Shadow Court Magician Chapter 35: A Piece of Bread

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　We were taken to an underground trench in a tavern.

　There were many women and children there.

　They were tending to their armor, doing needlework, and repairing the dugouts.

　They seemed to be preparing for an armed uprising.

“If there is an armed uprising, women and children will be harmed. We want to protect our families at least.” (Orgas)

　It seems that they are preparing in advance so that they can live in the trench for a long time.

　It was a noble gesture, but I hoped that the incident would end in such a way that nobody would have to worry about it.

“I’m counting on you.” (Orgas)

　He left the place, we then waited for the watchman.

　Instead, it was a lady and a small child who became our watchman.

　An energetic child calling himself “Alf”.

“I wasn’t able to join the volunteer army because I’m still small, so instead I’ll protect Mama instead of Dad.” (Alf)

　He has a very determined face.

　I thought he was a pretty reliable-looking kid, so I talked to him.

“You look pretty reliable.”

“Obviously. My dad is the strongest warrior in the volunteer army. There is no reason why his son would not be brave.” (Alf)

“It would be more convincing if you didn’t have a pot on your head.”

“It can’t be helped. Real helmets are for adults only.” (Alf)

“If you untie me, I’ll smelt that pot into a nice helmet.”

“Really!?” (Alf)

　The boy’s eyes lit up. He was a child, but the woman beside him was quietly said.

“Alf, don’t be fooled. He seems to be a very capable wizard. Orgas said you shouldn’t take your eyes off him for even a moment.” (Alf’s Mother)

“Oh, that’s right. Brother is a magician.” (Alf)

　Alf protested that he was almost fooled, but I ignored it and asked the lady instead.

“Will Orgas continue with the uprising?”

“…………” (Alf’s Mother)

　A lady who nods after a brief silence.

“… We will. We can’t stand the Viscount oppressing us anymore.” (Alf’s Mother)

“Can you put up with it for a while? I—no, all Her Highness here will make it all right.”

　The lady looked slightly at the princess but shook her head instead.

“… I had my husband read the newspaper. The third princess of Ernia is a good person. He said that she should be the queen. But this child will only be the queen. Years away from now, right? We can’t stand it anymore.” (Alf’s Mother)

　The lady speaks with sad eyes.

Perhaps her husband is no longer walking on the earth since she is using “said.”

　She looks like a kind woman, but it seems impossible to persuade her.

　We waited for the situation to change.

　We figured we would get a chance to escape sooner or later.

　Time goes by and it’s night.

　The people who call themselves the Volunteer Army seem to know how to treat prisoners.

　We were not mistreated, and we were well fed.

　However, the food they serve is like cat food.

　Unseasoned oatmeal. And a piece of hard-baked bread. The only drink available is well water.

“Better things are offered in prisons in the Royal Capital.” (Chloe)

　Was Chloe’s complaint, but the princess was eating without complaining.

　If you look at it, the people around us were eating the same thing.

“It seems that the Viscount is really strict with his collections. It’s almost abusive to think that the miners are eating the same food like this.”

　It was nothing short of suicidal to break the bedrock and haul away the rocks with nothing but a bowl of boiled oats and hard-baked bread.

　The Viscount who compels it is certainly a demon.

　As I was thinking again about how to punish the devil, I noticed that the children were looking at me hungrily.

　It is not enough.

　That’s right, there’s no way these kids can fill up on this much food.

　However, even if you look at my food hungrily, I cannot give you hard-baked bread. Because I’m the type to eat whenever I can.

　“Survive even if you drink muddy water”, that’s my belief.

　There is no way such a person would share food in this situation.

　As I was thinking, the children were eating hard-baked bread.

　—It seems that the princess has given hers.

　I send a reproaching glare to the princess. Not only me but also Chloe.

　However, when I see the scene, I remember just after I was exiled in this country.

　My older sister took care of me while my father goes to work. My sister prepares food, and naturally, the amount of food is small.

　 Isay, “I’m hungry”, my sister gives me food from her share.

“Your sister is already full. Leon, I’m sorry it’s just leftovers, but do you want to eat it?”

　With that said, my sister always leaves more than half of her small meals and gives them to me.

　When I was young, I believed in my sister’s words and did not hesitate to ask from her. My sister was thin, but she said she was on a diet.

　But that’s not the case. My sister just put up with it and cared for me, her little brother. She just said that so I, who was an aristocratic “bonbon”, wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.

　Later, when I learned about it, I thanked my sister, and at the same time, I became deeply dismayed at my stupidity. I thought that one day I would repay my sister.

　――In the end, I still haven’t been able to repay my sister, but I’m sure she’ll be happy if I share this bread with her now.

“As expected, he is the son of the Almarsh family. His spirit is like that of a hero.” (Leon’s Sister)

　I could imagine her smiling like that, so I tore the bread in half and gave it to the children.

　Sicily, who was watching me, smiled like a Saint,

“… as expected of Leon-sama.” (Sicily)

　She said.

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