Chapter 1 E 19 (Rest and The Future)
Third to the Fourth day after being summoned to a different world.
After disposing the slave trader, and leaving their bodies in the forest, Ryouma immediately return to the highway and head toward Aru town in a hurry, while carrying a box filled with gold coins and jewelry on his back.
Fortunately, there's no monster attack on their way toward Aru town, by 22 o'clock they have arrived in Aru town safely.
The restaurant in the town have already closed, and Ryouma only able to check in at the only inn in the town.
"Well then, shall we talk while eating? In that regard, how about you guys take a seat?"
In front of Ryouma and the girls, after asking a big favor toward the Inn master stew and bread have been prepared by the Inn master.
An expression of bewilderment floats on the face of the sisters who have been asked to sits down.
"?What's wrong? It will get cold you know?"
"We cannot afford to eat at the same table as the master. Please feed us later. "
"Haa?"
After listening to Laura's words, Ryouma unconsciously asked back.
"A slave cannot eat together with the master. "
"No... That's just impossible... even though there's a stew in front us already. It will get cold you know?"
"There's no need for a slave to have a warm meal. "
(These girls, just what are they... Does a slave is someone belong to their master that much? Or rather, I'm their master, right? Hmm... Wait a minute, If that the case then...)
"Just to confirm. You guys will obey your master right?"
""Yes. To be of use by master is the duty of a slave. ""
The sisters immediately responded toward Ryouma.
"And I'm the master right?"
"Yes. With the exchange of the blood covenant, you're our master. "
Toward Laura's words, Sara nodded her head.
"Then I order you as your master. Sit down, and let's eat the meal together. "
""EH?""
The sisters looking at each other at the unexpected words.
"A food won't taste good if you eat it alone, see. Since I also want to talk about the future, now! Go ahead and sits down!"
The two were lost in thought for a while then responded back.
"... Understood. Excuse me. Come, Sara, it is master order you know? Hurry and sits down. "
Laura who made up her mind then urged Sara to also sits down.
"Alright! Then let's talk while eating. "
""Understood.""
For Ryouma, it was natural for him to eat happily together, yet the sisters seem to have found it uncomfortable instead.
One, two mouthfuls of stew had already consumed by Ryouma; however, the silence still presides over them.
(Somehow, this feels awkward... Well from the story I heard, a slave have always been treated quite poorly. So I guess, it was impossible to change their mind immediately huh? "
Reluctantly Ryouma asked the question regarding the blood covenant.
He was aware that the issue is less suitable to be asked during meal; however, he cannot leave it alone forever either.
"Then, let me confirm the situation alright? I will ask for one more time, right now, I've become your master right?"
"Yes. A master-slave relationship has been established using blood covenant that we performed a while ago. "
"That's it! That blood covenant thing, what is that about?"
Ryouma asked the question while stuffing his mouth with bread.
"A blood covenant has two meaning. One is where a knight vows their loyalty toward their Lord. In this case, there's no binding force, it was just a formal ceremony. And the other is to bind a war slave <<battle slave>> toward their master. "
Hearing that Ryouma stopped his hand holding a piece of bread.
"War slave, battle slave?"
"Yes. In addition to labor slave and sex slave, there's a special slave that are called a war slave. Their purpose is just like the name implies, and that is to do battles for their masters, however, since it was obvious that they have the power to fight, there's also a chance for them to rebel against their own master. Thus, there's a seal to be placed on them which make them unable to fight unless their master gives them permissions. "
An expression of aversion surfaced on Ryouma face.
After all, he's someone who does not like the thought of violating personal liberty.
This time as well, the story is at the end about human circumstance that force enslavement.
The thing called a slave rebelling can be treated as someone doing revolt like this.
"I see. Then the next question. Why did you guys decide to perform such thing?"
If we follow with Laura's explanation then, they should not know how to perform blood covenant.
There's also a reason as to why Ryouma thought of such a thing.
Although the possibility is small, this might be a trap set by the Empire.
Ryouma wondered if the empire purpose to let him help them is to make him trust them and get him to lower his guard down.
"A-About that..."
Sara who found it hard to say about it direct her gaze toward Laura, which she in return wink her eyes.
"It's fine Sara. It is natural for him to find it suspicious. I understand. I will try to explain everything. However, I want master to keep the story secret. "
Being overpowered by her resolution and determined gaze Ryouma nodded his head.
Beside for Ryouma, he does not have the hobby to flaunt someone else secret either.
"Our surname is Marfisto, originally it was the name of a high pedigree Knight lineage from the Kwiford Kingdom located on the west coast of the central continent. "
(Knight lineage? By that means, a noble huh? Now that you mention it, they do have the beauty and the elegance. But still, why a noble lady ends up as a slave...??)
For Ryouma, Laura's story is beyond his expectation.
"If that the case then, your real name is actually Laura Marfisto is that it?"
"Yes. Marfisto family is a military lineage that serves the Kwiford Kingdom royal family since a long time ago. And now, this is the story from five years ago. The problem started with a trade tariff between the Kwiford Kingdom and its neighboring nation, the Queft Kingdom, which in the end escalated into war, and the Kwiford downfall become the result of it. Although my father's territory is situated on an island off the coast of the kingdom, the spark of war also ends up engulfing my father's territory as well. "
Having recalled their home, tears appears from their eyes.
"My father desperately fought for the people and the kingdom. However, after the betrayal of the prime minister which resulted in the assassination of the king and the decline of the kingdom, my father decided to abandon the territory. "
"Were you guys fleeing together then?"
The sisters nodded toward Ryouma question.
"Yes. We planned to run away toward another country with several escort soldiers. "
In the end, Ryouma was unable to eat the stew on the table.
Even for Ryouma, he would be unable to eat, and stop eating if they end up listening to such heavy story.
"Then why a noble lady from a Knight family, having an escort as well, end up as a slave?"
"This is all due to us being over confident. "
A bitter expression appears on Laura's face.
"We're unable to see through a human heart weakness. On the day when we arrived at another neighboring country by ship which we disguised it as a merchant ship from our territory. Our escort betrayed us and tied us, then sold us to the slave trader. Even though all of those escorts are the people that have served us many years..."
Being betrayed by the escort they have placed their trust with, and being sold as a slave.
There's nothing that can describe that other than as a tragedy.
Well, there's the saying that misfortune never comes singly, it's a common thing that when the situation deteriorating everything will always move toward the opposite ways.
"The slave trader, is it the one whom we meet this afternoon?"
"Yes. Because we can read and write, and also have been trained in the military art and magic art, they decided to educate us as a war slaves. "
"I see. So, the reason why you guys know about the blood covenant is?"
"I heard how to perform the ceremony of blood covenant from our father. He said that sooner or later it would be necessary for us to know about it. "
"So that's how it is..."
"Yes. However, blood covenant cannot be done between slaves. Although by all means, I want to perform blood covenant with someone no less than a commoner, however... "
Toward Laura's explanation, Ryouma nodded his head.
That would be natural, or so he thought.
After all, if they can perform blood covenant between slaves the meaning of restriction would disappear.
"That's means all this time, you guys were looking for someone trustworthy huh?... By that, is that means you guys trusting me?"
"Of course. Master have fought purely to protect us. I think such a person is suitable for us to serve. "
"I also have the same thought. "
Following Laura, Sara voiced her agreement.
"Fuuu..."
After hearing the situation from the two people, Ryouma heave a big sigh.
(Ah, I give up... )
That was Ryouma's honest thought.
The two girls gazes are directed toward Ryouma.
"I understand the situation. Then I will free the both of you. Fortunately, there's also the money we looted from the slave trader as well. With that, the both of you would be able to restart your life as a sisters no?"
"We can't do that!"
Laura's words contained such a clear intent.
"Although we had become a slave, we are from the proud Marfisto family. We had our life and purity saved by master while master has risked master's life in doing so. Please, let us serve master until this life of ours end. "
A light of resolution can be seen from the eyes of the sisters.
"Well, you know, I helped you guys without expecting any gratitude from it. Thus, you girls don't have to put it until that far, alright?"
Of course, he does not mean that they don't have to feel indebted entirely.
After all, he only wants a world of thanks from them, and something like this is going too far.
"No! Please let us serve you!"
Toward Laura's words, Sara nodded her head.
"This won't do... after all, I also have my own circumstance..."
Sara responded toward Ryouma who leaked something vague.
"Is that related to master for being a person from a different world?"
A smile appeared on Ryouma face as usual.
"What are you talking about?"
Although only a momentary, the feeling of unrest within Ryouma's heart is being transmitted to the sisters.
"Master do not have to worry. We won't tell the others. It just that, we also want to know about master circumstance. "
For a second, silence ruled the place.
"Why?"
Ryouma began to talk.
"To serve Ryouma-sama, we have to understand the situation properly. That's why we want to know master circumstance by all means. "
Silence once again has flown between them.
(What should I do? I can seal their mouth, but... no, that's just being stupid. I would rather get myself forsaken than doing that. Since I should have prepared for this by the time I decide to help them back then... If that's the case then... )
Various thoughts run through Ryouma's mind.
"Very well. "
""Then!?""
The sisters immediately leaned their body forward in expectation of Ryouma's word, however, Ryouma pushed them by hand.
"I understand your feeling, but, I don't need any slave. So, after you listen to my situation and still decide to follow me, then I want both of you to come with me as a human with free will, not as a slave bound by blood covenant. "
He doesn't want to feel forcing them following him, but let them decide as a human with free will.
This was the maximum compromise that Ryouma can give right now.
Hearing Ryouma words, the sisters looked at each other, nodded, then Laura makes a loud declaration.
"We understood. If that is the will of the master, we will comply!"
Even after explaining everything, the two sisters determination did not change.
Ryouma told them about the day when he was summoned to another world.
Escaping after killed the soldiers and the one who performed the summoning ceremony.
About the pursuers from the empire.
About how they don't know about his face which also an advantage, but, nobody knows about the future.
He told them about the risk if they go together with him, and after all that, the sisters' determination did not change at all.
Or rather they go "If master face is not known by them then, won't it would make it harder for them to understand that a fugitive was together with us? After all, if master is someone from another world, they won't expect master to be familiar with this world. " or so that was what they had suggested.
With their determination, the advantage of going together, and with the condition that they should be released from the status of a slave at any time.
"Are you guys really going to go with us? Someday, I might disappear from this world you know?"
In Ryouma's words, he has no intention to stay in this world forever.
Even if everyone says that there's no method to repatriate him, he should just create a method from 0 instead.
For that, he had put his own resolution.
However, toward that words, Laura only smiled.
"If that is the case, master can use us until the day master returned to his world. "
Following that, Sara continued,
"Onee-sama. Why not we also go together to Ryouma-sama world as well?"
"Ara~. That's true... That's a good idea! With that, we can serve him forever! "
Ryouma was amazed toward Sara's words.
(Oi oi... They said they are going to come home with me? That old man would kill me you know? No wait, Asuka might kill me as well. )
Despite Ryouma feeling complicated, the sisters shows a beautiful smile on their face.
(Well, let us put aside those matters. First, we need to find out how to get through the border... )
The next day, Ryouma and the sisters, at Aru town, the three of them arranged their equipment in order.
It seems like the sisters are more proficient at using dual scimitar, however, unfortunately at Aru town, no one sells them.
And again, the shop's protective gear also didn't fit their body (due to their big round chest and yet slim waist), including Ryouma's swords replacement. He bought 3 swords and 30 throwing knives.
The thing that is more than expected would be the loot that they had looted from the slave trader.
The gold coins they bought to the bank exceeded 5 million baht, although that was expected, the one unexpected is the value of the jewelry that they sold to the jeweler.
"30 million baht for all of them, how about it?"
"""EH!?"""
That was the three respond at the jeweler's shop.
"Are you dissatisfied with the price? To be honest, we already done the best we could..."
The three of them were marveled by the high price of the jewelry; however, the jeweler thought that the price is still to low.
"Ah! No no... That is good enough. "
Well, he knew that there are quite a considerable number of rings and necklace included in it, but, he does not expect it to be this high of a price.
However, listening to Ryouma answer, a small smile appeared on the merchant's face.
(Hnn? This guy... does he tried to trick us?"
There's the possibility that Ryouma was considered as an amateur, and the jeweler set the price low.
However, Ryouma and the other are not someone who can judge the price either.
Notwithstanding that they have pursuers on their back, there's a lot of problems to carry around a lot of precious metals.
There's no choice other than to change it into gold here and now.
"Is that alright!? Then we will take all of them. However, since it was a large sum of money, we do not have enough cash with us... excuse me, but is it alright to use an account transfer?"
"Ah... well..."
Unintentionally Ryouma looked at the sisters.
Since only Ryouma alone that have an account, it was natural for them to use his account, however, Ryouma feels guilty if it was only being transferred to his account.
However, looking at the sisters nodded their head, Ryouma handed over his card.
"Then, please use this one. "
"I guess before we go toward the guild, we should go to the bank first huh? "
"Why is that?"
Sara asked such question.
The two girls do not seem to have much knowledge about being an adventurer.
"Yes. Because the reward of the quest would be done by bank transfer, without an account, one cannot register at the guild. "
"Is that how it is? "
An expression of surprise and respect floats on the sisters face.
(This person is really amazing. It was only have been a few days since the time he had been summoned to this world, yet he knows the things that we don't know in this world... )
While Laura feels interested in him, Ryouma stopped his foot.
"Now~... We're here. "
Ryouma came through the entrance of the bank facing the main street.
-30 minutes later-
After opening an account, the three of them headed toward the guild to fulfill the sisters' registration.
"Now then. This time about our future movement. "
The three of them after gathered information from the guild returned toward their room at the inn.
There's a blockade at the border.
After registering the sisters, he was planning to head toward Adelpho town with the sisters; however, they have to change their plan.
"Yes... It would be bad if we stay with the plan and head toward Adelpho as it is. "
Sara nodded toward Laura's remark.
"I think so too. If it was your ordinary blockade, then we just have to pay the border guard generously, and then we can pass just like that. "
"Princess Sardina huh..."
The two sisters nodded toward Ryouma words.
"Yes. Since it was a direct order of a princess, we won't be able to settle it with money only. "
Most things can be settled using money; however, no idiot going to get blinded by bribe when the princess is the one who directly oversight them.
"With that being the case then, should we advance... or should we withdraw?"
The three of them looked at the map which he bought at the imperial capital.
For civilian use, it is only at the level where there's a measurement of the highway distance between city or town and the placement of the town itself.
"If we withdraw then, we will have to get back to our previous route and then goes south is it?"
To head toward the southern border, then they can choose between going via the forest which monsters lurking, or goes back to the imperial capital and proceed from there.
Whichever route they choose, it would take them approximately 10 days to reach their destination.
If they take a shortcuts by going via the forest, there are monsters in there who going to slow them, thus the time needed for both route stays the same.
"No... I do not mean that we should go south. Because the south would be the place where the Empire put their attention the most. "
The border closest to the imperial capital would be the south.
The pursuer would have then predicted that Ryouma who is a fugitive will choose the shortest distance to escape.
"If that is the case then, north or west is it?"
Laura face clearly says that she cannot recommend that route.
When he look at the map, the reason would be obvious.
Both are too far.
If they make a straight line, that alone still have 300km distance.
If they taking the speed at which they are walking, which is 20 km per day, that would take them more than half a month to arrive.
If it takes too much time, then it would be a lot safer for them to just wait within the empire territory until the situation cools down.
But, if Ryouma decides to stay, the empire may move its massive armies to find him.
Looking at the future prospect, it was obvious to him that it was better that he escape to another country as soon as possible.
And the sisters also familiar with the neighborhood as well.
"I guess, we have no choice but to go through the eastern border as it is..."
Toward Ryouma words, the sisters nodded their head.
"About that, I have a plan. "
The two person eyes turned toward Sara
"A plan where we avoid the highway?"
Sara nodded at Laura's words.
"There's no other way other than us going through the eastern border, but, we cannot pass Adelpho. So, why not we just go through the forest directly to Zalda kingdom without using the highway? "
Sara's finger traced the map without passing the highway from Aru town, and directly pass through the forest toward Zalda kingdom.
(That's pretty good. But...)
Although there might be some fault, there's no obvious disadvantage either.
However,
(Won't the guy who blocked the border predicting that I would escape via the east notice this as well?)
On the highways in this world, they placed a barrier so that high-grade monsters won't be able to cross over.
They would be able to move safely if they use the highway.
This is written inside the beginner guide book.
However, it does not necessarily mean that we can only use the highway to come and go either.
If one have confidence in their ability and the resolution of spending one night in the forest instead of inside a comfortable inn room then, going through via the forest also possible,
Looking at the speed at which Princess Sardina responded with his escape, she does not seems to be that clueless.
Such a person does not seem to be the type to miss the thought about someone going through via the forest.
However, after hearing from the information that there are not much of pursuers in term of numbers.
He thought that they would not be able to cover the entire forest.
In that sense, Sara's proposal is a very good one.
However, if I were being found, there's no mistake that it would be instant detention.
They do not know Ryouma's face.
If that is being the case, then they have to doubt every single person with large build.
That is to say, even if he were to go with Laura and Sara, the possibility that he would get overlooked would be small.
(There's no chance that I would be overlooked just because I walked alongside Laura and Sara... if that is the case then, there's no point for us to go together... no, wait a minute...)
Those guys do not know about these two.
When they are not walking together with him, they should not be restricted.
Thinking that far, something crosses Ryouma's mind.
"Sara, Laura... I decide to pass through the forest. However..."
An evil smile surfaced on Ryouma's face, and a surprised expression spreads over the sisters face.
(Now then, I will teach you who's the prey and who's the hunter... Dear princess...)
That was the moment when the hunted person becomes the hunter.
Chapter 1 E 19 (Rest and The Future)
Third to the Fourth day after being summoned to a different world.
After disposing the slave trader, and leaving their bodies in the forest, Ryouma immediately return to the highway and head toward Aru town in a hurry, while carrying a box filled with gold coins and jewelry on his back.
Fortunately, there's no monster attack on their way toward Aru town, by 22 o'clock they have arrived in Aru town safely.
The restaurant in the town have already closed, and Ryouma only able to check in at the only inn in the town.
"Well then, shall we talk while eating? In that regard, how about you guys take a seat?"
In front of Ryouma and the girls, after asking a big favor toward the Inn master stew and bread have been prepared by the Inn master.
An expression of bewilderment floats on the face of the sisters who have been asked to sits down.
"?What's wrong? It will get cold you know?"
"We cannot afford to eat at the same table as the master. Please feed us later. "
"Haa?"
After listening to Laura's words, Ryouma unconsciously asked back.
"A slave cannot eat together with the master. "
"No... That's just impossible... even though there's a stew in front us already. It will get cold you know?"
"There's no need for a slave to have a warm meal. "
(These girls, just what are they... Does a slave is someone belong to their master that much? Or rather, I'm their master, right? Hmm... Wait a minute, If that the case then...)
"Just to confirm. You guys will obey your master right?"
""Yes. To be of use by master is the duty of a slave. ""
The sisters immediately responded toward Ryouma.
"And I'm the master right?"
"Yes. With the exchange of the blood covenant, you're our master. "
Toward Laura's words, Sara nodded her head.
"Then I order you as your master. Sit down, and let's eat the meal together. "
""EH?""
The sisters looking at each other at the unexpected words.
"A food won't taste good if you eat it alone, see. Since I also want to talk about the future, now! Go ahead and sits down!"
The two were lost in thought for a while then responded back.
"... Understood. Excuse me. Come, Sara, it is master order you know? Hurry and sits down. "
Laura who made up her mind then urged Sara to also sits down.
"Alright! Then let's talk while eating. "
""Understood.""
For Ryouma, it was natural for him to eat happily together, yet the sisters seem to have found it uncomfortable instead.
One, two mouthfuls of stew had already consumed by Ryouma; however, the silence still presides over them.
(Somehow, this feels awkward... Well from the story I heard, a slave have always been treated quite poorly. So I guess, it was impossible to change their mind immediately huh? "
Reluctantly Ryouma asked the question regarding the blood covenant.
He was aware that the issue is less suitable to be asked during meal; however, he cannot leave it alone forever either.
"Then, let me confirm the situation alright? I will ask for one more time, right now, I've become your master right?"
"Yes. A master-slave relationship has been established using blood covenant that we performed a while ago. "
"That's it! That blood covenant thing, what is that about?"
Ryouma asked the question while stuffing his mouth with bread.
"A blood covenant has two meaning. One is where a knight vows their loyalty toward their Lord. In this case, there's no binding force, it was just a formal ceremony. And the other is to bind a war slave <<battle slave>> toward their master. "
Hearing that Ryouma stopped his hand holding a piece of bread.
"War slave, battle slave?"
"Yes. In addition to labor slave and sex slave, there's a special slave that are called a war slave. Their purpose is just like the name implies, and that is to do battles for their masters, however, since it was obvious that they have the power to fight, there's also a chance for them to rebel against their own master. Thus, there's a seal to be placed on them which make them unable to fight unless their master gives them permissions. "
An expression of aversion surfaced on Ryouma face.
After all, he's someone who does not like the thought of violating personal liberty.
This time as well, the story is at the end about human circumstance that force enslavement.
The thing called a slave rebelling can be treated as someone doing revolt like this.
"I see. Then the next question. Why did you guys decide to perform such thing?"
If we follow with Laura's explanation then, they should not know how to perform blood covenant.
There's also a reason as to why Ryouma thought of such a thing.
Although the possibility is small, this might be a trap set by the Empire.
Ryouma wondered if the empire purpose to let him help them is to make him trust them and get him to lower his guard down.
"A-About that..."
Sara who found it hard to say about it direct her gaze toward Laura, which she in return wink her eyes.
"It's fine Sara. It is natural for him to find it suspicious. I understand. I will try to explain everything. However, I want master to keep the story secret. "
Being overpowered by her resolution and determined gaze Ryouma nodded his head.
Beside for Ryouma, he does not have the hobby to flaunt someone else secret either.
"Our surname is Marfisto, originally it was the name of a high pedigree Knight lineage from the Kwiford Kingdom located on the west coast of the central continent. "
(Knight lineage? By that means, a noble huh? Now that you mention it, they do have the beauty and the elegance. But still, why a noble lady ends up as a slave...??)
For Ryouma, Laura's story is beyond his expectation.
"If that the case then, your real name is actually Laura Marfisto is that it?"
"Yes. Marfisto family is a military lineage that serves the Kwiford Kingdom royal family since a long time ago. And now, this is the story from five years ago. The problem started with a trade tariff between the Kwiford Kingdom and its neighboring nation, the Queft Kingdom, which in the end escalated into war, and the Kwiford downfall become the result of it. Although my father's territory is situated on an island off the coast of the kingdom, the spark of war also ends up engulfing my father's territory as well. "
Having recalled their home, tears appears from their eyes.
"My father desperately fought for the people and the kingdom. However, after the betrayal of the prime minister which resulted in the assassination of the king and the decline of the kingdom, my father decided to abandon the territory. "
"Were you guys fleeing together then?"
The sisters nodded toward Ryouma question.
"Yes. We planned to run away toward another country with several escort soldiers. "
In the end, Ryouma was unable to eat the stew on the table.
Even for Ryouma, he would be unable to eat, and stop eating if they end up listening to such heavy story.
"Then why a noble lady from a Knight family, having an escort as well, end up as a slave?"
"This is all due to us being over confident. "
A bitter expression appears on Laura's face.
"We're unable to see through a human heart weakness. On the day when we arrived at another neighboring country by ship which we disguised it as a merchant ship from our territory. Our escort betrayed us and tied us, then sold us to the slave trader. Even though all of those escorts are the people that have served us many years..."
Being betrayed by the escort they have placed their trust with, and being sold as a slave.
There's nothing that can describe that other than as a tragedy.
Well, there's the saying that misfortune never comes singly, it's a common thing that when the situation deteriorating everything will always move toward the opposite ways.
"The slave trader, is it the one whom we meet this afternoon?"
"Yes. Because we can read and write, and also have been trained in the military art and magic art, they decided to educate us as a war slaves. "
"I see. So, the reason why you guys know about the blood covenant is?"
"I heard how to perform the ceremony of blood covenant from our father. He said that sooner or later it would be necessary for us to know about it. "
"So that's how it is..."
"Yes. However, blood covenant cannot be done between slaves. Although by all means, I want to perform blood covenant with someone no less than a commoner, however... "
Toward Laura's explanation, Ryouma nodded his head.
That would be natural, or so he thought.
After all, if they can perform blood covenant between slaves the meaning of restriction would disappear.
"That's means all this time, you guys were looking for someone trustworthy huh?... By that, is that means you guys trusting me?"
"Of course. Master have fought purely to protect us. I think such a person is suitable for us to serve. "
"I also have the same thought. "
Following Laura, Sara voiced her agreement.
"Fuuu..."
After hearing the situation from the two people, Ryouma heave a big sigh.
(Ah, I give up... )
That was Ryouma's honest thought.
The two girls gazes are directed toward Ryouma.
"I understand the situation. Then I will free the both of you. Fortunately, there's also the money we looted from the slave trader as well. With that, the both of you would be able to restart your life as a sisters no?"
"We can't do that!"
Laura's words contained such a clear intent.
"Although we had become a slave, we are from the proud Marfisto family. We had our life and purity saved by master while master has risked master's life in doing so. Please, let us serve master until this life of ours end. "
A light of resolution can be seen from the eyes of the sisters.
"Well, you know, I helped you guys without expecting any gratitude from it. Thus, you girls don't have to put it until that far, alright?"
Of course, he does not mean that they don't have to feel indebted entirely.
After all, he only wants a world of thanks from them, and something like this is going too far.
"No! Please let us serve you!"
Toward Laura's words, Sara nodded her head.
"This won't do... after all, I also have my own circumstance..."
Sara responded toward Ryouma who leaked something vague.
"Is that related to master for being a person from a different world?"
A smile appeared on Ryouma face as usual.
"What are you talking about?"
Although only a momentary, the feeling of unrest within Ryouma's heart is being transmitted to the sisters.
"Master do not have to worry. We won't tell the others. It just that, we also want to know about master circumstance. "
For a second, silence ruled the place.
"Why?"
Ryouma began to talk.
"To serve Ryouma-sama, we have to understand the situation properly. That's why we want to know master circumstance by all means. "
Silence once again has flown between them.
(What should I do? I can seal their mouth, but... no, that's just being stupid. I would rather get myself forsaken than doing that. Since I should have prepared for this by the time I decide to help them back then... If that's the case then... )
Various thoughts run through Ryouma's mind.
"Very well. "
""Then!?""
The sisters immediately leaned their body forward in expectation of Ryouma's word, however, Ryouma pushed them by hand.
"I understand your feeling, but, I don't need any slave. So, after you listen to my situation and still decide to follow me, then I want both of you to come with me as a human with free will, not as a slave bound by blood covenant. "
He doesn't want to feel forcing them following him, but let them decide as a human with free will.
This was the maximum compromise that Ryouma can give right now.
Hearing Ryouma words, the sisters looked at each other, nodded, then Laura makes a loud declaration.
"We understood. If that is the will of the master, we will comply!"
Even after explaining everything, the two sisters determination did not change.
Ryouma told them about the day when he was summoned to another world.
Escaping after killed the soldiers and the one who performed the summoning ceremony.
About the pursuers from the empire.
About how they don't know about his face which also an advantage, but, nobody knows about the future.
He told them about the risk if they go together with him, and after all that, the sisters' determination did not change at all.
Or rather they go "If master face is not known by them then, won't it would make it harder for them to understand that a fugitive was together with us? After all, if master is someone from another world, they won't expect master to be familiar with this world. " or so that was what they had suggested.
With their determination, the advantage of going together, and with the condition that they should be released from the status of a slave at any time.
"Are you guys really going to go with us? Someday, I might disappear from this world you know?"
In Ryouma's words, he has no intention to stay in this world forever.
Even if everyone says that there's no method to repatriate him, he should just create a method from 0 instead.
For that, he had put his own resolution.
However, toward that words, Laura only smiled.
"If that is the case, master can use us until the day master returned to his world. "
Following that, Sara continued,
"Onee-sama. Why not we also go together to Ryouma-sama world as well?"
"Ara~. That's true... That's a good idea! With that, we can serve him forever! "
Ryouma was amazed toward Sara's words.
(Oi oi... They said they are going to come home with me? That old man would kill me you know? No wait, Asuka might kill me as well. )
Despite Ryouma feeling complicated, the sisters shows a beautiful smile on their face.
(Well, let us put aside those matters. First, we need to find out how to get through the border... )
The next day, Ryouma and the sisters, at Aru town, the three of them arranged their equipment in order.
It seems like the sisters are more proficient at using dual scimitar, however, unfortunately at Aru town, no one sells them.
And again, the shop's protective gear also didn't fit their body (due to their big round chest and yet slim waist), including Ryouma's swords replacement. He bought 3 swords and 30 throwing knives.
The thing that is more than expected would be the loot that they had looted from the slave trader.
The gold coins they bought to the bank exceeded 5 million baht, although that was expected, the one unexpected is the value of the jewelry that they sold to the jeweler.
"30 million baht for all of them, how about it?"
"""EH!?"""
That was the three respond at the jeweler's shop.
"Are you dissatisfied with the price? To be honest, we already done the best we could..."
The three of them were marveled by the high price of the jewelry; however, the jeweler thought that the price is still to low.
"Ah! No no... That is good enough. "
Well, he knew that there are quite a considerable number of rings and necklace included in it, but, he does not expect it to be this high of a price.
However, listening to Ryouma answer, a small smile appeared on the merchant's face.
(Hnn? This guy... does he tried to trick us?"
There's the possibility that Ryouma was considered as an amateur, and the jeweler set the price low.
However, Ryouma and the other are not someone who can judge the price either.
Notwithstanding that they have pursuers on their back, there's a lot of problems to carry around a lot of precious metals.
There's no choice other than to change it into gold here and now.
"Is that alright!? Then we will take all of them. However, since it was a large sum of money, we do not have enough cash with us... excuse me, but is it alright to use an account transfer?"
"Ah... well..."
Unintentionally Ryouma looked at the sisters.
Since only Ryouma alone that have an account, it was natural for them to use his account, however, Ryouma feels guilty if it was only being transferred to his account.
However, looking at the sisters nodded their head, Ryouma handed over his card.
"Then, please use this one. "
"I guess before we go toward the guild, we should go to the bank first huh? "
"Why is that?"
Sara asked such question.
The two girls do not seem to have much knowledge about being an adventurer.
"Yes. Because the reward of the quest would be done by bank transfer, without an account, one cannot register at the guild. "
"Is that how it is? "
An expression of surprise and respect floats on the sisters face.
(This person is really amazing. It was only have been a few days since the time he had been summoned to this world, yet he knows the things that we don't know in this world... )
While Laura feels interested in him, Ryouma stopped his foot.
"Now~... We're here. "
Ryouma came through the entrance of the bank facing the main street.
-30 minutes later-
After opening an account, the three of them headed toward the guild to fulfill the sisters' registration.
"Now then. This time about our future movement. "
The three of them after gathered information from the guild returned toward their room at the inn.
There's a blockade at the border.
After registering the sisters, he was planning to head toward Adelpho town with the sisters; however, they have to change their plan.
"Yes... It would be bad if we stay with the plan and head toward Adelpho as it is. "
Sara nodded toward Laura's remark.
"I think so too. If it was your ordinary blockade, then we just have to pay the border guard generously, and then we can pass just like that. "
"Princess Sardina huh..."
The two sisters nodded toward Ryouma words.
"Yes. Since it was a direct order of a princess, we won't be able to settle it with money only. "
Most things can be settled using money; however, no idiot going to get blinded by bribe when the princess is the one who directly oversight them.
"With that being the case then, should we advance... or should we withdraw?"
The three of them looked at the map which he bought at the imperial capital.
For civilian use, it is only at the level where there's a measurement of the highway distance between city or town and the placement of the town itself.
"If we withdraw then, we will have to get back to our previous route and then goes south is it?"
To head toward the southern border, then they can choose between going via the forest which monsters lurking, or goes back to the imperial capital and proceed from there.
Whichever route they choose, it would take them approximately 10 days to reach their destination.
If they take a shortcuts by going via the forest, there are monsters in there who going to slow them, thus the time needed for both route stays the same.
"No... I do not mean that we should go south. Because the south would be the place where the Empire put their attention the most. "
The border closest to the imperial capital would be the south.
The pursuer would have then predicted that Ryouma who is a fugitive will choose the shortest distance to escape.
"If that is the case then, north or west is it?"
Laura face clearly says that she cannot recommend that route.
When he look at the map, the reason would be obvious.
Both are too far.
If they make a straight line, that alone still have 300km distance.
If they taking the speed at which they are walking, which is 20 km per day, that would take them more than half a month to arrive.
If it takes too much time, then it would be a lot safer for them to just wait within the empire territory until the situation cools down.
But, if Ryouma decides to stay, the empire may move its massive armies to find him.
Looking at the future prospect, it was obvious to him that it was better that he escape to another country as soon as possible.
And the sisters also familiar with the neighborhood as well.
"I guess, we have no choice but to go through the eastern border as it is..."
Toward Ryouma words, the sisters nodded their head.
"About that, I have a plan. "
The two person eyes turned toward Sara
"A plan where we avoid the highway?"
Sara nodded at Laura's words.
"There's no other way other than us going through the eastern border, but, we cannot pass Adelpho. So, why not we just go through the forest directly to Zalda kingdom without using the highway? "
Sara's finger traced the map without passing the highway from Aru town, and directly pass through the forest toward Zalda kingdom.
(That's pretty good. But...)
Although there might be some fault, there's no obvious disadvantage either.
However,
(Won't the guy who blocked the border predicting that I would escape via the east notice this as well?)
On the highways in this world, they placed a barrier so that high-grade monsters won't be able to cross over.
They would be able to move safely if they use the highway.
This is written inside the beginner guide book.
However, it does not necessarily mean that we can only use the highway to come and go either.
If one have confidence in their ability and the resolution of spending one night in the forest instead of inside a comfortable inn room then, going through via the forest also possible,
Looking at the speed at which Princess Sardina responded with his escape, she does not seems to be that clueless.
Such a person does not seem to be the type to miss the thought about someone going through via the forest.
However, after hearing from the information that there are not much of pursuers in term of numbers.
He thought that they would not be able to cover the entire forest.
In that sense, Sara's proposal is a very good one.
However, if I were being found, there's no mistake that it would be instant detention.
They do not know Ryouma's face.
If that is being the case, then they have to doubt every single person with large build.
That is to say, even if he were to go with Laura and Sara, the possibility that he would get overlooked would be small.
(There's no chance that I would be overlooked just because I walked alongside Laura and Sara... if that is the case then, there's no point for us to go together... no, wait a minute...)
Those guys do not know about these two.
When they are not walking together with him, they should not be restricted.
Thinking that far, something crosses Ryouma's mind.
"Sara, Laura... I decide to pass through the forest. However..."
An evil smile surfaced on Ryouma's face, and a surprised expression spreads over the sisters face.
(Now then, I will teach you who's the prey and who's the hunter... Dear princess...)
That was the moment when the hunted person becomes the hunter.
