The Tale of the Teapot Hero’s Revenge

Chapter 9

Hand in hand, we ran away and continued to run ahead

Grasping the loop threaded through the rope, I let my weight slide me down. The girl I held in my left arm was surprisingly light. Maybe it was because my strength had increased, or perhaps she was just too thin.

In no time, we successfully landed before colliding with the tree, releasing our grip. The road was paved with cobblestones, and it would have been disastrous if we had failed to land properly. After setting the girl down, Joanna descended a bit later.

"Kyrie-chan, what are you thinking? Suddenly taking a slave girl with us," Joanna asked.

"Hmm, I don't know, just a feeling. It's fine, let's protect her with the resistance," I replied.

"That's not the issue. We still have to keep running, and you bring along a girl like that," she said.

As we were talking, soldiers approached from around the corner. One from the right and two from the left. The one who informed the guards at the entrance and the two guarding it.

"Let's talk later. This way!" I said.

There was a dimly lit alley nearby where we landed. It wasn't a coincidence. Joana had calculated our escape route in advance, escaping from that room. Truly professional. Joanna ran towards the alley at full speed.

"Can you run?" I asked.

The slave girl nodded. For now, I believed her and held her hand as we started running. If it seemed like we were about to be caught, I would have to carry her.

We desperately followed Joanna through the narrow alleyways, trying not to lose sight of her. She was fast, not just in terms of her physical speed but also in her perfect knowledge of the complex maze-like streets. She knew exactly where to turn and which path to take. She ran with confidence because she knew the way. She had made thorough preparations for our escape. Perhaps even getting caught by the enemy was intentional...?

The girl managed to keep up with us, but it seemed that her stamina was lacking. She was gasping for breath and her complexion was pale.

"If you're struggling, let me know—oh, right, you can't speak. Just tug my arm," I said.

She gave a determined nod. I assumed that meant she was okay for now, so we continued running as is.

When I glanced back, I saw no sign of the soldiers anymore. Maybe they had lost track of us after all the twists and turns. The only sounds were our footsteps and the pitter-patter of the girl's bare feet.

"Did we shake them off?" I asked.

"Don't let your guard down, we still have to run for a while," Joanna replied.

The tension in Professional Big Sis's expression remained high. I also maintained my focus and continued running behind her.

We ran like that for quite some time. Finally, Joanna came to a stop. Peeking out from the alley, we saw a circular square with a fountain, and she kept a watchful eye on our surroundings. The girl, who was breathing heavily, suddenly crouched down and vomited.

"After crossing this fountain square, there's an armory, right? We'll meet up with our allies there... Wait, why are you patting her back?" Joanna asked.

"Well, I'm regretting not carrying her on my back," I replied.

"Let's just pretend I heard the whole conversation. Let's go."

Once again, Joanna took the lead. Holding the girl's hand, who seemed relieved after vomiting, I followed closely behind.

There was a fountain. I wonder if they draw water from the river. Running continuously, the sound of water and the breeze felt refreshing on my overheated body.

"Phew, we can finally catch our breath..."

"Don't let your guard down until the end. The most dangerous moment is when you relax!" Joanna exclaimed, turning around with an exasperated expression.

I followed her gaze and saw a knight wielding a great sword, ready to strike. If we weren't careful, we would be cut in half.

"Gu...!"

I held the girl tightly in my arms and we both fell to the ground.

Swish!

The sound of the wind cutting through the air filled my ears and blood spurted forcefully from my left forearm.

"Ouch...!"

It was a deep cut, a significant injury. I might not be able to move my left arm.

"Kyrie-chan!"

"You managed to dodge, but you won't have another chance," Joanna said.

Indeed, I had fallen, protecting the girl and sustaining significant injury to my arm. I had no way to avoid the sword raised above me. Ah, it might be over.

"...Huh? Wait, aren't you...?"

In this square, with plenty of streetlights illuminating the area, I could clearly see the face of the knight. It was the sturdy knight with black, buzz-cut hair who had guided me through the castle, accompanied me during training, and gave me water. He also seemed puzzled when he recognized my face.

"You're the knight...? Why are you here?"

"I came alone after receiving the report. It's easier to move alone," he replied.

"You managed to find us after we ran through so many alleyways. You seem to know the hero, but can't you let it slide as a favor?" Joana asked.

"...I can't. Assassinating Lieutenant Colonel Kalon is a serious crime. Even if it's not the hero, you have to die," he said.

"I didn't kill him, though. Well, whatever. If that's how it is, I'll resist," Joana said.

Oh, it was going to turn into a battle. And not just any battle, one that wouldn't end until one of them was dead. Well, if I could escape during that time, it wouldn't be the worst outcome for me. I might seem cold-hearted, but it's because I have no other choice.

The knight carried his great sword while Joanna took a low stance. They were about to clash, and in that moment...

Clang!

A gust of wind blew. I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, there was a man standing between the two. With his right hand, he held Joanna's wrist, which held the dagger, and with his left hand, he stopped the knight's sword with a short sword-like weapon.

Both Joanna and the knight were astonished by the man's presence.

"Hey, fighting in front of my shop, huh?" he said.

"Leader...?"

"Balge... I see, so this guy is from your group," the knight said.

To be honest, I had no idea what was going on. So I decided to stay silent and observe.

"Brother, that's the situation. Can't we let them go?"

"...If you're bringing in new members, let me know in advance."

The knight sheathed his sword. "Brother" means his actual brother, right? Is that knight his brother?

"The culprit responsible for the assassination of Lieutenant Colonel Kalon has been lost. They were fast on their feet. Let's just leave it at that."

"I appreciate it."

"Hurry and go before reinforcements arrive."

The knight put his great sword back in its sheath and turned his back. Does that mean he's letting us go? Suddenly? Joanna seemed to be unaware of the situation, but she ran towards the girl and woke her up.

"Well... let's go."

"Yeah... sure."

The girl and I, along with Joanna and the man called Balge, rushed into the designated armory. Balge locked the shop door and closed the curtains to hide us from the outside.

"...I wonder if we're safe now."

"...?"

"Don't worry, both of you. It's fine now. This person is on our side."

I felt a tap on my shoulder. The man with bluish hair looked at us and smiled, revealing his white teeth.

"Welcome, Hero-chan, to my shop. I am Balge Littner, the manager of Littner Armory, and also the leader of the Resistance."

While introducing himself, he walked towards the back of the counter and lifted a hidden door leading to the basement.

"Welcome, you're our goddess of victory."

---------

TL’s note:
I think this is all I can do for today. Gonna sleep, good night or morning or afternoon everyone!