第９９掘：家族
**99th Dig: Family**
**Side: Deryu Le Corsel**
"Hmph, another day, another peaceful time. It’s truly tranquil."
I am currently taking a leisurely stroll through the dungeon. In the last two months, the population hasn't just doubled; it has swelled nearly thirty-fold. Fufu, honestly, it’s a terrifying prospect. Even in my own country, I had never seen such a rapid population explosion.
"Ah, Big Sister Deryu! Yahoo!"
"Oh, be careful while you play. If you get hurt, make sure to wash the wound and go to the infirmary, alright?"
"Okay!!"
I am currently in the dungeon’s residential district, specifically the park—apparently, it’s a place for the residents to relax. Yuki really does come up with the strangest things. But there are benches lined up under the trees, vending machines, and water stations, and just a short distance away, there is a wide plaza. It seems his goal in creating such a place is to intentionally foster interaction among the residents.
Looking closely, besides the children, elderly people, men, and women are all gathered in the park, chatting and exercising.
"…It’s peaceful, isn't it?"
I sit down on a nearby bench. Eris had asked me to help with some paperwork, but with the weather this nice and the sound of such carefree voices, the motivation to do so has completely evaporated.
Peace, huh… To think that I, of all people, would be able to lead a life like this.
My country fell, I destroyed enemy nations in a fit of rage, burned even the innocent to ash, wandered aimlessly, and spent my days crushing anyone who displeased me. And because of my ageless body and abnormal strength, I was isolated from everyone else.
Days of being all alone. I had intended to walk a path where I would never be deeply involved with anyone, and yet…
"Ah, Big Sister Deryu!!"
"We found you, Deryu-sama!!"
"…You’re being lazy again, aren't you?"
Three little girls come pattering toward me. These three are already people I consider my own family.
"Oh, is that Aslin and the others? What’s the matter?"
"Big Sister Eris is looking for you!!"
"You promised you’d help, remember!!"
"…Do your best."
Aslin and Firia grab my hands and pull me to my feet. Resistance is impossible; I could never be rough with these little sisters of mine. I have no choice but to stand up and let them lead me away.
"…What’s wrong? Did something good happen?"
"…? Was I smiling?"
"…You didn't realize it? You had a look on your face like you were seeing something nostalgic."
"…Nostalgic… Ah, I see. Nostalgic, this feeling of being led by the hand."
Overlapping with Aslin and Firia, I remember my own past. Did my younger brother used to pull my hand like this, too?
*“Sister, there was a beautiful flower over here.”*
Goodness, he was such a frail little brother, despite being the next in line for the throne. Well, he wasn't very old yet, so I suppose that was only natural.
…Father, Mother, and Reye. I am doing well. There were times when I drowned in hatred, and times when I swam through loneliness. But I have found a family who treasures me like this.
Ah, but I’m hopeless at housework. Would Anna just give me a wry smile if she saw me? Perhaps it’s time I offered flowers at their graves… Ah, there probably isn't even a ruin of the castle left. In fact, I can’t even remember where my homeland was located. I believe it was somewhere near Gartz…
Since Yuki is currently there, I’ll ask him about it later.
While I was lost in thought, being led by Aslin and the others, a call suddenly arrived.
"Hm, is that from Yuki? Sorry, Aslin, Firia, could you let go of my hands for a moment?"
"Okay."
"But don't try to run away!!"
"…Is it from Yuki?"
"Yes, I wonder what he wants? Calling me directly… is it another request for dinner?"
Incidentally, since Yuki and the others leave their main bodies here, they return every day at mealtime. They say it’s difficult because they are also dining on the other side, so it feels like they are eating two meals a day. And, of course, Yuki cooks for us. Truly, he is a magnificent husband.
Now, let’s answer the call. I press the button.
"What on earth could—"
『You finally answered!!』
"W-what is it!?"
『It’s an emergency! I have something I need to ask you immediately!!』
『I will not be your plaything!! The only one allowed to touch me is the one I love!! And only if he is a man!!』
『Ah— Ratz, get a cloth in her mouth!! She’s going to bite her tongue off!! Someone, tie her hands!!』
It sounds quite chaotic. But given the desperate tone and the words spoken, it seems there is some terrible misunderstanding.
"For now, is there any way for me to prevent that young girl from taking her own life?"
『Wait, have you seen her face? This girl claims her name is Riri Le Corsel.』
"What? No, I don't know of any branch families. Even if there were survivors… well, it wouldn't be strange, but 'Le Corsel' is a family name given only to the First Princess, which is mine alone. I don't think it’s a wise choice to survive by using the name of a fallen kingdom…"
Hmm, the woman—or perhaps she is a bit too young to be called that—appearing on the call screen. Her spirit is certainly strong. Her level must be over 100, right? That is impressive for someone so young.
『That’s strange. She’s over 180 years old, so I thought she was your younger sister, Deryu…』
"No, wait. I am 235 years old. There is a 50-year gap. It’s a bit of a stretch to call her a sister… Hmm, girl. I have a question. Is there a Reye Le Corsel in your lineage?"
『How do you know the family name of Reye-sama!?』
"Oh my, so you are a descendant of that little brother of mine. Though, for a descendant, you don't really resemble him much."
To think she is a descendant of that little brat Reye. I don't know how she achieved immortality, but something is welling up inside me. So, he had escaped. I had never been able to find my brother’s remains, but…
『Y-younger brother? C-could it be…!? No, I have something I must ask. If you are truly Reye-sama’s sister, then there should have been a maid he was close to. Can you say her name?』
"What, so Anna escaped as well? Fu, fufuhahaha. What a wonderful day this is, to be able to speak with the descendants of my own bloodline."
『W-wait!! I am not of his bloodline!! I am one of Reye-sama’s companions!!』
"……Huh?"
Wait a minute, companion? Let me see…
"A companion… that means a wife, right?"
"…That’s right."
『She’s not wrong.』
In other words, what? She is Reye’s companion? My head is spinning. It’s all a jumbled mess.
『He is alive!! Reye-sama is alive!! Anna-san is too!! They have been in this dungeon for 225 years, the whole time!!』
Riri says those words.
"…………I see."
That was the only thing I could manage to say. How incredibly dull the words that came out were.
"B-Big Sister!?"
"W-what’s wrong!?"
Ah, Aslin and Firia are surprised. But I didn't have the luxury of responding to them. I could feel the tears streaming down my cheeks, falling onto the ground.
"…He’s alive… Thank goodness. Thank goodness…"
Forgive me, I don't think I can stop these tears for a while. Please, just wait a little longer.
***
*And so, it was Deryu-san’s younger brother lol.*
*The actual reunion will be in the next chapter.*
*Actually, I’ve been scribbling away at a different novel…*
*I plan to release it in bulk once I have enough chapters written.*