Chapter 2 - Departure from the Royal Capital
What rude bastards, saying 'where's that' about the village where a person intends to live.
But, that was fine. Precisely because it was a distant village that ordinary people didn't know, my appearance and fame probably hadn't spread there.
If the residents there didn't know me, I would be able to fade away as an ordinary person who was just a bit good with a sword.
My fame as a Dragon Slayer had only spread centered around the major powers and the Adventurer's Guild. There wasn't even a branch of the Adventurer's Guild in Nordende, so there should be no worries.
"It's far to the west of the Kingdom of Sylphide, across the Vespania Empire, the neighboring country."
"...That's a damn far place. Even if you change carriages, won't it take at least a month and a half?"
When I stated the general location of Nordende, Keel muttered as if exasperated.
It was because I would be heading there by crossing the great power that was the Vespania Empire. I would pass through various towns and villages, and sometimes even sleeping outdoors was possible, but I was used to such things in my long adventurer life. I had headed there alone last time, after all.
"However, I think it would be impossible for the leader to live peacefully unless it's a place that far away."
"Elliot, I'm not the leader anymore."
"My apologies. I called you that out of long-standing habit. Then, Aldo."
When I lightly rebuked him, Elliot called my name while wearing a refreshing smile. Since calling me Aldred was long, those close to me called me Aldo.
"Leader feels more right to me, so I'm going to keep calling you leader, though."
"Ah, I get that!"
I didn't know what they got, but Keel and the others called me leader overwhelmingly more often. For my part, I had felt a little lonely that I was rarely called by my name by anyone, but being told that with such carefree smiles, being called leader didn't feel so bad.
"There are plenty of other candidates for a far-off rural village, so why did the leader choose Nordende in the Kingdom of Sylphide?"
Keel asked while sitting cross-legged on the chair.
As usual, his body movements were light, like a monkey. Combined with his monkey-like face, it made me think so even more.
"That's true. Why there?"
Kurune tilted her head, and Elliot also cast a gaze toward me, questioning.
"...I went there once alone about nine years ago. I still can't forget the beautiful flower fields and the scenery of that quiet village."
"""............"""
I told them the reason I chose Nordende honestly, but Keel, Kurune, and Elliot fell silent with their eyes wide open.
What. Why are you surprised like that?
"Why are you silent?"
"...No, it's just, the leader can't forget a flower field... right?"
When I questioned Keel, who was closest, Keel said with a bewildered look.
"That's right. It's unexpected that Lea... Aldo, who was only devoted to the sword, took a liking to a flower field... right? Elliot?"
"Eh, are you passing it to me? ...No, well, to be honest, it doesn't really suit Aldo..."
While flustered, Elliot said something quite harsh and blunt.
Yeah, I know. If you're told that an old guy called a Dragon Slayer who's only interested in the sword took a liking to a flower field, you'd be surprised, right? It doesn't suit me. But leave me alone! I liked the flower fields and nature there.
"Well, that's how it is, so I'm going to live in Nordende!"
I declared it flatly, but the expressions of Keel and the others were complicated. It was a look as if they were seeing something suspicious.
"...Hmm, actually, it's not like a vicious monster lives in Nordende, or you're going to seclude yourself in the mountains to train, right?"
Kurune and Elliot nodded as if agreeing with Keel's words.
Was I really that much of a sword-only person that I'd be suspected... I was. It couldn't be helped that I was suspected.
"I have no intention of seeking strength anymore. You guys, who have been watching me, should know that best, right?"
I didn't disband the party with half-hearted feelings. I said it with a sharp glint in my eyes, putting those thoughts into it.
"O-Oh."
"That's true."
"I understand."
Finally having understood my feelings, Keel and the others nodded.
"Then, we disband as of today. I don't intend to return to the kingdom, but if you're ever free, come to Nordende. I'll welcome you."
Since it would be bad to disband while the atmosphere was tense, I said it brightly as if to change the mood.
"True. It'll be good to see the leader working as a villager."
"I can't imagine it, though."
Keel laughed, showing his white teeth, and Elliot said with a wry smile.
Please don't talk about me like I'm a spectacle.
"Right. I don't know if I can take such a long vacation, but I'll manage to go."
Even if everyone walked their own paths, the bond of the party would not be severed. Thinking that, a warm feeling spread within my chest.
◆ ◆ ◆
Afterward, we promptly disbanded the party. Finally, we had a fun meal at a tavern while sharing memories of our quests.
Who messed up during a quest, how it was back then. How we panicked when an unexpected monster appeared, or how we almost died.
Anyway, we talked about many things and laughed together.
From now on, I think the opportunities for everyone to gather will be quite few, but I think it's a good thing if everyone can seek and grasp happiness for themselves. Because there is no longer a need to fight while putting our lives on the line.
Kurune almost started crying at the end, and I unintentionally felt tears welling up too, but I managed to endure it. It would be poor form for the leader who declared the disbandment to cry because he regretted the disbandment.
At the end, everyone praised each other's efforts, said we'd meet again, and parted with smiles.
The A-rank adventurer party 'Black Silver', the best in the Kingdom of Abalonia, disbanded as of today.
The day after declaring the disbandment. I immediately gathered my luggage at the inn, pulled a hooded robe that covered my whole body over myself, and left the inn.
Since I was leaving the country, it was better to leave quickly and inconspicuously.
I left the detailed disbandment procedures at the Adventurer's Guild to Keel and the others. If I showed up and announced the disbandment, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar, and I would be held back by guild staff, nobles, and royalty.
Normally, I, as the leader, would perform the disbandment procedures, but it is possible to perform disbandment procedures if there is approval from multiple party members.
That is also written in the guild's regulations. There is no problem.
I don't think it's a very polite thing to do, but I can just think of it as being for the sake of my peaceful life. I have made great contributions to the guild until now. They should be able to forgive this much selfishness.
I gave money to a villager who looked like a total newcomer stopped near the gate of the royal capital and had him let me on the carriage with my luggage. Perhaps because the royal capital was bustling with the Dragon Slayer right now, the inspection for carriages leaving from the inside was lax. Since there were as many black-haired, black-eyed men as there was rot, I was able to depart the royal capital without anyone doubting me.
So people don't recognize the Dragon Slayer adventurer if he doesn't have adventurer equipment.
If it seemed like I would be caught, I had considered giving money to the typical types in the slums to get out, but there seemed to be no problem.
Having left the royal capital, I proceeded along the road, shaken by the rattling carriage.
The disbandment procedures are scheduled to be performed a little later, so it should be fine for the time being. Eventually, people seeking an interview will come from somewhere, or personnel will be dispatched from the guild to check on the situation.
Keel will deceive them well, but that is only a matter of time.
I have to reach somewhere far away, even if only a little, before it becomes an uproar.
I cut my gaze from the walls of the royal capital, which were growing smaller.
And then I closed my eyes, thinking of the scenery of Nordende.
Arrival in Nordende is scheduled for the next episode. The start of country life.