Chapter 71 - 'An Unreachable Power - Latter Half'

第七十一話「及ばぬ力　後編」

Chapter 71 - 'An Unreachable Power - Latter Half'

「はじめまして、フィッツ……です」

　ザノバと顔を合わせた時、フィッツ先輩は少々緊張していた。
　先輩は先輩らしくもっと堂々としていればいいものを。
　と、思うが、人見知りするというのは本当なのかもしれない。
　ザノバがぐいっと前に出る。

"It's nice to meet you. I'm... Fitts."

When Fitts met Zanoba, he was a little nervous. If he's a senpai, then he should act more like one. More grand and dignified... or so I was thinking, but the thing about him being shy around strangers might really be the case. Zanoba steps forward with a jerk.

「シーローン王国第三王子、ザノバ・シーローンでのあぁ！」

　ふんぞり返るザノバに膝かっくん。中腰にさせた。
　上下関係をとやかく言うつもりはない。
　だが初対面の先輩相手にはもう少し頭を下げた方がいいだろう。

Third prince of the Shirone Kingdom, Zanoba Shironnoaaa!"

Zanoba was getting cocky, so I kick him behind the knees. He topples a little. It's not like I have plans to reinforce the pecking order. It's just that it'd probably be best to be a little more humble when meeting a senior for the first time.


[※Note: It's when you bump or kick someone behind their knees. We used to do this as a prank in my school, but I'm not sure if we had a name for it... so yeah, didn't know how to translate. But yeah, you do it correctly, and the person collapses (to their surprise).

EXHIBIT A: http://lohas.nicoseiga.jp/thumb/4129431i.jpg
EXHIBIT B: http://blog-imgs-53.fc2.com/i/t/u/itumokokorohasyounen/b9463bd6.jpg
EXHIBIT C: http://blog-imgs-44.fc2.com/k/o/i/koigokoro87/kakkun.jpg]

「ザノバ、今回の一件を提案してくださったのはフィッツ先輩だ。相応の敬意を払え」

　そう言うと、ザノバは腰を曲げて挨拶をした。

"Zanoba, the one who came up with our current plan was Fitts-senpai. Pay him your respects properly."

When I said this, Zanoba bent at the hips and greeted him.

「わかりました師匠……お初にお目にかかります、シーローン王国第三王子、ザノバ・シーローンともうします、以後、お見知りおきを」
「い、いや、いいんだよ、です。王族の方がそんな、やめてください」

　フィッツ先輩は両手をわたわたさせつつ、俺の後ろを陣取ってしまった。
　ザノバはそれを見て、目を丸くしている。
　フィッツ先輩は見た目、噂、行動・言動のギャップが激しいからな。

　無言のフィッツなんて言われ、無詠唱魔術師として恐れられて。
　グラサン付けてて見た目もちょっとアレだけど、話してみると歳相応。
　後輩の面倒も見てくれる、いい先輩だ。

"I understand, Master... I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you before. I'm the Shirone Kingdom's Third Prince, Zanoba Shirone. Please to make your acquaintance."※

"N-, no, it's all go-, fine. Because you're a person of royalty, please stop with that."

While waving his arms in a fluster, Fitts-senpai took his place behind me. Seeing that, Zanoba stared in wonder. There was quite an astonishing gap between his appearance, the rumours about him, and his current speech and conduct.

Despite being a magician of voiceless invocation, and being called Silent Fitts, he was acting afraid like this. Despite wearing sunglasses, and looking a little... once you spoke to him, he was quite typical of his age. He's a good senpai who looks after his kouhai.

[※Note: Really didn't know how to translate this. It's just quite formal, so yeah. Imagine he's being formal. -thumbs up-]

「では、顔合わせも済んだ所で、行きましょうか」

　俺の号令で、二人は歩き始める。


"Well then, now that we've all met, let's go."

At my command, the two begin to walk.


---


　奴隷市場は商業街に存在している。

　奴隷売買は、中央大陸南部やミリス大陸においては、ほそぼそとしか行われていない。
　だが、この北方大地では違う。

　ここらでは、ほとんどの国で奴隷の売買が完全に合法化され、推奨されている。
　奴隷業は中央大陸北部における、重要な商業の一つなのだ。
　それがなければ国が成り立たないほどの。

　人が奴隷になる理由は様々だ。
　戦争で孤児になった者。
　作物の不作により首が回らなくなり、子供を売る者。
　自分の身を売り出し、家族を救おうとする者。
　盗賊ギルドの暗部には、奴隷牧場のようなものが存在するという噂もある。

　ラノア王国を含む『魔法三大国』は奴隷が無くとも成り立つ国である。
　だが、もっと東の方に行けば、定期的に奴隷商人に村の子供を売るような寒村がいくつも存在している。

　そうした奴隷は、北方大地の戦士団や傭兵団、あるいは国が購入し、
　戦争用の奴隷として使い捨てられたりする事もある。

　もっとも、奴隷商の中にはアスラ王国とツテのある者もいる。
　一部の見目麗しかったり、高い能力を持った奴隷は、アスラ王国へと売られていく場合もある。
　アスラ王国は貧しさとは無縁の土地だ。
　極貧であっても飢えに苦しむ事はない。
　そんな土地にいける奴隷は勝ち組だ。
　奴隷になった時点で負けだとは思うがな。

　また、北方奴隷は身体が丈夫で優秀ということで、わざわざ他国から買い付けに来る者もいる。
　人間が売られていれば、それを買う者は多い。

The slave market is in the Commerce Street.

The slave trading business was just barely scraping along on the Miris continent and in the southern parts of the Central Continent. However, it's different here in the north.

Here, the slave trade is perfectly legalised in most countries, and is endorsed. To the countries in the northern parts of the Central Continent, the slave trade is an important business. They're reliant on it to the point where the countries wouldn't be able to survive without it.

There are a variety of reasons for a person to become a slave.

Those who are orphaned in a war.

Those who are up to their ears in debt due to bad harvests, and so sell their children.

Those who sell themselves off to save their family.

It's also rumoured that in the dark side of the Thieves Guild, there's something like a slave farm.

The Ranoa Kingdom that is included in the 『Magic Triumvirate』※ would survive even without slaves. However, heading further east are a great number of poor villages that sell children at fixed intervals.

Those slaves are bought by warrior and mercenary groups or countries and used as disposable soldiers for use in warfare.

However, there are those in the business that are connected with the Kingdom of Asla. Slaves that are beautiful or have a lot of ability are brought to the Kingdom of Asla to sell. The Kingdom of Asla is a place that doesn't know poverty. Though there are those who live in destitution, there's nobody who suffers from starvation. Slaves who are brought there are basically winners. I honestly think that you've lost the moment you become a slave though.

Also, because the slaves here in the north are excellent and robust, there are those who come all the way here to make their purchases. There are many people looking to buy pople.


[※Note: THANK YOU, SKUIZAAN]

「ここか」

　実は、事前に冒険者ギルドで情報を収集しておいた。

　これだけ大きな街となると、奴隷市場はいくつか存在している。
　この街では五つ。

　その五つでもピンキリだ。
　『ここは絶対やめておいた方がいい』と言われる場所が一つ。
　信頼性の低い奴隷市場で、病気で死にかけている奴隷を平気で売りつけてきたりするらしい。
　まぁ、そんな所でもたまに掘り出し物はあるらしいが、
　掘り出し物など、俺たちのような初心者が見てわかるようなものではないだろう。

　初心者向け、かつ金のある者向けの奴隷市場へと赴いた。

"So it's this place, huh?"

In fact, I'd gathered information at the Adventurers Guild beforehand.

In a district as big as this, there numerous slave markets. This particular district has 5 of them,

Though there are 5, they range in quality. For example, I was told about one of them "absolutely never buy from there". I was told that in a slave market with low credibility, there are slaves who are diseased or dying that people try to pawn off to others with a straight face. Well, I also heard that you could occasionally find a bargain there, btu since we're all beginners we'd all have no way to tell the difference.

Because we're new to this, we head to a better slave market.

「ふむ、余の祖国のものとはだいぶ違うようであるな」

　ザノバは関心したように頷いていた。

　奴隷市場は一見すると普通の建物だった。
　土と石材を組み合わせた、ここらではよく見る建築物。
　この世界の建築物の基準で見ても、大きな方だ。
　そんな建築物が、三つほど連なっている。
　入り口となる扉の上には『リウム商会　奴隷販売所』と書かれていた。

　入り口には篝火が焚かれ、防寒具の上から革鎧をきた男が立っている。
　髭面だが、あまりガラの悪そうな感じはしない。
　……俺も２年ほど冒険者をやっていて、ああした格好を見慣れたからだろうか。
　昔だったら、もうちょっと違う感想を持っただろう。

"Hmm, it's quite different to my homeland."

Zanoba nodded in interest.

The slave market looked just like a normal building at a glance. Made of stone and earth, it was a typical building for these parts. Judging by from the standards of this world, this building was on the large side. There were three of them in a row. Written above the door that served as the entrance was 『Rium Company - Slave Trade Centre』.

There were fires burning at the entrance, and standing around were men who wore leather armour over winter clothing. They were unshaven, but didn't give a particularly bad feeling. ...I've spent 2 years as an adventurer though, so it might be that I've become used to this kind of appearance. I probably would've thought different about them in the past.

「外じゃないんだね……」

　フィッツ先輩の意外そうな声。
　北方大地では、奴隷市場は建物の中で行われる事が多い。
　理由は単純だ。

"The slave market isn't outside huh..."

Fitts-senpai's voice sounded surprised. In the north, there are many slave markets that are held indoors. The reason is simple.

「中に入りましょう」

　中に入ると、むわりとした熱気が身を包んだ。
　建物の中では至る所で火が焚かれている。

　そして、八ヶ所ほどあるお立ち台の上で、裸になった奴隷が並べられている。
　外でやらないのは、ようするに寒いからだ。
　奴隷が風邪を引くのだ。

　もっとも、行くのはやめておいた方がいい、と言われた所は外でやっているが。

"Shall we enter?"

When we enter, a waft of hot air surrounds our bodies. There are fires throughout the inside of the building.

And on top of the countless daises are naked slaves lined up in a row. The reason they don't do it outside is basically because it's cold. The slaves would catch colds.

However, because indoor markets would lose passing customers, there are those who still do it outside.

「ふむ、売り場が多いですな。師匠、どうするのですか？」
「僕も買うのは初めてですので、まずは適当に見て回りましょう」

　適当に歩き始める。
　８つの売り場は、全てリウム商会の傘下にいる奴隷商人のものだ。
　各地で集めてきた、あるいは購入してきた奴隷を並べ、売っている。

　商品が全て売れるか、あるいは指定の時間がすぎれば他の者と交代するのだろう。

　なかなかに盛況で、どの売り場の付近にも人混みが出来ている。
　服装は様々で、俺のような冒険者風の格好をしたものから、
　ザノバやフィッツ先輩のように貴族風の格好をした者、
　商人、町人、平民、学生の格好をした者もいる。
　中には、転売を目的とする商人なんかもいるのだろう。
　売り場から離れた場所には購入したばかりの奴隷を連れ、互いに談笑している者もいる。

　みすぼらしい格好をしているのはスリの類だろうか。
　いや、警備のいるこの市場にそうした者が入り込めるとは思えない。
　主人の命令で新たな奴隷を買い付けにきた、別の奴隷なのかもしれない。

　とは言え、俺はローブの下で、金貨袋の紐をキュっと握った。
　今回、奴隷を購入するための資金は俺が預っている。
　スられたらシャレにならん。

"Hmm, there are a lot of different sales places, aren't there? Master, what should we do?"

"Since it's my first time buying as well, first let's look around as appropriate."

We start to walk around without much of a plan. The 8 slave stands are merchants associated with the Rium Company. Gathered around each place are possibly those who are selling slaves they've bought.

They probably alternate when they've sold out, or it might be something like switching over after their designated timeslot has passed.

It's quite a successful business, and there are crowds of people around each of the stands. Their outfits are quite varied; there are those like me who are dressed like adventurers, those who like Fitts-senpai and Zanoba are dressed like nobles, as well as those dressed like merchants, townspeople, commoners and students. Among them are merchants whose aim seems to be the resale of slaves. Further away from the stalls are those who have just purchased their slaves and are having a chat with each other.

Could the seedy looking ones be pickpockets? No, pickpockets wouldn't come to a guarded place like this. They might be slaves who are sent by their masters to purchase other slaves.

Nonetheless, I clutch onto the coin purse under my robes. This time I've been entrusted with the funds. It wouldn't be a joke if they were stolen.

「う、うわっ、うわぁ……ほんとにみんな裸になるんだ……」

　フィッツ先輩は売り場の方を見て、目を丸くして驚いている。
　顔は真っ赤だ。
　マントのせいでよくわからないが、内股になってもじもじとしているようだ。

"U-, uwah, uwah... They're really all naked..."

Seeing the slave stalls, Fitts-senpai's eyes are staring in surprise. His face is bright red. Because he's wearing a mantle I can't really tell, but he seems to be bashfully standing pidgeon-toed.

「お、おっきいな……あんな風になってるんだ……」

　視線の先を見れば、戦士風の奴隷が、目玉商品として紹介されている所だった。
　男も女も、どいつもこいつも筋骨隆々としている。
　特に真ん中にいる女戦士はいい。
　おっきい。
　背丈もさることながら、その胸の膨らみは垂涎モノだ。
　ああしたでかいブツは戦いの邪魔になりそうなものだが、
　この世界では別にでかくても問題ないらしいというのは、エリスで理解している。

"T-, they're big, huh...? To become like that..."

Following his line of sight, I find that he was looking at some slaves who seemed like warriors, being introduced as featured goods. Whether man or woman, every one of them was well built. In particular, the female warrior in the middle was good. She was big. It goes without saying that her stature was big, but her bulging chest was something that made you look on with longing. Though it seems that goods as big as those would get in the way of battle, as I understand from Eris, in this world even if they're huge, there's not really a problem.

「先輩、奴隷市場は始めてですか？」
「えっ？　あ、うん……」

　フィッツ先輩は耳の後ろをポリポリと描きつつ、もう片方の手で恥ずかしそうにマントを前合わせにしている。
　ポジションを気にしているのだろう。
　実にDTらしい反応だ。
　俺にもああいう頃があった。
　今か？
　今はほら、ちょっと別の理由さ。

"Senpai, is this your first time at a slave market?"

"Eh? Ah, mmn..."

While scratching behind his ear, one of Fitts-senpai's hands were already holding his mantle in front in embarassment. He was probably worried about the position of his thing. Truly the reaction of a DT.※ I was like that as well, once. Now? Well, look, right now my motive is a little different.


[※Note: A term for virgin (童貞, doutei) that Ijuuin Hikaru and Miura Jun tried to make popular. Incidentally used a lot as a joke in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ixion_Saga_DT]

「る、ルーデウス君は慣れてるね？」

　フィッツ先輩は先輩だが、まだ経験は無いらしい。
　そう考えると少々勝ち誇りたい気分になるが、
　しかし俺も一回だけで、相手に逃げられている。
　自慢できるようなもんじゃない。
　しかし、あれを経験して、少し落ち着いたのも確かだ。
　落ち着きすぎて困ってしまっているがね！

"Y-you're sure used to it huh, Rudeus-kun?"

Though Fitts-senpai was my senpai, it seems that he still hasn't had any experience. When I think about ti like that, I feel like boasting about my victory a bit, but I've only done it once too, and my partner ran away from me. It's not something I can be proud about. Still, with just that as experience, I really am a little calmer about these things. It's a problem now that I'm too calm, though!

「先輩も経験を積めば、多少は慣れるかと思いますよ」
「そ、そうかな？　ていうかルーデウス君、経験あるんだ……」

　フィッツ先輩は若干しょんぼりしている様子だ。
　若いね、実に若い。

"I think once you've had some experience as well, Senpai, you'll more or less grow used to it."

"Y-, you think? Wait, so you've had some experience, Rudeus-kun..."

Fitts-senpai seems a little down. He really is young, huh? Truly young.

「師匠、戦士には用はないでしょう、我々が探すのは魔術の使える手先の器用な種族でしょう」

　ザノバはというと、そんなものには興味が無いと言わんばかりに、顎をしゃくった。
　こいつは基本的に女には興味が無いらしい。
　一応、バツイチだったらしいので、まったく性欲がないわけではないようだが。

"Master, we have no need for warriors, so what we should be looking for is a race that can use magic and is good with their hands, right?"

As if to say he had no interest in these things, Zanoba jerked his chin in another direction. It seems that he essentially doesn't have interest in women. Technically he is a widower, so it might not be that he has no interest in sex at all.

「手先の器用な種族というと、やっぱり炭鉱族ですかね？」
「そうですな。土魔術の使える炭鉱族が一番でしょう。もっとも、種族にこだわる必要はないかと思いますが」

　そう言いつつ、俺達は売り場を見て回る。
　これだけ大規模な奴隷市場でも、炭鉱族の奴隷は少ない。
　基本的には戦闘能力を有した奴隷が大半で、手先の器用な、となるとほとんどいないらしい。

"If it's a race that's good with their hands, I guess it has to be dwarves, right?"

"It seems so. A dwarf who can use earth magic would probably be best. Although I don't really think there's a need to fuss over the race."

Saying that, I have a look around one of the stands. Though it's a slave market as big as this, the number of dwarf slaves are few. The majority of the slaves are those with combat ability, and there are almost no slaves who would seem to be suitable for crafting.

「えっと、ルーデウス君が魔術を教えるなら、魔術の使えない幼い子の方がいいと思うよ」

　フィッツ先輩がアドバイスをくれる。

"Umm, Rudeus-kun. If you were to teach them magic, then I think a young child who can't use magic would be better."

Fitts-senpai gives some advice.

「なぜですか？」
「無詠唱魔術って、小さい頃の方が覚えやすいんだ」
「あ、そうなんですか？」
「うん、１０歳ぐらいになっちゃうと、ほとんど覚えられないと思う」

　そうなのか。
　でも、思い返せばシルフィは出来たのにエリスは使えなかった。
　年齢が関係していたのだろうか。

"Why?"

"Chantless magic is something that you can learn easily as a child."

"Ah, is that how it is?"

"Mn. I think that after you become 10, you basically can't learn it."

Is that how it is? But thinking about it, though Sylphy could do it, Eris couldn't. Could there be a relationship with age?

「年齢が関係しているんですか？」
「うん。ボクの実体験と、師匠と、学校の先生の言葉を総合して判断した事だから間違ってるかもしれないけど……。
　あ、あと５歳ぐらいから魔術を使いはじめると、魔力総量が爆発的に増えるんだ。
　ルーデウス君の方法で人形を作るなら、魔力総量は多い方がいいよね」

　５歳ぐらいから魔術を使うと魔力総量が爆発的に増える。
　昔似たような仮説を立てたこともあるが、
　他人の口からは初めて聞く理論だな。

"Is there a relationship with one's age?"

"Mn. From my experience, my master's words, and the words of the teachers at school, I've concluded that I shouldn't be wrong but... Ah, also, if you start using magic from when you're about 5, your mana capacity increases tremendously. If you want them to create dolls using your method, Rudeus-kun, it'd be better to have gerater mana capacity, right?"

If you start using magic from when you're about 5, your mana capacity increases tremendously. I had come up with a similar hypothesis in the past, but this is the first time hearing it from someone else.

「この世界では、生まれつき魔力総量は決まっていると聞いていますが」
「それは間違いだよ。確かに教本にはそう書いてあるけど、１０歳を超えるとほとんど伸びなくなるから、勘違いしたんだと思う」

　なるほど、小さい頃から魔術を使わせると爆発的に伸びる、か。
　２～３歳の頃から魔術を使ってきた俺の魔力総量が多いのもうなずける話だ。
　そして、それを実体験と言っているフィッツ先輩も、恐らく相当な魔力総量を秘めているのだろう。

"I've heard that your mana capacity is determined at birth, but..."

"That's wrong. It certainly says that in the textbook, but because you can't increase it past the age of 10, I think they're probably misunderstanding."

I see. So if you start using magic from when you're about 5, your mana capacity increases tremendously huh? Since I've been using magic since 2 or 3 and my mana capacity is large, it's something that I can assent to. Also, since Fitts-senpai said he had personal experience, he's probably concealing a considerable amount of mana as well.

「フィッツ先輩も小さな頃から魔術を使ってるんですね」
「うん。その……昔、師匠に助けてもらって、その時に頼んで、習いだしたんだ」
「へぇ」

　森で魔物か何かに襲われていたのだろうか。
　いや、幼い頃なら人さらいの方が可能性が高いか。
　この世界では人さらいがブームだしな。
　先輩はグラサンはずせば美少年だろうし、人さらいに狙われるのもわかる。

"Fitts-senpai has been using magic since young as well, huh?"

"Mn. That's... In the past, I was saved by my master, and at that time I begged them to teach me."

"Hehh."※

Perhaps he was attacked by some monster in the forest. No, since he was young, the chance that it was a kidnapping is high. In this world there's quite a kidnapping boom going on. Since Senpai would probably be a bishounen if he took off thsoe sunglasses, I can understand that kidnappers would aim at him.


[※Note: 'really?'/'I see']

「その師匠も、無詠唱魔術を？」
「うん。凄い人だよ。今でも尊敬してるんだ」
「そうなんですか、それは、僕も会ってみたいものですね」

　無詠唱魔術を教える事のできる人物。
　それなら、俺ももう少し魔術の腕が上がるかもしれない。
　何にせよ、何か得られるものはあるだろう。
　と、思ったのだが、フィッツ先輩は苦笑した。

"That master of yours can also use chantless magic?"

"Mn. They're an amazing person, you know. I respect them even now."

"Is that so? In that case I'd really like to meet them one day."

A person who can use chantless magic. If I met him, my magic might be able to improve a little. At any rate, I'd probably benefit somehow... or so I was thinking, but Fitts-senpai smiled bitterly.

「えっと、それは無理じゃないかな……」
「そうですか。やはり、偉い人だからですかね？」

　フィッツは王女の護衛だし。
　宮廷魔術師か何かなのかもしれない。
　運良くどこかで宮廷魔術師に助けられ、そのツテで弟子入り。
　そして成長し、王女の護衛になった。
　そんな感じなのかもしれない。
　アスラ王国の宮廷魔術師なら、無詠唱ぐらいできるだろう。

"Umm, that's probably impossible..."

"I see. So they're someone quite important after all, huh?"

Fitts is a guard to the princess after all. His master might be a court magician or something. For example, by luck a court magician saved him, and then using that connection, became that magician's disciple. He then grew up, and became the princess' guard. It might be something like that. If they're a court magician of the Kingdom of Asla, then they should probably be able to use chantless magic as least.

「偉い人……じゃないけど、えっとね、フィットア領の人なんだ」
「あー……」

　転移に巻き込まれたのか。
　それで、どこにいるかわからないと。

"An important person... they're not really, umm, they're someone from the Fittoa region."

"Ahhh..."

They were wrapped up in the teleportation huh? In that case, their whereabouts would be unknown.

「それはなんというか……生きているといいですね」
「生きてるよ。もう見つかったもん」

　そういえば、知り合いを探すために転移の事について調べ始めたという話だったか。
　で、最近になって見つかったと……。

"That's um... It'd be good if they were alive."

"They are alive. I've already found them after all."

Speaking of which, he did mention that he was studying the teleportation incident because he was looking for an acquaintance. Wait, if he found them recently then...

「あれ？　ならなんで僕は会えないんですか？」
「ふふ……ないしょ」

　フィッツ先輩ははにかんで笑った。
　……なぜこの笑顔を見ると胸が高鳴るのだろうか。
　俺は二次元の男の娘には恋できるが、決してホモではないはずなのだが……。

　もしかすると、そういう荒療治なのだろうか。

"Huh? Then why can't I meet them?

"Huhu... It's a secret."

Fitts-senpai laughed bashfully.

...Why is it that when I see that smile, my heart starts to throb like this?

Though I can love traps when they're 2d, I was sure that I wasn't a homo but...※


Perhaps it's just that kind of drastic measure.




[※Note: 男の娘 (otoko no ko) = traps]


---


　フィッツ先輩のアドバイスに従い、奴隷を探す。
　五歳前後（それ以上幼いと言葉を理解できない可能性が高い）で、
　炭鉱族(ドワーフ)（いざとなれば粘土から削りだす方法を用いるので手先が器用な方がいい）で、
　可愛らしい女の子（俺の趣味）。

Following Fitts-senpai's advice, we search for a slave.

A slave that's about 5 (if they're younger than that, there's a good chance they wouldn't understand us),

a dwarf (it's better that they're dextrous so that if it comes down to it, they'll be able to use the carving method),

and is a cute little girl (my personal preference).

「女ですか？　余はどちらでも構いませんが、師匠、目的を間違えてはいませんか？」
「ルーデウス君……」

　条件を一つずつ挙げていくと、最後の一つで二人から批難の目が集まった。

"A girl? Their gender doesn't matter to me, but Master, aren't you getting our objectives mixed up?"

"Rudeus-kun..."

As we piled up the criteria one by one, once we got to the final criterion, they looked at me with eyes of criticism.

「あっれぇ？」

　男ばかりだからむしろ賛同を得られると思ったのだが。
　まぁ、そういう奴らでもないか。
　エリナリーゼあたりなら賛同してくれるかもしれん。
　彼女なら、むしろ可愛い男の子をと提案するかもしれない。
　最近はショタ趣味に目覚めたっぽいからな。

"Huuuuh?"※

Since we were all guys here, I had thought that they'd have been on-board instead, but... Well, it seems like they aren't the type. If it was Elinalise, then she might have approved. If it was her, she might be suggesting we find cute little boys instead. Lately her interest in shota has been awakening after all.

[※Note: aaa reee?]

「しかし五歳となると、教育は期待できませんな。言語がわからない場合もありますぞ。
　獣神語しか喋れないとなると、魔術を教えるどころの話ではないですからな」
「僕は獣神語もできますので、その場合は僕が教育しますよ」
「なんと、師匠は獣神語も操れたのですか、さすがですな」
「ふっ、まあね」

　ザノバの称賛に、俺は鼻を高くして胸を張る。
　これでもマルチリンガルなのだ。

　五歳児に勉強を教えた事もある。
　そういえば、シルフィは元気にしているんだろうか。

　エリナリーゼやフィッツ先輩を見るまでもなく、
　長耳族ってのは極めて俺好みというか、ファンタジー世代の日本人好みの顔をしている。
　線の細い美男美女揃いというかなんというか。
　彼女は確か俺と同い年だから、今は１５歳か。
　相当美しくなっているだろう。
　パウロの話ではかなり魔術を使えるようになっていたそうだし、そのうえ髪が緑だ。
　どこかで噂に聞くこともあるだろうし、見ればすぐに分かるだろう。
　さっぱり噂を聞かないが……。
　彼女はいま、どこにいるのやら。

"But still, if we buy a 5 year old then we shouldn't expect too much regarding education. They might not even understand our words. If it turns out that they can only speak the Breast God Language, then we wouldn't be able to teach them magic after all."

"I can speak the Breast God Language, so if that's the case then I can teach them."

"What! You can speak the Breast God Language, Master? As expected of you..."

"Huu, well that's how it is."

At Zanoba's praise, I start to feel proud and I hold out my chest. Though I look like this, I'm multilingual.

I've also taught a 5 year old before. Speaking of which, I wonder if Sylphy is doing well.

Even without seeing Elinalise and Fitts-senpai, you could say that elves are really to my taste, or that they had the type of face that Japanese of the fantasy generation※ preferred. Elves brought to mind something like a slim and beautiful man and woman pair. If I remember correctly, Sylphy was roughly my age, so she might be 15 right now. She's probably become considerably beautiful. According to Paul, she could use magic, and on top of that, she has green hair. Since I'd probably hear rumours of her right away, I'd probably be able to find her immediately. I haven't heard a single rumour though... I wonder where she is right now.

[※Note: generation that grew up with fantasy and rpgs and shit like that]

「とにかく、条件も決まった事ですし、商人の方に聞いてみましょう」

　俺は『相談所』と書かれた場所に移動する。
　受付の男性は、ツルリとしたスキンヘッドで、口ひげを蓄えたマッチョな男だった。
　俺とフィッツ先輩を見ると怪訝そうな顔をしたが、ザノバを見て納得したように頷いた。

"Anyway, since we've already decided on the criteria, let's go ask a sales assistant."

I head to place where 『Help Office』 is written. The man at the reception had a completely clean-shaven head, and when combined with his beard, was quite a macho man. Though he looked at Fitts-senpai and I with suspicious looks, when he saw Zanoba he accepted it and nodded.

「あの、すみません、実は探してる……」

　マッチョは喋る俺を無視し、後ろにいるザノバに話しかけていた。

"Um, excuse me, we're actually..."

The macho man ignored my words, and spoke to Zanoba who was behind me.

「よう、兄さんいらっしゃい。
　お望みはなんだい？
　護衛用の戦士か？　今なら剣を教えられる奴もいるぜ。
　魔術師もいるが、魔法大学に行ったほうがマシかもな。
　それとも、コッチのほうか？
　いやいや、言うない。あんた、モテなさそうな顔してるからな。
　ムッチムチの二十代が一人いるぜ。娼婦上がりだからアッチの方もバッチリだ。
　もちろん病気も持っちゃいねえあがあぁぁぁ！」

　そしてザノバにアイアンクローを食らい、持ち上げられていた。

"Yo, welcome onii-san. What is it that you're looking for? A warrior for a guard? Right now we have guys that can teach the sword as well, you know. We also have some magicians, but it'd probably be better to head to the Magic University for that. Or could it be that you're looking for THOSE? No, no, I shouldn't say it. You don't seem all that popular after all. We've got a real voluptuous one in her 20s you know. She was recently a whore so THAT would be perfect as well. Of course they aren't diseaAGAAAAAH!"

The macho man then ate Zanoba's Iron Claw, and was raised into the air.

「師匠を無視するな、そのベラベラとよく動く舌を引っこ抜き、顎を引き裂くぞ」
「こ、こらっ！　何をしている！」

　すぐさま脇にいた警備がザノバを取り押さえようとするが、ビクともしなかった。
　逆に体を少し身震いさせただけで弾き飛ばされた。
　んまぁ、ハイパワーだこと。

　屈強な警備を、ヒョロ長いオタクっぽい男が振り回す。
　シュールだ。
　これが神子のパワーか。
　力こそがパワーか。
　おっと、見てる場合じゃねえな。

"Don't ignore Master. Yakking on and on like that, I'll pull out that noisy tongue of yours and rip off your jaw, you know."

"H-, hey! What are you doing!?"

The guards around had immediately moved to capture Zanoba, but he was undisturbed. Conversely, with just a shake he sent them flying. Mmn well, he's quite high powered.

The muscular guards are being swung around by a skinny otaku-looking guy. It's surreal. So this is the power of a miko, huh? Oop, this isn't the time to be standing here watching.


[※Note: didn't know how to make this work in Eng lol '力こそがパワー']

「ノウ！　ザノバ、やめなさい、ハウス！」
「はい！」

　俺の声で、ザノバは手を離した。
　唐突に止まったザノバに、警備も止まる。
　俺は警備に向かい、頭を下げた。

"NO!※ Zanoba, stop this! HOUSE!※"

"Yes!"

At my voice, Zanoba released his grip. In the face of the suddenly motionless Zanoba, the guards stop moving as well. I face the guards and bow my head.


[※Note: Engrish]
[※Note: says 'hausu'. Not sure what this is meant to mean.]

「申し訳ありません、ちょっと興奮しただけです」
「いや、いいんだ……けど、あまり暴れてくれるなよ？　次は剣を抜くからな？」

　彼らは快く許してくれた。
　その目にやや怯えが含まれていたが、見ない事にする。
　そんな所をつついてもいい事はない。

　意外だったのは、ザノバが掴まれた瞬間、フィッツ先輩が俺の前に出て杖を構えた事か。
　極めて素早い動作だった。
　さすが王女の護衛だな。
　俺が腑抜けているだけとも言えるが。
　つっても、そこまで警戒するような相手はこのへんにはいないしなぁ……。
　ここの警備は、冒険者で言えばCランク、行ってもせいぜいBだろうし。
　まあいいか、話を続けよう。

"I'm truly sorry. He just got a little excited."

"No, it's fine... Just don't act too violently, alright? We'll draw our swords the next time."

They easily let us off. Though there was a little fear in their eyes, they decided that they hadn't seen anything this time. It wouldn't be good even if they poked their noses in further.

What surprised me was that the moment Zanoba was caught, Fitts-senpai had prepared his stance before I did. It was an extremely fast and decisive movement. As expected of the princess' guard. You could also say that I was just cowardly though. Anyway, it seems that there isn't anyone particularly vigilant here, uh? After all, using adventurer terms, the guards around here could be said to be C rank, or at best B rank. Well whatever. I'll continue speaking to him.

「五歳ぐらいの炭鉱族を探しています」

　改めてマッチョに話を聞く。

"We're looking for a dwarf around the age of 5."

I speak to the macho man again.

「五歳ぐらいの……？」

　マッチョはおどおどしつつ、手元にある目録のようなものに目を走らせた。
　ペラペラと紙をめくりつつ、目を細める。

"Around 5...?"

While cowering, he looked over the list in his hand. Flipping through the pages, he squints his eyes.

「炭鉱族自体このへんにゃ少ないからな、しかも五歳となると……」

　やはり条件的には厳しいか。
　炭鉱族は基本的にミリス大陸の住人だからな。
　それこそ人さらいにでもさらわれてこなければこの辺りには来ない。

"There aren't many dwarves in the first place here, and on top of that a 5 year old..."

So the criteria really were too strict? The dwarves basically live on the Miris Continent after all. Even with all the kidnapping going on, the dwarf slaves basically don't end up here.

「手先が器用な種族なら、別に炭鉱族でなくても問題ありません。
　いっそ若ければとやかくは言いませんが……」
「お、いた、一人いたぞ」

　マッチョは目録の一部をポンと指で叩いた。

"As long as its a race that's good with crafting, even if they aren't a dwarf it won't be a problem. We definitely wouldn't complain if they were young though..."

"Oh, there is one."

The man man tapped a part of the list with his finger.

「炭鉱族、六歳の女児だ。親の借金で一家揃って奴隷落ちだとさ。健康状態はちと悪いな。栄養失調か、まぁ食わせりゃすぐ元通りになるだろ。人間語は喋れねえ、六歳じゃ当然だが、文字も読めねえ」
「なるほど、親の方はどうなってるんです？」
「親の方は両方とも売れちまってるな」

　冒険者時代に酒場で聞いた話だが、炭鉱族の中には山さえあれば暮らしていけると思っている層がいる。
　ミリス大陸を出て、王竜山脈で働くならいいのだが、
　たまに少々勘違いして北部まで来てしまい、山に入れずどうしようもなくなる馬鹿な奴もいるのだとか。
　家族まで巻き込むとは、ダメオヤジもここに極まれりだな。

"A dwarf girl of 6 years old. Because of her parent's debts, the whole family were sold into slavery. Her health is a little on the bad side though. It might be because of malnutrition. Well, she'll probably be back to normal if you feed her. She can't speak the Human Language, and though it's natural for a 6 year old, she can't read either."

"I see. What happened to her parents?"

"Both her parents have been sold."

It's something I heard in a tavern during my days as an adventurer, but amongst the dwarves exist a social class who believe that they can live with nothing but the mountains. It'd be fine to leave the Miris Continent and work in the Dragon King Mountain Range, but occasionally there'd be idiots who guessed wrong and headed too far north, and without reentering the mountains were unable to make a living. They'd even get their families wrapped up; truly useless fathers.

「とりあえず、会ってみましょうか」

"For now, let's just meet them."


---


　マッチョの呼び出しで、しばらくした後、一人の商人が顔を出す。

　浅黒い肌をした男だ。
　日焼けだけではあるまい。
　恐らく、ベガリット大陸の出身か、両親のどちらかがベガリット出身者なのだろう。
　やや太り気味で、びっしょりと汗をかいている。
　肩に掛けた布で仕切りに汗を拭っているが、その布もびっしょりだ。
　汗臭いにおいが漂ってくるが、この市場は暑いから仕方あるまい。
　俺も先ほどローブを脱ぎ、ザノバもマントを外している。
　フィッツ先輩だけはいつもの格好で涼しい顔をしている。
　顔は真っ赤なんだけどな。別の理由で。

At the macho man's call, after a while a single merchant appears.

He's a man with dark skin. It's not just suntan. He's probably from the Begaritt Continent, or one of his parents were from the Begaritt Continent. He's a little fat and drenched in sweat. Though there's a cloth hung over his shoulder for wiping up the sweat, that cloth too is soaked. Though the smell of sweat wafts about, this marketplace is hot so it can't be helped. I had already taken off my robe as well, and Zanoba undid his mantle as well. Fitts-senpai is dressed as usual with a nonchalant look.

His face is red though.

For a different reason.

「どうも、わたくしリウム商会傘下・ドメーニ商店の支店長、フェブリートです」

　商人はそう名乗り。
　ザノバに向かって手を差し伸べる。
　ザノバの手が商人の顔(・)へと伸びたので、俺はフェブリートの手を強引につかみ、握手した。

"Hello. I'm the branch manager of one of the Rium Firm's associate firms, the Domehni firm, Fe'Burrito※"

The merchant names himself. He turns to Zanoba and extends his hand. Zanoba was reaching his hand towards the merchant's face, so I took his hand instead.

[※:Named him this for the lols, and strictly speaking it's quite correct. His name is フェブリート and burrito in Japanese is ブリート. Still, my original name for him was Febreet, so let me know which you prefer. I personally love the name Fe'Burrito. It gives an exotic and delicious impression, which I think is quite suitable for a merchant character from an exotic continent.]

「どうも、泥沼のルーデウスです」

　あえてそう名乗ると、フェブリート一瞬怪訝そうな顔をしたが、すぐに顔をほころばせた。

"Hello. I'm Rudeus of the Quagmire."

I give that name a go, and for an instant looks at me puzzled, but immediately smiles broadly.

「おお、あなたが泥沼でしたか！　聞いておりますよ、冬に入る前にはぐれ竜を仕留めたとか」
「運が良かっただけですよ、相手も弱ってましたしね」

　A級冒険者、泥沼のルーデウスの名前はこのへんでもなんとか知られているようだ。
　伊達に名前を売ろうと頑張っていたわけではないのだ。

"Ohhh, so you were Quagmire! I've heard about you. Just before winter you killed a stray dragon."

"I was just lucky; the dragon was weakened you see."

The name of the A ranked adventurer, Rudeus of the Quagmire is known in these parts as well, somehow. The efforts I put into spreading my name weren't just for show.

「本日は炭鉱族をお求めという事ですが……？」

　ちらりとフェブリートはザノバやフィッツ先輩を見る。

"Today I'm looking for a dwarf but..."

Febreet glances as Zanoba and Fitts-senpai.

「はい、こちらの方々に出資してもらい事業を始めるのです。幼い頃から技術を叩き込める子を捜していましてね」

　と、適当に言ってみる。
　嘘は言ってない。

"Right. These two are contributing to the funds. We're looking for a child so that we can teach them crafting from a young age."

I tried saying something appropriate. It wasn't a lie.

「なるほど、そういう事ですか……あまりオススメの商品というわけではないのですが……。とにかく見てください。こちらです」

　フェブリートに従い、俺たちは市場の裏側から、隣の建物に移動。
　奴隷の倉庫へと移動する。
　倉庫といっても、滑車のついた鉄格子が並び、その中に奴隷が入れられているだけである。
　鉄格子の大きさは畳一畳分ぐらいで、一つの箱につき一人か二人だ。
　市場に出す前には洗ったり、油を塗ったりして光沢を出すのだろうが、今はツンときつい臭いがする。
　中には、めそめそと泣いている子や、ギラギラとした殺気を向けてくる者もいた。

　倉庫には、俺たちのように直接店の者とやり取りをしている人が何人か見受けられた。

　フェブリートは鉄格子の箱の間をスルスルと歩いていく。
　そして、道端に立っていた人物に一声掛ける。
　部下だろうか。

　さらに奥へ。
　一つの箱の前で止まった。

　箱の中には、うつろな目をした少女が、体育座りで座っていた。

"I see, so it was something like that... Though it isn't a good that I'd really recommend... Anyway, please just have a look. It's this way."

We listen to Febreet and from the other side of the market, move into the neighbouring building. We're heading to a slave storehouse. Though I say a storehouse, there are iron bars attached to pulleys lined up in a row, and inside those are slaves. The inside of the bars are about a tatami mat in size and all have one or two slaves inside. Before they're brought to the marketplace, they're washed and covered in oil, but right now they stink. The slaves inside are crying children, and glarign slaves who send killing intent our way.

Inside the warehouse are a number of people like us who are directly trading.

Febreet walks between the barred cages. He then calls for a man standing to the side. It's probably a subordinate.

We head further in. We stop in front of one of the cages.

Inside the cage is a girl with empty eyes, sitting with her knees huddled up.

「こいつですね。……おい、出せ」
「うす」

　フェブリートの部下はこくりと頷くと、鉄格子を開け、中にいる子を引きずりだす。
　鉄の首輪と足かせをはめられた子供。
　ガリガリに痩せた身体を、申し分程度のボロキレで隠している。
　髪は赤橙といった感じだろうか。
　ボサボサで、白髪が混じっている。
　顔色も悪い。

　彼女は身体を抱くようにして、カタカタと震えていた。
　このへんは倉庫でも奥の方であるせいか、やや寒いのだ。
　俺たちを見る目は完全に虚ろだった。
　さすがに痛々しく見える。

　フェブリートの部下はそんな事に頓着せず、少女のボロキレをあっさりと取っ払った。
　欠食児童らしい、ガリガリに痩せた身体が完全にあらわになった。
　それを見て、フィッツ先輩が顔をしかめた。

"It's this one. ...Oi, bring em out."

"'Right."

Febreet's subordinate nods, and opening the cage, pulls the child out of the cage. The child is shackled with an iron collar. A rag is concealing the flaws in her skin and bones body. Her hair is something like a reddish orange. It's unkempt and has some white hairs mixed in. Her complexion is also bad.

She was hugging herself and shivering. It might be because we're further into the storehouse, but it's a little cold. The eyes she's looking at us with are completely empty. She looks truly pitiful.

Febreet's subordinate pays this no heed, and unhesitatingly removes the rag from the girl. Her skinny body, like a child who misses meals, is completely revealed. Seeing this, Fitts-senpai frowns.

「ルーデウス君……」

　安心してほしい。
　さすがの俺も、ピューリッツァー賞受賞作の写真に出てくるようなのには欲情しない。

　早く購入し、飯を食わせて温かい風呂にでも入れてやりたい、そんな気持ちが沸く。
　が、少女の目が少し気になった。
　この虚ろな目。
　どこかで見たことのある。

"Rudeus-kun..."

Be at ease. Even I have no intention of creating Pulitzer prize winning photographs.

Wanting to quickly buy her, feed her, and give her a warm bath; I'm filled with these kinds of feelings. However, I'm a bit worried about her eyes. Those empty eyes. I've seen eyes like those before.

「見ての通りです、炭鉱族。子供です。六歳ですので、技能は特にありません。
　両親共に炭鉱族です。父親は鍛冶師、母親は装飾品を作っていました。
　手先の器用さについては、遺伝さえしていれば望めるとおもいます。
　ただ、言語を獣神語しか解しません。
　我々としても売れると思っていなかったので、健康状態もあまりよくありません。
　その分は値引き致しましょう」

　フィッツ先輩が難しい顔をしつつ、少女に近寄り、その頬に触れた。
　数秒後、少女の顔色が幾分かよくなった気がした。
　何かしたのだろうか。

"As you can see, it's a dwarf child. 6 years old. Possesses no skills in particular. Both parents are dwarves. Father was a blacksmith and mother created decorations. As long as it's hereditary, the dexterity of her hands should be as you wish. However, she can only understand the Beast God Language. Because we hadn't thought she'd sell, her health isn't the best. Because of that, we'll sell her at a discount."

while making a difficult expression, Fitts-senpai approached the girl and touched her cheek. After a few seconds, the girl's complexion became somewhat better. He might have done something.

「当然ながら処女です。
　疫病等の心配はありませんが、見ての通り、少々病弱かもしれません。
　ご購入の際にはこちらで解毒を掛けさせて頂きますが、
　あまりオススメの商品とはいえませんね」

　フィッツ先輩が捨てられた子犬を拾ってきた子供みたいな目で見ている。
　どのみち条件には合致しているから買うつもりはあるんだが。

"Naturally she's a virgin. There are no concerns about infectious diseases and the like, but as you can see, she might be a little weak. Though we'll treat her with healing magic upon purchase, this really isn't a good that we'd recommend."

Fitts-senpai is looking at her with eyes like a child who's found an abandoned puppy. At any rate she's fulfilled the criteria so I was planning to buy her anyway though.

『こんにちわ、お嬢さん』

　俺はしゃがみこんで、獣神語で話しかける。
　まずは面接だ。

『Hello, ojou-san.』※

I crouch down and speak to her in Beast God Language. The first step is to interview her.

[※Note: little miss]

『僕はルーデウス。君は？』
『…………』
『実はね、お兄さんたちは、君にやってもらいたい事があるんだ』
『…………』
『えっと……』

　少女は俺の方を虚ろな目で見るだけで、何の言葉も返さない。
　フェブリートの部下が、腰に付けた鞭を取ろうとするが、手で静止。

『I'm Rudeus. You are?』

『...』

『Actually, there was something we wanted you to do for us.』

『...』

『Umm...』

The girl just looked at me with empty eyes, and didn't reply at all. Febreet's subordinate brandishes the whip at his hip, but I stop him with my hand.

「師匠、どうしました？」
「かなり絶望してますね。希望もなんにもなくて死にたい奴の顔です」
「……師匠は、そんな者を見たことがあると」
「昔、何度もね」

　ザノバとフィッツ先輩が思いつめたような顔をする。
　まあ、あんまり生前の事は言うべきではないか。
　ネガティブな事しか出てこないからな。

　俺は少女としばらく見つめ合った。
　懐かしい目だ。
　生前、俺もこういう目をしていた頃がある。
　そうだな、確か二十歳を超えたぐらいだったろうか。
　学はなく、将来性もなく、バイトの経験もなく、
　自分はこれから、ただ飯を食い、クソを垂れて生きていくんだろうと、
　そう思っていた頃の目だ。
　今考えれば、あの頃の俺なら、まだ何かできた。
　しかし、現状を絶望し、何もかもを投げ出していた。
　数年後には、ニートである事に開き直り、もっと酷い顔をするようになったのだが。
　あの頃は、そうだな、何の希望も持ってなかった。
　死にたいと思っていた。

"Master, what was wrong?"

"She's in quite a bit of despair. She's got the face of someone who hasn't any hopes at all and just wants to die."

"...Have you seen that kind of face before, Master?"

"In the past, many times you see."

Zanoba and Fitts-senpai look like they're brooding over something. Well, it'd be best not to talk about things from my past life too much. It's just a lot of negative things after all.

I looked at the girl for a little while. They're nostalgic eyes. In the past I had a period when I made eyes like this too. Let's see, it was when I had just passed 20 I think. I hadn't finished my education, I had no prospects, I had no job experience, and I was thinking that my life from now on would just be nothing but eating and shitting. They were the same eyes as that time. Thinking about it, at that time there were still things I could do. However, because I was despairing over my situation, I gave up on everything. After a few years, I became defiant about being a NEET and got even worse, however. During that period of my life, I really hadn't a single hope. I just thought that I wanted to die.

『お前、もう死にたいか？』
『…………』
『自分ではどうしようもないもんな。気持ちはわかるぜ』
『…………』

　少女の目が、ゆっくりと俺を捉えた。

『Do you want to die?』

『...』

『You can't do anything about this yourself, huh? I can understand your feelings.』

『...』

The girl's eyes slowly noticed me.

『なんだったら、終わらせてやろうか？』

　本気で言った。
　口調は軽かったと思う。

　俺は本気で死にたいと思ったことがある。
　ただ、俺はそこでは死なず、その後の人生をなぁなぁで生き続けた。
　長い長い後悔の時間だ。

　俺は彼女の人生を救ってやることは出来ない。
　無論、ここで彼女を購入し、仕事を与えてやることはできる。
　服を買ってやり、飯を食わせてやり、優しい言葉を掛けてやる事はできる。
　だが、それが救いではない事を、俺はよく知っているつもりだ。
　やりたくないものを無理矢理やらされても、決して救いではない。

　むしろそれなら、終わらせてやった方がいい。

　もし俺みたいに。
　死んだら別の人生を歩めるのであれば。
　今の人生は捨て去って、新しい人生で頑張ったほうがいい。
　そういう奴は間違いなくいる。
　頑張れば頑張れるなんてのはおためごかしだ。

　この少女がそういう奴かどうかはわからない。
　俺の目から見て、彼女はまだまだ頑張れる。
　まだ若いというか幼いし、これからのがんばり次第でどうにでもなる。

　けど、そう言われ続けた俺はダメだった。
　死ぬまで馬鹿が直らなかった。

　当人のやる気次第だ。
　決めるのも俺じゃない。

『In that case, shall I end things for you?』

I said this seriously. I think my tone was light.

I had truly thought that I wanted to die. However, without dying, I continued to live on, and on. It was a long time, filled with regrets.

I can't save her from this kind of life. Of course I can buy her and give her work to do. I can buy her clothing, I can feed her food, and I can speak kind words to her. However, that doing those kinds of things aren't saving her is something I should already understand very well. Forcing her to do things that she doesn't want to do is by no means saving her.

In that case, it would be better to end things for her.

If she became like me. If she were able to live another life after dying. It would be good if she could abandon her current life, and try her best in a new one. There's someone like that out there, without a doubt. Telling someone something like 'your hard work will pay off' is just a pretense to make you feel better about yourself.

I don't know if she's this kind of person. From my perspective, she can still keep at it. She's still young, or rather, very young, and as long as she tries her best from now on, whatever happens things will work out.

However, it's not for me to say. I was someone who was an incurable idiot even up until death.

It's something that depends on how willing she herself is. I'm not the one who gets to decide.

『…………』
『なんか言えよ』

　少女は、微動だにしなかった。
　だが、ゆっくりとひび割れた唇を開いた。

『...』

『Say something.』

The girl didn't tremble. However, she slowly parted her lips.

『――――死にたくない』

　少女はぽつりとつぶやいた。
　か細い声だった。
　消極的な返事だが、いいだろう。そんなもんだ。
　俺だってそうだった。それでいい。
　生きたい、じゃなくていい。
　死にたくないで、とりあえずいい。

『――――I don't want to die.』

She murmured only that. It was a feeble voice. Thought it was a spiritless response, that's fine. It's just how it is. I was like that too. It's fine like that. It's fine even if she doesn't want to live. As long as she doesn't want to die, that's fine.

「買います」

　俺は手に持っていたローブを彼女にズボッとかぶせた。
　魔術で温風を作り、身体を温めてやり、解毒魔術を詠唱する。
　治癒魔術では体力は回復しない、あとで飯を食わせてやろう。

"We'll take her."

I covered the girl with the robe that had been in my hands. I create hot air to warm her body, and chant detoxification magic. Recovery magic won't restore her strength; after this we'll let her eat.

「フェブリートさん、いくらですか？」

　アスラ大銅貨１枚。
　それが彼女の値段だった。

"Febreet-san, how much is she?"

One Large Aslan Copper Coin. That was how much the girl cost.


---


　購入後、俺達は奴隷市場の隅にある洗い場で少女を洗った。
　その後、商業区で少女の服等、必要な物を購入。
　適当な喫茶店に入った。

　飯屋ではない。
　雰囲気のいい喫茶店である。
　俺一人であれば、確実に避けるであろう店だ。
　選んだのはフィッツ先輩だ。
　フィッツ先輩にはこうした喫茶店の方が似合ってるからいいんだが。
　どうにも俺に場違いな感じがしてそわそわする。

　ザノバはさすが王族とでも言うべきか、堂々としている。
　購入したばかりの少女は、一心不乱に料理を口の中にかっこんでいる。
　居心地悪そうにしているのは俺だけだ。

　フィッツ先輩は機嫌がよさそうだった。
　よかったね、なんて言いながら少女の頭を撫でている。

After buying her, we cleaned the girl in the washing area that was in the corner of the marketplace. After that, we bought clothes and the like for her in the commercial districts, as well as other necessary items. We then entered a suitable cafe.

It wasn't a simple eatery. It was a cafe with a good atmosphere. It's a shop that I'd definitely avoid were I by myself. The one who picked it was Fitts-senpai. Unlike me though, this kind of cafe suits Fitts-senpai quite well. It can't be helped, but I feel out of place here and can't stop fidgeting.

As expected of a royalty I might say, Zanoba is quite dignified. The girl we've just bought is single-mindedly shovelling food into her mouth. The only one who's uncomfortable is me.

Fitts-senpai seemed to be in a good mood. While saying something like 'I'm glad', he's patting the girl on the head.

「ところでルーデウス君、この子の名前はなんていうの？」

　聞かれ、俺はまだ名前を聞いていない事に気づいた。
　あのフェブリートも名前は教えてくれなかった。

"By the way, Rudeus-kun, what's this girl's name?"

Being asked that, I noticed that I haven't yet asked for her name. That Febreet didn't tell me her name.

『お前、名前はなんて言うんだ？』

　少女は不思議そうな顔で俺の顔を見ている。

『What's your name?』

The girl looks at my face as if she's heard something strange.

『……名前？』

　あれ？
　俺の獣神語、もしかしてあんまり通じてないのか？
　確かに３年ぐらい使ってなかったけど、大森林では結構通じてたんだが。
　もしかして、ドルディア族の里では東京に来たばかりのマイケル（アメリカ人、自称日本語ペラペーラ）を見るような目で見られていたのだろうか。
　いや、そんな馬鹿な……。
　ルイジェルドとそんなに変わらなかったはずなのに。

『...Name?』

Huh?※

Could it be that my Beast God Language isn't getting through to her? It's certainly been about three years since I've used it, but it seemed to work fine in the Great Forest... Could it be that in the Doldia village I was looked at like Michael (an American, self-proclaimed fluent Japanese speaker) who had just come to Tokyo? No, there's no way... The way I spoke shouldn't have been very different to Ruijeld.


[※Note: "are?" Someone tell me if you prefer the little Japanese noises, or if you prefer just proper translations.]

『えっと、なんて呼ばれてたんだ？』
『……聖鉄のバザルと美しき雪稜のリリテッラの子』

　要領を得ないので、そのままをフィッツ先輩に伝えた。
　すると、彼は「あ、そうか」と物知り顔で頷いた。

『Umm, what do people call you?』

『...Bazelle of the Sacred Iron and Lilitella of the Beautiful Snowy Ridge's child.』

Because that didn't quite seem to be what I was looking for, I conveyed what she said to Fitts-senpai. When I did, he went "ah, I see" and nodded with a knowing look.

「炭鉱族は７歳になるまで正式な名前を付けてもらえないんだ」
「正式な名前？」
「うん、炭鉱族は七歳になるまでは名前をもらえなくて、七歳になった時に、好きな物とか憧れてる物、得意な物から名前をもらうんだ」

　という事らしい。
　さすがフィッツ先輩は物知りだな。

"The dwarves don't get a proper name until they reach 7 years of age."

"Proper name?"

"Mn, until age 7 dwarves aren't given a name, and when they turn 7, they're given a name based on things they like, or things they admire, or things that they're good at for example."

So he said. As expected of Fitts-senpai, he really is knowledgeable, huh?

「なるほど、名前が無いと不便ですね」
「親はもういないんだし、ボクらで付けてあげるしかないよ」

　なるほど。

"I see. It's quite inconvenient if she doesn't have a name."

"Her parents aren't here anymore, so there's no choice except for us to give her one."

I see.

『これからお前の名前決めるけど、何か希望はあるか？』

　と、一応本人にも聞いてみるが、首をかしげられた。
　こんなんで本当にフィギュアを作れるようになるんだろうか。
　ちょっと不安になってきた。

『We're going to give you a name now, but do you have any kinds of hopes?』

When I had asked this just in case, she tilted her head in puzzlement. I wonder if someone like this really be able to create figurines. I've become a little uneasy.

「女の子だし、可愛い名前にしてあげよう」

　フィッツ先輩はそんな乙女チックな事を言う。
　そう言われると、逆に勇ましい名前を付けてしまいたくなる。
　いかんいかん。

"Since she's a girl, let's give her a lovely name."

Fitts-senpai said that kind of girly line. Hearing this, on the contrary I start to want to give her a gallant and manly name.

Ah, no good, no good.

「ザノバ、君の意見を聞こう！」

　そう言うと、ザノバが顔をこちらに向けた。

"Zanoba. Let's hear your thoughts!"

When I said this, Zanoba turned towards us.

「うん？　余が決めてもよろしいのですか？」
「金を出したのは僕じゃありませんしね」
「では、ジュリアスと」

　ザノバは静かにそう言った。
　考える素振りはなかった。

"Mn? Will it be fine if I decide?"

"I'm not the one who paid after all."

"In that case, 'Julius'."

There's no mistake that he said that. He didn't look like he had thought about it.

「それ、男の名前ですよね？」
「はい、かつて余が力加減を誤って殺してしまった、可哀想な弟の名前です」

　俺は変な顔をしていただろう。
　フィッツ先輩は何のことかわからない顔をしている。

"That's, a man's right, right?"

"Yes, it's the name of the pitiful younger brother that I accidentally killed."

I'm probably making a strange face. Fitts-senpai looks like he doesn't know what's going on.

「その子は余の部屋に置くのでしょう？
　ならば、余の親近感の沸く名前がいいでしょう」

　確かに、この少女はザノバと共に暮らす事になっている。
　王族用の部屋に住んでいるザノバの部屋は広いからだ。
　俺も許可を貰えば部屋に住まわせる事もできるが、王族の方が許可は通りやすい。
　だから俺の部屋でもいいが、当初の予定では、金のあるザノバの部屋においておくのが自然、という流れだったはずだ。
　もっとも、言葉がわからないなら、俺の部屋においてもいいだろうが。
　あるいは、俺がザノバの部屋に泊まりこむか。

"This child will be staying in my room, right? In that case, it'd be better for her to have a name that I'm comfortable with."

Certainly, this child will end up living with Zanoba. As a room for royalty, Zanoba's room is large after all. I could also get permission and have her live in my room, but it'd be much easier for royalty to get permission. That's why although my room would be fine as well, we've naturally planned for her to stay with the rich Zanoba. That's how our conversation had gone. However, since she can't understand his words, it might be good for her to stay in my room instead. Another option might be for me to stay in Zanoba's room as well.

「まぁ、こだわりがあるなら僕はそれでいいと思いますけど、
　せめて女の子だし、ジュリエットぐらいにしときましょう」
「余はそれで構いません。ジュリエットにしましょう」
「ジュリ……エット、ふふっ、いい名前だね」

　フィッツ先輩は何がおかしいのか、嬉しそうに笑っていた。
　この年頃は何もなくても笑うからなぁ……。

　意見がまとまった所で、その旨を少女に伝える。

"Well, since it's a name that you've determined, I think that it's fine too, but let's at least give her a girl's name like Juliette."

"That's fine with me. Let's make it Juliette then."

"Juli...ette, huhuh, it's a good name, isn't it?"

Fitts-senpai had found something funny, and was laughing delightedly. At this age, people will laugh about anything after all, huh...

Having settled our views, I tell the girl just that.

『お前の名前は、今日からジュリエットだ』
『ジュリ……？』
『ジュリエットだ』
『ジュリ』

　少女はそう言って、ぎこちなく笑った。
　ジュリとしか覚えてもらえなかったが、問題ないだろう。

『From today onwards, your name is Juliette.』

『Julie...?』

『Juliette.』

『Julie.』

The girl said that and smiled clumsily. Though she couldn't remember anything past 'Julie', that's not a problem.


---


　こうして、ザノバの元にジュリエット（通称ジュリ）がやってきた。
　彼女は周囲からあれこれと教えこまれつつ、
　いろいろとだらしのないザノバの後をちょこちょこと付いて回りサポート。
　夜になると俺について人間語や無詠唱魔術についてのお勉強。
　寝る前に、ザノバによる人形に関する講義をひたすら聴き続ける事で、ブレインウォッ……教育を施す。
　そうした労働に従事する。

　ちなみに、ザノバには引き続き、指先を慎重に動かす訓練を続けさせる事にした。
　いつか、自分でも作りたいだろうしな。

And so we bring Juliette (nickname: Julie) to Zanoba's place. While learning this and that from the surroundings, she would toddle behind the messy Zanoba and support him. When night fell, she'd learn Human Language and chantless magic from me. Before going to bed, she'd continue to earnestly listen about dolls according to Zanoba, and was educated like that. That kind of training and effort continues on.

Incidentally, Zanoba continued to practice moving his fingers carefully. He probably wants to be able to create things himself one day.


[※Note: The original trails off into a mention of Brain Wars (a kind of learning game/app), but it was too annoying to fit in due to the incomplete sentence so I'm leaving it as a note here.]


---


　俺とザノバの人形計画は、ここから少しずつ前進していくこととなる。

　そして、俺の真の目的が達成する兆しは、まだ見えない。

Our doll creation plan continues to advance little by little.

Additionally, my true objective shows no signs of progress.