The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 62

Chapter 62: Diverging Bloodlines

“The Village of Hijima…”

I recalled a story I once heard from Ganza, about how his homeland was destroyed by the Fifth and was tainted by poison.

Rakul, remembering Ganza, wore a bitter expression, adjusting his posture while his back touched Zanma and maintaining his silence.

“The Village of Hijima shares its ancestry with Gomons… it can be considered a branch family, but unlike Gomons, they chose to live peacefully with reduced ties to the mundane world. Gomons had taken care to keep people away from the mountain where the village is located, but…”

“Do you know what happened?”

“I learned of it from a letter left by Lord Ganza before he left the country. I hurriedly had an investigation conducted, but the poison had spread extensively around the village, and all we could do was create a barrier to protect it.”

“… That Fifth.”

From what I heard, the poison he scattered is quite potent. Even though I managed to defeat him, resentment still welled up inside me.

“Could you tell me the location of the Village of Hijima?”

“However…”

“I originally intended to visit in mourning for Lord Ganza and his family. We will purify the poison as well.”

“Understood.”

Amarie had a map prepared and pointed out the location of Hijima. Although it was a distance away, Garma should be able to reach it in half a day.

“Next, we need to decide who will go… First, Serena and Rakul are confirmed, but can Aria, Shurin, and Setsura stay behind?”

“I understand.”

“Okay, but why?”

Aria nodded, while Shurin voiced her confusion. Setsura seemed to share Shurin’s sentiment, tilting her head.

“The investigation at Hijima, considering the trip to and from, will take about five days at least. During that time, I want Aria to act in my stead, and the two of you will assist her.”

“Got it.”

“Sure.”

“Alright, and I’d like Hinowa to come along as well.”

After hearing Shurin and Setsura’s responses, I turned to Hinowa. He nodded in agreement.

“I may be of limited help, but I will do my best.”

“I’m counting on you. Then, we’ll depart tomorrow morning.”

“Excuse me!”

A voice interrupted my words. Turning to the source, I saw Amarie, her mouth pressed shut as she softly murmured.

“May I… also go with you?”

“… Yeah, we’re leaving tomorrow morning, so please get ready.”

It was unexpected, but for now, we decided to disperse from the meeting.

—

“Serk, is she going to be okay?”

As I walked alongside Rakul in the hallway, I reflected on Amarie’s demeanor from earlier.

“She has no harmful intentions, but… she’s still unstable.”

Amarie’s eyes revealed her uncertainty in response to my words, but there was a dark flame smoldering deep within her.

(I have an idea about what Amarie currently lacks… but if that’s the case)

It’s likely that I can’t teach her what she needs. More than anything, Amarie herself must realize it.

If I were to teach her…

“Rakul, I have a favor to ask.”

I said this to Rakul, making sure no one else could hear my request.