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TL: ALT
Chapter 10 – Memories and Vows
About ten years ago…
Born into the Brad family of mercenaries, Cloche began showing her natural talent at an early age.
The more she swung her sword and wielded her spear, the stronger, faster, and sharper she became.
She was undefeated among her peers.
The adults watched her rapid growth with admiration and praised her for it.
However, her peers began to avoid her as a training partner.
Although fighting strong opponents is the fastest way to improve, it can be painful for a young child to consistently lose.
Things might have been different if they could have won at least once in a while, but Cloche’s abilities were far superior to the others’, so there was no contest.
The more she practiced, the wider the gap between her and the others grew.
Her strength brought her loneliness.
It’s not that Cloche was disliked.
The Black Wolf Clan was known for its strong bonds.
The clan as a whole valued strength.
They got along very well on a daily basis, and Cloche was respected by her peers.
However, respect and friendship are two different things.
Having no equal during her childhood, Cloche’s heart was always filled with loneliness.
She was stronger than anyone else.
That’s why she won’t suffer or feel lonely over something like this.
But even though she told herself that, the cold loneliness and emptiness in her heart would not go away.
At that time, there was an unusual exchange with the Golden Tiger Clan.
Since both sides were in the same camp, they decided to strengthen their friendship.
Since the last exchange had been several years ago, Cloche didn’t clearly remember it.
That’s when she met Aire, her first worthy opponent who could fight her on equal footing.
Once they recognized each other’s abilities, they quickly became friends.
Cloche grew fond of Aire.
“You’re very strong!”
“You’re not bad yourself.”
“But next time, I’ll be the one to win! The title of strongest belongs to me, Cloche!”
“Nfufu, is that so-nya? I’m the strongest!”
“Come on! Don’t get cocky just because you won a few times!”
“Nishishishi!”
“Let’s settle this! Next time, I’ll win!”
It was fun.
For the first time, Cloche felt free from loneliness.
She understood what she was saying, even when they talked.
She had the foundation of sensitivity and the ability to understand her.
For the few months until the battle ended, Cloche spent a lot of time with Aire.
Encountering a worthy opponent stripped Cloche of her arrogance, inspiring her to humbly devote herself to training.
Her days were full of energy, and her eyes sparkled.
She improved much faster.
Aire was a prankster who often got scolded by adults. Such behavior was refreshing to serious Cloche and made her heart race.
Aire taught Cloche not only combat, but also mischievous deeds, such as stealing food from the supply depot and scavenging money and jewels left behind on the battlefield for pocket money.
Aire, who was one year older, often acted like an older sister.
Since Aire was the only person her age who was stronger than her, Cloche naturally began to call her Onee-sama.
They won battle after battle.
It was a war involving two of the most powerful mercenary groups in the Western countries.
They maintained the advantage for a long time.
When the battles ended, however, they lost their source of income.
Mercenaries move on to the next battlefield.
Naturally, Cloche and Aire parted ways.
“Onee-sama, it’s time to say goodbye. I’ll be lonely.”
“We’ll meet again if we’re still alive! Be stronger than you are now when we do!”
“Hmph! I’ll be stronger than you when we meet again!”
While Cloche is sad, Aire remains composed.
That’s because Aire has a free spirit.
Cloche tries to suppress the sadness welling up inside her.
“Onee-sama, it was a pleasure to meet you. You really saved me.”
“Really? Well, it wasn’t anything special.”
“No, it was! It meant a lot to me.”
“Hmm, then you can repay me someday.”
Yes, she’s very grateful.
That is why she wants to repay her, not only with words, but in other ways as well.
“If you ever find yourself in trouble, I will definitely help you!”
“Nishishi, I don’t think I’ll ever be in such a dangerous situation. But when that time comes, I’ll be counting on you, Cloche.”
“Yes, Onee-sama! I swear on the name of Cloche de Brad!”
It was a sweet promise from childhood.
But for Cloche, it was an important vow.
She would become a source of strength for the person who had helped her overcome her loneliness.
She would be a source of strength for Aire, who helped her when she was at her lowest.
To that end, she felt she could endure any harsh training or battle.
Cloche transformed from loneliness to solitude.
Years passed.
When she heard that Aire had set out on a journey as a wandering gladiator, Cloche supported her with a heavy heart. One day, however, she heard rumors that Aire had fallen into a trap and become a slave.
Cloche set out on a journey to fulfill her vow.
Note:
Battlefield Remains: People often hide their valuables in nearby tree branches or hollows on the battlefield rather than carrying them with them.
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