CH 254

Gilik removal plan

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"And so, why is Yagi here?"

"Idiot, you really are an idiot. There's no way a journalist like me wouldn't cover an event like this."

"In other words, you came to disturb me."

"Idiot, what are you saying, it's an interview!"

"Yes, yes, you're going to pick a fight with Gilik too. You're going to make him say ouch ... is what you mean?"

"Don't be ridiculous! I have no intention of doing that. I'm a pacifist. Stop messing around, what are you going to do if he hears you!"

"Eh~h ... But, Muell-san is your goal, right?"

"Idiot! I'm just doing an interview ..."

"Then, Yagi can walk in front with the old and new duo, and me and Muell-san can walk in the back, right?"

"N, no ... You know, it's not possible to report on the whole thing, and interviews with local people are also necessary."

"Saying that, you just want to talk to Muell-san, you want to get close to her ... right?"

"That why, my intentions are pure ..."

"Then, do you not want to get along with Muell-san?"

"That is ... It's obvious I want to. To be honest, those breasts ... and cat ears and tail! Isn't it obvious I wish for something like that!"

"Yup, I'm sure Yagi's thoughts will reach."

"Seriously!"

"Yup, to Gilik ..."

"Don't screw around! Because that's no good, absolutely don't say that!"

On the morning of the operation to make Gilik independent (Under the pretext of an operation to get along with Muell-san), when I went to the meeting place at the northeast gate of Volzard, in addition to the old and new duo, and Kondo, even Yagi was there.

Also, Gilik, who was clumsily following, was hiding in the shadows of the alley.

Just in case, I had Mart and the others search around the meeting place, and it was just as I thought.

He was wearing a long hooded robe like a magician's, but if you looked at him from behind, he was carrying a sword, and most importantly, his silhouette was just like Gilik.

In the first place, there was no way he could hide or disguise himself because he was unnecessarily bulky.

It couldn't be seen from where we were talking because it was across a stall, but he was probably using physical reinforcement to listen.

That's good, Yagi. He should be able to hear our entire conversation.

"By the way, you three, what's with that?"

The three boys who were saying behind all had blades on their left hip.

The length of the blade was about 30 centimeters, and the handle and scabbard combined were about 50 centimeters, so it felt more like a machete than a short sword.

"What's with that you say, we bought them."

"That's right, Tatsuya and I said we'd like a bigger sword, like the one Gilik-aniki carries, but Kondo ..."

"It's obvious, you can't use a large sword all of a sudden, it seems to be difficult to handle, it's not like you can do subjugations, it's expensive, and practicality is first."

"I see, as expected of Kondo, you're reliable."

The three of them were also equipped with armor in addition to blades.

A type that was based on leather armor and had metal plates at key points.

It felt like a motorcycle protector.

"Yagi, are you unprepared?"

"I'm not going to subjugate anything, so I don't think it's necessary."

"But, war photographers are properly equipped with protectors and helmets."

"Even Kokubu isn't equipped."

"When I think I'm in danger, I will hide in the shadows and run away, but what about Yagi?"

"No, no, because Kokubu's genus will protect me, won't they?"

"I will protect Muell-san, but why do I have to protect Yagi as well?"

"You, don't say such cold things. Aren't we friends?"

"Haa ... You're too spoiled. If you didn't have me, you wouldn't be able to do anything."

"Maa, maa, if the work gets on track, it will work out somehow."

"Will it really be that easy, or will it go unplanned ..."

When I was exasperated at Yagi's usual Yagi style, Muell-san arrived.

"Morning, my best regards today, everyone."

"Good morning, Muell-san. You know Kazuki and Tatsuya, don't you. This is Joji, he's more reliable than the other two, and ... there is one other person."

"Hey! What the heck is that lazy treatment."

"Ufufufu, I remember properly. You're Yusuke, aren't you? Are you also an aspiring adventurer?"

"Oohh, did you remember me, I, Yusuke Yagi, is reporting on Volzard's daily life ..."

"Aahh, the useless talking has become long, let's go soon."

"That's right, shall we depart."

"So mean!"

As expected of Muell-san, she properly understood how to treat Yagi.

The northeastern gate of Volzard was on the opposite side of the Devil's Forest, heading towards Marburg and Bakkenheim, so it was crowded with people leaving in the morning.

The three people who were staying behind and Yagi seemed to have come here at this time for the first time, so they looked around curiously.

"Muell-san, where are you going today?"

"Today, it's near the pond on the way to the dungeon. I will collect the medicinal herbs that grow on the waterside."

Reinhardt called out to me when I started walking along the highway with travelers and people heading to the dungeon.

[ Kent-sama, is it okay to instruct the escorts? ]

[ That's right. Tell me about all the points to be aware of when escorting. I will tell the others. ]

[ Roger that, let's get started ... ]

Reinahrdt would communicate with me through telepathy what to do as an escort, and I would pass it on to the other trio.

"Then, I'm going to start the escort lecture, so listen carefully, all three of you. We've already left, but originally, you would normally confirm the day's action plan before leaving."

Where you were going, what you were doing, who you would meet, what you brought with you, the method and number of escorts would naturally change depending on the purpose and location.

If necessary, they may do some preliminary research in advance.

It seemed that royal and noble escorts checked to see if there were any places where thieves were likely to be hiding, or if there were any places where monsters were likely to appear.

"Rather, what about collecting herbs, you can't decide on a course if you don't know where the herbs are growing."

"Nitta, you should aim for the place where the medicinal herbs you're going to collect grow. Right, Muell-san."

"Right. If you don't know which medicinal herb grows where, you can't collect it. Also, the effect will be completely different depending on when you collect it. Kent did well to know that."

"Yes, I was taught when I was apprenticed as a gardener."

"I see, when you looked in on Manon bathing."

"No, would you say that was an accident ..."

Certainly, I saw Manon bathing, but I didn't think Manon was a girl at that time, so it's not just my fault.

"Bastard, Kokubu, to have the nerve to have such a delicious experience!"

"Tatsuya, let's execute, execute."

"What are you talking about, old and new duo. In the first place, I'm engaged to Manon, so you can't say something like that."

"Or rather, how can someone like Kokubu get three cute wives. The world must be wrong!"

"Huh? Don't you know, Yagi ..."

"What is it."

"There are four wives, but ..."

"Haaaahhh? What's with that? I didn't hear that! Otou-san won't permit it!"

"No, Yagi isn't my father, and I got permission from Seraphima's father."

When I talked about Seraphima, the old and new duo and Yagi complained with a 'gya-suka', but the bridal procession parade had already departed.(TN:Not entirely sure how to translate 'ギャ―スカ' 'gya-suka', the suka part is disappointed/let-down, not entirely sure what the whole part is supposed to be, maybe an angrily disappointed manner?)

I was surrounded by three people, and while they were shouting about interrogation and execution, Kondo called out to me in a low voice.

"Hey, have you noticed ... We've been followed the whole time."

The old and new duo and Muell-san let out a sigh at Kondo, who raised his right thumb and pointed behind him.

"What? Did I say something strange?"

"No, it's not Kondo's fault. That's the Gilik in question."

When we went out on the highway, travelers were in a hurry, and we, who were walking leisurely, were rapidly passed.

However, the man in the robe followed us, keeping pace with us as we walked leisurely.

I'm sure she expected this, but Muell-san was holding her head.

"Haa ... Mou, I'm fed up with this."

"Maa, I expected it, but I feel like this won't change no matter how many days we do this."

"That's right ... What should I do ..."

Previously, even when she asked another person to escort her, Muell-san seemed to have been defeated by this stalking act.

It certainly didn't look like he would give up in a week or so.

When I was wondering what to do, Kondo muttered.

"This is, it might be cheesy, but there's no choice but to pretend that Kokubu is your lover, right?"

"Idiot, why is it Kokubu. There must be other people available."

"Because, he's strong, isn't he? To have the nerve to put your hands on my woman, will Yagi be able to oppose such an attack?"

"Impossible!"

"What about the old and new duo?"

"Well ... A direct confrontation, right?"

"That's right, it's just impossible."

"Then, Kokubu is the only one here."

"No, no, can you use such an obvious trick? Muell-san?"

As expected, I thought that she wouldn't go along with such a clichéd strategy, but Muell-san stared at me.

"For Kent, does it bother you to pretend to be my boyfriend?"

"Umm ... I, don't hate it, but ... I don't think it will go well."

"But, is there a better way?"

"That is ... I can't think of any."

"As for me, I want Gilik to see the wider world. Not only is he always loitering around me, but I want him to go to Marburg, Bakkenheim, or even Resenburg would be good. I don't want him to seclude himself in just Volzard."

"Umm ... I know it's a nosy question, but do you have any feelings for Gilik-san ..."

"There's no way. I'm too close to Gilik, so I can only think of him as a troublesome younger brother. I mean, I've known him since we were so~ young. The whole time, Onee-tan, Onee-tan, he was so clingy."

Uwaa ... Muell-san completely cut him down.

Come to think of it, I heard that he spent his childhood being traumatized by his older sisters.

If he's been clingy since then, it must be annoying.

"Maa, there was a time when he was cute in the past, back in the day ... But, now he has that figure, and his contents, haa ..."

Gilik was thoroughly spoken ill of, it was originally pleasant, but at this point, moreover, if Muell-san was in a state of completely bashing him, it really made me feel sad.

"Kokubu, cooperate in the deception."

"For us also, Gilik-aniki, I think that's no good."

Since the old and new duo who I had been working together for a while told me, I guess I had no choice but to give a helping hand.

"But, suddenly becoming lovers ... Wouldn't that be strange?"

"Well then, shouldn't you shorten the distance more than usual?"

"That's right, let's do it like Joji says."(TN:Guessing this is Muell here, calling Joji strangely so it almost looks like George.)

Oou, Muell-san intertwined our arms, this degree of closeness ...

Wonderful, I thought it would be troublesome to take care of the detention group, but if there is a reward like this, I will do my best every day.

Rather, Yagi is, go bald, go bald, go die ... and the like, shut up will you.

Also, I felt a gaze that seemed to pierce from behind.

Entering the road from the highway to the dungeon, Muell-san took out a bundle of iron rings.

There were about 5 smaller rings inside a larger ring.

Muell-san grabbed the large ring with her left hand and walked while clattering it.

"Muell-san, what is that?"

"Ehh, it's to avoid monsters. Don't you know, Kent?"

"Yes, I'm seeing it for the first time."

"Oi, oi, Kokubu, can such a person guide us?"

"It's just as Tatsuya says, that's completely a strike."

"Even if you say that, I have no need for a more powerful monster avoidance ..."

[ Buhahaha, I'm sorry, Kent-sama. We no longer need to avoid monsters, so I completely forgot about it. ]

That's right, I don't think there's anything better than Reinhardt to avoid monsters.

The ring to avoid monsters was like a bell to avoid bears.

If they hear the sound of metal clashing against each other, they would think that you were holding a sword or other weapon, making it difficult for monsters to approach you.

When I looked into the shadow space for a moment, Mart and the others had slightly disgusted looks on their faces.

It seemed that one person in each group should have a ring to avoid monsters, so Nitta decided to carry it instead of Muell-san.

Right, right, Muell-san, I'd like you to wrap your arms more tightly.

Haaa, so happy ...

"Muell-san, are you going to collect medicinal herbs every day?"

"Nope, there aren't many medicinal herbs this time of year, so once a week is enough. I feel like I go out every day in the summer."

"Isn't it supposed to be harvested in the summer and dried before being used?"

"That's right, but there are also medicinal herbs that can be used raw."

"Which type of herb are you collecting today?'

"It's the type that you use after drying."

The medicinal herb called Urajiroashi grew all year long, but it seemed that the medicinal effect was stronger during the winter season.(TN:Looking up this name, 'ウラジロアシ' brings up a tree in Japan, not an herb.)

The reason why Muell-san showed up at the guild at the beginning of the week was because she collected the amount to be wholesaled to the guild in addition to the amount to be used at her master Corey-san's shop.

If you collect what is in high demand that week and bring it home, you will get a better yield.

"Today, are you going to collect the amount to be sold to the guild as well?"

"Hmm ... The types of medicinal herbs are limited this time of year, so I'll have to wait and see how they grow."

There seemed to be an unspoken rule when it came to collecting medicinal herbs.

And, in places where there were traces of collection, no collection would take place.

It seemed that you should never do anything that completely wiped out the roots.

"Is that a resource protection?"

"That's right. If the medicinal herbs stop growing, we won't be able to make medicine."

"Is it difficult to cultivate in a field?"

"That's right. It's not like you can't do it, but the medicinal effect will fade."

"If it's not an environment suitable for growing, it's no good."

"That's right. Just like Gilik, I want them to change the environment so that they can grow further."

Kuu ... You're an ungrateful mutt even though Muell-san thinks of you like this.

We were able to arrive at a colony of Urajiroashi near the pond before noon.

The group of three who were staying behind remained vigilant, and Muell-san, me, and Yagi did the collection work.

At first, Yagi refused to work, but since he was an idiot who came empty-handed with only his smartphone, I told him that if he didn't work, he would skip lunch.

"Yagi, if you don't do exactly what Muell-san taught you, you won't be able to eat."

"So noisy, I'm doing it right! Damn, why is the Journalist me ..."

"A fledgling journalist, aren't you supposed to report from the ground up?"

"Moreover, that's too plain, too plain! If there's no flower to attract more readers ..."

Yagi's gaze wandered around Muell-san's chest and waist.

"Yagi, where are you looking? You should realize that your actions are also being stalked."

"Geeh, say that sooner ..."

Because there's a man in a robe who climbed a tree on the shore across the pond and was keeping an eye on us.

The conversation before departure must have been overheard, and Yagi's fate seemed to have run out three times already.

We bundled the collected Urajiroashi and soaked the roots in the pond before having lunch.

"Hey, Kokubu, come to think of it, you're empty-handed, aren't you. What are you doing with food, food, food!"

"Aahh, you're really annoying. Did you forget that I can move in the shadows?"

"Ahh, I see ... No, I'm joking, don't get angry like that ..."

"Wait a minute, I'm going right now."

Since we were working outdoors in the cold, I asked Amanda-san for some warm soup takeout.

Muell-san was very happy about this.

"It doesn't rain very much this time of year, so I'm afraid to use fire outside."

"Is it because the medicinal herbs will also burn in the event of a fire?"

"That's right. It will be a big problem if things that grow from now on become no good."

The piping hot soup contained meatballs and was very filling.

"Yes, Kent, Ah~n ..."

"Ehh?"

"I've got to show it off to someone climbing a tree."

"That's right, isn't it, ah~n ... Ah fuu ah fuu."

Hyaaha~~h, from Muell-san, I recei~ved an ah~n.

"Kazuki, even though I know it's a strategy, I feel like we're the ones taking the most damage."

"Aahh, Tatsuya. I won't deny it, I won't deny it at all."

It was when the old and new duo complained.

Meki meki mekiiiii ...

With a loud noise, a tree fell over the pond.

It was the tree that the mutt was climbing up until just now.

"Uwaa ... Muell-san, do you still want to continue? It looks like it's going to cause environmental destruction and have a negative impact on the surroundings."

"Haaah ... I was in a good mood with having a delicious lunch, but it's ruined."

"Hmm ... Isn't it no good if we don't think of another way?"

"Hey, Kokubu."

"Kondo, do you have a good idea?"

"That Gilik, what is his rank as an adventurer?"

"Gilik is a D-rank like me."

Muell-san answered for me.

"That adventurer rank, how do you raise it?"

"Adventurer rank is just your achievement as an adventurer."

Your guild's rank would increase according to your achievements, such as the amount of materials you had brought in and the work you had undertaken in the guild.

Even Muell-san didn't seem to know the detailed criteria, such as how many Orcs you had to kill to raise it.

In Gilik's case, he was always with Muell-san, so no matter how much strength he had, he could only sell medicinal herbs, so his rank didn't go up.

When Kondo heard that, he made a proposal.

"Well then, how about setting a deadline and saying that if he can't be promoted to C-rank or B-rank by then, you're really going to marry Kokubu? In that case, then he'll have to do other work to achieve his goals, right?"

"As expected of Kondo, you're smart! What do you think, Muell-san?"

"Yup, that's good! It's true that if you only gather medicinal herbs, your guild's rank won't go up, so if he's with me, he won't be able to achieve his goals. Yup, let's do it!"

Thanks to Kondo's idea, Muell-san was also in a good mood, and when I was enjoying the tea after the meal, Mart suddenly popped up and I was informed of a visitor.