Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 71
The Day of Disaster (1) – Let’s Meet the Stubborn Grandpa!
There were a lot of interesting things in Rays-sama’s laboratory that I visited the other day.
For example, iron abatis. They had been carefully fitted with wheels so that they could be transported easily. But the abatis were still just sitting in the warehouse because even if they had wheels, they would still be heavy and they would take time to transport. Still, discarding them would be a waste.
(T/N: Abatis is a tool used to prevent the enemy from approaching in a war)
There were other items lying around that looked like they could be used for something, though I still haven’t come up with an idea on where to use them. Were they all made by Drew?
“Roa! Roa!!”
“Huh? Ah, sorry, sorry. What is it?”
I was on my way to the Gedland Port. Rufa, who was riding on the back of Lapilia-sama’s horse was looking at me with an exasperated look on her face.
“If you keep being absent-minded like that, you’ll fall off Aro!” scolded Ruda
“Rufa, he was probably thinking something useless again, so you should just ignore him. Roa, you’re probably thinking about the laboratory in Rays-sama’s mansion, right?” Lapilia-sama said in a harsh tone. She was right, though.
Heading to Gedland was a slightly unusual combination of me, Rufa, Lapilia-sama, and Wickharlt.
We were on our way to Gedland because of Rufa.
Rufa was often left alone in the 10th Division. That was why this time, I asked the pouting Rufa where she wanted to go on my day off and she told me she wanted to go to Gedland.
When I asked her why, she said she wanted to meet Zackhart-sama, the 3rd Division Commander.
It turned out she was with Zackhart-sama back when we escorted Luluria to the Empire.
At that time, the 10th Division got the mission to escort Luluria, so Rufa had to return to Rudektrad without us. She then asked the 3rd Division, who coincidently also has a business in the capital, to accompany her.
I knew that Rufa was accompanied by the 3rd Division when she returned to the capital. But the detail was quite unexpected for me.
Rufa left Gedland three days after we left for the Empire.
The person who accompanied Rufa to the capital was none other than Zackhart-sama himself.
For some reason, during the three days that Rufa was taken care of by the 3rd Division, Zackhart-sama had become quite fond of her.
It seemed that Zackhart-sama insisted he was going to go to the capital to make a report to the King anyway, so he might as well accompany Rufa, but I didn’t think that was his only reason.
Rufa also seemed to like Zackhart-sama a lot. She also has been receiving letters from him, so she wanted to see Zackhart-sama again.
When I went to get permission to go to Gedland from Rays-sama, Lapilia-sama, who was also there, said, “Oh, then should I go too?”
Lapilia-sama and Rufa were among the few women in the 10th Division, so they were quite close. Rays-sama has repeatedly told Lapilia-sama that she should take some time off soon, so she offered to accompany us.
Wickharlt following me was just like usual. Diku, on the other hand, wants to remain in the 10th Division. Diku, who was originally a normal soldier and was more of a dropout in the 10th Division, seemed to be quite nervous about a meeting with the 3rd Division Commander.
He said that if it wasn’t on the battlefield, he would like to leave the role of my aide to Wickharlt. He was also left in charge of managing the provision while I was away, so I had no complaint.
Just like last time, we stayed overnight in Ruelue town, then headed to Gedland.
Along the way, while Aro was walking leisurely, I was watching from the side the brave figures of the 6th Division’s knights as they dug up the ground. Although it was a bit chilly, the weather was nice, and I felt good.
“Speaking of which, Lapilia-sama, are you fine with not returning home on your day off?” I asked casually. Rays-sama should be relaxing in his mansion by now, and Grantz-sama should be enjoying his time with his family.
Moreover, Lapilia-sama was a real noble lady. She looked like the type of person who would spend her time elegantly at her home in her day off.
Lapilia-sama’s face soured at my words. Really, that wasn’t a face that the person who has War Princess as her nickname should make.
“It’s fine. My family only talks about my marriage when I return. It’s really bothersome.”
Ah, I see. I could imagine that. If you marry the War Princess who was liked by both the King and Rays-sama, the future of your family was practically guaranteed.
“Besides, I’ve hardly ever been to Gedland other than on a mission. I wanted to go there on vacation once.”
“Lapi-chan. Have you never been to Gedland on vacation? That’s surprising.”
Lapilia-sama replied with a smile at Rufa’s words.
“That’s right. That town has been protected by the 3rd Division for a long time, so if they knew I was there, I might make them nervous, and going incognito also has its limit.”
“Huh? Why is it fine this time, then?”
“Well, everyone will focus on Rufa this time, so I can just relax and enjoy Gedland.”
“I understand! Well then, enjoy yourself too, Lapi-chan!”
…In the entire Rudek, I felt that Rufa was the only person who could call Lapilia-sama ‘Lapi-chan’
Thus, after staying for one night in Ruelue, we arrived safely in Gedland.
Little did I know that unexpected trouble would be waiting for me in Gedland.
***
Gedland was the gateway not only to Rudek but also to the northern continent.
The town was mostly crowded with merchants and tourists, but of course behind the bright and beautiful town, there was always a shadow.
It was truly a coincidence that the man saw “it”.
The man blinked twice to make sure he was not mistaken, and stroked his stubbled chin.
The man followed “it” with his gaze for a while, grinned, licked his tongue, and disappeared into the back alley.