Lunch Time Translations DCNo (6-3)

The City of Crimson flourished in spite of being located at the edge of the kingdom.

Its economy did not rely solely on their deposits of ores but also the rich agricultural lands with their plentiful harvest due to their mild climate. The citizens could lead a leisurely life and many merchants would visit to conduct their business.

However, since the orc’s invasion, the vitality of the city seemed to dive into a freefall of decline. When the sun went down, there was hardly a soul left to be found on the main street.

Speer and her companions now walked those streets in the night. Not just the two humans and a monster, but an entourage of ten soldiers accompanied them.

Of course, it was only natural that the daughter of the Duke would have guards to protect her. And Pururun might be a tamed monster but it still fell into the category of being a dangerous monster so it would be unnatural if the guards were to let it go unaccompanied. On top of which, although they realized that Speer was Ecquria’s savior, she was someone they needed to keep under close watch.

The reason for which was – she was the one who had handed Rascudo a crushing defeat.

She had committed an act of violence against the son of the Duke. If Ecquria had not stood for her, she would have been sentence for execution as a criminal. Though if that had happened, Speer most likely would have hit the road at full speed……

At any rate, Ecquria had decided to fabricate a plausible reason for the commotion and to somehow sweep it under the rug.

It was simply an argument between siblings that got out of hand or maybe it was all just a child’s prank that went a bit too far?

After having been defended by Ecquria, Speer walked docilely alongside her.

In fact, she seemed like a deflated balloon as she drudged along droopingly.

“It’s all right. Don’t worry about it anymore. That you were trying to defend me is an undeniable truth. It pleased me.”

“Yes….”

Though Rascudo’s speech was rough, it hid his underlining worry for his sister’s welfare. If Speer had not interfered, he probably would have tenderly embraced his precious little sister after slapping her. And he would have expressed his joy in her safe return.

Even Speer came to regret her actions after hearing Ecquria’s explanation.

“Yes, I suppose that’s right. Since it’s night time, I suppose we can’t be expecting to go have a look around the town. There’s still tomorrow though so I guess I’ll just bear with it for now.”

“Hu.. Is that why you were so down!?”

Yes, Speer was in deep remorse over her actions.

But she wasn’t about to let it drag her down. She was always one to look up and ahead!

Besides, it really was a shame they wouldn’t be able to view the town.

It wasn’t just about the city being big – she came from a place where there were cities with skyscrapers, after all. Yes, it wasn’t just about the scale of the city. It was the atmosphere created by the all the buildings lined up with their stone masonry. The mishmash city that resulted was so different from the cities Speer was familiar with.

……medieval, European-ish, fantasy….

Such were the words that flew through Speer’s head.

A sense of excitement could be felt rushing through her body at the thought of encountering a strange, new culture.

Speer peered curiously at the city, her eyes wide in excitement like a child as she looked about the dimly light streets. It was all so very new to her. Even the cobblestone path with all its bumps, ever threatening to trip her up, added to her sense of excitement.

“ Well, as this is my hometown, it does make me proud when you express your excitement in regard to the city,” replied Ecquria as she smiled cheerfully.

Though under her breath, she mumbled “Who knows how long we’ll last as is though.”

“At any rate, I wish for you to rest well tonight. I shall inevitably be lectured by my father, but at the very least, he shall hopefully allow me to repay you, my savior, for all the help you have given me.”

Ecquria looked up and pointed towards the large mansion at the far end of the road.

“Welcome to my home.”

“Dear sister, Ecquria. You really were a well-to-do Miss, weren’t you?”

“Yes. Though I’m well aware I don’t quite fit the mold,” said Ecquria as she chuckled mockingly. Her steps quickened, anxious to reach home.

Speer’s eyes seem to twinkle in anticipation as well as she looked forward to what she hoped would be a delicious meal and a comfortable bed to rest in.




Duke Crimson awaited them as they entered the main hall.

“Ahh! Ecquria! ‘It’s good to see you safe and sound! You caused me such worry.”

“Father, forgive me for causing you such worrie--”

Her words were cut short as Duke Crimson swept her into his tight embrace. He paid no heed of the blood and grim on her armor and clothing. His robust figure gently encompassed Ecquria as he held her close.

At a lost on how to respond, Ecquria slowly let her body relax.

Speer quietly watch over the interaction between the father and daughter. She didn’t intend to cause any more trouble. She even fully complied with the request to have Pururun wait outside. After all -

I’ve no idea how you’re expected to act towards an aristocrat but probably can’t go wrong if I keep quiet.

Speer felt a bit relieved now that they had at least managed to reach their destination.

She would have to think on how she should act from now on too. A duke must be someone of importance probably. No loss in being friendly with such a person. She’d need a bit of freedom to be able to find a way home, after all, thought Speer as she let slip…

“A family that gets along well, is a wondrous thing, isn’t it?” she mumbled.

The Housekeeper, who had accompanied the girls from the entrance, stood near Speer. Although her hair was frosted, she seemed an ageless woman. She stood, back straight, at attention at all times. She gave the impression of being strict on manners. But maybe she was a softie, thought Speer, though she wisely kept her mouth shut on this thought.

“It is thought to be ill-mannered to speak when not spoken to,” sharply rebuked the Housekeeper in a whisper as she gently patted Speer’s head.

Speer kept her mouth shut and bobbed her head up and down in agreement.

Having expressed his joy over the safe return of his daughter, Duke Crimson turned to face Speer. He may have looked benevolent but his eyes revealed his doubts on her intentions.

“Now, then. It seems you saved Ecquria. Allow me to extend my thanks, first of all.”

“Yes, I’m pleased to meet you. I’m Speer.”

“I hear Rascudo took quite the beating from you?”

There was no condemnation in his tone. After all, looking at Speer, she looked like any child that would be playing about in the city. It was unfathomable to think she would be able to crush a knight so soundly, regardless of the reports he may have received.

Though she didn’t care to be treated like a child, she managed to look remorseful, casting her gaze down.

“That was a mistake on my part.”

“Hmm, you do not deny it, I see.”

Duke Crimson’s visage took on a stern expression.

Speer showed no reaction to his change and simply tilted her head questioningly.

--Maybe I should poke his eyes out—a thought, uncharacteristic of her, raced through her mind as it quickly disappeared. The thoughts of how bothersome that would be soon chased it away.

“Father, let’s talk about this later. I’m sure Speer must be tired as well.”

“Hmm, you’re right, of course. I’ll have a room prepared for you. Go and rest.”

Speer released a sigh of relief at the duke’s prodding. She bowed her thanks, her gaze kept respectfully low.

“Thank you very much, I will then,” she said with a gentle smile. Her little body began to rocking to and fro.

Sway……

She slowly slid to the ground like a puppet with its strings snipped.

Luckily, the Housekeeper caught a hold of her just in time as her body went limp as a wet noodle.

“Speer! He..hey, what’s wrong!? Don’t tell me, you’re injuri…ed…”

Ecquria and Duke Crimson came rushing to her side.

Her hand slid around Speer’s shoulder as she took a through look at her. But….

“…She’s asleep?”

Perhaps it was a reaction to all the tension of the past few days. Speer looked defenseless as she slept, her chest rising and falling rhythmically as she breathed.


See, this is how an onii-sama should have reacted. Hug first, lecture later.