217 Episode 217 "Rita and Letizia, the Fate of an Inescapable (Never Escaped) Aristocrat".txt

Rita, Letitia's point of view...

A few days before Nagi's encounter with the Maouyoroi, Rita and Leticia had arrived in the Commercial City Metekal.

Rita and Leticia had arrived at the 'Commercial City Metekal'.

'......su, there's a huge crowd,'

...... I've never seen the boulevard so crowded before, either: ......

After passing through the castle gates, Leticia and Rita were overwhelmed by the overflowing waves of people.

The main street of Metekal is full of people. This is because, as the name of the commercial city implies, there are a large number of shops lined up.

But now Metekal is several times more crowded than usual.

It's as if it's a festival, and people are so crowded that it's impossible to walk straight through. You can't even recognize the location of the shops on the street, hidden from view by the people. It was as if I had wandered into an unknown town.

'Rita-san. Whoa, where are you!

Don't go to ......, but don't go to ......, Letitia...

Here, here. Give me your hand. Come on, come on.

Leticia stretched out her arm and managed to grab Rita's hand.

You're going to be able to get the best out of it.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it.

Letitia is breathing heavily.

'I don't know ....... There are so many people smelling like people, it's messing with my head.'

Rita's hood is pulled over her eyes. This is because it temporarily blocks out human voices and noise.

Otherwise, she felt like she was going to get drunk from the waves of people.

Beastmen are sensitive to sound and atmosphere. When there were so many people around, they would be overwhelmed by the overflowing atmosphere. If I didn't shut off my senses to some extent, I was going to get a headache.

Letitia. Why, isn't there a way out of this?

Oh, I do. Miss Rita. Over here. I managed to get through the crowd and...

Goodbye. Goodbye.

Rita suddenly has an idea.

We're trying to escape from the flood of people.

In other words, we are on the run. And that means...

Well then, invoke 'The Great Escape'!

Can you use it now?

Letitia, come on!　A few steps and you're right!　Follow me!

You can use it?　How convenient!

The two of them managed to escape to a less crowded pathway with the help of their cheat skills.

''...... What was that about? That crowd is .......

Letitia put her hand on the stone wall and sighed.

'I heard there were a lot of ...... people here, but I didn't think it would be as good as this.'

Rita is slumped against the wall of the house, her back against the wall.

The crowds on the main street show no signs of diminishing.

For Rita and Leticia, who have been traveling through a region with few people so far, getting through that main street is as high as a high-level dungeon. To be honest, I don't want to go back.

''What's going on? Totally.

I hope it's just an event.

Letitia wiped the sweat off her forehead.

'I honestly feel like going home like this.

If it's just a festival, I'd be happy to just pompom back to Ilgafa.

Rita mumbles with a disgusted look on her face.

But I know that's not going to happen.

It is the mission of Rita and Leticia to investigate the reason why people are gathered in the commercial city of Metekal. You can't leave without completing your mission, even though it was Leticia's wish to come alone.

''If you want to gather information, it's either the marketplace or the Adventurer's Guild, but ...... this town's guild is the organization that took over that 'nobleman's guild', right?'''

'I don't want to go near it. Besides, the guild was on the main road. You'll have a hard time getting close to it.

Why don't we go after dark and the streets are less crowded?

But first, ...... I have an idea.

After catching her breath, Leticia turned to Rita and told her.

'There's a merchant here in Metecal who knows me.

Are you the toolmaker who hid Aine before ......?

Yes. I know my mother and I trust her. We'll talk to him there first.

At Leticia's words, Rita nodded.

Before, when the 'Commoner's Guild' was crushed by the nobles, there was someone who hid Aine, who had nowhere to go. It was an acquaintance of Leticia's, who didn't mind being spotted by the nobles and lending us a warehouse.

I can trust that person. If he was a merchant, he would have information about the town.

Rita and Leticia began to move at a short run.

They chose a path and headed for their destination. 'Commercial City Metekal' is the town where Leticia's family home is located. She's been running around since she was little. Once we turn onto the trails, it's not hard to avoid the main streets.

Leticia will lead the way, Rita will follow behind her and...

They arrived at their destination in ten minutes.

Letitia's friend, a toolmaker.

A martial arts tournament?

'Yes. The people who come to town are the adventurers who participate in it, and the people who come to watch the tournament.

The small merchant answered Leticia's question.

This is a tool shop in the commercial city of Metekal. At the back of the shop is the parlor.

Rita and Leticia sit on the chairs in the front, while the merchant man sits on the chair at the back.

The merchant looked at Leticia with calm eyes, as if he were looking at his grandchildren.

I'm glad to see you. I'm glad to hear that Leticia is depending on you.

I'm sorry to be so abrupt.

Of course, Your Majesty. I've always been indebted to Lady Letitia's mother, sir.

Not to mention ...... for my father.

.......... in confidence. I understand, sir.

The merchant put a finger to his lips and smiled.

Rita puffed her chest out, ho-hum.

Leticia had said that this merchant was an acquaintance of her mother's. She said he was her, her late mother's childhood friend, and that she could trust him. That's probably why they could meet secretly like this, or hide Aine, who had nowhere to go.

(Somehow, I have a feeling that Letitia-sama is like Nagi in this regard. She has friends here and there that she can trust, and she takes good care of them.)

...... Did you have something weird in mind, Rita?

No, no, no.

You can go to .......

Letitia turned to the merchant.

So, can you start at the beginning, please?　What's going on in this town?

That would be ...... where Earl Rigilta gave up his quest for the magic sword and set out on a journey the other day.

The merchant straightened his posture and looked at Rita and Letitia.

'The lady has gone on a journey with the young lady. He is no longer in town.'

...... I see.

At the merchant's words, Rita and Letitia looked at each other.

After the incident of the "Common People's Guild", Nagi and the others who were about to leave the town were pursued by Count Rigilta.

He fought them off and said, 'If you want the magic sword so badly, look for it until you find it. Aine is the one who signed a "contract" with Aine and her friends, saying, "If you want the magic sword so badly, look for it until you find it and forget about them.

The fact that he gave up the search means that he forgot about Aine.

After that, a new Adventurer's Guild was established in Metekal.

The merchant said.

''That calmed me down for a while, but ...... recently a rumor (rumor) started circulating that 'the demon king will come across the sea'.

I believe such a rumor has existed for some time, though?

Yes. But this time, the royal family has officially taken up the fight against the Demon King.

"The royal family?

''Officially, a nobleman was asked by the royal family to organize a martial arts tournament. It was announced that they would hold a martial arts tournament in order to recruit brave men to fight against the Demon King when he comes. There are a number of bills on the main street of the town. The schedule of the martial arts tournament and the procedures to participate in it.

"...... such a thing,

''I know it's frightening. If there are royalty and nobility involved, then the information about the Demon King's arrival is accurate.

The merchant said and nodded.

But Rita and Letitia were thinking differently.

(...... That's odd. The royal family summons Nagi and the other "visitors" in order to counter the demon king. (Why do you need to gather all the people of this world and hold a martial arts tournament?

(...... I doubt there's even a demon king in the first place. The holy sword was used to kill the dragon, and every incident that has ever smacked of a demon king has involved a nobleman and a visitor. ......)

Rita and Leticia look at each other.

A martial arts tournament, held on the premise that the demon king is present.

To the two of them, that itself was an extraordinary situation.

"Do you know what kind of rumors (rumors) about the Demon King?

As far as I can tell, the figure was pretty specific.

......,

Yes. As I recall, the ...... demon king wears jet black armor.

It's a common occurrence in stories.

In addition, the demon king's horse was clothed in armor and rode on a jet black chariot. The horse's name is Death and Disintegration. It is said that the demon king bears the power of a demon dragon and will come to destroy all humans. ......

The merchant's shoulders shook as if he was frightened by the words he had just uttered.

Rita and Leticia also felt a chill.

This was the first time they had been told so specifically about the appearance of the Demon King. The fact that it came from a king or a nobleman had heavy implications.

Because if they were wrong, their credibility would be ruined.

...... That rumor (rumor), I'm curious about it.

If you're interested, I can show you where to find the sign.

The merchant said.

'There aren't many people in the warehouse district. Let the shopkeeper show you around.'

Led by a tool shop clerk, Rita and Leticia came to the warehouse district.

This place is at the edge of the street and there are few people here.

There was only a large brick building and empty wagons parked there.

In the center of the building stood a wooden billboard.

The wooden board was covered with parchment, and at the bottom was the signature of the 'Original Heroic Guild' in red.

''Here are the application requirements for the martial arts competition.''

The 'Original Guild of the Brave' ...... is suspicious in name only.

Leticia and Rita were reading the guide to the Martial Arts Tournament written on parchment.

Long. And detailed.

Three sheets of parchment were filled with a wide range of sentences and notes.

'Seeking brave men.

We, the 'Original Guild of the Brave,' have obtained unique information that the Demon King is coming from across the sea.

But don't worry.

There are many adventurers, swordsmen and soldiers in this country.

Among them, there will surely be a brave man who can defeat the Demon King.

We, the guild, with the support of the royal family, will hold a "martial arts tournament" to find the brave men and women.

Those who wish to participate...''

If you want to participate, you must go to ...... and submit a statement of self-promotion, right?

'Then I'll interview you and see how much you hate the Demon King and whether you're willing to find and defeat him. ......'

''I see you have three interviews as well. A guild interview, a nobleman interview, and a high-level nobleman interview.

"After that, we'll have a martial arts competition, and the winner will register with the Royal Family's ...... to be exact, the 'Original Brave Men's Guild' that received support from the Royal Family...

The text goes on and on.

He wrote about the Demon King's equipment, his abilities and his fearsome abilities, and then he described the new system of the Adventurer's Guild.

The Adventurer's Guild of Metekal applies a new rank system.

"The highest ranking is the Diamond Brave.

'The Vajra Stone Brave' has the highest priority to choose quests, and the royal family will give him a subsidy. If the Demon King appears, he gets the right to take the lead in the fight.''

Additionally, the rules of a martial arts tournament. Weapons that could be used.

Clothing, procedure, hair style, and even the greeting (greeting) when facing an opponent was determined.

''...... haha.''

Letitia and Rita held their heads together.

'I've never seen such a cumbersome application form before.

But ...... the fact that there are so many people in town means people came to apply.

Yes. The support of the royal family is very tempting.

The aristocracy supports you, too.

Rita stood tall and ran her eyes over the awfully long billboard.

At the bottom of the application form, the names of the cooperating noble families were listed.

The Gervis Count family rules over the northern town of Hermilt.

I'm not sure if I've ever heard of a marquis and a baronet family that Rita doesn't know about.

And...

The House of Mirfe!

I'm a co-sponsor?

Leticia looks surprised.

When I read it over, I found the name of the Viscount Milfe family at ...... Sure enough, there was the name of the Viscount Milfe family at the sponsoring nobles.

Underneath it is a detailed text.

The sponsoring nobles are exempt from the interview. They can directly participate in the martial arts tournament.

''Viscount Mirfe, besides Lady Letitia, who else can participate?

There's no way ...... my father is going to be there. So you're planning to have me join ......?

Leticia thinks about it.

She originally left home to go to the 'New Lord's Unveiling Party' in the port city of Ilgafa. It was because her father had allowed her to be free after that.

Since then, she hasn't been back home for a month and a bit.

My father told Leticia, who was too free, that he was going to 'adopt her from a branch of the family for the sake of her heir.

Because my father knew that she was not suitable for a nobleman's child.

If that's the case, is this tournament supposed to be attended by that adopted child? No, it wouldn't be. There's no way the adoption is going to happen that quickly. So, it would be .......

'Is it just to gain the interest of the royal family by sponsoring the event? Or.

'You're going to find Leticia and get her to participate in a martial arts tournament,'

This is going to get very messy, isn't it?

Not good──Leticia thinks.

In the "Commercial City Metekal", there is the residence of the Viscount Milfe family.

Letitia's father also knows where Letitia might go.

Perhaps he has at least sent a letter to the port city of Ilgafa as well. Maybe he's also keeping a lookout at the merchant's mansion earlier. He's a petulant father, but for that, he's someone who plays all the moves he can.

If that's the case, the means Letitia should take is──.

Setting up the ...... operation is Nagi-san's specialty. I'm not in charge of that, though.

...... Letitia. People are coming.

...... I know that.

As I thought, there must have been guards at the merchant's place just now.

If the royal family is involved, it means my father will use any means necessary.

"Leticia ......

Don't worry about it. I know that man.

Leticia said, reassuring Rita.　

One of the men in black approaches from the warehouse district.

Leticia almost gushed when she saw that he had a few guards with him.

(Do you think I'm a fierce animal?)

It is very much like the father of a coward.

And yet, he doesn't spare no effort to improve his status as a viscount. It's not a bad thing, but it doesn't sit well with Leticia that he doesn't choose any means.

''Lady Letitia. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.''

'It's been a while. Neil.

'I've been the steward of House Mirfe for 20 years. This is the first time I have been given such a prestigious role. It is an honor to have you here.

Can I help you?

Your father has requested that you participate in the tournament. He would like Lady Letitia to participate in the martial arts tournament at Metecal.

''I've received permission from my father to live as an adventurer after attending the new Lord of Irgafa's Ohirome party. I believe we've done our job.

...... The Viscount said that this is the last time he'll be able to do this.

How many times does my father's 'this is the last time' happen?

They're willing to 'contract' with you if this is the last one.

With that, Steward Neil kneeled down on the ground.

''The Viscount-sama said. There is such a thing as a relationship between noble families. While other families would allow their sons to participate in martial arts competitions, it can't be that only Viscount Milfe's family would not participate. It might be taken as a rejection of the other family's methods.

"............ huh?

'The town is bustling with martial arts tournaments, and yet the Viscountess walks around town with her friends, looking disinterested. What could be more detrimental to a tournament than this?

Can I ask you a question?

Suddenly, Rita opened her mouth.

''Do the nobles and their officials really think that the Demon King is going to attack us?''

...... Miss, who is this person?

He's a good friend of mine. I will not tolerate any disrespect.

'I see. ......'

Butler Neil looked at Rita's collar, then gave a small shake of his head before

''It doesn't matter if the Demon King is coming or not. But the royal family has already started to take measures against the Demon King. We don't have an opinion about it. What the outcome will be is for the royal family to decide. It's none of our business.

...... Yes.

Letitia sighed.

The Viscount Milfe family hadn't changed. For my father, who aims to raise his name as an aristocrat, this is an opportunity that he should take advantage of. That's probably the only reason. It doesn't matter if the 'Demon King' is the 'Evil God' or the 'Visitor'. As long as he doesn't isolate himself in the aristocratic world, it's fine.

I don't like that way of doing things, that's why Letitia left home.

"Just one question, Neil.

Come in, little girl.

What's going to happen to my father if I run away from here?

"...... He plans to send a letter to the various Adventurer's Guilds. Letitia-Milfe is not to be given the task.

......?

Letitia's eyes widened.

''Well, there's no point in doing that. The Adventurer's Guild is an independent organization. The local nobles may mess with it, but the Viscount Milfe can't run it.''

Yes, but I suppose you could make me think. "I also have this other...

'There are other people out there. Don't bother using someone so troublesome'?

It was Rita who said it.

It was strange.

The words came out of my mouth of their own accord as I was thinking, 'How would Nagi respond?

'...... That's right. There were some clever slaves.

Master's been teaching me.

...... my father is ...... totally ...... that guy.

Leticia clenched her fists.

Rita gently wrapped her hand around it. She whispers into Leticia's ear in a whisper.

''............ If you think about it, we've hardly ever taken a job in the Adventurer's Guild before?''

............

It was.

The job Letitia received was to escort a passing caravan.

The rest of the time, I helped Nagi.

The only time I was involved with the Adventurer's Guild was when Aine was working on The Common Man's Guild.

(............ Huh?)　Don't you think I should not be worried?

To begin with, what Nagi, the party leader, is looking for is a 'life without work'.

Leticia is not his slave, but she is his best friend and companion.

If Leticia couldn't take a job with the Adventurer's Guild and became ...... unemployed, Nagi wouldn't mind. If you stay at home, she will accept it.

When it comes to ............, the 'optimal solution' here is ......

I'm guessing you're going to have to go over to Letitia's house at ............ and find out what's going on with the martial arts tournament?

Rita and Letitia look at each other and grin.

They giggled and fisted each other.

Then Letitia turned to her butler, Neil.

'I understand. It's a request from my father, a request that I cannot refuse as his daughter.

'Oh!　Miss!

I am, after all, ...... the daughter of a baronial family. There's no escaping the blood of nobility that runs through this body ......

...... Leticia. Too many bars.

Come on, come on, let's go.

Stifling a gush at Rita's words, Letitia stepped forward.

'Go to my father. Then we will listen to what he has to say. About the 'martial arts tournament' that my father wishes to attend.