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Took me ages but... here's Chapter I of Novel 14 completely translated ^____^
well, almost. there are a couple of sentences that I don't exactly understand, so I just typed them in Japanese, maybe someone will have some ideas and help me out.
And I also need help with names. I just sort of used English words that fit best, but I've no idea how to write the name of Sara's brother... Anyways, feel free to share your ideas and point out mistakes, which I'm sure I made plenty.
"Wolfram?!"
That was certainly his voice. I heard my own name called too. However, it was someone else's voice, not Wolfram's or mine.
"Are you ok? Hey, where have you been stabbed?!"
I'm asking to confirm what I already know. After all the one who injured him is me.
Wolfram, who was crouching, let out a short growl and stood on both feet.
His rounded back straightened a little and his body was separated from my arm.
Confused I tried to reach his silhouette, and went for the bright sunlight that was coming down from above the ground.
"Wait, Wolfram, where are you... ?"
I stretched my left arm and reached out towards the place where his body seemed to be.
It felt like a torn piece of cloth, an animal fur to the touch.
My index finger got wet with something warm. I rubbed my hands, they were sticky.
"I'm sorry, I'm really...."
Wolfram tried to step back, I pulled him closer, hugging his waist with my right arm and putting my left palm over his stomach.
I've gathered the heat and then I will distribute and make it flow here. When I raised my arm sharp pain ran through it. I was healed this way many times. Even I should be able to do it, if I do exactly the same. Gisela and Anissina taught me how to do it and I've already done it before, haven't I?
"Stop it!"
I was thrust away with a strong force and my back hit the ground with a clinking sound. Propping on both elbows I raised the upper half of my body.
"...Wolf?"
"Don't touch me!"
Of course I couldn't see the expression on his face so I couldn't judge, but it was obvious he was angry. It was in his emotions and his voice.
Because we are in a well lit place his silhouette is very clear. Even though it's not the same honey gold color, which I could see when I had perfect eyesight, he's still shining with golden color against the surroundings. However, his body was ashen gray color, considering it is him, I realized that he was wearing unusual clothes. Perhaps, that was the reason why I got confused.
"I'm sorry. I was mistaken, I didn't think it was you.."
On the bridge that was still in the dim part of the field of my sight another silhouette fell. Well, not exactly fell. I couldn't see clear, but it was more someone pulled a rope and there it was.
"Yuri!"
It was Conrad's voice. Unlike his usual one it was full of panic.
Passing Wolfram who stood still, he came closer to me still lying on my back and squatted down as though to look me in the eyes. Thanks God, now we'll be able to treat Wolfram's injury.
"I'm happy (you're here), Conrad, Wolf's injury is very bad. Please, help me, hold him down while I'm applying my hands (to his injury)."
"Wolfram is fine. His clothes and torso are barely cut. Thanks to the amulet the wound is not deep. There's nothing Your majesty should be troubled about."
"But that blood!"
"It is your blood."
"Heh?"
"You have a cut on your palm. And not only that."
I pull my shoulder a bit roughly. During thate sharp pain runs through the right side of my body. I moan unintentionally. After a short apology I lose all my strength, but the firm tone of my voice doesn't change.
"What is it?..."
"What?"
Without giving me time to ask again Conrad turns back and shouts.
"Sizemore!"
"Yes, your Excellency."
At that moment one more person's silhouette appeared.
The big one moving towards us in a hurry must be Captan Sizemore. Even ancestors could hardly predict that this family who's lived in the sea would be invited to the land where there's only sand around. He is extremely out of place.
"Do we have a piece of cloth to treat His majesty's injury?"
Conrad ordered to Sizemore, "Seize him."
The silhouette that looked like Captain stopped moving and asked, "Whom?"
He wasn't able to hide confusion.
"Lord von Biefeldt. He injured His Majesty. We can't let him be approach His Majesty."
This time it was my turn to be confused.
"Wait a second, it's not like that, Conrad! It's a misunderstanding."
"Whatever reason it was, but Wolfram was pointing his sword at you. That is inexcusable. You haven't noticed, but your right shoulder is injured."
When I was told that I remembered. We were both pointing swords at each other. When I got sword in my hands, at the very same time he grasped his sword. Did we strike each other at the same time?
"Didn't you hear me?!" Lord Weller said once again to a confused and hesitating Sizemore.
After that Captain's hair which has already been thin seemed to diminish even further. Because now there were two people giving orders.
"There is no reason to listen to it!" /Wolfram/
A small wind blew on my cheek, have Wolfram moved his arm when he said those words? He can move so casually, like always. And there is strength in his voice. I stroked down my chest.
"Don't misunderstand, Lord Weller. They are Shin Makoku's soldiers. They won't listen to your orders. Sizemore, there is no need to arrest me. However, take me under surveillance, and if I try to approach His Majesty you can use full force to stop me."
I wasn't the only person who seemed relieved. How many loyal soldiers will choose an easier order to obey? Captain Sizemore obviously had a relieved expression.
"It is fine that we have to stop you, however, why is that, Your Excellence?..."
Surely, that last part got me worried. Haven't I done the same thing?
"There is no need for you to know." /Wolfram/
"Wait a sec, Wolf, what is this surveillance thing for?Why can't you be allowed to come close to me? And, more important, why are you here? Explain everything. How are we supposed to understand if you're not telling anything?!"
"Why am I here?" Not coming any closer Wolfram asked with a mere smile in his voice. This smile is neither mocking or awkward nor does it feel genuinely happy. The best way to describe it is full of self confidence.
"It is my duty to stand by King's side!"
"Yeah but..."
"That's why I came here to find you."
I wanted to see what his face looked like when he said that. He was definitely standing with his hands crossed, puffing his chest up a bit, his chin raised at such angle as to gaze slightly down.
"So you came here to find me. Thank you."
However, I got carried away having mistaken him for an enemy and injured him.
He is definitely angry. Can't blame him for being disgusted with me (falling out of love with me - whichever you like better XD)
But a new silhouette appeared, and to my small surprise I didn't notice it.
Are they really using a rope? In an instant he landed on his bottom and groaned loud,
"Uwa! It hurts!! Hurts! But I am here to explain everything! I'm going to explain everything!"
"Dakascos?"
I'm gonna be honest, I recognized him not by his voice, but by his head, the shiny top of it that was reflecting the sunlight.
"In short, both his excellency Wolfram and his excellency Gyun volunteered to rescue Your Majesty. But his excellency Gyunter was no competition... <うちの閣下がそりゃもうズルズルでダラダラの汁まみれだったから、勝負にならなかったよ>"
"Don't talk about things that don't concern you, Dakascos! Hurry up and bring a piece of cloth and water. We should treat Yuri's wound first."
"Yours too, Wolf."
I reached for Wolfram's back. Getting frustrated, I extended my arm towards the silhouette that looked like his back. But as I expected I couldn't reach him.
"Fine, if you say you don't want me to touch you, but let's treat your wound properly. Since it's not deep let's do it right here. Where is Gizela? Is she not coming?"
"Your Majesty..."
As Dakascos apologized he covered his head with his hand. I knew it immediately as the shiny light on top of his head became obscured.
"Sergeant's magic is too strong, it is hard for her to step on the land. She stayed in the sea."
"Wait a sec, the sea you say... How did you escape that horrible storm?"
"Ah, that was all thanks to Commander Yamanami and Terrybon..."
From conversation between Captain Sizemore and Dakascos I learned that to arrive to the country of Holy Sand they strayed from the regular sea route quite a bit. Since long ago this route has been used by smugglers and pirates and therefore was called the golden road or thief's route, however it takes great courage and strength to navigate between complicated ocean currents and archipelagos.
Anyway, being a man of valor and unbreakable spirit Captain Sizemore must have successfully sailed through the storm. However, why did my Shinmakoku rescue squad choose such a suspicious route?
"Commander Yamanami's grandfather or great grandfather were thie... I mean unofficial merchants and together with our social guy Terrybon they somehow remembered about this route."
"So, Yamanami's ancestors were pirates."
"We arrived to this continent's northeast hidden harbor, got the horses, split up, but only our group has safely arrived to Your Majesty's. I'm so happy! That's all thanks to His Excelency Gunter's cursed guidance."
"Wait a sec, wait a sec! What's the deal with Gunter's curse? Did Gunter curse me? He didn't boil the poor kitten in the pot, did he? Gwendal wouldn't have allowed that, no way.. Ouch!"
Conrad who was checking my palm squeezed it hard attaching the bandage. Immediately it began to bleed... Or so I felt. I still couldn't see anything.
"Please, bear with this until the wound closes up. Your shoulder is severely bruised but it seems it didn't reach the bone. Well, let's hear the ending of the story later. Or soon our baggage will start to give us trouble."
When I heard 'baggage' I remembered. Sararegui was left hanging in the sack above the ground.
That made not only my shoulder and palm but also my head ache.
On top of that happy-go-lucky Dakascos decided to ask about the contents of the sack. Ignoring the question, I slowly raised my body from the stone wall. Damn, I know I'm not well but for now my legs are fine. It'll be Ok, I can stand properly so I can walk on my own.
"If there are no objections I will carry (him) on my shoulder like this... Your Majesty?"
"Ah?.. Yes, I guess."
I continue to walk towards the hole, glancing at the deep underground passage in the darkness. I don't want to stop here. But at the same time I don't feel like leaving either, I just keep staring at the darkest hole.
"Yuri"
"...I know."
I know I can't return to the group. He's not happy, but what can I do about this? I can't make it on my own. I feel like I'm wondering alone in the darkness. I was thinking about corpses so this horrible noise really made me terrified. I am sick of myself for always accepting.
Conrad whispers to me, almost like he knows what I've been thinking.
"That's only because we cannot let (him) sleep on the ground."
"Really?"
"We will do our best to return him home. Whichever place he choses as home. Although right now it's hard to tell."
I hope the place he chooses as home will be close to me.
Our journey through the desert was horrible.
Meet the dream of all pre-schoolers, stuffed toy-rucksack! Just like that strapped to Conrad's back I was dragged up to the surface.
There was too much direct sunlight even for my weakened eyesight. The first couple of minutes before my eyes got used to it everything around looked absolutely white.
However, not being able to tolerate the light became a good excuse. It is better to let everyone think that I can't get used to bright sunlight than let them know that I can't see anything. Anyway I spent, we spent almost a week in darkness. With very little sunlight, hungry, and our throats hurting - I'm drained. I can't even ride a horse by myself. And by that I mean there is a very still body of captain Sizemore behind my back. His arm froze at 90 degrees and his upper body was as straight as though someone stuck a bat to his back.
"Riding with His Majesty is an honor!" he said and after that there was no use for words. Finding it inexcusable to use captain as a pillow in this situation, I was trying to sit straight by myself.
And it's a big lie that you can sleep even riding a horse.
That is why I must not rely on Wolfram. He is the injured one and probably is busy with problems of his own.
A small injury for a soldier is different from what is considered a small injury for an athlete. For us baseball kids sprain is a severe injury and it takes three weeks to completely recover from it. But having your stomach pierced with a sword is the same as missing the whole season. Same as making all fans downhearted.
Conrad has been riding with blindfolded Saralegui. He is currently allying with Shinmakoku, or rather with me personally, although officially he is an emissary from Dai Shimaron. For some reason the presence of Shou Shimaron's King was considered highly appropriate in this situation.
At any rate Saralegui is a big fish.
Even though the hems of his loose clothes are tied to the saddle and he has to go as far as wearing a blindfold to protect his weak eyes, without showing any fear or resentment he is asleep, his body leaning on Conrad.
"He's sound asleep. He probably won't wake up even if he falls off the horse." Dakascos said in amazement.
Both guys from the country of Holy Sand and Shin Makoku were shocked when they found out about the contents of the sack (Sara). The most shocked one was our interpreter Achira-san who went pale and just ran away... it seems. I was holding my breath and only heard the sound of footsteps on the sand. Even though we've explained that it wasn't the emperor of Holy Sand Yelsey but his twin brother Sara not everyone from opposition forces was convinced. Even though older brother was evacuated, the discovery brought about the crisis in the underground resistance movement. Even though Sara was blindfolded somehow they are keeping their distance from us.
"Are you tired, Your Majesty?" Hazel Graves would ask sometimes riding to the last part of the group (where I was).
"I am fine. Sara is fine too, I think. Just as you can see yourself."
"Yeah, he seems to be all relaxed back there."
That was so true. I can hear him snoring even here.
"There should be an oasis somewhere soon. Hopefully this map is accurate."
"Do you know which way everyone went before?"
"If only we had some magnetic stone we could make a compass. When I was a kid I could make one using a needle! Although I don't know if it would work the same way here as it did on Earth."
"Oh, I see."
But I doubt it would help to determine the destination in the desert where there are no landmarks. Captain Sizemore's magnetic needle was shaking behind my head.
"By the way Your Majesty, there is something I've been wondering about." Hazel suddenly lowered her voice. My heart jumped.
"My companions riding ahead, Captain-san and skinhead-kun riding behind are all His Majesty's subordinates."
"Yes."
"What about the angry injured one who looks as beautiful as a prince from a fairy-tale?"
"Yep, he is too, only he really is a prince."
"Oh, so he is Your Majesty's half brother?"
"No, no, he is the son of the queen who ruled Shin Makoku before me."
"So, the succession to the throne in Shin Makoku is not hereditary. I guess different nations have different monarchies."
To avoid making her more confused I kept quiet about Wolfram being Conrad's younger brother.
"But we were really glad that those boys gallantly appeared when we got surrounded by equestrian tribes. Just like a prince. Well, he really is a prince after all. And Lord Weller is the kid's... I mean Your Majesty's bodyguard?"
"Ah, well, I guess you can say so."
"But if they both serve Your Majesty, why don't Prince and Lord Weller seem to get along?"
Ah... That's what you really wanted to ask then. I sighed with relief. It seems Hazel decided that Wolfram's real name is Prince.
"Actually their relationship is very strong. Like between brothers." Besides they really are brothers.
"So is there something that made Prince so annoyed? He's all huffy."
"That's probably because of me. Maybe because I injured him."
"How can that be?!" Hazel started out loud and then quickly lowered her voice again. After that she put a hand on my uninjured shoulder and patted it several times.
"Something happened underground, so that two friends tried to hurt each other, tried to kill each other..."
Behind my back captain Sizemore still haven't moved an inch. Not only have I been talking in a language he doesn't know but he suddenly found himself in close physical contact with me (riding a horse together), he probably doesn't know what to do with all this.
Ignoring this Hazel continues to speak to me. Quietly and calmly. Like she was trying to convince me.
"Even if something did happen in that underground passage, it's not your fault. It's not anybody's fault. That place is evil, horrible things happen there. Cruel things that would tear your heart out and leave a deep wound. That's why you must not blame yourself. It's not your fault, kid. Not anyone's fault."
"Hazel..."
"Guys who built that place, the passage to royal burial chamber, were bad people. That place is full of evil spirits. The words of relatives cursing the world are overflowing from the tomb. It became this way because the passage to royal tomb was built."
"Hazel, Hazel Graves, what's happened?" I found the contours of Hazel Graves' silhouette in the center of my blurred vision and stretched my hand out to the silhouette that was merely blocking the light. The tips of my fingers are barely touching. Because we are both riding horses we have to sit firmly, so I lightly rub her cheek.
"I didn't expect to hear something like that from an adventurer who has fought many battles. Why are you saying such very unscientific things?"
"Exactly because I am an adventurer, Your Majesty. However unscientific it is, I can't disregard the things I've seen with my own eyes. If you see something that means it's happening, even if it seems to be against common sense. That place is that kind of place."
"Against common sense... what do you mean?"
"Impossible scenes would happen in front of your eyes, friends would die in impossible circumstances."
The skin of her cheek, where the tips of my fingers touched it, felt unbelievably dry for a woman. It was covered in deep wrinkles.
The time when I saw her she was hale and hearty, but now it feels like I'm touching someone who's suddenly grown old, almost like a different person.
"So it wasn't your fault, Your Majesty. Don't blame yourself."
Suddenly she seemed very very old and small. The corners of my eyes began to burn. Hazel Graves lives her life in this place, where there's only sand around, where people rarely live long lives. All by herself. Being called Venera (?).
"Have you ever said something like that to anyone else?"
"You mean the underground passage story?"
"Yes, Hazel"
"No, no one. Because as far as I know no one else went there."
"So I'm the only one."
＜少し離れたところで、陛下？ と呼ぶ声がする。 ユーリ、呼ぶ声もする＞
"Only I experienced the same?.."
My fingers that were on her cheek went down her chin past her neck and chest in search for her hand. Shocked by my awkwardness Hazel was the one to grasp mine.
"That's why only I can say that."
She was holding my hand tightly, her palms felt even smaller than when I saw them and fingers were thinner.
"Hazel, it is nobody's fault." That moment I felt like I saw something. At the very same time I felt like I heard words being said. I didn't look around and the sound at the back of my throat seemed to resonate inside my brain without coming out. That person was addressing a tall silhouette of someone and said, "It is not your fault."
I thought it was gonna turn into a long dream like back then underground, however the illusion disappeared in the blink of an eye. Right after that contours of Hazel's silhouette has disappeared from my view. Instead of her there was just whitish space. Mixed with a bit of sunlight.
I rubbed my eyes with my bandaged left hand and with my right I held Hazel's fingers once again.
"But thank you, Hazel. I will think of it that way."
"I'm glad that I was of some help. Well, I guess I will be heading back. Can't let them wander alone, poor things."
Hazel Graves trotted her horse towards her group. As the light brown shape went farther and farther away I vaguely gazed at a lump of similar color approaching me.
She didn't mention Jozak's name once. Didn't ask about his whereabouts. She probably understands. Is it what's called warrior's compassion?
"How is Your Majesty feeling? Has that woman been saying something unpleasant?"
"Heh? What makes you think so?"
Finally Sizemore seemed to relax and and moved his arm to scratch his almost bald head.
"It's really hard for me to say this but perhaps Your Majesty... <欠伸をされてそのままでいらっしゃいますかな＞"
"Yawn?... Ah!"
Simple soldier's indirect manner of speaking at times can be so hard to understand. Just a moment ago I was rubbing my eyes violently, they must be all red now. Maybe they were tearing because some sand got into them. And before that I really couldn't help but yawn.
If my brain doesn't get enough oxygen, my chin will fall and I'll be sitting with a my jaw dropping.
"Sorry, but I think I'm gonna take a nap. There's no way I can stay awake any longer."
"Huh?! Right here?"
"Exactly, Captain. One can sleep even riding a horse. Shou Shimaron's king is the living proof of that."
After all that guy is leaning against Conrad and snoring sound asleep. I bet he's not even having dreams.
Anyway, I am completely worn out. I'm so tired that it seems at any moment my body will dissolve into a puddle and start dripping on the ground.
"Please wake me up once we arrive at oasis."
Whatever. Even if I fall off the horse there's sand underneath. Even if I fall on the ground now someone will definitely pick me up. I'm not completely alone in the darkness anymore.
~All characters belong to Tomo Takabayashi. Niveus_magics is a mere translator and doesn't make any money sharing her work~
well, almost. there are a couple of sentences that I don't exactly understand, so I just typed them in Japanese, maybe someone will have some ideas and help me out.
And I also need help with names. I just sort of used English words that fit best, but I've no idea how to write the name of Sara's brother... Anyways, feel free to share your ideas and point out mistakes, which I'm sure I made plenty.
"Wolfram?!"
That was certainly his voice. I heard my own name called too. However, it was someone else's voice, not Wolfram's or mine.
"Are you ok? Hey, where have you been stabbed?!"
I'm asking to confirm what I already know. After all the one who injured him is me.
Wolfram, who was crouching, let out a short growl and stood on both feet.
His rounded back straightened a little and his body was separated from my arm.
Confused I tried to reach his silhouette, and went for the bright sunlight that was coming down from above the ground.
"Wait, Wolfram, where are you... ?"
I stretched my left arm and reached out towards the place where his body seemed to be.
It felt like a torn piece of cloth, an animal fur to the touch.
My index finger got wet with something warm. I rubbed my hands, they were sticky.
"I'm sorry, I'm really...."
Wolfram tried to step back, I pulled him closer, hugging his waist with my right arm and putting my left palm over his stomach.
I've gathered the heat and then I will distribute and make it flow here. When I raised my arm sharp pain ran through it. I was healed this way many times. Even I should be able to do it, if I do exactly the same. Gisela and Anissina taught me how to do it and I've already done it before, haven't I?
"Stop it!"
I was thrust away with a strong force and my back hit the ground with a clinking sound. Propping on both elbows I raised the upper half of my body.
"...Wolf?"
"Don't touch me!"
Of course I couldn't see the expression on his face so I couldn't judge, but it was obvious he was angry. It was in his emotions and his voice.
Because we are in a well lit place his silhouette is very clear. Even though it's not the same honey gold color, which I could see when I had perfect eyesight, he's still shining with golden color against the surroundings. However, his body was ashen gray color, considering it is him, I realized that he was wearing unusual clothes. Perhaps, that was the reason why I got confused.
"I'm sorry. I was mistaken, I didn't think it was you.."
On the bridge that was still in the dim part of the field of my sight another silhouette fell. Well, not exactly fell. I couldn't see clear, but it was more someone pulled a rope and there it was.
"Yuri!"
It was Conrad's voice. Unlike his usual one it was full of panic.
Passing Wolfram who stood still, he came closer to me still lying on my back and squatted down as though to look me in the eyes. Thanks God, now we'll be able to treat Wolfram's injury.
"I'm happy (you're here), Conrad, Wolf's injury is very bad. Please, help me, hold him down while I'm applying my hands (to his injury)."
"Wolfram is fine. His clothes and torso are barely cut. Thanks to the amulet the wound is not deep. There's nothing Your majesty should be troubled about."
"But that blood!"
"It is your blood."
"Heh?"
"You have a cut on your palm. And not only that."
I pull my shoulder a bit roughly. During thate sharp pain runs through the right side of my body. I moan unintentionally. After a short apology I lose all my strength, but the firm tone of my voice doesn't change.
"What is it?..."
"What?"
Without giving me time to ask again Conrad turns back and shouts.
"Sizemore!"
"Yes, your Excellency."
At that moment one more person's silhouette appeared.
The big one moving towards us in a hurry must be Captan Sizemore. Even ancestors could hardly predict that this family who's lived in the sea would be invited to the land where there's only sand around. He is extremely out of place.
"Do we have a piece of cloth to treat His majesty's injury?"
Conrad ordered to Sizemore, "Seize him."
The silhouette that looked like Captain stopped moving and asked, "Whom?"
He wasn't able to hide confusion.
"Lord von Biefeldt. He injured His Majesty. We can't let him be approach His Majesty."
This time it was my turn to be confused.
"Wait a second, it's not like that, Conrad! It's a misunderstanding."
"Whatever reason it was, but Wolfram was pointing his sword at you. That is inexcusable. You haven't noticed, but your right shoulder is injured."
When I was told that I remembered. We were both pointing swords at each other. When I got sword in my hands, at the very same time he grasped his sword. Did we strike each other at the same time?
"Didn't you hear me?!" Lord Weller said once again to a confused and hesitating Sizemore.
After that Captain's hair which has already been thin seemed to diminish even further. Because now there were two people giving orders.
"There is no reason to listen to it!" /Wolfram/
A small wind blew on my cheek, have Wolfram moved his arm when he said those words? He can move so casually, like always. And there is strength in his voice. I stroked down my chest.
"Don't misunderstand, Lord Weller. They are Shin Makoku's soldiers. They won't listen to your orders. Sizemore, there is no need to arrest me. However, take me under surveillance, and if I try to approach His Majesty you can use full force to stop me."
I wasn't the only person who seemed relieved. How many loyal soldiers will choose an easier order to obey? Captain Sizemore obviously had a relieved expression.
"It is fine that we have to stop you, however, why is that, Your Excellence?..."
Surely, that last part got me worried. Haven't I done the same thing?
"There is no need for you to know." /Wolfram/
"Wait a sec, Wolf, what is this surveillance thing for?Why can't you be allowed to come close to me? And, more important, why are you here? Explain everything. How are we supposed to understand if you're not telling anything?!"
"Why am I here?" Not coming any closer Wolfram asked with a mere smile in his voice. This smile is neither mocking or awkward nor does it feel genuinely happy. The best way to describe it is full of self confidence.
"It is my duty to stand by King's side!"
"Yeah but..."
"That's why I came here to find you."
I wanted to see what his face looked like when he said that. He was definitely standing with his hands crossed, puffing his chest up a bit, his chin raised at such angle as to gaze slightly down.
"So you came here to find me. Thank you."
However, I got carried away having mistaken him for an enemy and injured him.
He is definitely angry. Can't blame him for being disgusted with me (falling out of love with me - whichever you like better XD)
But a new silhouette appeared, and to my small surprise I didn't notice it.
Are they really using a rope? In an instant he landed on his bottom and groaned loud,
"Uwa! It hurts!! Hurts! But I am here to explain everything! I'm going to explain everything!"
"Dakascos?"
I'm gonna be honest, I recognized him not by his voice, but by his head, the shiny top of it that was reflecting the sunlight.
"In short, both his excellency Wolfram and his excellency Gyun volunteered to rescue Your Majesty. But his excellency Gyunter was no competition... <うちの閣下がそりゃもうズルズルでダラダラの汁まみれだったから、勝負にならなかったよ>"
"Don't talk about things that don't concern you, Dakascos! Hurry up and bring a piece of cloth and water. We should treat Yuri's wound first."
"Yours too, Wolf."
I reached for Wolfram's back. Getting frustrated, I extended my arm towards the silhouette that looked like his back. But as I expected I couldn't reach him.
"Fine, if you say you don't want me to touch you, but let's treat your wound properly. Since it's not deep let's do it right here. Where is Gizela? Is she not coming?"
"Your Majesty..."
As Dakascos apologized he covered his head with his hand. I knew it immediately as the shiny light on top of his head became obscured.
"Sergeant's magic is too strong, it is hard for her to step on the land. She stayed in the sea."
"Wait a sec, the sea you say... How did you escape that horrible storm?"
"Ah, that was all thanks to Commander Yamanami and Terrybon..."
From conversation between Captain Sizemore and Dakascos I learned that to arrive to the country of Holy Sand they strayed from the regular sea route quite a bit. Since long ago this route has been used by smugglers and pirates and therefore was called the golden road or thief's route, however it takes great courage and strength to navigate between complicated ocean currents and archipelagos.
Anyway, being a man of valor and unbreakable spirit Captain Sizemore must have successfully sailed through the storm. However, why did my Shinmakoku rescue squad choose such a suspicious route?
"Commander Yamanami's grandfather or great grandfather were thie... I mean unofficial merchants and together with our social guy Terrybon they somehow remembered about this route."
"So, Yamanami's ancestors were pirates."
"We arrived to this continent's northeast hidden harbor, got the horses, split up, but only our group has safely arrived to Your Majesty's. I'm so happy! That's all thanks to His Excelency Gunter's cursed guidance."
"Wait a sec, wait a sec! What's the deal with Gunter's curse? Did Gunter curse me? He didn't boil the poor kitten in the pot, did he? Gwendal wouldn't have allowed that, no way.. Ouch!"
Conrad who was checking my palm squeezed it hard attaching the bandage. Immediately it began to bleed... Or so I felt. I still couldn't see anything.
"Please, bear with this until the wound closes up. Your shoulder is severely bruised but it seems it didn't reach the bone. Well, let's hear the ending of the story later. Or soon our baggage will start to give us trouble."
When I heard 'baggage' I remembered. Sararegui was left hanging in the sack above the ground.
That made not only my shoulder and palm but also my head ache.
On top of that happy-go-lucky Dakascos decided to ask about the contents of the sack. Ignoring the question, I slowly raised my body from the stone wall. Damn, I know I'm not well but for now my legs are fine. It'll be Ok, I can stand properly so I can walk on my own.
"If there are no objections I will carry (him) on my shoulder like this... Your Majesty?"
"Ah?.. Yes, I guess."
I continue to walk towards the hole, glancing at the deep underground passage in the darkness. I don't want to stop here. But at the same time I don't feel like leaving either, I just keep staring at the darkest hole.
"Yuri"
"...I know."
I know I can't return to the group. He's not happy, but what can I do about this? I can't make it on my own. I feel like I'm wondering alone in the darkness. I was thinking about corpses so this horrible noise really made me terrified. I am sick of myself for always accepting.
Conrad whispers to me, almost like he knows what I've been thinking.
"That's only because we cannot let (him) sleep on the ground."
"Really?"
"We will do our best to return him home. Whichever place he choses as home. Although right now it's hard to tell."
I hope the place he chooses as home will be close to me.
Our journey through the desert was horrible.
Meet the dream of all pre-schoolers, stuffed toy-rucksack! Just like that strapped to Conrad's back I was dragged up to the surface.
There was too much direct sunlight even for my weakened eyesight. The first couple of minutes before my eyes got used to it everything around looked absolutely white.
However, not being able to tolerate the light became a good excuse. It is better to let everyone think that I can't get used to bright sunlight than let them know that I can't see anything. Anyway I spent, we spent almost a week in darkness. With very little sunlight, hungry, and our throats hurting - I'm drained. I can't even ride a horse by myself. And by that I mean there is a very still body of captain Sizemore behind my back. His arm froze at 90 degrees and his upper body was as straight as though someone stuck a bat to his back.
"Riding with His Majesty is an honor!" he said and after that there was no use for words. Finding it inexcusable to use captain as a pillow in this situation, I was trying to sit straight by myself.
And it's a big lie that you can sleep even riding a horse.
That is why I must not rely on Wolfram. He is the injured one and probably is busy with problems of his own.
A small injury for a soldier is different from what is considered a small injury for an athlete. For us baseball kids sprain is a severe injury and it takes three weeks to completely recover from it. But having your stomach pierced with a sword is the same as missing the whole season. Same as making all fans downhearted.
Conrad has been riding with blindfolded Saralegui. He is currently allying with Shinmakoku, or rather with me personally, although officially he is an emissary from Dai Shimaron. For some reason the presence of Shou Shimaron's King was considered highly appropriate in this situation.
At any rate Saralegui is a big fish.
Even though the hems of his loose clothes are tied to the saddle and he has to go as far as wearing a blindfold to protect his weak eyes, without showing any fear or resentment he is asleep, his body leaning on Conrad.
"He's sound asleep. He probably won't wake up even if he falls off the horse." Dakascos said in amazement.
Both guys from the country of Holy Sand and Shin Makoku were shocked when they found out about the contents of the sack (Sara). The most shocked one was our interpreter Achira-san who went pale and just ran away... it seems. I was holding my breath and only heard the sound of footsteps on the sand. Even though we've explained that it wasn't the emperor of Holy Sand Yelsey but his twin brother Sara not everyone from opposition forces was convinced. Even though older brother was evacuated, the discovery brought about the crisis in the underground resistance movement. Even though Sara was blindfolded somehow they are keeping their distance from us.
"Are you tired, Your Majesty?" Hazel Graves would ask sometimes riding to the last part of the group (where I was).
"I am fine. Sara is fine too, I think. Just as you can see yourself."
"Yeah, he seems to be all relaxed back there."
That was so true. I can hear him snoring even here.
"There should be an oasis somewhere soon. Hopefully this map is accurate."
"Do you know which way everyone went before?"
"If only we had some magnetic stone we could make a compass. When I was a kid I could make one using a needle! Although I don't know if it would work the same way here as it did on Earth."
"Oh, I see."
But I doubt it would help to determine the destination in the desert where there are no landmarks. Captain Sizemore's magnetic needle was shaking behind my head.
"By the way Your Majesty, there is something I've been wondering about." Hazel suddenly lowered her voice. My heart jumped.
"My companions riding ahead, Captain-san and skinhead-kun riding behind are all His Majesty's subordinates."
"Yes."
"What about the angry injured one who looks as beautiful as a prince from a fairy-tale?"
"Yep, he is too, only he really is a prince."
"Oh, so he is Your Majesty's half brother?"
"No, no, he is the son of the queen who ruled Shin Makoku before me."
"So, the succession to the throne in Shin Makoku is not hereditary. I guess different nations have different monarchies."
To avoid making her more confused I kept quiet about Wolfram being Conrad's younger brother.
"But we were really glad that those boys gallantly appeared when we got surrounded by equestrian tribes. Just like a prince. Well, he really is a prince after all. And Lord Weller is the kid's... I mean Your Majesty's bodyguard?"
"Ah, well, I guess you can say so."
"But if they both serve Your Majesty, why don't Prince and Lord Weller seem to get along?"
Ah... That's what you really wanted to ask then. I sighed with relief. It seems Hazel decided that Wolfram's real name is Prince.
"Actually their relationship is very strong. Like between brothers." Besides they really are brothers.
"So is there something that made Prince so annoyed? He's all huffy."
"That's probably because of me. Maybe because I injured him."
"How can that be?!" Hazel started out loud and then quickly lowered her voice again. After that she put a hand on my uninjured shoulder and patted it several times.
"Something happened underground, so that two friends tried to hurt each other, tried to kill each other..."
Behind my back captain Sizemore still haven't moved an inch. Not only have I been talking in a language he doesn't know but he suddenly found himself in close physical contact with me (riding a horse together), he probably doesn't know what to do with all this.
Ignoring this Hazel continues to speak to me. Quietly and calmly. Like she was trying to convince me.
"Even if something did happen in that underground passage, it's not your fault. It's not anybody's fault. That place is evil, horrible things happen there. Cruel things that would tear your heart out and leave a deep wound. That's why you must not blame yourself. It's not your fault, kid. Not anyone's fault."
"Hazel..."
"Guys who built that place, the passage to royal burial chamber, were bad people. That place is full of evil spirits. The words of relatives cursing the world are overflowing from the tomb. It became this way because the passage to royal tomb was built."
"Hazel, Hazel Graves, what's happened?" I found the contours of Hazel Graves' silhouette in the center of my blurred vision and stretched my hand out to the silhouette that was merely blocking the light. The tips of my fingers are barely touching. Because we are both riding horses we have to sit firmly, so I lightly rub her cheek.
"I didn't expect to hear something like that from an adventurer who has fought many battles. Why are you saying such very unscientific things?"
"Exactly because I am an adventurer, Your Majesty. However unscientific it is, I can't disregard the things I've seen with my own eyes. If you see something that means it's happening, even if it seems to be against common sense. That place is that kind of place."
"Against common sense... what do you mean?"
"Impossible scenes would happen in front of your eyes, friends would die in impossible circumstances."
The skin of her cheek, where the tips of my fingers touched it, felt unbelievably dry for a woman. It was covered in deep wrinkles.
The time when I saw her she was hale and hearty, but now it feels like I'm touching someone who's suddenly grown old, almost like a different person.
"So it wasn't your fault, Your Majesty. Don't blame yourself."
Suddenly she seemed very very old and small. The corners of my eyes began to burn. Hazel Graves lives her life in this place, where there's only sand around, where people rarely live long lives. All by herself. Being called Venera (?).
"Have you ever said something like that to anyone else?"
"You mean the underground passage story?"
"Yes, Hazel"
"No, no one. Because as far as I know no one else went there."
"So I'm the only one."
＜少し離れたところで、陛下？ と呼ぶ声がする。 ユーリ、呼ぶ声もする＞
"Only I experienced the same?.."
My fingers that were on her cheek went down her chin past her neck and chest in search for her hand. Shocked by my awkwardness Hazel was the one to grasp mine.
"That's why only I can say that."
She was holding my hand tightly, her palms felt even smaller than when I saw them and fingers were thinner.
"Hazel, it is nobody's fault." That moment I felt like I saw something. At the very same time I felt like I heard words being said. I didn't look around and the sound at the back of my throat seemed to resonate inside my brain without coming out. That person was addressing a tall silhouette of someone and said, "It is not your fault."
I thought it was gonna turn into a long dream like back then underground, however the illusion disappeared in the blink of an eye. Right after that contours of Hazel's silhouette has disappeared from my view. Instead of her there was just whitish space. Mixed with a bit of sunlight.
I rubbed my eyes with my bandaged left hand and with my right I held Hazel's fingers once again.
"But thank you, Hazel. I will think of it that way."
"I'm glad that I was of some help. Well, I guess I will be heading back. Can't let them wander alone, poor things."
Hazel Graves trotted her horse towards her group. As the light brown shape went farther and farther away I vaguely gazed at a lump of similar color approaching me.
She didn't mention Jozak's name once. Didn't ask about his whereabouts. She probably understands. Is it what's called warrior's compassion?
"How is Your Majesty feeling? Has that woman been saying something unpleasant?"
"Heh? What makes you think so?"
Finally Sizemore seemed to relax and and moved his arm to scratch his almost bald head.
"It's really hard for me to say this but perhaps Your Majesty... <欠伸をされてそのままでいらっしゃいますかな＞"
"Yawn?... Ah!"
Simple soldier's indirect manner of speaking at times can be so hard to understand. Just a moment ago I was rubbing my eyes violently, they must be all red now. Maybe they were tearing because some sand got into them. And before that I really couldn't help but yawn.
If my brain doesn't get enough oxygen, my chin will fall and I'll be sitting with a my jaw dropping.
"Sorry, but I think I'm gonna take a nap. There's no way I can stay awake any longer."
"Huh?! Right here?"
"Exactly, Captain. One can sleep even riding a horse. Shou Shimaron's king is the living proof of that."
After all that guy is leaning against Conrad and snoring sound asleep. I bet he's not even having dreams.
Anyway, I am completely worn out. I'm so tired that it seems at any moment my body will dissolve into a puddle and start dripping on the ground.
"Please wake me up once we arrive at oasis."
Whatever. Even if I fall off the horse there's sand underneath. Even if I fall on the ground now someone will definitely pick me up. I'm not completely alone in the darkness anymore.
~All characters belong to Tomo Takabayashi. Niveus_magics is a mere translator and doesn't make any money sharing her work~