Lord of Disease (JP-GL) 78

78: Unforgettable Memories

We were almost at the Fortress City of Litalside.

As I thought about the largest city in the Listrea Demon Kingdom, even larger than the royal capital, I spoke.

“By the way, Liz, there was some important information missing from your report.”

I’d been studying up on Litalside, reading Liz’s report and a book Rebecca had recommended.

“I apologize. Was there something I missed?” Liz bowed her head.

“I believe I covered the climate, geography, history, and stationed forces.”

“That part was perfect. Thank you.”

“Then what was missing?”

“You forgot to mention the local specialties.”

“Please take back my apology.”

“Is that really necessary?” Liz and Rebecca spoke at the same time.

“What are you talking about? I may be on official business, but is it so wrong to want to enjoy some local specialties and revitalize myself in my free time?”

“It’s not wrong, but I don’t think it constitutes a missing detail in the report.”

“Indeed.”

“Well, that’s true.”

“You’re really treating this like a vacation…”

“A complete sightseeing tour.”

“I’ll be serious when it’s time to work. So, what are the local specialties?”

“Specialties… Rebecca, do you know? It’s a fortress city.”

“Even so, the walls are only on the border side. I’m not sure about any specific specialties… but I’ve heard that one of the watchtowers is open to the public as an observation deck.”

“That sounds nice.”

“But you’re going to the fortress, Master… so you’ll probably be able to see as much of the scenery as you want.”

“Oh, right.”

“What about food?”

“Food… Everything is delicious. I know a few places.”

“Nice! Let’s all go. Is there anything particularly special to Litalside?”

“The fish dishes from Lake Kagone are quite good. It’s a lake fed by the snowmelt from the Lital Mountains. The scenery is beautiful, and an acquaintance of mine has a restaurant on the shore.”

“You seem to know a lot about this, Rebecca.”

“I’ve lived a long time. I’ve been to Litalside before.”

“As part of the Undead Army?”

“Yes. As part of the garrison. In total… eighty… ninety… well, just under a hundred years, I think. The last time I was there was probably about ten years ago. I was stationed there for twenty or thirty years at that time.”

“…Isn’t that a long time? And why are you so vague about it?”

“It’s a long time because I’ve… existed for a long time. And I’m quite skilled, so I was often… used for various tasks. Litalside is an important base, so I was often sent there for short-term and medium-term missions, even when I wasn’t officially part of the garrison. And even when I was part of the garrison, I was often called away to other places. It’s not surprising that my memories are a bit hazy.” Rebecca smiled, a hint of weariness in her eyes.

“Besides, it’s normal for the undead to let go of the past. …Especially when you’ve lived for a long time.”

I looked into Rebecca’s eyes and spoke.

“Will you forget about me, too?”

“…Rest assured.” Rebecca smiled sarcastically.

“In all my years of existence, you are the most bizarre individual I have ever met. I couldn’t forget you if I tried.”

“You’re making me blush, Rebecca.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

I smiled.

“It’s nice to be remembered.”

“…I see.” Rebecca smiled, though it was a bit wry.

“…Master, will you forget about us?” Liz tilted her head, her ears drooping slightly with worry.

“I’m human, so I’ll probably die before I forget any of you.”

“…Now that you mention it, you are human.”

“Rebecca, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. Don’t worry about it.”

“I am a little worried… but fine.”

I nodded and declared firmly.

“I won’t forget.”

I’d lost so many precious memories when I came to this world.

But in this world, I’d made new memories I didn’t want to lose.

“…I see.” Liz smiled, and her long ears perked up slightly. The phrase ‘a smile that bloomed like a flower’ was surely meant for moments like this, to describe her adorable expression.

“Besides, it would be inhuman to forget such a cute dark elf maid and an elf-eared little girl.”

“…You’re the one who’s inhuman, Master.” Liz’s ears drooped again.

“Indeed. No normal human would say that.” Rebecca sighed softly.

“I’m honored.” I grinned.

“I am the Lord of Disease. One cannot take that name without being a little… inhuman.”

“That’s true, but… I think you’re inhuman in a different way…”

I decided to ignore Liz’s comment.