I have been.

And I will interact with the knights, helping them to grow.

Lord Yuse said that he will prepare a collaborator in the capital's branch.

Even if I am noticed by other countries, the country will protect me.

On the other hand, this also means a life under surveillance.

As for the knights, I was told to start by achieving results with the Mencis Knights.

The captain is the second son of the Stern Duke's family.

It seems that the captain has been talked to for the sake of the country.

I will be his friend and give him advice using my skills.

"Surely you have already met Captain Stern."

"Didn't we talk in the courtyard early in the morning?"

Tristan!

He was the captain.

Then, was I being tested by him?

"Yes, he didn't know anything yet. That was before I arrived."

Lord Yuse smiled casually, saying that it was easier to persuade him since we had already met.

Before I knew it, I was surrounded. I wasn't given the option to refuse.

"Well, I will be leaving now."

"Let's see you off with Noah."

Lord Yuse said and went outside, and we also left the observation room.

A knight standing in front of the door followed behind Lord Yuse.

The dragon knight inspection team was already prepared and waiting for Lord Yuse.

The old man said his goodbyes.

I couldn't think of anything, but I managed to say my farewells.

Lord Yuse nodded calmly in response.

"Noah, I will return to the capital and wait for you. When you arrive, please occasionally give me advice."

With that, Lord Yuse returned to the capital.

"Uncle, Lord Yuse is—"

"The late king."

Eustitia Albion. The name of the late king.

Uncle is really an old acquaintance and a friend, it seems.

Even after abdicating the throne to his son about two years ago, he continues to work for the country.

That's why he can immediately make arrangements with the Duke's son, Tristan.

"Noah."

"Yes, Uncle."

"You can leave this country without anyone noticing. You might even be able to live somewhere without anyone knowing."

Uncle, you're overestimating me.

I don't have the courage or the initiative for that.

"Even if that were the case, I wouldn't think you betrayed me. I took away your freedom first, after all."

When I was told to go to the capital, I wanted to run away.

I only thought about it, though; I didn't have the courage to actually run away.

"But that wouldn't be good for you."

"For me...?"

"Yes."

Uncle looked at me straight and said,

"Noah, why do you live?"

Why do I live?

I've lived trying to stay away from danger because I don't want to die.

Every day, I pretended to protect the people around me, ignored what I couldn't see, and lived in a safe zone.

Without any goals.

"I don't know why you draw a line with those around you, but I consider you family. Chris, Veronica, and Nigel do too."

I don't want to be involved.

Why did I start thinking this way?

Living means creating some kind of connection.

It can be called a bond, a connection, or a family.

If you don't have any of these, you might as well live alone in the mountains from the start.

I live in this world, yet how long will I be held back by the previous one?

"Go. If you don't like it, you can come back."

Uncle patted my shoulder gently. It was heavy but warm.

I returned to the town of Albus with the Mencis Knights, just as I had come.

I haven't talked much with Tristan yet.

While the knights were resting and resupplying, I visited the guild.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"Congratulations on your promotion to the capital."

The branch manager said it casually.

Muss, Eugene, and the others were sad to see me go.

Muss is now a full-fledged appraiser. I can entrust Eugene and Marie to him.

I didn't get to see Alex, but I'll send him a letter next time.

I packed my things simply at the dorm. Most of the furniture was provided, and I didn't have many personal items.

I asked Eugene to take care of the things I couldn't dispose of.

I can see that my life was just going back and forth between the guild and the dorm.

Even though I thought I was enjoying it, I suddenly feel empty when I remember what Uncle said.

I thought about it on the carriage ride to the capital.

If the next dark period comes and the monsters attack, and the human side can't defend itself.

There's little I can do alone.

But I feel more at peace with dying after doing something rather than doing nothing.

I still haven't made up my mind to fight or protect.

But I need to make up my mind to live in this world.

If strengthening the knights can give meaning to my life, I'll try it.

When I think about it, being born with a unique ability, being taken care of by Uncle, and meeting the late king,

I feel that there is a purpose to my fate.

If there is a meaning to being born in this world with my memories, I wish someone would tell me.

2015/01/10 Revised