New chapter of Nameless Hero is out (1/2 chapters)

 

 

The Aldridge Incident (1)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

After finishing the last rehearsal of the morning, it was finally time to enter the venue following the lunch break. Since the performing group was provided by Melpeque Church, we were allowed to enter the building all at once by horse-drawn carriages. Three carriages were lined up, but I chose to board the second one. Currently, I was riding in that carriage, about to enter the Aldridge mansion, which was my own family home.

“Hey, are you alright, young Demon?” (Elder Musician)

“…?” (Jack)

My body trembled in small shakes. My legs felt weak, and I was worried whether I could even get off the carriage. The elderly musician who spoke to me seemed concerned and kindly addressed me. He was a white-haired old man who looked very fitting in his hunting cap.

“When I was young, I used to get nervous like this before a performance. Don’t worry, once it starts, it’s nothing to be afraid of.” (Elder Musician)

“Y-yes……” (Jack)

The reason for my nervousness wasn’t because the ensemble performance was about to start. I was simply feeling fear about entering my family home.

“You have quite good eyes, you know. That formal wear suits you too. Hmm, even though you have demon blood, you have a refined face like that of a noble.” (Elder Musician)

He praised my appearance excessively. He was probably trying to ease my tension.

But Ojii-san, I am not the child of a Demon, and in fact, I am the direct heir of this house. I would just gratefully accept the sentiment.

 

—

 

Through the gap in the carriage’s canopy, I could see the outside scenery. I had chosen the second carriage, which was sandwiched between one carriage in front and one behind, to avoid this view, but it was of no help. After stopping once, the carriage seemed to have some exchange with the driver and started moving again. We passed through a large gate, and the carriage apparently entered the grounds.

The scenery behind changed rapidly. There was a long dirt path with large gardens spreading out on both sides. They probably employed skilled gardeners because the grass and narrow paths were patterned intricately. Several trees planted at varying heights formed a stroll-style garden. I had seen this scene many times before. I looked at it cautiously, but the trembling in my body grew stronger.

Is this a warrior’s shiver? Raising myself to face my parents, perhaps? No, it isn’t that. My trauma is being stirred again. I have come all this way, after all. I could not afford to act cowardly here. Get it together, body.

“…?” (Jack)

No, that is also wrong. It’s not my whole body trembling. It’s my right arm. My right arm is shaking violently against my will. Could it be that I am mistakenly thinking I am trembling from trauma, when in fact, even the last time I come nearby, it is only my right arm trembling? Even so, though I have lived with this abnormal right arm for many years, I have never experienced such a reaction. Calm down, calm down, my right arm.

I tried saying that jokingly, but there was no change at all. The muscles twitched spasmodically from my hand to the shoulder joint. The whole arm shook as if trembling violently.

What has happened?

I held down the disobedient right hand with my left and fought desperately. Meanwhile, the carriage seemed to have reached the mansion’s front entrance, and finally, it stopped.

“Everyone, we have arrived! Please be careful when getting off.” (Female Driver)

The driver, who had gotten off ahead, seemed to be a woman. Her polite but somewhat fast speech was striking to my ears. I watched as other performers descended from the rear of the carriage one after another, struggling with my strange right arm’s behavior. If I got off with this arm twitching, people might think I was weird, and they might decide I could not perform and exclude me from the ensemble.

“Oh, you should get off quickly too. We have arrived, you know?” (Female Driver)

A woman suddenly hopped lightly into the carriage from the back. No, not “like” hopping lightly, she really floated up. She had large black wings attached to her waist. She seemed to be from the beastman or demon race. Her golden hair was gorgeous, and her transparent blue eyes sparkled like jewels. At first glance, she was beautiful, but her sharp eyes gave a scary impression. She looked proud.

“What’s wrong?” (Winged Woman)

“Ah… no… I’m getting off now…!” (Jack)

I was thinking what to do, but concluded that standing still here would look suspicious, so I obediently got off. The woman spread her large black wings lightly, floated down, and stepped off the carriage. I followed her. Even when stepping in front of the mansion entrance, I desperately tried to control the trembling in my right arm. The woman who got off before me looked at me suspiciously.

“…?” (Jack)

Then, suddenly, she grabbed my right arm without warning.

“You, show me that right hand properly.” (Winged Woman)

“Ah… no, you can’t.” (Jack)

“Why not?” (Winged Woman)

“Um, it’s the sealed strongest right arm of a demon, so if it goes out of control, the world will be destroyed.” (Jack)

She was the driver who provided the church’s performing group with transportation. She probably had no special background, so I figured that saying something exaggerated like this would either scare her or make her think I was joking and laugh it off.

“Demon? You must be human.” (Winged Woman)

She saw right through me with a carefree expression. I froze for a moment at her straightforward remark.

Who is this person?

“Besides, the sacred relics that could cause the destruction of the world are sealed and designated by the church. It is an extreme exception for an individual to possess one. Furthermore, speaking from the perspective of life science, it is impossible by law for a living being born within this planet’s mana to possess energy enough to cause the planet’s collapse. On top of that, I will say this. There are magical weapons in this world that can drastically increase the energy amount of a living being, but…” (Winged Woman)

Flapping and flapping. One after another, endless lectures were delivered, and I was getting fed up.

If this person belongs to Melpeque Church, perhaps she is very knowledgeable. I carelessly throw a joke at a troublesome person. Or rather, I wonder how long she plans to keep holding my right arm.

“With the Demon Sword Care Slave, that makes three, right? Ah, and one more thing, what we fear the most is the item called the Holy Scripture. It is something that breaks the mana factor and negentropy relationship I mentioned earlier, which is the Akasha lineage… A-ka… sha…” (Winged Woman)

Her previously fluent tongue gradually faltered and stuttered. Something was strange about this person. She kept holding my arm, but her gaze was more focused on her own hand. Then, as if seeing something unbelievable, she opened her eyes wide, and her gaze trembled as well. She looked frightened.

“Akasha… lineage…” (Winged Woman)

“Hmm.” (Jack)

I noticed the “bandage” peeking out from the sleeve of her black formal wear.

What looks like ordinary bandages wrapped around her wrist is actually the very Akasha lineage she just mentioned. Those who know would know about the Akasha lineage. Conversely, those who don’t know have never heard of it, so it has never been mentioned until now. It has been a long time since I see someone react this way. It seems to be what is sealing (wrapping) my right arm, but recently it has been quiet, so I have not paid much attention. And who exactly is this person showing such an abnormal fear?

“Th-this, th-th-thi-this… this this this…” (Winged Woman)

The bird woman had become a chicken woman. Words stuck in her throat, and she could not speak.

“Wh-where did you get th-this from?!” (Winged Woman)

“Well… please ask the Goddess or something.” (Jack)

“You are wrapping that around your arm? Are you really okay with that?!” (Winged Woman)

“There is no particular problem. Would you like to touch it?” (Jack)

When I brought my right hand close to her face, she stepped back in fright. Her reaction was amusing, so I kept extending my right hand closer. She really seemed scared and retreated even more.

“Hey, wait a moment! Don’t you dare mock me! Despite how I look, I am Paula Maura of Melpeque Church Cathedral Knight Order, Second Rank!” (Paula)

“The Cathedral Knight Order!?” (Jack)

I almost shouted “Gah!”. When I heard Cathedral Knight Order, I remembered too well.

That snake-like smart mouth guy and the bearded spear wielder. They were formidable enemies. They were an unpleasant duo in Azarigrad, but how about this person? Also, why is a knight of the Cathedral Knight Order acting as a carriage driver?

“What is your name?” (Paula)

“Jack.” (Jack)

“Well… that is a rather ordinary name compared to your appearance.” (Paula)

“None of your business! …In town, I’m also called Lost. Would you prefer that?” (Jack)

“‘Lost’ you say? How tragic your background must be.” (Paula)

“It’s just a name, so it can’t be helped.” (Jack)

She was definitely the type to talk down to others.

Perhaps arrogant.

“Then, I will call you ‘Lost’. Yes, that suits you better.” (Paula)

I wondered if it was only my imagination, but I felt she was really mocking me.

“After today’s celebration is over, please visit Melpeque Church again sometime.” (Paula)

“What if I refuse?” (Jack)

“Then, you will be wanted under the name of the Cathedral Knight Order.” (Paula)

“Why the hell would you do that!” (Jack)

“Naturally. The holy scripture you possess is an item sealed and designated by the church. In other words, that holy relic is of interest to us. We will not harm you personally, I swear.” (Paula)

“Yeah, I doubt that…” (Jack)

“We are not an evil organization. People of Melpeque Church would never harm ordinary people!” (Paula)

No way, your colleague once captured and imprisoned a magic guild woman and a little girl. To me, the Cathedral Knight Order only has the worst reputation. How could I trust such a group?

While I sighed quietly, Paula-san muttered to herself.

“This is a serious situation… What on earth is the Barocco family doing? We must also report to Ozeas. To think that a child of a musician named ‘Lost’ would be in possession…” (Paula)

She is definitely rude!

While talking with Paula-san, somehow the trembling in my right arm had stopped. I wondered what had caused it just now. I looked at my right hand, and it was the usual right hand.

 

—

 

Along with the ache in my right arm, I had somehow managed to land in my family garden. I looked around but could not really feel it was real. I did not recognize the servants busily laying out pure white tablecloths on the garden tables. Perhaps many of the staff had changed since I was last here. Or maybe I just did not remember. Either way, they would not notice me, who had changed so much.

From inside the noisy mansion, I caught the shrill voices saying, “Newcomer-chan, stockings! You’re not wearing stockings! Bare legs are unacceptable!” and “She seemed half asleep! She wasn’t wearing underwear either! Sorry~!” but I pretended not to hear. The servants seemed too busy and confused.

“Now then, performers, if you please. I will confirm the actual positions. This way.” (Paula)

Ignoring the noise from the mansion, Paula-san calmly guided us through the vast garden. Her wings flapped around her waist as she floated lightly while moving. The way she was floating looked unnatural, but I decided to ignore such minor details. Behind them, Grace-san and Alisa also got off another carriage and stood in line.

Now that I think about it, those two still have connections with the Cathedral Knight Order even after the band disbands. Though we have made up, I can’t help but feel they might be up to some strange scheme. It can’t be helped. To me, both the Cathedral Knight Order and the performance band are like external enemies.

The ceremony would be held in the garden. The celebration, however, would take place in the entrance hall right after entering the mansion. Apparently, I would play viola in the third position. I was born the third son. Third Junior, and my performance position was also third. I was truly a man connected to the number three. In other words, the sub of the sub… that was how I interpreted it. There was another partner in the same third position, who was said to be an experienced veteran player.

When I told Alisa about the part assignments, she got angry and said, “The third position is important!”. I felt reassured by being surrounded by other players.

Well, the main focus would be on the Aldridge Household, like Brother and Father. No one would pay attention to us, who only set the atmosphere in the background.

Then, we moved as a group into the entrance hall. Like the garden, it was decorated lavishly but otherwise unchanged. Passing through the large doors, there was a spacious hall. A wide staircase led up to the second floor at the far end. Along the wall, a railing was installed so that one could look down over the hall from above.

The performers for the evening celebration would play at the edge of this hall. Just next to the bottom of the stairs. There, a platform and many chairs were arranged. The chairs were probably set up for long performances.

I climbed up there to check the seating. The steps were higher than I expected, and from here, even sitting in a chair, I wouldn’t have much trouble spotting Irene.

“Ah…! Isaiah-sama has arrived!” (Servant)

One of the servants busily moving inside the hall looked up to the second floor and called out like that. Suddenly, the surroundings grew noisy.

Isaiah… who is that?

“Hmm, so that’s the next head of the household.” (Grace)

Grace-san, who was nearby, muttered while watching the man slowly descend the stairs, sizing him up.

If he is the next head of the household, then… could it be…

“Isaiah-sama, you are not ready yet!” (Servant)

“That doesn’t matter. I came to check on those who work for me and to thank them. However, if I am a nuisance, I will leave.” (Isaiah)

“Not at all! We are grateful for your kindness.” (Servant)

“…Hmm, who are those people over there?” (Isaiah)

“They are the performers who will enliven today’s ceremony and feast.” (Servant)

“Oh, that’s wonderful.” (Isaiah)

Isaiah, then, slowly approached us.

So, this is one of my older brothers. He is dressed in a pure white formal dress with golden embroidery, clearly radiating the aura of tonight’s main figure. For that, or perhaps despite it, I feel no sense of kinship.

He is skinnier than I expect. His impression is weak. Although tall, his shoulders are narrow, and he looks physically weak. Even though he is my brother, he seems unfit for physical fights. When I am bullied, he seems bigger and more threatening. As for his face… I’m not sure if we look alike. Maybe others think so. But his dignified attitude is something I do not possess. He definitely wears the aura appropriate for the next head of the household. Overall, he seems reliable.

“To the performers, thank you for helping to make the ceremony lively today for me.” (Isaiah)

He seemed to match his gaze to ours and carefully chose words simple enough for ordinary people to understand. He also looked us in the eyes while speaking. Naturally, he looked at me as well, but I did not react.

…What the heck, Brother. You have grown properly as a noble. I had imagined you as a tyrant who inherited the bully’s blood and stayed a bully from those days. But you are just a normal noble. That is disappointing. If you were a scoundrel, my hatred would double, and I might hit back. But since you seem like a kind person, I lose the desire to dig up the past and get revenge. Besides, I am kicked out of this household, but not all my experiences are bad.

“I am Grace Grayson. I am the leader of this performance troupe.” (Grace)

Grace-san politely returned the greeting as the representative.

“Oh… the leader is a beautiful lady.” (Isaiah)

“No, no, that is not true. I apologize for this attire.” (Grace)

Though she said “this attire”, she was dressed properly in a navy blue dress. As expected of Grace-san, she appeared calm as she had when I saw her on stage before. She seemed nonchalant even before one of the region’s leading nobles, but perhaps she showed that as part of her charm.

“And this is the assistant leader. She also conducts.” (Grace)

“I am Alisa Heilwood… pleased to meet you…” (Alisa)

“How is she? Cute, isn’t she?” (Grace)

“Wonderful. With such performers playing, tonight’s party will surely be splendid.” (Isaiah)

Grace-san enthusiastically praised Alisa for some reason.

Perhaps Brother was slightly taken aback by that, because she said, “Pleased to meet you”, he turned around his heel. He, then, left toward the garden.

“Alisa, I’m looking forward to tonight.” (Grace)

“…” (Alisa)

Those two still seem suspicious. Well, surely, they aren’t going to do anything as violent as murder. As long as they did not harm Irene, who am I guarding, or her surroundings, it is none of my business. Let them do as they please.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)