Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 38

Drifting Ship Disturbance (4) – A Slight Clue

“Even among the Gorbers, only a select few were aware of Sakuri-sama’s existence. He never showed himself to the public. I’ve only met him once,” Zodia explained.

“What!? You’ve met him before?”

“Yes. I cannot tell you the details, but Sakuri-sama was present when I had dinner with an exalted person. That exalted person introduced Sakuri-sama as his brain.”

“An exalted person, you say…”

A Gorber Kingdom nobleman or….the King? Hm…Well, I doubt I’d be able to find out here.

“We didn’t talk much because Sakuri-sama was a quiet person. But that exalted person told me that Sakuri-sama used to travel the land like me before coming to Gorber.”

“How old is Sakuri?”

Zodia paused for a moment after hearing Wickharlt’s question.

“He looks quite old.”

Her earlier reaction…rather than remembering how old Sakuri was, she was probably thinking if it was alright to reveal it to us. 

There was another thing that I really wanted to know, even though I knew that she might not be willing to answer but I decided to just ask it. 

“Did Sakuri ever say anything about wanting to attack our country?”

Zodia shook her head softly.

“No. The exalted person was passionate in his talk, but Sakuri-sama was rather quiet.”

Zodia responded with a small smile.

If he was an important figure in Gorber, he most likely believed something along the lines of ‘the likes of Rudek was nothing to be terrified of!‘ Many people in our country felt the same way about the Gorberians. 

“That’s all the information I have about Sakuri-sama. I’m sorry it’s nothing remarkable.”

“Please don’t be. Just the fact that we were able to confirm his existence is extremely helpful. Thank you very much.”

I thanked Zodia. With this, we at least have some clue. This was much better than attempting to investigate someone whose existence was unclear. If I provided Ray-sama with this information, he should be able to look into Sakuri further.

“My, it’s already this late. How about we end our discussion here?”

We nodded in response to Zodia’s words. We got up and left the room. That ended our brief information exchange. 

***

Zodia and the lord came to see us off the next morning.

“Where are you planning to go after this, Zodia-san?”

“We intend to visit another town we used to visit frequently before heading to Greedl.”

“You’re planning to go to the Empire…”

“Yes. There are also towns in the Greedl Empire that we visited on a regular basis.”

Traveling wherever they wanted to, regardless of disputes between countries. That was how the traveling troupe, like her and her companion, lived.

“I wish you a safe journey. May the blessing of the God of Wind, Loref, be upon you.”

Zodia’s eyes widened in surprise when I said the parting words frequently used by the traveling troupe community.

“You are a very mysterious person. To think you know the parting words that are usually only known by our community…”

“I just happened to have learned it in the past.”

“You’re fascinating. I hope to see you again. May Loref’s blessing protect you on your journey.”

“Thank you so much. Then, if fate permits, let us meet again. Farewell.”

In response to my statements, she stated, “Probably, we will meet again.”

***

I heard the sound of horse hooves moving closer to us after we left Ruelue town. When I glanced back, I saw a familiar figure riding his horse toward us.

“Luzel. You’re quick.”

Luzel slowed down now that he had caught up to us.

“You’re just way too slow,” he said.

“Then, how about we pick up the speed?”

“Nah, it’s fine. You can take your time since here it’s pretty safe. With this speed, you’ll probably arrive in the afternoon. I’ll inform the Third Division about you. I’ll leave two people here to guard your group. Don’t get lost.”

Luzel picked up the pace and vanished into the distance after saying that.

***

“It’s Gedland!” 

Even though it wasn’t my first trip here, I couldn’t help but feel excited. Gedland was a familiar town I hadn’t visited in a long time.

The fishing village I lived in when I was a kid was roughly a half-day walk east of Gedland. Father used to take me to Gedland to sell fish back then. 

I haven’t been to Gedland much since I moved to the capital. This place…brought up a lot of memories.

“First, let’s greet Zackhart-sama. Luzel must be waiting for us as well.”

Wickhalrt remarked this as he guided us to the Knight Order garrison in the town, where the 3rd Division was staying.

“So you’re Roa? Rays told me about you.”

The voice was deeper than Rays-sama’s greeted me with a stern gaze. 

A man with a body more than twice my size and a gorgeous white beard that almost touched the floor stood in front of me.

This was my first meeting with Zackhart-sama, the commander of the 3rd Division, nicknamed “General Great Beard.”