The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 67: Encounter

Episode 67: Encounter

Morning――faint light filtered through the lattice of the window. It drew cold white streaks inside the room. Outside, there were still few people about; only faint sounds of the marketplace being opened. The creaking of carriages could be heard from afar.

From the moment I opened my eyes, yesterday’s events came back to mind. Linea’s words. The ice attribute monster resembling a wolf. And how it had said to Linea, 

‘I know you.’

(There’s no way that was just coincidence.)

The ice monster probably speaks human language through the skill “Telepathy”. That was the case the first time I made contact with it. But what Linea recounted yesterday was more than just conversation. It was a declaration: “I know you.”

That is not something you say to a random human passing by.

I pulled the equipment bag from beside the bed. Gripping the hilt of the sword, the cold feel of the metal settled into my fingers.

Fight, or retreat――to judge that, first I need to know its purpose. If it is an enemy, then it approached Linea with some kind of intent.

(……There may be gains, but there may also be traps.)

The ice monster’s strength is unknown. But from what I know, it is not the kind that goes on a mindless rampage. Even before, we exchanged words while crossing blades. And now it has made contact with Linea.

I stopped my thoughts there. Perhaps thanks to the many skills working within me, the heat in my head lowered in an instant. I calmly analyzed the situation. That is how I deal with things now.

I stood up and looked out the window. The dew collected on the edge of the street glistened faintly under the morning sun. Today’s plan was already set――to go with Linea to the Verdant Mist Prairie, and make contact with it. That was all.

When I went downstairs, the inn’s dining hall was already filled with warm smells. The aroma of freshly baked bread and the scent of vegetables stewed in soup wafted in the air. It stirred my hunger.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

At the counter, the innkeeper Miranda spoke as usual. But in her eyes, there was a faint probing look.

(……So, she noticed after all.)

Last night, I had spoken with Linea behind the inn. As the innkeeper, and also her relative, it would not be strange for her to sense something.

“Yes, I slept soundly.”

I answered calmly. But that was not the end of it.

“I see…… Linea seemed a little pale to me. Did she tell you something?”

Behind her soft voice, there was an unmistakable sharpness like that of a relative.

――Lying would be easy. But needlessly stirring up worry is not wise either.

I exhaled shortly and chose my words.

“There’s no need to worry. Just a little talk about a strange monster…… She asked me for an opinion as an adventurer.”

I held back from saying any more. Perhaps sensing that, the innkeeper stared at me for a moment. She then shrugged.

“Honestly…… that girl worries so much. Yet she tries not to make others worry.”

Her words carried not scolding, but a sigh laced with affection.

“Then, I’ll leave her to you.” 

With that, the innkeeper left toward the back. I suppose I could take it that I had gained a certain degree of trust.

――I took a seat and ate. As I bit into freshly baked bread, I quietly thought.

The chance of meeting it again in the prairie today is very high. But before that, how to protect Linea is also important.

From my eyes, it was clear that Linea was not used to fighting. She may possess a rare power called ice magic, but fighting is another matter altogether.

Given that the innkeeper entrusted her to me, how do I pull Linea back to safety? With that in mind, I finished my meal, gave my thanks, and prepared.

Preparation done, I waited near the entrance of the inn.

Soon, I heard footsteps approaching. Turning around, I saw Linea coming at a small run. Her face still carried traces of sleepiness. The shadow of last night’s tension lingered.

“Good morning, Alphonse-san.”

“Good morning. ……Are you ready?”

“……Yes. I’ve made up my mind.”

In her small voice, I felt a quiet yet certain resolve.

(――Let’s go.)

I signaled only with my eyes. And I started walking. As we stepped out of the inn, the street was wrapped in morning mist. Linea walked right beside me. Her eyes were filled with unease. Yet she firmly faced forward.

◆

We left the town and walked the path toward the prairie. The morning fog gradually cleared. Golden light enveloped the fields.

By the time the cobblestone turned into dirt road, birdcalls had increased. The sounds of the journey filled my ears.

But Linea was walking at my side. She was quiet. She pressed her chest many times.

She must have been tense since last night. Her small shoulders were stiffened with tension.

“……Are you pushing yourself too hard?”

“―! I-I’m fine.”

Her reply came instantly. But it was clearly forced bravado. I stopped and turned to face her. Her face was lit by the morning sun. It looked slightly pale.

(……I’ll have to calm her down.)

Fear and stiffness are still acceptable. In truth, they are a natural defense when danger approaches.

It’s better to have some tension. So that when the time comes, one can move immediately.

But too much tension is also not good. Still, a young girl likely has little combat experience. Expecting her to manage that balance would be harsh.

I steadied my breath. I spoke gently.

“Being afraid is natural. But you don’t need to hide your fear. Hiding it won’t make it disappear.”

Linea’s eyes widened slightly. Then she bit her lip. After a moment, she lowered her gaze. She relaxed just a little.

“……Yes. Thank you.”

Her small voice finally held a genuine tone. I resumed walking.

(Whether she is swallowed by fear, or carries it while moving forward…… in the end, she has to decide. All I can do is walk beside her.)

Before long, the scenery changed. An open plain spread before us. Bands of white haze drifted across. Grass swayed in the wind. It was rippling like a pale green sea.

And beyond――a strange chill lingered. The air shifted, piercing against the skin. Though it was under the summer sun, our breath came out faintly white.

“……This is the place. Where I met it yesterday.”

Linea’s voice was barely a whisper. Yet her fingertip clearly pointed to one spot.

A part of the Verdant Mist Prairie. It looked no different from the rest――except there, the wind seemed to stagnate, frozen.

(No doubt. It is nearby.)

My hand naturally reached for the sword’s hilt. Focusing on the presence yet unseen, I steadied my breath.

――In that instant.

The cold air thickened all at once with the wind. White haze spread across the Verdant Mist Prairie. Not mist, but tangible cold. It dulled our vision and pricked our skin.

Then, the sound of grass being pushed aside. What appeared there was――a “thing” resembling a wolf. It was cloaked in an obviously alien aura of ice.

Its silvery fur shone clear as crystal. And its eyes glimmered with a pale blue light. Just by standing there, it radiated pressure that froze the surrounding air.

“……!”

Linea’s body shuddered sharply.

I stepped back at once. I was placing myself in front of her to shield her, while keeping my hand on my sword at the waist.

I lowered my stance――careful not to provoke it, but ready to move at an instant.

Its gaze――was fixed straight on us. Silent tension ruled over the entire grassland.

Original Author’s Comment:

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Thank you as always for reading, and for the follows and support!!

Oh, by the way, I recently posted a short story on my update notes after a long time!

It’s unrelated to the main story, just a “slice of daily life.” So I’d be happy if you checked it out as a change of pace!! ☺️

(Note: I’ll work on the short story once I have the time. And don’t worry, it’ll be free and not locked with time.)

(Here’s the link if you want to support the Author: https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176303375188.)