“Alright, let’s go then. Kati, the cane.”
“Yes, Grandpa.”
Following Grandpa’s words, I hand over the walking cane, which is heavier than a normal one.
The descent begins.
I heard that this mountain is about six hundred meters in elevation.
Yep, they use the metric system here.
I also measured the length of the sword with the metric system earlier.
It feels the same length as in my previous life, so it’s probably the same.
I think there are definitely reincarnators or transmigrators in this world, or at least there were.
From things that are only similar to things that are exactly the same in name and shape, there are many common points with my previous life.
The mountain hut is located about halfway up the mountain.
In other words, we have to descend about three hundred meters to the village.
Leaving the entrance, I leave behind the mountain hut where I spent sixteen years.
I plan to come back someday, so I’ll leave coolly without looking back!
…
“Kati, it’s about time…”
Grandpa urged me.
Yeah, I couldn’t do it. I’m still sad after all.
It’s the home I grew up in.
The thought of not seeing it for a while makes me turn around and stop involuntarily.
“Right, Kati, I’m going to move to the village. Keep that in mind.”
What?!
I’ve heard that uninhabited houses quickly fall into disrepair, and there’s a chance that this mountain cabin could be gone forever!?
“—Eh, then what will happen to this cabin?”
“Calm down, don’t worry. I’ve been asked to move to the village for a while now, so if the cabin becomes vacant, the village will use it as a hunter’s lodge. So, the management is fine.”
I feel relieved at Grandpa’s words.
Good, it seems the hut will remain.
And it seems that one of my concerns, Grandpa’s bad back and living alone, will be resolved.
“I’m relieved. So Grandpa, did Zack-san arrange the house in the village?”
Zack-san is the village chief of Kaisa Village.
He seems to want to look after Grandpa, who is the village’s benefactor, and judging from what Grandpa just said, he has been asking him to move to the village for a while now.
Grandpa came to Kaisa Village when it was still in its early stages of development and secured an area where people could live “alone,” so he has been given preferential treatment ever since.
By the way, securing an area, of course, means the extermination of a horde of monsters.
As expected of you, Grandpa…
“Hmm, it’s a good opportunity, so I’ll accept their kindness. The young people in the village will carry the remaining luggage from the hut later.”
If we leave it to Zack-san and everyone in the village, Grandpa’s life will be secure.
“Yes, everything will be fine with everyone in the village. …Well, let’s go this time.”
We resumed out descent
I’m grateful to Grandpa for creating a time to calm my emotions by initiating the conversation.
This time, I walked without looking back.
After descending the mountain for about ten minutes, Grandpa called out to me, saying we should talk about the future.
“Listen carefully, Kati, this country has a very skilled intelligence agency.”
“What? Out of the blue like that.”
“Well, listen. The King Spike I served was a foolish man who, while being a king, would lead the charge in battles. A textbook case of reckless bravery, a so-called muscle-head.”
T/N: “脳筋 (noukin)” is a Japanese slang term for someone who relies solely on physical strength and doesn’t think strategically. It is generally used in a negative connotation.
“Hah, hah.”
I don’t understand the conversation.
I understand the difficulties of being a royal knight forced to go to the front lines.
It’s mostly just badmouthing, Grandpa…
So, what do you mean?
“In other words, the royal knights and the intelligence agency at the time were forced to strengthen their abilities to keep the king, who was always at the front, alive. The intelligence agency had to collect all sorts of information, like the weaknesses of the enemy, the qualities of the generals leading them, where and how to fight to reduce our side’s casualties, and even consider strategies. They also tried to find ways to prevent wars and were always working hard. They were always worried about how to keep the King from dying.”
I see.
But if the King is such a brave warrior, wouldn’t he be bad at handling information?
In that case, I imagine a smart aide would be in charge.
“Was there no one like an advisor? Like a prime minister?”
“It would be more accurate to say he didn’t need one. Spike doesn’t think deeply about things, but his judgment and intuition regarding situations, and his ability to see people, were remarkable. Apart from his habit of charging into battle, you could say he was an exceptional king. In fact, there was a prime minister who was a human supremacist before he ascended to the throne, but he was immediately banished after Spike became king, and the prime minister’s position was abolished. He basically decided on general policies himself, based on the reports of the intelligence agency.”
In short, King Spike isn’t stupid, but he’s too much of a hassle to deal with.
He seems like a short-tempered type.
And the intelligence agency essentially takes on the role of prime minister.
They collect information, discuss what should be done, narrow down the options, and provide them to the King.
It sounds like a busy department.
The human supremacists, like the former prime minister, believe that humans are the race loved by God and try to expel other races.
They are prevalent in the neighboring Dao Empire and are part of a religion called the Baal Church, I think.
In this current political strife, it seems the first prince, Edgar, who is opposing the first princess, Lili, is a human supremacist, and there have been rumors of their discord for a while. The second prince, Kalil, is said to have no desire to become king.
By the way, our country is the most diverse multi-racial nation on the continent, so I don’t even want to imagine what state the country would be in if the first prince were to ascend to the throne.
“Is that clear about the intelligence agency? Let’s get back to the topic. The reason I was summoned was to gain the support of the people. What you lack, Kati, is achievement and fame. Does that make sense so far?”
I nod.
It’s natural since I’ve been in the mountains all this time.
“Now, here’s the main point. Before we reach the royal capital, sell your good deeds everywhere. You can just show off your strength against monsters or outlaws. Anyway, stand out.”
Oh?
I’m starting to understand.
I finally understand the reason for talking about the intelligence agency.
I’ll speak out to confirm.
“After that, the intelligence agency, which has roots all over the country, will spread rumors about me, the Sword Saint’s disciple, with embellishments.”
Am I right?
I look at Grandpa’s face, and he grins, showing his teeth.
It seems I’m right.
“Yes. Rumors that mix truth and fiction tend to spread more easily. Handling rumors is a specialty for the intelligence agency. Besides, with your looks and strength, you’ll become a rumor without even trying.”
“Indeed, these hair and eye colors are quite noticeable.”
I say while pinching my hair.
My hair and eye color are bright red.
Grandpa also said before that it’s a rare color.
“Well, yes, but not exactly.”
He sighed.
Why?
“Well, whatever. Also, Kati, when you state your name, include your family name. There is no one else from the Myers family except us, so that will also help with the rumors. I will talk to Spike about it.”
“Family name… right, before that, what should I do about the harassment from nobles?”
I remembered when he mentioned family name.
“Ah, that. The ones who are aligned with the first prince’s forces, who are our enemies in this political struggle, are the same ones who schemed against me in the past. If our side gains the advantage, they won’t be nobles anymore.”
In short, we just have to win… it seems.
I’m not confident that I can do it well, but I want to do everything I can.
“But, is it really okay? For me, who’s not related by blood, to use your family name…?”
“Of course, it’s okay. Even if we’re not related by blood, you’re my disciple, and more importantly, my precious granddaughter. Be proud and declare your name loudly!”
—!!
That’s unfair. That’s a surprise attack.
Even though I knew he cared for me, hearing it put into words like this makes my eyes well up.
The memories of our life together race through my mind.
My vision blurred.
“Yes… yes, Grandpa!”
Grandpa smiled gently.
And so, on this day of departure, I went from being just Katia to Katia Myers.
