Ch. 4: People of Battle - The Toura Tribe
And after one week passed…-
Lian and his tribe went to face the tribe that had ransacked the village.
I watched over Lian from inside a house, along with the other villagers.
Lian: “Are you the ones that stole from this village?”
Opposing Tribesman 1: “Who the hell’re you? And who’re you callin’ thieves? We entered into a proper deal.”
Lian: “I heard it was an unfair deal. I’ll have you return the excess you took.”
Opposing Tribesman 2: “I dunno what you’re talkin’ about. But more importantly, you’re in our way. From now on, this village is our base. Get ’em!!”
Then the battle started…-
(Th-they’re strong…)
Even though the opposing tribe had overwhelming numbers, one after the other, Lian’s tribe systematically cut them down.
Opposing Tribesman 1: “Are these guys the Toura Tribe!? Damn!”
And in the blink of an eye, every member of the opposing tribe was brought down.
Villagers: “Yeah! As expected of Master Lian and his people!!”
(I’m so glad…)
I rushed outside with the villagers towards Lian, but at that time…-
OO: “…!!”
One of the downed tribesmen aimed an arrow at Lian.
Opposing Tribesman 3: “Die!”
OO: “Lian!!”
The air rang with the thrum of the arrow being released.
Ch. 5: Lian's Smile
Opposing Tribesman 3: “Die!”
An arrow was shot towards Lian…-
OO: “Lian!!”
Without thinking, I jumped in front of Lian.
Lian: “…!!”
Lian grabbed me from behind and my body was pulled behind him when…
The arrow pierced Lian’s shoulder.
Lian: “…”
OO: “Lian!!”
Opposing Tribesman 3: “Tch!”
The man who shot the arrow quickly fled.
Village Man: “Hold it!”
Lian: “Enough! It’s too dangerous!”
Lian ordered the man to stop as he was about to run off after the fleeing archer.
OO: “Lian! Are you alright!?”
Lian: “It’s nothing.”
He pulled the arrow from his shoulder, and a red stain started to soak into his clothes.
OO: “W-we have to hurry and take care of that…!”
I went to leave in search of a cloth to stop the bleeding, but Lian’s large hand grabbed my arm.
Lian: “…were you trying to cover me?”
OO: “I just reacted…but you still ended up getting hurt.”
I answered, my voice shaking.
Lian gave me a gentle smile as he placed his hand on my head.
(He has a kind face…)
Lian: “Thank you. But really, don’t worry. I’m used to small injuries like this. More importantly, is everyone else safe?”
Saying as much, Lian started to take stock of all the people from his tribe.
(Lian…even though he’s hurt…)
I turned on my heels and ran off in search of a cloth to stop the bleeding…-
That night…-
With their meager supplies, the villagers held a victory feast.
OO: “Is your wound alright?”
Lian: “Yes, thanks to your treatment, the pain is completely gone.”
(I wonder if that’s true…)
The torches lit up Lian’s noble visage.
Lian: “Nevertheless, you did something reckless.”
OO: “Eh.”
Lian: “It would have been bad if you’d gotten hit, you may have even died.”
OO: “…I’m sorry.”
Lian: “You don’t need to apologize. You were just trying to protect me.”
Lian chuckled.
OO: “Um…Lian?”
Lian patted me on the head.
Lian: “It’s nothing, sorry. I think this is the first time a woman has worried about me. But…you should take better care of yourself.”
He stroked the top of my head.
The warmth of his palm strangely filled me with a sense of safety.
OO: “I will…”
Lian: “The brilliant red star is beautiful tonight as well.”
Looking up, I saw the whole night sky was filled with a dazzling red light.
OO: “The Goddess of the Dawn, right?”
Lian: “That’s right…it seems the goddess is more reckless than I’d thought.”
OO: “Eh?”
Lian looked down at me and let another chuckle slip out.
I didn’t know what he’d meant by that, but underneath that brilliant red star, I could still feel the warmth of Lian’s hand.
END