Chapter 41: Ashera Part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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Riding behind Tamei for about two hours…

“Aldo-sama, the horse can’t go on. Let’s take a break.”

“Got it, is there a water source nearby?”

“Yes, Aldo-sama.”

“Wait here a moment.”

I used a space kick to locate a watering hole from above. Once found, I descended and directed Tamei to its location.

During the break, I couldn’t shake off my concern for Ashera. I felt the need to see her face and talk; otherwise, I couldn’t settle down.

After about 30 minutes of feeding the horse and allowing it to drink, we continued walking together for another half-hour.

Finally, the break ended, and we began galloping. My mind raced even though I knew there was no reason to rush.

“Ashera…”

I felt Tamei glance at me briefly.

I urged the horse to run or walk, not understanding why it was happening. During one of our breaks, Tamei asked me.

“Aldo-sama, you’re a peculiar one. I imagine Ashera-sama will become beautiful. But with your choices, you’d have your pick…”

I could only respond with a wry smile. I had thought the same thing myself…

I should have experienced numerous romantic encounters in Japan. Even if I deeply cared, after two years, such intense feelings would vanish.

Why am I feeling this way… someone, please tell me…

As the day progressed, by late afternoon, I spotted a pair – a man and a child – up ahead. My heart raced…

I aligned myself to look at their faces.

“Halva!”

I involuntarily exclaimed. The man turned in surprise, and beside him was Ashera, wearing a robe and a hood…

“Ashera!”

I dismounted and stood in front of her.

“Aldo? Why…”

I had so much to say, yet the words failed me.

“I didn’t want you to go, so I talked to Father, and Tamei escorted me here…”

I was rambling without clarity.

“Aldo-sama!”

Halva called out my name loudly.

“Take a deep breath… and then exhale… inhale… exhale…”

Suuuu…Haa…Suuuuu…Haaa…

“Have you calmed down? Can you explain why you’re here?”

I looked at Halva and managed to nod once.

I recounted briefly everything that had led me here, without revealing my true feelings.

“I see, is it because of the old story of Joshua-sama’s broken engagement…?”

“Yes, if necessary, I am willing to accept Ashera’s maternal family entirely at Blue ring. There’s no need for Ashera to marry against her will.”

Halva looks at Ashera.

“Ashera, Aldo-sama said this, but what will you do?”

“I will marry into the Kashu family. That remains unchanged.”

“I-I see. Aldo-sama, I appreciate your kindness, but please return home now.”

Everything goes dark before my eyes. Without saying anything, I hang my head, and Ashera and Halva bow before leaving…

What’s going on? Was nobody asking for my solo act… not even Ashera…

Lost in thought, staring down at the ground, I suddenly feel a tap on my head.

Startled, I look up to see Tamei, furrowing his brow, clenching his fist…

“Ah, Aldo-sama. What you just did there is irritating.”

“Ha?”

“You don’t seem to get it. What do you want? Whether it’s about the broken engagement or the family issues or whatever, what about your own feelings? You’re a man, right? You should first talk about your own feelings to the woman you’re in love with!”

“…”

“Hurry up! This is your real last chance!”

I nod at Tamei and start running.

“Thank you, Tamei. But, seriously, can’t you talk normally?!”

If it doesn’t work out, it’s fine. I just want her to hear me out…

“Ashera!”

Halva looks at me, slightly annoyed.

Ashera stays with her back turned, head down.

“Aldo-sama, I’m sorr…”

“I love you!!”

I shout. Halva starts to say something, but it doesn’t matter…

“Don’t go!! Ashera!! Stay by my side! Please… I love you…”

Ashera turns slightly but keeps her face down.

“I will go to Mother’s place…”

Ah, it didn’t work out. But that’s okay.

“Then I’ll come back to Aldo’s side…”

Finally, she lifts her face to look at me.

She must have been crying… her eyes were red and swollen.

I don’t know how it turned out like this, but I genuinely believed that Ashera loved me too.

I hugged Ashera tight.

After two years, feelings have cooled off? I don’t care about that…

I won’t let her go for the rest of my life. That’s my decision.

“Gohon.”

Halva let out a deliberate cough.

I snapped back to reality, abruptly distancing myself from Ashera.

“Oh, Halva?… Halva-san… Father?”

Finally, he smiled at my last words… Was this the right choice? Thank goodness…

“Well, hearing Aldo-sama’s heart, I, Halva, am moved!”

Eh? Was Halva always like this? I thought he was more of a quiet knight type… but he’ll never say that out loud.

“It might be a bother, but I’d like to accompany you.”

“Understood. It’s a long journey ahead, but let’s hurry. Is that alright with you, Ashera?”

Ashera nodded, looking at me and Halva. That meant it was time to part ways with Tamei.

“Tamei, I owe you a lot for this. Thank you so much.”

“No need to worry about it. Take care of the Lady.”

With those parting words, Tamei led the horse away.

From here, it was on foot. I tightened my resolve and continued with Halva and Ashera.

We took only minimal breaks along the way, relentlessly aiming for the Kashu territory.

Even with this forced march, it was understandable why it took so long despite chasing after them.

After a while, we reached a checkpoint along the border, but as the guards recognized Halva’s face, we were able to pass through easily.

The way the guard kept tilting their head while looking at me was quite memorable.

“Halva… Father.”

“It’s fine to keep calling me Halva for now. Maybe in the future, you’ll call me something else.”

Saying so, he winked. He’s really different from what I imagined… Who is this guy?

“Halva, I’d like to know the plan to get to Kashu City.”

“We plan to walk through the night. We should arrive by noon tomorrow.”

“I see. That’s fine for me, but what about Ashera?”

“This was Ashera’s idea. She said it’s the only way to see her mother alive…”

“…Understood.”

“If it’s tough, Aldo-sama can come later…”

“No, I want to meet Ashera’s mother too. Please let me continue with you.”

“Understood. Thank you…”

From then on, conversation was kept to a minimum.

Even conserving the energy to talk, we walked forward tirelessly.

We took a one-hour nap along the way.

Removing our gear and resting slowly might have amounted to how many hours of rest…?

After waking up, we resumed walking continuously.

The order was Halva, Ashera, and then me. Halva showed some reluctance about me taking the lead, but I insisted as a matter of masculinity.

Sometimes, we felt the presence of monsters or animals, but a threatening spell was enough to scare them off.

If by chance we were attacked, most monsters wouldn’t be a problem for us—me, Ashera, and even stronger Halva were present.

Fortunately, we encountered no attacks, and our journey proceeded smoothly.

Finally, the city of Kashu came into view.

We arrived somewhat earlier than planned, probably thanks to everyone’s efforts.

Ashera’s mother seemed to be at the Gran Knight Baron’s residence.

We almost broke into a run while heading to our destination, the Gran Knight Baron’s residence.