Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 76

The Day of Disaster (6) – The Old Man and His Daughter

To summarize Lapilia-sama’s story, Rufa was abandoned by her parents, and the priest of Lifrea adopted her only for the purpose of sacrificing her. 

It was impossible for her to return home because of her stepmother, but she would die if she went to Lifrea because of the stupid thoughts of crazy people.

The reason I have to save this kingdom increased once more. 

If Rudek was destroyed then Rufa might…no. I would never let Rudek be destroyed

“…Rufa. Would you like to become my adopted daughter?”

Suddenly, Zackhart-sama offered.

“Huh? But…”

Rufa’s eyes widened a little, then her gaze wandered in confusion.

“I understand your confusion. But please know that I didn’t make this decision just because of today.” 

“What do you mean?” Lapilia-sama asked

As if he was waiting for this very question, Zackhart-sama answered, “As you must have already known, Lapilia, I’ve already given the position of the head of my Roudel family to my son. My son is also already quite of age and my grandson is almost an adult so there will be no problem in continuing my family’s lineage” 

“Yes, I know.”

“In other words, there won’t be any power struggle in my family. Before, I vaguely noticed that Rufa has no place to return. I like you, Rufa, so if it’s okay with you, I want to create a place where you can return. I’ve asked my son about this, and he said to do what I want. That’s why I sent you a letter to come to Gedland.”

“So you already planned to adopt her from the very beginning?” 

“Yes, but of course, I have no intention of forcing you, Rufa. I was planning to use this holiday to offer you the adoption. But, after hearing your story, I feel like it would be better to welcome you into my house. If you become the daughter of the Roudel family, you’re less likely to encounter idiots that want to harm you. “

Zackhart-sama’s proposal seemed to be the best option for Rufa. The treatment that the daughter of the Roudel family would receive would be very different from the treatment Rufa was currently receiving. With the identity of the daughter of the man who has supported this country for a long time, no one would dare to harm her. 

But…

Rufa gripped my sleeves tightly. 

If she becomes Zackhart-sama’s daughter, wouldn’t that mean she has to leave the 10th Division? 

Rufa, who was betrayed by her parents and by her stepfather whom she had never met, finally found a place she felt belonged and she was anxious about letting it go. Zackhart-sama would definitely treat her well. But after becoming Zackhart-sama’s daughter, she would then be surrounded by strangers. To have to choose that or staying in the 10th Division which she was already comfortable in, wasn’t that a too cruel choice for a young girl like her? 

But if she refused, then what would happen to Rufa in the future? Could the 10th Division take care of her forever? 

Rufa has just finally started to open up to me, Lapilia-sama, Diku, Wickharlt, Nelfia, Sazabi, Luzel, and Frein.

I have to say something. The moment I finally gathered my thoughts and was about to speak up, Zackhart-sama opened his mouth. 

“I’m fine with you staying with the 10th Division.” 

Zackhart-sama looked at Rufa’s figure who was holding my sleeve with kind eyes.

“But, even if she is the adopted daughter, it will be inappropriate for a daughter of the Roudel family to become a servant in the 10th Division,” Wickharlt voiced his concern. 

“We can just make her the official member of the 10th Division,” suggested Lapilia-sama.

“It’s not going to be that easy.”

“I have a good idea. Zackhart-sama, is it okay if I give you the official response from Rays-sama at a later date? Rufa, you should accept this offer. The decision to remain in the 10th Division may be up to you, but please remember that in the end, the only thing that will protect you is your own decision. You are free to decline this offer but keep in mind that to refuse is also your decision. Think carefully before you decide.”

Lapilia-sama was amazing. I couldn’t even say anything. 

After hearing Lapilia-sama’s words, Rufa let go of my sleeve. 

Then, with a strong conviction in her eyes, she answered,”I would like to accept Grandpa Zack’s proposal. But I want to stay in the 10th Division.”

Although she let out some tears in the end, her tone was full of conviction. 

“Leave it to me!” Lapilia-sama said while patting her chest.

Thinking that it would be better to leave this matter to Lapilia-sama, we, including Zackhart-sama, began to comfort the crying Rufa. 

***

Rufa had calmed down the day after. 

Today was also our last day in Gedland.

We were planning to stay overnight in Ruelue and return home, so we planned to leave around noon. Zackhart-sama has also cleared his schedule today. He was probably planning to pamper Rufa to his heart’s content today. The sight of Zackhart-sama being excited to visit the places he couldn’t go to yesterday made him feel like your average grandpa. 

A person broke into the room and disturbed our momentary peace.

“Oi, Oi, Zackhart! I’ve finally returned after a long time and look at the commotion you caused! The town was in uproar!” 

The person who made the fuss while violently opened the door was the navy’s commander, Northbell-sama

***

T/N: I’ve got final, so no chapter next week.