WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator: Abood

Editor: Ryuu

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ The Saviour Embarks on a Nameless Journey

Chapter 15: Elaine

Bandits appeared from the valley just as we expected.

“They’re smarter than I thought.”

Just as Marius said, they didn’t simply appear—several ropes had been strung across from the cliffs on both sides, effectively blocking the path. This was unexpected. On foot, it wouldn’t be much of an issue, but rushing through on horseback would be difficult.

Some rough-looking men stood nearby the ropes. Their appearances had become as harsh after spending so long living in the mountains.

“Hey! Leave the horses and goods behind!”

They hesitated for a moment before spouting their usual lines, perhaps surprised that there wasn’t one of their own among us.

“I’ll go deal with this.”

“Do take care.”

I got off the horse, and made my way towards them.

“Leave the horses and goods, you say?”

“Do that and we’ll let you go back safely.”

The man who seemed to be their leader said with a sly grin.

“You’re lying!?”

“Heh heh.”

The man drew his weapon instead of answering, and the other bandits readied theirs as they saw him.

Axes and spears, all poorly maintained, but crude weapons suited for brute force striking.

“Soldiers will come here if we make it safely to the town, you know.”

Marius said, standing alone behind me.

“Seems like you’ve been living in the mountains for quite a while too. How many people have you guys murdered?”

I inquired with a low voice.

“As if we’re keeping count!”

The bandits always rely on their numbers.

“I thought it’d be a hassle to deal with them, but it’s faster to just cut them down.”

I drew my sword from my left palm.

The fact that these men have lived in the mountains for so long means they’ve likely attacked many travelers. There’s no need to hold back

“You may have many people, but that seems to be just about it.”

I stepped in, dodging the first attacker, and slashed through his body with a single and smooth motion. With the same momentum, I cut down the next person.

With this many enemies, the usual strategy is to strike the knees, wrists, or soft spots like the neck to minimize effort and neutralize their movements, all while avoiding strain on the sword and arm. However, such caution is unnecessary for both me and my sword.

My sword felt more natural in my hand with every swing. With just a light slash, it cut through the man, leather armor and all. Its sharpness, flexibility, and durability—everything about it suits my preferences.

I transformed my evasive moments directly into attacks, cutting them down one after another. I also used to compensate for my slowed body with technique as I aged, but since I’m in my prime now, both my movements and my spirit feel as if I’ve returned to the past.

“They sure were bad. This guy truly is pretty short-tempered and quite ferocious.”

Marius’ relaxed voice echoed.

Mere mountain bandits are no match to me, even if ten or twenty of them were to face me.

“Who the hell are you calling ferocious!?”

I said to Marius as I defeated the last man.

“Pya—”

“Lord Shinju is feeling dizzy. What would you do if you got injured?”

Hearing the pitiful sound, Marius complained.

Since he’s smiling, it’s clear he just wants to complain to me, regardless of the actual content.

“I’ve never turned my back to an enemy. If you don’t like it, you can just step away.”

I have no idea what the reason is for Pya to stay clinging to my back. Why it prefers my back, or how it manages to cling there all the time, is a complete mystery to me. It seems to be holding on, yet it also feels like it’s floating by magic.

—Sacred beasts truly are illogical.

I cut the ropes stretched across the road. As I returned to the horse, I swung my sword to clean it and sheathed it in my left hand. The horse, unfazed by the commotion, remained calmly in its original spot.

“Now then, shall we go?”

I took the reins and called out to Marius beside me.

“We should notify the gatekeeper when we arrive at the town.”

“What a hassle.”

What would the first man we saw at the pass do if he saw this situation? Would he run away, or go back to retrieve whatever spoils they’d stashed? With how scrawny he looked, he likely doesn’t have the skills to survive alone in the mountains. If we inform the town, it’s only a matter of time before he’s caught.

“Shall I sew you a pocket on the back of your clothes for Lord Shinju?”

“Don’t even.”

“Pya—!”

“See? Lord Shinju consents.”

“No he doesn’t.”

While exchanging silly conversation, we passed through the valley and chose a spot with plenty of undergrowth for the horses to rest. I tied them to a tree and wiped them down. The horses kept munching on the grass even while I was cleaning them.

Normally, horses tend to catch a chill and fall ill when they sweat, so grooming is essential. However, the monster-infused horses are much sturdier. Still, brushing and caring for them is half habit and half a way to show gratitude to the horses.

We ate the dried apricots and stretched our legs.

"Would you like some too, Lord Shinju?"

Marius picked an apricot and reached behind me, offering it.

“Stop feeding him when he’s on my back.”

“Where else would I do it, if not on your back?”

Marius replied nonchalantly. Damn him.

“Oh my, what a wonderful scene.”

A woman with black hair appeared from the air, gently stepping onto the grass.

“Elaine, It’s good to see you.”

Marius greeted our old acquaintance with a smile.

Now there’s one more hassle to deal with!

Footnotes:

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