Akatsuki Translations

“WE, ARE, OUTSIDE!!” -Ur

As Ur burst out of the southern gate, he took a deep breath and let out a cry of release, then quickly glanced back. They hadn’t stopped running yet, as there was still a chance the monsters might follow.

However…

『――――――』

“Th-they’re not coming…?” -Ur

The multitude of monsters that had been present didn’t seem to be following them out of the dungeon and beyond the “Dragon Barrier.” They milled around as if a physical barrier was blocking them, though the Dragon Barrier wasn’t actually a physical wall, as evidenced by how Ur and his group had just passed through it. Eventually, the monsters disappeared from in front of the southern gate.

“…Phewww…” -Ur

『What a disastrous reconnaissance, HAHA. 』-Rock

“Shut up.” -Ur

Ur muttered irritably at Rock’s laughing remark.

It was supposed to be a simple scouting mission, but it turned into quite a fiasco. Although they gained some insights, it was a nerve-wracking experience. Annoyed by the sweat streaming down his face, Ur was about to remove his helmet when he remembered he was still carrying Echelle.

“Echelle-sama, is it okay if I put you down now?” -Ur

“…Eh, oh, yes. I’m… fine.” -Echelle

Ur was surprised by Echelle’s mild response, expecting at least a harsh word or two after he had shouted orders at her earlier. Puzzled, he gently set her down, and she promptly sat on the ground.

“…” -Echelle

“…First, let’s check for any injuries. Anyone hurt–?” -Ur

With no response from Echelle, Ur checked on the rest of the group. No one was injured.

“What about exhaustion?” -Ur

“I used up several ‘White King Talismans.’ I’ll restock them.”

“I see. And you, Shizuku?” -Ur

“I’m hungry.”

“That’s not what I meant… No, wait.” -Ur

Realizing what she said, Ur also felt incredibly hungry. Even though the actual duration of the dungeon exploration wasn’t very long, he felt unusually drained.

『I’ve used up quite a bit of magical energy too. I ate some magic stones from the monsters I killed, but it’s not enough. 』-Rock

“This must be one of the dungeon’s characteristics we were briefed about. It’s intense.” -Ur

“We might become immobile during combat if we’re not careful.” -Shizuku

“We need portable food… Yeah, let’s head back.” -Ur

Feeling that if they lingered any longer, they might actually run out of energy, Ur clapped his hands and signaled to retreat. As everyone readied their gear and started on the way back to the temporary city, Ur called out to Echelle, who was still sitting on the ground.

“Echelle-sama, are you okay to head back?” -Ur

Ur reached out his hand to help her up, and she extended hers to grasp it. However, she remained seated and looked up at Ur. Her expression was a mix of anger and tears, her emotions all jumbled up.

“…Did I prove useful?” -Echelle

“Yeah, you did. Taking down that huge monster at the end and blocking their advance was definitely helpful.” -Ur

“R-right…” -Echelle

“And that thing with the 【Black Swamp Crocodile】 being repelled. That was you, wasn’t it?” -Ur

Ur wasn’t entirely sure what had happened, only that she had shouted something and the crocodile was repelled. Whether it was magic or some secret weapon of a Sun Knight, if that was indeed her doing, then she certainly had been useful. Ur honestly acknowledged this, but…

“No.” -Echelle

“Huh?” -Ur

“…No, that wasn’t me. I… didn’t do it.” -Echelle

She spoke rapidly, her face pale, her gaze downcast, refusing to meet his eyes.

“…Well, at least you were helpful in some ways.” -Ur

That this was a sore point for her was clear, but Ur chose not to press the issue, not knowing how far he should delve into her affairs. Echelle quickly latched onto his words, eager to change the subject.

“Then, there’s no problem with me accompanying you, right!?” -Echelle

“But if you panic and shoot one of us, that’s a problem. We can’t have Rock watching over you all the time.” -Ur

“Uuu…” -Echelle

Her face fell again, and she lowered her head, seemingly out of energy to argue. Ur scratched his head, wondering why she was so insistent on joining them in the field.

“You’ll be satisfied as long as we achieve the dungeon conquest, right? Why are you so fixated on accompanying us?” -Ur

Ur asked, but she kept her face down, silent, motionless.

Ur was troubled, not so much about comforting a sulking girl, but simply because of the place. They were outside the dungeon, but also outside the city. It wasn’t safe, and they should leave as soon as possible to reach the relative safety of the temporary city. However, he hesitated to dismiss her while she weakly held his hand.

“Ur-sama, I’ll set up a temporary barrier. Get the escape ready.” -Shizuku

Shizuku smiled and began to move, indicating that Ur should handle Echelle. Ur resigned himself, sat down, and waited for her to speak.

“I…”  -Echelle

The silence lasted a while, with Echelle taking her time to open up. Ur didn’t mind; he was used to being patient with his sister.

“I… haven’t been… abandoned.” -Echelle

Her voice was strained, almost pleading. It wasn’t really an answer to Ur’s question, and he didn’t have any affirming words to offer since he knew almost nothing about her circumstances.

“Okay, I understand.” -Ur

Thus, all Ur could do was to gently acknowledge her words and show understanding.

“…Understand what? What is it that you understand about me?” -Echelle

“I don’t know the objective facts, but I understand that you believe it. If you don’t want that belief to be negated, then I respect your wish.” -Ur

“…”

“Come on, let’s get up. It’s not safe here. If you have more to say, we can talk once we’re back at the base. I’ll listen.” -Ur

Ur pulled her up gently, checking her for injuries and brushing off any dirt. He then led her by the hand, following the rest of the team. His actions were natural, reminiscent of how he used to take care of his younger sister, though Echelle didn’t complain.

“…” -Echelle

However, he didn’t notice Echelle staring intently at his hand as he led her away.

“I see.” -Shizuku

Meanwhile, Shizuku, who was preparing for their departure on the Rock ‘n’ Roll, did notice.