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40. Borrowed Throne

「I’ll do it.」

Mello’s answer was certain.

「Are you sure?」

「I want to do it. Please, before I lose my resolve.」

「……Okay.」

After confirming Mello’s will, I stood up.

「Everyone, I have something to say. My skills…」

◆◆◆

「Ah, ahhh…!」

A crying young mother was hugging her child. The child’s skill was vibrant, and the way it slept peacefully was full of life.

I myself was physically dead when my brain exploded, albeit for a moment. I have experienced being revived by restoring my brain with healing skills and regaining consciousness. If [Seraph’s Grace] is based on the same principle, there should be no negative impact on that child’s future.

「Haa… haa…」

The reason why Mello was breathing heavily next to me was not due to exhaustion but from mental strain. This one event definitely shortened her lifespan.

「Does your body feel anything strange?」

「Are there any others?」

That was her response to Koe-san who cared about her health.

「If there is anyone else who has passed away, please bring them here.」

「N-No, it’s just that kid…」

The young man who had been demanding severe punishment earlier, answered, and with that, the room fell silent.

Mello only restored what she had taken away. Even if the thief returns what she stole, the crime does not go away. Her fate is yet to be determined.

There was silence, as if the commotion from just a moment ago was a lie. Then a girl’s voice broke the silence.

「We haven’t heard her side of the story yet.」

It was Shizuku. The surroundings suddenly stirred.

「Even if we ask her…」

「That’s right, Shizuku-san. There will only be excuses.」

Shizuku was unfazed by the voices around her.

「It’s up to her to make an excuse or not. However, it’s not fair to make a decision without letting her say anything.」

Everyone was focused on Mello again. She took a few breaths, knowing that her words were awaited.

After a long silence, Mello finally spoke.

「I will think of this as my last chance and request something from all of you.」

Shizuku asked for a favor and met the gaze of the angry villagers.

「Is it okay if I use this skill to bring back my friends?」

Her friends.

The man who was called the platoon leader and two female mages. All of them were killed by the Snare Snail’s tentacles.

She wants to bring them back.

「We did something unforgivable. To all of you, we are enemies. Yet, to me, we are comrades who fought together for six years!」

「Six years…?」

Six years. That number suddenly brought back memories.

『The retirement allowance will go up dramatically from the seventh year onwards.』

『It’s the leader’s decision.』

『Same for me.』

『I was against it, you know? But since it’s a majority vote…』

『That’s why, just die.』

The faces of the people I was fighting with until just a few weeks ago came to mind. It flashed across my mind.

「Koe-san, was it? I thought about what she said. I realized how much damage I had done. And what I should do from now on.」

She seems to have realized that no matter how bad her position might be, she would regret it if she didn’t say it.

「I will definitely persuade my friends to help you. I will also do my best to negotiate with the duke. So please, let me save my friends!」

「It’s probably going to shorten your lifespan. Are you okay with that?」

「……I do not mind.」

Mello said straight up that she was aware of it.

「Then you should do it.」Shizuku responded honestly.

「A-Are you sure…?」

「Not saving someone that can be saved is the same as killing them. We have not given you the death penalty.」

Even the mother, who had shouted “kill her” earlier, shook her head.

「Thank you!」

「Are you all okay with that? Anyone who desires capital punishment should step forward!」

Shizuku cut her words there, but the commotion around her did not stop. There were various murmurs and whispers discussing with each other.

Shizuku continued to stand silently. Amidst the incoherent voices, I only uttered one thing.

「What’s the matter? Shizuku is right there. If you have any objections, just raise them openly.」

I had to wait a while.

There were no objections. In the center of the quiet field, Asagi tapped the floor with his sword.

「All opinions have been exhausted. From now on, I, Asagi, will pass judgment as the village chief.」

Asagi first addressed the young people.

「The opinion that severe punishment should be given is absolutely reasonable.However, nothing will be achieved by flogging someone.」

Next, he addressed the elders.

「The opinion that she should be used in negotiations with the lord is truly wise. However, it is too early to announce the existence of the village.」

Finally, he said this to the women.

「The opinion that they should be used as laborers is quite reasonable. However, it is a bit wasteful when it comes to using soldiers.」

He then declared to everyone.

「I order the captive Mello and her crew to work at the “Farthest Ends Of The Blue”. Explore and collect as much resources and treasure as possible.」

「……I see.」

Even when the monsters are gone, the dungeon remains vast and mysterious. Exploration would prove a major difficulty with the werewolves.

I was planning to take the lead on the exploration, but if there are other experts, I don’t mind leaving it to them.

「The time will come when we will make the village’s existence known to the world. At that time, we will begin negotiations for their prompt return.」

Asagi presented me with the treasure sword again and awaited my answer.

「Marge-dono, this is our answer.」

「Master.」

「Yeah.」

Leaving them in charge of the dungeon is a good idea, but that’s just the exterior.

What I wanted to see was the more fundamental part. Will they see the act of taking back something that was taken as a means rather than an end?

What will be borne of taking back that which was taken? They had their eyes firmly set on it.

「…As I said at the beginning, I’m not a prideful, upright person. If that is what you desire, Shizuku is a much better candidate.」

However, Shizuku is still young. She doesn’t have enough insight to summarize the people of the village in one word. As such, I will “borrow” her throne until she grows worthy of it.

「A borrowed throne. That’s just right for me.」

I took the sword and fastened it to my waist. The steel blade was much heavier and thicker than it looked.

「I will become the king of the bereaved. I will become the king who will take back what was stolen and pave the path forward.」

「If that’s the case, we will follow you down that path too.」

Asagi bowed and the werewolves followed.