The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 99

Chapter 99: Stolen Happiness

“Our clan has guarded two sacred artifacts for generations.”

“Sacred artifacts… are you talking about rare drops?”

“That’s what they’re called on this continent. Indeed, the weapons you two have, if they are Hizuchi, are considered sacred artifacts.”

Ganza nodded in response and raised the large sword, the Slashing Horse Sword, in his hands. Upon closer inspection, the sword had a weighty yet beautiful ripple pattern on the blade, and the guard and hilt, resembling rocks combined together, exuded a solemnity reminiscent of mountains.

“One of the artifacts our clan protected is this Gakuto of Zamma, and the other is the Kamtsuhi of Nichirinkyo… both were taken by Fifusu.”

“What happened?”

“Just as our clan had passed down these artifacts for generations, I also passed down Zamma to my son. My son, having married a priestess who inherited Kamtsuhi, was relieved of his burden. As a celebration, they descended to the village to send gifts.”

Ganza closed his eyes as if reminiscing about the past. His appearance carried a sense of melancholy.

“When they returned, what awaited them was… a destroyed village tainted by poison, and the corpses of our clan.”

“!”

“Wondering if anyone survived, my son and his wife searched the village. They found my son holding his deceased wife’s body inside a rock prison created by Zamma.”

“That’s…”

“When my son realized it was me, he apologized while dying. He told me what had happened in my absence. They were attacked by someone, the villagers were killed, Kamtsuhi was stolen by those attackers, and one of them was called Fifusu. My son, not wanting Zamma to be taken, sealed it in a rock prison. The attackers spread poison in the village and left.”

The grip on Zamma tightened. Even I, listening to the story, couldn’t help but feel anger. Ganza’s anger was more than apparent.

“My son apologized unnecessarily…”

“In the face of death, there’s no need for my son and daughter-in-law, who fought to the end to protect, to apologize… To prove that, I must defeat Fifusu. I decided that when I learned the true power of Zamma.”

The blade of Zamma glowed in response to Ganza’s determined eyes and voice, radiating an unwavering determination even in death.

“Ganza, we’re heading to where Fifusu and the others might be.”

“!”

“If we leave them be, they’ll trample on what’s precious to us even more. To prevent that, lend us your strength.”

Saying so, I extended my hand. After a moment, Ganza smiled gently.

“You’re a good warrior, not losing to Rakul. Your strength may be small, but I know it firsthand. If I can borrow the power of a strong person like you, I’m happy to comply.”

After murmuring, Ganza gripped my hand with his wrinkled hand.

―――――

After joining forces with Ganza and Rakul, we decided to spend the night in the town for now.

While taking turns keeping watch with Aria and the others, I felt a presence and turned around. There was Rakul.

“It’s not time yet.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Rakul spoke, as if gathering his courage.

“Can we talk for a bit?”