To me, Gungrave is the person I love most in this world. From the first time we met, through countless battles and seasons. We’ve protected each other and fought side by side. Your back has always given me courage. The warmth of your hand in mine has always been comforting. But I forgot that the one you love might someday disappear without warning. I forgot the fear of separation. The most important things are always right in front of us.
I, Arius, have a fiancé. We haven’t held our wedding ceremony yet, but someday we will. That’s the kind of person Gungrave is. Recently, I’ve been worrying about our dwindling stock of magic crystals, one of our essential supplies. Magic crystals are formed when mana from the atmosphere settles and solidifies in places with abundant nature or where nature has remained unchanged since ancient times. They have a mysterious property of either absorbing or amplifying the surrounding mana. In magic engineering, we use their absorption property as a material for Magi-Spells. This allows them to continuously absorb mana and function semi-permanently. However, if the Magi-Spell disappears, it’s all over. Rain is a major enemy in this regard. In magic, we use our own mana to enhance the absorbed mana, amplifying the power of spells. When used this way, magic crystals wear down and gradually lose their function until they disappear. Unlike stones, they gradually shrink until they’re gone. My magic interferes with and manifests at the atomic and molecular level. The consumption is significant, causing magic crystals to deplete rapidly. We’re on a journey to Arturia to replenish our supply. Arturia itself isn’t a large country. Being a snowy land, it’s not particularly self-sufficient in food production, nor is it blessed with abundant forests. However, it’s rich in mineral and stone resources. Unlike Yuyuvi, there’s no worry about these resources being depleted. Of course, iron and copper might eventually run out. The most important industry here is magic crystals. While magic crystals can only be found in places with abundant or concentrated nature, here they can be mined endlessly. Moreover, the mining sites replenish with magic crystals after just a week. It’s probably because the mana from this continent circulates and settles here, but thanks to this, Arturia is able to sustain itself as a country. Of course, given such a land, their magic engineering and magical technology are also of a high standard.
During our journey, Shuri is creating something mysterious. I first noticed it when I was about to go to sleep and a delicious smell wafted into the tent from somewhere. But that day, I just went to sleep. I thought my sense of smell was playing tricks on me due to the cold. The next day, and the day after that. When it continues for several days, you realize it’s not just your imagination. Tracing the source of the smell, I ran into Lill.
“Lill, what are you doing out here in the middle of the night?” “There’s a good smell. A tantalizing aroma that would go well with hamburger steak.”
This girl, is she starting to see the world only in terms of hamburger steak? I should warn Shuri later. We need to do something about this addict. When we went around to the back of Shuri’s tent, he was cooking something in a pot.
“Is that it?” “No doubt about it. Lill can sense it. That’s the perfect companion for hamburger steak.”
The words of an addict. But what could this aroma be? It’s very fragrant and somewhat… It’s so appetizing that just the smell could fill you up.
“What could it be?” “It must be a new hamburger steak menu item. Lill’s justice is screaming it.”
Let’s set aside Lill’s slightly odd statement. If you pay attention to it, you’ve already lost. From a distance, it looks like a soup. It’s brown, you see. I can see potatoes and carrots, but beyond that, I can’t tell what it is.
“Following the call of justice! Shuri, what are you doing?”
Lill charged in. Before I knew it, she wasn’t beside me anymore.
“Ah, Lill. I’m sorry. Did it smell bad?” “No, it smells very good. It’s fragrant. So, what is it?” “This? I’m just trying out a new menu item that I couldn’t make before due to lack of skill or knowledge.” “If you need a taste tester, Lill can help.”
Ah! Lill, that’s not fair! I want to taste it too!
“I’m sorry, but today’s attempt is a failure. It’s not something I can let people eat.”
Shuri apologizes with a bitter smile. It’s surprising. I never thought Shuri would fail at cooking. Shuri, who has trained subordinates and cooks for everyone, does his job perfectly without any mistakes. I’ve never seen a failed dish, nor has a meal ever been delayed due to a failure. So, it’s rare for a trial run to fail from the start.
“Even so, it’s fine. Lill’s hunger justice is screaming to eat it.”
Isn’t Lill fundamentally misusing the word ‘justice’?
“No, I’ll serve it to you when it’s properly done. Please wait until then.”
Shuri kindly refuses with a smile, and I sense that it’s impossible. That face of Shuri’s is one that won’t let anyone eat it out of stubbornness. Shuri, who can be unexpectedly stubborn and particular about meals, won’t be swayed from this. I quickly left and departed from the scene.
However, the next day, and the day after that, Shuri’s trial and error continued. At first, I left it alone. I thought I’d wait since it would eventually be completed and we’d be able to eat it. But no matter how long we waited, the finished product wasn’t served. Every night we were tantalized by the delicious smell. After dinner, we’d feel a sensation like hunger again. Finally, I started hiding behind trees, ready to rush in for a taste test at any moment. It seems everyone else was doing the same. Before I knew it, Tegue was up in the tree.
“What are you doing up there, Tegue?” “Ah, well, I’m just practicing long-distance observation from the treetop, you see.”
He was making excuses while his eyes darted around suspiciously. I mean, climbing a tree in the middle of the night to practice long-distance observation makes no sense. I noticed Lill was underground. It seems she’s using magic engineering to dig a hole in the ground and wait.
“Lill. What are you doing?” “Lill isn’t here. Lill doesn’t exist here.”
Even for an excuse, there are better ways to say it. Sensing a presence, I realized Kuuga was swinging his sword far away. If it were just that, I could dismiss it as simple training. However, reading the wind movements and continuing to train downwind from Shuri makes it obvious that he wants to smell the aroma.
“Kuuga, are you training again?” “Ah, yeah, I’m still not good enough, you see.” “If you go over there, there’s a water source and better footing, you know.” “Ah, no, I just feel like doing it here today. Hahahahaha.”
H-how obvious. Of course, I’m peeking from behind a tree. Climbing trees, digging underground, or reading the wind is going too far. Besides, Shuri, being a non-combatant, probably can’t read everyone’s presence.
“Arius. What are you doing there?”
I’ve been caught!? No, no, that can’t be. He’s probably just guessing that I’m among the subordinates crowding around the tent and trying to bait me out.
“Hmm, the curry powder is still tricky…”
Oh, the wind direction seems suspicious.
“Ah… I guess this one’s no good either…”
W-what did you say!? When Shuri fails, he eats it himself and cleans up. He never lets others eat his failures. I understand that, but even if it’s a failure, I want to taste just one bite! While I was thinking this, Shuri plated the failed dish and… He ate it himself.
“““Ahhh…!!!”““
I couldn’t help but let out a disappointed cry. The fact that everyone here synchronized with me proves that they all felt the same way. Ah, I wanted to eat it.
“Since there was no response when I called out earlier, I guess no one’s here. If no one’s here, I don’t need to let anyone taste it~”
W-what did you say!? I realized from Shuri’s deadpan delivery that we had been noticed. Y-you mean if we had responded, we could have eaten it?! Ah, the ground, trees, and tents are shaking. That’s anger… It looks like tomorrow will be hell…
“Besides, it’s a failed attempt anyway. I couldn’t possibly let anyone eat it.”
Shuri is trying to follow up, but that’s not helping at all!
In the end, we weren’t allowed to taste test even after that, and the march continued. Gungrave sneakily secured a promise for a taste test, but that’s just unfair. But such thoughts… Disappeared completely when we reached the audience chamber.
“We have no magic crystals to sell to barbarians like you. Go home.”
King Fleur of Arturia said to us in the audience chamber. As soon as we, the five captains and Shuri, took our seats for negotiations in the lavish audience chamber, Lord Fleur blurted this out. It’s true that we were enemies in last year’s war, so some hostility is undeniable. However, I hadn’t imagined that we wouldn’t even be able to talk, let alone negotiate. Of course, mercenaries swear loyalty to whoever hires them and strive for victory for the duration of their employment. So, we’re only allies or enemies for as long as we’re paid. In other words, we’re no different from merchants selling our combat prowess. It’s unthinkable to refuse even a conversation with such merchants. Of course, the magic crystals we buy here might eventually be used against this country, but even so, these words are too harsh. However, Gungrave seems to have anticipated this and remains calm. Shuri is just dumbfounded, not understanding what’s going on. Well, it’s helpful for him to stay that way in this situation.
“Please reconsider. We need them for our activities. In return…” “Well then. If you give those two women as sex slaves for my son, I’ll sell you some.”
…What? What is this person saying? This father and son, both fat as pigs, want sex slaves?
“Papa, I don’t want to sleep with such potato-smelling women!” “Don’t worry, son. We’ll disinfect them properly with drugs.”
Snap. Everyone here made a sound of snapping. The nape of Tegue’s neck bristled, Kuuga’s fighting spirit rose, and Gungrave’s anger seemed to dominate the space. Lill remains expressionless. She’s maintaining a blank face. No, she’s suppressing and condensing all her anger inside herself. Is this what Shuri previously called a wave of killing intent? Of course, I’m angry too. I have to observe everyone objectively, or I might lose control of my mana in my emotions. I feel some kind of cat-like presence from Shuri… but that must be my imagination?
“Lord Fleur, that statement is somewhat lacking in decency. What kind of eyes do you think the surrounding royalty and lords would look at you with if they knew?”
Even in this situation, Gungrave is trying to negotiate as calmly as possible. However, Lord Fleur doesn’t stop his vulgar laughter.
“If that’s the case, then we’ll stop selling magic crystals to territories that look at us that way. This territory has enough resources for that.”
Gungrave clicked his tongue softly. Indeed, that’s true. Magic crystals are an indispensable resource in today’s world. This territory, where they can be mined in large quantities without depletion, is undoubtedly valuable. It would be difficult for any territory to argue against using that in negotiations. However, I question the nerve to explicitly state this in this setting.
“Papa. The woman beside the skinny little girl is fine.” “Hmm, then that woman will do.”
Me?! Me, becoming this person’s mistress?!
“That’s how it is. If you hand over that woman, I’ll sell you half the usual amount at ten times the market price. Not bad, right?”
This is ridiculous. There’s no need to even negotiate. We should just leave quickly. However, Gungrave is trying to negotiate while suppressing his anger. That’s admirable, but… To be honest, I want him to get angry and say something for my sake in this situation. I understand. If we don’t get magic crystals here, it will cause big problems later. Some regions won’t even sell them. Getting them from this territory, which sells them consistently, is the most efficient way.
“That’s… too much… It’s not even funny as a joke.” “There’s no need to laugh. Don’t you want magic crystals? This is also a negotiation.”
But, being weighed between his responsibility as a commander and… His position as my fiancé. It feels like I’m being put on a scale, and I’m about to cry.
“Well, that’s that. I’ll settle for that country girl, even if she’s too rural for my son.” “…That is…” “Gungrave…”
Gungrave’s shoulders are shaking with anger. He’s barely suppressing it with reason. At this rate, I don’t know when he might explode.
“Now, now. Excuse me for a moment.”
At that moment. Suddenly, Shuri stood up and started acting like a jester. It was so sudden and without any prior arrangement that none of us, including me, could stop him. Tegue even reached out his hand to try and stop him, but it was impossible.
“What do you want?”
Even Lord Fleur is furrowing his brow at this sudden disrespectful behavior. Of course. If you show such an attitude to a lord, you could be beheaded without complaint.
“I am Shuri, the cook of the Gungrave Mercenary Group. Pardon my rudeness, but may I ask one thing? That enchanting sweets the prince is eating, where did you obtain it?”
Sweets? What is Shuri suddenly talking about? Indeed, the prince is eating an unusual sweets, but… what about it?
“…It’s from Nouviche. What about it?” “Oh, I see. Just checking.”
Nouviche? What’s the meaning of Shuri’s confirmation?
“Would you allow me to prepare a dish here?”
What is Shuri suddenly proposing? Is he planning to switch from negotiations to culinary diplomacy? Indeed, with Shuri’s skills, it might be possible to break through this situation.
“Why should we let a country cook like you prepare our meal?”
Yes, as the irritated Lord Fleur says. It’s not appropriate for a mercenary group’s cook to prepare meals for royalty. In the case of Nouviche, it was overlooked because the royalty themselves requested it, but it’s nearly impossible to use that in this situation. Where does Shuri’s confident attitude come from?
“No, no. I’m talking about the prince’s sweets. I’ll transform it into an even more enchanting dish.”
All of us captains exchange glances in confusion. Make a dish with sweets? If he said he’d make a dessert using sweets, I’d understand, but… a dish? An enchanting dish?
“An enchanting dish, you say?”
But Lord Fleur took the bait. As his appearance suggests, he has a voracious appetite. However, I’m curious too. What will he make with that brown sweets?
“Yes, just potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat. That’s all I need. With just these, I’ll make a dish several times more delicious than that sweets.”
Huh? Those ingredients are possibly…
“…Interesting. A meal with chocolate and those ingredients? Go ahead and try. If it’s not delicious, we’ll cut off both your arms.” “By all means. Then, I’ll start cooking.”
Cut off both arms?! This is outrageous. Somehow it’s turned into a cooking showdown. Gungrave’s face has turned pale too. Of course it has. If this fails, there’s a possibility that everyone here will receive some kind of punishment. Right now, our fate rests on Shuri’s arms. While this is happening, Shuri starts cooking. He takes out the knife and portable stove he brought, borrows a pot and cutting board, and starts chopping the onions, carrots, and potatoes into appropriate sizes. I have a bad feeling. A terribly bad one. And, as I feared, he starts sautéing the spices he had secretly brought. As I thought, he intends to make the dish he’s been experimenting with every night here! Adding sweets to that dish?! Shuri has a history of creating a dish that incorporates all flavors, but surely adding sweets to a dish is a bit too much!? While this is going on, he adds butter and flour to make a base for the soup, then switches pots and sears the ingredients in a deep pot. Once they’re sufficiently cooked, he pours in water and brings it to a boil, adds the soup base and the sweets, then covers it with a lid.
“…What is that disgusting colored dish?”
Lord Fleur asks with a dubious expression. To be honest, I’ve only seen it from afar and only at night, so I didn’t know, but I never imagined such a brown soup. It’s a… dirty color.
“Now, now, please give it a try.” “…Well, alright.”
After confirming that it’s cooked through, Shuri confidently opens the pot lid. In that instant, an indescribably wonderful aroma fills the entire room. The stimulation of spices and a slight sweetness, a scent that can only be produced when ingredients are perfectly cooked. Tegue’s throat involuntarily makes a sound, Kuuga wipes his drool, and Gungrave’s eyes widen in surprise. Lill is muttering, “Hamburger steak… truly a companion for hamburger steak…” She might be beyond help. The perfect image of an addict was right there. As for me, I’m imagining the taste of the dish from its aroma. Is it sweet, or spicy? The melting sweetness of sweets amidst the stimulation of spices. Or is there something else…? It’s violence. This aroma can only be described as violence. The overwhelming difference in strength I’ve felt in battle before. An even more unreasonable violence exists here. Because we can’t eat it in this situation. We can only watch, biting our fingers, as Lord Fleur and the Prince eat it.
“This is…”
Lord Fleur is just surprised. The Prince’s eyes are shining.
“Please, go ahead.” “Hmm, well…”
Lord Fleur immediately ate the dish handed to him without even having it tested for poison. This is unheard of under normal circumstances. After all, it’s natural to think that a dish made by a mere cook might be poisoned. Even though it was prepared right before our eyes, it’s possible to mix something into the spices. In fact, in this situation, that’s what should be done. Using hallucinogens or compliance drugs could help us get through this situation. However, Lord Fleur couldn’t even entertain such thoughts. That’s how enchanting and bewitching the aroma was. And the mysterious appearance that aroused intense curiosity. With these expectations in his heart, Lord Fleur is chewing.
“This is…?!”
Lord Fleur’s eyes widen to their limit, and the hand holding the spoon is trembling. How unexpected is the taste, what kind of taste is it? From our perspective, we can’t even begin to guess. However, the fact that he made a dish using sweets and created an enchanting dish is undeniable. After all, it’s exactly as Shuri said.
“That’s right. My kitchen knife skills aren’t too shabby, are they?” “Ugh…!!”
Shuri is showing off his knife as he says this. Oh no, that’s dangerous. If that offends the Imperial Guard, you’ll be arrested! Brandishing a blade in front of the lord!
“Please, prince, you too.” “Mmm!”
The fat prince also receives a plate and immediately lights up.
“It’s delicious! I never knew chocolate could become so tasty!” “Thank you very much.” “Papa, I want this cook more than that woman!” “T-That’s…”
? What’s this? Lord Fleur’s eyes are darting around. He’s been flustered since being shown the knife, but what’s going on? Only Gungrave seems to have noticed something, but I can’t figure it out.
“You can make this by combining this powder with chocolate. I’d be happy to give it to you.” “Really?!”
A solid object. A soup base made by mixing and solidifying the seasonings and spices from earlier. So you’re saying it can be easily made by combining this with the sweets?
“In exchange, we’d like some magic crystals.”
And now, the main point of negotiation. Magic crystals. Our objective, and the magic crystals that Arturia was adamant about not giving up. Shuri’s cooking skills effortlessly brought it to the negotiation table. It was a moment when I realized Shuri’s greatness anew. Tegue and Kuuga are trying desperately to hide it, but the corners of their mouths are turned up, so they must be holding back laughter.
“Papa!”
The prince, being stupid or not, already looks like he can’t wait to make the exchange. Normally, this is where you’d hesitate a bit to draw out concessions and move into negotiations. But with this prince’s one word, that’s no longer possible. He’s clearly expressed what he wants and demanded it.
“B-Be quiet! …What’s your real purpose?”
? Our objective is the magic crystals, but… What’s this? Lord Fleur has been acting strange since earlier. Since seeing the knife, he seems to be trying to end this peacefully, or rather, without making a fuss. I don’t understand what he’s afraid of. Only Gungrave seems to understand.
“As I said, we want magic crystals. Please sell them to us at the market price.” “…Fine. In exchange, forget about my son trying to recruit you.”
Is this… it? He wants us to erase the fact of the recruitment. In other words, he wants to sweep under the rug the fact that we had this interaction with Shuri. He looks like he’d prefer to pretend this whole conversation never happened if possible. But in this situation, he only wants to pretend the recruitment never happened. I get the impression that he’s barely managing to voice the maximum concession he can make. What would happen if Shuri were recruited? What kind of inconvenience would the fact of interacting with Shuri cause for this territory? With my limited information, I can’t even begin to guess.
“Sure, that’s fine.”
At any rate, we were able to obtain the magic crystals at the budgeted price.
On our way back to the camp after leaving the territory. We were finally able to take a breather. After all, Shuri’s sudden action made us think we might get our heads chopped off, but instead, we managed to obtain the magic crystals. As a negotiation, it can be considered a success. Given that the other party had initially shown no intention of selling, this negotiation was particularly challenging.
“But still, why was that fat king afraid of Shuri?”
Kuuga voices his question. Indeed, we never figured that out in the end. Hearing this, Gungrave chuckles knowingly.
“That’s because the prince dug his own grave.” “His grave?” “Yeah. Remember that dispute over additional rewards in Nouviche before?”
I remember it well. It was a strange incident. It’s not normal to say you can have additional rewards if you make delicious food.
“At that time, Shuri’s quick thinking somehow resolved the situation. After that, we received a thank you letter and a knife from Nouviche.” “A knife and a letter? What about it?” “Ah, it’s not surprising that you don’t understand just from that, Tegue. Add to this that the princess tried to recruit Shuri, and Shuri declined. And that knife had the Nouviche royal family’s crest on it and was a masterpiece, and the letter was sealed with the royal seal.”
Ah, I see. I finally understand. In other words, Shuri is currently in a state of being ‘marked’ by Nouviche. It’s a sign that they’re ready to hire him anytime he leaves our mercenary group. In other words, that knife is a chain and armor to prevent snatching away someone Nouviche is trying to employ first. Shuri probably doesn’t understand. But by showing the knife, causing the other party to falter, and drawing out a slip of the tongue. That’s why this negotiation was successful. However, I didn’t know that knife had such a story behind it. Shuri only said, “I use it because this crest looks cool.”
“But with this, that shitty negotiation is over! Let’s eat when we get back!”
Gungrave says with a cheerful expression. Shuri approaches such a Gungrave. What could it be, a word of appreciation?
“Gungrave.” “Oh, Shuri. You really saved us…?!”
Smack.
Without warning, Shuri punched Gungrave in the face. It happened so suddenly. No one could react. Not Tegue, not Kuuga, not Lill. These battle-hardened warriors who have experienced hundreds of battlefields. Of course, not me either. Shuri’s sudden violent act. We hadn’t even imagined it. Even Gungrave himself, who was punched, looks like he doesn’t understand what happened. He’s touching his punched cheek with his hand, only now realizing he was hit.
“Why didn’t you object immediately? Which is more important, the person you love or some stones?! You shouldn’t have to agonize to the point of making her cry!!”
We can’t argue against Shuri’s angry shout. Even Gungrave, known for his quick thinking and political maneuvering. He couldn’t say a word back. After that, Shuri angrily returned to the camp alone. The rest of us left behind just stood there. Even feeling the cold of the snow on our feet.
“T-That’s…”
Kuuga suddenly spoke up.
“Now that you mention it, that’s right. We’re scum for silently listening to those guys trying to take Arius from Gungrave. We were elated because the negotiation went well, but…” “That’s right. We didn’t do anything at all. It’s like Shuri alone made the negotiation successful.” “Made it successful, or rather, he did make it successful. Lill didn’t say a word. Gungrave’s words were meaningless too. Shuri alone made it successful.”
Everyone voices their own pathetic behavior.
“…It’s not your fault.”
Gungrave says in a voice that’s almost disappearing. The elated expression from earlier is completely gone. A face that looked both pitiful and on the verge of tears. It’s a face full of anguish.
“There was no need to insist on this place’s magic crystals. We could have asked for even a small amount from the territories we’re on good terms with. And yet, I…!” “Gungrave…” “I was an idiot…! I said I wanted to liberate the people from such terrible guys and create a peaceful country, but how can I do that if I can’t even protect what’s important to me…! I can’t complain if Shuri gets fed up with me…!”
Gungrave headed towards the camp.
“I’m such an idiot…!”
His back looked more tragic than ever. The back that always looked so big now seems small. Knowing how foolish he had been, how stupid his actions were. Gungrave looked like he was about to collapse from depression.
I had forgotten too. Despite the danger of almost being separated from Gungrave. I forgot and laughed just because the negotiation was successful. I should have been the first one to get angry. Shuri got angry in my place. At Gungrave, at Tegue, at Kuuga, at Lill. And at me (Arius).
In the end, Shuri didn’t come out for dinner. We’re eating what Shuri’s subordinates prepared instead, but somehow it tastes bland. Everyone can feel it. The subordinates probably don’t know the details since we haven’t told them. But still, seeing all the captains with dejected faces. They must be worried that something happened.
“Sigh…”
After dinner, I’m wandering around the camp alone. I’m thinking about Gungrave. This blunder may have left a big scar on Gungrave. The sincere anger of a trusted subordinate. Its meaning and his own mistake. Because he understands that, Gungrave must be troubled. Normally, I’d want to comfort him. But, how should I do it?
“Arius”
While I was thinking about this, I was suddenly called out to.
“…Gungrave?”
Gungrave was standing there, looking somewhat troubled.
“I’ve been looking for you. You weren’t in the tent.”
Gungrave was looking for me? Looking at him, his pants are soaking wet. How long has he been searching for me in this snow?
“Come with me. I need to talk to you.” “That’s right.”
I don’t know what it’s about, but I’ll go along with the conversation. After leaving the camp and reaching near the forest, Gungrave suddenly stopped.
“You know, I’ve never been seriously angry like that before.”
Suddenly, I don’t understand what he’s talking about. But I guess it’s about what happened this afternoon.
“Because I’ve lived by my quick wit and strength. I don’t have parents. So honestly, I was at a loss.” “…Yes.” “But, being seriously worried about and getting angry at, I realized it’s this painful. Thinking about my own pathetic behavior, making someone important say those things, making them have to say those things… I really am an idiot, aren’t I?” “…Yes, we are.”
We were idiots. That’s right. We’re idiots.
“Both you and I were idiots.”
I’m an idiot too for causing my loved one pain.
“Hey Arius. Is it okay for me to be your fiancé?” “I can’t think of anyone else but you.”
It’s an immediate answer. Of course it is. Gungrave is the only one I love.
“Is someone like me really good enough?” “It’s because you’re like this that you’re good enough.”
Because you regret and agonize. And yet, you somehow manage to keep your feet on the ground and keep walking.
“I see. But, I have to say something.”
I grab Gungrave’s shoulders and face him directly. Gungrave, looking like he’s about to cry. You who are barely holding it together. On Gungrave’s cheek. I lightly slapped him. A light slap, just enough to touch.
“Gungrave! Which is more important to you, me or some stones? You idiot!”
Gungrave looked a bit confused for a moment, but he quickly understood my intention.
“…Haha, of course”
I was pulled close by the hand that grabbed my slapping hand. And then I was kissing Gungrave. Isn’t this a bit too forceful?
“It’s you, of course.”
But, I like this bit of forcefulness. It’s manly and I like it.
“Haha, let’s stop overthinking things. Arius. Let’s get married right now.”
Huh? That forceful?!
“Thinking about dying or the future is too troublesome. I want to become husband and wife with you, the one I’ve fallen for, right now.”
…Geez.
“Children are still a long way off, okay?” “Then until that time comes, I’ll live and protect you.”
You’re so forceful.
The next day. Shuri timidly came out in front of us. I was worried that he might have packed his bags and left during the night, fed up with us.
“Um, am I fired?”
Apparently, Shuri was afraid of being fired for punching Gungrave.
“No way. Arius and I have happily become husband and wife, aren’t you going to cook us a celebratory meal?” “Huh?! Husband and wife?! …Ah, if that’s the case. I guess I have to cook, don’t I?”
Shuri started preparing breakfast with a relieved expression. I’m glad things are back to normal.
“Thanks to you, I realized something important. Thank you.”
Shuri smiled shyly. Really, I’m glad we realized what’s important.
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Chapter 20
To me, Gungrave is the person I love most in this world.
From the first time we met, through countless battles and seasons.
We’ve protected each other and fought side by side.
Your back has always given me courage.
The warmth of your hand in mine has always been comforting.
But I forgot that the one you love might someday disappear without warning.
I forgot the fear of separation.
The most important things are always right in front of us.
I, Arius, have a fiancé.
We haven’t held our wedding ceremony yet, but someday we will.
That’s the kind of person Gungrave is.
Recently, I’ve been worrying about our dwindling stock of magic crystals, one of our essential supplies.
Magic crystals are formed when mana from the atmosphere settles and solidifies in places with abundant nature or where nature has remained unchanged since ancient times.
They have a mysterious property of either absorbing or amplifying the surrounding mana.
In magic engineering, we use their absorption property as a material for Magi-Spells. This allows them to continuously absorb mana and function semi-permanently. However, if the Magi-Spell disappears, it’s all over. Rain is a major enemy in this regard.
In magic, we use our own mana to enhance the absorbed mana, amplifying the power of spells. When used this way, magic crystals wear down and gradually lose their function until they disappear. Unlike stones, they gradually shrink until they’re gone.
My magic interferes with and manifests at the atomic and molecular level. The consumption is significant, causing magic crystals to deplete rapidly.
We’re on a journey to Arturia to replenish our supply.
Arturia itself isn’t a large country. Being a snowy land, it’s not particularly self-sufficient in food production, nor is it blessed with abundant forests.
However, it’s rich in mineral and stone resources.
Unlike Yuyuvi, there’s no worry about these resources being depleted. Of course, iron and copper might eventually run out.
The most important industry here is magic crystals.
While magic crystals can only be found in places with abundant or concentrated nature, here they can be mined endlessly. Moreover, the mining sites replenish with magic crystals after just a week.
It’s probably because the mana from this continent circulates and settles here, but thanks to this, Arturia is able to sustain itself as a country.
Of course, given such a land, their magic engineering and magical technology are also of a high standard.
During our journey, Shuri is creating something mysterious.
I first noticed it when I was about to go to sleep and a delicious smell wafted into the tent from somewhere.
But that day, I just went to sleep. I thought my sense of smell was playing tricks on me due to the cold.
The next day, and the day after that. When it continues for several days, you realize it’s not just your imagination.
Tracing the source of the smell, I ran into Lill.
“Lill, what are you doing out here in the middle of the night?”
“There’s a good smell. A tantalizing aroma that would go well with hamburger steak.”
This girl, is she starting to see the world only in terms of hamburger steak?
I should warn Shuri later. We need to do something about this addict.
When we went around to the back of Shuri’s tent, he was cooking something in a pot.
“Is that it?”
“No doubt about it. Lill can sense it. That’s the perfect companion for hamburger steak.”
The words of an addict.
But what could this aroma be?
It’s very fragrant and somewhat…
It’s so appetizing that just the smell could fill you up.
“What could it be?”
“It must be a new hamburger steak menu item. Lill’s justice is screaming it.”
Let’s set aside Lill’s slightly odd statement. If you pay attention to it, you’ve already lost.
From a distance, it looks like a soup. It’s brown, you see.
I can see potatoes and carrots, but beyond that, I can’t tell what it is.
“Following the call of justice! Shuri, what are you doing?”
Lill charged in. Before I knew it, she wasn’t beside me anymore.
“Ah, Lill. I’m sorry. Did it smell bad?”
“No, it smells very good. It’s fragrant. So, what is it?”
“This? I’m just trying out a new menu item that I couldn’t make before due to lack of skill or knowledge.”
“If you need a taste tester, Lill can help.”
Ah! Lill, that’s not fair!
I want to taste it too!
“I’m sorry, but today’s attempt is a failure. It’s not something I can let people eat.”
Shuri apologizes with a bitter smile.
It’s surprising. I never thought Shuri would fail at cooking.
Shuri, who has trained subordinates and cooks for everyone, does his job perfectly without any mistakes.
I’ve never seen a failed dish, nor has a meal ever been delayed due to a failure.
So, it’s rare for a trial run to fail from the start.
“Even so, it’s fine. Lill’s hunger justice is screaming to eat it.”
Isn’t Lill fundamentally misusing the word ‘justice’?
“No, I’ll serve it to you when it’s properly done. Please wait until then.”
Shuri kindly refuses with a smile, and I sense that it’s impossible.
That face of Shuri’s is one that won’t let anyone eat it out of stubbornness.
Shuri, who can be unexpectedly stubborn and particular about meals, won’t be swayed from this.
I quickly left and departed from the scene.
However, the next day, and the day after that, Shuri’s trial and error continued.
At first, I left it alone. I thought I’d wait since it would eventually be completed and we’d be able to eat it.
But no matter how long we waited, the finished product wasn’t served.
Every night we were tantalized by the delicious smell.
After dinner, we’d feel a sensation like hunger again.
Finally, I started hiding behind trees, ready to rush in for a taste test at any moment.
It seems everyone else was doing the same.
Before I knew it, Tegue was up in the tree.
“What are you doing up there, Tegue?”
“Ah, well, I’m just practicing long-distance observation from the treetop, you see.”
He was making excuses while his eyes darted around suspiciously.
I mean, climbing a tree in the middle of the night to practice long-distance observation makes no sense.
I noticed Lill was underground.
It seems she’s using magic engineering to dig a hole in the ground and wait.
“Lill. What are you doing?”
“Lill isn’t here. Lill doesn’t exist here.”
Even for an excuse, there are better ways to say it.
Sensing a presence, I realized Kuuga was swinging his sword far away.
If it were just that, I could dismiss it as simple training.
However, reading the wind movements and continuing to train downwind from Shuri makes it obvious that he wants to smell the aroma.
“Kuuga, are you training again?”
“Ah, yeah, I’m still not good enough, you see.”
“If you go over there, there’s a water source and better footing, you know.”
“Ah, no, I just feel like doing it here today. Hahahahaha.”
H-how obvious.
Of course, I’m peeking from behind a tree.
Climbing trees, digging underground, or reading the wind is going too far.
Besides, Shuri, being a non-combatant, probably can’t read everyone’s presence.
“Arius. What are you doing there?”
I’ve been caught!?
No, no, that can’t be.
He’s probably just guessing that I’m among the subordinates crowding around the tent and trying to bait me out.
“Hmm, the curry powder is still tricky…”
Oh, the wind direction seems suspicious.
“Ah… I guess this one’s no good either…”
W-what did you say!?
When Shuri fails, he eats it himself and cleans up.
He never lets others eat his failures.
I understand that, but even if it’s a failure, I want to taste just one bite!
While I was thinking this, Shuri plated the failed dish and…
He ate it himself.
“““Ahhh…!!!”““
I couldn’t help but let out a disappointed cry.
The fact that everyone here synchronized with me proves that they all felt the same way.
Ah, I wanted to eat it.
“Since there was no response when I called out earlier, I guess no one’s here. If no one’s here, I don’t need to let anyone taste it~”
W-what did you say!?
I realized from Shuri’s deadpan delivery that we had been noticed.
Y-you mean if we had responded, we could have eaten it?!
Ah, the ground, trees, and tents are shaking.
That’s anger…
It looks like tomorrow will be hell…
“Besides, it’s a failed attempt anyway. I couldn’t possibly let anyone eat it.”
Shuri is trying to follow up, but that’s not helping at all!
In the end, we weren’t allowed to taste test even after that, and the march continued.
Gungrave sneakily secured a promise for a taste test, but that’s just unfair.
But such thoughts…
Disappeared completely when we reached the audience chamber.
“We have no magic crystals to sell to barbarians like you. Go home.”
King Fleur of Arturia said to us in the audience chamber.
As soon as we, the five captains and Shuri, took our seats for negotiations in the lavish audience chamber, Lord Fleur blurted this out.
It’s true that we were enemies in last year’s war, so some hostility is undeniable.
However, I hadn’t imagined that we wouldn’t even be able to talk, let alone negotiate.
Of course, mercenaries swear loyalty to whoever hires them and strive for victory for the duration of their employment. So, we’re only allies or enemies for as long as we’re paid.
In other words, we’re no different from merchants selling our combat prowess. It’s unthinkable to refuse even a conversation with such merchants.
Of course, the magic crystals we buy here might eventually be used against this country, but even so, these words are too harsh.
However, Gungrave seems to have anticipated this and remains calm.
Shuri is just dumbfounded, not understanding what’s going on. Well, it’s helpful for him to stay that way in this situation.
“Please reconsider. We need them for our activities. In return…”
“Well then. If you give those two women as sex slaves for my son, I’ll sell you some.”
…What?
What is this person saying?
This father and son, both fat as pigs, want sex slaves?
“Papa, I don’t want to sleep with such potato-smelling women!”
“Don’t worry, son. We’ll disinfect them properly with drugs.”
Snap.
Everyone here made a sound of snapping.
The nape of Tegue’s neck bristled, Kuuga’s fighting spirit rose, and Gungrave’s anger seemed to dominate the space.
Lill remains expressionless. She’s maintaining a blank face.
No, she’s suppressing and condensing all her anger inside herself.
Is this what Shuri previously called a wave of killing intent?
Of course, I’m angry too.
I have to observe everyone objectively, or I might lose control of my mana in my emotions.
I feel some kind of cat-like presence from Shuri… but that must be my imagination?
“Lord Fleur, that statement is somewhat lacking in decency. What kind of eyes do you think the surrounding royalty and lords would look at you with if they knew?”
Even in this situation, Gungrave is trying to negotiate as calmly as possible.
However, Lord Fleur doesn’t stop his vulgar laughter.
“If that’s the case, then we’ll stop selling magic crystals to territories that look at us that way.
This territory has enough resources for that.”
Gungrave clicked his tongue softly.
Indeed, that’s true. Magic crystals are an indispensable resource in today’s world.
This territory, where they can be mined in large quantities without depletion, is undoubtedly valuable.
It would be difficult for any territory to argue against using that in negotiations.
However, I question the nerve to explicitly state this in this setting.
“Papa. The woman beside the skinny little girl is fine.”
“Hmm, then that woman will do.”
Me?!
Me, becoming this person’s mistress?!
“That’s how it is. If you hand over that woman, I’ll sell you half the usual amount at ten times the market price. Not bad, right?”
This is ridiculous.
There’s no need to even negotiate. We should just leave quickly.
However, Gungrave is trying to negotiate while suppressing his anger.
That’s admirable, but…
To be honest, I want him to get angry and say something for my sake in this situation.
I understand. If we don’t get magic crystals here, it will cause big problems later.
Some regions won’t even sell them.
Getting them from this territory, which sells them consistently, is the most efficient way.
“That’s… too much… It’s not even funny as a joke.”
“There’s no need to laugh. Don’t you want magic crystals? This is also a negotiation.”
But, being weighed between his responsibility as a commander and…
His position as my fiancé.
It feels like I’m being put on a scale, and I’m about to cry.
“Well, that’s that. I’ll settle for that country girl, even if she’s too rural for my son.”
“…That is…”
“Gungrave…”
Gungrave’s shoulders are shaking with anger.
He’s barely suppressing it with reason.
At this rate, I don’t know when he might explode.
“Now, now. Excuse me for a moment.”
At that moment.
Suddenly, Shuri stood up and started acting like a jester.
It was so sudden and without any prior arrangement that none of us, including me, could stop him.
Tegue even reached out his hand to try and stop him, but it was impossible.
“What do you want?”
Even Lord Fleur is furrowing his brow at this sudden disrespectful behavior.
Of course. If you show such an attitude to a lord, you could be beheaded without complaint.
“I am Shuri, the cook of the Gungrave Mercenary Group.
Pardon my rudeness, but may I ask one thing?
That enchanting sweets the prince is eating, where did you obtain it?”
Sweets?
What is Shuri suddenly talking about?
Indeed, the prince is eating an unusual sweets, but… what about it?
“…It’s from Nouviche. What about it?”
“Oh, I see. Just checking.”
Nouviche?
What’s the meaning of Shuri’s confirmation?
“Would you allow me to prepare a dish here?”
What is Shuri suddenly proposing?
Is he planning to switch from negotiations to culinary diplomacy?
Indeed, with Shuri’s skills, it might be possible to break through this situation.
“Why should we let a country cook like you prepare our meal?”
Yes, as the irritated Lord Fleur says.
It’s not appropriate for a mercenary group’s cook to prepare meals for royalty.
In the case of Nouviche, it was overlooked because the royalty themselves requested it, but it’s nearly impossible to use that in this situation.
Where does Shuri’s confident attitude come from?
“No, no. I’m talking about the prince’s sweets.
I’ll transform it into an even more enchanting dish.”
All of us captains exchange glances in confusion.
Make a dish with sweets? If he said he’d make a dessert using sweets, I’d understand, but… a dish? An enchanting dish?
“An enchanting dish, you say?”
But Lord Fleur took the bait.
As his appearance suggests, he has a voracious appetite.
However, I’m curious too.
What will he make with that brown sweets?
“Yes, just potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat. That’s all I need.
With just these, I’ll make a dish several times more delicious than that sweets.”
Huh? Those ingredients are possibly…
“…Interesting. A meal with chocolate and those ingredients? Go ahead and try.
If it’s not delicious, we’ll cut off both your arms.”
“By all means. Then, I’ll start cooking.”
Cut off both arms?!
This is outrageous. Somehow it’s turned into a cooking showdown.
Gungrave’s face has turned pale too. Of course it has. If this fails, there’s a possibility that everyone here will receive some kind of punishment.
Right now, our fate rests on Shuri’s arms.
While this is happening, Shuri starts cooking.
He takes out the knife and portable stove he brought, borrows a pot and cutting board, and starts chopping the onions, carrots, and potatoes into appropriate sizes.
I have a bad feeling. A terribly bad one.
And, as I feared, he starts sautéing the spices he had secretly brought.
As I thought, he intends to make the dish he’s been experimenting with every night here! Adding sweets to that dish?!
Shuri has a history of creating a dish that incorporates all flavors, but surely adding sweets to a dish is a bit too much!?
While this is going on, he adds butter and flour to make a base for the soup, then switches pots and sears the ingredients in a deep pot.
Once they’re sufficiently cooked, he pours in water and brings it to a boil, adds the soup base and the sweets, then covers it with a lid.
“…What is that disgusting colored dish?”
Lord Fleur asks with a dubious expression.
To be honest, I’ve only seen it from afar and only at night, so I didn’t know, but I never imagined such a brown soup.
It’s a… dirty color.
“Now, now, please give it a try.”
“…Well, alright.”
After confirming that it’s cooked through, Shuri confidently opens the pot lid.
In that instant, an indescribably wonderful aroma fills the entire room.
The stimulation of spices and a slight sweetness, a scent that can only be produced when ingredients are perfectly cooked.
Tegue’s throat involuntarily makes a sound, Kuuga wipes his drool, and Gungrave’s eyes widen in surprise.
Lill is muttering, “Hamburger steak… truly a companion for hamburger steak…” She might be beyond help. The perfect image of an addict was right there.
As for me, I’m imagining the taste of the dish from its aroma.
Is it sweet, or spicy? The melting sweetness of sweets amidst the stimulation of spices. Or is there something else…?
It’s violence. This aroma can only be described as violence.
The overwhelming difference in strength I’ve felt in battle before.
An even more unreasonable violence exists here.
Because we can’t eat it in this situation.
We can only watch, biting our fingers, as Lord Fleur and the Prince eat it.
“This is…”
Lord Fleur is just surprised. The Prince’s eyes are shining.
“Please, go ahead.”
“Hmm, well…”
Lord Fleur immediately ate the dish handed to him without even having it tested for poison.
This is unheard of under normal circumstances.
After all, it’s natural to think that a dish made by a mere cook might be poisoned.
Even though it was prepared right before our eyes, it’s possible to mix something into the spices. In fact, in this situation, that’s what should be done. Using hallucinogens or compliance drugs could help us get through this situation.
However, Lord Fleur couldn’t even entertain such thoughts. That’s how enchanting and bewitching the aroma was. And the mysterious appearance that aroused intense curiosity.
With these expectations in his heart, Lord Fleur is chewing.
“This is…?!”
Lord Fleur’s eyes widen to their limit, and the hand holding the spoon is trembling.
How unexpected is the taste, what kind of taste is it?
From our perspective, we can’t even begin to guess.
However, the fact that he made a dish using sweets and created an enchanting dish is undeniable.
After all, it’s exactly as Shuri said.
“That’s right. My kitchen knife skills aren’t too shabby, are they?”
“Ugh…!!”
Shuri is showing off his knife as he says this.
Oh no, that’s dangerous. If that offends the Imperial Guard, you’ll be arrested!
Brandishing a blade in front of the lord!
“Please, prince, you too.”
“Mmm!”
The fat prince also receives a plate and immediately lights up.
“It’s delicious! I never knew chocolate could become so tasty!”
“Thank you very much.”
“Papa, I want this cook more than that woman!”
“T-That’s…”
? What’s this? Lord Fleur’s eyes are darting around.
He’s been flustered since being shown the knife, but what’s going on?
Only Gungrave seems to have noticed something, but I can’t figure it out.
“You can make this by combining this powder with chocolate. I’d be happy to give it to you.”
“Really?!”
A solid object.
A soup base made by mixing and solidifying the seasonings and spices from earlier.
So you’re saying it can be easily made by combining this with the sweets?
“In exchange, we’d like some magic crystals.”
And now, the main point of negotiation. Magic crystals.
Our objective, and the magic crystals that Arturia was adamant about not giving up.
Shuri’s cooking skills effortlessly brought it to the negotiation table.
It was a moment when I realized Shuri’s greatness anew.
Tegue and Kuuga are trying desperately to hide it, but the corners of their mouths are turned up, so they must be holding back laughter.
“Papa!”
The prince, being stupid or not, already looks like he can’t wait to make the exchange.
Normally, this is where you’d hesitate a bit to draw out concessions and move into negotiations.
But with this prince’s one word, that’s no longer possible.
He’s clearly expressed what he wants and demanded it.
“B-Be quiet!
…What’s your real purpose?”
?
Our objective is the magic crystals, but…
What’s this? Lord Fleur has been acting strange since earlier.
Since seeing the knife, he seems to be trying to end this peacefully, or rather, without making a fuss.
I don’t understand what he’s afraid of.
Only Gungrave seems to understand.
“As I said, we want magic crystals.
Please sell them to us at the market price.”
“…Fine.
In exchange, forget about my son trying to recruit you.”
Is this… it?
He wants us to erase the fact of the recruitment. In other words, he wants to sweep under the rug the fact that we had this interaction with Shuri.
He looks like he’d prefer to pretend this whole conversation never happened if possible.
But in this situation, he only wants to pretend the recruitment never happened.
I get the impression that he’s barely managing to voice the maximum concession he can make.
What would happen if Shuri were recruited? What kind of inconvenience would the fact of interacting with Shuri cause for this territory?
With my limited information, I can’t even begin to guess.
“Sure, that’s fine.”
At any rate, we were able to obtain the magic crystals at the budgeted price.
On our way back to the camp after leaving the territory.
We were finally able to take a breather.
After all, Shuri’s sudden action made us think we might get our heads chopped off, but instead, we managed to obtain the magic crystals.
As a negotiation, it can be considered a success.
Given that the other party had initially shown no intention of selling, this negotiation was particularly challenging.
“But still, why was that fat king afraid of Shuri?”
Kuuga voices his question.
Indeed, we never figured that out in the end.
Hearing this, Gungrave chuckles knowingly.
“That’s because the prince dug his own grave.”
“His grave?”
“Yeah. Remember that dispute over additional rewards in Nouviche before?”
I remember it well.
It was a strange incident. It’s not normal to say you can have additional rewards if you make delicious food.
“At that time, Shuri’s quick thinking somehow resolved the situation.
After that, we received a thank you letter and a knife from Nouviche.”
“A knife and a letter? What about it?”
“Ah, it’s not surprising that you don’t understand just from that, Tegue.
Add to this that the princess tried to recruit Shuri, and Shuri declined.
And that knife had the Nouviche royal family’s crest on it and was a masterpiece, and the letter was sealed with the royal seal.”
Ah, I see. I finally understand.
In other words, Shuri is currently in a state of being ‘marked’ by Nouviche.
It’s a sign that they’re ready to hire him anytime he leaves our mercenary group.
In other words, that knife is a chain and armor to prevent snatching away someone Nouviche is trying to employ first.
Shuri probably doesn’t understand. But by showing the knife, causing the other party to falter, and drawing out a slip of the tongue.
That’s why this negotiation was successful.
However, I didn’t know that knife had such a story behind it.
Shuri only said, “I use it because this crest looks cool.”
“But with this, that shitty negotiation is over! Let’s eat when we get back!”
Gungrave says with a cheerful expression.
Shuri approaches such a Gungrave.
What could it be, a word of appreciation?
“Gungrave.”
“Oh, Shuri. You really saved us…?!”
Smack.
Without warning, Shuri punched Gungrave in the face.
It happened so suddenly. No one could react.
Not Tegue, not Kuuga, not Lill.
These battle-hardened warriors who have experienced hundreds of battlefields.
Of course, not me either.
Shuri’s sudden violent act.
We hadn’t even imagined it.
Even Gungrave himself, who was punched, looks like he doesn’t understand what happened.
He’s touching his punched cheek with his hand, only now realizing he was hit.
“Why didn’t you object immediately?
Which is more important, the person you love or some stones?!
You shouldn’t have to agonize to the point of making her cry!!”
We can’t argue against Shuri’s angry shout.
Even Gungrave, known for his quick thinking and political maneuvering.
He couldn’t say a word back.
After that, Shuri angrily returned to the camp alone.
The rest of us left behind just stood there.
Even feeling the cold of the snow on our feet.
“T-That’s…”
Kuuga suddenly spoke up.
“Now that you mention it, that’s right. We’re scum for silently listening to those guys trying to take Arius from Gungrave.
We were elated because the negotiation went well, but…”
“That’s right. We didn’t do anything at all.
It’s like Shuri alone made the negotiation successful.”
“Made it successful, or rather, he did make it successful.
Lill didn’t say a word. Gungrave’s words were meaningless too.
Shuri alone made it successful.”
Everyone voices their own pathetic behavior.
“…It’s not your fault.”
Gungrave says in a voice that’s almost disappearing.
The elated expression from earlier is completely gone.
A face that looked both pitiful and on the verge of tears.
It’s a face full of anguish.
“There was no need to insist on this place’s magic crystals. We could have asked for even a small amount from the territories we’re on good terms with.
And yet, I…!”
“Gungrave…”
“I was an idiot…! I said I wanted to liberate the people from such terrible guys and create a peaceful country, but how can I do that if I can’t even protect what’s important to me…!
I can’t complain if Shuri gets fed up with me…!”
Gungrave headed towards the camp.
“I’m such an idiot…!”
His back looked more tragic than ever.
The back that always looked so big now seems small.
Knowing how foolish he had been, how stupid his actions were.
Gungrave looked like he was about to collapse from depression.
I had forgotten too.
Despite the danger of almost being separated from Gungrave.
I forgot and laughed just because the negotiation was successful.
I should have been the first one to get angry.
Shuri got angry in my place.
At Gungrave, at Tegue, at Kuuga, at Lill.
And at me (Arius).
In the end, Shuri didn’t come out for dinner.
We’re eating what Shuri’s subordinates prepared instead, but somehow it tastes bland.
Everyone can feel it.
The subordinates probably don’t know the details since we haven’t told them.
But still, seeing all the captains with dejected faces.
They must be worried that something happened.
“Sigh…”
After dinner, I’m wandering around the camp alone.
I’m thinking about Gungrave.
This blunder may have left a big scar on Gungrave.
The sincere anger of a trusted subordinate. Its meaning and his own mistake.
Because he understands that, Gungrave must be troubled.
Normally, I’d want to comfort him.
But, how should I do it?
“Arius”
While I was thinking about this, I was suddenly called out to.
“…Gungrave?”
Gungrave was standing there, looking somewhat troubled.
“I’ve been looking for you. You weren’t in the tent.”
Gungrave was looking for me?
Looking at him, his pants are soaking wet.
How long has he been searching for me in this snow?
“Come with me. I need to talk to you.”
“That’s right.”
I don’t know what it’s about, but I’ll go along with the conversation.
After leaving the camp and reaching near the forest, Gungrave suddenly stopped.
“You know, I’ve never been seriously angry like that before.”
Suddenly, I don’t understand what he’s talking about.
But I guess it’s about what happened this afternoon.
“Because I’ve lived by my quick wit and strength.
I don’t have parents.
So honestly, I was at a loss.”
“…Yes.”
“But, being seriously worried about and getting angry at, I realized it’s this painful.
Thinking about my own pathetic behavior, making someone important say those things, making them have to say those things…
I really am an idiot, aren’t I?”
“…Yes, we are.”
We were idiots.
That’s right. We’re idiots.
“Both you and I were idiots.”
I’m an idiot too for causing my loved one pain.
“Hey Arius. Is it okay for me to be your fiancé?”
“I can’t think of anyone else but you.”
It’s an immediate answer.
Of course it is. Gungrave is the only one I love.
“Is someone like me really good enough?”
“It’s because you’re like this that you’re good enough.”
Because you regret and agonize.
And yet, you somehow manage to keep your feet on the ground and keep walking.
“I see. But, I have to say something.”
I grab Gungrave’s shoulders and face him directly.
Gungrave, looking like he’s about to cry. You who are barely holding it together.
On Gungrave’s cheek.
I lightly slapped him.
A light slap, just enough to touch.
“Gungrave! Which is more important to you, me or some stones? You idiot!”
Gungrave looked a bit confused for a moment, but he quickly understood my intention.
“…Haha, of course”
I was pulled close by the hand that grabbed my slapping hand.
And then I was kissing Gungrave.
Isn’t this a bit too forceful?
“It’s you, of course.”
But, I like this bit of forcefulness.
It’s manly and I like it.
“Haha, let’s stop overthinking things.
Arius. Let’s get married right now.”
Huh? That forceful?!
“Thinking about dying or the future is too troublesome.
I want to become husband and wife with you, the one I’ve fallen for, right now.”
…Geez.
“Children are still a long way off, okay?”
“Then until that time comes, I’ll live and protect you.”
You’re so forceful.
The next day.
Shuri timidly came out in front of us.
I was worried that he might have packed his bags and left during the night, fed up with us.
“Um, am I fired?”
Apparently, Shuri was afraid of being fired for punching Gungrave.
“No way. Arius and I have happily become husband and wife, aren’t you going to cook us a celebratory meal?”
“Huh?! Husband and wife?! …Ah, if that’s the case.
I guess I have to cook, don’t I?”
Shuri started preparing breakfast with a relieved expression.
I’m glad things are back to normal.
“Thanks to you, I realized something important. Thank you.”
Shuri smiled shyly.
Really, I’m glad we realized what’s important.
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