Breakthrough with the Forbidden Master

Chapter 335 – Reaffirmation

Everyone was touched by Mr. Aka’s kindness, got angry at the way he was treated, but rejoiced when we were able to reconcile, and before I knew it, no one was moving about, and they were all listening to me reminisce.

And then the story came back to that morning……

“So, Higu…… he said that if he was with me…… he would cause trouble for me…… just because we’re friends…… he left a letter behind…… Mr. Aka was nowhere to be found……

Before I knew it, I was crying.

Just talking about that moment, that morning, when I read that letter, I couldn’t help but get emotional.

But that’s ……

“””””Oooooooh!!!”””””

Every single one of them was crying.

Or rather…

“It’s so sad, Mr. Aka, you didn’t do anything wrong~……”

“Well, you’re just a child, Espie. You cry so easily. I’m …… Gusun…… not…… crying.”

“An admirable ogre… nay, a noble man… a fine soul indeed.”

“Sniff, ah, I am undone. I, once harbored hatred for all ogres, yet now……

“Such a kind-hearted ogre there was……”

“Mother, I’m not afraid of ogres anymore! The ogres that attacked us were bad people, but there are good ogres too!”

“Me too!”

“Aye, that is true. It’s not just ogres, but also people like the Young man, dear Espie, and the lad Slayer. The ranks of the Demon King Army and the Bockmati aren’t all there is.”

That’s too simple. A strangely surreal scene unfolded where the elves, who were said to be big-headed and looked down on other races due to their pride, were now all shedding tears.

But I was happy.

“…… that’s just like Aka…….”

Larou’iph also smiled at me sadly, even though she had tears in her eyes.

“But still…… still, Aka …… I’m glad he met you.”

“Larou’iph……”

“Me….. Aonii too…… our family were all caught up in war and hatred…… that’s why I’m glad …… that he met someone like you who treated him as a person, who wasn’t afraid of him, and who was willing to face him head-on.”

“I’m not…… so sure that’s……”

“It is. Aonii must have realized that when he clashed with you. That’s why…… he thought that he should never let you die.”

“…… I see…….”

When she said that, I couldn’t help but remember what Tre’ainar had said to me that day, and I looked at him who was beside me, and he smiled.

――Child, tis no consolation. That ogre must have truly been saved by meeting you. You certainly became his friend. Tis why he is no longer before you. You know naught of the world. I know not the depths of humans and demons. Your power is weak, as well. But… nevertheless, even though you were human, you befriended an Ogre. I am the first to witness such. Truly, you have done well.

Because I was helpless, Mr. Aka took care of me and disappeared before me.

Still, I was happy to meet Mr. Aka……

That’s why those words that were said at the same time……

―― It may be harsh to say, but the public’s eyes are not as lenient as you think. Because he understands it better than anyone, he left you. The eyes around you do not matter? Do not make me laugh. No matter how aggressive your remarks, you who knows nothing of the world, its people, or of demons have no basis. Tis unreliable.

What about me now? Even if I say something bullish, as I am now, I can do a little…?

『At the least…… there was no falsehood in you personally…… such trust was had, I believe.』

In response to the question I had, Tre’ainar gave me an assessment that sounded like a passing grade.

I felt that I had gotten a little better since then, and I felt that I had been saved a little.

That’s why……

“We have to carry Aonii’s share of the burden…… Larou’iph…… both of us.”

“…… Yes…… that’s right…….”

Larou’iph and I realized once again that we cannot let Aonii’s feelings, which he entrusted to us at the cost of his life, go to waste.

“Big brother, you definitely have to find Mr. Aka!”

“Yeah! Even if something happens, I’ll be there to help!”

“Ah, Slayer, you’re cheating! I’ll be the one to do it! I’ll beat up the people who bully Mr. Aka!”

“No, it’ll be me!”

And when Espie and Slayer, who were completely engrossed in my story, clung to me and spoke with a snort, I couldn’t help but laugh again and nod in agreement at the same time.

“Alright, Dark Elf! You too… find Aka and bring him joy!”

“Oh, yes, yes!”

“Indeed, as it stands, Aka’s plight will be too pitiful! Please go to his side and offer your support!”

Then, one after another, the elves, who were overwhelmed with emotion, thought about Mr. Aka’s happiness and asked Larou’iph to fulfill her role.

But Larou’iph shook her head sadly at the words.

“I can’t…… as I am right now…… no matter what everyone says…… after listening to Aka’s story…it makes me feel that…for a woman like me…….”

Saying this, Larou’iph dropped her shoulders and looked down.

Listening to Aka’s story from me, she seems to be sad because she thinks she doesn’t deserve it.

“Then, then perhaps, in saving more people than you have slain. you may yet find redemption.”

“No, Yitea, there needn’t be any redemption, don’t you see? In the throes of war, reciprocation reigns, and besides, you don’t believe her to be wicked in the first place, do you? Even though she may ponder upon her deeds…… then, there is no redemption required.”

“You…… may be right, but…….”

“Indeed, it’s a conundrum. How does one make amends for slaying in the heat of war? That is a puzzlement beyond reckoning.”

Right. It was mutual. Both sides carry blame. It’s not about who’s right or wrong in this era of war.

So it’s not about redemption.

But, it is not something that can be easily resolved.

“For now, instead of worrying about making amends, why don’t you try living in a way… that makes you feel like you can go meet them in your current state? Just a thought.”

At the end of the day, I don’t have an answer, but I have to continue living. I have to reward Aonii.

That’s why the Chieftain may be right.

But then, when I met Mr. Aka, I didn’t get the feeling that Larou’iph and Mr. Aka had already reunited.

I don’t know if she was looking for Mr. Aka in the world more than ten years from now, or if she hadn’t met him yet……

“I guess to answer that question…… I’ll first have to… yeah.”

Yes, no matter how much I think about it now, history has already been decided.

In that case, all I can do is go and see what happens.

Yes, to go back to the time I came from.

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