Agravaine Episode

Sigh... I'd rather be fishing...

Hm? That's... a snake?!

Just a little more... just a little more...

Wha...?

I-I can't see! What is this? What's with this soft, squishy feeling?!

Stay still.

That voice... Agravaine?!

...It's fine. You can relax now. The snake backed off.

What was that for all of a sudden? Because of you, I lost my food!

Hm? Weren't you frozen because the snake was staring you down?

I was just hunting normally...?

You looked stiff.

I was holding my breath and waiting for an opening.

...I appreciate you protecting me, but going that far is overprotective. I was only hunting...

It's dangerous!

That was close. A spider had come down right next to you...

You're the more dangerous one here, you know?!

A spider...? What's even crazier is that your first thought was to shoot it with a crossbow. And this is a forest. If there's one spider, there could be one behind you too.

!!

You didn't know that...?

It's all right. If I have to sacrifice myself in your place...

The nerve... sacrifice? If that's what you want, then just...

Hunt...?

I need to bring back food. We've already got someone with a huge appetite, so even if I catch a lot, it still won't be enough...

If you catch me something, bird or fish or whatever, I'll stay put. Then it won't be dangerous, right?

Hmm...

What do you think?

I accept.

What...?

What choice do I have? If you keep being overprotective like this, I won't be able to do anything at all on this adventure.

If I'm going to fulfill my role as the Swordbringer, I have to accept a certain amount of danger.

I'm saying you don't need to protect me from every little thing, like a little snake.

Hm...

...If it bothers you, then I'll have to watch over you without being noticed.

This really does make it feel like a world of swords and magic all over again.

What do you mean?

You, I mean. After dealing with nothing but weird idiots, it feels like I've finally been graced with a proper knight for once.

You don't even like desserts... and you never let your guard down, even in the bath...

You're way too different from other women.

That's... a rude thing to say...

I am fully aware that I'm a woman too...

You mean you have your own style and preferences? Well, that's a relief...

Why are you looking at me like that...?

Because I'm curious. I can't just say whatever I want, though. I'd rather not end up with a blade at my throat...

Don't try to know me too deeply. It's enough for me to be your shield and sword.

But we're traveling together now. We see each other every day, and I don't want things to stay so stiff between us.

Getting unnecessarily attached will only make things harder later. You know that too.

Any healthy guy would be curious when someone as rigid as you says she has her own feminine side!

...Why does that sound like you're making fun of me?

Must be your imagination...

Hm... you really do have an annoying side to you.

I hear that a lot.

It's nothing special. I just have some interest in clothes...

Clothes? You mean dresses with frills all over them?

Dresses? I have no interest at all in something that impractical.

That doesn't add up... Don't tell me you mean you like leather combat gear like what you're wearing now, or dark colors?

The material and color don't matter.

I'm getting even more confused...

It doesn't matter if you don't understand. It's not exactly essential combat knowledge.

Does everything really have to be tied back to combat...?

Then what?

There's plenty to talk about. Good food, interesting performances, or... feelings between men and women...

Feelings between men and women... so you are interested in that sort of thing too?

Well, I'm a man too...

I see. I had heard you were a pervert.

I'm not that bad!

It's fine to be vigorous, but don't neglect your surroundings.

What do you take me for? I'm a well-known gentleman, you know...! I've met plenty of beautiful women, and never once got caught up in any scandal!

That just means you weren't popular.

Shut up!!!

Don't go near the water. If you slip, you could be seriously hurt.

It's just a normal path...

It's dangerous! I can sense a wild beast!

It's probably a cat...

Even a stray cat is a wild beast. Their bites hurt quite a bit.

...If you say so.

Hey, Agravaine. Don't you think you could relax a little more in everyday situations?

That kind of carelessness is what invites disaster. You always have to be cautious.

But still...

What's important is your safety. Even if you're skilled enough, one mistake can bring death.

My duty is to protect you. So don't argue with me.

What are you, my mom...?

I appreciate it, but loosen up a little. I'm more worried you'll get hurt at this rate.

It's fine. My own safety doesn't matter.

I do have to wonder how someone as self-sacrificing as you ever became an assassin.

Everyone has their circumstances.

I can't picture it.

Until I met you and Princess Elizabeth, my life always existed in darkness.

But now... it doesn't. The two of you are like the sun to me...

Thanks for thinking well of me, but I'm the Swordbringer. In the end, I have to fight my own battles.

If you really mean to protect me and follow me...

Someday, you'll need comrades who can fight back-to-back with you too. No one can carry every burden alone.

I... am only carrying out my mission...

If you really mean to protect me and follow me, then I think you need to go along with what I say sometimes too. What do you think?

Otherwise, I might not be able to accept that mission of yours...

...All right. I'll keep a little more distance.

It makes you uncomfortable...?

I understand the feelings behind your self-sacrifice. But one-sided concern can make the other person uncomfortable.

So how about letting things like this slide? On the battlefield, I'll accept your concern as much as you want.

Hmm... I'll think about it.

Uh, Agravaine?

Yes...?

You...

...Are you interested in sexy underwear, by any chance?

W-What... that's a pretty sly thing to say... I almost killed you without thinking...

I am interested.

What?! Really?

Because...

Underwear meant to emphasize sex appeal is usually thin and doesn't cover much. There's nothing more comfortable for moving your body than that.

So that's what you meant...

North... there's a Goblin colony... and to the east...? Traces of Orcs...

Agravaine, what are you doing up at dawn?

...Swordbringer.

I was checking which direction would be safest for reaching the next town.

You're looking into even that? I appreciate it, but... aren't you pushing yourself too hard?

Not at all.

For your sake, I can do anything. It's what I have to do.

I'm grateful you're looking out for me, but you need to look after yourself too...

You don't have to worry about it. After all, I'm...

...Nothing more than a shadow that doesn't exist in this world.

Agravaine...

A lot of people live with darkness inside them... You must have gone through something terrible too.

But if you push yourself too hard because of that, it'll only make the companions around you suffer instead.

The companions around me...? You mean you and Elizabeth...?

Exactly.

Companions... so that's how you saw me...

Ethan. Do I burden you...?

That's not true.

Well... if you'd been pushing yourself on me over purely personal feelings, maybe it would've been a burden... but at least not right now.

Right...

There's something I'm curious about. Do you really think I'm someone who can change the world?

Of course. That's what a Swordbringer is.

Hmm... It's been a long time since I've heard something like that.

I understand it in my head, but it doesn't quite sink in... Anyway, this is kind of embarrassing.

It doesn't matter. Until the day you achieve what you want, I'll protect you.

Because that's your mission...?

Yep.

Okay, Agravaine. I'll respect your feelings.

I'll accept the hopes placed on me and Elizabeth, and the unwavering loyalty you've sworn.

Ethan...

But only if you promise me one thing.

One thing?

You don't need to put yourself down to protect someone. I'd rather get along with you too.

Hm... It's not like I'm especially neglectful of myself, but...

I'll try. I can't make you worry.

Of course not. I've decided to live on protecting you.

Until you've finished everything... I'll stay by your side, so rest easy...

Hearing that gives me strength.

Shall we give it our all again today?

There are more people than I expected. Stay alert, Swordbringer.

Well, it is a market. You keep up too.

But... are you okay?

What is?

Walking around openly in front of people. You used to seem uncomfortable with it.

It doesn't matter. I'm carrying out the duty the princess gave me when she entrusted you to me.

It's true Elizabeth had a hand in it, but if you didn't want to, you could've refused.

Enough. Let's go. They're selling apples cheap.

What are you staring at?

You look a lot lighter than usual...

I won't be going into battle today. So I dressed comfortably.

Um... it looks a little too bare... Doesn't your chest feel uncomfortable?

Not at all. Restrictive clothes only get in the way of movement.

!!!!!

Ngh...!

H-Hey... j-just now...

Wh-What?! Nothing happened.

No, your chest strap just came loose, so y-your chest...

NOTHING happened.

R-Right...

Watch out!

Wh-What was that?! An enemy?

Are you okay? There was a puddle of rainwater right in front of you.

...

If you keep walking around in a daze and slip, you could get badly hurt. Be more aware that you're the Swordbringer, and be careful.

...I've told you before, but your tackle is way more dangerous, you know?

Hmm?

Why? Is there something you want?

This sickle looks quite useful... It should be good for deflecting an enemy's attack.

It's just a farming tool...

Careful, Swordbringer! A chicken is coming your way!

Well, yeah, it's chicken they let roam around town...

I know that. I mean you should stay alert at all times.

You're still shameless as ever.

There's plenty to eat and plenty to see. We came out to shop, sure, but this kind of outing doesn't happen often, so just relax and enjoy it.

Mm...?

What is it this time?

This... is good. Want a sip?

Ah... th-thanks.

It's not poisoned. I checked first.

As if someone would poison wine put out on display in a market...

Look at this. They say if you buy dried fish, they throw in seeds.

That's so practical... I can't not buy it.

...We came out to buy vegetables and fruit.

Hm... These arrows would suit my crossbow too.

Hm...? That's...

You are listening, right...? What are you looking at?

N-No... nothing.

Um, Agravaine. If you like it, you can take a look a little longer...

Not at all. Of course not.

If you're thinking of buying something to wear in case that chest strap snaps again, I'm fine, so you can take your time picking something out.

Th-That's not it...

If someone set a trap in a place like this, you'd walk right into it. Be careful.

This is just a normal road. Most people wouldn't go that far...

You know, Agravaine. You don't have to worry more than necessary. See? I'm perfectly fine.

I do have common sense, Swordbringer.

It's only because you're that important that I pay such close attention. There's no harm in being too careful.

I know that, but...

There's no guarantee you'll always make it safely out of danger.

Stop fooling yourself into thinking luck will always be on your side, Swordbringer.

Agravaine...

If anything, maybe you should stay just as alert about your own clothes too... like your chest...

What...?

...Nothing, forget about it.

You're right... Maybe I've been too carefree.

I didn't mean you had to reflect on it... I'm only protecting you for the sake of the future too.

If you'd lived an ordinary life like this... maybe you'd have been a little different too...?

Hard to say.

Agravaine. We've still got a long walk ahead of us anyway, so how about telling me an old story?

An old story?

Yeah, like...

The things you've done... dangerous missions, assassinations, that sort of thing. I kind of like stories like that.

You say that so lightly... Those aren't things to talk about so casually.

Then what about that strap that keeps looking like it's about to snap...

...I'm sorry.

F-First love...? What are you talking about?

I was just wondering if you had someone precious to you too. When things get hard, it helps to have someone you can lean on.

Not really... I was never in a position to talk about leisurely things like that.

And...

As long as there's someone I've sworn to protect... I won't give my heart to anyone else, now or in the future.