83 – Agillem (18)
“….”
After confirming that Hamel no longer moved, I threw the spear to the ground.
Thud!
The spear, which couldn’t be obtained even with a million gold coins, rolled on the ground in vain.
“….Phew.”
Finally, I exhaled a sigh.
Hamel’s proposal to cooperate and resist the ‘organization’ seemed somewhat promising.
Being someone who could move Agillem at will and had reached the level of a Ten Swordsman himself.
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Surely, it would have been a great help if I could borrow that power.
However, it was an offer not worth considering.
Initially, Hamel was an unbelievable human being, and it is unknown to what extent the organization’s restrictions could control Hamel.
If control extended to his actions, cooperating with Hamel would not be helpful but rather a suffocating act.
Hence, I did not even consider his proposal from the start.
No, in fact, the value or reasonableness of the proposal was not important from the beginning.
Regardless of how the story unfolds, my initial intention was to kill Hamel.
Because Hamel was an irredeemable villain.
He killed many people as he pleased and ruined even more lives.
Above all, he killed Bell’s father and simply toyed with Bell’s life for fun.
I could not forgive such a person.
So, I killed him.
The only troubling point might be that I did not confirm Bell’s wishes before killing him.
Her resentment towards Hamel is not something simple.
Simply killing him might not resolve her anger.
Or she might have wanted to be the one to kill him with her own hands.
But in this situation, it was difficult to consider such details.
I was at my limit, and Hamel was in the process of recovering in real-time.
Delaying could lead to Hamel recovering from his wounds, so there was no time to waste.
Moreover, although unlikely, there was always a possibility of interference.
…Well, it’s all in the past now, a decision has been made. There is no need to think about it anymore.
After organizing my thoughts, I turned around.
As I did, I met Bell’s gaze, still sitting on the ground, with eyes widened to their limit, looking up at me.
“…What in the world… No, I mean….”
It was clear she wanted to say something, but she couldn’t quite form a proper sentence.
Understandable.
In this situation, it’s rare to find someone who can calmly organize their thoughts to speak.
“Relax. I know you must have a lot to say and ask. But… it’s better to postpone that for now.”
I reassured Bell.
I understood her feelings a hundred times over, but the situation was not ideal for patiently waiting for her to speak.
“People will soon gather.”
Too much commotion had arisen from the fight with Hamel.
To the extent that people were nowhere to be seen in the vast pleasure district of Agillem.
Considering Hamel’s power and the reactions of the people here, such incidents were rare in Agillem, but once the fight ended and the commotion settled, it was inevitable that people would return in some way.
So, staying put would only attract unnecessary attention.
From my perspective, that was not a good thing.
It would have been the same under normal circumstances, but considering that we were being chased by the Empire, it was even more so.
Having heard my words, Bell, with a momentary look of confusion, scanned me and her surroundings with trembling eyes…
“…I see.”
She nodded her head shortly.
Then, she rummaged through her belongings and pulled out something to offer me.
“What’s this…?”
It was a key.
“This is one of the keys to my safe house. It’s better not to return home for unforeseen circumstances.”
With those words, she provided detailed instructions to the safe house.
“I’ll go ahead and wait there. I… have things to take care of here.”
Things to take care of.
It was easy to guess what that meant.
She would need to check on those who had fainted because of Hamel, and considering her position, there would be various other things to sort out.
Especially if Hamel, the head of the dark guild, and Agilrem were missing.
“Don’t rush.”
So, I lightly nodded and turned around.
Behind me.
“Thank you.”
A faint thank you was heard.
I didn’t turn back.
***
After discreetly entering the safe house Bell had revealed, I administered first aid using medical supplies and potions that were available there.
The wound wasn’t life-threatening by my standards, but from a general perspective, it was severe enough to be considered critical, so I couldn’t just leave it be.
Moreover, although the possibility was low, I couldn’t rule out the chance of being pursued by trackers at any moment.
Therefore, to be prepared for any eventuality, it was necessary to treat the body to the best of my ability.
After managing the first aid alone, I closed my eyes for a moment and rested.
Feeling quite fatigued due to pushing my not fully recovered body and the lack of complete understanding, I was far from at ease.
While taking a rest like that.
Click-
The door of the safe house opened quietly.
I was prepared to respond at any moment, but I wasn’t genuinely tense.
“It’s me.”
I had already realized that the approaching presence belonged to Bell.
“You’re here.”
I immediately got up from the bed in the safe house.
“Yes. I’m sorry. I’m a bit late.”
Bell apologized with a remorseful expression.
“No, it’s okay. I’ve been resting during that time too.”
I lightly nodded.
In fact, it had taken quite a while.
The fight had ended around dawn, and now it was the time to welcome the afternoon.
However, I didn’t express any dissatisfaction about that fact.
“Is everything sorted out well?”
Instead, I asked her a different question.
“Yes. Thanks to you.”
After a brief hesitation, Bell nodded affirmatively.
“I called for a priest to treat the injured, and I hastily organized the affairs of the Black Night… organization. The real work will begin now.”
“I see.”
I had somewhat anticipated such a response from her.
Although quite some time had passed, issues in that regard couldn’t be resolved in just a few hours.
It will take quite a long time even if we start in earnest. Especially for someone like Vel without a specific foundation at the moment.
“And just in case, I poked around some information groups, but there wasn’t a single one that thought you were involved in this matter. While complete peace of mind might not be possible, it seems you don’t need to worry too much.”
“…That’s a relief. Thank you.”
I hadn’t expected her to pay attention to such details, but honestly, it was a welcome consideration from my perspective.
I had thought she would, but the difference between having information and not having it affects the level of peace of mind.
After finishing that series of conversations, I didn’t say anything more.
Vel must have a lot to say, a lot to ask.
Silence settled within the hideout, and I wondered how much time had passed.
“…Thank you.”
Vel spoke up again.
“Thanks to you, Mr. Wade… I was able to seek revenge.”
She lowered her head towards me.
“If it weren’t for Mr. Wade, my life would have forever been at the mercy of that man’s plaything. Unable to die even when I wanted to, playing into the hands of the enemy who killed my father, living a worthless, painful life until I died. Truly… thank you.”
With a sincere voice, Vel expressed her gratitude to me.
I looked at her like that, and with a light smile, I said, “You don’t need to be so thankful.”
“No. No matter how thankful I am for this incident─”
“Vel saved my life too.”
“……”
“If it weren’t for Vel, I would most likely have died without a doubt. I’m just repaying a favor.”
It may be true that I saved her life, but the same goes for Vel.
She saved my life. Not only that, but she also stayed by my side all day long, taking care of me even when I couldn’t move properly afterwards.
So, there’s no need for her to show gratitude towards me.
I’m just repaying a favor.
“…Alright.”
Finally, Vel lifted her head.
Although her expression didn’t seem completely convinced like that of someone who fully understood, for now, she seemed willing to move on.
“…Is your body, okay?”
With a worried expression, she asked.
“I’m fine. I’ve had first aid and drank potions. It’s not perfect, but it’s not a big issue.”
“……”
She didn’t say anything, but there was no sign of worry disappearing from her eyes as she looked at me.
In response, I smiled.
“Don’t worry too much. Despite appearances, my body is sturdy. You saw it yourself, didn’t you?”
It was a reassuring statement to alleviate her worries, but it was certainly not a lie.
My body had reached a level known as the realm of determination, far beyond the ordinary level.
Even in grandeur that could shatter buildings, one could withstand a direct hit and walk away unscathed.
“…Sigh.”
At that moment, Belle let out a sigh.
Then, she looked at me with a somewhat puzzled expression.
“You really know how to pick your words. My heart almost dropped out of my chest.”
“…hahahaha.”
I forced a bitter smile at Belle’s words.
Certainly, from an observer’s point of view, there wouldn’t have been peace of mind.
To take that lightly might seem surprising.
‘Thank goodness.’
Yet, deep down, I felt relieved.
Belle, who had been lacking energy all along, seemed to have returned somewhat to her usual self.
“So, how did you manage to do that?”
“…Oh.”
“I expected you to be skilled, but you surpassed all expectations. Fighting against ten swords, and winning… It’s incredible.”
“…Hmm.”
I anticipated such a question at the moment I revealed my skills in front of her.
However, I hadn’t thought about the answer.
“…I was lucky.”
“Do you think that’s a convincing answer?”
“…No.”
Belle stared at me sharply, and I had no choice but to be cautious.
There was nothing more to say about it.
I hadn’t mentioned it before, thinking there was no need, but from Belle’s perspective, it might have been surprising and even upsetting.
“…Well, I don’t have much to say. Even if I were in Mr. Wade’s position, I wouldn’t have revealed all my skills from the start.”
Finally, the sharpness in Belle’s gaze faded as she stared at me intensely.
I felt a sense of relief at that fact, and the atmosphere returned to normal.
After that, we began to converse as usual, before she got fully occupied.
She checked on my physical condition and reorganized the parts that were poorly treated in first aid.
I listened to her about the process of cleaning up the scene and the reactions around.
Time passed in such a process, and before I knew it, the sky, which had been blue, began to turn orange.
That was when it happened.
“…I.”
Suddenly, Belle spoke up in a solemn tone.
“I will completely resolve the chaos of the Dark Night and restore it to its former state.”
Although it was a somewhat sudden declaration and assertion, I remained silent and simply gazed at her.
Caught by my gaze, Belle spoke again.
“And at the same time, I will expand my influence within the Dark Guild. Once that man is dead, chaos will return to the Dark Guild and Agilrem. Taking advantage of that, I plan to grow my influence and power within the Dark Guild.”
Her words continued.
“Eventually, with enough power, I will stand at the top of the Dark Guild. I will manage and watch over the Dark Guild of Agilrem so that it doesn’t erupt again. …Just like my father did in the past.”
Her eyes showed signs of fatigue, yet there was no wavering.
“I know it won’t be easy. I don’t possess overwhelming power like my father. However… there is potential. I may not match my father, but I have my own skills, and despite the lack of warmth, I’ve built a reputation in this world.”
Having weathered a storm-like day, still amidst its aftermath, she was already envisioning the future.
“It will be difficult. Undoubtedly challenging. Yet… I won’t give up. I will restore the Black Night, the Dark Land, Agilrem, to their former glory.”
“…I see.”
Only then did I nod.
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While what she experienced would have shattered an ordinary person long ago, she remained unbroken.
She is a strong person.
“So if it’s okay…”
As she was about to continue speaking, her lips fell silent.
For the first time, hesitation crept onto her face.
“…No, it’s nothing. I just… wanted to show my determination. It’s the opportunity you gave me, Mr. Wade.”
“I see.”
I nodded firmly.
Revealing a goal to someone gives strength to pursue it.
Perhaps that was what Belle meant.
Simultaneously, I felt relieved.
Relieved that Belle had a firm goal.
And, that Belle was an incredibly strong person.
“I’ll support you.”
“…Thank you.”
A slightly odd thing was the faint unease in Belle’s expression.
However, I didn’t dwell on it.
I attributed it to exhaustion from recent events and moved on.
In any case, time flowed once again in that manner.
Until the sky was completely dyed in twilight, and then in black once more.
***
“….”
Darkness once again descended upon the world.
From the silence that found its way to the sanctuary, I slowly rose from my seat.
It was time to leave now.