Meeting You (Krish-san’s Point of View)

The first time I met Shinobu was at the end of a two-year long journey. My first impression was that of an eccentric child. It may be rude to say this, but I got the impression that he was a little loose-minded.

I did not achieve much on this trip either. This is my second time participating, and it coincides with the replacement of the knights, so before I knew it, I was in the position of coordinating the younger knights.

 During the harsh journey, senior knights drop out one after another. Some people retire mid-way through their aspirations due to injuries sustained during the trip, while others leave on their own because they feel their physical strength has reached its limit. The reasons vary, but each time someone with the same goal leaves, the responsibility that falls on their shoulders becomes heavier.

 It is a knight’s dream to be able to work close to Filex-sama, and it is also a great honor. However, it is not the glamorous workplace that knight apprentices imagine.  Covered in mud, they push their way through the vegetation, protecting the carriage along the trackless road.

 What I’m looking for is a plant that can replace the tree of life, which I don’t know if it exists or not. Searching for something that actually exists is different than searching for something whose existence is unknown. As they are repeatedly disappointed that something is not there, they become discouraged and end up giving up, thinking, “I can’t find it no matter how much I look.” My prediction is that several people will probably request to transfer this time as well.

 “Krish-san, even though you say you made a triumphant return, there aren’t many people around here. Shouldn’t you take off your helmet?”

 “It’s bound to be no good.”

 I’m sure it won’t work, but I understand how you feel. During the journey, I was allowed some freedom while navigating the safe public roads. Unlike in the forest, the temperature is different in the open plains where the sunlight is harsh.  If we don’t take measures against the heat, such as taking off our armor, some people will collapse from the heat.

 But not now. In order to make a triumphant return, they purposely transferred from a neighboring town to a luxurious horse-drawn carriage and marched. Filex-sama’s dignity must not be compromised by showing off his sloppy appearance.

 Well, even if it’s not because of that, I have to be a good example of a knight, so I’m not allowed to take off the helmet.

 Staying hydrated is important when marching in armor as we sweat profusely. We continued onward, taking several breaks to replenish our supplies, and when we finally reached the point where we could take a breather into the town, a private house with a red roof came into view.

 This area has changed a lot compared to two years ago. Before, there was a field all over, but now there are only weeds. If I remember correctly, an old couple was farming here, but I wonder if they retired because they heard that their son and his wife were working in town and had no heirs.

 It’s been 10 years since a child was born. The population is only decreasing.

 I’ve seen scenes like this many times during my travels due to lack of manpower everywhere, but it’s a sad sight.

 “Krish-san, we found a child up ahead.”

 He was around 10 years old. A child with bright eyes was leaning over and looking at me. The child was probably born just before the tree of life stopped bearing fruit.

 The elderly couple’s grandchildren should have been much bigger, so I guess they retired and handed over the land to someone else.

 “He doesn’t show any signs of prostrating himself. What should we do?”

 Filex-sama is a person with precious power even among the special family. It’s common sense for citizens to prostrate themselves in front of Filex-sama, but maybe he doesn’t understand it at such a young age.

 “It can’t be helped. It’s unethical to punish a child so close to the end of the journey. The parents will soon come flying in and admonish the child. Until then, let’s stop marching for a little while and wait.”

 Children have been the treasure of the world since the time when new life can no longer be born without relying on the fruit of the tree of life. They are a treasure that should be carefully protected and nurtured by all the adults around them. No one would complain if we stopped marching for a little while. However, contrary to my expectations, the child’s parents did not show up.

 “……”

 “……”

Time passes by in the scorching sun. Meanwhile, the kid and I stood there in silence. The child’s skin was a strange color, unlike our dark skin. The skin is lighter in color than baked bread. Maybe he’s physically weak and doesn’t leave the house much? If so, it must be painful to stand in this sun. What on earth are his parents doing?

 “…….”

 “…….”

 The sparkle in the child’s eyes gradually faded, and he tilted his head with a troubled expression on his face. I could answer if you said something to me, but it doesn’t seem like he’ll talk to me.

 I can call out to him from here, but he might be frightened if he is approached by a stern knight dressed in full body armor. It’s not that I want to scare you.

 “……….”

 “……….”

 Still, it’s hot. There is no wind today, and even a knight has a hard time standing in a place without shade. As proof of this, the subordinate next to me began to shake his body in irritation. It can’t be helped. Shall I give him a call from here? If he gets surprised and runs away, that’s fine too. All I have to do is walk past as if no one was there in the first place.

 “Why don’t you prostrate?”

 “Isn’t it hot inside?”

 What bad timing. Speaking at the same time?

 “I’m sure it’s hot.”

 “What is prostrate?”

 The words overlapped again. Moreover, there was no sign of him leaving in fear.  Although he looks calm, he may be a bit nervous, but why does he look so happy? This child may be a little slow-witted, as he suddenly bursts out into laughter while talking. Even so, he didn’t even know about prostration. How much did your parents spoil you?

 If this continues, the truth will not be revealed. Everyone is tired from the long journey.  In the city, each family will be waiting for their return. I was just about to enter the premises to drop the child off at the house with the red roof while sighing.

 “Grrrrrrrrr, woof, woof!!”

 A guard dog jumped out and started threatening me, baring its teeth. With the child on his back, the hair on his body stood on end. He is well trained and a good guard dog.

 I sent a signal to my subordinates, who had their hands on their swords, alerted the guard dog that had taken an attack stance, and ordered them to stand by. Guard dogs will not attack unless you enter the property. It is just trying to protect its master.

 The child hugged the guard dog’s neck and desperately tried to protect me while the dog returned its legs to its original position to avoid irritating the dog. Even if it were your own guard dog, it would be scary to touch a beast with its teeth bared. Guard dogs try to protect their owners even if it means risking their lives, but on the other hand, how many owners would desperately protect their guard dogs?

 I apologized in my heart for thinking that he was being lazy. This child is courageous and kind-hearted.

 “What happened? Did something happen?”

 When Filex-sama, who was suspicious of the line that didn’t move, discovered the identity of the mysterious child with strange skin color, the knights, who had undergone training and were supposed to be unfazed by little things, and those who were still moving and even the porter, who looked annoyed, said, “Ehh!??” exclaimed in surprise.

You become an adult at 17 years old. When they reach that age, they start working independently. Love is free regardless of age and gender, but marriage is possible from the age of 17. Being 18 years old means that one year has passed since he became an adult. That’s why he proudly claims that he’s a fine adult. This kid, who was shorter than my chest and had soft cheeks. I can’t believe it all of a sudden, but I wonder if there’s such a wonder if he’s from another world. If that’s the case, it would explain why he is ignorant of common sense and why his parents don’t show up after abandoning their supposedly treasured child.

 Filux-sama’s affirmation proved that it was true, but even after hearing this, I still thought “Is it true?”, my suspicions are rising.

 Filex-sama and the otherworlder, who had become strangely friendly, were having a peaceful conversation, but the people watching them were still in disbelief and nervous. Recruiting immigrants from another world is a project to prevent population decline, which is being carried out in parallel with our journey. I was happy when I heard that it was a success, but if an adult male is this small, a female would probably be even smaller.

 Under these circumstances, it may be impossible to have someone from the other world marry someone from this world and give birth to a child. After all, there is a physical difference between children and adults. As I walked at the front of the procession that had finally begun to move, I thought about the child from earlier. No, he wasn’t a child. He said he was 18 years old.

 Even though he has a guard dog, isn’t it dangerous for him to live alone with such a young appearance? Support for migrants is supposed to be left to the management office staff, but it may be necessary to check on the situation later. When I finally saw the entrance to the city, people had gathered to greet us.  The people who were cheering and waving were probably the families of my subordinates. Then, when I saw the girl standing at the front with her hands folded and staring at me, I felt like I wanted to go back the way I came right away.

 “Welcome home, Krish. I missed you!!”

 A woman is a terrifying creature.  I never thought you could control your tears so easily.  I can stay calm because I know there’s no way this person would cry tears of joy waiting for me to come home, but if this was a man I didn’t know anything about, I’m sure he’d be fooled.

 Does this person still want to continue doing this? I can’t be rude to Filex-sama’s sibling, but I frowned at the fact while my face was hidden by the helmet. For those around us, the sight of her running up to me and putting her face into my chest looks like a moving scene of a reunion between lovers.

 Annette-sama has matured quite a bit in the past two years. Her beautiful appearance, which closely resembles Filex-sama, is probably something that young knights aspire to have as their lovers, but for me, who has known her since childhood, it would be impossible for me to see her as a love interest.

 She is a tomboy and has been seen many times running around, falling down with her underwear exposed, and crying a lot with her nose dripping. No matter how much she pretends to be a ladylike lady, that appearance overlaps with hers and makes me laugh.  If I remember correctly, Annette-sama will turn 17 this year. Does that mean that the child from earlier…the immigrant was older than Annette-sama.

 “Ah, I’m so jealous of Annette-sama hugging him!!”

 “It’s good to be Krish-san. A healthy girlfriend came to greet him. My mother is the only one I have.”

 If you feel that way, I would like you to replace me, but I cannot hand over this role to someone who is not in Annette-sama’s favor. This is because he is playing the role of a fake lover only to refuse the marriage proposals that have begun to come to Annette-sama, who is now around this age.

 This role is not suitable for someone who has even the slightest chance of becoming serious. Since she asked me so enthusiastically, the role of her lover, which I agreed to play for a period of time until I returned from my trip, will be canceled as of today.

 …I thought it’s supposed to be that way.

(Hey Krish, please put your hand on my shoulder. We are lovers now!!)

 When I stood there without doing anything while being attacked, I was scolded and had my foot stepped on. I don’t feel any pain or itch when she steps on me, but I don’t think it’s too bad considering she’s acting like my lover. It seems that the princess is not in a good mood.

 “Two years is enough. I’ll definitely make him say yes!!  ”

 I didn’t know where her confidence came from, but she declared it with full confidence.  Looking at this situation, it seems like things didn’t go as she expected.

 Well, I guessed so. It would be difficult for Annette-sama to deal with him. No matter how beautiful she is or how wealthy she is, if that alone was enough to woo him, he would have long ago settled into the position of her fiancé.

 (Dear Annette. Because of you, I haven’t had a lover in three years.)

 (Shhh!! What will you do if someone asks you?)

 I really want you to give me a break. How long do I have to go along with this farce?

 “You’re tired, aren’t you? You were planning to go back to the administration office today. Let’s go.”

 Does that mean we should leave before she gets bored? I guess she wants to meet him sooner rather than later. She grabs my arm and tugs on it, leading the way.

 Personally, I don’t intend for it to become a spectacle forever, so I agree.