BBYW Vol. 4 Chapter 60 (WN)
Chapter 60 – Return and A Tearful Sandwich
My next course of action was to search the “Undead Capital” for foods and other necessities I would need on the return journey.
I could use “Shape of Indra” again to cross the desert quickly, but that would take a serious toll on my lifespan, so I didn’t want to use it unless absolutely necessary.
Apparently, the Terror Armies only attacked human beings: the probable descendants of the cattle raised in the city were lazily grazing along the river.
I caught a chicken, choked it, and smoked the meat to use as travel rations. I also drew water from the river and stored it in a leather satchel I found in a nearby building.
Then I caught a strange animal, with a large bump on its back…which, according to a book I once read, was called a “camel”. It was going to be my ride on the trip back to Lamperouge.
I was not going to use the Magic Tool’s abilities on the return journey across the desert.
The sands were scorching hot during the day and freezing cold at night. It was a harsh trip, to say the least.
Luckily, my companion for the trip — Nefertina was immortal, and did not seem to be affected by either the heat or the cold.
While not as completely as her, I was also partly immortal, so I was more resistant than the average person to such environmental hazards.
After five days, I finally managed to arrive at the Fortress of Giza.
“LORD DYNGIIIIRRRR!!!”
“Gwah!?”
At the fort, I borrowed a horse from the soldiers stationed there and headed for the capital of Thebes.
As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed by a body tackle of Naam Sphinx, the daughter of the city’s ruler.
The journey across the desert had worn me out quite a bit, so the body blow surely didn’t help.
“Lord Dyngir…Lord Dyngir…LORD DYNGIIIRRR!!!”
“Alright, alright…I made you worry a lot, didn’t I.”
I energetically stroked the girl’s hair.
Naam continued rubbing her face against my chest, crying, just like a puppy finally meeting their master again, after years of separation.
I was honestly unsure whether to smile at her adorable reaction or to weep because of the tears and snot streaming on one of my favorite outfits.
I was still standing there, unable to move, when Sakuya — whom I had left in charge in my absence — approached me. Thinking that I would be released from the girl’s embrace, I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Oh, Sakuya. Do you mind getting Naam off….”
“Lord Dyngir!!!”
“Not you too!?”
Sakuya kicked the ground powerfully and leaped at me.
When I was expecting her to pounce me, however, she gracefully spun in midair, landed behind me and put her hands around my neck.
“Gh…S-Sakuya…?”
“You have indulged a fair bit in your journey, Lord Dyngir. The scheduled date of your return is long past, as I am sure you are aware.”
“Well, I had to…go to the desert…”
“Yes, my brother informed me as such. Apparently, you went to eliminate the cause behind the Terror Armies…all…on…your…own!”
“Gh-gh-gh-gh…”
Sakuya, a full-fledged assassin, was very knowledgeable about the human body’s structure and all its weaknesses.
She deftly used her four limbs to lock my joints, squeezing me without mercy.
Any less trained individual would have had their whole body’s joints put out of commission by such an attack.
Being an assassin and a spy, to use violence on others was a common occurrence for Sakuya. Her main target, however, was her brother Oboro: it was very rare for her to subject me to such a treatment. My sudden decision had irritated her to this extent, clearly.
“Lord Dyngir, you might be a master with the blade…but there is always the chance something might go wrong. In case of such a dangerous mission, would it not have been rational to bring me with you?”
“Gh…I’m…sorry…really. I made you worry…”
“Yes…indeed. I was worried. Very much.”
Sakuya’s limbs eventually gave way. In stark contrast with the fierceness of such a hold, she now gently caressed my head from behind.
“…Please, never do such a thing…ever again.”
“…Sorry.”
I couldn’t actually see her face, but I could picture what kind of expression Sakuya was making in my mind.
I didn’t make any more excuses and honestly apologized.
I let Naam and Sakuya sandwich me for a little while more; eventually, the latter let go of my head.
Her face had returned to the usual impenetrable expression as well.
“Naam…well, I guess there’s no helping it.”
Naam was still squeezing my shirt tight, as she didn’t want to let go anymore. I figured that asking her would be pointless, for the time being.
“I guess the report to the Margrave will have to wait until tomorrow…I need some rest now.”
“Certainly. The bed is ready: this way, please.”
With Sakuya in the lead, I headed to the part of the Sphinx residence I was using as my quarters.
I had been staying there for just a short while, but it already started to feel like home.
“The general! The general’s back, folks!!”
“General!! You’re back, safe and sound!!”
“Welcome back, boss!!”
The adventurers I had trained rushed to see me.
Their attitude was nothing short of hostile at the beginning, but now they had fully transformed into my loyal troops.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that…seriously.”
Looking at the genuine joy and respect on their faces, I shrugged and sighed.