Chapter 1 E 22 - (Surprise Attack 2)
-Seventh-day after being summoned to another world-
A violent wind that suddenly attacked, tears the tent.
As if a massive sword sliced the tent in a single stroke.
After several second, the wind stopped, and Saitou raises his body up.
"Your highness! Your highness!"
"I-I'm fine... What just happened?"
Sardina tried answering Saitou's words while raising her body up that have been protected by Saitou under his body.
"Your highness are you alright...?! Damn it, apart from that, that bastard!"
However disregarding Sardina's words, Saitou directed his gazes at Ryouma.
There he saw a girl standing.
"Are you alright, Master?"
And that girl wrecked the handcuff using her sword.
"Yes. Your timing is perfect. You've saved me, Sara. Is Laura safe?"
"It's about time my older sister finished dealing with the soldiers outside. Just like master had said, it was easy to gain a victory from them."
"Ara~. I've already finished dealing with them, Master."
Saitou heard a voice from behind him.
"Your highness!"
Sardina reacted to Saitou's word, hide behind Saitou's body.
His situation is just like an opposite side of the same coin. <TLN: Basically no matter where he was facing, there's an enemy in front and his back.>
"You're not getting hurt? Laura."
"Yes. Since it was done in immediately after I've used the wind magic. Those guys, although they are vigilant in case an attack from monsters happens, they don't seem to have expected an attack by magic art to happen instead."
Toward Laura's statement, Saitou raises his voice.
"Impossible! Magic art you say?!"
This situation is unexpected for Saitou and Sardina.
After all, it was strange for someone from another world to bring company.
Much less someone who is capable of using magic art.
Since there are not many people, who can use magic art, to begin with.
Those who serve the empire have a rank not less than a knight.
As for mercenaries and adventurers, they are people that can be considered first class.
Because of their scarcity in number, they are more dominant in the world structure.
Being able to use magic art. A person would have a fighting power of five people for just being able to do that alone.
Gaies whom Ryouma had killed, he can be compared to a whole army.
Of course, however, just because one person can use the destructive power of magic art, it does not mean that it would guarantee the individual victory, Ryouma being able to kill Gaies can be regarded as a proof of that.
Either way, it was impossible for a person that had just been summoned from another world to know how to use magic arts, much less being acquainted with someone who knows how to use them.
"You! who in the world are you guys...?!"
Toward Sardina's question, Laura readying her sword while answering the question.
"We're someone who serves master. Master enemies are our enemies."
(This girl! She...)
Looking at Laura's stance, Sardina's intuition alerts her of something.
Even among her subordinates only a few of them have such mastery in swordsmanship.
Although without a doubt ability alone, Sardina is still better.
However, within Laura's eyes, one can see a resolution for being prepared to die.
A determination to die as long one can take Sardina along with them.
And Saitou also feels such determination from Sara.
(What's going on... Why are they willing to support this guy until that far? It's only 6-7 days had passed since he was summoned to this world, you know?)
For Sardina, the order to catch Ryouma was important.
But that story is if Sardina can survive this.
Whether or not Saitou or Sardina dies, this should have been a mission that does not possess such danger.
Either Saitou or Sardina, they both are very important people for the Empire.
They hold the destiny of the Empire in the battlefield.
They cannot afford to lose their lives just because of a single otherworld person.
"Saitou... We should withdraw for now."
It was a decision that she come up with after calculating the various loss and gain within her mind.
Sardina muttered such words toward Saitou with a small voice as to not end up being heard by Ryouma and the others.
"Yes. Since such an unexpected situation has unfolded, we have no choice other than withdrawing... However, will they let us go easily just like that?"
"Indeed. However, this is not the place where we should die. With Gaies being dead, and then us as well on top of that, the Empire force will decline too much... If that happens then..."
"The occupied nation and surrounding nation will take revenge..."
That was the payment for invaded neighboring country with pure power.
Had the power of the Empire drop down, the aristocrats and the people that were oppressed by the occupation will revolt.
Such are several thoughts that cross Saitou and Sardina minds. Yet two people mind did not stop thinking of other possibilities.
"If you want to withdraw, then I don't mind you know?"
Ryouma's words immediately shake the situation that has turn into a stalemate.
It was Saitou who responded first.
"Don't be stupid... There's no reason for us to withdraw here! We will bring you to the imperial capital, along with those two women as well."
"Hee? Are you both going to risk your life just to capture us?"
An expression of ridicule appears on Ryouma's face.
"I can see if a person have the courage to risk their life or not just by looking at their eyes, you know?"
Eyes are as eloquent as the tongue.
From their gaze, gestures, and glint within their eyes, the inside of human mind can be seen through.
Just like how Saitou had read Sara's mind that she's prepared to die just by looking at her eyes, it's not weird for Ryouma to be able to do so as well.
"Then, what is your intention? Killing us, is that not your goal?"
"Well sure. That was my original intention. But the situation changes..."
Ryouma then shrugs his shoulders.
(As expected... This person wants to kill us rather than being captured by us. No wonder that he was willing to get caught quietly...)
Sardina feels cold sweat ran down on her back.
This is the real nature of the bad feeling that they had felt a while ago.
And that was a murderous intent emitted by the hunter toward their prey.
(Certainly, his measure is effective. We thought that the other person had escaped, never in our wildest dream that the other side will turn their fangs toward us instead.)
And as the result of that is this.
Most of their escort soldiers are scattered within the forest, and magic art has annihilated those that guarding the camping ground.
Had Saitou intuition did not kick in, Sardina might have died due to the surprise attack.
(However, this situation... when three against two, they should have the advantage. It is not impossible to kill us if he were to sacrifice the two girls, but why?)
"I see... You don't want to kill huh."
Listening to Saitou's words, Sardina opened her eyes wide.
Someone that Ryouma does not want to kill in this situation.
Since Saitou and Sardina cannot be considered for that, only two other people left.
"Well, that's how it is... The two of them are willing to put their lives for me you see."
Ryouma's line of sight is being directed toward Sara and Laura.
"No matter how high the possibility for me to survive, but I won't be able to kill the both of you without sacrificing both of them."
(I see if that is the case then we should use these women as a shield. But no, in this situation, it would be impossible. Furthermore, he does not seem to be a person who sacrifices his life for the women...)
"Your highness. For now, we have no choice..."
Saitou's advice was similar to what Sardina has in mind.
There's no other way around no matter how much they think about it.
"Very well... We will withdraw here. Saitou put your sword back."
Responding toward Sardina's instruction, Ryouma also gives instruction toward Laura and Sara.
"Laura, Sara, withdraw!"
Listening to Ryouma's order the two of them put their sword away and walked toward Ryouma's side.
However, they still show the intention of being Ryouma's shield the moment Sardina make a suspicious movement.
"You don't have to be that cautious. In the name of the first imperial princess of Ortomea Empire, we shall withdraw here."
Even with such words coming from Sardina, the girl's attitude does not change.
"Sorry about that."
Yet Ryouma still minds the sister's attitude.
And apologized toward Sardina.
"Well, that's fine. Although we will withdraw now, we won't stop our pursuit in the future, you know?"
As for that, it was natural.
The reason why Sardina gives up capturing Ryouma now is simply because the situation is too disadvantageous.
In the extreme case, if there were dozens of soldiers in this place, then it would be unthinkable that Sardina would withdraw.
"Well, I guess that's pretty obvious. Since from your point of view, I'm a criminal after all."
Ryouma said those words calmly.
"However, I have no intention to get caught by you? Killing that gramps or wanting to kill both of you, I never consider them as something wrong. So I don't mind for you to chase after me, put your life on the line and come!"
Listening to Ryouma's statement, Saitou, being unable to hold his patience asked a question.
"Back in Japan, have you committed a crime?"
Saitou wants to know.
He was wondering that a person who had been summoned not long ago from Earth and yet being able to adapt to this world rule immediately.
Where in this world strength is everything, survival of the fittest.
There's nowhere in this world where sweet words such as 'human right' can be heard.
If one does not want to be trampled over, the only way is to become strong.
Saitou realizes these after he was being summoned by Gaies, and spend years being thrown into war, killing each other and be smeared by mud and bloodshed.
It was an entirely different life compared to what Saitou had on Earth.
That's why it was surprising to him, that Ryouma who had just been summoned one week ago have such way of thinking.
"Ha? What are you talking about? If it's something along the line of having urinating outdoor then yes."
"No. What I meant is something that is more serious. Such as murder?"
"Don't say something that absurd old man. I'm just your ordinary high school student. Well, I do have some knowledge of the ancient martial arts. But criminal record you say? That's impossible!"
"Then why? Why are you able to remain calm after killing someone? Have you never thought something like that as horrifying?"
Ryouma answered Saitou's question after brooding a little.
"Conversely, I would like to ask something to you. Do I have to feel sorry for someone who tried to infringe my freedom and sacrifice my body as a pawn?"
Ryouma continued his words even when Saitou shows an astonishing face.
"I never feel as such. It was just me tried to defend myself against an opponent who tried to infringe my freedom. It is stupid for a person who is getting hit yet not hitting them back. Because I do not want to get beaten back, that's why I don't hit others. Only when I have a resolution that I would get beaten, that I will hit someone."
After declared those words, Ryouma directed his line of sight toward Laura.
"Well now... This is not the time for me to talk about my philosophy of life... Laura."
Ryouma pointed toward the entrance of the tent using his chin.
"If we take too much time talking, soldiers might come back to this camping ground. I will go cross the border immediately alright?"
When they are about to head out of the tent, Laura keeps an eye on Sardina and Saitou.
Since she does not fully trust Sardina's words.
"Very well. Go... But, never forget this. The Empire won't let you escape. You will never step your foot into the Empire territory again."
Sharp light appears within Sardina's eyes.
"Run away as best as you can. Soon, the western continent will be united under our Empire. That being the case, there will be no place left for you to live."
Sardina throws such words toward Ryouma who tried to leave the tent.
"Is that so... If that's the case then, I will return to my original world before that happens."
Ryouma said those words without turning around and disappears into the forest.
Chapter 1 E 22 - (Surprise Attack 2)
-Seventh-day after being summoned to another world-
A violent wind that suddenly attacked, tears the tent.
As if a massive sword sliced the tent in a single stroke.
After several second, the wind stopped, and Saitou raises his body up.
"Your highness! Your highness!"
"I-I'm fine... What just happened?"
Sardina tried answering Saitou's words while raising her body up that have been protected by Saitou under his body.
"Your highness are you alright...?! Damn it, apart from that, that bastard!"
However disregarding Sardina's words, Saitou directed his gazes at Ryouma.
There he saw a girl standing.
"Are you alright, Master?"
And that girl wrecked the handcuff using her sword.
"Yes. Your timing is perfect. You've saved me, Sara. Is Laura safe?"
"It's about time my older sister finished dealing with the soldiers outside. Just like master had said, it was easy to gain a victory from them."
"Ara~. I've already finished dealing with them, Master."
Saitou heard a voice from behind him.
"Your highness!"
Sardina reacted to Saitou's word, hide behind Saitou's body.
His situation is just like an opposite side of the same coin. <TLN: Basically no matter where he was facing, there's an enemy in front and his back.>
"You're not getting hurt? Laura."
"Yes. Since it was done in immediately after I've used the wind magic. Those guys, although they are vigilant in case an attack from monsters happens, they don't seem to have expected an attack by magic art to happen instead."
Toward Laura's statement, Saitou raises his voice.
"Impossible! Magic art you say?!"
This situation is unexpected for Saitou and Sardina.
After all, it was strange for someone from another world to bring company.
Much less someone who is capable of using magic art.
Since there are not many people, who can use magic art, to begin with.
Those who serve the empire have a rank not less than a knight.
As for mercenaries and adventurers, they are people that can be considered first class.
Because of their scarcity in number, they are more dominant in the world structure.
Being able to use magic art. A person would have a fighting power of five people for just being able to do that alone.
Gaies whom Ryouma had killed, he can be compared to a whole army.
Of course, however, just because one person can use the destructive power of magic art, it does not mean that it would guarantee the individual victory, Ryouma being able to kill Gaies can be regarded as a proof of that.
Either way, it was impossible for a person that had just been summoned from another world to know how to use magic arts, much less being acquainted with someone who knows how to use them.
"You! who in the world are you guys...?!"
Toward Sardina's question, Laura readying her sword while answering the question.
"We're someone who serves master. Master enemies are our enemies."
(This girl! She...)
Looking at Laura's stance, Sardina's intuition alerts her of something.
Even among her subordinates only a few of them have such mastery in swordsmanship.
Although without a doubt ability alone, Sardina is still better.
However, within Laura's eyes, one can see a resolution for being prepared to die.
A determination to die as long one can take Sardina along with them.
And Saitou also feels such determination from Sara.
(What's going on... Why are they willing to support this guy until that far? It's only 6-7 days had passed since he was summoned to this world, you know?)
For Sardina, the order to catch Ryouma was important.
But that story is if Sardina can survive this.
Whether or not Saitou or Sardina dies, this should have been a mission that does not possess such danger.
Either Saitou or Sardina, they both are very important people for the Empire.
They hold the destiny of the Empire in the battlefield.
They cannot afford to lose their lives just because of a single otherworld person.
"Saitou... We should withdraw for now."
It was a decision that she come up with after calculating the various loss and gain within her mind.
Sardina muttered such words toward Saitou with a small voice as to not end up being heard by Ryouma and the others.
"Yes. Since such an unexpected situation has unfolded, we have no choice other than withdrawing... However, will they let us go easily just like that?"
"Indeed. However, this is not the place where we should die. With Gaies being dead, and then us as well on top of that, the Empire force will decline too much... If that happens then..."
"The occupied nation and surrounding nation will take revenge..."
That was the payment for invaded neighboring country with pure power.
Had the power of the Empire drop down, the aristocrats and the people that were oppressed by the occupation will revolt.
Such are several thoughts that cross Saitou and Sardina minds. Yet two people mind did not stop thinking of other possibilities.
"If you want to withdraw, then I don't mind you know?"
Ryouma's words immediately shake the situation that has turn into a stalemate.
It was Saitou who responded first.
"Don't be stupid... There's no reason for us to withdraw here! We will bring you to the imperial capital, along with those two women as well."
"Hee? Are you both going to risk your life just to capture us?"
An expression of ridicule appears on Ryouma's face.
"I can see if a person have the courage to risk their life or not just by looking at their eyes, you know?"
Eyes are as eloquent as the tongue.
From their gaze, gestures, and glint within their eyes, the inside of human mind can be seen through.
Just like how Saitou had read Sara's mind that she's prepared to die just by looking at her eyes, it's not weird for Ryouma to be able to do so as well.
"Then, what is your intention? Killing us, is that not your goal?"
"Well sure. That was my original intention. But the situation changes..."
Ryouma then shrugs his shoulders.
(As expected... This person wants to kill us rather than being captured by us. No wonder that he was willing to get caught quietly...)
Sardina feels cold sweat ran down on her back.
This is the real nature of the bad feeling that they had felt a while ago.
And that was a murderous intent emitted by the hunter toward their prey.
(Certainly, his measure is effective. We thought that the other person had escaped, never in our wildest dream that the other side will turn their fangs toward us instead.)
And as the result of that is this.
Most of their escort soldiers are scattered within the forest, and magic art has annihilated those that guarding the camping ground.
Had Saitou intuition did not kick in, Sardina might have died due to the surprise attack.
(However, this situation... when three against two, they should have the advantage. It is not impossible to kill us if he were to sacrifice the two girls, but why?)
"I see... You don't want to kill huh."
Listening to Saitou's words, Sardina opened her eyes wide.
Someone that Ryouma does not want to kill in this situation.
Since Saitou and Sardina cannot be considered for that, only two other people left.
"Well, that's how it is... The two of them are willing to put their lives for me you see."
Ryouma's line of sight is being directed toward Sara and Laura.
"No matter how high the possibility for me to survive, but I won't be able to kill the both of you without sacrificing both of them."
(I see if that is the case then we should use these women as a shield. But no, in this situation, it would be impossible. Furthermore, he does not seem to be a person who sacrifices his life for the women...)
"Your highness. For now, we have no choice..."
Saitou's advice was similar to what Sardina has in mind.
There's no other way around no matter how much they think about it.
"Very well... We will withdraw here. Saitou put your sword back."
Responding toward Sardina's instruction, Ryouma also gives instruction toward Laura and Sara.
"Laura, Sara, withdraw!"
Listening to Ryouma's order the two of them put their sword away and walked toward Ryouma's side.
However, they still show the intention of being Ryouma's shield the moment Sardina make a suspicious movement.
"You don't have to be that cautious. In the name of the first imperial princess of Ortomea Empire, we shall withdraw here."
Even with such words coming from Sardina, the girl's attitude does not change.
"Sorry about that."
Yet Ryouma still minds the sister's attitude.
And apologized toward Sardina.
"Well, that's fine. Although we will withdraw now, we won't stop our pursuit in the future, you know?"
As for that, it was natural.
The reason why Sardina gives up capturing Ryouma now is simply because the situation is too disadvantageous.
In the extreme case, if there were dozens of soldiers in this place, then it would be unthinkable that Sardina would withdraw.
"Well, I guess that's pretty obvious. Since from your point of view, I'm a criminal after all."
Ryouma said those words calmly.
"However, I have no intention to get caught by you? Killing that gramps or wanting to kill both of you, I never consider them as something wrong. So I don't mind for you to chase after me, put your life on the line and come!"
Listening to Ryouma's statement, Saitou, being unable to hold his patience asked a question.
"Back in Japan, have you committed a crime?"
Saitou wants to know.
He was wondering that a person who had been summoned not long ago from Earth and yet being able to adapt to this world rule immediately.
Where in this world strength is everything, survival of the fittest.
There's nowhere in this world where sweet words such as 'human right' can be heard.
If one does not want to be trampled over, the only way is to become strong.
Saitou realizes these after he was being summoned by Gaies, and spend years being thrown into war, killing each other and be smeared by mud and bloodshed.
It was an entirely different life compared to what Saitou had on Earth.
That's why it was surprising to him, that Ryouma who had just been summoned one week ago have such way of thinking.
"Ha? What are you talking about? If it's something along the line of having urinating outdoor then yes."
"No. What I meant is something that is more serious. Such as murder?"
"Don't say something that absurd old man. I'm just your ordinary high school student. Well, I do have some knowledge of the ancient martial arts. But criminal record you say? That's impossible!"
"Then why? Why are you able to remain calm after killing someone? Have you never thought something like that as horrifying?"
Ryouma answered Saitou's question after brooding a little.
"Conversely, I would like to ask something to you. Do I have to feel sorry for someone who tried to infringe my freedom and sacrifice my body as a pawn?"
Ryouma continued his words even when Saitou shows an astonishing face.
"I never feel as such. It was just me tried to defend myself against an opponent who tried to infringe my freedom. It is stupid for a person who is getting hit yet not hitting them back. Because I do not want to get beaten back, that's why I don't hit others. Only when I have a resolution that I would get beaten, that I will hit someone."
After declared those words, Ryouma directed his line of sight toward Laura.
"Well now... This is not the time for me to talk about my philosophy of life... Laura."
Ryouma pointed toward the entrance of the tent using his chin.
"If we take too much time talking, soldiers might come back to this camping ground. I will go cross the border immediately alright?"
When they are about to head out of the tent, Laura keeps an eye on Sardina and Saitou.
Since she does not fully trust Sardina's words.
"Very well. Go... But, never forget this. The Empire won't let you escape. You will never step your foot into the Empire territory again."
Sharp light appears within Sardina's eyes.
"Run away as best as you can. Soon, the western continent will be united under our Empire. That being the case, there will be no place left for you to live."
Sardina throws such words toward Ryouma who tried to leave the tent.
"Is that so... If that's the case then, I will return to my original world before that happens."
Ryouma said those words without turning around and disappears into the forest.
