Speaking of the conclusion, I think I did well.

Using the knowledge I had, I restored the barren fields.

The people of this village - that seems to be called Girim - far from blaming me for killing their comrades were on the contrary grateful to me, and released me from the life of house arrest.

To be honest, it made me relax my attention.

Such a life one day abruptly met its end.

"Who's the suspicious mage that was reported to kill people of Girim"

On a sunny afternoon several months later, five fully-armed soldiers appeared in front of the field where I was talking with Girim's chief.

Their objective in coming from the Royal Capital of Tarim is unmistakably me.

"… That would be me"

By that time, having become able to decipher difficult literature I realized I have a special magic disposition - I'm a user of a very rare reflection magic.

That is to say on the first day I unconsciously reflected the magical art they used.

Moreover, reflection magic has the additional effect of returning double the magical power. Normally they wouldn't die, after all it's my fault they died painfully.

The time of judgement has come――――.

Quietly I took a step forward.

The chief next to me turned his face away from me, and while trembling desperately made excuses.

"It, it couldn't be helped. If I hadn't sent a report, we would…"

"It's fine. Your decision wasn't wrong"

I shook my head weakly.

I really don't mind.

It'd be strange if they suddenly trusted an outside who appeared out of nowhere like me, and it's the truth I killed people.

Besides, the chief probably contacted the Royal Capital immediately after I came. The Royal Capital is very far from here. As long as a transfer gate isn't used to instantaneously transfer a person, it would take around that long.

When I glanced at the chief, he sat down like he lost strength.

"I'm really sorry… I understand you are our benefactor. But… at the same time, I cannot forget you are a frightening mage. We can't help but be afraid of you, no matter what. Sorry… Sorry"

While trembling, the chief put his hands together, and began rubbing his head on the ground.

I looked at that scene emotionlessly, and faced the soldiers.

"Let's go. At any rate, there's no place for me to go. Please do as you like"

"… I see. Then, come. Don't try anything strange"

"Yeah, I understand"

He's probably talking about reflection magic.

I didn't feel like explaining in detail, so I just nodded without ascertaining.

Perhaps the soldiers didn't think I'd obediently follow as all had letdown expressions.

But, immediately, they tightened them.

Enclosed by them, I was placed in a simple two-wheeled carriage.

From the window I can see all villagers peeping here. But, when I meet their eyes, everybody awkwardly hangs their head.

―――― Aah, they don't need to worry.

Even if unintentionally, it's true I killed their comrades.

I'm plenty grateful for kindly treating me until now.

Sure, I resolved the problem with fields that was their source of worry, even so it can't be helped if they hold a grudge against me, so I can't complain that they did this.

If I'm to be punished for murder, I'll obey.

Alone inside the carriage heading for the Royal Capital I closed the window curtain and let out a sigh.

Whether I want it or not, things will progress regardless of my will. I can't calm down at all.

In those past few months I was desperate, and had no time to think about Sakura.

This might be just the right opportunity.

Until we arrive at the Royal Capital of Tarim, let's take my time to think about Sakura for the first time in a while.

"Aah, I see"

I smiled weakly.

Before I noticed I realized I was able to think about Sakura with composure.

―――― And, I strongly felt that the flow of time can really heal various things.

"We arrived, get off"

A few days later, the carriage arrived at the Royal Capital of Tarim.

It took them several months to come to the village where I stayed. I was sure we would take around that much time, so I was surprised at how unexpectedly quick we were.

"… The Royal Capital sure is close. From what I could see on the map, I thought it's considerably far"

As I voiced my doubt, the soldier opened their eyes wide.

"You can read maps?"

"Yeah, of course"

I see, the soldier nodded like he was convinced of something by my answer.

"… So it's true you are a knowledgeable scholar. In Tarim barely anybody but high grade n.o.bles can read maps… Right right, about your question, we used a transfer gate that a carriage can travel through. That's why we could travel so quickly. It's thanks to the King's special permission. Feel grateful"

"His Majesty the King's…?"

"That's right"

Although I replied "Is that so" to the soldier who puffed up with pride, my head was filled with questions.

Why did the King have me expressly use a transfer gate?

If he wanted to simply execute me, there's no need for such a thing. He just needed to order the soldier "Kill him".

I've already learned that Tarim is a considerably insular country.

The mentality here hates outsiders, and never accepts them in the true meaning.

A good example is that as an outsider, I was attacked when I first came to the village with no questions asked.

―――― Thinking about it, there's no way I'd be trusted. I made it as far as coming to the Royal Capital because I had knowledge necessary to ensure my survival.

I'm only being used.

I laughed at myself at how I could only see it as a shrewd way of thinking.

That said, I shouldn't be mistaken.

"Oi, what are you thinking? The King is waiting. We're going"

"Ha…? An outsider like me will be granted an audience?"

"… It'd be impossible normally. But, the King's orders are absolute. Anyway, the King said to bring you as soon as possible. That's why we received the permission to use a transfer gate… An audience is possible because it's a special case"

"… I, see"

I can understand less and less.

What is the King's aim.

My reflection magic? No, that can't be it. There was n.o.body in the village who knew about reflection magic. Everybody, including the chief, believed I was a frightening mage who can use a unique magic.

While following the soldiers, I looked up at the castle.

Tarim castle gives off the impression of full focus on practicality. There are no useless decorations, rather it's meant to demonstrate might during wartime. A deep moat that can only be crossed by a drawbridge surrounds the castle. The switch of that drawbridge is probably within the walls. Speaking of the walls, they're astonis.h.i.+ngly high.

―――― The castle of a perfect stronghold type.

"What's up. Are you fascinated by Tarim castle"

"… Yeah, it's a wonderful castle"

When I agreed to keep up the talk, the soldier next to me showed a delighted face.

Then he began a monologue.

"Of course. Those who don't understand say Wilhelm castle is more wonderful, but let me tell you, theirs is no good at all. They only care about appearances, not fighting when push comes to shove. To begin with…"

He became absorbed in speaking ill of the enemy Wilhelm Kingdom.

Wilhelm castle depicted in a history book from the chief's bookcase was a beautiful castle with white walls and spires.

Wilhelm is extolled as the strongest country on the continent. Be that as it may, they aren't particularly militaristic.

From reading history books, the correct interpretation seems to be that by fending off enemies that attacked them they earned the name of the strongest.

I've only heard about the rest from rumors, but the current Crown Prince of Wilhelm seems to be the strongest prince and is called flawless.

I can't confirm how true that is, but supposing it is, it's foolish to fight against such an opponent squarely.

I removed my eyes from the soldier who was still disparaging Wilhelm, and pretending to listen ignored him.