Afterstory 4

While I was very glad that our party members hadn’t decreased from the time we left the capital, but for some reason the number had increased instead as we left [Foro Neem] and made our way back to the capital.

Although it took almost twice the time to make it back, we did manage to return to the capital safe and sound.

“Finally the royal capital is in sight again……! It felt like the gravity itself had been tripled with how heavy my legs felt, and it seemed like the distance had increased between the two places compared to before, honestly!”

“I really want to just go and jump straight into a bed as soon as possible. We made it back safely, so maybe the first thing to do would be to report to Charlotte-san and have a party but……..I really don’t have the energy for any of that.”

“awoo……..”

Ralf, Esta and even Snow had dull and tired looking eyes, and it seemed like they might fall asleep at any moment now.

Ad to be honest, I wanted to do the same as well but, we do need to report to Charlotte first and foremost at least.

“You two and Snow can head back to the inn first. I’ll handle the rest on my own.”

“……….No! Chris-san, we can’t just have you handle everything on your own—–“

“Just go and get some sleep. There’s no point in all three of us dragging our feet everywhere together. Although, Drake, you’re going to have to stick with me unfortunately.”

“——-I know. I’ll come give the report as well.”

Drake too looked like he could lose consciousness at any given point now but, I need him to stick with me for a little while longer.

Unlike Ralf, Esta, and Snow, I have no intention of pampering him.

“Alright, then we’ll really go back first to the inn okay? Now’s the time to say otherwise or else we’re gone for good!”

“I don’t plan on stopping you guys, so just go. And get some good rest. Once the reports are done, I’ll return to the inn as wll.”

“Understood. Then we’ll split up here and wait for you back at our room, Chris-san.”

Seeing off those two who swayed to the side with every step as they walked away alongside Snow, me and Drake alone began to make our way towards the Royal Castle.

On our way back, Ralf kept the conversation going between all of us but, now that it was just the two of us, all talk quickly died out.

It basically like being with a friend of a friend, not to mention he was an enemy of ours until just a while ago so this silence was extremely awkward.

There was stuff I wanted to hear from Drake as well so I considered starting the conversation first but……..you know me, I hate being forced to be considerate to other people so we continued to walk silently until Drake himself spoke up.

“Can we take a little detour before heading to the capital? I don’t think we’ll be allowed to go inside while still carrying Elphas’ corpse.”

“That does make sense. Should we head to the cemetery first then?”

“I don’t want to just bury her so suddenly. I want to at least let her parents see her first.”

Hearing those words, for a moment, I felt an ache in my chest.

It was only obvious but of course, Elphas too had a family of her own.

While I may not have killed her directly, the fact remained that I was in part responsible for her death.

While I feel no sense of guilt towards my own parents for killing Klaus, but I couldn’t help but feel bad for Elphas’ family.

“………Your expression has turned dark again. Are you surprisingly feeling guilty?”

“It doesn’t seem like Elphas herself was that much of villain after all. I do feel a little guilt for dragging her into this mess.”

“It might not be my place to say this but, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. The moment we all chose to become a part of the Hero’s party, we had resolved ourselves to walk a thin line with death itself. I think Elphas’ parents had probably made that resolve as well.”

“Even so, that doesn’t really remove this ill feeling within me. Now that Klaus is dead, I just have to carry it with me as I live.”

Recalling the slightly peaceful face that Klaus made when he finally died, I felt a little jealous that he was able to push all of his responsibilities on to me as well and pass away feeling satisfied.

“I know you two were siblings and have a lot in common but, at your very core, you two really have just completely opposite personalities.”

“Enough about me Klaus though. So, what are we doing with Elphas’ body if not burying it?”

“We take it to the church. They can take care of it and preserve it for a period of time.”

“I see. Then let’s head there first.”

We switched paths and headed towards the church instead of the castle.

I could have let Drake go by himself but, I still didn’t trust him enough yet.

It’d be a pain if he ran away or something, so I went alongside with him.

Upon entering the church, I quickly looked to see if Graham was around or not but, it seems like he wasn’t here right now.

While I was looking around, Drake went and spoke to one of the sisters.

“Oh, if it isn’t Drake-sama. Why the sudden visit?”

“Sorry, but I can’t explain in detail. Can you please call Priscilla-san for me?”

“…….? Very well. I’ll go and call her right now.”

She didn’t seem to understand but decided to follow what he asked and went out to call this Priscilla person.

Considering they used ‘-sama’ for Drake, he must be deeply connected with the church as well I assume.

Well, considering the cardinal himself was working with them, I imagine it comes with the fact that Klaus was basically leading an entire faction of the church.

While I waited alongside Drake, a dignified elderly Sister came out and walked towards us.

She must be this Priscilla I imagine.

“Well if it isn’t Drake. Why did you call for me?”

“I have request for you. Can we talk in the back?”

“Of course. Follow me to the inner room.”

We followed Priscilla and entered the back room, the place where the ability assessment is usually done.

Of course, it was a room that I was quite used to seeing.

“……..So, what is this request of yours?”

“Elphas is dead. I have her corpse here with me, and I want you to keep it for safekeeping for me. Can you?”

“Elphas is what!? Did a monster get her??”

“No, it was during a battle with someone apparently.”

“Does the person standing behind you know something?”

Priscilla pointed towards me, and asked.

She seemed to be someone close to Elphas so I was about to explain but…….Drake raised a hand to stop me from doing so.

“I’ll explain the details later. For now, please take care of her body for me.”

“………Fine. We’ll preserve it with magic so that it doesn’t rot away. In return, do explain everything in full detail afterwards.”

“I will, and thank you.”

Keeping the chat with Priscilla to a minimum, we left the church.

It went pretty fast and smooth but, I also think he was being extra considerate of me and didn’t want me to waste time just standing there while we talked.

After the body had been entrusted to them, we once again picked ourselves up and made our way to the royal castle.

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