Chapter 342 (Self Edited) Thoughts and Doubts

Looking into the distance, Soma let out a sigh. He couldnt guess what was going on.

It wasnt about seeing a group of people coming toward him. It was already over.

Yes Soma had already encountered the group of people who were on their way and fought them off.

Speaking of why he let out a sigh

Hmm Im sure I said to repel them lightly (Soma)

Well, it was really lighter than I imagined. (Aina)

Yes, it was right after a quick guess. (Sheila)

The meaning of the word guess was as its literal meaning. As soon as they got outside and showed up, the three of them blew the people away without question in a single blow. Immediately after that, all of them escape all at once. The situation was too unexpected.

However, Soma didnt sigh because he felt sorry for them. If anything, it was the other way around. It was because their withdrawal was too splendid.

The number of opponents was indeed about fifty. Even though three people were blown away after the first hit, it was usually not possible to choose to withdraw immediately. In terms of the number of people, the opponent was still overwhelmingly more advantageous, and it was too early to give up.

However, that side gave up. That was to say, it was highly likely that they werent intended for combat from the beginning.

Otherwise, there would be no such splendid withdrawal.

Apparently, it was an advanced unit. (Soma)

Well, they withdrew way too easily. But dont you feel that their outfit was pretty shabby? I would believe it if you say that they are bandits. (Aina)

Isnt that the case? (Soma)

Maybe the bandits were hired. (Sheila)

Maybe. (Soma)

If they were really bandits, they wouldnt be able to withdraw so well. However, it was too much to impersonate a bandit, so it was more natural to think that they were hired bandits.

The purpose is information, right? If thats the case, shouldnt we stop them? (Aina)

No, I think its probably the same thing. If they dont come back, theres something in the direction theyre heading. (Soma)

Aah I see, thats true. So maybe, they were hired bandits.: (Aina)

It seems so. (Soma)

There was nothing to lose if they didnt stop them.

And the bandits were aware of that fact, which was why they made such a splendid withdrawal. If the outcome was the same whether they escaped or fought, it would be normal to choose which one would preserve their life.

Even so, those who were attacking Daniela were also suspicious. (Soma)

That reminds me, they were also strangely quick to escape (Aina)

Hmm. Its highly possible that they were a part of the search party In a sense, we were the ones who brought them here. (Soma)

Therefore, the gazes of the villagers were justified. However

No, thats not the case! (Cecil)

With that said, Cecil shook her head clearly. There was also a strong denial in the eyes that pointed straight toward the three.

According to the story, Daniela has already been found, and even if she was rescued, its not the responsibility of Soma-dono! (Cecil)

By the way, Cecil was with them because she couldnt leave the matter to Soma and others. Even though Sheila was hired, she was basically not a resident of the village. She couldnt just leave the crisis in the village to people other than the residents of the village, and maybe, she was thinking about them.

If Soma, Aina and Sheila went alone, the people in the village had no way of knowing if they were actually in collusion with the people who came to the village. The resident didnt know if something was planned outside the village but if Cecil was with them, she didnt have to worry.

However, in that case, Cecil would be in danger, but it couldnt be helped. If Somas group was colluding, it would be the same anyway. It must be that the villagers chose the one that they could feel at ease rather than considering the possibility.

Or maybe, it included the fact that Somas group should be suspected anymore. Anyhow

Its nice of you to say so, but things havent gotten better after all. (Soma)

Thats not the fault of Soma-dono. Which way would it mean that the fate of the village was finally exhausted? (Cecil)

The fact that there was an advance unit meant that the main unit was waiting behind it.

In addition, the reconnaissance was left to the bandits, who were unharmed and of an unknown size. To be honest, they wouldnt lose if they fought them, but it was still no good if they couldnt protect the members of the party.

Besides, even if the main unit was coming, it would take some time. Then, it was a common sense judgment that they should withdraw in the meantime.

Well, I guess it cant be helped. (Soma)

Were not in a situation where were fighting an all-out war. (Sheila)

Thats right. This is the village that they have lived in for a long time, so they hesitate to leave, but theyre not foolish enough to stay and choose to perish here No, perhaps, we are fools in some way. (Cecil)

Hmm in other words, you have no intention of giving up. (Soma)

Thats natural! (Cecil)

Although the opponent withdrew, it was almost like running away. Even so, Cecils eyes werent dead, but rather, they were filled with a strong will.

Is the third prince such a person? (Soma)

Well I dont really understand myself. However, I know it. This country has made mistakes, but it may still be regained if its now. I think it takes time to make amends even so, I think its a mistake to give up! (Cecil)

Hmm is that so? (Soma)

If she had such a strong will, there was no need for Soma to say more. Then

Is there a fixed destination? (Soma)

Yes, for the time being, we intend to head to the nearest village of our people from here. (Cecil)

I see shall we? (Soma)

He didnt think that was possible, but if they talked leisurely, the main force might come. It was probably best to move on as soon as possible.

However, for some reason, Cecil turned her eyes to Soma who said that.

Whats wrong? (Soma)

No, uh will you follow us? (Cecil)

Whats the matter now? Didnt I say that I would cooperate? (Soma)

Strictly speaking, the words were directed to Sheila, but when Cecil turned to her, she nodded. That was how it was.

Well, theres still some investigation needed to be done on that light. (Aina)

Hmm, it would be more efficient than doing it with just us two. (Soma)

Yes, they werent free to help, but there were advantages in doing so.

When he said that, Cecil looked tearful for some reason.

Thank you very much. (Cecil)

Well, Im not sure what youre talking about, but why dont we head back to the village for now? (Soma)

Yes, they need an explanation. (Soma)

Thats right. Then, lets head back. (Cecil)

Cecil started walking after saying that. Soma and others followed her afterward. They were getting into trouble immediately, but well, in a way, it was as usual. Soma let out a breath, thinking that it would be possible to do something as usual.

When she told the villagers that the village would be disbanded, there was less confusion than expected. Perhaps, everyone had somehow felt that way, and probably because they were prepared for it. It might be because many of them were oppressed, the people living in this village were used to abandoning it in a way.

It was very sad, but it was no less helpful in this situation. Thinking that it wasnt too late to grieve after things had settled down, Cecil gave instructions to the people in the village.

However, they didnt actually have to do that much. Even though it was a former secret base, it didnt mean there was anything here. They only needed to sort out what they wanted to take with them and discarded what they didnt need. That was it.

Even so, it wasnt as if there was nothing left to do. While most of them were ready, some of them werent.

Daniela, for example, was one of them No, should it be said in that way? In addition to her mothers illness being cured, the presence of Soma and Aina seemed to be a great help to her. She seemed to have accepted the fact more than he thought she would be, and when she heard Soma and Aina would accompany them, her face showed more relief than anxiety.

To be honest, Cecil was most worried about what happened to Daniela, but that wouldnt be a problem. In addition, another concern was the gaze of the villagers toward Soma and Aina, but this also seemed to have eased more than expected. It was probably because they saw Danielas mother actually recover.

Still, it seemed that the suspicions hadnt completely resolved, but it was inevitable. It was something that the two had to do little by little, but they sure could do it.

Yes, in fact, Cecil had no doubts about Soma and Aina. Rather, it could be said that she already trusted them.

There were several reasons for this. The first being that he was Sheilas acquaintance. The villagers knew that Sheila was someone they could trust. Sheila had helped them many times even though she didnt talk a lot and it was hard to understand her. She had no reason to doubt them now.

As she could see, the two were friends of such a person, and they had a close relations.h.i.+p. Even if she closed one eye on their ident.i.ties, which were unknown at this point, she could trust them to a certain degree, and it would be more so after watching the battle earlier.

It wasnt exactly a battle, but it ended in an instant. Still, she was used to seeing battles from a standpoint. She couldnt say much about Aina because the enemy escaped before she got to do anything, but that one moment was enough to measure Somas strength.

Or should she say that Somas skill was amazing just because of that one moment, which was enough. She didnt even know what had happened.

When she noticed, the three approaching people had been blown away, and she knew that he used a sword because Soma had grabbed his unsheathed sword right after that. If it hadnt been for that, she really wouldnt have even noticed what was going on.

Soma seemed to think they escaped immediately because he spared his lives, but if it wasnt wrong, it could be something else. Perhaps, the other side noticed it as well. It was no use to fight him.

Of course, being strong and being credible were two different things. But for her, those two were almost synonymous. If they were as great as Soma, they could obviously destroy this village by themselves, so there was no advantage of going out of their way to trick them.

There would be no possibility of having them lead to other bases. After all, there was no need to do that.

It was unlikely that the enemy didnt recognize his face when they were doing reconnaissance. And if they knew, there was no reason to struggle. If that had been the case, their own head would have been separated from their body long ago.

For that reason, Cecil didnt doubt Soma and Aina, but in the end, it was just for the public appearance.

The reason why Cecil didnt doubt Soma and Aina and had already trusted them was simple. They said that they would help her.

She was aware that she was simple-minded, but it couldnt be helped. As far as she could remember, no one had said that to her before.

Of course, there was self-interest. But still, she was very happy. This was probably something that no one would understand by saying it, but that was fine. Cecil was the only one who should know the fact.

More than that, Cecils trust in Soma and Aina was due to personal reasons. That was why she didnt say anything to the villagers. Even if she deceived them, she deserved what was coming to her, but she couldnt involve the villagers. That was why Cecil didnt say anything to the villagers while she wanted them to trust Soma and Aina.

Even if it was only for a bit while, it was because she thought that she wouldnt need to do that after interacting with the two.

Still, they were amazing. (Cecil)

Remembering the earlier battle, Cecil murmured.

At the edge of the field of vision, Daniela was smiling, and her mother was bowing. The two were talking with Somas group.

If those three lend their help, she was wondering if it was possible. She had always intended to do that, and she didnt mean to give up, but it wasnt realistic.

But if the three were willing to help her

it could be possible to win against those two.

With that in mind, Cecil clenched her fist tightly.