Showdown, chapter 2: Revival
“Zanef”, the town of water.
A trading city located in the eastern coast, the town had remained relatively peaceful during the war that shook the Continent.
Looking at the intricate waterways running through Zanef, one could understand why it was called the town of water.
In other towns, horses and carts played the role that women with the occupation called “pilot” played in this town.
They didn’t just carry people and their luggage. Occasionally, they sang splendorously while handling the paddle, captivating the eyes of the people.
If there was one job yearned by the women who lived in Zanef, it was surely that of a pilot.
With her white apron fluttering in the wind, Al sailed the small boat through the waterways with a practiced hand.
Although Al wasn’t from that town and Zanef’s labyrinthical waterways looked the same to her, they became no big deal when she got used to them.
“Giggle, the customers today sure were generous.”
At her feet, there was a bag full of gold coins. That was the individual remuneration that wasn’t included in the regular fee that was to be paid to the union.
“With this, I hope I can make something nutritious for my darling to eat. Lately it’s been only fish…”
Al closed her eyes, and saw the figure of her darling, who would be waiting for her to come home.
She was sure he’d be waiting for her, hungry. When she came back home, first and foremost she’d make a dish with fresh ingredients. Since he was that gentle, no matter what he ate, he’d say it was delicious.
That’d be in a while… maybe.
Her job for today was already over. The next guiding job was tomorrow evening, so she’d be able to spend a long time with her darling.
“Humm, she’s leading an unexpectedly peaceful life…”
As it looked down on the peaceful town from a slightly elevated mound, a piece of pink jelly shook and wriggled.
“Aah~, even if it’s like this, I have to get serious and work for the Queen’s sake~.”
Complaining, Melona changed her protean body into the shape of the leader of the Rebel Army, Annelotte.
Unless one was close to her, it was rather impossible to see through the imposter.
“As usual, a magnificent disguise, what a transformation.”
A young lady wearing a maid dress muttered behind Melona.
“Oh? You came.”
The Annelotte with cross-shaped pupils turned around.
“It can’t be helped if it’s the Witch’s command. Please carry it out smoothly.”
There wasn’t a shadow at the girl’s feet. The faithful servant of the Marshland Witch, Airi, that was the girl’s name.
“It’s a quite well-thought strategy for you.”
If it had been the Melona from the past, she wouldn’t have gone through an imitation that asked for Airi’s cooperation.
“You see- Even I have good ideas.”
Staying in Annelotte’s form, Melona pouted out her lips in a dissatisfied look.
“Well, the strategy goes like this. So, it’ll depend on Airi’s acting skills and her courage.”
“Today, meat was cheap. Besides, there were eggs available… Let’s make a meat dish tonight. Meat dish~!”
Al hummed as she walked home from the market.
“Iyaah-! Please stopp~!”
Suddenly, she heard a woman’s shriek, that blew away Al’s happy mood.
“Somebody-, somebody come~!"
She hadn’t misheard. Someone was asking for help.
“W, what do I do…”
Al looked around her. Security was good in the town, but there were only vigilante troops aground the harbor or the castle gates, the only one who could help was herself.
“But if I tell him I helped a person in trouble, my darling will surely be glad.”
If she helped others, even if she was late when she came home to her darling, he’ll forgive her. Al made her decision, and her apron shook as she ran towards the direction the screams could be heard from.
Soon, Aldra arrived to the scene of the trouble.
She saw indications that a person like a female knight was forcing the girls of the village. A soldier of the vigilante troops was lying on the road’s stone paving, and it wasn’t likely that there was someone who could stop the female knight’s actions.
“Nn~~~, you don’t lose to Mirim, you have a wonderful soft rump, you’ll be a suitable “younger sister” for me!”
“Iyah, please stopp.”
A female knight talking so hatefully and shamefully to the town girl, that was something she couldn’t let go.
“P, please stop. That girl hates it, doesn’t she?”
When she heard Al’s words, the female knight released the hand of the girl she was holding.
“Ooh! What’s this, a brave lady.”
“I, I’m not a lady, I’m a wife.”
As Al denied so, the female knight quickly moved behind her, and slid her hand inside the snow-white apron.
“Hyanh.”
As her soft twin hills were massaged, Aldra involuntarily let out a spicy voice.
“You have a singing voice… and your body’s softness is also perfect. I’m pleased with you. I’ll absolutely make you mine.”
“I, I belong to my darling-!”
Al turned her body with all the power of her love. Along with her clear reply, the female knight who should have been hugging