Mushoku Tensei Spanish:Volume 05 Chapter 47

Esta traducción ha sido realizada a partir de la versión inglesa encontrada en esta misma página (enlace) realizada por Dark Kaito.

Traducido por Sergiocamjur (talk) 14:37, 8 June 2015 (UTC)

Volumen 05 Capítulo 47 - Reencuentro con Paul

1ª Parte

-- Desde el punto de vista de Paul --

Me encontraba bebiendo en el bar.

Debido a que se acercaba la noche, los clientes del establecimiento fueron aumentando, al mismo tiempo que, por el contrario, el número de miembros de mi grupo disminuía.

La mesa en la que estaba sentado se encontraba en el mismo centro del bar, y doy casi que por hecho que mi mal humor estaba cargando el ambiente, ya que nadie se me acercaba. Mi intención era beber toda la noche para ahogar este mal humor que me invade.

Y con esta idea en la cabeza, escuché una voz dirigida a mí.

"¡qué tal, tío, te andaba buscando!"

Alcé la vista y me encontré con un tipejo con cara de mono, se le veía bastante sonriente. Hacía ya 1 año desde la última vez que le vi.

"¿Gisu? Serás malnacido... ¿dónde coño has estado?"

"¿Ohh? ¿Qué te pasa, qué te pasa? Siempre de mal humor."

"¿Qué esperabas?"

Intenté hacer un Tcht con la boca, pero noté suficiente molestia como para llevarme la mano a la cara. Es la zona en la que Ludeus me estuvo pegando.

Todavía me duele... no tenía que haberme hecho el fuerte y dejado que me curaran con magia....... puto niñato de mierda, ¿a qué viene eso de que con magia el continente demoniaco está chupado? Si tan fácil te fue podrías haber aprovechado para buscar gente por allí... y vas y te preocupas más por lo mala que estaba la carne de las Gran Tortugas y como no había otra cosa que comer; enrollándote sobre que necesitaste crear ollas con magia porque no había forma de seguir comiendo una carne tan horrible durante todo un año y era necesario cocinarla y condimentarla... Si te sobra tiempo para buscar condimentos podrías haberlo aprovechado para hacer algo más productivo, ¿no te parece? Puta mierda... ¿encima vas y me acusas de serle infiel a Zenith y a Lilia? ¡Deja de tocarme los huevos! Desde el teletransporte ese ni se me ha pasado por la cabeza algo semejante, me he controlado todo lo posible y lo he aparcado en un cajón, ¿y vienes tú ahora a echármelo en cara algo que no he hecho? ¡Vete a la mierda! ¡¿Cómo se te ocurre decirme que no lo sabías? Si hubieras investigado como es debido mientras dabas un agradable paseo por el continente demoniaco, puede que hasta hubieras encontrado a Zenith o a Lilia... Maldita sea.....

"Jejeje... si estás de ese humor es porque todavía no le has visto."

¿Qué te parece tan gracioso, Gisu?

Mientras se reía tan frivolamente, creo que pidió algo, imagino que alcohol, conociéndole. Le gusta beber más que a Talhand y eso que es minero del carbón (Enano)...

"Paul, mueve tu culo mañana hasta el gremio de aventureros."

"¿Por qué debería?"

"Porque así podrás conocer a una persona interesante."

¿Una persona interesante...? ¿Alguien que supuestamente debería animarme? Si tenemos en cuenta que Gisu vino a verme específicamente hoy... que es el mismo día que me encontré con...

Tras enlazar los hechos, comprendí a quién se refería.

"Ah... Ludy, ¿no?"

Tras escucharme, el cara mono dejó de estar tan risueño, y comenzó a rascarse la parte trasera de la cabeza.

"Vaaaya, ¿ya te enteraste?"

"Le vi."

"En ese caso, ¿por qué no estás más animado? ¿os peleasteis o algo?"

¿Una pelea? Bueno....sí, una pelea. No llegó a tanto como para considerarlo una pelea... pero sí. Puta sea... ahora que lo he recordado me vuelve a doler todo.

"A ver, Paul, cuéntame lo que pasó."

Con su cara amistosa, Gisu se sentó a mi lado.

Desde siempre, al tipo este se le ha dado bien escuchar los problemas de los demás. Imagino que también en esta ocasión, aunque parezca un entrometido, en realidad está preocupado y quiere echar una mano.

"Tú mismo, pues mira, lo que ha pasado..."

Y tras eso, me puse a contarle a Gisu lo que pasó esta mañana. De cómo me alegré al encontrarme con Ludeus, y de cómo al escuchar cosas que no encajaban le pedí que me contara lo que estuvo haciendo; y de cómo el niño se puso a contarme lo del viaje con un tono súper alegre. Vamos, se puso a contar historias sin importancia como chuleando. De como le dije que en lugar de ponerse a contar batallitas, que si no debia haber estado haciendo algo más importante, y de cómo en lugar de darme la razón se cabreó y se puso a atacarme. De como se atrevió a insinuar que había sido infiel y como yo me enfadé. Y de como nos pusimos a pelear y me dio una paliza.

Durante mi charla, Gisu no me interrumpió en ningún momento y simplemente asentía en puntos concretos, diciendo cosas como Entiendo o Ya veo; me dio la impresión de que me daba la razón y de que comprendía lo sucedido, pero al terminar me dijo.

"Una cosa, corrígeme si me equivoco, pero... ¿no te parece que esperas demasiado de tu hijo?"

"¿Huh?"

Noté que había alzado la voz ante sus palabras con un tono un tanto bobalicón.

¿Esperado demasiado? ¿A qué te refieres? ¿O de quién se supone que espero demasiado?

"¿Dices que yo... espero demasiado de Ludy?"

"Eso he dicho, no sé, piénsalo y responde."

Mientras yo me mantenía como anonadado por las palabras de Gisu, él siguió su charla.

"El niño ese es sorprendente, en serio, nunca en mi vida vi a nadie que conjurase en silencio, y cuando me contaron que él solo había acabado con docenas de monstruos el año pasado pude sentir un escalofrío recorriendo mi espalda. Ten por seguro que Ludeus es uno de esos niños prodigio de los que nace solo 1 cada 100 años."

Pienso igual, Ludy es prodigioso, un genio, un superdotado... desde niño ha sido del tipo de persona que podía hacer cualquier cosa. Hubo un tiempo en el que todavía pensaba que algunas cosas se le darían mal, pero fue capaz hasta de conseguir que Philip le ofreciera la mano de su hija. El mismo Philip que no podía ni verme...

"Vaya, pienso lo mismo, ese chico es sorprendente. Si desde que tenía 5 años-"

"Pero eso no quita que siga siendo un mocoso."

Dándome la impresión de que este era el punto importante de nuestra conversación, decidí no decirle nada por haberme cortado.

"Ludeus sigue siendo un mocoso de 11 años, Paul."

Gisu repetió sus palabras haciendo incapié en ellas, para que les prestara atención.

"Si no, mírate a ti, ¿no se supone que te fuiste de casa cuando tenías 12 años?"

"Así es."

"¿Y no solías decir que hasta los 12 años, todos son unos mocosos?"

"¿Y qué tiene que ver eso ahora? ¿qué me quieres decir?"

Ludy me ha dado una paliza hoy... es cierto que yo iba bebido, pero aun contando con eso, es innegable que se ha hecho fuerte, porque aunque iba bebido, no me contuve. Aunque al principio me contuve, llegué a usar el estilo Nórdico Celestial cuando me lancé en Forma Cuadrúpeda, y hasta tuve que utilizar el Corte Mudo... y aun así, lo único que conseguí fue cortar las bragas que llevaba puestas en la cara...

Y por si fuera poco, durante todo ese rato, Ludy no se lo tomó ni en serio, y la prueba es que ninguno de los compañeros de mi grupo sufrió más que rasguños. Ese niño estaba jugando con nosotros y aun así, yo perdí contra él; soy incapaz de saber lo fuerte que es ahora. Si hasta con 7 años era más espabilado que yo a su edad, y encima como están las cosas ahoras, físicamente debería de estar más cuidado que yo, por no hablar de que también tiene la mente más lúcida que la mía. Pero vamos, no me sorprende que sea mejor que yo en todo, ¿qué tiene que ver eso con su edad?

"Paul, ¿qué hacías tú cuando tenías 11 años?"

"¿Eh?"

Si lo recuerdo bien... aprendía el Filo Celestial en casa. Básicamente, todos los días mi padre andaba enfadándose conmigo, hasta cuando me esforzaba; se ponía a pegarme quejándose de las cosas que hacía mal.

"¿Te crees capaz de sobrevivir en el continente demoniaco a esa edad?"

"Jah, Gisu, ¿te estás intentando quedar conmigo? Pero si Ludy llevaba un escolta poderoso de la raza demoniaca... encima sabe el idioma humano, el del Dios Demonio, y hasta el del Dios Feral... ¡Pero si su escolta era capaz de cargarse a un monstruo de rango A de un solo golpe, menudo monstruo llevaba de aliado el chico! Vamos, así, cualquiera habría sido capaz de pasearse por el continente demoniaco como si fuera por mitad de un parque."

"Imposible, nada más lejos; te aseguro de que tú no podrías haberlo hecho; es más, si hoy mismo te fueras al continente demoniaco, serías incapaz de volver con vida."

Rechazó mi opinión al mismo tiempo que intentaba asustarme.

Este Gisu no ha cambiado nada, esa sonrisa frívola suya es tan molesta como siempre.

"¡¡Jah!! ¡Pues más razón todavía! Ludy fue capaz de hacer algo que para mí es imposible, ¡es un prodigio, un genio! Menudo hijo tan especial tengo, ya es todo un hombre. ¿Qué más puedo decir? ¿Acaso es un error esperar mucho de una persona con semejante talento? ¿Eh, Gisu? Dime, ¿me equivoco?"

"Te equivocas, en estas cosas siempre te equivocas."

Sin dejar de reírse frívolamente se puso a darle un buen trago a la cerveza que le sirvieron.

"Puaahh... ¡Que bien sienta! En el Gran Bosque no te sirven nada como esto..."

"¡Gisu!"

"Que sí, que sí, no grites."

Gisu dejó caer la jarra sobre la mesa dando un golpe al apoyarla, tras lo que se puso a hablar con un tono serio.

"Paul, tú nunca has estado en el continente demoniaco, ¿me equivoco?"

"¿Y qué?"

Es cierto que nunca he ido al continente demoniaco, aunque, claro está, he escuchado muchos rumores de mano de varias personas, sobre que es una terreno peligroso, o sobre que te encuentras monstruos aunque vayas por las rutas principales, o sobre que si no te alimentas de la carne de los monstruos no se puede sobrevivir.

Pero, ¿y qué si hay muchos monstruos? Ni que ese fuera un problema.

"Para tu información, yo nací en ese continente, así que, adelante, pregúntame, Gisu, ¿qué tiene de peligroso el continente demoniaco?"

"Ahora que lo pienso, no recordaba eso de ti, pero dime, ¿qué tiene de peligroso?"

"Lo primero, que no hay caminos como tal, sino algo así como rutas; no tienen nada que ver con las que puedes encontrar en Milis o en el continente central, no existe ninguna ruta libre de monstruos; vayas por donde vayas, te acabará atacando algún monstruo de rango C o superior."

Sabía lo de los monstruos, más o menos, pero ¿rango C?

Un monstruo de rango C solo lo puedes encontrar en las profundidades de los bosques en el continente central; poseen esa categoría porque por lo general o atacan en grupos o poseen alguna habilidad especial.

"¿No estás exagerando un poco?"

"No, eso es un hecho sin ninguna pizca de exageración, para que entiendas el tipo de continente que es el demoniaco; pero bueno, básicamente, hay muchísimos monstruos."

La mirada de Gisu me confirmó que hablaba en serio.

Aunque bueno, sé que aunque se ponga así de serio, es capaz de mentir de forma convincente; lo ha hecho antes. No dejaré que me tome el pelo."

"En un lugar como ese, por mucho que se le pueda llamar un prodigio, un niño chico sin ninguna experiencia en combate acabó de repente."

"Ya veo..."

Cuando habla de alguien sin experiencia en combate, seguramente se esté refiriendo a Ludy... Y ahora que lo pienso, es cierto que no me llegaron rumores de que hubiera estado en ninguna pelea real, salvo que habilidosamente fue capaz de deshacerse de unos secuestradores, eso y que la única forma que tenía de vencer a Ghyslaine era alejándose mucho de ella; y no conozco a ningún espadachín mejor que Ghyslaine... Por eso, siempre que Ludy pueda alejarse lo suficiente, no debería perder ni contra 1000 hombres; ¿qué más da que tenga experiencia en combate o no? Además, por lo que cuentan, el Dios Nórdico actual, Aleksander Ryback Karlmann, fue capaz de vencer a un Emperador del Filo en su primer combate real.

"En esa situación, apareció un adulto que les iba a ayudar. Un hombre de la raza demoniaca que sin lugar a dudas era poderoso; un Supard, ya sabes, de esos Supard."

"Sí."

Raza Supard... es algo que me cuesta creer, la verdad. Por lo que sé, no queda casi ningún Supard vivo, ni en el continente demoniaco.

"En una situación tan confusa y complicada como esa, el chico vio ante él una persona a la que podía pedirle ayuda, alguien que se había encontrado nada más despertarse. Pero claro, los Supard son peligrosos y dan miedo, y como no sabía cómo reaccionaría si rechazaba su ayuda, ni si podría regresar vivo, aceptó la mano que le ofrecía."

"Sí, bueno... supongo."

"Pero, al aceptar esa ayuda, el listo de Ludeus pensaría lo siguiente ¿Qué es lo que este tío quiere realmente?"

Es muy posible, es más, me extrañaría que Ludeus no pensara así al ver a un desconocido que ofrece ayuda. A mí ni se me pasaría por la cabeza, pero es un chico espabilado en esos temas... todavía recuerdo su actitud cuando ayudó a Lilia para que Zenith no la echara... no es algo que puedas esperarte de un niño.

"Pero claro, no tenía forma de saber con seguridad lo que el desconocido buscaba."

Tiene sentido. Muchas veces es imposible saber lo que de verdad pretenden las personas que se te acercan, si no, mira a Gisu...

"Se pensaría que aunque ahora viniera a ayudarle, es posible que llegado el momento me acabe traicionando de alguna forma; y así fue a Ludeus se le ocurrió lo siguiente Si quiero que no me traicione, tengo que ofrecerle algo a cambio."

"¿A qué viene eso? ¿Algo a cambio? ¿Con eso será suficiente? Jeje..."

"No te rías de él; lo he descrito como algo a cambio, pero fue más como un favor desinteresado, es algo que puede llegar al corazón, algo que pueda hacer que surja camaradería, entiéndelo de esa forma."

¿Algo que permita que suja camaradería? Eso podría funcionar... si ese fue el motivo, tendría sentido lo que Ludy hizo. Le ofreció al Supard algo a cambio de su protección, al mismo tiempo que mejoraba su habilidad en caso de tener que quedarse solo. Es bastante lógico, es más, podría considerarse la forma más segura de hacerlo. Vaya, ese chico es un prodigio...

"Meh... si lo tenía tan pensado, ¿qué le impedía haber hecho más en su viaje?"

Tras decir esas palabras, Gisu me puso la mano abierta delante y uno a uno fue dándome motivos.

"Era su primera vez en ese lugar; su primera aventura; por inteligente que fuera, había demasiadas cosas que no sabía; para sobrevivir, tuvo que aprender a base de golpes; y por si fuera poco, tenía que depende de un desconocido de la raza demoniaca que no sabía si le traicionaría o no; sin contar con que llevaba a sus espaldas algo similar a una hermana pequeña a la que debía proteger de todo."

Sin cambiar el tono, fue contando con sus dedos; al final, acabó necesitando su segunda mano, con un puño completamente cerrado.

"Si hubiera sido capaz encima de pararse a buscar a otras personas que fueron teletransportadas, no sería un prodigio, sería un superhombre. Vamos, que si hubiera hecho todo eso, no me extrañaría que apareciera entre los 7 Campeones Mundiales."

Vaya... Los 7 Campeones Mundiales... qué recuerdos. De pequeño, soñaba con aparecer en esa lista algún día... Vamos, puede que sea porque soy su padre y espero mucho de él, pero creo de verdad que Ludy podría llegar a aparecer en ella...

"Hubiera sido claramente excesivo, aunque Ludeus sea un prodigio, como bien sabes, los humanos tienen límites."

"Pues explícame como una persona que supuestamente está rozando el límite de lo que es capaz, es capaz de contar su historia de un modo tan animado. Lo mires como lo mires, dio más la impresión de un niño malcriado entrando en un Laberinto y dar una vuelta antes de salir sin adentrarse, para dedicarse a fanfarronear sobre ello."

Si de verdad fue tan duro para Ludy, no lo habría contado con ese tono, y se habría dedicado a explicarme lo duro y difícil que fue su viaje; en cambio, lo único que me contó fueron sus aventuras en un tono alegre. No me creo que su viaje haya sido tan duro como me está diciendo Gisu.

"Lo hizo de esa forma porque no quería preocuparte."

"...¿huh?"

Mi voz volvió a salir con un tono bobalicón ante la respuesta tan inesperada.

"¿Por qué iba a preocuparse por un tipo como yo? ¿Acaso soy un pobre viejo, o qué?"

"Vaya, eres un pobre viejo, Paul."

"Meh... ya veo. Tienes toooooda la razón, soy un pobre y enclenque viejo que ahoga sus penas en alcohol por tonterías, seguro que al verme alguien como el alabado prodigio sentiría lástima por mí."

Y suspirando, Gisu dijo.

"No hace falta ser un prodigio para sentir lástima por ti, te ves fatal, Paul. Te lo voy a decir una vez, por no traerte un espejo, pero tienes una cara horrible."

"¿Te vas a poner del lado de mi hijo?"

"Vaya, hasta el punto de que no me importaría si no quisieras volver a hablar conmigo. Paul, pregunta a quien quieras, seguro que me dan la razón.

Me llevé las manos a la cara y pude notar el sonido de una barba descuidada crujiendo, indicando que llevaba varias semanas sin afeitarme.

Gisu quiso resaltar lo que intentaba decirme desde el principio

"Paul, lo diré una vez más; esperas demasiado de tu hijo."

¿Qué tiene de malo esperar mucho de tu hijo? Desde que nació, Ludy ha sido perfecto en todo, hasta el punto de que me tiraba de los pelos, viendo que no necesitaba un padre como yo para ayudarle. Nunca le hice falta.

"Eh, Paul, una cosa, ¿por qué simplemente no te alegraste de reunirte con él? ¿no es eso lo importante? ¿Qué más da el tipo de viaje que hubiera tenido? Como si se ha dedicado a vivir despreocupadamente; como si hubiera estado viajando mientras se dedicaba a tontear con mujeres, después de todo, sois familia... Pero lo primero que deberías haber hecho, era alegrarte de que hubiera vuelto sano y salvo."

"..."

Estoy con él, es más, me alegré muchísimo al principio...

"O dime, ¿hubieras preferido que volviera mutilado de alguna forma? Sabes lo probable que era que te reencontraras con tu hijo muerto, ¿no es así? Bueno no, porque en el continente demoniaco, no suelen dejar ni un cadáver para llorarlo."

¿Ludy muerto? Me cuesta creerlo, después de verle hablar tan alegremente, contando batallitas increibles; pero lo cierto es que apenas un par de días antes, ¿no me desperté en medio de la noche tras soñar que lo encontraba muerto...?

"Ahh-ah, how pitiable. After an amazingly difficult journey. Even though he finally managed to reunite with his father. That father had become an alcoholic piece of trash. If it were me, I would cut off ties with him right there."

Cheh... he's really saying whatever he wants while putting on a play.

"I get it Gisu. What you say is certainly correct. However, there is one thing I don't understand."

"What is it?"

"Why did Rudi not know any of the information about Buina village? There should have definitely been messages left at Saint Port."

Gisu made a bitter face while saying [That would be...]

This is the face he makes when he's trying to hide something.

"I'm sure that means he missed it unluckily."

"Gisu, where did you run into Rudi? Didn't you find him in Saint Port?"

I don't know where Gisu has been this past year.

However, Rudeus came from the north.

If we're speaking about large towns in the north where Gisu would be active, it would be Saint Port.

In Saint Port there's definitely a message left behind.

Besides, there should be group members staying in that place as well.

During the time when anyone crosses over from Magic Continent, in order to get information from that person.

If it's an adventurer, then there shouldn't be any reason for them to not visit the Adventurer's Guild.

"The place I met with Rudeus was in a Dorudia race village. I was surprised, after all, he was being held under suspicions of attacking the Holy Beast and thrown into a prison naked."

"Naked in a prison by the beast race... Seriously?"

I've heard about it from Ghyslaine.

In regards to the Dedorudia race being stripped naked, thrown into a cage, put into chains, and having cold water thrown at them are considered the greatest of humiliations.

It's something they would almost never to do outsiders, if they do it then they would make sure it's remembered until you die.

As a joke I once threw some water at Ghyslaine, she seriously glared at me.

"I see, and then what happened?"

"What's this, you didn't hear from Rudeus?"

"I only heard that he traveled from the Magic Continent."

That's right, why didn't he see the message left in Saint Port.

The most important part was missing.

Why?

Ah, I wasn't listening.

Damn it.

Why am I always like this, with a quick temper.

Calm down.

Rudi is superior.

Even though he's superior, he didn't come across the information.

I need to think about that more calmly.

If he had made it to Saint Port, even if he didn't want to, it would have entered his ears.

In other words, some sort of incident happened in Saint Port that he got dragged into.

An incident that got him captured by the Dedorudia race.

Wouldn't it be some sort of large incident.

In the past two or three days it should be something that the group members brought back information about, was there some sort of incident that happened?

"No, I don't really know all the details myself, but when I was in the Great Forest Mirudetto race's place, I heard rumors about a human race brat that was captured in the Dedorudia village."

"Hn? Wait just a second, right now, where are you talking about?"

Mirudetto race?

If I remember correctly, it's a species of beast race.

A race that has ears like rabbits.

"A Mirudetto race village. It was a place with a patriarch so it's pretty big, but?"

Gisu's explanation was long and a bit annoying.

Honestly partway through I almost said [It's fine] with how long it was.

However, today we're talking about Rudi so I'll listen to the end, I wouldn't want it to the end without hearing the important parts.

Even though I just made the same mistake, as expected, I don't want to repeat the same mistake twice in one day.

The talk ended.

After compiling everything...

"Gisu, in other words, you were going around the races in the Great Forest, and spread information that if lost humans are found they should be sent to Milishion?"

"Yeah. Hehe, it's fine if you give me your thanks."

"Even if I did it wouldn't end there?"

Occasionally, I did think there were refugees coming from the direction of the Great Forest to depend on me, but I see, it was this sort of trick?

"Well, that talk is fine for now."

"Yeah."

I'll listen to it in more detail later, but for now let's put it aside.

"After I heard it was a human race child, it suddenly came to me, I quickly left for the Dorudia village. I'm not bragging, but my connections are wide. I have a number of acquaintances even in the Dorudia village. One of those acquaintances, I asked a warrior out of friendship, and plotted to be thrown into the same prison."

"Just a second, why was there a need for you to enter it?"

"In case we needed to escape if it came down to it. The beast race's prison are easier to escape from inside than the outside after all."

I know very well how skilled Gisu is at escaping from prison.

He's a man who can nonchalantly leave after being caught for cheating.

"Then you know. I thought I would go in to find a captured human race child, crying out in pity and despair... Kukukuha."

"What is it? What happened?"

"He was laying there nude, full of composure and says, [Welcome, to the highest point in your life.] just like that? I really had no idea what to say in response after that!"

Gisu was laughing out loud.

"It's not something to laugh about right."

"It's something to laugh at. I knew the moment I saw him. That this guy is Paul's son."

What is so interesting about that?

Or rather, what part about that would lead him to the conclusion that he's my son.

"He was exactly like the old you. The way he was so impudent on the first meeting, the way he was pointlessly arrogant, even the way he was making advances on the beast race woman, [I smell the scent of sexual excitement.], they totally saw through him, but even knowing that they saw through, he continued to look at her with perverted eyes just the same!"

It seems Gisu thought of something again, he was laughing out loud.

Hearing him dig up things from the past like this makes my back itch.

"Well, it was a bit longer until I knew for sure."

Gisu said that while chugging away at his beer.

"Well, since it was like that. It can't really be helped if he didn't know about the information. It seems like he never stopped by in Saint Port."

"Hmn? Wait a second Gisu, you entered the same cell right? Then..."

If this guy had just explained it.

"I didn't want to be lurking in the background between parent and child, this is where I just step back and leave it to you two to reconcile."

Gisu said it quickly and stood up from his seat.

"Hey, wait a second, the talk hasn't ended?"

"Ah, that's right. I forgot to say it, but it seems like Elinalize and the others have headed off towards the Magic Continent. I heard rumors of various men being eaten by an elf in Saint Port, so there shouldn't be any mistake."

"Elinalize is?"

Even though I thought she hated me the most?

"Hehe... despite everything, those guys didn't really hate you all that much after all."

After leaving those final words, Gisu left the bar.

Of course, without paying any money.

He's that kind of guy.

Well, it's fine for today.

I'll treat you.

After drinking this much, I'll go sleep for today.

And then, I'll try to talk with Rudi tomorrow.

"Don't drink anymore. Tomorrow once you're sober, go to the [House of Dawn's Light], alright?"

Just like that Gisu returned and said that.

"I get it!"

He came back to hammer it down.

I sighed and put down the cup.

After thinking about it, I've been drinking too much recently.

Why was I running away into something like this.

The things that I need to do, there are still many more remaining.

"Ummm... Leader Paul, has your talk ended?"

Just as I was thinking that, a single woman came up with an apologetic expression.

I thought who are you.

After looking seriously at her face while drunk.

Then I realized she was one of the group members, I understood her to be Vera.

"Ohh...despite everything, today you're wearing a surprisingly docile outfit aren't you."

"Yeah, well..."

Vera nodded vaguely and took a seat in the chair Gisu was sitting in until just now.

Today she's not wearing her usual offensive-like and stimulative outfit.

Just like you can see anywhere, it's the outfit of a normal and plain town girl.

"That fight at noon, I was wondering if that could be my fault."

"Your fault? Why?"

"No, umm, since I'm like this? So, your son, might have misunderstood is what I was thinking..."

"It's unrelated. After all that guy, probably would have been suspicious just seeing your chest size."

There's a reason why Vera normally wears such light clothes.

She used to be a normal adventurer, but she was thrown to Milis Continent without any equipment in the teleport incident, she was captured by thieves and used for amusement.

Normally you would close off your heart after experiencing something like that, but she has a tremendous willpower and overcame it.

However, there were women who couldn't overcome it.

Vera's younger sister Shera was one such case.

That child, whenever she meets eyes with a man she can't stop from trembling.

Even with the exception of the group members. There's several.

In order to protect those girls from the stares, she tries to focus all the stares of the men on herself with her usual outfit.

Also, she's excellent at giving care to other women who have sunken eyes from similar experiences.

In my regards, I can't understand the feelings of a woman who has been raped, she's a subordinate who I wouldn't be able to go on without.

Obviously, there's no physical relationship.

There's no way that could be the case.

"I get it, you can go."

"Yes."

While feeling depressed Vera returned to the seats where the women were gathered.

"Jeez..."

If I look around properly, there are eyes looking at me with worry all over the place.

"Stop looking at me with such weird faces you all! I'll go reconcile with him tomorrow!"

After saying that at the end I stood up from my seat.

Part 2

After returning to my room, Norn was there sleeping alone.

I poured a glass of water from the jug on the table.

And took a big sip.

The lukewarm water fell straight into my dry stomach.

I slowly started to wake up from my intoxication.

In the old days, I used have a constitution that was bad with intoxication.

If I drank in large amounts I would be dead drunk, but it wouldn't remain for long periods.

After I started to regain self-awareness as my head slowly started to wake up, I started to caress Norn's head gently as she was sleeping and clinging to the blanket.

I thought Norn was a pitiable child.

Even though she has to stay near this kind of father, she should have plenty she wants to say, but without saying a single word of complaint she remains well-behaved.

If Norn were to die I wouldn't be able to go on living.

"Nmmu... Father..."

Norn let out those words.

She's not awake. It must be sleep talk.

She's an ordinary child.

Different from Rudi.

If I don't protect her...

"..."

If Rudi was ordinary.

Rudi would be sleeping here like this as well.

He would have never become a home teacher and continued to stay at home, then when the teleport incident happened, he could have clung onto me along with Norn, that could have been the case.

An ordinary Rudi.

An ordinary 11 year old Rudi.

In order to protect someone that I should be protecting, how could I...

My legs were trembling.

I finally understood the meaning behind the words "11 year old brat" that Gisu was saying.

That's right.

Whether he's ordinary or a genius.

What's different?

Isn't it the same.

Even if Norn were a genius, would I have said the same thing?

To a Norn who didn't know anything, and simply optimistically continued her journey, to such a Norn.

Would I have said something like that?

Would I have held such high expectations towards you as well and said it?

After imagining it I couldn't fall asleep.

I didn't feel like laying down.

I went outside the inn, I poured a jug of water intended for putting out fires over my head.

I remembered Rudi's face as he was leaving the bar and threw up.

Who was the person who made Rudi make that face?

The water gathered up in the bucket.

Inside of it the face of an idiotic man was being reflected.

It was the face of the number one most unsuitable father in the world, that sort of man's face.

"Hah... this is, this might be no good..."

If it was me, I would cut off all ties with this kind of man.

Part 3

---Rudeus' Point of View---

The next morning.

I was having breakfast while feeling a bit refreshed.

The place was a bar next to our inn.

The food of Milishion is pretty good.

From the Great Forest over to here, it seems like the further we move the better tasting the food gets.

Today's breakfast is freshly baked bread and fresh tasting transparent seasoned soup.

Raw vegetable salad.

As well as thick pieces of bacon.

Last night I didn't stick around, but it seems of all things, evening meals included dessert.

It seems to be popular recently among young magician adventurers.

The dessert that comes out there and the sweet jelly that is popular with young adventurers.

I'm looking forward to it.

Eating food.

That's a happy thing to do.

If you're hungry, you'll get irritated after all.

If you get irritated your appetite disappears, and if your appetite disappears then you get hungry.

It's a splendidly vicious circle.

Even an android would become displeased.

"Welcome."

Just as I was thinking about that and drinking something like coffee after a meal, the shopkeeper of the bar looked towards the entrance.

There was a worn out man standing there with a pale face.

The instant I saw that face, I was clearly surprised.

The man gradually looked over the interior and found me.

I started to remember the feelings from yesterday again, even though nothing was said, I spontaneously avoided making eye contact.

"..."

After seeing how I look, the two who were sitting with me, it seems they quickly guessed who this person was.

Ruijerd raised his eyebrows; Eris stood up while kicking her chair.

"Who are you?"

The man who walked over here...

Eris stood before his eyes.

With both arms crossed and her legs in line with her shoulders spread out, while raising her chin up.

An authoritative attitude, glaring down at the mans face as if it were from a high position.

"Paul Greyrat. I'm his father."

"I know that!"

After I looked at Eris' back, I heard a voice fly over my head.

It was a sarcastic voice.

"What's this Rudi, hiding behind a woman, you've become quite the lady-killer haven't you?"

That tone and that expression.

I felt a little bit relieved.

That's right...

The old Paul would always tease me with that sort of feeling.

How nostalgic.

In regards to this behavior, I thought it was Paul's own way of making compromise.

First thing in the morning coming especially to this bar.

Even I have the margin to talk.

"Rudeus isn't hiding behind me! I'm hiding Rudeus! From a worthless father!"

Eris was trembling while grasping her fist tightly, it seems like at any moment now she wants to send her fists flying into Paul's jaw.

I sent a signal to Ruijerd with my eyes.

He saw me, and then grabbed Eris by the collar and lifted her up.

"Wha!! Ruijerd! Let me go!"

"Let's leave these two alone."

"Didn't you see how Rudeus looked yesterday! That isn't a father!"

"Don't say it like that. A father is something like that."

While saying such things, he started to take his leave from here.

Then Ruijerd said it while passing by Paul and looking at him.

"I'm sure you have your own complaints, but those complaints can only be said while your son is alive."

"Ye-yeah..."

Ruijerd's words were heavy.

He seems to think of himself as the world's worst father after all.

In regards to another terrible father, it seems he could be feeling worried in his own way.

"Rudi, don't order older people around like that."

"It's different. It's not orders. It's the eye contact of trust."

"It's basically the same thing."

While Paul was saying that he sat down in front of me.

"Is that the Magic Race you were talking about yesterday?"

"Yes, Ruijerd-san the Supard race."

"Supard Race, huh. He seems to be a guy who gives off quite a good feeling. I guess that would mean rumors and the real thing are different, huh."

"You won't be afraid of him?"

"Don't say stupid things, he's the savior of my son."

His opinion seems to be quite different from yesterday, but...

I won't say anything unnecessary.

Now then.

"And then, what did you come for?"

An even stiffer voice than I thought came out.

And then Paul started to tremble a bit in surprise.

"No... Ummm, I thought to, apologize."

"For what?"

"What happened yesterday."

"There's no need for apologies."

Receiving an apology is convenient, but I even got to use Eris's chest as a pillow and slept well, I've properly reflected on it.

"I'll put it bluntly, until now I've felt like I've been playing around."

Putting aside the start, in general the journey proceeded favorably and I had enough leisure to be distracted by erotic things.

The fact that I didn't collect information in regards to Fedoa region was without a doubt a mistake on my part.

It was impossible in Saint Port, but we were in contact with an information seller in Wind Port.

If I had just asked them, I may have been able to gain some sort of information.

After listening and investigating, but obviously I didn't investigate it.

It was my mistake.

"Since that's the case, it can't be helped that father was angry. During this troubling period, please excuse me instead."

The fact that Fedoa region vanished and the household was split up all over.

When I think of Paul's mental state during such a time, I can't blame him.

I was only able to remain thoughtless because I had no idea.

Not knowing the scale of the disaster, it was a happy fact.

"No, there's no way that's the case. Rudi gave it his best as well I'm sure."

"No-no, not at all. There was plenty of room for leisure."

Since Ruijerd was there for us.

After we left the Town of Rikarisu it was relatively easy.

There was no chance of being ambushed by monsters, even if I didn't say anything at all he would have caught food, and he also stopped Eris's fights.

In regards to me, it was a comfortable journey.

Truly an easy operation.

"I see, it was leisurely..."

I don't know what Paul is thinking about.

The one thing I can say is that voice is trembling a bit.

"I do feel really sorry that I wasn't able to find the messages or whatever you left. What was written on them?"

"Things about me being fine and to search in the northern parts of Central Continent."

"I see. Then after I finish escorting Eris to the Fedoa region, I'll go search in the northern areas."

I responded as if I were a machine.

No matter how I think about it I feel like my words are stiff.

I wonder why...

I wonder if I'm tense.

Why?

I've already forgiven Paul, even Paul has forgiven me as well.

We might not be able to return to how we used to be, but right now is an emergency situation.

Since it's an emergency situation I'm tense.

It's obvious.

"That is that, but in regards to Fedoa region's current state, please tell me once more in detail."

"...Yeah."

Paul's tone was stiff as well and continued while trembling.

I'm sure he's tense as well.

No, rather than that, my own confidence after all is what's strange.

We can't act how we used to...

How did I use to interact with Paul before, again?

It was while striking up conversations with a light mouth, is what I was thinking, but...

"Where should I begin?"

In a stiff voice Paul started to tell me about what happened in the Fedoa region.

All of the buildings disappeared.

The fact that all the people living there were teleported.

A large number of deaths have already been confirmed.

Though there's still a large number of missing as well.

Paul started collecting contributions as a volunteer and created a search party organization.

For that reason he is here where the Adventurer's Guild Headquarters is, gathering information in Milishion as a central point.

Incidentally, there's another base in the Asura Kingdom Capital, it seems that place is being managed by the butler Alphonse-san.

It seems even now they're giving aid to refugees from Fedoa region.

And then, Paul left messages at various places.

The message to me was to divide our efforts and search for our family in various places.

The responsibility of the eldest son, who has become an independent adult.

In terms of age I'm still a child, but I already consider myself an adult spiritually.

If I had seen that message I would have understood the mood.

Zenith, Lilia, and Aisha still haven't been found.

It could be that they ended up somewhere on the Magic Continent, and then we passed by each other.

When I think that I lament my own actions.

Since I was hurrying so much with the journey, we only stayed in each town for a short period.

"Norn was alright, right?"

"Yeah, luckily she was in contact with me."

According to Paul, the thing known as teleportation, if you're making contact with some part of the body, then it seems you'll be sent flying along with them.

"Is Norn healthy and energetic?"

"Yeah, it seems she was a bit bewildered appearing in an unknown place at first, but now she's something like the idol of the group members."

"I see, that's great."

I see, Norn is healthy, huh.

Yeah, that's truly something good.

Certainly the blessing within unhappiness.

You could even call it something joyous.

However, why, is my heart not clearing up?

"..."

"......"

The conversation paused.

The atmosphere is unusual.

Paul and my relationship, it shouldn't have been something like this.

It was more like... a relationship with a light feeling...

This is strange.

Part 4

A little while after that.

Paul said something, but I couldn't think of anything good to respond to it.

Stiff responses with no thought just continued to be repeated.

Before anyone noticed, the only customers left were us.

Any time now, it wouldn't be strange for them to come and ask us to leave so they can start closing.

It seems Paul realized those signs as well.

"Rudi, what are you going to do from here on out?"

In the end that's what he asked.

"For the time being, I'll escort Eris to the Fedoa region."

"However, there's nothing left in the Fedoa region?"

"But, we'll still return."

We have no choice other than to return.

Phillip, Sauros, Ghyslaine as well, it seems no one has been found.

Even if we return there will be no one around.

However, we have no choice other than to return.

Why?

It's because that was the objective of the journey.

Realization of original intention.

First off we'll arrive in the Fedoa region, then look at the current state of affairs and confirm it with our own eyes.

After that, it would be alright if I head to the northern regions to search in Central Continent.

If we ask Ruijerd he could return to Magic Continent, and he could look in various places.

For the time being, it might be good to go to Begarrito Continent as well if I can understand the language.

"After that, we'll look in other places."

"I see."

Just like this the conversation quickly paused.

I don't know what to say.

"Here."

Just at that time the master of the bar left some cups in front of us.

There was steam coming out of the wooden cups left before us.

"It's service."

"Thank you very much."

Just as I realized, my throat was completely dry.

My hands were clenched tightly, and my palms were covered in sweat.

At the same time I realized my back and sides were awfully chilly.

My bangs were clinging to my forehead.

"Hey boy. I don't know the details, but.."

"...?"

"Please look at his face."

After hearing him say it I realized it for the first time.

I haven't looked at Paul's face even once.

Ever since the first time I avoided his eyes, not even once, I wasn't able to look at Paul's face.

I swallowed deeply and looked up at my father's face.

It was a face filled with worries.

It looked like it was going to cry at any moment.

It was a terrible face.

"What's with that face?"

"What do you mean what?"

Paul's face making a bitter smile was lacking energy.

Coupled with that expression, the cheeks that are sunken in, it looks like a different person.

However, I feel like I've seen a similar face somewhere before...

Where was it?

It was in the past.

The past.

I remembered.

I was looking in the mirror at home.

One or two years after I started secluding myself from being bullied.

While thinking I can still make it, but a time when I still couldn't allow myself to go along with my surroundings, and was too self-conscious.

I was too afraid to go outside, overcome with nothing but worry and impatience, it was my first unstable period I believe.

I get it now.

It's that kind of thing.

Paul is feeling insecure right now.

The people who he's looking for are still missing, no matter how long he waits no news will come, worrying, and worrying, maybe they were injured or something. Maybe they came down with some kind of illness. Or else, maybe they're already... Thinking that...

Worrying and worrying...

The one who finally showed up was me, since I was so different and easygoing from what he was imagining, he unintentionally got irritated.

Even I have such recollections.

That was soon after the time I started to seclude myself.

An acquaintance from the time I was in middle school came by to visit, he talked about various things from school.

Even though I'm this depressed, even though I'm this upset, he continued to tell me thoughtlessly about his life in school, I couldn't stand it and suddenly started to spit out severe words, venting my anger on him.

The next day, if he appeared again, I thought I would apologize to him.

However, he never came again.

I never went to him myself.

I had a strange pride.

I remembered.

This face is the face from that time.

"I have a proposition."

"Rudi?"

"It's this situation, we have no choice but to become adults."

"Yeah, well, certainly I don't think I'm greatly popular right now... What do you want to say?"

The inside of my heart suddenly cleared up.

I finally understood Paul's feelings.

After thinking that, it was simple.

Remember the past.

The time when Paul scolded me and I talked back to him with a strong tone.

In those days I thought he was a guy who couldn't be helped.

Twenty-four years old, he was still young as a father, so I thought it couldn't be helped.

It's been six years since then.

Paul is 30 years old.

Compared to me in my previous life he's still younger.

And then if you were to compare him to me in my previous life, he's still a splendid person.

I never did the things that I was supposed to do, only ever thinking about things to blame the other side.

I'm different from that time.

I swore that to myself.

Recently I feel like I've forgotten about it, but I don't want to repeat the same mistakes again and...

I swore that I would live seriously in this world.

The scale this time is much greater, but it's the same thing.

It's the same thing as six years ago.

We're repeating the same mistakes.

Even though we should have grown up, even though we should have advanced from before, we were just standing around in the same place this entire time.

In regards to that I will honestly reflect on.

And then above reflecting upon it,

"Let's start again, as if nothing happened yesterday."

I proposed that.

This time, I was hurt.

It felt like my heart was about to break.

I'm sure, in those days, my friend who was worried about me as well, felt like this.

And then, just like that with these feelings, he never appeared again.

I need to make sure that isn't the case this time.

My relationship with Paul, by no means should I let it be cut off.

"Yesterday, we never fought. Now, this moment, we are a father and child that have just been reunited for the first time in years. Let's go with that."

"Rudi? What are you saying?"

"It's fine, look, spread out your arms, now~"

"Ye-yeah?"

Paul just spread out his arms like he was told.

Then I jumped into that chest.

"Father! I wanted to see you!"

The smell of alcohol was floating in the air.

Right now he's sober, but he might be experiencing a hangover.

Or rather, I don't think he ever used to drink even a drop of alcohol...

"Ru-Rudi?"

Paul was bewildered.

I placed my jaw on Paul's shoulder and slowly said it.

"Look, it's your first time seeing your son in a long while, there's something you should be saying right."

While thinking it was quite the farce, I once again embraced Paul with all my strength.

His face had thinned, even his body I got the feeling that it had shrunk a full size.

My own body should have gotten bigger, but Paul had gone through some hardship, far more than me.

While continuing to be bewildered Paul let out the words...

"I-I wanted to meet you too..."

After I told him to say something, it seems like some kind of wall was torn down.

"I've missed you too... I've really missed you, Rudi... Always, no one was found, I thought everyone might have died... You are, after seeing your appearance..."

After looking up, Paul was shedding tears.

His face was distorting and crumpled.

A fully grown man shamefully broke down in tears and cried.

"Sorry, I'm sorry, Rudi..."

Somehow I ended up crying as well.

I patted Paul's back and after a little while we both were crying.

Just like this, after roughly five years I was finally able to be reunited with my father.

Notas del traductor y Referencias

Ir al Capítulo Anterior

Volver a la Página Principal

Ir al Capítulo Siguiente