Grimgal of Ashes and Illusion - Volume 8 - Chapter 3

3. The Quiet Struggle Between Factions

“...Just now, did you hear something?” Kuzaku was by the exit, at a point where it was hard to say whether he was inside or out, listening closely. “Did I imagine it? No... I’m pretty sure I hear it.” 

“Really...?” Shihoru moved over and crouched down next to Kuzaku, turning her right ear towards the outside. “...Oh. You’re right. It’s... the howling of dogs...?” 

“If anything, sounds more like wolves to me.” Kuzaku leaned back, keeping as much distance from Shihoru as he could. “Well, it’s a forest, so I guess there being wolves isn’t that strange, but...” 

It wasn’t because it was Shihoru; he just didn’t really want to get close to anyone of the opposite sex right now. While he wasn’t like Ranta, Kuzaku was aware that he wasn’t as disinterested as Haruhiro was. It’d be bad if he got into a weird frame of mind, and the girls were all a little unaware and unguarded, so he had to be the one to be careful. 

“It does bother me,” Kuzaku said. “You think they’re all right? No, I do think they are, but...” 

“It’s tough waiting,” Shihoru agreed. 

“Sure is. But that’s what we’ve gotta do. Everyone’s got their own role to play.” 

“Yeah,” Shihoru said slowly. “I need to work out more...” 

“Huh? You, Shihoru? Like, you’re gonna get all beefy?” 

“I-I won’t go that far. I have trouble building muscle. I can only put on weight where I don’t need it.” 

“No, I don’t think you don’t need—er, not that I mean that in a weird way or anything. I dunno. It’s best to be a healthy weight. Like, I don’t think you need to be overly thin. ...Huh? Am I digging myself a hole here? Erm... 

Sorry? I was kind of rude there. Hope I didn’t offend you, did I?” 

“It’s okay. No need to walk on eggshells. I may not seem like it, but I’ve got a thick skin,” Shihoru said, hanging her head with a wry smile. “...It comes with being fat.” 

A self-deprecating gag? Should he laugh? Or tell her that she was wrong and compliment her? He wasn’t sure which was better. Honestly, Kuzaku had trouble dealing with this side of Shihoru. 

“But it’s a pretty long way away, y’know,” Kuzaku said. “To Alterna. 

Still, this is Grimgar, not Darunggar, so that’s a step forward at least.” 

“Um...” 

“Yes?” 

“That was boring... right? Just now,” Shihoru said. “I’m sorry. I meant it as a joke, but... I can’t come up with anything funny usually...” 

Whaaaa. You’re bringing it back up, now? Seriously? Normally you’d just let it go.  That was definitely a thing Kuzaku thought, but if she was going to bring it up, he had to rise to the occasion. She wasn’t a total stranger; she was his comrade, after all. 

“Yeah,” he said. “It was kind of hard to laugh at. I mean, our bodies can be a pretty delicate subject. Even if it was funny, I’d wonder, like, is it okay for me to laugh? You know? Also, you’re not fat, obviously. Actually, you know, I think we all lost a lot of weight in that other world. It was harsh there...” 

“Y-You might be right...” Shihoru looked at Kuzaku with upturned eyes. 

“Thanks for being straight with me. I’m really grate... glad that you did. 

“Oh, you are? Well, good.” Kuzaku was relieved to hear it. “It took some courage to say that. Was worried I’d offend you. But I shouldn’t be so reserved, like you’re a stranger.” 

“We’re comrades, right?” Shihoru asked. 

“We are, yeah.” 

“But... you’re still overly polite sometimes?” she ventured. 

“That’s, well, mostly force of habit, I guess? You’re all my seniors, so I think that’s part of it.” 

“Not that we’re very reliable seniors.” 

“That’s not true,” Kuzaku said. “I’m always relying on you guys. It makes me feel like I must’ve had a big brother or big sister. I don’t remember, though. That aspect of my personality, it’s not a good thing. I’m the party’s 

tank, after all. Really, I need to get to the point where you can rely on me.” 

“Well, at the very least, I can say that I rely on you, Kuzaku-kun... I think. 

I mean, you’re protecting me.” 

“I wish I could cover for you better,” Kuzaku said. “You know, I’m tall, and I’ve got pretty long arms, too. I think, if I handle myself right, I should be able to draw all of the enemies to me. I need to do that, or—” 

“No!” Shihoru suddenly grasped at Kuzaku’s arm as if clinging to him. 

“...You can’t. Kuzaku-kun, don’t stress yourself. It’s not good to take everything on yourself like that.” 

“Is that what I’m doing? I don’t think so...” 

“You definitely are... I think,” she said. “You were open with me, so I’ll be straight with you, too. Moguzo-kun was always trying too hard, thinking he had to do things... and that’s how he ended up how he did. I think you might be doing a bit of that. He tried too hard for the rest of us, who were underdeveloped. We made him push himself. I don’t want you to repeat that, Kuzaku-kun. I won’t let you. We can’t have someone wearing themselves down for the rest of us. One person can’t sacrifice themselves for the rest of us, all of us have to work to make up for the others’ shortcomings. That’s what I think.” 

“...Ohhhh,” said Kuzaku. “That... makes sense. I mean, I don’t mean to seem like I’m in a rush. I feel like I’m behind the rest of you. Well, I’m chasing after all of you—” Kuzaku started to say, and then realized what he was saying. “...Ha ha. You’re right, I may be rushing things. But it sure is tough, isn’t it? I can’t help but get ahead of myself, you could say. I mean, Haruhiro, he’s amazing. He’s very detached, but in a good way. He’s calm.” 

“Haruhiro-kun... I think, in his mind, there’s a lot going on,” said Shihoru. 

“He just doesn’t talk about it. Because he’s the leader... I think he can’t talk about it. If the leader was worried, and indecisive, everyone would feel uneasy. I’m sure that’s what he’s thinking.” 

“You think he’s pushing himself too hard?” Kuzaku asked. 

“...I don’t think it’s easy on him. But there’s not much we can do about it... Haruhiro was forced to become the leader because the rest of us are unreliable. It’s not that we pushed it off onto him... but he’s not the type who would normally volunteer for that sort of position...” 

“Well... yeah,” Kuzaku said. “Haruhiro, he hates standing out. He’s not really the leader type, I guess. I like his style, though. Easier to deal with than someone who’s like, ‘Shut up and follow me.’” 

“I like his style, too.” Shihoru smiled a bit. 

Oh, she’s cute,  Kuzaku thought, and then immediately felt guilty about it. 

“It’s just...” Shihoru looked down. “I think we’re causing a lot of trouble for him. No matter how you look at it, it’s a job that hurts him... I wish I could at least do something to help, but I don’t know how...” 

“Something to help, huh,” Kuzaku said. “I’m not really the type for it... 

but, I mean, neither is Haruhiro, and he’s trying his hardest. For all of us.” 

“If only there were some small thing we could do to take some of the burden off of him...” Shihoru said. 

Kuzaku crossed his arms and looked upwards, closing his eyes. This seemed like something he really ought to think about. Or rather, he wanted to give it some serious thought. Even if he didn’t have an immediate flash of inspiration, if he kept it in mind, he might come up with something eventually. 

“Still, it’s good for you to agonize over these things. Especially while you’re young. Having more than enough time to agonize over these things is one of the privileges of youth.” 

“Oh, you think?” Kuzaku said. “Makes sense...” 

“...Huh?” Shihoru gulped. 

“Wait, what?” Kuzaku’s eyes went wide. 

“Hm?” 

There’s someone here...?  thought Kuzaku. 

It was obviously someone other than Kuzaku and Shihoru. Furthermore, that person wasn’t Haruhiro, or Yume, or Ranta, or Merry. 

That man was crouched just outside the exit Kuzaku and Shihoru were standing by, hugging his sheathed sword. He was wearing glasses, or goggles rather, so it was hard to tell what his face was like. His hair was parted in the center, and his face was covered in stubble. He didn’t look all that young. 

Kuzaku figured he was probably human, but he wore a somewhat longish coat that was tied up at the waist, along with a pair of something like riding pants, so he looked quite different from the people who lived in Alterna. 

“Oh, pardon me.” The man wearing goggles raised one hand and grinned. 

“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but you folks hadn’t noticed me. I thought it would be wrong of me to just keep quiet, so I took it upon myself to subtly insert myself into your little conversation.” 

“No...” Kuzaku hurriedly had Shihoru get behind him, putting his hand on the hilt of his black blade. “That wasn’t subtle at all, you know? Clearly. I don’t even know who you are.” 

“Indeed. You speak the truth.” The man wearing goggles scratched his head and frowned. “Then allow me to say this, if I meant to do you harm, I would have already done so. I don’t mean to mock you, but you were wide open. Even with my paltry skills, I could have easily dispatched you.” 

Kuzaku had to acknowledge he was right. He had been absorbed in their conversation, and hadn’t been paying enough attention. He was supposed to be here as Shihoru’s bodyguard, too. How pathetic. 

Even so, if they were to fight straight up, it was questionable whether he could win against this man. Kuzaku still hadn’t drawn his sword. He couldn’t. All reasoning aside, he could sense it. If he drew his weapon, he’d be in serious trouble. 

“We’re volunteer soldiers from Alterna,” Kuzaku said. “Does that mean anything to you? As an explanation?” 

“Indeed,” said the man. “You are volunteer soldiers with the Arabakia Frontier Army, yes? I know them. I have acquaintances who are volunteer soldiers, too.” 

“I’m Kuzaku,” Kuzaku said. Shihoru followed suit, saying, “I’m Shihoru...” in a quiet voice. 

“I’m Katsuharu.” The man raised his goggles up to his forehead, squinting. “If I say I’m from the village, would you understand what I mean? 

We simply call it ‘the village,’ but outsiders refer to it as the Hidden Village.” 

“...The Hidden Village,” Shihoru whispered. It seemed like she had some idea what he meant. 

Kuzaku felt like he might have heard of it, or might not have, he wasn’t really sure, but he could tell that it was a place where humans like Katsuharu lived, at least. 

Which meant what? 

“Huh? What’s that mean?” Kuzaku cocked his head to the side. “I don’t really get it...” 

“It means we’re not enemies,” said Shihoru. “The Kingdom of Arabakia, which Alterna belongs to, and the Hidden Village aren’t hostile to one another,” Shihoru explained in a whisper. “Though we aren’t exactly friendly with them, either... You might guess it from the name, but we don’t know exactly where the Hidden Village is...” 

“So that’s why it’s a hidden village?” Kuzaku asked. “Huh... So, Katsuharu-san is from there, and... what does that mean? Uh...” 

“You two are so easygoing. That’s nice.” Katsuharu sat down on the ground and rubbed his nose. He’d said Kuzaku and Shihoru were easygoing, but he was projecting a pretty easygoing atmosphere himself. Then again, it still felt like he might draw his weapon at any moment. He was a mysterious man. “That said, I do find it a little odd coming across two volunteer soldiers in a place like this. Could it be that the two of you just returned from the world that lies beyond that hole?” 

“...You know about Darunggar?” Shihoru asked hesitantly. 

“The name Darunggar isn’t familiar to me,” said Katsuharu. “However, some in the village are aware that that hole leads to another world. This place, Thousand Valley, is like our backyard, you see.” 

“Thousand Valley...” Kuzaku looked out into the fog hanging over the area. He had a sudden realization. “Wait, if this is your backyard, you know the paths here? Right? The way to Alterna, too?” 

“Indeed. I have made a number of trips to Alterna myself, after all.” 

“Then you could show us the way!” Kuzaku cried. “Oh, no, I know I shouldn’t be asking you for a favor out of nowhere. You have no obligation to help us.” 

“As you say, I have no obligation to,” Katsuharu said. “Not now, at least. 

We’ve just met, after all. However, I sense a certain kismet in our meeting here, and once we come to know one another better, I might feel obliged to.” 

“By which you mean...?” Kuzaku asked. 

“Perhaps I was too indirect.” Katsuharu hit himself in the head. “The truth is, I happen to be searching for someone. Could you help me, perhaps? When my business is finished, I’ll show you to the village. You must be exhausted from your travels, no? Why not rest at the village?” 

“...I think he’s a little suspicious,” Shihoru whispered in Kuzaku’s ear. 

“Isn’t he being a little too generous when he doesn’t owe us anything? 

Besides, if he shows us the way there, we’d find out where the village is...” 

“I can hear you.” Katsuharu pulled on his earlobe and smiled wryly at them. “I’ve got a good pair of ears on me, you see. Well, I suppose your caution is warranted. However, you’ve misunderstood one thing.” 

Could they trust him? Kuzaku couldn’t decide. 

“...What are we misunderstanding?” he asked cautiously. 

“It’s outsiders that call it the Hidden Village, not us. I told you that, didn’t I? We relocate the village every year, sometimes more than once in the same year. Most of the villages are, well, not accepting of outsiders, you could say, but it’s not as if the gates are closed to strangers. As a matter of fact, you people must have heard of the volunteer soldier called Soma, right? He was recognized as a samurai by the four samurai houses.” 

“Yeah...” said Kuzaku. “We’re technically Soma-san’s comrades...? Well, we’re in the same clan.” 

“Oh, are you indeed? Then you must be highly capable.” 

Kuzaku and Shihoru looked at one another despite themselves. How should they respond to that? 

While Kuzaku was still confused about what to do, Shihoru spoke up. “If only that were true. We still have a long way to go.” 

“How very humble of you to say that.” Katsuharu was grinning. 

Somehow, he had completely seen through their skill level, and he was teasing them based on that knowledge. That was what it felt like. But it didn’t come across as nasty, and they really were inexperienced, so Kuzaku couldn’t get mad at him for it. Kuzaku consulted with Shihoru in a whisper, knowing full well that Katsuharu would overhear, then decided to fill him in on their situation. 

“Katsuharu-san, we’ve got other people with us, too,” Kuzaku said. “Four of them. Two left scouting earlier, and the other two went out looking for them when they didn’t come back. So, we were left here waiting.” 

“In that case...” Katsuharu’s expression clouded slightly. “It may be that your friends have already gotten caught up in things.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kuzaku asked. 

“Where do I even begin? To make it simple, there are troubles going on. 

My adorable niece has been caught up in it, so I can’t ignore it. She would be the one I’m looking for. Ahhh, this is such a hassle.” Katsuharu lowered his goggles, fixed their position, and then stood up. “You two come with me. I’ll explain more along the way. Or would you rather stay and wait for your companions? Either way, I’ll be going.” 

“...Maybe we should go with him,” Shihoru said. 

If she said so—well, it was really that Kuzaku couldn’t make a decision, so he couldn’t possibly object. 

Katsuharu led the way, of course, with Shihoru and Kuzaku behind him as they advanced through the fog. It was strangely easy to walk. Katsuharu seemed to be choosing the spots with the best footing. He’d said this was his backyard, and it was clear he hadn’t just been saying that. 

“Um, Katsuharu-san,” Kuzaku said. “Now that I think of it, I heard what sounded like wolves howling.” 

“Forgan’s beasts, no doubt.” Katsuharu wasn’t looking around. He just walked in a single direction. 

“Are they bad news?” Kuzaku asked. 

“There’s this guy called Jumbo, you see,” Katsuharu said. “Forgan is the faction he leads.” 

“Huh? What do a faction of orcs and those beasts have to do with one another?” Kuzaku asked. 

“Keep your voice down.” Katsuharu crouched and put his hand on the hilt of his sword. 

Shihoru ducked her head and held her breath. It looked like Kuzaku would be best advised to ready himself and stay put, too. 

For the next two, three minutes, he stayed there and didn’t move a muscle. 

It got harder and harder. But, in Kuzaku’s case, if he moved about carelessly, his equipment was guaranteed to make noise. Until he was told it was okay, he’d have to put up with it. 

Still, can we go yet?  he wondered. 

Instead of thinking things like that, he should have been scanning the area, and thinking about what he’d do if something happened, as well as about what he should be doing. 

I’m taking this too lightly. I need to reflect on that. If I keep on going like this, I’ll never catch up to Haruhiro and the others. But I can’t see anything through the fog, I don’t really hear anything, and if enemies attack then protecting Shihoru is about all I can do, so... can we go yet? 

“There was a nyaa,” Katsuharu said in a low voice. 

“...A nyaa?” Shihoru asked. 

“Yeah. Have you people never heard of them? They’re animals. A wild nyaa hardly ever shows itself to people. The village’s onmitsu spies raise them, but that wasn’t what that one was. That was likely one of Forgan’s trained nyaas.” 

The more he listened, the funnier the word sounded. Nyaa.  It was just too cute. Like, a pet nyaa. No, this was no time for laughing. It was probably a serious matter. Kuzaku cleared his throat. 

“But I don’t see anything that looks like that, and I don’t sense it, either,” he said. 

“It was faint, but I heard a slight meowing earlier,” Katsuharu told them. 

“It went nyaa. It’s gone now. It doesn’t seem to have noticed us. Let’s hurry onward.” 

If Katsuharu says so, that’s probably how it is,  thought Kuzaku. It really is relaxing to just do as someone tells you. Obviously, it’s easier, too. Having to think for yourself, that’s hard. Haruhiro is amazing, seriously. 

Honestly, by the time he noticed he was doing whatever Katsuhiro told him, he was a little exasperated with himself for getting used to that situation so quickly. 

“It’s like I’m a dog,” Kuzaku murmured. 

“True.” Shihoru who was ahead of him giggled. “You do have a dog-like quality, Kuzaku-kun.” 

“Oh, you heard that? Huh. Am I really that dog-like? Hrmm. Well, I’m not cat-like, I guess. Are you more of a dog person or a cat person, Shihoru-san?” 

“...I prefer dogs, I guess.” 

“Oh? Really?” 

“Huh...? Oh, i-it’s not anything to do with you being dog-like...” 

“Nah, I’m not going to misunderstand you like that, don’t worry,” Kuzaku told her. “I’ll bet you don’t even look at me as a man. I mean, I’m pretty sure all the girls in our group are that way...” 

“...I wouldn’t say that,” Shihoru said. 

“Nah, I’m sure of it. Like, considering how things went... No, no, I shouldn’t talk like this.” 

“How what went...? Now you’ve got me curious.” 

“Yeah, I guess you would be,” Kuzaku said. “If I say this much, then try to keep it a secret, would you? You would, right? ...Well, you know how it is. 

I mean... I confessed to Merry, and got shot down hard.” 

“I thought so,” Shihoru said. 

“Urgh. You’d noticed...?” 

“Just vaguely, though.” 

“Well, that’s embarrassing. But facts are facts, so what can you do? In the end, we decided to stay just comrades.” 

“It’s tough, huh.” Shihoru nodded. “Knowing how close you can get to people. Merry’s the serious sort, and very well-organized, after all.” 

“I’m over it now, though. I’m trying to put it behind me. But I’m worried about Merry. I mean, the one with her is Ranta-kun...” 

“When I hear the two of you talk,” Katsuharu said, laughing and pretending to scratch himself all over, “it makes me feel ticklish.” 

“S-Sorry...” Shihoru’s head shrunk into her body. 

“It’s nothing to apologize for,” Katsuharu said. “I was like that, too, back in the day. It was a long time ago, but this brings the memories flooding back. That aside...” 

Katsuharu came to a halt. He crouched, touching the ground. 

“Looks like something happened here. These footprints are likely human. 

From two, maybe three people. ...Two, I’d say. These two people were probably surrounded by a pack of wolves, and then... there are no signs of a struggle. The two walked off on their own after that. They headed towards the southwest. Hopefully we can follow the trail...”