Original subtitles

The Haltina Sea of Trees that we're entering now is the home of the beastmen,

stretching to the north and south on the eastern side of the continent.

Verbergen, the nation of the beastmen, is located deep within that forest.

That said, it's off limits for we the Haulia Tribe.

Why is that?

Our whole tribe are considered sinners.

The Council of Elders ordered our execution once.

E-Execution?!

Please don't worry.

We're now considered associates of the boss, so that order has been canceled.

What is the "Council of Elders"?

It's a gathering of the leaders of each tribe, where they discuss and decide things.

Is it like the highest decision-making board of the nation?

Yes.

If you need to make any negotiations,

you should speak to one of the elders, Ulfric.

Episode 05: The Hero Returns

Hey, Hajime Nagumo.

Huh?

Can you get me one of these vehicles?

You've got to be kidding.

It's clear you helped the Haulia in the incident earlier.

It wouldn't hurt if you could help me with—

Not my concern.

I'll pay you whatever you want. If you want women instead,

I have a daughter at just about the right age.

Should I Lightning Wyrm him?

I will crush you.

Are you playing? Are you?

Don't expect Nagumo-kun to be like you, Emperor.

No! No way!

Hmm?

Oh, um, never mind.

Coming to think of it,

you looked really happy while dancing with him, completely ignoring Baius.

N-Nagumo-san and I aren't like that! At all!

I-Isn't that right?

Yeah, that's impossible beyond the wildest imaginable thing.

You didn't have to go that far...

Besides, the princess is pretty much a married woman, right?

Oh, about that...

To be honest, our family is not ready for that.

If the Kingdom told us that they can't let their

princess marry someone who might die at any moment,

I have no way to counter that.

Also, with the slaves released, our labor force is a fraction of what it was.

In fact, it's now we the Empire that needs help from the Kingdom.

I see. So, the princess's wedding is off.

That's great! Right, Lily?!

Indeed.

I guess free romance isn't on the table, but at least you have time.

Yes! I'm happy for you, Lily.

Um, thank you...

And thus, Princess Liliana is up for grabs.

Hajime Nagumo, if you want to get her, I can help.

W-What?! Emperor, what are you talking about?! I don't...

And you want an airship for your services?

There's no upside for me. In fact, it's all downside.

What do you mean by that, Nagumo-san?! Hey, she still is a princess, you know?

You should give up. There's nothing in the world that I want, for now.

Please don't ignore me! Listen to me!

Nobody's interested in hearing me talk. Or in me in general.

What even is a princess?

Be honest.

Every human wants something.

As you can see, what I want is already in my arms.

What more can I ask?

How terrible...

Setting fire to a forest is forbidden, isn't it?

Yeah, yeah, my bad.

W-What is that?!

Is that a new type of monster?!

Mom!

Hajime Nagumo.

What an absurd entrance you made.

Yeah, I couldn't be bothered to be careful. Don't worry about it.

Sorry, Kaori, could you take care of it?

Tetragrammaton.

It's a miracle...

Is she a goddess?

Yes, she is the Protecting Goddess of Verbergen!

Stop! Please stop!

And another goddess is born.

Interesting how this continent worshiping

a monotheistic religion keeps spawning so many gods.

Yes.

I find the in-your-face approach to god very agreeable.

Agreeable yes.

Kaori, how you've grown.

Shizu-Shizu, you're like her mom now.

Master Nagumo.

Our brethren have been released.

On behalf of all of Verbergen, I thank you.

And also, I must thank you for rescuing my precious granddaughter, Altina.

It's the Haulia Tribe that did it. Do keep that clear.

I heard the stories from our rescued brethren too,

but who would have thought the "weakest" rabbit beastmen,

would topple the Empire...

Living a long life pays off.

I suppose I'm witnessing a historic moment right now.

Father? What are you doing?

Listen, my brethren!

For too long, brethren,

you have been suffering in a sea of humiliation and despair.

But now, we were able to defeat the Empire.

However, eternal peace is never possible.

Your futures will most likely be threatened again, not far from now.

When that happens, you will return to how you were until yesterday.

Not just that.

Even those who've avoided slavery might not be so lucky the next time.

Is that acceptable to you?

Of course not. Then what do we do?

Simple.

If you wish to protect those who stand next to you...

Fight.

If you wish to resist exploitation and despair, then rise up!

If you desire to improve the lives of the rabbit beastmen,

then fill your hearts with rage!

The rabbit beastmen are not the weakest!

Simply by deciding to do so,

we are a race that can become stronger and stronger!

We the Haulia Tribe proved that to you today!

I can teach you how to fight!

The Haulia welcome you any time!

Boss.

I'm sorry to disturb you during your conversation.

It was the best moment to gather more manpower.

Y-Yeah.

And thus, the gentle bunnies of the forest went extinct.

Don't say it like that, Yue-san!

So there's going to be more Haulias now...?

Quite the attitude for a losing king!

Do you think you can go home in one piece?

I hope you don't think you can kill me.

If you do, that makes the elders of Verbergen a bunch of total idiots.

What did you say?!

Stop, Zel.

Gahard is here to prove that what the Haulia Tribe achieved

and what the Empire swore is true. Don't forget that.

Gahard, alter your attitude somewhat.

Then pick up your sword.

I, and the rest of the empire, only pays respect to the strong.

If you don't like my attitude, then force me to obey you.

I didn't lose to all beastmen. I don't owe respect to you.

The ones that took up the sword, put their lives on the line,

and proved their strength on the battlefield are the Haulia Tribe!

Hey, Gahard.

You're too much of a bother, so you can go home now.

Huh?

Hey!

You're not going to send me back to the Empire, are you?!

Don't you see that was about to be like, a historic moment between two nations?!

Centuries of differences and grudges aren't going

to change over a quick discussion here, right?

W-Well, true, but...

So yeah, go on home before you cause any trouble.

Hey! Don't treat me like a rebellious youth! Let me go!

I'm sure the emperor now knows how I feel, a little.

Don't forget this, Hajime Nagumo!

W-Wait! I still have business to take care of, as a princess!

Fine.

We'll rest now, so come find us when you're done.

Y-Yes.

Cam, take us to your village.

Flying Fernir with thousands of people on board was really tiring.

Right away.

Wait, Master Nagumo.

We've yet to determine how to repay you.

Could you stay with us just a moment longer?

I told you, it's the Haulia who did it.

Of course, Cam and the others will be compensated accordingly.

However, it's true that we owe a great debt of gratitude to Master Nagumo.

Well, if you want to feel grateful, you're free to do as much as you want, but...

There's nothing I want right now.

Then at least let us accommodate you while you stay at the Sea of Trees.

Altina also wants to thank you for saving her.

Well, if you say so, I'll take you up on it.

Next, Cam.

Even after being exiled, you fought off the invaders,

and even forced the Empire to make a vow, returning our brethren to us.

We must repay you for this.

Obviously, nobody objects to nullifying the expulsion of the Haulia Tribe.

That was already decided in a previous Council of Elders meeting, after the attack.

I see.

Next,

I propose creating a new seat at the Council of Elders for Cam,

the Chief of the Haulia Tribe.

What say you, elders?

So, what do you say, Cam?

Would you accept a seat at the Council?

Of course, I decline.

May I ask why?

Why?

Well, for starters, you are mistaken.

Mistaken?

You seem to believe that we saved all of beastmankind,

but that was just something on the side.

We the Haulia Tribe are not your allies.

If you cause trouble for us or our boss...

Know that the blades of Haulia will point in your direction next.

Y-You dare threaten your brethren?!

We fight for the future of the rabbit beastmen.

Just make sure you remember that.

What's taking Shea so long?

She said she's going to see her family.

Are the Haulias celebrating or something?

Well, nothing bad can happen, not to Shea.

Please excuse my late-night visit, Boss.

What is it?

I hate to bother you while you are resting, but could you come with me?

At this hour?

Yes, I implore you.

Fine.

Oh, I'll go too!

As shall I!

Hajime-san.

Did father do this?

Yeah. He took off, though.

I didn't know he could read the room so well.

Is this your mother?

Yes. She rests beneath this tree.

I see.

"I wanted to become a hero."

Hmm?

"I wanted to become someone who could protect my family."

"Not just running and hiding.

Someone who can face off against those who try to take our precious family away."

"Someone who can protect everyone. A true hero."

My mother's words.

She had eyes and a heart that were always ablaze.

So that's how you were born.

Everything my mother taught me was true.

The world is truly a harsh place, but it's also very gentle at times.

I found him. Let me introduce him to you.

This is Hajime Nagumo, the person who is precious to me.

And I, and my father, and the Haulia Tribe...

We became heroes.

I thank you.

Huh?

When we crawled out of the abyss, the two of us began our journey,

ready to take on the entire world.

I am confident that we would have overcome all

obstacles even if it were just the two of us, but...

But it wouldn't have been as fun as it is now.

Your daughter brought color to our journey, our hearts, and our lives.

I thank you for bringing Shea into this world.

Hey, Hajime-san.

Hmm?

Thank you.

For everything, more than I can find words for...

What can I do to repay you?

You just received my thanks.

Those were just words.

I want to repay you in a more tangible way.

What can I do to make you happy?

I would do anything you desire.

All you need to do is smile in a happy-go-lucky way.

You're our group's cheerleader, right?

What do you mean, happy-go-lucky?!

Like I said, I already get a lot from you.

And it's more than enough.

I don't get it!

Hajime-san, can you follow me?

We buried my mother here because this was her favorite spot.

I see. Like a secret hideout.

Hajime-san, what is it?

When you stare like that, even I get a bit embarrassed...

Hey, Shea.

Can you do me a favor?

A favor?

Yes, of course! Ask me anything!

Well, I just wanted to lie down for a bit.

Can I sleep on your lap?

Of course, please.

Thanks.

When will you fall in love with me?

Any chance you'll give up?

None.

I see...

Looks like you're getting comfortable with it.

I guess your daily fights with Yue are paying off.

Her specs are off the charts. She's catching up to me.

Oh, I'm still far off.

I can't win against Yue or Shea at all.

Kaori, from my point of view,

you've gone beyond "cheat" level. You're more like a bug.

If I'm a bug, what does that make Hajime-kun and the others?

Don't worry, Shizuku.

Once we finish a Great Labyrinth, we can get stronger too.

I can't wait to find out what kind of magic we can learn!

Yeah! Let's do our best!

So this...

Is the Great Tree...

It's huge...

It's quite... enormous.

Hajime! Wake up already!

I knew it.

I'm sorry to make you do this every morning.

Can you help me out again?

Wake up, Hajime...

Oh... Good morning, Yue.

Good morning, Hajime.

Episode 06: Haltina's Labyrinth

Next episode, Haltina's Labyrinth.