“My work here is done. How about yours?” “Mine’s finished too. All that’s left is surveying and working on that area.” “Hey! Bring the wheelbarrow over here quick! We’re short-handed!” “Time for dinner, everyone!”
Hello everyone, it’s Shuri here. It’s been almost a week since we started reconstruction work in Uumira Village after the disaster struck. We’ve stayed in this village, working as both liaisons with Lord Gungrave and as laborers. I mean, no matter how urgent it is to move on to the next village, we can’t just leave things as they are, right? We need to help with the work until more hands become available. Kuuga has been constantly patrolling the mountains looking for suspicious individuals, rushing to investigate any suspicious shadows he spots, and quickly responding to and resolving any disturbances. Lill had been making work tools, but she switched to doing light repairs on buildings that needed inspection, then demolishing and sorting through buildings once the work was complete. Aeclys is reviewing incoming information while consulting with the village chief. She’s probably using her head the most out of all of us. As for me…
“Oh, finally time to eat?” “With work like this… it’s depressing, but at least during meals we can forget about it for a while.”
I’m continuing to cook meals for everyone. After all, making food is about all I can do. And… I look toward the shelter entrance.
“Did they find more today?” “Yeah. Today they found what appears to be hunter Abigo’s wife… The child survived, apparently because the mother protected her. She managed to stay alive for a week inside the building.” “How terrible.”
In front of the shelter, they’re laying out the bodies they’ve found and identifying who they are. Once that’s done… they’ll be placed in coffins and taken to the communal cemetery for their final rest… Naturally, having everyone survive a disaster would be nothing short of a miracle. Seeing people cry over lost loved ones has become the norm here. Abigo, the man, continued crying while holding his wife in his arms. He’s embracing the now-cold body of his life partner.
“I’ll protect the daughter you saved…! Even though I’m lonely… so lonely without you, I’ll… our daughter, I’ll… uwaaaaaaah!!”
He’s not the only one crying out loud. Many others are sobbing in front of the bodies of their family members and loved ones. These people can’t even get food down their throats.
“Here’s today’s soup.” “Thanks… you all really helped us by coming.” “Huh?”
As I’m ladling soup from the pot into bowls, a man suddenly says this to me.
“You came right away and helped with the work. Thanks to you all, many lives were saved. Many were found… because of that.” “That’s…” “I know what you want to say. You’re thinking that if you had come earlier for rescue operations, right?” “…Yes.”
That’s true. If we had come a little earlier and helped rescue people buried under collapsed buildings and mud, maybe more lives could have been saved. But I understand.
“But that’s just idealistic thinking, isn’t it?”
Disasters are unpredictable. They strike suddenly and mercilessly strip away everything precious. That’s exactly why all we can do is prepare beforehand. Confirming evacuation sites, storing supplies, establishing emergency communication methods. Even with all of these perfectly in place, disasters can still unreasonably take lives. When I was in Japan, I certainly saw plenty of disaster broadcasts on the news. Earthquakes, heavy rain, levee breaches, landslides, typhoons, blizzards… I think there wasn’t a year without them. But I was foolish. Back then, it all felt distant somehow. The events on the other side of the screen never felt close to home. But this is different. When you actually come to a disaster site, you understand. Being able to eat and help with reconstruction, even a little, is a blessing. The grief and wailing of those who lost their loved ones was something I could never feel through a screen. The faces of those who lost everything they owned are so devastating it makes me want to turn away and vomit.
“That’s right. It is idealistic. But we’re actually alive.”
The man takes the bowl and looks back at the disaster site.
“We’re alive… Those of us who survived have our own responsibilities.” “Responsibilities…” “To live long and remember, for those who were saved. That’s all I think I can do.” “Is there nothing…” “Nothing else. We can’t take the place of those who died, and we can’t bring them back to life. And I feel like if we forget those who died, they’ll truly disappear from this world.”
My chest aches sharply.
“So, live and remember.” “That’s right… Heh, I said some pretty sappy stuff. Forget about it.” “No.”
After I decline, the man says thanks and leaves. And it makes me think. I wonder how much I remember. Being with Gungrave and the others, I’ve met so many people. And parted with many in death. I’ve experienced many funerals within the mercenary group. I should remember. I mustn’t forget. And if another disaster like this happens, I’ll survive together with others using what I remember. That’s what I thought.
“Well, that’s it for today’s portion.”
I mutter while washing pots and dishes in the plaza, now deep in dusk. Once again today, they found people who had died. Many of them. There were many who cried and many who were at a loss… And Aeclys told us that “We’ve confirmed the status of all verifiable villagers.” In other words, we’ve found everyone who survived and everyone who didn’t.
“…If what Aeclys says is true, we might be leaving this village in a few days.”
After all, now that everyone has been found, all that’s left is for Lill to finish processing the collapsed buildings and mud. Kuuga said his perimeter survey is about ninety percent complete too. Even Aeclys’s rescue plan seems to have come together. She’s been in contact with Gungrave, and supplies have actually been arriving this past week.
“Well then… hm?”
What’s that? There seems to be a commotion at the village entrance. Curious, I go to look and find a crowd gathering.
“What’s going…”
The words “on” die in my throat. There stands Lill, in a heated argument with several men. The situation seems about to explode, with anger winning out on both sides. What’s happening?
“Lill’s telling you!! We haven’t done anything related to this incident except rescue operations! There’s a limit to baseless accusations!” “Baseless? You came to this territory and used your magic engineering to set up the landslide, didn’t you?! You did it to gain support through a self-made disaster!!” “What benefit would we get from doing that!? No one’s stupid enough to destroy land they’re about to govern!” “Shut up! The fact is there was a landslide with no clear cause, right?! That’s all the proof we need!” “You show us proof that we were involved in the landslide! Don’t make ridiculous arguments based just on the landslide!”
Wow, I’ve never seen Lill this angry in conversation before. But this isn’t the time for such observations!
“Excuse me for a moment.” “Shuri.” “Huh?! Who are you?!”
I step between Lill and the men, trying to defuse the situation. Lill clearly looks relieved. Looking closer, I can see tears in her eyes. To think Lill, who’s crossed countless battlefields, would be on the verge of tears… Looking at the men, I see a group of about a dozen, mixed men and women. Wait, who are these people?
“Um, since I’m not clear on the situation… first, who are you people?” “We’re from Garakia Village! The neighboring village!”
Garakia Village? Garakia Village, Garakia Village… Huh, who? Even with the explanation, I don’t understand, but now’s not the time to ask about that.
“And why are people from Garakia Village here? We’re conducting rescue operations here, but…” “Isn’t it obvious?! We came to help!”
Huh? At this point? I swallow those words.
“That’s very kind of you. Today… well, everyone has been found, so if you could help with the reconstruction…” “You’re not in a position to give orders!” “That’s true, but. The fact is, rescue operations are complete. Starting tomorrow, we’d like help clearing away the mud and collapsed buildings…” “Who… who are you?” “I’m Shuri, I work for Lord Gungrave. I happened to be…” “Gungrave?! You’re the ones who arranged this landslide!”
Huh?
“Arranged it? …Ah, about gaining support and such…” “That’s right! Because we wouldn’t listen to you, you did this…” “Are you saying that with a sound mind?”
I unconsciously let anger seep into my voice.
“Listen here, alright? First, stop with these tasteless words. Then, go to the shelter in the plaza.” “I told you, your orders…” “There are people saying their final goodbyes in front of the shelter!!”
I cut off the man’s words with a shout.
“Try saying the same thing in front of them!! Try telling them ‘The disaster that killed your family was arranged’!! If you can say it, then complain to us!!” “That’s…” “You can’t, can you?! Of course you can’t!! If there were bastards acting self-righteous while shifting blame to someone else and hurting the feelings of people who died in a natural disaster, I’d beat them to death!! Anyone would be furious, wondering what you know to say such things, what you’re spouting off about with that smug face!”
I move closer to the man and continue. I felt like unleashing all my boiling rage, my burning anger, directly at him.
“What did you come here for?! To help someone, to be of help to this village, right?! Not to spread unfounded speculation and rumors with a proud face?! If you want to blame us, show us proof! Then try saying it in front of all the villagers! You can direct your anger at us after that!! Though it’ll definitely be misplaced!”
At my shouts, the people from Garakia Village look down with guilty expressions. I understand. I think I understand. I know I’m saying pretty things, but I understand the feeling of needing to blame someone to cope. But you can’t actually do that. So, I have to say it.
“…Please talk to the people in front of the shelter. Also, Aeclys and the Uumira village chief are in the shelter. Please talk to them and hear their plans.” “What? Lady Aeclys is here?” “Yes. Aeclys is working with the lord to coordinate reconstruction efforts while taking command here… So…” “…Let’s go.”
Before I can finish speaking, the Garakia villagers head toward the shelter. As they file along, some look at me. None glare.
“…Phew.” “Shuri!”
As I suddenly feel faint, Lill supports me. I got a bit dizzy after speaking so intensely all at once.
“Lill, are you alright?” “Lill is… fine. Thank you.” “You’re welcome.”
When I say thanks, Lill makes a frustrated face with tears in her eyes.
“They came making false accusations that we caused the landslide. Even though many people thanked us for saving them, they just came and one-sidedly accused us. Said it was our fault.” “Yes.” “It’s not true. We didn’t do it.” “I know.”
I wipe away Lill’s tears with my finger. So she cries too sometimes. That’s what I found myself thinking.
“I know how hard you’re working, Lill. So please don’t cry.” “Yeah…” “You must be hungry after all that arguing. I’ll make something.” “Yes.” “Now then, what should I make…”
I take Lill with me and prepare the necessary ingredients from our supplies, getting out the washed pots and kitchen knives again. Now then, some warm soup would be good. Maybe I’ll make clam chowder. I’ll need clams, onions, carrots, potatoes, bacon, salt, pepper, butter, flour, and milk. And I’ll add the consommé I made during our stay here. I made it during breaks from work. With this, I can make soup quickly. First, cut the bacon, onions, potatoes, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Then put the bacon and onions in the pot to sauté, seasoning with salt, pepper, and consommé. Add the potatoes, carrots, clams, and water. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. Put another pot on the heat, melt butter, and add flour. This makes the roux. Add the roux along with milk to the pot with the ingredients and simmer until it thickens, and it’s done. Thank goodness… Kuuga found a merchant during his perimeter patrol and bought clams… and the merchant had transported them without letting them spoil, and we could use them before they went bad…
“It’s ready!”
I hand the finished clam chowder to Lill. Taking it with a spoon, Lill tilts her head looking at the clam chowder.
“What’s this?” “This is called clam chowder… well, I’ll tell you about it another time. First, please eat.” “Yes.”
Lill scoops up a clam with her spoon and brings it to her mouth.
“…It’s delicious.”
Lill’s face softens.
“The flavor is gentle. I can taste all the different ingredients, but ‘gentle’ is the word that fits best. It brings a comforting warmth to my stomach, and puts my mind at ease.”
Lill continues eating.
“The vegetables are delicious too. It’s carefully made, cut into easy-to-eat pieces, and they break down softly in my mouth. The soup has milk in it, right? That’s the taste.”
From there, Lill eats silently until she empties the bowl.
“Thank you for the meal. …I feel a bit calmer now.” “Thank you very much.”
I pick up the pot and start heading toward the shelter.
“Wait. Where are you going?”
When Lill asks, I answer.
“I’m going to serve it to those people too.” “Eh?!”
Lill says in surprise.
“But they…” “I know. But you see…”
I give a wry smile.
“If they go hungry, it’ll be trouble for tomorrow, right?”
At that, Lill looks down silently for a moment. It’s probably only for a few seconds. She smiles as if giving up on something.
“That’s right. This is the kind of person Shuri is.” “I don’t know what you mean by that, but I haven’t forgiven them for making you cry. So tomorrow, they’ll have to work hard to make up for it.”
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Chapter 66
“My work here is done. How about yours?”
“Mine’s finished too. All that’s left is surveying and working on that area.”
“Hey! Bring the wheelbarrow over here quick! We’re short-handed!”
“Time for dinner, everyone!”
Hello everyone, it’s Shuri here.
It’s been almost a week since we started reconstruction work in Uumira Village after the disaster struck.
We’ve stayed in this village, working as both liaisons with Lord Gungrave and as laborers.
I mean, no matter how urgent it is to move on to the next village, we can’t just leave things as they are, right? We need to help with the work until more hands become available.
Kuuga has been constantly patrolling the mountains looking for suspicious individuals, rushing to investigate any suspicious shadows he spots, and quickly responding to and resolving any disturbances.
Lill had been making work tools, but she switched to doing light repairs on buildings that needed inspection, then demolishing and sorting through buildings once the work was complete.
Aeclys is reviewing incoming information while consulting with the village chief. She’s probably using her head the most out of all of us.
As for me…
“Oh, finally time to eat?”
“With work like this… it’s depressing, but at least during meals we can forget about it for a while.”
I’m continuing to cook meals for everyone. After all, making food is about all I can do.
And… I look toward the shelter entrance.
“Did they find more today?”
“Yeah. Today they found what appears to be hunter Abigo’s wife… The child survived, apparently because the mother protected her. She managed to stay alive for a week inside the building.”
“How terrible.”
In front of the shelter, they’re laying out the bodies they’ve found and identifying who they are. Once that’s done… they’ll be placed in coffins and taken to the communal cemetery for their final rest…
Naturally, having everyone survive a disaster would be nothing short of a miracle.
Seeing people cry over lost loved ones has become the norm here.
Abigo, the man, continued crying while holding his wife in his arms. He’s embracing the now-cold body of his life partner.
“I’ll protect the daughter you saved…! Even though I’m lonely… so lonely without you, I’ll… our daughter, I’ll… uwaaaaaaah!!”
He’s not the only one crying out loud.
Many others are sobbing in front of the bodies of their family members and loved ones. These people can’t even get food down their throats.
“Here’s today’s soup.”
“Thanks… you all really helped us by coming.”
“Huh?”
As I’m ladling soup from the pot into bowls, a man suddenly says this to me.
“You came right away and helped with the work. Thanks to you all, many lives were saved. Many were found… because of that.”
“That’s…”
“I know what you want to say. You’re thinking that if you had come earlier for rescue operations, right?”
“…Yes.”
That’s true. If we had come a little earlier and helped rescue people buried under collapsed buildings and mud, maybe more lives could have been saved.
But I understand.
“But that’s just idealistic thinking, isn’t it?”
Disasters are unpredictable. They strike suddenly and mercilessly strip away everything precious.
That’s exactly why all we can do is prepare beforehand. Confirming evacuation sites, storing supplies, establishing emergency communication methods.
Even with all of these perfectly in place, disasters can still unreasonably take lives.
When I was in Japan, I certainly saw plenty of disaster broadcasts on the news.
Earthquakes, heavy rain, levee breaches, landslides, typhoons, blizzards… I think there wasn’t a year without them.
But I was foolish. Back then, it all felt distant somehow. The events on the other side of the screen never felt close to home.
But this is different. When you actually come to a disaster site, you understand. Being able to eat and help with reconstruction, even a little, is a blessing.
The grief and wailing of those who lost their loved ones was something I could never feel through a screen.
The faces of those who lost everything they owned are so devastating it makes me want to turn away and vomit.
“That’s right. It is idealistic. But we’re actually alive.”
The man takes the bowl and looks back at the disaster site.
“We’re alive… Those of us who survived have our own responsibilities.”
“Responsibilities…”
“To live long and remember, for those who were saved. That’s all I think I can do.”
“Is there nothing…”
“Nothing else. We can’t take the place of those who died, and we can’t bring them back to life. And I feel like if we forget those who died, they’ll truly disappear from this world.”
My chest aches sharply.
“So, live and remember.”
“That’s right… Heh, I said some pretty sappy stuff. Forget about it.”
“No.”
After I decline, the man says thanks and leaves. And it makes me think.
I wonder how much I remember.
Being with Gungrave and the others, I’ve met so many people.
And parted with many in death.
I’ve experienced many funerals within the mercenary group.
I should remember. I mustn’t forget.
And if another disaster like this happens, I’ll survive together with others using what I remember.
That’s what I thought.
“Well, that’s it for today’s portion.”
I mutter while washing pots and dishes in the plaza, now deep in dusk.
Once again today, they found people who had died. Many of them.
There were many who cried and many who were at a loss…
And Aeclys told us that “We’ve confirmed the status of all verifiable villagers.”
In other words, we’ve found everyone who survived and everyone who didn’t.
“…If what Aeclys says is true, we might be leaving this village in a few days.”
After all, now that everyone has been found, all that’s left is for Lill to finish processing the collapsed buildings and mud. Kuuga said his perimeter survey is about ninety percent complete too.
Even Aeclys’s rescue plan seems to have come together. She’s been in contact with Gungrave, and supplies have actually been arriving this past week.
“Well then… hm?”
What’s that? There seems to be a commotion at the village entrance.
Curious, I go to look and find a crowd gathering.
“What’s going…”
The words “on” die in my throat.
There stands Lill, in a heated argument with several men.
The situation seems about to explode, with anger winning out on both sides. What’s happening?
“Lill’s telling you!! We haven’t done anything related to this incident except rescue operations! There’s a limit to baseless accusations!”
“Baseless? You came to this territory and used your magic engineering to set up the landslide, didn’t you?! You did it to gain support through a self-made disaster!!”
“What benefit would we get from doing that!? No one’s stupid enough to destroy land they’re about to govern!”
“Shut up! The fact is there was a landslide with no clear cause, right?! That’s all the proof we need!”
“You show us proof that we were involved in the landslide! Don’t make ridiculous arguments based just on the landslide!”
Wow, I’ve never seen Lill this angry in conversation before.
But this isn’t the time for such observations!
“Excuse me for a moment.”
“Shuri.”
“Huh?! Who are you?!”
I step between Lill and the men, trying to defuse the situation.
Lill clearly looks relieved. Looking closer, I can see tears in her eyes. To think Lill, who’s crossed countless battlefields, would be on the verge of tears…
Looking at the men, I see a group of about a dozen, mixed men and women.
Wait, who are these people?
“Um, since I’m not clear on the situation… first, who are you people?”
“We’re from Garakia Village! The neighboring village!”
Garakia Village? Garakia Village, Garakia Village…
Huh, who? Even with the explanation, I don’t understand, but now’s not the time to ask about that.
“And why are people from Garakia Village here? We’re conducting rescue operations here, but…”
“Isn’t it obvious?! We came to help!”
Huh? At this point? I swallow those words.
“That’s very kind of you. Today… well, everyone has been found, so if you could help with the reconstruction…”
“You’re not in a position to give orders!”
“That’s true, but. The fact is, rescue operations are complete. Starting tomorrow, we’d like help clearing away the mud and collapsed buildings…”
“Who… who are you?”
“I’m Shuri, I work for Lord Gungrave. I happened to be…”
“Gungrave?! You’re the ones who arranged this landslide!”
Huh?
“Arranged it? …Ah, about gaining support and such…”
“That’s right! Because we wouldn’t listen to you, you did this…”
“Are you saying that with a sound mind?”
I unconsciously let anger seep into my voice.
“Listen here, alright? First, stop with these tasteless words. Then, go to the shelter in the plaza.”
“I told you, your orders…”
“There are people saying their final goodbyes in front of the shelter!!”
I cut off the man’s words with a shout.
“Try saying the same thing in front of them!! Try telling them ‘The disaster that killed your family was arranged’!! If you can say it, then complain to us!!”
“That’s…”
“You can’t, can you?! Of course you can’t!! If there were bastards acting self-righteous while shifting blame to someone else and hurting the feelings of people who died in a natural disaster, I’d beat them to death!! Anyone would be furious, wondering what you know to say such things, what you’re spouting off about with that smug face!”
I move closer to the man and continue. I felt like unleashing all my boiling rage, my burning anger, directly at him.
“What did you come here for?! To help someone, to be of help to this village, right?! Not to spread unfounded speculation and rumors with a proud face?! If you want to blame us, show us proof! Then try saying it in front of all the villagers! You can direct your anger at us after that!! Though it’ll definitely be misplaced!”
At my shouts, the people from Garakia Village look down with guilty expressions.
I understand. I think I understand.
I know I’m saying pretty things, but I understand the feeling of needing to blame someone to cope.
But you can’t actually do that.
So, I have to say it.
“…Please talk to the people in front of the shelter. Also, Aeclys and the Uumira village chief are in the shelter. Please talk to them and hear their plans.”
“What? Lady Aeclys is here?”
“Yes. Aeclys is working with the lord to coordinate reconstruction efforts while taking command here… So…”
“…Let’s go.”
Before I can finish speaking, the Garakia villagers head toward the shelter.
As they file along, some look at me. None glare.
“…Phew.”
“Shuri!”
As I suddenly feel faint, Lill supports me.
I got a bit dizzy after speaking so intensely all at once.
“Lill, are you alright?”
“Lill is… fine. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
When I say thanks, Lill makes a frustrated face with tears in her eyes.
“They came making false accusations that we caused the landslide. Even though many people thanked us for saving them, they just came and one-sidedly accused us. Said it was our fault.”
“Yes.”
“It’s not true. We didn’t do it.”
“I know.”
I wipe away Lill’s tears with my finger.
So she cries too sometimes. That’s what I found myself thinking.
“I know how hard you’re working, Lill. So please don’t cry.”
“Yeah…”
“You must be hungry after all that arguing. I’ll make something.”
“Yes.”
“Now then, what should I make…”
I take Lill with me and prepare the necessary ingredients from our supplies, getting out the washed pots and kitchen knives again.
Now then, some warm soup would be good. Maybe I’ll make clam chowder.
I’ll need clams, onions, carrots, potatoes, bacon, salt, pepper, butter, flour, and milk.
And I’ll add the consommé I made during our stay here. I made it during breaks from work. With this, I can make soup quickly.
First, cut the bacon, onions, potatoes, and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
Then put the bacon and onions in the pot to sauté, seasoning with salt, pepper, and consommé.
Add the potatoes, carrots, clams, and water. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Put another pot on the heat, melt butter, and add flour. This makes the roux.
Add the roux along with milk to the pot with the ingredients and simmer until it thickens, and it’s done.
Thank goodness… Kuuga found a merchant during his perimeter patrol and bought clams… and the merchant had transported them without letting them spoil, and we could use them before they went bad…
“It’s ready!”
I hand the finished clam chowder to Lill.
Taking it with a spoon, Lill tilts her head looking at the clam chowder.
“What’s this?”
“This is called clam chowder… well, I’ll tell you about it another time. First, please eat.”
“Yes.”
Lill scoops up a clam with her spoon and brings it to her mouth.
“…It’s delicious.”
Lill’s face softens.
“The flavor is gentle. I can taste all the different ingredients, but ‘gentle’ is the word that fits best.
It brings a comforting warmth to my stomach, and puts my mind at ease.”
Lill continues eating.
“The vegetables are delicious too. It’s carefully made, cut into easy-to-eat pieces, and they break down softly in my mouth. The soup has milk in it, right? That’s the taste.”
From there, Lill eats silently until she empties the bowl.
“Thank you for the meal. …I feel a bit calmer now.”
“Thank you very much.”
I pick up the pot and start heading toward the shelter.
“Wait. Where are you going?”
When Lill asks, I answer.
“I’m going to serve it to those people too.”
“Eh?!”
Lill says in surprise.
“But they…”
“I know. But you see…”
I give a wry smile.
“If they go hungry, it’ll be trouble for tomorrow, right?”
At that, Lill looks down silently for a moment.
It’s probably only for a few seconds. She smiles as if giving up on something.
“That’s right. This is the kind of person Shuri is.”
“I don’t know what you mean by that, but I haven’t forgiven them for making you cry.
So tomorrow, they’ll have to work hard to make up for it.”
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