003: Preface ~ The Retired Wizard Picks up a Villainous Girl ②

January 7, 2021 - 5 minutes read - 916 words

“Hello, who is this?” Allen

Allen calls out to the person lying in the grass, but the other person doesn’t reply. As he approached the person, it became clear it was a young girl. She’s beautiful and wears a fine dress. She’s like a princess, except the dress is tattered and the complexion is poor. I can see small breaths escaping her pale lips, so she seems to be alive, but exhausted.

“Hmm, are you a runaway, or did you run away from a kidnapping?” Allen

As he gently pick the girl up, there’s a slight shiver from the girl. However, that doesn’t seem to be a prelude to awakening. If she’s left as is, she’d definitely pass away. Allen looks to be lost, he sighs as if he’s given in.

“I can’t help it, I guess I’ll take care of her until she wakes up?” Allen

Allen turns around and heads back to his mansion, but soon another voice is heard.

“Ahhhh!!” Soldier

A man’s barbaric voice intrudes on the peaceful forest sounds as the man slashes at Allen. The sword appears to cut him in half before Allen’s image turns hazy and disappears.

“Now, run away!” Soldier

“What kind of greeting is this?” Allen

“What?!” Soldier

From behind the intruder, Allen calls out his question. He used a rudimentary illusion magic, known as the art of transfiguration. The soldiers face is unfamiliar to Allen, but the insignia on his armor is well known.

“The insignia of a neighboring country’s royal family. What is such an high-ranked soldier doing here?” Allen

The soldier stays silent while Allen watches his sword. Three other soldiers appear from the forest to back up the first. They’re all well-equipped and look ready to take on Allen. Allen shrugs while holding the girl while trying to reply with a joke.

“I’m a terrible customer, I never buy from door-to-door salesman.” Allen

“Give up the woman” Soldier

The soldier ignores the joke and makes his demand in a serious voice.

“The woman has brought dishonor on her name and is wanted in our country. Leave her or we will resort to force.” Soldier

“Really?” Allen

The sleeping face of the girl comes into view for Allen, she’s weak but charming and looks far from the kind of person these soldiers would be looking for.

“It doesn’t matter whether we bring back the girl dead or alive. If you hand her over peacefully, we won’t trouble you.” Soldier

“Hmm. I see.” Allen

It’s clear Allen has fallen into a spot of trouble, so why is he grinning?

“If that’s the case… Absolutely not.” Allen

“What?!” Soldier

Some skulking soldiers or a debilitated girl. When asked, Allen would definitely support the latter choice. That’s empathy. If she turned out to an evil person, there will be plenty of chances to hand her over.

“Do you think you can deal with us alone!” Soldier

“That’s my line” Allen

While the soldiers move into position to surround him, Allen seems unafraid. It’s like the soldier’s positions won’t make a difference. The soldiers are well-trained and strong, while Allen has his hands full holding onto the girl. For any onlookers, nobody would have bet on Allen, but in actuality, the soldier are much worse off.

“It’s just four elite soldiers, don’t think they’re a good match.” Allen

“Oof” Soldier

One of the soldier moves in to attack Allen is knocked away and falls over. The other soldiers move in together, but Allen anticipates this."

“Freezing Ice Bind” Allen

“Oh!” Soldiers

A flash of light runs over the ground and two more soldiers fall down. Their feet are encased in ice. Allen used Ice Magic to manipulate ice to entrap the soldiers. Ice Magic has low lethality, but is extremely effective at capturing enemies. Only the first soldier is still standing at this point.

“If it’s just non-chanted magic!” Soldier

The soldier moves in calmly to attack Allen, but he steps lightly to the side and narrowly dodges the sword. With his momentum, the soldier stumbles past Allen.

“Let’s go! Freezing Ice Bind” Allen

“Ugh!” Soldier

At this point, all the soldiers are captured. The soldier looks up at Allen with a burning gaze.

“Wait, that white and black hair! Oh no, are you the…” Soldier

“Please refrain from unnecessary talk. Phantom Dream” Allen

“Gah… Oh….” Soldiers

When Allen called out, the fight disappeared from the four soldiers. Allen starts to ask them questions in their semi-conscious state.

“What happened here?” Allen

“We searched the dangerous forest without finding anyone.” Soldier A

“We found traces of the girl entering the forest, but they disappeared” Soldier B

“Conclude that she was eaten by a beast” Soldier C

“We’ll retreat for the moment” Soldier D

“Ah, good answer.” Allen

If Allen kills the soldiers, their superiors will be sure to send more soldiers to investigate. In this case, it’s better to overwrite their memories to believe the girl died. After melting the Ice Magic, the soldiers stumble to their feet.

“Oh, your home is over that way. Don’t come back again.” Allen

The soldiers wander off in the direction Allen gestured. Soon they will regain their wits, and Allen will not be in their memories. After that, they’ll return to their country and report that the girl was eaten in a dangerous forest. It looks like the immediate problem has been resolved.

“A felony, hmm, maybe there’s a good reason?” Allen

Looking at the girl’s sleeping face, Allen sighs.