Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Rona covered her mouth and burst into laughter. "Remembered by history... what? What did you just say, Risir?" "The fierce one that history feared to remember and the strongest swordsman in continental history who would never appear again." "Wow, it just rolls off your tongue. That wasn't just something you made up?" "Of course it wasn't just something I made up." The Saint he met after a long time maintained her unchanged appearance. Short yet voluminous bob-cut hair, and formal gentleman's attire. Along with an androgynous atmosphere. That's why. Risir wrapped his arm around her neck with joy and familiarity. As if treating a close same-sex friend. He recalled Rona's preference(?) for being treated as a man. "Rona, remember this." "Uh, uh!?" Risir didn't notice. The fact that her reaction was quite stiff for just friendly contact between same-sex friends. The noble young master's lustrous bronze skin flushed slightly. Her sky-blue eyes, which looked particularly fresh today, glanced around nervously. "Uh, uh! What is it, tell me!" Soon Rona responded to Risir. Following his lead, she wrapped her arm around his neck. It was the very image of close same-sex friends. Except for one side unconsciously fidgeting constantly. "It's not 'remembered by history'— "What?" "It's 'that history could not remember.' A fierce one remembered by history, and a fierce one that history feared to remember. Can you feel the difference between these two sentences? The difference in weight?" Risir was obviously excited. From him emanated pure admiration. Which made it all the more devastating. "Oh... y-yeah. Now that I hear it, it definitely feels different. A fierce one that history feared to remember..." "That's right. The fierce one that history feared to remember and the strongest swordsman in continental history who would never appear again... That person certainly had the right to claim that title." "She claimed that title herself!?" "Yeah... everyone who was there clearly saw it. That magnificent sight." "Wow..." Rona was amazed. What exactly she was amazed by was something only she knew. "S-so who exactly is this person?" Given the context of the story, the subject was predetermined. Even so, Rona couldn't dare to guess. The Killer Spirit she had heard about from Risir was absolutely not someone who could claim such a title. "...There is such a person. Perhaps I'll never see her again— I miss her even more today..." Risir watched Clana's reaction while talking with Rona. "..." Indeed, should she be called a master of Assassination Sword Techniques and the fierce one that history feared to remember and the strongest swordsman in continental history who would never appear again. She maintained her calm demeanor even in this situation. It was truly a terrifying level of inner control. However. It was clearly visible to Risir's eyes. The crack in that mask had deepened further. "By the way— Risir, what should we do?" "Hm?" At that moment. Rona asked cautiously. "That person. Is it really okay to leave her like that, having lost her memories?" "...Ah—" Risir immediately understood what Rona was trying to say. Clana. She was the Killer Spirit whose danger was unanimously praised by many Swordmasters. For such a Killer Spirit to be completely resurrected while simultaneously losing her memories. Normally, she should have been designated as a person of interest and placed under strict surveillance. Risir suddenly felt puzzled. "I'm the one who's curious— what did the others say? About leaving Clana to roam around so freely—" "Oh, that. They naturally came to the consensus that since she's someone under your influence, it should be fine." "No way—" Risir was speechless. —Risir? —Risir! To handle such a critical matter so ignorantly, like primitive resonance. He was grateful for their trust, but at this point, it was rather worrying. These people. Are they really okay? "Even so, isn't that going too far? Aren't you judging too easily? Saying it'll be fine because she's under my influence... Isn't that a dangerous way of thinking? And irresponsible too." "Is it? But several demons have already become spirits under your influence, right?" "Uh—" "Fienne and I are the same way." "..." Risir was frustrated. —Risir? —Risir! He wanted to correct their twisted way of thinking, but found himself unable to argue back. "Separately, I understand what you're trying to say. That's exactly what I was about to say too." "Whether it's okay to keep leaving Clana as she is— in a state where she's lost her memories, right?" There were what-ifs. They believed that the Killer Spirit had been purified by Risir, but even so, just in case, they hoped she would regain her original state. "More than anything, since we can't clearly understand why she suddenly lost her memories..." "..." "Hm? What's wrong, Risir. Do you have any guesses?" "What was Clana like before she lost her memories?" "She dealt with visitors who came to see you, saying it was her duty as your fiancée." Rona smiled bitterly as she recalled those times. "She was an incredibly bright person. She'd pretend to threaten people saying 'Stop showing interest in our fiancé!' but even that was somehow lovely—" "..." "Sometimes she'd get completely drunk and throw tantrums. Asking where her fiancé went. Saying she missed you. With tears and snot running down—" "..." "Oh! And the spare clothes stored in your room— she'd sometimes wear those too. She'd smile brightly and say it was nice because it seemed to smell like her fiancé. It might sound really creepy if someone else said it, but when she did it, it was just cute." "..." "Oh! And when she found out I was a woman, she'd ask things like— how to lead a man? She said someday she'd have to do such things, but she had no experience at all and was very worried—" As Rona said. The Clana of that time seemed to be a lovely Young Lady to anyone who saw her. Intoxicated by that loveliness, Rona forgot to ask about their relationship and continued her story. "Anyway, I was really shocked. To think that was your swordsmanship teacher's true nature. What kind of curse would such a pure person have to be under to become such a terrible Killer Spirit?" "Ah—" At this very moment. Risir faced the shocking reality of the misunderstanding surrounding Clana. After Clana regained her body and was resurrected, she had been fixed as the light Clana for a while— The people around them had judged this change as 'Risir's power purified the Killer Spirit!' In other words. In their minds, Clana was no longer a cruel Killer Spirit. She was an affectionate and lovely Young Lady who looked for Risir every single day! That's right. The Killer Spirit had indeed been reborn. "..." "Huh, Risir. What's wrong?" Risir unconsciously squeezed his eyes shut. Did he have any guesses as to why Clana was pretending to have lost her memories? There were many. Too many, which was the problem. He unconsciously looked toward Clana. "..." Huh? Did she really lose her memories? Risir thought so for a moment. Because those eyes staring straight ahead were simply calm. But looking again, that wasn't it. Those eyes were completely empty inside. Like a corpse. "Ah..." Clana. Dead. Risir prayed for the soul of the resurrected person. *** "So that's why I brought Clana here. I thought maybe if she saw you, she could regain her original memories— her original self." Rona smiled wistfully as she remembered that lovely Young Lady. "...If that's the case, you probably don't need to worry." "Oh! What, Risir— you really do have some method!?" "...Oh, of course I do. However. For now, pray for Clana's soul." "Huh? What do you mean? Huh? Clana? This person's reaction is—..." Risir showed consideration so that Clana could have some time alone. He resumed the conversation after leaving the area with Rona. "So— Rona. Should I understand that you came here carrying Bondaless's flag to welcome our expedition on behalf of the city?" "Our expedition-" Rona chuckled as she mulled over those words. "Oh, you were surprised?" Risir opened his mouth, realizing his mistake. A comrade had suddenly disappeared and returned leading an expedition from the distant land of the Elves. It would be hard to accept without a very kind explanation. He was thinking of kindly explaining to Rona, who must have been shocked. "No? Not at all." "Huh?" "It's not like I've only known you for a day or two." Rona just patted Risir's shoulder with her characteristic refreshing smile. "Oh, and this is— a message from the Bondaless City Councilor." "Yeah?" —I don't care at all what you did outside, so just hurry up and come back! Rona imitated Fienne's sassy tone. "..." Risir felt his heart swell with emotion. To think that understanding people like them existed in his situation— Could there be anything more moving than this? "Right. Let's go quickly." Risir stepped back and gestured to Rona. He was telling her to follow him so he could introduce the expedition members. "Oh, about that—" However, Rona also stepped back with a bitter smile. "It's something I was looking forward to as well, but it seems difficult right now. The current political situation in Bondaless is quite complicated." "Huh?" "We Bondaless citizens know what it means to 'Risir,' don't we?" "?" To 'Risir'? What's that? I don't know that. "Making a person's name into such a thing...!" "Well, what can we do. This is entirely your fault so you'll have to bear with it. Anyway— our Bondaless naturally welcomes the Illatdein expedition with open arms." Rona spread both hands with her characteristic refreshing smile. "If they're friends of Special Inspector Risir, wouldn't they be friends of our Bondaless?" "...Damn it, Rona. Why are you moving me like this? I was trying to save the tears of emotion for the moment of true reunion—" "Haha, you rascal. Yeah. Cry whenever you want to. I'll gladly offer my embrace. What are friends for?" Rona boldly spread both arms wide. It was truly a gesture that only a same-sex friend could show. "Rona~" At such a sight from Rona, Risir also naturally tried to embrace her. "Even so...!" However, Rona hastily closed her arms midway. "You don't need to actually rush into my arms, okay? You know what I mean, right?" The androgynous beauty fidgeted restlessly while avoiding eye contact. "Oh, I know. Of course I know." 'I must have acted too creepily.' Risir accurately(?) recognized his mistake and obediently apologized. "Anyway, to continue the story— I emphasize again, our Bondaless welcomes you and your friends." "Does that mean— other cities don't feel the same way?" Instead of answering, Rona gave a weak smile. "As you know, our Bondaless isn't such a powerful city, right? Thinking this was their chance, there are those approaching our city with their hands behind their backs." Risir nodded, recalling Ifrien which he had visited before. Bondaless was a sufficiently prosperous city. But whether it was a powerful city— in that case, opinions would inevitably differ. Originally, Bondaless had prospered as it did today— Thanks to the geographical advantage of being located at the entry point to the continent's center. For example. It could be said that Bondaless had grown by picking up bread crumbs that fell from neighboring major cities. "So that's it. They're worried the expedition might exert influence on them through Bondaless, so they've come to scout the front yard—" "Front yard... that's a somewhat heartbreaking expression. But what can we do? That's reality. You're right, Risir. That's exactly how it is. Right now our Bondaless is reluctantly watching their moods. So, for now— it seems difficult to return to the city hand in hand with you on good terms." "Then—" "They made a proposal to us. Since it would be burdensome for Bondaless to handle the rumored expedition entirely on our own, they said they would help." "...Are they trying to check something that might happen during the contact between Bondaless and the expedition?" "How would I know? The important thing is—" Rona spoke in a fed-up tone. "Those guys are desperate to show off their influence." "...It seems like you're having a hard time, Rona." "It used to be that way." "Used to be?" Rona stared intently at Risir. "Yeah. Used to be." A meaningful smile appeared on her face. Was it just his imagination? Risir felt an unexpected emotion of satisfaction in her expression. *** Risir had to part with the two again without even having time to savor the joy of reunion. Of course, there was no reason to be sad. —At your expedition's current pace, in half a day— no, if you travel for about a day at a generous estimate, you'll encounter our Bondaless camp. So let's properly savor the moment of true reunion then. Together with the others. The moment of reunion was only postponed by a single day. The expedition continued at an unchanged pace. After a day had passed and they arrived at a position that could be called Bondaless's territory— "Risir! A group of about ten people is approaching!" "Oh...!" A significantly larger group than yesterday. Risir welcomed the group with proportional expectations. *** "Huh?" Risir's expression hardened. "Master of Advancement! How delightful to meet you like this! Your reputation is well known to us—..." Because among those ten or so people, there were few faces he had hoped to see. Even those few were pushed to the back along with Rona. At that moment. Risir recalled the conversation he had with Rona yesterday. —They made a proposal to us. Since it would be burdensome for Bondaless to handle the rumored expedition entirely on our own, they said they would help. Risir nodded his head. He had a vague sense of how the situation was unfolding. The interference of external forces toward Bondaless was more blatant than he thought. 'Perhaps the expedition is merely a pretext...' Having organized his thoughts, Risir opened his mouth. "I heard that Bondaless's camp is located ahead—" "Ah, that's right! Just as the envoy conveyed yesterday! It's nothing other than a place prepared to welcome you, Hero, and the expedition! We shall guide you to that location!" "On behalf of Bondaless?" "That's correct!" "Then, are you all affiliated with Bondaless?" "..." The young Noble who had been responding to Risir at the front of the group. His expression, which had been nothing but friendly, hardened. But that was only momentary. "Since we're welcoming distinguished guests like the Hero, there shouldn't be even the slightest negligence." They spoke rather confidently. Their confidence was expressed as contempt toward Bondaless. "...Is that so? Then, could I ask you to carry my luggage?" Risir spoke to Rona's group at the back of the crowd. He wanted to save their dignity. He lifted a sword from his waist to hand it over. "Of course!" Those at the front intercepted it. Sacred Sword. Because the symbol of the Hero came to mind first. "Please be careful in handling it—" "Ah, surely not the Sacred Sword—" "It's a Magic Sword." Why? They reflexively asked back and dropped the sword. "Ah!" They were flustered by their mistake but quickly calmed down. To think the Hero possessed such an ominous object. Surely it was just baggage— literally a burden he had to bear as a Hero. "No, my beloved sword!" Why? They asked back again reflexively, and their expressions became complicated.