Din no Monshou

- Time, just a little back.

The night Regis left for the border.

A man was arriving in the capital.

"... Ha, now we're finally halfway there"

The man's name is Bud Lantis.

He is a warrior belonging to The Dawn and Darkness Sword, which buries the assassin.

He was sipping gubbily of nostalgic water, exhaling his tiredness.

"I've already had the knight give me a break, cousin..."

I remember right after I started acting alone.

He was attacked by a cavalry detached from his troops and blackmailed by planting blood in his body.

If you don't want to die, carry it to the Imperial City.

A giant horse I've never seen.

And the man who rides it loosely.

Thanks to them, I was able to come as close as the Empire.

But it was the knight's last set of traps.

"... chip, it still hurts"

What a knight, in the presence of his fellow garrisoners, walked in ready to take the road.

Even if I died, I guess I wasn't going to let Bud through.

From there began an onslaught by three formidable knights, who fled this far after a death fight.

It struck hard on retreat, but not to the point of despair.

There will be a chase soon.

I can't stay in this imperial capital for long either.

"Well, it's good news that the horse keeper's head is dead,"

Earlier, something interesting was written on the extra billa.

The head of the cavalry who tormented himself was found dead in the early morning.

Thanks to this, the Empire was in a hurry and his security was loose.

It was also because of that incident that Bud entered the Imperial Capital without being suspected.

You can't miss this opportunity.

"... hydration. And dried meat."

It has never been a huge city, so I got lost many times.

But I know where the store stands.

Once there, I literally got everything.

Get everything you need for your trip with the money you took from the knight.

Just bought supplies for preservation, Bud decided to quench his current thirst.

Walking downtown, you discover a very busy liquor store.

”Stopped Tree of Loaded Birds".

Seems a lot busier, so you'll be able to get lost in the crowd.

"Can I stay here?"

Bud sat at the end of the counter as he entered the tavern.

The shelves are lined with East and West namesakes.

There were also northern local liquors that were unknown in the kingdom.

When you're being blinded, the master calls out to you.

"Welcome. Customer, what do you want?

…………

Bud doesn't drink aggressively.

On top of not the familiar tongue of alcohol, my thoughts become dull.

But only when there was something unpleasant, I decided to just be a little addicted.

Relieve your depressed mood with drunkenness.

"From the top row there, give me one that's appropriate."

"Aye."

As soon as I finished ordering, the liquor bottle was placed in front of me.

Apparently the ordering system is not the same as the tavern in Wangdu.

I was only going to have one drink, but this is just a waste.

"Ha... I can't do it"

Pour the liquor into the glass and drink with the little one.

It seems to be a lot of strong liquor, and I felt the heat tangled up in my throat.

Plus, it's terribly hard.

My tongue was tingly paralyzed and I coughed up unexpectedly.

"What's wrong, customer?"

"Is there something weird about this booze in there? You're too spicy."

"It... it's a lot of sweet liquor.

Oh, maybe this is the first time you've been drinking?

"No way."

Depressed, Bud broke off the conversation.

And mouth the booze again.

Again, it's terribly hard.

I even feel burning pain.

"... what the hell"

Bud sighed deeply.

Then blurry and one of the other things comes to mind.

A boy with an eye to blame.

And the woman who threatens to escape pursuit.

On that occasion, I was treated as heterogeneous.

You're the one who's unusual - just saying.

"I don't know if she's a jerk."

Really, dull.

Blunt to the point of my mind.

If you're human, you should know it intuitively.

To the danger of that woman named Walkins.

No, you're keeping it by your side after you find out about it.

Even more so...

"... I can't save you"

Bud put the glass down.

It's not just hard, it's very strong degrees.

I just swallowed a little, and my head gets blurred.

Is it because of discouragement, or because of remorse?

You seem to be losing your resistance to alcohol.

Because of that, maybe I didn't notice.

Right next to the right, to the fact that at some point a strange woman sat down.

"- Huh!?"

Bud flew out of the chair reflexively.

Though I'm about to fall in steps, my gaze doesn't slip away.

Suddenly I see a moving bado with strange eyes around me,

I don't have time to worry about that.

While I was in this city, I was supposed to be on maximum alert.

Even if you were soaked in alcohol, you wouldn't be surprised.

As something to bury the assassin, he had a sure confidence there alone.

But...

"What's wrong?

The woman in front of him was sitting next to him, unaware.

Green and purple still mixed with the rags, hair stretched out to around the waist.

Is it something like the mid-20s the older?

He was wearing armor that he had never seen, with an overlooking decoration.

Too overwhelming a presence.

But a lot of people around don't make a scene.

It doesn't give me a glimpse of her.

"Dull. In a tavern like this, is it a leap workout?

A deliberate way to laugh and speak to Bud.

It was a mockery like I made a heartfelt fool of myself.

Bud lays down his weapon, but looks around and says no.

This is a crucible for drinkers.

I don't want to get rampaged, and even if this woman were my enemy, she wouldn't be impotent in this place.

"Nothing. Don't you dare speak up."

He spit the poison and Bud returned to his seat again.

Mostly wily.

As soon as I sat in the chair, my elbow hit the woman's hand.

Instead, she also seemed to have guessed it from the woman.

At that moment, sharp magic poured in.

――――

For a moment, the thought stops.

The strange drunkenness I was feeling from earlier spreading through my head again.

Blur and distortion of vision make me unable to ponder.

But he wasn't attacked.

That's all you figured out.

By physical contact, it's just magic sensing.

When she sees Bud shaking her head with a flirtatious look, the woman makes a fragrant voice.

"You don't seem to drink, so I'll take this, right?

That said, the woman blushed Bud's glass.

Drink the candy liquor with the little one without permission.

When I saw it, the light dwelt in Bud's eyes again.

"... Temeye! What are you doing?"

"Why, are you angry?

A woman's index finger gently clings Bud's forehead.

That alone stopped Bud's rebellion.

The sense of equilibrium is twitchy and becomes like when intoxicated.

"Even though things in this world exist to be stolen by me. You don't know what that means, do you?

"... what did you say"

"The black clothes, the demonic masks, the daggers I planted in my nostalgia...

Guys, everyone else just keeps them until I steal them.

No way, don't you even know that?

Bud's words were sealed off, and the woman spoke unilaterally.

And where I'm thirsty, I drink down the liquor I took.

Then the woman narrowed her eyes as if they were gleeful.

"I just prefer this sweet drink.

Have you stopped stealing today?

"... stop asking me anyway. Obstruction."

Bud is irritated by the woman's questionable tone.

But women don't move as if.

"- You seem lost. Can I ask you something?

"I don't need it, go home"

Bud tried to make it a front door payment.

Then the woman puts her face closer to Bud.

At that moment, Bud's head was once again dazzled.

Consciousness strikes at the feeling that floats in the universe.

"Talk to me, will you?

…………

Dominated by a strange exaltation, Bud couldn't shake his neck sideways.

Crisis instincts don't work.

It is boneless.

But despite acknowledging it,

There was no 'no' option floating behind Bud's brain.

"... if you smile, you don't understand."

"Yeah, it's serious when you ask, me"

Bud decided to talk reluctantly.

No, I was induced to talk.

Bud starts talking pompous to a woman who drinks.

"... I was born with a good nose"

"Sure, you look like that"

Bud who should be wearing a mask.

In contrast to him, the woman gives back the nod of consent.

But you won't be seeing the inside of the mask.

As soon as he spoke, Bud felt his tongue spin out naturally.

"I could tell by the smell that he was frigid and likely to betray me no matter what I thought.

Hella, I'm laughing and talking about nothing.

I don't know what a woman like that looks like... I can tell by one shot "

Bud felt blurred.

I guess the mouth turns is athed by the atmosphere of the woman in front of you.

But more than that, a place to spit out the grievances that were accumulating,

Maybe it's because he was unconsciously looking for it, he said.

He said he had to bury the assassin in cold blood.

I even learn to be pissed off at myself for spitting words of remorse against women.

In the wake of such Bud's words, the woman embarks on herself with interest.

"Well, is he going to betray me? How about me?

"If you want to hear, just shut up and listen."

"Yes."

A woman who takes her seat without giving in.

Seeing that, Bud realized that this woman looked like someone else.

You can't be confused, it's just Walkins on the agenda right now.

The appearance and back length were different, and I felt a similar atmosphere somewhere.

She swallows Bud's ordered booze with momentum.

Bud looked up at the ceiling, condemning such behavior horizontally.

"So... there was this guy who gave me a little forgiveness.

Well, just a little bit like a dead friend of mine. "

Strange brunette boy.

It had an atmosphere where nobility was not as if it were common and seemed to be beaten weak.

But when I was talking to him, I didn't feel like I was dealing with a child.

"If it's true, all you want to do is kick the kid in the ass.

But it came into my mind with wonder. "

"Man friendship......? Nice."

Friendship.

I don't want you to come with such cheap words.

I don't want you to clean it up.

Though I thought so, Bud couldn't deny it.

In spite of the fact that I'm on duty...

When I was talking to that boy, it wasn't bad.

I even learned to be familiar, and even thought for the first time an angry child showed up.

But...

"That's it. The kid put it on his side. He took refuge in a frigid woman."

"Oops, you've been drooling"

"Don't tear it up. It's definitive that she's suspicious, isn't it?

Why should I be seen with unusual eyes? "

I still remember that gaze.

Dark-haired boy pointed me in the eye of reproach.

- What are you doing?

- I don't understand why you're angry.

His expression seemed to say so.

I'm sure this one's more than looking into disappointment.

I guess the boy had a disillusioned eye on this one.

Turns out, it was also because he showed himself to the boy.

Really, he's a fool.

"I see. So you're saying you were angry?

"That's not all."

Bud remembers the woman in service.

Did you say Walkins?

You always have a soft look and an attitude that tries to get you off guard.

It was the typical trick of the man behind it.

I'd rather not doubt that.

Bud rides the accumulated frustration and disputes the servants of the Din family.

"I don't like talking about you. Not even me... I told you the least.

It's more than just turning your backs and moving. It's a duty. "

"Well, you don't want to keep your life in something you might not be good at, do you?

Bud snorts.

For the first time, the woman in front of me felt like she had been hitting a decent match.

Where I want this one, the gavel is hit at the best time.

I guess that's why you're talking to a worn out, disfigured woman.

"But the woman... she's not good at asking or doing anything.

I wish the kid could yell at me and throw up, but he spoils me.

It's just a disgusting relationship. "

In Bud's eyes, a woman named Walkins guided the boy,

It just seemed like he was letting me protect him from Bud's threats.

But the boy doesn't try to notice as if.

No, I get it. Was it covered?

Then it will not be saved any more.

"It's not trust that's between them, is it?

"The woman who tries to take advantage of it and the kid who is unquestionably intoxicated.

Well, then we'll be ridiculous. "

It's a great relationship, complete between the two of us.

But there's no way we're going to hear what the masked man has to say about his long journey together.

The moment I found out about it, Bud remembers the fever rapidly pulled off.

"There's no way I can get involved in such a rotten relationship.

Besides... I used to follow you and see you in pain. "

You can't follow those two.

Before reason or safety, threaten the way you are as Bud Lantis.

The only thing that breaks and accompanies you there is an insult to your dead best friend.

So I chose.

On my way home alone.

He left the uncomfortable boy and went down a path without a way.

You remembered the past, Bud was unconsciously holding his hand tight.

Seeing that, the woman has been whispering to the boss.

"I see, because of that,” Mr. Kirk "died,

Mr. Limlis is sad, and Mr. Bud hates kids, doesn't he?

"- Huh!?"

Bud's pupil is opened.

Because this woman spoke the name of her dead best friend.

Why, have you become willing to kill your child?

Why, you started wearing a mask.

Why, you were determined to burn the care of Rimris.

This woman has told me the name of the friend who started it all.

"... why the name?"

"What, Mr. Bud was just saying from himself, wasn't he?

Along with the name of Bud Lantis, the name of his dear best friend.

Why don't you remember?

"... yes, was it?

Bud tries desperately to remember.

There's no way I'm going to say my best friend's name lightly.

Because even that boy hasn't told me about this.

But I can't remember.

Even the content of the last minute conversation becomes obscure, as if it took Kasumi.

Seeing such a bud, the woman developed a tightening argument.

"I see?

I mean, Mr. Bud is not a lot to get along with a boy.

But a squire woman is too suspicious to accompany her.

Because past experiences are alarming. - Is that what you're saying?

A rambling way to sum it up, Bud thought.

It's like you let me through without reason.

But maybe that's the truth.

If you look around, maybe that's what you think.

Bud vomited poison in his grumpy consciousness.

"... I told you, we're not going down."

"No? It was an interesting story, really.

Bring it to your leisurely seeds.

It's not bad to immerse yourself in the world. "

The woman turns her shoulders deliberately.

Bud's requested bottle was completely empty.

Ordering the tightening water, the woman turned to Bud.

"Well, what can I say thank you for?

As a long-living senior, I'll give you one piece of advice. "

"Senior...?

I don't care what you think. I'm older.

Bud stares back at the woman with his nosy eyes.

Then the woman peered into her face.

"A trustworthy fellow trusts someone who

You'd better show him more respect, wouldn't you?

Words likely to be spoken by Shiatsu Enlightened.

That kind of bullshit was the least favorite thing Bud liked.

But I don't get the temper to rebel with wonder.

"It's hard to be trusted.

That's all the reason to accomplish that difficult thing.

Mr. Bud said it was brainwashing, do you really think so?

…………

Inside Bud, I've stepped in thoughtfully.

Weren't you lying to yourself?

From the tone of voice, such a thought was conveyed.

On the verge of Bud trying to argue, the woman has told him to cover it.

"We just looked for a convenient escape route, didn't we? No, then."

Convenient - escape route.

At normal times, I could truncate you not to say anything stupid.

But Bud felt the words echo Zun in the back of his belly.

"Everything you don't like about yourself is bad.

Whoever affirms it is stupid, garbage, sweeping away.

It's the narrow minds of the world that get you into that kind of thinking, isn't it?

"... don't talk like you found out"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am aware."

A word that hasn't been answered.

But its weight is undeniable.

I felt something from this woman that I couldn't deny.

"You should be honest with your feelings.

Not until I steal it, at least?

That said, the woman puts her mouth on the water she's been transported to.

If you're going to argue, this is the only place.

Bud shoved a sense of intoxication spreading through his brain, staring at the woman.

"... stop preaching. After all, what are you gonna do to me?

"Come on, Mr. Bud, you know that."

A burning attitude.

Naturally, irritability begins to swirl in Bud's chest.

This frustration, however, was not directed against the woman.

The spearhead is aimed at Bud himself like no other.

The truth is, I knew it from the beginning.

He said it was this one, not Regis, who would fold.

I just didn't try to admit it until I was pointed out frontally by a woman with no bare qualities.

Bud felt terribly sorry for himself.

"You know, unreliable, suspicious, dangerous by the rules of thumb, rude to the deceased.

If you remove those prejudices, Mr. Bud's root thoughts should be one, right?

A talkative woman.

I could discern even in the present state that I was trying to let you direct me to a certain conclusion.

But that's why I don't want to rebel.

Because the conclusion this woman wants me to make is the answer Bud wants.

"Rather than keep away from people you don't like.

Let's go under someone who can get you through your mind, shall we?

The days I spent with my people are:

Whatever its length, it's incredible. "

Mouthfeel like a religious person.

For a woman like that, Bud...

"... you keep your mouth shut like you found out"

I answered in a grumpy manner.

But what this woman said was a complete hit.

"The thought of a man's child is terribly simple. It's easy to foresee, isn't it?

Rather than leaving and risking for those who don't like it.

Patience with eyes on those who are still acceptable.

That was the best solution for Bud, both realistically and ideologically.

But it was the woman who took it for granted.

To Bud shrugging his shoulders, the woman presses for the last answer.

"So, what's Mr. Bud's conclusion?

I don't know, I can't tell you.

Bud answered instantly.

You don't have to bother telling me, because this woman should know.

Following Bud's reply, the woman nodded contentedly.

"Nice face. Yume, let's not forget that thought, shall we?

"So... what happened to Temehe after all?

A woman who may not be good at it.

If you were a regular Bud, you would have chased him back at the time he was called.

But I talked to him.

I talked to him, and he swayed my sleep.

To Bud's question, the woman doesn't answer.

When I took my seat slowly, I bowed my respects.

"Then it was this thief General Lilfa who made me hear of stupidity"

"... shall we? Lilfa?"

It was still an unfamiliar name.

Bud rebels in his head, which was boiled.

"Yeah, it's definitely a more ambitious name than Tarim, right?

"... maybe"

"Eh heh. When you beat your partner with cool, it's worth the name"

Apparently, you're acting with someone.

Is the partner not in this tavern?

To Bud, who thinks blurry, a woman named Lilfa smiles.

"Well, then I'll go. I've finished stealing everything I need to steal here."

"... what to steal?

"Um, haven't you read the extra?

Lilfa asks as she nibbles.

Perhaps you're talking about an extra article.

Speaking of which, when I came to Empire City, it was strangely noisy all over the city.

And the reason for that is, for sure...

"... what?

I can't remember.

I should have read the extra thoroughly and put it in my head.

Trying to remember why the city was so noisy, gravel-like noise runs.

"... I remember the noise outside."

"Heh heh, you can't remember what's at the heart"

Lilfa whines mean and drinks all the water left at once.

And when I put the glass on my desk, I spoke gently to Bud.

"I'll remind you later.

My memories will be gone. "

"... what"

A woman trying to get straight to the exit.

Bud rushes to pull it off.

But there was no strength in the body.

The paralysis that I had felt earlier spread all over my body.

Wrapped in a demonic sense of intoxication, he becomes less conscious.

"Goodbye, Mr. Bud.

Enjoy the rest of your life until everything becomes the value of dust?

That was - Bud's last heard word.

◆ ◆ ◆

In the evening tavern, Bud wakes up slowly.

Apparently, he's completely asleep.

Is it because of the fatigue of the long journey?

Bud tries to remember just before he goes to bed.

But...

"... eh"

I had a severe headache.

I can't even remember what happened.

I did go into a liquor store to moisten my throat.

So I ordered a drink, someone sat next to me, and then...

"Thoughts... I can't get it out"

My memory is soaking out.

He didn't even get drunk, but he lost consciousness.

Bud, who leaves the tavern, notices Billa falling at his feet.

When I picked it up, I remembered something.

"... yes, the commander of the Horseshoe of the guerrilla is dead"

It should have been the first thing I knew when I came to this imperial capital.

I wonder why I've ever forgotten.

More importantly, I wonder why I haven't had any memories since I entered the tavern.

While on patrol, Bud headed to a place where he was in a great hurry.

"I don't know if I can make it yet..."

Near the Imperial Palace, there must have been an imperially controlled stables.

Naturally, there must be horses there.

The knight who takes care of it is also likely to be accompanied.

"... let me take advantage of this opportunity."

Bud threw Billa away.

The death of the captain Robesperri also means that he cannot normally do business, etc.

At least, it's hard to believe that the functionality is recovering yesterday today.

Now, you might be able to threaten a knight in a stables to run a horse.

Before my hand turns, I cling to it.

I thought so. I was waiting for Bud, who arrived at the stables.

"Stop, masked man there"

It was the welcome of the Imperial Knight, who looked like he understood everything.

An outing with a liver, even though you are still young.

Bud pounds his tongue inside, wondering if he was exposed.

He grabbed the knife in his nose and tried to shove it against his bare skin.

But the knight opened the carriage door to see what he thought.

"Ride fast. When other knights see you, you take refuge."

That's what I said, he got into your seat.

And I'm looking around with Kyoro Kyoro.

Seeing that, Bud turned out to be a surprise.

"... what do you mean?

"I'm not supposed to escort enemy soldiers, either, am I?

But the orders are more than just working in the office. "

Oh, boy, the knight shrugs his shoulders like he mocks himself.

I have been making every effort to appeal to you that there is no hostility.

Bud flies restraint, even as he approaches the carriage.

"Temehe, you know who I am. Why are you imitating this?"

"I'm just following my beloved boss's instructions.

When the masked man gets here, he can take him to the western border. "

"... whose money is it?

At least, I don't know anyone in the empire.

I know some agents are lurking from the kingdom.

Excluded because I haven't been able to reach you for several years.

When in doubt, the knight reads out the transmission.

"Uh, it sounds like Johndo did it for him. I keep messages, too."

"... johndu?

I don't know more and more.

That's an odd name I've never even heard of.

But Bud isn't stupid either.

I could immediately understand the sincerity.

John Doe is clearly a pseudonym.

Perhaps whoever asked Bud to help...

"So, what's he saying?

"-" Just like the beginning, let's end together, "he said.

"... Ha, sweetheart"

Convinced by the word, Bud emitted a dry laugh.

At the same time, bite your teeth and suppress what you creep up.

No way, that's all there is to it, how, well...

"Oh, my God, that bump. It's disgusting to be a nigga."

"Leave me alone when I'm immersed in emotion."

Yes, even from the top of the mask, so much so that they read the expression...

Now Bud was filled with a certain emotion.

"Damn... I used to say that to a guy who broke up with me in a bad way"

The figure of the separated boy blurs the back of his brain.

And Bud thought sincerely.

Perhaps he is a man who cannot be abandoned.

It was both ironic and an unveiling of joy that sprang from the bottom of my heart.

"Really, you're a savior."

Bud jumped in the carriage seat.

I don't like a woman named Walkins.

It is impossible to trust it as it stands.

But if there's a boy...

Long time no see, honest thoughts.

Has it been ten years since I've had my own emotions so far?

But I have no regrets.

Whatever happens ahead of us, we'll be able to accept it.

As my chosen path, I'm sure...

"Well, let me out."

"Hold on tight.

Shake it off and get pissed off. "

With a light slap, the knight whipped the horse.

With the roar of Liothorse, carriages leaving the Empire run off.

The masked man stares far away.

To the boy who would be at the end of the road, Bud said sincerely.

"You can rush to the point where they call you, right? - Hey, Regis."