GalaxyTL
“U-Um!”
“Hm? What’s wrong, Ronaldo?”
After parting with Licht and the Demon King, we were being carried in a basket by Gil-san. The destination’s probably Special-grade Guild Ortus. I haven’t been told anything, but I think I’m going to be joining Ortus.
But, is that okay? Is it really okay for me to join such an incredible guild, just because I feel like it? It’s true I’m still a child, but… I’m a man. It would be uncool to not be responsible. It’s not right, even as a person. So I steeled my resolve and called out to Meg’s father, the leader of the guild.
“P-Please let me… stay at Ortus! I… want to be your comrade…!”
I need to clearly convey my feelings, in my own words.
Now that I think about it, I’ve never really conveyed my feelings before. It was easier to just endure, and enduring wasn’t even painful.
But when Saura-san told me that, it felt like a slap in the face. I finally realized… that I’ve been spoiled.
If you don’t convey your desires, through words and actions, then they won’t be granted.
“I… I still… can’t do much. I’m weak, and I’m not good at magic… But I’ll work hard. I want to find something… that no one else can do. I want to be… an asset to Ortus.”
And once I’m stronger, I want to travel all over the world, going on quests. I even want to visit the human continent someday. It’s a harsh environment for me, someone who uses nature magic… But I’ll use what I learned from this experience and train harder.
I want to see the scenery I haven’t seen yet. I want to know… how vast the world truly is. Because that’s my dream.
“Please!”
I bowed my head properly. Right now, I’m just a kid who ran away because he hated the mine. I don’t want to be… just a spoiled child.
As I waited, my head still bowed, I felt a warmth on the back of my head. The Don’s large hand was ruffling my hair.
“Well said. I’ve been… waiting for you to say that.”
『Yeah, I don’t think you would have been allowed to join Ortus if you hadn’t said anything.』
Kei-san, who was in their flower snake form, said this after the Don. I-I see. So I was right. Even though I’m a child, it’s important to be responsible. I was inwardly relieved.
“If you’re going to work hard, then Kei’ll be in charge of taking care of Ronaldo. Don’t worry, they’re a genius when it comes to effort.”
『Hmm, I’m honored. But Ronaldo, My training regimen is quite harsh.』
What, Kei-san’s going to train me! But apparently the Dwarf at Ortus will teach me about magic. Yeah, I need to properly introduce myself when we arrive.
“I’ll do my best. I’m in your care, Kei-san.”
『Leave it to me. Let’s get along well, Ronaldo.』
Kei-san’s pure white tail coiled around my hand. It’s like we’re firmly shaking hands.
I was able to say it. Without any regrets. I recalled the past, my heart pounding.
I’d always watched as all kinds of things were brought to the mine. It was fun to see rare things, but I could never get used to… the slaves.
Most of the slaves that came through the mine were adults, and those from the Demon Continent had magic restraining tools on them. And they all had magic tools that prevented them from speaking so they didn’t say anything unnecessary.
I thought it was too much, but apparently, some slaves would lie and say they were innocent, so it’d become mandatory. Now that I think about it, I’m sure there were people who really were innocent. Thinking about that makes me feel even more uncomfortable, it made me want to leave the mine.
All the mine Dwarves strictly follow the rule of not prying. Because they know it’ll just lead to unnecessary trouble if they let their personal feelings get in the way.
Mines don’t belong to any country. So it might seem cold, but I understand that it’s necessary, to protect themselves.
But it’s suffocating for me.
I can’t look away, I can’t be indifferent. I can’t help but to wonder where those people are living, how they’re living their lives.
That’s why I’d always sneak out of the mine and go to the forest. I was running away. It’s pathetic.
I feel guilty, as the patriarch’s son. I’m unfit to be the next patriarch.
And yet, Father, who often goes back and forth between this side and the Demon Continent as the patriarch, he’d often bring me along for the job. I think he wanted me to learn.
I do want to live up to his expectations. I really do want to help him. But it was so painful, I couldn’t take it.
So I kept running. I was spending most of my time in the forest, and eventually… I think my father gave up on me. It’s like I’ve been living in the forest on the human continent side, for the last several decades.
I was starting to feel disgusted with myself, and that’s when I got involved in this teleportation incident.
I feel bad for Licht and Meg, but… I was a little bit excited. Of course, I was also scared. I’d never been outside the mine and the nearby forest.
But my dream of seeing the world, a ridiculous dream for a Dwarf, had unexpectedly come true. It was a constant escape, we were always in danger, so it might be disrespectful to think this way, but… I had fun. Meeting Licht and Meg, and even Ravi-san… is something I’ll treasure forever. I never knew that encounters were such a treasure.
The scenery changed, and we arrived at the city where the guild is. We went directly to the guild before, but this time they dropped us off outside the city at my request. It feels a bit awkward, having them listen to my wishes, because it’s something that rarely happened.
“Ronny, I’ll be your guide!”
“Yeah, I’m counting on you.”
When we got to the ground, Meg was holding my hand, smiling brightly. I think of her like my real little sister. She’s incredibly cute. I want to protect her.
The Don, Gil-san, and Kei-san are watching over us with gentle eyes. It’s a different kind of family from the one I know, incredibly kind.
The family I know is… well, it’s good. Like a strong, unbreakable bond. But Ortus is gentle and warm. It’s very comfortable. I can see why Meg turned into such an honest, good kid.
“Meg, are you tired? …Here, hop on.”
I knelt down when I heard Meg, who had been energetically skipping along, sigh. She laughed sheepishly and then got on my back, so I stood up, making sure to support her properly. She’s lighter than before. I think she needs to eat more. And her muscles probably atrophied. We need to work hard at training again.
“Ehehe, it’s been a while since I rode on Ronny’s back!”
…But seeing her happy and innocent expression, I thought it was fine. I now understand a little why everyone at the guild spoils her so much. But we do need to be strict with her sometimes, for her sake. But now’s the time to spoil her.
“Hmm, what a lovely sight. You think this will attract a lot of attention when we get to the guild?”
“They’re already attracting attention. It looks like a new fan club might be formed.”
I overheard Kei-san and the Don talking. Well, children are precious on the Demon Continent, and they’re doted on… But I want to graduate from being treated like a child soon.
I sighed, thinking about that, as I felt a gentle warmth on my back.