"How do you know about my identity? I don't remember ever reading my name in reports, let alone such major people having read these documents?"
"Do you really think that everyone is so rotten and thinks alike? If I acted like that I would not be who I am today. It is true that in the reports the name of the leader was never mentioned, but I had other sources. As soon as I read the name Freo, I knew exactly where I would get my answers. You must know, his wife is my sister. Although it's no use now, I can tell you that she doted on you and was grateful that you protected her husband. Furthermore, your appearance is consistent with their descriptions."
"So he survived..."
"Not only that, he recently moved in here with his wife. Well, I'm thankful, after all, she's my dear friend."
"Do they know about this yet?"
"I don't think so, he' s not in the army anymore, anyway. I think it's time for my questions. What really happened? According to my guess, your reinforcements proved to be your demise. Those mages couldn't be trusted already back then. On top of that, your squad was most likely to die, hence there wasn't much of an outcry. I believe that everything was planned from the beginning, both your forced military service and your backstabbing. However, I find it hard to believe that you could be the only one who survived, and yet here you are, sitting right in front of me. Looking at your weapon, I noticed that it was fused with magic. None of the soldiers of the Yakura squad could ever use magic.
"You seem to know everything, don't you?"
"Of course I do. After all, I'm something like your predecessor."
"In the end, it was magic that saved you, wasn't it? If it is true, I will stop questioning further. I don't think you were ever an enemy.
"As long as I'm not considered an enemy, people can think and say what they want about me."
"Hmm, not a bad mindset. I recognize it from someone else.
"You've got a pretty rough history Leo. We've got some catching up to do. So why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I want to get it out of my head. It just causes trouble and distress."
"If that's your view then I respect it. However, let me tell you this: you can't escape it altogether, after all, it made you who you are today."
("That's exactly the problem.")
"If it's possible, I'd like to hide my identity as best as I can."
"I suppose someone wants to remain a mystery. I'm afraid that's barely an option."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, after I knew you were THE Leo I ought to pass it on right away. This was an implied order from Lucy.
"Who is Lucy? Who else can give you orders but the sovereign of the city- wait a minute: I remember Freo mentioning that name. Surely she's not?"
"She's Melissa's sister. Didn't Freo tell you how she was willing to give up her name to be with him? That little punk, he has no idea how lucky he is to have her!"
"So the ruler of the city knows who I am?"
"Oh, she knows everything about you that Melissa and Freo told her. After all, you saved her husband and were one of the protectors of the kingdom. How do you think I got part of my intel?"
" Uhh man, it couldn't get any worse than this. Why am I so popular now all of a sudden ?"
" You can still consider yourself lucky. Lucy is totally different from her sister. At least she thinks first unlike her sister. Melissa blurts everything out at the first opportunity. Lucy tends to keep such significant information to herself. At least, then, you're not well-known on the streets."
"See, a little ray of hope Leo."
"Urgh..."
"Don't pull that face and drink up instead. You have an audience with Lucy in a minute."
"Why don't you call her by her title?"
"We're childhood friends, why would I do that? Folks don't mind so..."
"(Probably a woman thing.)"
"Connor, you accompany him. You guys are partners, after all."
"Okay. Can't leave that fool alone anyway."
Leo was too tired to bother arguing. Just about everything he tried to prevent had gone wrong. Using a detour, Carleen led him to the palace. Seeing Carleen, the guards moved aside and paid their respects. Looking into their eyes, Leo could see fear.
"What are you doing to them? They look like they've been through a nightmare."
"A soldier needs strict discipline otherwise he will eventually lose his sense of responsibility."
"Wow, not even Grae was looking at them like that."
"Are you talking about Jures Grae, that prodigy? He was two years under me. At that time, I only overheard that he was having trouble with his family. Actually, I trained him myself for three months. So how's that idiot? From the way he swung that sword, he should be pretty high up there."
"Well, he was introduced to us as the youngest commander ever. But apparently that's a lie."
"If you look at everything then yes. But back then I wasn't accepted by everyone, having a girl as the youngest commander. It sounded preposterous at first. So I'm not very surprised that he was given the title. Most of my achievements and accomplishments have certainly been either erased or falsified by now. I didn't expect otherwise, keeping a distance from the fame feels good. Here we are, it's best to hear her out first. She doesn't like it when you interrupt her she gets pissed off quickly."
"I don't like people talking about me behind my back either, Carleen. How about you join in, too? Afterwards, I have a few words to say to you too!"
Carleen was the wing of the nation, the strongest militant yet her facial expression at Lucy's words showed pure terror.
"I-it's okay, I'll just hang around and listen to what you have to say. Just don't speak too long, the alcohol makes me feel tired quickly."
"Carleen! It's not even dark!"
"Hey, I'm exhausted! Fighting those two was much harder than I thought it would be."
"Hmph, you'll never change. I wish they hadn't offered you alcohol back then....
Anyway, enough about Carleen since I have an honored guest in front of me."
Leo and Connor knew how to behave in front of such people. They both bent one knee and tilted their heads down.
"It is our honor to meet the ruler of Alteria."
"Oh, stop this nonsense already. I hate these greetings, besides, I'm not a queen!"
"Very well, I detest bending my knee. Last time I did it I almost murdered someone."
"Well, I'm glad we are on the same page. So, you're the Leo my sister and her husband were talking about. . I would also like to thank you for protecting my family. Melissa has always been stubborn and blinded by love she left me and mother. Since my mother died 5 years ago, I inherited the name of my family. Had Melissa not abandoned her name, she would have been able to witness everything. At least she made the right decision and found her new home. They are surely happy to see an old face again.
"That is not necessary. The news of my brief stay is sufficient. I am not interested in a personal reunion."
"I wasn't expecting you to be so cold. Well, Freo actually feared something like this already, so he gave me something to return to you."
She gave Leo the seal and mark of their old squad. It was completely dented and scratched but still recognizable. Leo held it in his hand for a moment and handed it back to Lucy.
"It's not of any use in my care. I bear no sympathy for sentimentality and nostalgia; having seen it is enough."
Lucy was not enthusiastic about his answer. Looking at Carleen, however, she knew what was going on inside him.
"Hmm, I really didn't think you'd be so cold. Still, I can't force it on you, so I guess a message to Freo will have to do. Judging by your answer, you're neither interested in a reunion nor in a long stay."
"That's correct. My partner and I are just passing through. We planned to rest here for a night as well as get a little money from monster hunts."
Lucy gazed into Leo's eyes. Seeing his will, she knew his mind was made up from the start.
" I should have expected the answer by your appearance and the way you act. Alright, Carleen, inform the tavern that they should free two rooms. The food shall also be provided free of charge. As for the money... Take this as a token of gratitude to your service. That way, at least, I can put this matter to rest. Rest assured, none of those two will know about your visit until tomorrow. Otherwise, if there is anything to discuss, then here is your last chance.
"There is one more thing. Your relationship with the new king is said to be very good. Did he give you any special messages, anything out of the norm?"
"Except that he hopes for our cooperation and will support us nothing else was sent."
("Did the godess not return? Why isn't he spreading the message? Is he really in charge or has she other plans concerning Zaphiel? I can't imagine an answer...")
"That should be enough information. Many thanks for your generosity."
"Enjoy your stay and take care. If you do return then you are welcome but next time on your own payment."
Connor and Leo left the palace along with Carleen. She showed them the place where they could eat and drink as well as sleep for the night.
" So I guess this will be goodbye. I have to head back to the other soldiers. Like Lucy said, keep safe and always be ready in case there are any dangers lurking. Oh and Leo, it's better if you don't let go of your old title. Perhaps one day it will be worth something again."
After saying goodbye, the two went straight to the tavern. The innkeeper welcomed them as they were guests of honor today. Everything was on the house for them. While Leo was still hesitant, Connor really went for it. He couldn't get enough of the food. However, as he had been taught by his mother, he stuck to his manners even though he clearly exaggerated. Leo just watched him as he took a knife and fork and slowly ate small pieces.
"What is it? Isn't that natural when you eat something at a table?"
"I think you've forgotten about where we are. This is not a banquet hall, it's a tavern. Hell, half the folks here eat with their hands. That makes you look like a mix of a snob and a monster hunter."
"It's not my concern that everyone has no manners."
"No it isn't. Your problem will be when everyone looks at you weird to make you stand out."
Connor glanced around at the other tables. It dawned on him that his mother's words tended to draw attention here. Thus, he continued to eat quietly like the others.
"I can't believe this. For once, I'm in a diner, and I have to match their standards..."
"Connor, you're probably the only person who is better at adapting to various types of combat than changing his table manners."
"...At least that way I am exceptional..."
Leo smacked his hand on his forehead and sighed. Then he started eating as well. Once they were both done, they remained at the table to discuss what to do next. Beforehand, Connor demanded that Leo should tell him at least a part of his backstory. He didn't have any problems telling Connor, he recognized him as the first true friend since his predicament.
"I only heard a rumor once about a Yakura squad. The things being told sounded too remarkable for me to believe. But I wouldn't have thought it really happened so similarly."
Leo continued until Connor suddenly started laughing.
"What's so funny about all this?"
"Hahaha, sorry. I was just laughing because it's ironic."
"What kind of irony?"
"Well, you were forced to watch everything happening in this world like this, while I was barely allowed to leave my home. This is not to say that I would have liked to switch our roles. It's just so funny that two people like that would travel together. Their stories couldn't be more different, but the end outcome is the same. Doesn't it strike you as ironic?"
"...It's true, it's indeed ironic."
It's been a very very long time since Leo wore a friendly expression on his face but in this moment he couldn't refrain from grinning.
"Aha, so you can smile after all. I almost thought you were made of stone inside."
"What stone? That makes no sense at all!"
"It's just a figure of speech you dumbass! Hahaha, don't take everything so seriously Leo."
Connor was right, Leo found it hard to find peace but in his presence he was getting closer to it. He started to change.
All of a sudden a dark elf came and sat down at their table nervously.
"Are you Leo? Your name is Leo isn't it?"
Leo realized that Connor just mentioned his name. Frowning slightly, he looked at his comrade. There was no way he could lie now.
("Great, another one who knows about my visit. Has Lucy told something after all?")
"Yes, I am Leo, the Leo who was personally welcomed by Carleen. Look, I'm not a hotshot, it was my duty at the time so-"
"No, I'm not concerned with anything like that. I was supposed to be on the lookout for a Leo, he's tall and gives an unfriendly impression."
"See? I'm not the only one who thinks that!"
"Shut up Connor!"
"Listen, you've got the wrong Leo. You see we're both monster hunters and we're just passing through. This Leo would hardly come by here to eat, would he?"
" Perhaps you're right. You certainly don't appear to be anything like she described you. Crap, we're not getting anywhere like this. I can't wait any longer or Lynia will be in grave danger."
Upon hearing that name, Leo stopped eating and snapped his eyes open.
"What's going on? You know this person?"
("Lynia is in danger? Never mind, she'll manage on her own. Considering her abilities, I don't have to worry... Ah, hell... what's the point now... it seems like one hand washes the other huh?")
The dark elf left their table heading out of the tavern when Leo grabbed him by the arm.
" Perhaps I am your Leo after all. Give me a more detailed explanation of what's going on. Then I might be able to help."
"O-okay, she's in deep trouble right now. The Elves are increasingly attacking us, her and other warriors are currently defending our stronghold. But the state of it is terrible, with the next attack they will fall without a chance."
"And what about her mother? Is she still their leader?"
" She still is but not for long if nothing changes! The Elves want to exterminate us and wipe out our existence now that they are more powerful than ever."
"What does that mean? More powerful by what?"
"Through his resurrection, by Yrasil's emergence."
Leo was thinking, Zaphiel mentioned this name before. Still, he couldn't remember precisely whom he was referring to. Then it suddenly dawned on him, that realization made him more worried.
"You're kidding me, right? She wants to overcome him? With those methods?"
"It's impossible..."
"Uh, why did I ever accept her help..."
("Oh boy, this is not going to end well. True, Lynia is strong and capable. However, a mere dark elf hardly stands a chance against him...let alone a swordsman with barely any magic...this world really hates my guts...I guess our next fight will be against a god...fuck...")