Genius 33

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Chapter 33. Revisitation

The next morning, Hermes and Katia, who woke up almost simultaneously, immediately began to move away from Aster and the others to put some distance between them.

The issue that arises here is still supplies.

Although they brought some food and tools from the ducal household, the actions taken until rescuing Katia were too hasty. It's uncertain how long their escape will be, so it's hard to say they're adequately prepared.

Therefore, they need to resupply somewhere, but it's risky to go to a city with too many eyes due to pursuers.

So, the first choice Hermes and Katia made was...

"Oh, what brings you to this village-- Wait, it's you two!"

The guard, recognizing them, showed a surprised expression.

The place they visited was a frontier village where they had previously been commissioned by Jurgen to subdue monsters.

They figured Aster's men wouldn't be lurking here, and since they had helped the village before, the villagers would likely be cooperative. It was a calculated decision.

"Y-Your attire... what is it for...? Anyway, please come in!"

The guard was taken aback by Katia's simpler and frankly less impressive attire compared to last time.

As expected, they were warmly welcomed inside.

"I see. I understand the situation now."

They explained the situation briefly at the village chief's house.

The village chief showed surprise at the story but ultimately nodded slowly.

"In that case, feel free to take whatever you need. You are the benefactors of our village. Take as much as you like."

"...Thank you. I will repay this kindness in the name of the Traquia ducal household."

"Ho ho ho, you need not say such things. Rather, it is us who should repay the favor."

The village chief returned Katia's gratitude with a kindly smile. Taking advantage of his kindness, just as Hermes was about to inform him of what they needed.

"Ah—!! You're Katia-oneechan!"

A high-pitched voice from the entrance. Turning around, they saw the familiar figure of a little girl.

"You're... um, Lina, right?"

"That's right!"

She was the girl they had saved from monsters when they came to this village.

Rushing over, Lina leaped into Katia's arms.

"What are you doing today? Did you come to play?! Come this way! I have lots of things to show you!!"

"Uh, well, um..."

It was impossible to brush off such innocent kindness, so Katia, still holding onto Lina, sought help from Hermes with her eyes.

He saw this and chuckled lightly.

"If it's alright with Katia-sama, please indulge her in playing."

"Uh, but, is it okay?"

"I can handle receiving what we need alone. It might take some time, anyway."

Besides, such interactions seemed important to her right now.

Seeing Hermes' gaze, Katia nodded in confusion and followed Lina out of the village chief's house.

Hermes turned back to inform the village chief of what they needed.

The village chief, facing him, said something unexpected.

"...Is that gentleman currently troubled by something?"

"!"

Surprised. Could he discern that from their brief exchange?

"It's my duty as village chief to gauge people's conditions. If you don't mind, could you tell me what's troubling him?"

"Probably... it's about his existence. But I can't say more than that."

"Oh?"

The village chief looked slightly amazed.

"Aren't you asking?"

"...I'm just a servant. Katia-sama should be the one to answer about her thoughts and feelings."

Hearing this, the village chief raised an eyebrow even more—then chuckled lightly.

"Hmm?"

"Oh, pardon me. You seemed quite mature, but there are aspects of your age, aren't there?"

"W-What do you mean—"

"It's important to you, that young lady. That's why you're afraid her thoughts, and feelings might change with your words. It was written all over your face."

"Uh..."

"You're an unusual one. Instead of trying to change someone important to you, you just wish for them to remain as they are. But it's quite dazzling."

Did he wear his feelings so openly? Hermes felt a bit embarrassed, but the village chief smiled at him.

"I believe you'll be fine."

He said gently.

"Everyone is influenced to some extent by someone else. While relying too much on anyone or anything is a problem, that young lady's heart isn't so easily swayed. You may get criticized for speaking without knowing everything, but that's how I feel."

"..."

"Listening to someone's heart and expressing your wishes shouldn't be a problem. Katia-sama may be waiting for that."

"...Thank you very much."

Perhaps those words were important right now.

Feeling so, Hermes sincerely expressed his gratitude.

Regaining his composure, he resumed his request for what they needed.

◆

Meanwhile, led by Lina, Katia found herself.

"So, this is it! This is Yuta-kun's house! Climbing that big tree over there is super hard, but I managed to make it to the top the other day!"

"Uh, um..."

She was being guided around the village, hand in hand.

Lina joyfully introduced her favorite spots in the village. Seeing the village life unfold before her eyes—

(It looks really fun.)

Of course, compared to life in the royal capital where Katia lived, there was a world of difference in living standards.

But. Elderly couples chatting while doing farm work, children running around the fields with all their might, Lina waving to friends she found among them.

Everyone wore a smile.

Protecting this life. Fulfilling this happiness was Katia's duty. That's what she believed.

(But, I...)

Just as Katia was about to spiral into her usual thoughts.

"Oh, and there's one more place I want to show you! Come!"

With a stronger tug than before, Lina pulled her along, and even though she stumbled, Katia followed.

They were led to the outskirts of the village.

There—lay a surprising sight.

"What... is this..."

A moat.

A deep trench was carved around the outskirts of the village, deep enough for two adults to enter vertically.

And above. A contraption was built on top of the fence, with baskets filled with fist-sized stones stacked sideways.

That must be a machine for throwing stones.

As Katia arrived at the simple answer to why they were making this, a voice echoed from the moat.

"Oh! Isn't that Lina-chan!"

It was a man. Not just him. Several men were busy digging the moat with farming tools in hand.

"What's up, fallen into the ditch again and gotten all muddy?"

"N-No! I'm here to guide you today!"

"Guide who—Oh!"

One of the men, standing next to Lina, recognized Katia and exclaimed in surprise.

"Katia-sama!"

"What!?! Oh, wow, it really is! Why are you back in this village?"

"Katia-sama, nothing is interesting here! Your clothes will get dirty!"

"Huh... what are you guys doing?"

To the friendly men calling out to her, Katia confirmed in bewilderment.

"Of course, it's for dealing with monsters! We'll drop monsters into this moat and crush them with stones from above!"

"Yeah, once this is done, even those wolf-like creatures from before won't be scary!"

So that's what it was.

With something like this, they could deal with creatures like the Hounds they encountered before without any issues.

But, if they were making such a decision, then.

Just as Katia began to think about it, the men seemed to read her mind and raised their voices.

"Oh, of course, Katia-sama and her attendant are not unreliable! Your magic is incredible, after all!"

"But... it's pitiful to be protected by such a small child. Especially since we're so far from the royal capital, it must be tough to come here."

"That's why the village chief decided we'd handle the monsters we can beat! Of course, there are limits, so if it gets tough for us, we'll rely on you guys!"

"..."

"See, our village is amazing, right?"

Proudly, Lina puffed out her chest to the bewildered Katia.

"I've started studying magic too! I'm not a noble like Lady Katia, so I might not be able to do what she does. But I found out there are spells even non-nobles can use! Like, um, what was it called? Handy magic?"

"...Yeah."

"So, I'm going to work hard at that! And become an amazing mage like Lady Katia and Sir Hermes!"

She thought she had to protect.

But they're the ones she had selfishly labeled as the ones she should protect, were much stronger than she imagined.

"...Yeah, that's amazing."

For now, she answered honestly.

◆

After procuring the necessary supplies, they immediately left the village. It was wise, given that they couldn't be sure how accurate Aster's information was.

"Well then, village chief. If by any chance pursuers come here, you can tell them about us without concealing anything. Say that we didn't disclose our destination. And if they ask about the day we left, please answer truthfully."

"...Understood."

The village chief nodded solemnly, and next to him stood Lina, looking lonely. Hermes bowed deeply once again to the village chief, promised to return to Lina, and then waved goodbye.

"Shall we go, Katia?"

"Yes."

Hermes called out to Katia beside him, and they started walking away from the village. But then.

"Um, is something wrong?"

Hermes asked, noticing a different atmosphere from Katia just a moment ago.

"...Well, I just... thought about it a little."

As she spoke, there was a faint but unprecedented sense of optimism about her.

It must be a good thing.

"Okay, let's hurry, Hermes."

"Yes."

He should consider what the village chief told him earlier. Thinking so, he replied, and they walked together.

They had managed to gather enough provisions to evade without visiting any towns. If needed, they could even live off the land, and as a last resort, they could rely on their mentor. Though they preferred not to, it served as a good backup plan.

So, running away until Jurgen proved her innocent wouldn't be too difficult—

—Or so they thought.

It was that night.

Hermes sensed a noise near the tent's entrance, and his consciousness awakened. Trained in survival techniques, he had been taught to wake up when he sensed suspicious sounds. He gently released his hand from Katia, who was asleep, and cautiously crawled out of the tent.

He quickly spotted a figure. Approaching silently from behind, he called out in a combat stance. 

"Who goes there?"

"Ah—Hermes-sama!!"

He was genuinely surprised.

Because the person who turned around and called out his name was none other than Lina, the girl they had just parted ways with today.

Why was she here? Even if she had followed them, how did she find this place? But more importantly, why—?

All those thoughts were blown away by her next words.

"Help! The village, the village is in trouble!!"