--It was also the time of the cold season.


　I spent most of the day asleep, and at the same time I had to take medicine and nutrition without fail.

　I was told by a traveling doctor that if I didn't do this, my strength would fail and I would die of weakness.

　She was desperate not to leave Wind's side, but her strength was so weak that it was very easy to break her.

　When the medicine ran out, Wind left Ruri alone to fight for her life.

　Her condition was getting worse and worse.
　The cold season is coming.
　Even with the reward, there is no medicine and the environment is bad.

　I got my hands dirty many times. A lot of people hated me.
　So I couldn't stay in one place.

　But... But Wind made a vow that day.

"From this day forward, you are my daughter.

　By the time she left her home, the woman she loved was already under the ground.
　He knew he'd never be allowed to visit her grave again.
　I abandoned the idea of visiting that place or returning to my hometown.

　Wind continued to wield the knife, hoping only that his lost relic would live happily ever after.

　And yet...

　Ruri was told she had only a year to live.

　--Even if...

　Yes, even if it's only a year. We'll do everything we can for that one year.
　To make a year into a year and a day. Wind-Earth Note's vow was firm.

　He gritted his teeth and bathed in warm blood under the cold. It eased his own cold a little.
　It was a nice irony for a man who turns human blood into life.

　The merchant company I attacked that day belonged to one of the most prominent merchant companies in the capital, which had made great strides in the past few years.

　They must have a lot of money. A request from a wealthy man who felt they were in his way was more than enough to move Wind's heart.
　I don't know if I can get the medicine or not. But if he had the money, he would go to another town.

　Yes, the fearsome assassin who wielded the iron knife with such ferocity.

　The fearsome assassin who wielded the iron with such ferocity met a girl who was leading a trading party.

"What can I give you to help me?
"I'm sorry.
I'll give you whatever you want. You have a lot of power, don't you?　Tell me what you want most. In exchange, you will stay with me.

　Most of the guards are dead.
　I didn't expect my target, a high ranking member of the Chamber of Commerce, to be such a child, but he was. He was imposing.
　He would give his life for what he wanted most.

　That's what he said. I was at my wits end. I wanted to cling.

"My daughter.
"...... Resuscitation?

　He shook his head at her, clearly ready to run.

She shook her head. "...... if I can save her life.

　She gently brushed her lips against Wind's as she said this.

"The situation is...
"You have one year to live.
Tell me how he is. Trusting one doctor is a fool's errand.

　She snapped. She said stoutly, even though her life was in danger.

　One by one, The Wind tells me the rest.
　He knew it was just stalling for time.
　He sensed the presence that surrounded him, and more than anything, she seemed to be waiting for it.
　But... But still... Her eyes didn't seem to be lying.

"What is it? You've got the shiot disease.
"What about ......?

　Suddenly. The people around me stopped talking.
　She tells you in a cumbersome way and looks at Wind.
　Her imposing back, as if to say, "Follow me," was small but encouraging.

　In the corner of her tent, there was a small medicine bottle. It was not much bigger than Wind's index finger.

"It's the only medicine that can cure me. But it's there. It'll stick to me, right?
"...... How much does this cost?
"Seven million garuds.
"......

　This little bottle.



"You can have it.
"What, ......?
"If you don't trust me, take me hostage or whatever you have to do to get to your daughter. I'll do whatever it takes to survive.
"Are you sure about ......?
"What?

　The girl says, brushing her hair out of her face.


'This will buy you, right?　It's cheap.


　She must have thought that she had just hired a man for something.

　I'm sure she never realized what a blessing that was to Wind-Earthnote.

　--A short time after that day, Ruri was released from her illness.















　--Orba Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

Chairman. Thank you for everything you've done for Ruri.
What?　What? Suddenly. I'm not the chairman anymore.

　Slowly, Wind woke up and realized from the darkness of the room that it was already night.
　She had enough energy to move her head. He looked toward the familiar little presence, sitting on the couch with a pen running by the candlestick.

　Not looking at me. She was not happy to be awake.
　She just said, as if it were a matter of course.

"Huh. Right, Mister Pasta.
"What's so funny?　The ...... name. I like it better than I thought. Pasta.

　Wind chuckles.
　Pasta keeps his hood up, presumably to keep his job.
　Even though she is no longer registered, even though she is abused by the lower classes, she continues to make profits for the Chamber of Commerce, and nothing has changed since that day.

"I had a dream. I was remembering the day I first met the Chairman.
You can glamorize it all you want, but it's not a good memory.
Don't say that. I'm sure you remember ...... better than I do.
I don't know what it's like to forget.

　Snickering, she pushed the scroll to the edge of the table.
　Snickering, she pushed the scroll to the edge of the table and reached for another one while the ink dried.

　Pasta--Beatrix M. Orba never forgets what she has seen.

　She remembers all kinds of numbers and doesn't take time to compare them.

　That's why she was able to mention the amount of money purchased by the Imperial Merchant Corps as she was being carried along by Huta.

　And of course, that memory applies to the episode as well.

"For me, it was nothing more than a story about how I managed to save my life.
But if it hadn't been for that negotiation, I wouldn't be here now.
That's not for everyone. Because I knew you were open to negotiation.
Ha-ha-ha. I see. So you're a businessman?
Well, yeah. ...... "Manager" is not a very good job title.
"...... Hmm.

　A pasta line that makes you want to throw up.

You can't do anything on your own. All you can do is use people. There's a lot of competition and it's not a rare profession. You have to be good and talented to survive.
Ha ha. You know yourself so well, Mr. Pasta, that's why you're such an effective manager.
I'm not talking about that right now.

　Pasta finally looked up, having become annoyed.
　I'm not talking about that right now," Pasta said, finally looking up. He took one look at Wind, who had a kind expression on his face, then glanced back at the scroll with annoyance.

You've gained some weight.
This is harsh. It's true that I didn't eat well back then.
...... I envy you that you can gain weight with a good diet.
Haha, you look almost exactly the same, Mr. Chairman.
Maybe I'll take him apart and sell him.
"Oh, my God.

　Wind's cheerful voice is not that of a faint heart. He must have been able to recover some of his strength after a good night's sleep.
　It was fortunate that there were no serious injuries. Physical fatigue, especially in the muscles, must have taken a toll on her, but she hoped there would be no after-effects.

Ruri is still alive, thanks to you.
Are you going to continue?　You still want to talk about it? The only thing I can think of is, "Well, she's alive.
"Ruri is afraid of Mister Pasta, so I had to tell her.


'If you're scared, why don't you just tell my daughter not to be scared, she's a stupid parent.
"Oh no. I can't do that.

　It wasn't just the medicine that she offered Ruri as security. "She had an attendant, a teacher, and she herself visited Ruri in her spare time.
　Lately, she had hardly shown her face, but it was no wonder when she was so hated.

The fact that she has been so helpful to Ruri is a reason for me to serve the Chamber of Commerce.
Haha. Because you never know when you'll die.
...... Yeah.

　Wind laughed and nodded, thinking that he was being berated for what he had done today.
　But I could tell that it wasn't just about today.

　In my profession, you never know when you're going to die.
　I can't let Wind's death prepare me.
　What would happen to Ruri if Wind died in a flash?

　She'll see it coming.

Thank you.
I don't accept thanks. If you don't work, she'll throw you out. Keep in mind, I'm only taking care of you because you're capable.
Yeah, of course.
It's all about money. That's why you're in this situation, isn't it?
...... Yes.

　It's about money.
　You're right. At the end of the day, Pasta and Wind are only an employment relationship.
　It's not limited to Wind.
　She never wanted to have a relationship with anyone other than money.

　Just like some princess's contract.

"Excuse me.

　And then there was a knock at the door.
　Pasta, who still did not look up from her scroll, answered lightly.

"Mr. Prim Lancaster is here to see you.
"Hmm. I wonder what's going on. Please let him in.
"Yes.

　Pasta's face twisted in annoyance when he heard the name Prim, but that was okay.
　Pasta was no longer the nominal landlord of the house.
　If Wind wants to invite him in, that's fine.
　I put on my hood and get on with my work.

"Hi, Mr. Wind. I'm here for a visit.
Thanks for this.

　She opens the door and heads straight for the bed, her twin-tails swept up in black.
　Pasta thinks that her slim height and feminine figure are just right for dressing her up in merchandise and making a spectacle of her.
　--Her breasts and buttocks are a little too big for that, though.

　Unmindful of Pasta's presence, Prim sat down on the chair at the side of the bed, wondering if she could be coaxed into becoming a business tool.

"Can you get up?
Yes. No problems at all ......!
"Oh, I'm totally tired. I don't want to get old.
Ha-ha-ha. It's not easy when you say it right to your face.

　Wind's face contorted, as if his muscles were aching in various places, but he raised his body.
　Then, a metal box is gently placed on his bed.

"What's this?
There's a party at Richter's today. Ruri is here too.
Yes, I know.
She wants you to try this delicious food. I'm the mailman.
I'm the mailman.

　Wind rolls his eyes in surprise.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.

I'm not sure what to do.
I'm not sure what to say. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I'm sure you'll agree.
I'm not sure. I didn't used to be able to eat much of it.

　Crunchy. Open the lid and you'll find it's filled with colorful dishes.
　I'm sure Ruri didn't pack it, because lunch box sense is not something you can acquire overnight.
　Nevertheless, judging from the number of dishes that Ruri seemed to like, she must have chosen the dishes she wanted to include to some extent.

Was Ruri a small eater?　No, she's growing up. You need to make sure you eat a lot now.
...... Yeah. That's right. We have to make sure she eats a lot.


You've been eating a lot today. I can't lose, too!
"...... I see. Did you eat well?
Yes.

　The feelings in Wind's words will never reach Prim.
　But what she says is the truth, as she knows nothing about it.

　Ruri has been eating a lot, and she's growing up, so she needs to be able to eat a lot.

　That's all that matters.

　With the cutlery she handed me, I took a bite.

"...... delicious.
"That's right. Someone told me that you can't serve bad food in the Klingbloom household.
You must have eaten a lot of good food, Luli.
What?　Yes, that's what I said.　...... What do you suspect?
No, I don't suspect anything. It's just... I'm just happy.

　He said in a mumble.

　I'm just happy," he said, muttering.

　She's alive today because of so many people.
　And... Don't forget. Because I'm the one who's living to provide for her.

I'll have to keep up the good work.
Oh, a bouncer's job. I'll go with you if you need me.
I'd like that. If you'd like, we could arrange a meeting.
Sounds good. Oh, and Richter, you're gonna have to learn how to use a blunt instrument.
You're going to take on the Lord of the Treasury?
"Yes, you can kill him!

　Prim said happily and innocently.
　"Yes, you can kill him!" Prim says happily and innocently, with a genuine desire for everyone to become stronger. --She was confident that she could stop an accident between the two of them if they tried to kill each other.

"Haha. Don't be a fool, little girl.
"Hahaha. Get well soon, old man!

　The two men were laughing at each other.
　Pasta looks at them through his hood, and then drops his gaze once more, looking bored.

　It's good that warriors are so simple.
　They used to be enemies, and now they find themselves in this situation.
　And they will kill each other again for no reason at all.

　If you can make it resonate as a performance, you can still make money, but unfortunately I'm not interested in such antics.

　At least do it in front of an audience," Pasta thought, as he worked on the task he'd been working on for a while: finding out who was behind the murders.

I see, that means .......

　I was just about to say that.



　Just as he was about to say that, a painful earth tremor hit the entire room.



What?

　Pasta took off his hood and looked around.

What is this?

　Wind, wary and ignoring the pain, grasps the iron door beside the bed.

"It's to the south. It's getting closer and closer. It's coming. What are you doing guarding it?

　Prim tells him, closing her eyes and deploying her cross spear.

We've got security!　We've caught over a dozen of them today!　Unless it's some kind of monster...
Unless it's a monster. ...... is coming!


　In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to take advantage of it.

　In the meantime, three more times, he had to take the spear and point it towards the door.

　In the meantime, three or four large tremors shook the room - and the house.

　Wind stood up.
　He staggered to his feet, knowing that it was probably he who was being targeted.
　As if to protect him, Prim stands.

　At the same time, a crushing sound dyes his vision white.

　The blow that shattered the door and shattered the wall echoed through the room louder than ever.
　Prim swept away the flying debris. She scrutinized the silhouette that appeared ahead of her.

The room on the far right is right here, right?　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this. ......?　It's the other way around from my point of view, right?　I'm sorry.


"Hey, you look familiar-- Izuna.
Oh?　Who's that calling my name?

　Long hair the color of dried blood runs wildly down his back.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.
　Above all, his trademark is the huge hammer axe he carries in one hand.

"Was Wind-Earthnote a woman?
No, of course not. Did you forget about me?
Oh?　Oh!　Prim!　It's Prim!　What a coincidence to meet you here!

　Two opponents.

"No offense, but can you back off?
"No, no. I don't know what Wind Earth Note looks like, but I've heard that he's in this house.
...... So?
Mochisuke will find out who it is later. So I...

　You'll find out who it is later.

I'm just going to kill all these people.
You're still too stupid. ......
I'm not stupid. I'm not stupid. I'm not going to let any of them escape.

　I'm not stupid.

　The pasta muttered quietly.

You can't negotiate with .......

　This kind of people can't be asked to make rational decisions when they are motivated. As soon as they are told something they don't understand, they will move on to fulfill their initial goal.
　There is no medicine for stupidity.

　There are two people here, Prim and Wind.
　Prim, but Wind...

　At that moment, her judgment was swift.

"Oh, my God, help me!
"Oh, no, Beatrix!

　She screamed and fled as fast as she could.

I can't believe you're running away from me, Mr. Wind, in this situation!　You mean you're going to cut her off?

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　There was no way Izuna could miss her. She'll be standing right in front of you.

"Hey woman.
I'm a prostitute with nothing to do with this place!
"Shh. ......

　Izuna's face turned red.
　Then she looks at the old man in the back, looks at the skull-and-crossbones woman, looks at the old man, and says to him.

"Are you insane?
Are you ...... trying to tell me what people like?
Yeah, ......?　Well, okay. I'm not stupid. I don't know anything about warriors, and I know they call me Beatrix. If you have nothing to do with the Chamber of Commerce, I'll cut you some slack.
"Thank you very much!

　With a bow, Beatrix ran past Izuna this time.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but I think it's a good idea," said Prim, who was watching the scene with hatred in her eyes.

"Is ...... okay?

　The question came from Wind.
　He shook his head in response to Wind's words that seemed to aid and abet her escape.

"Yes. The Chairman was just doing what he did best. --He didn't want to be here.
I don't think he's that trustworthy.

　Oh well," Prim said, standing in front of Wind.

"If there's ever a time to run, Mr. Wind, run. --Death in the family is hard.
Yes.

　Wind can't move very well.
　You can't expect her to be much of a fighter.
　But that wasn't a bad thing for Prim.

...... I've gotten a lot stronger since I came to this town.

　He pointed the spear at Izuna.

"Wow. That'll be fun. I haven't had anyone to hit with all my might lately either.

　He laughs, wielding his hammer axe.


"The former [Eight Flashes Under Heaven] Riku no Tachi. The Princess Bright Night of the Everlasting Mountain Cross.
I'm not going to be able to do that. "--Former [Tenkahachi-sen] Kintoki.




　The sword of war.


Come on.
Let's do this!