Re:Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (LN) - Volume 19 - Chapter Pr3

3 

 - Will you tell me what is eating you? - Ricardo asked. It did not escape his notice that Julius looked as if he were hiding some kind of worry. 

The knight squinted. 

- That's weird. I didn't know you were so interested in the well-being of others. 

- Don't think you'll be able to get away with such talk. Well, nobody listens to us. You can tell me what's on your mind. No one will know that you've had worse days. 

- I'm not going to convince you, am I? 

Ricardo may not have looked like a particularly caring person, but he was actually very attentive to those around him. That is why he worked so well in the role of commander. 

I don't know much about his past, but what I have heard is impressive. It shouldn't surprise me that someone who survived whether as a slave or as a mercenary is so perceptive. 

- I'm old enough to understand some things. They're a bit of a father to this family that is our camp, aren't they? But don't worry, I ain't the kind of father that'd want to kill his son-in-law... 

- I'm afraid I'm not likely to be your son-in-law. I have no particular affection for Lady Anastasia. 

- You mean we're not talking about her? And Mimi? We don't have any more daughters. But, if I'm to be honest, I don't believe in anything that you wouldn't see in our girl. 

At this remark, Julius only smiled sourly and combed his hand through his hair. On the surface, the knight was acting exactly as usual, but Ricardo could sense that it was only an appearance. He scratched his wolf nose. Years of experience prevented him from overlooking the signs. 

- Something's not right... He got beaten up at the town hall once. The lady didn't want to cut in, but I can. I asked her straight out. 

- Will you have no mercy on me? 

- Well, no. My life depends on it too. They don't want to have someone on the team who'll talk shit to me. They have to believe their friends on the battlefield. That's what they think. What do you say to me? 

- I'm not going to argue. You're right... My mistake," the knight replied, shaking his head. He furrowed his brows. 

Yet somehow he couldn't begin to speak. 

- What the hell is this? Silence again? They can see that something is up. 

- I'm sorry it's so hard for me to express myself. I admit that I can't find the right words. I don't know why it bothers me so much... - confessed Julius, confused. He touched his sword. - As you yourself noticed, the reason for my anxiety lies in what happened at the town hall. Or more precisely... ...in who I had to fight. I'm referring to that boy, the Archbishop of Covetous Sin, Roy Alphard. 

- Just don't say you're sorry because you don't want to beat your kids. 

- Rest assured, I am not that detached from reality. And a child should be judged if they walk the path of evil. But... - He paused and sighed briefly. - I can't stop thinking about what he told me. 

- What are you talking about? 

- All indications are that the Authority of Gluttony is working on memories. Lady Crusch has lost hers. That girl from Subaru's camp has been forgotten by everyone. It must be assumed that in Priestella too, Gluttony has already laid its hands on someone. I think... 

- What? 

- It affects us directly," Julius replied vaguely. 

Ricardo wrinkled his nose, trying to figure out what the knight meant. 

- You mean... Gluttony ate the memories of someone that knew us? 

- Back then, on the roof of City Hall... He acted like he knew me. Like only someone from our camp could know me. 

- After all, it's... 

Ricardo hesitated. Surely it’s impossible? Perhaps, indeed, someone from their camp had fallen into the hands of Gluttony. Perhaps the Archbishop had wiped that person from the memories of all who knew him.... 

- Triplets. Iron Fangs. Me and the lady. There you are. There's no one missing... 

- We can't know that. If Gluttony has taken away our memories, of any of our companions, we don't even realize it. 

Ricardo was becoming more and more alarmed. He began to understand the terrible power they were dealing with. He was reminded of the battle with the White Whale and the fog that had a similar effect. Once someone fell into it, the rest of them would forget they even existed. The Archbishop of Gluttony was an even more formidable opponent. He additionally fed on the memories of those he devoured. 

- There’s one silver lining 

- Yes? 

- Just the thought of eating the memories of someone from us makes me want to punch him in the mouth. It makes my blood boil! But it doesn't change our task one bit. 

- If he devoured someone, then in order to get him back, we have to win against Gluttony. And we were supposed to do that anyway. 

- That's right. So we beat him, get our friend back, and at the same time free the city and be heroes. Nothing but fame, glory and such - said Ricardo, showing a large biceps. - Do your best, or else that kiddo will take your title of the Finest! 

Julius looked at him surprised, then smiled. 

- They can see you're back in the mood! - cried the commander of mercenaries, grinning. - It's best to get comfortable, no? 

- It's true. I'm impressed, Ricardo. I've seen again that you are a real commander. 

- Do not talk, son, do not talk - embarrassed Ricardo violently combed his hair. - You know, I've been through a lot, you get wiser with age! - he added and moved off, thinking that the problem was solved. 

He didn't see Julius' face thin. There was sadness on his face again. Talking didn't quite help. 

Gluttony stirred in him an indefinable uneasiness. Perhaps instinct told him that he should not face him. But Julius had already sworn on his sword that he would defeat this boy, He had promised to do it for his lady, for his friends. He could not back down. Many wanted to take revenge on the Archbishop for the wrongs suffered by their loved ones, but events had unfolded in such a way that it fell to Julius, not them, to neutralize Gluttony. 

I declared that I would accomplish it. I have done it, though it should not be up to me to carry out this mission. Therefore, I must see it through with dignity. Go away, you worriers. Don't stop, Julius. Remember what kind of knight you want to be. You don't want to fail the trust that is placed in you. You want to live in such a way that you are not ashamed. You have a great task ahead of you. When you complete it, you can be proud of yourself. 

- Well, there you go! You have come to us. We are very touched! 

Look at that demon. He's about to taste the steel of your sword. 

A slight figure stood in the plaza in front of the control tower they had just run into. 

The boy was wearing a long green robe. His brown hair was tied up in a braid. He might have been fifteen, maybe less. He still looked like a child. An innocent child. If it weren't for the black as night aura that emanated from him.... 

- Julius, they need to apologize to you. 

- What are you guilty of? - Julius asked, looking at Ricardo. 

The big man with his arms crossed stared at the Archbishop, who came out to greet them. 

- It was stupid of me to tell you that you have become motherly and treat your enemy too lightly. You have to be stupid to take that thing from a child! - replied the wolfman. 

It is only by seeing it with one's own eyes that one can truly understand what a degenerate, bizarre creature Gluttony is. We are dealing with something that may look like a brat, but to treat it with indulgence would be pure suicide. This boy is deadly. None of us is Reinhard. He's the only one in the whole world who could stand up to him without much concern. He would have beaten him already on the roof of that town hall. 

- And you allowed the second meeting to happen," Julius muttered. - This is proof enough that you have strayed from your path.... 

- Ha, ha! We like that! - said Gluttony, who heard the knight's words. - An excellent choice of words! What would you call it... poetic! We like it very much. Great, the table is already set - he exclaimed, clapping his hands with pleasure. He was not mocking at all. 

- Oi, Archbishop Gluttony! Roy Alphard, right? - riddled Ricardo. He took a step forward and gave the boy a murderous look. 

- Ah, we knew you would come! - shouted Alphard, disregarding the wolfman. Apparently he was only interested in what Julius had just said. - We were convinced! Yes, yes, yes! - he groaned, embracing himself. - Yes, exactly, just like that, we believed it all along! Gluttony! Gluttony! Gluttony! It was worth the wait! 

- That dirty bastard. Is that him? - Ricardo asked, curtly. 

- Yes, that's him. It's sad that someone so young has become an Archbishop," Julius replied calmly. 

Alphard, who was watching them intently, stuck out his long tongue and licked his teeth with it. 

- And you also brought us a doggie to eat! We are so pleased! We always appreciate an extra dish. Because at the end of the day, we're the Binge Eater, for us it's all about quantity! As for the quality of the food... we don't care. 

- What kind of an idea is that, to snatch someone right in the eye and say that you want to eat them?! We don't eat, do we?! And I don't take just anything in my mouth, I am the first class! 

- Ricardo, you're getting off topic... 

But the wolfman had already assumed a fighting position. He stood slightly with a huge machete in his hand. Seeing this, the knight also reached for his weapon. 

- I have asked my friend to keep me company and sweeten the task of listening to your boring speeches. Though you will probably consider it cowardice on my part... 

- Well, well, well! Someone's making excuses here! That's so you! But we have to admit, it doesn't taste good to us... We may be gluttons and quantity is what counts, but we're not going to eat tasteless rusks of our own free will! 

- I thought you wanted to give us a ceremonial welcome, but now you're being so insulting... It's not nice to call guests "tasteless rusks." 

- Don't pretend to be surprised! You know perfectly well that you are. Although... It's quite cute, hmmm... Sweet... Sweet and salty... - Alphard o: with his hands. He acted frivolously. 

Is he trying to provoke us? Or is he just being like that? 

Julius kept his composure, however, Ricardo failed to do so. 

- You can say whatever you want, shorty," muttered the wolfman. - Don't think that I'll give you an advantage because you're a greaseball. Ana was also a little troublemaker, but next to you she's like an angel! You little fucker! They'll kick you in the ass soon! 

- Ouch. We're so scared. Please don't look at us so menacingly! Are you so angry that we called you doggie? Sorry, Mr. Ricardo! We are very sorry! Please don't be angry. You are so threatening. You have such a loud voice. Please don't shout at us! 

- Damn it, I figured it out... damn it," muttered the wolfman, who understood better and better where Julius' anxiety came from. 

Hearing your enemy address you as if he had known you for a long time was a very strange feeling. It sparked irritation and discomfort. 

It's definitely a trick of some sort. 

- Don't let him get involved in the conversation. We don't want him to manipulate us. 

- Well, there you go again, something in your style! - cried Alphard. - You're such a guy that you won't say what you really think. You're really good at pretending you don't care about anything! Boring again! You never go where curiosity tells you to go because you have to do what you think is your job. A fine virtue for a knight, Mister Silver-tongued, but such people are boring! 

- Ah, I see. So I'll try to provide you with some entertainment," Julius muttered and began to say the words of the incantation. 

Immediately, different colored lights appeared and began to circle around his tall, erect figure. The most distinguished of the knights stood in an elegant pose with a gleaming sword in hand, supported by the spirits. 

- Let me show you a few tricks," he said, leaning in gracefully. The long blade shone beautifully. 

- Nothing, absolutely nothing! Neither do we smell from you the pleasant fragrance of a sense of inferiority, nor the deep scent of defeats suffered, nor the sweetness of desire, nor the announcement of satiety that comes when one is consumed with a great mystery! Nothing! Absolutely nothing! 

- Ricardo - whispered the knight to his companion, who stood next to him with a machete resting on his shoulder. - 'We strike at full power right away, Together. 

- Well! 

With his teeth bared, Alphard looked at the figures preparing to attack. He raised his arms, and then the long sleeves of his robe slid down to his elbows, revealing his clawed hands. Apparently, he planned to defend himself with them. 

How frail these tiny child's hands look not only against the mighty blade of Ricardo's machete, but also compared to my sword. However, these are only appearances... 

- I'm the Spirit Knight, they call me Julius Juukulius - he introduced himself according to the etiquette. - Don't expect any special treatment! 

Accustomed to the harsh life of a mercenary, Ricardo did not care about conventions. They didn't matter in a world where every move could determine life and death. 

- Good, great, excellent, great! - The boy licked his lips, looking at the warriors. - It's time to dine! For feasting, for overeating, for rich flavors, for bland food, for exquisite and for that hard to get! We can't wait to try something new, something we don't know yet! 

- El Clauseria! - shouted Julius, pointing his sword at the howling Alphard. 

Six different colored lights began to circulate around the blade, then a rainbow-colored stream of light gushed from it. A powerful, destructive beam rained down on Alphard. 

Julius had no intention of giving the Archbishop an audience. He immediately attacked with his strongest magic. 

- AAAAAAAA! 

As soon as the spell flashed, Ricardo sprang into action. Where he bounced off the ground, the cobblestones cracked. The mercenary wanted to drive the Archbishop directly under the destructive stream of light with swipes of his machete. 

Two powerful forces were advancing towards Alphard - the warrior, whose every move was raised by a gust of wind, and the destructive spell of the knight. The boy, however, only smiled nastily. 

At this sight, Julius felt the same uneasiness grow uncomfortably in his chest that had tormented him before the fight. 

- You are wonderful, exactly as we imagined.