Ex Strongest Swordsman Longs For Magic In Different World

Chapter 323 (Self Edited) – Viewing the Peaceful Cityscape

After having breakfast, Soma and Aina were walking around the royal capital while moving through the gap of people.

The people weren’t running around. It was just that there were so many people that they simply had to do so. The fact that there were many people was something they were well aware of yesterday, but it seemed that people were paving the way for them because Victoria was with them yesterday.

As they expected, this was the royal capital that was said to be the most prosperous in the world.

“Say… Is it really alright?” (Aina)

As they walked around, Soma was suddenly asked by Aina.

It wasn’t necessary to ask back what it was. Therefore, Soma didn’t speak much, but simply replied by shrugging his shoulders.

“It doesn’t matter. In fact, I was able to be convinced.” (Soma)

Soma’s response to Victoria’s proposal was affirmative. So, she offered them to stay in the empire for at least a few days.

The reason for doing so had to do with why Victoria proposed it in the first place. She said that Soma didn’t know anything about the empire. It was summarized that he accepted everything that the Holy City said and they were willing to go to war with the empire.

In a sense, it was a fact. All he knew about the empire was stories he heard from someone, and he only knew the information from yesterday and today with his own eyes. Therefore, Soma thought that it might not be a bad idea to stay for a while if she said so far.

“…Well, certainly, I’ve only heard about the empire. However… no matter what country this country is, there is no difference that the empire is associating with the Devil, right?” (Aina)

“Well, she was clearly saying it herself. Or maybe, it is the empress, not the empire. But it wouldn’t make much difference.” (Soma)

Associating with the Devil means trying to destroy the world. It didn’t matter if it was a correct argument from the world.

Everything would be about the result of trying to destroy the world.

“Anyhow, if you think about it normally, you don’t want to die, right?” (Soma)

“Well, of course. But then…?” (Aina)

“That also means that there is some reason to destroy the world, right?” (Soma)

At that point, Aina turned her gaze, probably because she understood what Soma meant.

‘Could he think something weird again?’

“I’m not thinking about something weird, you know?” (Soma)

“I haven’t said anything, alright. But even if you say it’s not weird, you were thinking about it, yes?” (Aina)

“Well, I’m not sure what you mean.” (Soma)

Soma shrugged at Aina, who looked at him.

In fact, he wasn’t really thinking about something weird. And the answer had already been given. He chose to stay here because he thought there must have been a reason for this empire to make that decision.

“To begin with, I don’t have to think about anything unnecessary from the beginning if it’s about defeating the opponent unilaterally.” (Soma)

It was just a matter of rampaging here, killing the empress, or defeating the Devil that might be lurking somewhere. There was also the pride that it was possible to choose any of these options.

However, that wouldn’t make sense. Soma didn’t think that talking to anyone would solve the question.

Even so…

“Wouldn’t it be the best if we can understand each other and find a compromise without conflict? More than anything, if possible, I think I’ll be able to conclude it cleanly.” (Soma)

If he could conclude the situation as soon as possible, that would be the best. However, he didn’t want to hope that it would end with a bad aftertaste.

After all, the origin of Soma was longing. And because he longed for it, he didn’t want to be ashamed if he aimed for it.

“Haa… Well, it’s fine. Why don’t you do whatever you want? You do whatever you say, and… I have no choice but to keep up with you.” (Aina)

Soma loosened his mouth to Aina’s words because that statement was, strictly speaking, a mistake.

Victoria asked Soma to stay and he himself accepted it. In other words, Aina could return if she wanted to.

Of course, it would be on her own. Anyhow, she was a high-class mage. There was no reason why she couldn’t do that much.

However, Aina didn’t show such a pretense, and she naturally chose to follow Soma. If she didn’t think of anything there, it would be a lie.

But as long as Aina didn’t dare to say such a thing, Soma shouldn’t say anything. Thus, he nodded as he expressed his gratitude only in his mind.

“Hmm, I’m going to stay then.” (Soma)

Well, as the conclusion of discussion had been decided, Soma looked over the place again.

What he saw was a noisy and bustling scene, which was a sign of abundance and prosperity. It would be enough to see their faces that everyone was enjoying their happiness.

Even if he saw them… No, perhaps, that was the reason why Soma had a long face. While frowning, Aina asked him whether he noticed something.

“…So, even though you say you will do what you want, why are you making that face? Was there something that bothered you?” (Aina)

“Hmm… it’s because there’s nothing to worry about, rather than something to worry about.” (Soma)

“What…?” (Aina)

He didn’t respond to Aina, who asked him since it didn’t make any sense, and he looked around him again. The scene there was peace itself.

Of course, problems might occur just because something that stood out wasn’t happening right now. Or, there was a possibility that a problem was occurring somewhere that he hadn’t seen yet.

However, at least they were happy to be there now and that was the same yesterday.

“In the city yesterday… and also in the dining room… The empress was smiling. At least, it seemed to me that it was from the bottom of her heart.” (Soma)

“Well, it’s true. I have no particular objection.” (Aina)

Aina urged with a gaze of ‘so?’. Soma didn’t respond immediately and opened his mouth while watching the smiling people.

“What on earth don’t you like about this? Why would you want to destroy the world?” (Soma)

People didn’t need a reason to try to live. As an organism, it was natural to live. Therefore, it was reasonable that there was no need to have a reason to wish for the survival of the world.

Of course, there might be some wishes for the destruction for some reasons. Soma cut his thought at that point. The reason why he didn’t want the world to be destroyed was because of his own desire.

However, the opposite wasn’t true. People always needed a reason to die. Even if it didn’t seem like it, there was some reason for it.

Let alone the destruction of the world. So, what kind of reason for wishing such a thing, and did it really exist?

Or if this was a person who had a typical desire to ruin or a person who had obvious misfortune. But Victoria was admired by so many people, and she had a happy smile on her face. She seemed to be hated by some, but Aina was right. Yesterday, Aina said that there was no way she could be loved by everyone.

In other words…

“I see… Surely, she had no reason to try to destroy the world. Rather, it seems the other way around. Is it because she cares?” (Aina)

“I didn’t think this might lead to a reason though.” (Soma)

At best, it was only natural that there was a reason for it.

However, it couldn’t be said that this was irrelevant.

“Hmm, why is that?” (Aina)

“It was the empress who told me to know more about this country, right? If so, does that mean that there is such a chance that I will be swayed?” (Soma)

“That’s certainly true. But to be honest, I can only see a peaceful scene spreading out…” (Aina)

Although no hostility was shown, there was no difference that this was the enemy territory. They weren’t to be too vigilant.

However, it wasn’t a trap, but Soma didn’t know what would happen if something similar really happened, but… that time was that time. There was no choice but to think again only at that time.

Anyhow…

“Well… I wonder what we should do from now on.” (Soma)

While watching the peaceful scene with Aina, he muttered and then, he let out a breath.