助けてNoel and Riglette had taken three guards with them, and were progressing down the northbound highway by horse drawn carriage. On the way to the mines was an old gold rush town named Bolbo. Riglette had advised that it would be the most suitable place to collect information and make preparations. Noel was hesitant to employ guards as she felt no need for them, but Riglette had brought them along regardless. Death by brigand was no joke, and there was also the possibility that they were harbouring the remnants of the rebel army. In those times, there was no such thing as too much caution. Noel, with absolutely no understanding of that concept, was pleasantly chatting away with the guards. Riglette didn’t care if Noel was going to die, but she would have to accompany her.
助けてI have no idea if she’s a hero who stopped the rebel army or not, though. There’s no way to tell what’s going on in that head of hers.
助けてUnlike Riglette, who was ill at ease, Noel was wrapped up in a cloak and chatting happily away with the guards. It was surprisingly annoying, and Riglette was only getting more irritated with time. They had spoken to her multiple times, but she insisted on ignoring them. She would accompany them as per her mission, and had no intentions of building a lasting relationship.
“Ah, but still, traveling by carriage sure is fun, isn’t it? We can even sleep in it.”
“The highway has been ill maintained so it shakes too much though. It wouldn’t allow for sleeping.”
“Isn’t it comfy like a cradle?”
“No, unfortunately I…”
One of the guards chimed in with a bitter smile,“I think so too,” and the others nodded along with tired expressions.
“Is that so?”
助けてNoel turned her gaze to Riglette as if she wanted a response. Riglette turned away from her, tutting.
“Ahaha, you’re good at tutting, eh Riglette? Hey, don’t you think so too?”
“No… that is, if you say it like that, I guess.”
“Yup, you seem skilled. It’s my first time meeting someone so good at tutting. You’re the tutting girl!”
助けてNoel looked like she was having fun.
助けてDon’t go and say whatever you want just because I’m staying quiet, you bumpkin!
助けてRiglette frowned. At that rate, Noel was going to ask her to teach her how to tut. With no other way out, she resorted to changing the topic.
“Come to think of it, Captain Noel, you seem to be friends with Sir Cynthia. I’m jealous. How did you catch her eye? She is from one of Coimbra’s great families after all. It sure is nice that with a connection like that, the viceroy was able to learn about you.”
助けてThe implication was that she found fault with Noel’s rapid promotion. If she could upset her even a little it would serve as revenge, but Noel didn’t seem bothered in the slightest.
“Not really, she didn’t particularly say anything. What she gave me for my help was just this:”
助けてShe took an accessory case from her breast pocket from which she removed a pair of well made glasses that she suddenly began to put it on. They were black rimmed glasses that went well with her evenly trimmed red hair. With only that small change, her aura transformed into one of an intelligent officer.
“Glasses?”
“That’s right, Commander of One Hundred, Riglette. Hey, I look a little smart now too, eh?”
Riglette offered her sarcastic response, “Ah… yes. If it was only a matter of looks, you would seem quite smart. I don’t know if you really are though.”
“I was wearing these when I had my audience with the viceroy. Ah, that’s right, I met your dad there too.”
助けてRaising her head at the mention of her father, she accidentally met Noel’s eyes. The corners of her lips were bent into a broad grin, but the eyes behind the lenses did not harbour a hint of a smile; an abyss peered into Riglette’s soul.
“Ahaha, it looks like your dad doesn’t like me.”
“…”
“Also, this is a valuable treasure, so I need to be careful that they don’t break. It’d be bad if they broke.”
助けてSaying so, Noel began to carefully put them away. The threatening edge which had caused Riglette to deepen her scowl had vanished, replaced by Noel’s usual carefree attitude. Witnessing that transformation caused her to begin to fully understand why Wilm was so wary of her. If his first impression of her had been of that intimidating presence, then that was only natural. She didn’t know which of the two was Noel’s true face, but Riglette resolved to never let her guard down.
She went quiet and Noel leaned in with, “Hey, ‘mind if I say something?”
“What could it be?”
“You don’t seem very happy, Riglette. You’re gloomy, and seem to live with a hatred for the world. Yup, you seem like a recluse.”
“…”
助けてShe could hear the guardsmen catch their breath. Excepting her family, she hadn’t been confronted in a long time, and she found it fresh; however, it was not enough to abate her irritation, and, after tutting audibly, she affected a sigh. Noel outranked her, but their social standing was the same. There was no need to respect such a fool.
“That’s why you remind me of how I was.”
“What?”
“I’m saying that we’re similar.”
助けてStruck dumb for a brief moment, a frothing rage came bubbling to the surface. They were not even close to similar. There was no way they were similar.
助けてYou are some foolish provincial who doesn’t even think, and I am the eldest daughter of the long venerated house Grambull. Our birth is different, and our personalities are not even remotely close; your hair is different; nothing is the same.
“Sorry, but I do not concur.”
“That’s fine. The important thing is what I think after all. So, it’ll be like that.”
助けてNoel stood as she was finishing her sentence, took a large sack, and jumped from the carriage. After returning to their senses, so too did the guards. It seemed that at some point they had arrived at their destination of Bolbo. Suddenly having to chase after them, she wanted to hit herself for not paying attention, but more importantly than that, she had to secure their lodgings in the town. Though the day was not yet dark, it was too dangerous to depart for the mines straight away. For some reason, though, they had begun to walk towards the mines rather than the town gates. The guards were confused too, but did nothing to stop Noel.
Riglette caught Noel’s shoulder on the verge of panic, “Please wait! … Let’s rest in an inn today, and gather information. If we leave now, it will surely be dark by the time we arrive at the mines. We came this time to scout, so there is no reason to do anything dangerous.”
“So, isn’t this fine then? They’ll totally spot us if we go during the day.”
“How far you intend to scout? All we need to do now is investigate the topography. If you want detailed information, just send a skilled spy.”
“There’d be no meaning that way. Anyway, I’m going. Oh yeah, it’s fine if you all go back. Thank you for escorting me this far.”
“It’s fine to go back, you say…”
助けてOnly partially forming her sentence, Riglette noticed something strange about Noel. Wearing armour, sporting a bident on her back, and bearing a warhammer at her waist, she was fully armed. She hadn’t noticed earlier because of the cloak that Noel had been wearing in the carriage. Riglette herself had come lightly equipped as they were supposedly not going to battle. Furthermore, there was the large sack that Noel was carrying in her left hand. She had noticed it in the carriage, but had no idea what it contained due to her apathy towards and total lack of desire to speak to Noel.
“What exactly are you trying to do? Rather, in the first place, what were you thinking with that heavy equipment.
“I won’t do anything for now. As for what I’m thinking, well, I might actually run into the White Ant Bloc. It’s more fun that way.”
With a mumbled, “Later then,” Noel walked on alone whilst humming a tune.
助けてShe likely intended on scouting as far ahead as she could. It was unparalleled recklessness. That aside, her remonstration had left Riglette with no obligation to follow her.
“S-sir Riglette, what do we do?”
“She shouldn’t be alone, but…”
“…”
助けてShe had intended to say that they would wait at an inn, and if it seemed like Noel wasn’t going to make it back the next day, they would return. Noel was new so there wasn’t a single person who would care if she died. Riglette could absolve herself of blame if she explained that Noel had gone off of her own accord. That was likely the best thing to do. She watched Noel’s receding figure, her long bident swayed with each wandering step. It was plain to see that she was totally unafraid. Riglette became a little curious as to where that self-confidence that bordered on arrogance came from. There was also that she claimed to be similar.
“Sir Riglette?”
“Get our luggage from the carriage. We’ll follow the captain a little farther.”
“B-but, were you not just mentioning how dangerous this is? We think so too.”
“If you don’t like it, go ahead and abandon her. You won’t really be violating regulation. Decide for yourself. You’re finally accompanying someone important, so you should at least make yourselves useful once in awhile. You aren’t just for show are you?”
“N-no sir. Understood, sir!”
助けてAt Riglette’s mockery, a faint irritation played upon the guards’ faces. They quickly recovered, though, and were soon running back to the carriage after saluting her. In the end, they were soldiers who would always obey their officer’s orders. The hierarchy in the military was absolute. If they let Noel die without helping, there would be punishment.
“How irritating. That brat just ran off on her own!”
助けてRiglette was pulling her hair out as she voiced her complaints before tutting as she kicked the ground. That was the only way she could stop her grumbling once she had reached her limit. It had also been an outburst of anger at her own nonsensical decision.
助けてIt’s not like I’m interested, or anything. I am simply following my father’s orders. That’s right, I need to observe the world’s most disagreeable woman.
助けてShading her eyes from the distant sun, Riglette glared with all her might at Noel’s silhouette.
助けてCoimbra’s northern Bolk belt of mines had once been known as the place where any excavation would strike gold due to its great veins. The city of Bolbo’s proximity to the mines brought in many miners from afar and the merchants who targeted them. With a constant flow of gold and men, the city was brimming with energy; it was an unparalleled, bustling city. In that way, the term ‘gold country’ was a truly fitting name; however, as the gold had dried up, that glory had become a thing of the past. It was now a city overrun with abandoned houses and shops, the tired faces of the remaining inhabitants making occasional appearances between the husks. Aside from the mines, countless lengths of tunnel that had once been dug out were now neglected. Both Bolbo and the Bolk mines were places that had already died; the last vestiges of forgotten dreams had already faded away.
助けてEven still, both those who refused to give up, and those who had no intentions of leaving continued to tunnel. Among them was a certain old-timer; a great muscular giant of a man with greying hair. His name was Barbas, and he had come to Coimbra to work, but eventually settled down. Only 38 years old, he still qualified as young, but the other remnants had taken to calling him pops. He had always been rather foul mouthed, but his skill at looking after others had been the primary reason they had started calling him that.
“Tha’s boring. ‘S no gold ‘s usual. Jus’ when’s it gon’ come?”
助けてBarbas smoked his golden pipe in an effort to distract himself from the tedium. The surrounding miners — they preferred to call themselves excavators — were sitting around in a similar way. It was fairly obvious that no gold had surfaced, but there was no way they were going to lose heart after all they had done. Of course they would get tired of doing the same thing day in and day out. It was boring. Even still, there was nothing else they wanted to do, and so they continued to dig. Barbas had just about had enough of it. That aside, he had no intentions of abandoning the excavators he’d known for many years. Bonds formed even between coworkers who hated each other if given enough time. That was how people were.
“Would you like an arancini, pops? It’s a bit salty though.”
He thoughtfully raised his pipe, “No need, no need. This’s all I need.”
With an “Okay,” the man bit into his arancini.
“Digging is eating, digging is eating. Are we moles?”
“We’re more like lil’ ants than moles.”
“I ain’t helpin’ you if you say that.”
助けてDigging foolishly in a mine with no gold wouldn’t normally have been able to earn them a living, but they never wanted for food. That was because of the ones who ruled over them. There were around 500 excavators in that particular Bolk mine, and even though they sometimes hunted and they sometimes farmed, they primarily bought their food in Bolbo city. They were funded by the Coimbra elites. Though that was the case, they did not want to supply the funds. Conspirators had formed alliances and would raid the supplies, taking whatever they pleased. Barbas and the other excavators had another face; a face which they called the White Ant Bloc. Thanks to the strength they built in the mines, they could overpower the weak Coimbran soldiers and win by brute force. Their targets were military outposts, wagons, nobles, and sometimes food stockpiles. That was how they had eked out a living. Their reason was not at all to recapture anything as was said of them. Barbas firmly believed that the great Sun God would overlook them.
“Speaking of which, the original rebel army seems to have been subjugated. I heard talk of it in the city.”
“Heh, s’at so? Well, that’s ‘cause they indiscriminately attacked everything. They got what they deserved.”
助けてRumors of a rebel uprising had even reached the Bolk mines. The excavators had initially discussed whether or not they should have joined it, but they had attacked Bolbo, so that idea was scrapped. Barbas and the others limited their actions to including the Coimbran army in their list of targets, for they had sworn to never exploit the poor like the rebels did. Barbas imposed harsh sanctions upon those who swore it. He never claimed to be a noble thief, but he wanted to do at least the minimum he could to protect people. That was why he and the others in the White Ant Bloc, had taken up arms and wiped out the rebel army in defence of Bolbo. Once that was done, they went back to digging in their mines without any change to their daily lives.
“It’s good we didn’t participate, then.”
“That’s for sure.”
“By the way, pops, they’ve come en masse again.”
“Ah, send ’em to be processed as usual. Hah, it can’t be helped if there’s still no gold.”
助けてAs for what they were, they were the one light in the miners’ dark lives: stones. Though they brightened things up, they were never going to be a replacement for gold. They were shiny and gaudy.
“But, it’s always fun to blow up the bedrock.”
“Well, nothin’ beats gold. Be careful not ta mess up an’ get hurt.”
“Of course. I’ve already learned my lesson.”
“As long ‘s y’understand.”
助けてBarbas let out a puff of smoke. Normally, with so few people, it wouldn’t be strange if the Coimbran army hadn’t already destroyed them. The reason they had evaded the subjugation force for so many years was because of the stones they discovered in the dried up mines. It wasn’t gold, but they could use it. With skillful use of those stones, the White Ant Bloc had successfully evaded the subjugation force. To Barbas and the others, they were known as combustion stones.
“Ah, it’s borin’! I’m tired o’all this booze an’ smokin’!”
“P-pops?”
“Dig an’ dig, but there ain’t no gold! Jus’ why don’t nothin’ come that won’t blow my damn head off!?”
助けてBarbas smashed a nearby rock with his pipe. The excavators were shocked by his sudden use of force. They grabbed him to calm him down, and he shouted that they didn’t have to.
“Then, do you want a charge? Hehe, this way we can blow up the entire mine! The tale will be told for years to come!”
“You retard! Weren’t you the one talking about learnin’ yer lesson just now!”
助けてThen, shouting in a loud voice, an excavator came crashing down from the tunnel’s entrance, his face red.
“P-pops, this is bad!”
“What, what, have we struck gold at last!? That’s great! If yer wrong like last time, though, I’ll break both yer arms and yer legs!”
“It’s not that! Coimbran soldiers have come! They’ll be here soon!”
助けてUpon hearing those words, the nearby excavators unsheathed their swords and made ready for war. Even though they usually just messed around, they were an armed faction. They would do what they had to do. After grumbling under his breath, Barbas took up a longsword that had been stood against the wall. At the moment, the one in command of the Coimbran army’s subjugation force was an elderly man named Dirk who was born in the region. He had attacked them many times before, and so Barbas had a basic understanding of his personality. He was an honourable man of unusually upstanding character for the Coimbran army, but he was set in his ways, and his adaptability was hurt as a result. He was poor at improvisation, so Barbas had made sure to lead him around by the nose through disruption tactics. He was likely frustrated by the fact that his supplies had helped the enemy. Barbas couldn’t hate that kind of simple man.
“Old man Dirk must also be in a do-or-die situation right now. What’re the numbers like? He’s goin’ all out this time, how many men, a thousand?”
助けてThe usual subjugation forces numbered from one hundred to one thousand. A commander who looked down on them would come with one hundred, and the cowards would come with a large force of one thousand. They would fight off the former near the entrance, and they would hide from the latter in the depths. That was how Barbas had led the Coimbran army on countless times. At first he had made mistakes, but with experience, his judgements no longer erred.
“N-no, that is…”
“Why’re you all worn out, then? You’ve gotta know that we’ll think it’s time for a fight jus’ by lookin’ at you like that. Hurry up and spit it out.”
“Um, there are only five. Two of them are women too. The truth is, they’ll be here soon.”
助けてThe watchman scratched his cheek nervously, and somebody appeared from the direction of the entrance. In the lead was a young girl with short, red hair in a suit of armour. She was dragging one of the excavators with her by the scruff of his neck. His eyes were closed, but it seemed that he was only unconscious. Behind her were four more with drawn swords: three men and one woman. The four’s faces were pale and cramped. They were likely from the Coimbran army as usual.
“Oi oi, what’s this? I don’t get it.”
“Ah, well, the redhead girl wouldn’t listen to our warnings at all, so Gran here thought he’d teach her a lesson, and ended up like that. She seemed confident about her abilities in a fight, so I thought we might gang up on them, and I came to ask you, pops.”
助けてThe least they could do to protect people was to avoid bullying the weak as per their principals, so it was unlikely that they would all gang up on some girl who didn’t know the ways of the world. That was why he had no option but to let her get this far.
“You know, you are supposed to spot intruders, but your primary duty is stoppin’ em before they get here. And you just up and brought them here. You should have broken their legs or something, and shown ’em off.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just, that redhead’s way stronger than she looks. I mean, just look at how she’s dragging Gran, and he always bragged about his skills.”
“I get it, I get it. Right now I’m in the worst mood. Hurry up and deal with ’em. Take their clothes and toss ‘em out. Let ‘em reflect on their actions au naturel.”
助けてCracking her neck, the redhead stepped forward. After surveying the room with great interest, the girl tossed the foolish Gran onto the floor. Gran grunted as his head struck the floor, likely for the second time.
“Well, aren’t you brave, comin’ all this way. I’ll give you that at least.”
“Hey, it’s pretty impressive, eh? The tunnels in this mountain. It surprised me with how it’s just like a real anthill.”
助けてShe smiled in a friendly manner. It was shockingly disarming, but she was carrying a warhammer on her waist, and a sharp bident on her back. They couldn’t afford to let their guards down. She may have seemed oblivious to the ways of the world, but she certainly seemed to have martial skill. The world didn’t limit its untimely deaths to any sort.
“Well, that’s because excavating is our job. Stealing gold and food from you Coimbrans is what we’d call a side job. If you understand…”
助けてJust as he was about to tell her to give them her money, she threw down the large sack that she’d been carrying with her. It broke open upon impact with the ground, sending the contents spilling across the floor. It was a large pile of gold coins. There seemed to be enough to feed the White Ant Bloc for a year if used sparingly.
“Well, ain’t that quite the pile o’ money? Did you come all this way just to give it to us? You’re like a godess.”
助けてThe redhead shook her head at his mocking praise.
“I’m not giving it to you, I’m betting it. You’re the leader of the White Termite Bloc, no? If you beat me in a duel, I’ll give it all to you.”
“What?”
“But, if I win, you have to listen to me, okay. That’s the deal.”
The gloomy woman in the back piped up in a shrill voice, “L-listen to what you are saying! Have you gone mad!?”
助けてHer loud voice echoed off the walls of the tunnels, causing everyone great discomfort, and she shrank back from the hateful glares that were sent her way as a result. The girl she had called Noel laughed it off.
“If I’m strange for coming here, that means you are too since you followed me this far, eh?”
“E-even if I wanted to run, I would get captured, you lunatic! I’ll die like a dog because of you! I’ll take this grudge beyond the grave!”
“I like this energy you’re showing now. Don’t worry, the weather was great today, so we won’t die.”
助けてSaying that, Noel turned to face them. Her expression was gentle, but her eyes had changed. She was a hunter, waiting for an opening.
“I’ll hear you out, but how will we duel? I don’t think I’m going to like it.”
“Then, why don’t we make it a fistfight, and whoever gives up loses? That’s simple isn’t it?”
助けてSaying so, she quickly threw down her arms, and took off her armour, revealing the light clothing underneath.
“You want to have a fistfight with me, woman? The gloomy one said so too, but you really are a bit touched.”
“I used to be strange, but I’m normal now. It’s different now because every day is fun.”
助けてNoel laughed heartily. Though initially taken aback, anger began to slowly well up inside Barbas.
“I don’t like hurting the weak. I won’t be happy with myself. That’s a different matter from who’s gon’ win though. I’ll tell you this once, don’t hold a grudge if you die.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t.”
助けてShe was still smiling. Thinking that she was courageous at least, Barbas spat, and turned to set upon her.
“Don’t start crying after a single punch, little girl!!”
“Yaaaa!”
助けてHe cut the air with his fist countless times. Knocking her down wouldn’t be a problem if he hit her, but he couldn’t land a single blow. When he closed in to grapple, he was the one who received a torrent of blows. Each strike was relatively light, but the damage was building as time went on. His sides began to hurt with each breath.
助けてAm I going to be the one to bite the dust? This girl avoids all my attacks.
助けてThat was right, it seemed as though she could see through his intentions, and was simply waiting to counter them. Even as thirty minutes lapsed in the fight, he was unable to land a decisive blow. Noel hadn’t a hint of fatigue and was toying with him as a cat toys with a mouse. If they had dueled with swords, he would have already died.
“Shit!”
助けてSpitting out the blood in his mouth, he retreated a step to gain space. The previously angry excavators could do nothing but hold their breath in anticipation. Barbas was their best fighter. There was no way for them to remain calm when he was being toyed with.
“So, are you going to give up soon?”
“There’s no way I’ll accept defeat from some girl that just runs around. You keep throwin’ yer weak attacks, but that won’t beat me.”
助けてAs he stated his bluff he had taken care to inhale slowly so that his tired breath would not appear ragged.
“Okay, then I’ll give you one hit. Hit me like you want to kill me, as hard as you can. It’s almost night, so let’s get this finished up.”
助けてShe spread her arms out to invite him in. He couldn’t tell if it was a trap, or if she was serious. He was, however, aware of his waning stamina.
“That’s borin’. If you can take the full force of my punch, I’ll listen to whatever you want, but I won’t forgive you if you dodge.”
助けてHe held up a fist provocatively. Noel pouted at his upsetting words.
“I always keep my promises. That is the proof of my existence. All right, whenever you’re ready.”
助けてNoel crossed her arms in a defencive stance, prepared to receive the full force of Barbas’ punch.
助けてYou amateur, I’ll knock that look off yer face when I break yer arms.
助けてBarbas lowered his hips, and put power into both legs. Clenching his right fist as tightly as he could, he drew in a deep breath, and glared at his target.
“Here I come!!”
助けてLetting out his voice with a sharp exhalation, he closed the distance all at once, slamming into Noel’s arms, which were crossed before her face. A dull thud sounded at the moment of impact. It was heavy. There was no response. All that remained was the pain of having hit a lump of iron. He could see Noel’s eyes behind her arms. They were the eyes of a feral cat, observing its prey. The lethal gaze of a hunter peeked out, and Barbas’ pained expression reflected back at him from their depths.
助けてShit, I’ll get her first!!
Barbas panicked, and in the instant he was about to bring swing with his left, “N…”
助けてNoel, at some point, had rleased a quick right cross after mounting her defence. It drove hard into the pit of his stomach.
“The deal was one hit, right? Then, I’ll return the favour.”
助けてNoel forcefully brought down both fists Barbas’ head whilst he was doubled over.
“Ughhh!”
“I will let you go as promised. If you won’t accept defeat, I’ll stomp right through you. What’ll it be?”
助けてLooking up from the ground, he saw Noel arrogantly place her hands on her hips, and her right foot on his spine. He could feel her slowly increasing the pressure. She had said that she would absolutely keep her word, and Barbas knew that she intended on killing him by crushing his spine if he didn’t accept defeat. Though she was young had a friendly expression, she would definitely do it. By watching her, he caught a glimpse at her true nature: a starving beast, it was almost as though some monster was wearing a human skin.
“Ghhhh!”
“So, will you keep your word, or do I have to break this?”
助けてShe had asked him in a calm voice while tilting her head. The pressure continued to grow stronger, and his gut started to make a disconcerting noise as it was pressed into the ground.
Just as Barbas was unable to keep his eyes open any longer, “Pops!”
助けてOne of the excavators, who had been lying in wait, loosed an arrow. He had shot with a shortbow from behind Noel who, without rushing, caught it barehanded as though she had expected it even though her eyes had remained on Barbas the entire time.
“What!? H-h-how…?”
助けてThe one who had loosed the arrow collapsed to the ground as though his spine had been the one to break. The others did so too.
“This is your final chance, will you give up?”
“Ffffffff… fine, I lose. I’ll honour… the deal.”
“Oh, that’s good. I don’t have to kill everyone.”
助けてSnapping the arrow she held in her hand, Noel smiled heartily. It was the first time that Barbas had ever seen such an innocent smile. It completely erased his feeling of defeat. The pain from the pressure before was a different matter, though. Brushing off the dirt, Barbas stood carefully.
“It’s my loss. I don’t understand how you took that punch head on. And then, even now, you’re one hell of a girl.”
“Still, you punched me so hard my arms went numb. See, they’re still red.”
助けてShe rolled up her sleeves to show them. Sure enough, there was a bruise where he had hit her. It seemed painful, but she didn’t show it.
“A promise is a promise. I’ll listen to what you want. I’ll even turn myself in if I have to. Go ahead and behead me right here if you want.”
“P-pops!” shouted one of the shaken excavators.
“Shut up! A loss is a loss. The loser can’t complain. Be a man.”
助けてNoel inclined her head at what Barbas thought she wanted, troubled.
“Uh, well, beheadings are… I want you to come with me.”
“I said I’d go wherever.”
“Yeah, well, to put it simply, I want you to become my retainers. That’s why I came all this way.”
助けてShe brushed off some dust as she spoke, then extended her hand to Barbas.
“You want me, the leader of the White Ant Bloc, to be your retainer?”
“Yup. Well, I wanted to decide after seeing for myself. You seem like an interesting guy. If I go around with lots of fun people, there’ll be all kinds of happy moments, right?”
“There’s somethin’ wrong with you after all.”
“Really~?”
“Yeah, it’s not a problem though. I know I’m crazy too.”
“I see. I guess it’s no good,” Noel muttered disappointedly.
助けてIt looked like she was going to pull her hand back, and Barbas hurriedly grasped it with his left hand.
“Wait, wait, wait, that’s not what I meant! I’m sayin’ that until you tell me to stop, I’ll go with you wherever, and I mean wherever. A promise ‘s a promise.”
助けてBarbas grasped her hand in his right this time, and held firmly onto the hand that was so hot, it felt like it could burn him. It was proof of their agreement.
“If I find happiness, I’ll share it with you. I also keep my word.”
“Right, I’ll be countin’ on you. Ah, I mean, captain.”
“Yup, I look forward to working with you.”
助けてNoel sat on the spot after she finished her words. Tired, she stretched her legs out before her.
There was still something that Barbas was curious about, so he proffered the question, “So, what would happen if I didn’t keep my word, and ignored you?”
助けてHe could imagine the answer, so there wasn’t much need to ask. He just wanted to confirm his suspicions.
“None of my companions would be the type to do that, so there’d be no reason to let you live,” and, seeking agreement, Noel continued, “Isn’t that right?”
助けてBarbas was completely satisfied when he heard her answer.
助けてThis is it. The overwhelmingly strong person I’ve been waiting for. Haha, the combustion stones are no match. She seems a bit too strong, but she’s certainly a gift from heaven!
助けてHe couldn’t predict the future, but he felt that it wouldn’t be tedious. Such were Barbas’ thoughts as he endured the lingering pain in his gut.
“Oh, I need to introduce myself properly. My name is Noel Bosheit. Isn’t it just a lovely name?”
“Noel, eh? It’s a good name. Oh, and my name is Barbas Bough. And, uh, I’ll… I’ll be, counting on you?”
助けてBarbas attempted his first salute to his new leader. The language he was not used to using came out horribly awkwardly. Noel burst into sidesplitting laughter at the sight of his shockingly awful salute. The sound echoed through the tunnels, but it didn’t bother Barbas.
助けてNoel and Riglette had taken three guards with them, and were progressing down the northbound highway by horse drawn carriage. On the way to the mines was an old gold rush town named Bolbo. Riglette had advised that it would be the most suitable place to collect information and make preparations. Noel was hesitant to employ guards as she felt no need for them, but Riglette had brought them along regardless. Death by brigand was no joke, and there was also the possibility that they were harbouring the remnants of the rebel army. In those times, there was no such thing as too much caution. Noel, with absolutely no understanding of that concept, was pleasantly chatting away with the guards. Riglette didn’t care if Noel was going to die, but she would have to accompany her.
助けてI have no idea if she’s a hero who stopped the rebel army or not, though. There’s no way to tell what’s going on in that head of hers.
助けてUnlike Riglette, who was ill at ease, Noel was wrapped up in a cloak and chatting happily away with the guards. It was surprisingly annoying, and Riglette was only getting more irritated with time. They had spoken to her multiple times, but she insisted on ignoring them. She would accompany them as per her mission, and had no intentions of building a lasting relationship.
“Ah, but still, traveling by carriage sure is fun, isn’t it? We can even sleep in it.”
“The highway has been ill maintained so it shakes too much though. It wouldn’t allow for sleeping.”
“Isn’t it comfy like a cradle?”
“No, unfortunately I…”
One of the guards chimed in with a bitter smile,“I think so too,” and the others nodded along with tired expressions.
“Is that so?”
助けてNoel turned her gaze to Riglette as if she wanted a response. Riglette turned away from her, tutting.
“Ahaha, you’re good at tutting, eh Riglette? Hey, don’t you think so too?”
“No… that is, if you say it like that, I guess.”
“Yup, you seem skilled. It’s my first time meeting someone so good at tutting. You’re the tutting girl!”
助けてNoel looked like she was having fun.
助けてDon’t go and say whatever you want just because I’m staying quiet, you bumpkin!
助けてRiglette frowned. At that rate, Noel was going to ask her to teach her how to tut. With no other way out, she resorted to changing the topic.
“Come to think of it, Captain Noel, you seem to be friends with Sir Cynthia. I’m jealous. How did you catch her eye? She is from one of Coimbra’s great families after all. It sure is nice that with a connection like that, the viceroy was able to learn about you.”
助けてThe implication was that she found fault with Noel’s rapid promotion. If she could upset her even a little it would serve as revenge, but Noel didn’t seem bothered in the slightest.
“Not really, she didn’t particularly say anything. What she gave me for my help was just this:”
助けてShe took an accessory case from her breast pocket from which she removed a pair of well made glasses that she suddenly began to put it on. They were black rimmed glasses that went well with her evenly trimmed red hair. With only that small change, her aura transformed into one of an intelligent officer.
“Glasses?”
“That’s right, Commander of One Hundred, Riglette. Hey, I look a little smart now too, eh?”
Riglette offered her sarcastic response, “Ah… yes. If it was only a matter of looks, you would seem quite smart. I don’t know if you really are though.”
“I was wearing these when I had my audience with the viceroy. Ah, that’s right, I met your dad there too.”
助けてRaising her head at the mention of her father, she accidentally met Noel’s eyes. The corners of her lips were bent into a broad grin, but the eyes behind the lenses did not harbour a hint of a smile; an abyss peered into Riglette’s soul.
“Ahaha, it looks like your dad doesn’t like me.”
“…”
“Also, this is a valuable treasure, so I need to be careful that they don’t break. It’d be bad if they broke.”
助けてSaying so, Noel began to carefully put them away. The threatening edge which had caused Riglette to deepen her scowl had vanished, replaced by Noel’s usual carefree attitude. Witnessing that transformation caused her to begin to fully understand why Wilm was so wary of her. If his first impression of her had been of that intimidating presence, then that was only natural. She didn’t know which of the two was Noel’s true face, but Riglette resolved to never let her guard down.
She went quiet and Noel leaned in with, “Hey, ‘mind if I say something?”
“What could it be?”
“You don’t seem very happy, Riglette. You’re gloomy, and seem to live with a hatred for the world. Yup, you seem like a recluse.”
“…”
助けてShe could hear the guardsmen catch their breath. Excepting her family, she hadn’t been confronted in a long time, and she found it fresh; however, it was not enough to abate her irritation, and, after tutting audibly, she affected a sigh. Noel outranked her, but their social standing was the same. There was no need to respect such a fool.
“That’s why you remind me of how I was.”
“What?”
“I’m saying that we’re similar.”
助けてStruck dumb for a brief moment, a frothing rage came bubbling to the surface. They were not even close to similar. There was no way they were similar.
助けてYou are some foolish provincial who doesn’t even think, and I am the eldest daughter of the long venerated house Grambull. Our birth is different, and our personalities are not even remotely close; your hair is different; nothing is the same.
“Sorry, but I do not concur.”
“That’s fine. The important thing is what I think after all. So, it’ll be like that.”
助けてNoel stood as she was finishing her sentence, took a large sack, and jumped from the carriage. After returning to their senses, so too did the guards. It seemed that at some point they had arrived at their destination of Bolbo. Suddenly having to chase after them, she wanted to hit herself for not paying attention, but more importantly than that, she had to secure their lodgings in the town. Though the day was not yet dark, it was too dangerous to depart for the mines straight away. For some reason, though, they had begun to walk towards the mines rather than the town gates. The guards were confused too, but did nothing to stop Noel.
Riglette caught Noel’s shoulder on the verge of panic, “Please wait! … Let’s rest in an inn today, and gather information. If we leave now, it will surely be dark by the time we arrive at the mines. We came this time to scout, so there is no reason to do anything dangerous.”
“So, isn’t this fine then? They’ll totally spot us if we go during the day.”
“How far you intend to scout? All we need to do now is investigate the topography. If you want detailed information, just send a skilled spy.”
“There’d be no meaning that way. Anyway, I’m going. Oh yeah, it’s fine if you all go back. Thank you for escorting me this far.”
“It’s fine to go back, you say…”
助けてOnly partially forming her sentence, Riglette noticed something strange about Noel. Wearing armour, sporting a bident on her back, and bearing a warhammer at her waist, she was fully armed. She hadn’t noticed earlier because of the cloak that Noel had been wearing in the carriage. Riglette herself had come lightly equipped as they were supposedly not going to battle. Furthermore, there was the large sack that Noel was carrying in her left hand. She had noticed it in the carriage, but had no idea what it contained due to her apathy towards and total lack of desire to speak to Noel.
“What exactly are you trying to do? Rather, in the first place, what were you thinking with that heavy equipment.
“I won’t do anything for now. As for what I’m thinking, well, I might actually run into the White Ant Bloc. It’s more fun that way.”
With a mumbled, “Later then,” Noel walked on alone whilst humming a tune.
助けてShe likely intended on scouting as far ahead as she could. It was unparalleled recklessness. That aside, her remonstration had left Riglette with no obligation to follow her.
“S-sir Riglette, what do we do?”
“She shouldn’t be alone, but…”
“…”
助けてShe had intended to say that they would wait at an inn, and if it seemed like Noel wasn’t going to make it back the next day, they would return. Noel was new so there wasn’t a single person who would care if she died. Riglette could absolve herself of blame if she explained that Noel had gone off of her own accord. That was likely the best thing to do. She watched Noel’s receding figure, her long bident swayed with each wandering step. It was plain to see that she was totally unafraid. Riglette became a little curious as to where that self-confidence that bordered on arrogance came from. There was also that she claimed to be similar.
“Sir Riglette?”
“Get our luggage from the carriage. We’ll follow the captain a little farther.”
“B-but, were you not just mentioning how dangerous this is? We think so too.”
“If you don’t like it, go ahead and abandon her. You won’t really be violating regulation. Decide for yourself. You’re finally accompanying someone important, so you should at least make yourselves useful once in awhile. You aren’t just for show are you?”
“N-no sir. Understood, sir!”
助けてAt Riglette’s mockery, a faint irritation played upon the guards’ faces. They quickly recovered, though, and were soon running back to the carriage after saluting her. In the end, they were soldiers who would always obey their officer’s orders. The hierarchy in the military was absolute. If they let Noel die without helping, there would be punishment.
“How irritating. That brat just ran off on her own!”
助けてRiglette was pulling her hair out as she voiced her complaints before tutting as she kicked the ground. That was the only way she could stop her grumbling once she had reached her limit. It had also been an outburst of anger at her own nonsensical decision.
助けてIt’s not like I’m interested, or anything. I am simply following my father’s orders. That’s right, I need to observe the world’s most disagreeable woman.
助けてShading her eyes from the distant sun, Riglette glared with all her might at Noel’s silhouette.
助けてCoimbra’s northern Bolk belt of mines had once been known as the place where any excavation would strike gold due to its great veins. The city of Bolbo’s proximity to the mines brought in many miners from afar and the merchants who targeted them. With a constant flow of gold and men, the city was brimming with energy; it was an unparalleled, bustling city. In that way, the term ‘gold country’ was a truly fitting name; however, as the gold had dried up, that glory had become a thing of the past. It was now a city overrun with abandoned houses and shops, the tired faces of the remaining inhabitants making occasional appearances between the husks. Aside from the mines, countless lengths of tunnel that had once been dug out were now neglected. Both Bolbo and the Bolk mines were places that had already died; the last vestiges of forgotten dreams had already faded away.
助けてEven still, both those who refused to give up, and those who had no intentions of leaving continued to tunnel. Among them was a certain old-timer; a great muscular giant of a man with greying hair. His name was Barbas, and he had come to Coimbra to work, but eventually settled down. Only 38 years old, he still qualified as young, but the other remnants had taken to calling him pops. He had always been rather foul mouthed, but his skill at looking after others had been the primary reason they had started calling him that.
“Tha’s boring. ‘S no gold ‘s usual. Jus’ when’s it gon’ come?”
助けてBarbas smoked his golden pipe in an effort to distract himself from the tedium. The surrounding miners — they preferred to call themselves excavators — were sitting around in a similar way. It was fairly obvious that no gold had surfaced, but there was no way they were going to lose heart after all they had done. Of course they would get tired of doing the same thing day in and day out. It was boring. Even still, there was nothing else they wanted to do, and so they continued to dig. Barbas had just about had enough of it. That aside, he had no intentions of abandoning the excavators he’d known for many years. Bonds formed even between coworkers who hated each other if given enough time. That was how people were.
“Would you like an arancini, pops? It’s a bit salty though.”
He thoughtfully raised his pipe, “No need, no need. This’s all I need.”
With an “Okay,” the man bit into his arancini.
“Digging is eating, digging is eating. Are we moles?”
“We’re more like lil’ ants than moles.”
“I ain’t helpin’ you if you say that.”
助けてDigging foolishly in a mine with no gold wouldn’t normally have been able to earn them a living, but they never wanted for food. That was because of the ones who ruled over them. There were around 500 excavators in that particular Bolk mine, and even though they sometimes hunted and they sometimes farmed, they primarily bought their food in Bolbo city. They were funded by the Coimbra elites. Though that was the case, they did not want to supply the funds. Conspirators had formed alliances and would raid the supplies, taking whatever they pleased. Barbas and the other excavators had another face; a face which they called the White Ant Bloc. Thanks to the strength they built in the mines, they could overpower the weak Coimbran soldiers and win by brute force. Their targets were military outposts, wagons, nobles, and sometimes food stockpiles. That was how they had eked out a living. Their reason was not at all to recapture anything as was said of them. Barbas firmly believed that the great Sun God would overlook them.
“Speaking of which, the original rebel army seems to have been subjugated. I heard talk of it in the city.”
“Heh, s’at so? Well, that’s ‘cause they indiscriminately attacked everything. They got what they deserved.”
助けてRumors of a rebel uprising had even reached the Bolk mines. The excavators had initially discussed whether or not they should have joined it, but they had attacked Bolbo, so that idea was scrapped. Barbas and the others limited their actions to including the Coimbran army in their list of targets, for they had sworn to never exploit the poor like the rebels did. Barbas imposed harsh sanctions upon those who swore it. He never claimed to be a noble thief, but he wanted to do at least the minimum he could to protect people. That was why he and the others in the White Ant Bloc, had taken up arms and wiped out the rebel army in defence of Bolbo. Once that was done, they went back to digging in their mines without any change to their daily lives.
“It’s good we didn’t participate, then.”
“That’s for sure.”
“By the way, pops, they’ve come en masse again.”
“Ah, send ’em to be processed as usual. Hah, it can’t be helped if there’s still no gold.”
助けてAs for what they were, they were the one light in the miners’ dark lives: stones. Though they brightened things up, they were never going to be a replacement for gold. They were shiny and gaudy.
“But, it’s always fun to blow up the bedrock.”
“Well, nothin’ beats gold. Be careful not ta mess up an’ get hurt.”
“Of course. I’ve already learned my lesson.”
“As long ‘s y’understand.”
助けてBarbas let out a puff of smoke. Normally, with so few people, it wouldn’t be strange if the Coimbran army hadn’t already destroyed them. The reason they had evaded the subjugation force for so many years was because of the stones they discovered in the dried up mines. It wasn’t gold, but they could use it. With skillful use of those stones, the White Ant Bloc had successfully evaded the subjugation force. To Barbas and the others, they were known as combustion stones.
“Ah, it’s borin’! I’m tired o’all this booze an’ smokin’!”
“P-pops?”
“Dig an’ dig, but there ain’t no gold! Jus’ why don’t nothin’ come that won’t blow my damn head off!?”
助けてBarbas smashed a nearby rock with his pipe. The excavators were shocked by his sudden use of force. They grabbed him to calm him down, and he shouted that they didn’t have to.
“Then, do you want a charge? Hehe, this way we can blow up the entire mine! The tale will be told for years to come!”
“You retard! Weren’t you the one talking about learnin’ yer lesson just now!”
助けてThen, shouting in a loud voice, an excavator came crashing down from the tunnel’s entrance, his face red.
“P-pops, this is bad!”
“What, what, have we struck gold at last!? That’s great! If yer wrong like last time, though, I’ll break both yer arms and yer legs!”
“It’s not that! Coimbran soldiers have come! They’ll be here soon!”
助けてUpon hearing those words, the nearby excavators unsheathed their swords and made ready for war. Even though they usually just messed around, they were an armed faction. They would do what they had to do. After grumbling under his breath, Barbas took up a longsword that had been stood against the wall. At the moment, the one in command of the Coimbran army’s subjugation force was an elderly man named Dirk who was born in the region. He had attacked them many times before, and so Barbas had a basic understanding of his personality. He was an honourable man of unusually upstanding character for the Coimbran army, but he was set in his ways, and his adaptability was hurt as a result. He was poor at improvisation, so Barbas had made sure to lead him around by the nose through disruption tactics. He was likely frustrated by the fact that his supplies had helped the enemy. Barbas couldn’t hate that kind of simple man.
“Old man Dirk must also be in a do-or-die situation right now. What’re the numbers like? He’s goin’ all out this time, how many men, a thousand?”
助けてThe usual subjugation forces numbered from one hundred to one thousand. A commander who looked down on them would come with one hundred, and the cowards would come with a large force of one thousand. They would fight off the former near the entrance, and they would hide from the latter in the depths. That was how Barbas had led the Coimbran army on countless times. At first he had made mistakes, but with experience, his judgements no longer erred.
“N-no, that is…”
“Why’re you all worn out, then? You’ve gotta know that we’ll think it’s time for a fight jus’ by lookin’ at you like that. Hurry up and spit it out.”
“Um, there are only five. Two of them are women too. The truth is, they’ll be here soon.”
助けてThe watchman scratched his cheek nervously, and somebody appeared from the direction of the entrance. In the lead was a young girl with short, red hair in a suit of armour. She was dragging one of the excavators with her by the scruff of his neck. His eyes were closed, but it seemed that he was only unconscious. Behind her were four more with drawn swords: three men and one woman. The four’s faces were pale and cramped. They were likely from the Coimbran army as usual.
“Oi oi, what’s this? I don’t get it.”
“Ah, well, the redhead girl wouldn’t listen to our warnings at all, so Gran here thought he’d teach her a lesson, and ended up like that. She seemed confident about her abilities in a fight, so I thought we might gang up on them, and I came to ask you, pops.”
助けてThe least they could do to protect people was to avoid bullying the weak as per their principals, so it was unlikely that they would all gang up on some girl who didn’t know the ways of the world. That was why he had no option but to let her get this far.
“You know, you are supposed to spot intruders, but your primary duty is stoppin’ em before they get here. And you just up and brought them here. You should have broken their legs or something, and shown ’em off.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just, that redhead’s way stronger than she looks. I mean, just look at how she’s dragging Gran, and he always bragged about his skills.”
“I get it, I get it. Right now I’m in the worst mood. Hurry up and deal with ’em. Take their clothes and toss ‘em out. Let ‘em reflect on their actions au naturel.”
助けてCracking her neck, the redhead stepped forward. After surveying the room with great interest, the girl tossed the foolish Gran onto the floor. Gran grunted as his head struck the floor, likely for the second time.
“Well, aren’t you brave, comin’ all this way. I’ll give you that at least.”
“Hey, it’s pretty impressive, eh? The tunnels in this mountain. It surprised me with how it’s just like a real anthill.”
助けてShe smiled in a friendly manner. It was shockingly disarming, but she was carrying a warhammer on her waist, and a sharp bident on her back. They couldn’t afford to let their guards down. She may have seemed oblivious to the ways of the world, but she certainly seemed to have martial skill. The world didn’t limit its untimely deaths to any sort.
“Well, that’s because excavating is our job. Stealing gold and food from you Coimbrans is what we’d call a side job. If you understand…”
助けてJust as he was about to tell her to give them her money, she threw down the large sack that she’d been carrying with her. It broke open upon impact with the ground, sending the contents spilling across the floor. It was a large pile of gold coins. There seemed to be enough to feed the White Ant Bloc for a year if used sparingly.
“Well, ain’t that quite the pile o’ money? Did you come all this way just to give it to us? You’re like a godess.”
助けてThe redhead shook her head at his mocking praise.
“I’m not giving it to you, I’m betting it. You’re the leader of the White Termite Bloc, no? If you beat me in a duel, I’ll give it all to you.”
“What?”
“But, if I win, you have to listen to me, okay. That’s the deal.”
The gloomy woman in the back piped up in a shrill voice, “L-listen to what you are saying! Have you gone mad!?”
助けてHer loud voice echoed off the walls of the tunnels, causing everyone great discomfort, and she shrank back from the hateful glares that were sent her way as a result. The girl she had called Noel laughed it off.
“If I’m strange for coming here, that means you are too since you followed me this far, eh?”
“E-even if I wanted to run, I would get captured, you lunatic! I’ll die like a dog because of you! I’ll take this grudge beyond the grave!”
“I like this energy you’re showing now. Don’t worry, the weather was great today, so we won’t die.”
助けてSaying that, Noel turned to face them. Her expression was gentle, but her eyes had changed. She was a hunter, waiting for an opening.
“I’ll hear you out, but how will we duel? I don’t think I’m going to like it.”
“Then, why don’t we make it a fistfight, and whoever gives up loses? That’s simple isn’t it?”
助けてSaying so, she quickly threw down her arms, and took off her armour, revealing the light clothing underneath.
“You want to have a fistfight with me, woman? The gloomy one said so too, but you really are a bit touched.”
“I used to be strange, but I’m normal now. It’s different now because every day is fun.”
助けてNoel laughed heartily. Though initially taken aback, anger began to slowly well up inside Barbas.
“I don’t like hurting the weak. I won’t be happy with myself. That’s a different matter from who’s gon’ win though. I’ll tell you this once, don’t hold a grudge if you die.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t.”
助けてShe was still smiling. Thinking that she was courageous at least, Barbas spat, and turned to set upon her.
“Don’t start crying after a single punch, little girl!!”
“Yaaaa!”
助けてHe cut the air with his fist countless times. Knocking her down wouldn’t be a problem if he hit her, but he couldn’t land a single blow. When he closed in to grapple, he was the one who received a torrent of blows. Each strike was relatively light, but the damage was building as time went on. His sides began to hurt with each breath.
助けてAm I going to be the one to bite the dust? This girl avoids all my attacks.
助けてThat was right, it seemed as though she could see through his intentions, and was simply waiting to counter them. Even as thirty minutes lapsed in the fight, he was unable to land a decisive blow. Noel hadn’t a hint of fatigue and was toying with him as a cat toys with a mouse. If they had dueled with swords, he would have already died.
“Shit!”
助けてSpitting out the blood in his mouth, he retreated a step to gain space. The previously angry excavators could do nothing but hold their breath in anticipation. Barbas was their best fighter. There was no way for them to remain calm when he was being toyed with.
“So, are you going to give up soon?”
“There’s no way I’ll accept defeat from some girl that just runs around. You keep throwin’ yer weak attacks, but that won’t beat me.”
助けてAs he stated his bluff he had taken care to inhale slowly so that his tired breath would not appear ragged.
“Okay, then I’ll give you one hit. Hit me like you want to kill me, as hard as you can. It’s almost night, so let’s get this finished up.”
助けてShe spread her arms out to invite him in. He couldn’t tell if it was a trap, or if she was serious. He was, however, aware of his waning stamina.
“That’s borin’. If you can take the full force of my punch, I’ll listen to whatever you want, but I won’t forgive you if you dodge.”
助けてHe held up a fist provocatively. Noel pouted at his upsetting words.
“I always keep my promises. That is the proof of my existence. All right, whenever you’re ready.”
助けてNoel crossed her arms in a defencive stance, prepared to receive the full force of Barbas’ punch.
助けてYou amateur, I’ll knock that look off yer face when I break yer arms.
助けてBarbas lowered his hips, and put power into both legs. Clenching his right fist as tightly as he could, he drew in a deep breath, and glared at his target.
“Here I come!!”
助けてLetting out his voice with a sharp exhalation, he closed the distance all at once, slamming into Noel’s arms, which were crossed before her face. A dull thud sounded at the moment of impact. It was heavy. There was no response. All that remained was the pain of having hit a lump of iron. He could see Noel’s eyes behind her arms. They were the eyes of a feral cat, observing its prey. The lethal gaze of a hunter peeked out, and Barbas’ pained expression reflected back at him from their depths.
助けてShit, I’ll get her first!!
Barbas panicked, and in the instant he was about to bring swing with his left, “N…”
助けてNoel, at some point, had rleased a quick right cross after mounting her defence. It drove hard into the pit of his stomach.
“The deal was one hit, right? Then, I’ll return the favour.”
助けてNoel forcefully brought down both fists Barbas’ head whilst he was doubled over.
“Ughhh!”
“I will let you go as promised. If you won’t accept defeat, I’ll stomp right through you. What’ll it be?”
助けてLooking up from the ground, he saw Noel arrogantly place her hands on her hips, and her right foot on his spine. He could feel her slowly increasing the pressure. She had said that she would absolutely keep her word, and Barbas knew that she intended on killing him by crushing his spine if he didn’t accept defeat. Though she was young had a friendly expression, she would definitely do it. By watching her, he caught a glimpse at her true nature: a starving beast, it was almost as though some monster was wearing a human skin.
“Ghhhh!”
“So, will you keep your word, or do I have to break this?”
助けてShe had asked him in a calm voice while tilting her head. The pressure continued to grow stronger, and his gut started to make a disconcerting noise as it was pressed into the ground.
Just as Barbas was unable to keep his eyes open any longer, “Pops!”
助けてOne of the excavators, who had been lying in wait, loosed an arrow. He had shot with a shortbow from behind Noel who, without rushing, caught it barehanded as though she had expected it even though her eyes had remained on Barbas the entire time.
“What!? H-h-how…?”
助けてThe one who had loosed the arrow collapsed to the ground as though his spine had been the one to break. The others did so too.
“This is your final chance, will you give up?”
“Ffffffff… fine, I lose. I’ll honour… the deal.”
“Oh, that’s good. I don’t have to kill everyone.”
助けてSnapping the arrow she held in her hand, Noel smiled heartily. It was the first time that Barbas had ever seen such an innocent smile. It completely erased his feeling of defeat. The pain from the pressure before was a different matter, though. Brushing off the dirt, Barbas stood carefully.
“It’s my loss. I don’t understand how you took that punch head on. And then, even now, you’re one hell of a girl.”
“Still, you punched me so hard my arms went numb. See, they’re still red.”
助けてShe rolled up her sleeves to show them. Sure enough, there was a bruise where he had hit her. It seemed painful, but she didn’t show it.
“A promise is a promise. I’ll listen to what you want. I’ll even turn myself in if I have to. Go ahead and behead me right here if you want.”
“P-pops!” shouted one of the shaken excavators.
“Shut up! A loss is a loss. The loser can’t complain. Be a man.”
助けてNoel inclined her head at what Barbas thought she wanted, troubled.
“Uh, well, beheadings are… I want you to come with me.”
“I said I’d go wherever.”
“Yeah, well, to put it simply, I want you to become my retainers. That’s why I came all this way.”
助けてShe brushed off some dust as she spoke, then extended her hand to Barbas.
“You want me, the leader of the White Ant Bloc, to be your retainer?”
“Yup. Well, I wanted to decide after seeing for myself. You seem like an interesting guy. If I go around with lots of fun people, there’ll be all kinds of happy moments, right?”
“There’s somethin’ wrong with you after all.”
“Really~?”
“Yeah, it’s not a problem though. I know I’m crazy too.”
“I see. I guess it’s no good,” Noel muttered disappointedly.
助けてIt looked like she was going to pull her hand back, and Barbas hurriedly grasped it with his left hand.
“Wait, wait, wait, that’s not what I meant! I’m sayin’ that until you tell me to stop, I’ll go with you wherever, and I mean wherever. A promise ‘s a promise.”
助けてBarbas grasped her hand in his right this time, and held firmly onto the hand that was so hot, it felt like it could burn him. It was proof of their agreement.
“If I find happiness, I’ll share it with you. I also keep my word.”
“Right, I’ll be countin’ on you. Ah, I mean, captain.”
“Yup, I look forward to working with you.”
助けてNoel sat on the spot after she finished her words. Tired, she stretched her legs out before her.
There was still something that Barbas was curious about, so he proffered the question, “So, what would happen if I didn’t keep my word, and ignored you?”
助けてHe could imagine the answer, so there wasn’t much need to ask. He just wanted to confirm his suspicions.
“None of my companions would be the type to do that, so there’d be no reason to let you live,” and, seeking agreement, Noel continued, “Isn’t that right?”
助けてBarbas was completely satisfied when he heard her answer.
助けてThis is it. The overwhelmingly strong person I’ve been waiting for. Haha, the combustion stones are no match. She seems a bit too strong, but she’s certainly a gift from heaven!
助けてHe couldn’t predict the future, but he felt that it wouldn’t be tedious. Such were Barbas’ thoughts as he endured the lingering pain in his gut.
“Oh, I need to introduce myself properly. My name is Noel Bosheit. Isn’t it just a lovely name?”
“Noel, eh? It’s a good name. Oh, and my name is Barbas Bough. And, uh, I’ll… I’ll be, counting on you?”
助けてBarbas attempted his first salute to his new leader. The language he was not used to using came out horribly awkwardly. Noel burst into sidesplitting laughter at the sight of his shockingly awful salute. The sound echoed through the tunnels, but it didn’t bother Barbas.
