Volume 7 - CH 5

Chapter 5 – Eto’s Party’s Goal

“In front of my dual wield, Wolves are nothing. Isn’t that right, dad?”

Kohaku said with excitement.

“Aa, that was a splendid swordplay.”

Amou smiled and showed his agreement.

“The swordplay that defeated wolves was indeed wonderful, but you need to study battle instructions.” Sorano said.

Hearing that, Kohaku groaned, “Ugh…” and shut up, with her face slightly reddened.

Eto, who returned to the Knights’ facility from Margrave’s castle, was welcomed by the three. It seems they just succeeded in defeating wolf-type monsters. And to celebrate their success on completing the guild’s request, Eto invited the three to have dinner outside.

“Battle instructions? Did Kohaku give the instructions?”

“Un. Like Eto always does. Amou and I tried to hunt down the prey according to Kohaku’s instructions, but it seems the wolves are smarter.”

“That’s not the case!! The wolves are indeed smart, though… It’s okay because we defeated them in the end.”

“If you’re learning how to give instructions in battle, don’t jump into the battle with a sword in both hands. You have to be a little patient.”

Although Sorano’s words are harsh, Eto knew that she said that for the sake of Kohaku. Because if the battle instructions are half-assed, not only Kohaku, but Sorano and Amou will also be in danger.

“If you want to give instructions, give them properly until the end. If you want the party to fight at their own discretion, instruct them to. You should decide the plan of the party.” Sorano emphasized.

“… Un, understood. I’ll be patient next time.”

Kohaku accepted Sorano’s words and acknowledged her mistakes.

“Un, that’s good.”

When Sorano and Kohaku agreed with each other, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”, such a bright voice echoed in the room. The two clerks carried the specialties of the Margrave territory with both hands full.

In the center of the table, a stir-fried river fish with vegetables was placed, generating the scent of garlic that invites people’s appetite. Eto immediately took the fish to a place and tried a bite. Eto thought the taste of the fish was going to be more muddy, but the scent of garlic and tomatoes passed through his nose instead, making him able to taste the deliciousness of the fish.

Next to that was a place with plenty of salt-boiled river shrimp. The shrimp was thick, yet soft enough that the meat would burst in just one bite. The saltiness is also exquisite, making the party unable to stop their hands from taking the shrimp.

Amou and Kohaku threw the river shrimp with their shells intact into their mouths and chewed them just like that. It was a way to eat that was a bit unbelievable for Eto, making him wonder whether the mouth of an Ogre is just that sturdy.

It is said that dishes that used edible wild plants delivered from neighboring villages inside are often eaten in Veil. And at the restaurant that Eto’s party is currently in, it is popular to eat thin bread made from wheat flour with stir-fried meat and edible wild plants.

Sorano was the first who tried that dish, saying “It’s similar to an elf’s dish.”. Besides those dishes, there are also skewers of wild boar meat that are familiar to Eto and his party. Not only that, the soup served to everyone contained river shrimp and several kinds of vegetables, giving the dish a beautiful color.

While eating, Eto talked about the history between the Kingdom and the Empire that he learned from the castle library. Eto and his party, who experienced the explosion on the Great Frederick Bridge by themselves, take seriously the fact that the Empire might be aiming for the Margrave of Eeven.

“There seems to be no evidence in the involvement of the Empire yet, though.”

Eto said then poured the food in his mouth with ale.

“We also still don’t know how to release the detonation formula, right?”

Amou asked with serious expression.

“Aa.”

“Then, is there no other choice than responding to it after it explodes?”

“There is a possibility that the Empire might be involved in everything happening recently, from the explosion on the Great Frederick Bridge to the siege of the southern fort. If that’s really the case, we, who were deeply involved in the capture of the fort and triggering the uncovering of the crime of the former Acting Lord, would be an eyesore to the Empire. Well, since it was still a possibility, you don’t have to be worried that much, but I want you guys to keep that in mind.”

“Somehow there are a lot of hypothetical stories.”

Kohaku said with an exasperated face.

“But it’s better than not knowing anything.”

Eto also had to admit that he was only talking about a ‘what if’ situation.

After swallowing the edible wild plants that she had filled in her mouth with a gulping noise, Sorano asked about the victim support activities that they were about to start.

“How do we plan to proceed with the support activities?”

“I think there is a limit to how much we can imitate doctors and pharmacists. Rather, I think connecting the organizations and groups necessary for the support activities are way more suitable for us.”

“What kind of organization is needed for that?”

“First of all, the Knights’ order. The job of the Knights is cracking down on criminals and protecting the victims. In other words, by having them under our banner, we can create a place where the victims can feel at ease.”

“Being protected in the Knights’ facility indeed works.”

Kohaku agreed.

“Aa. Also, I want to get support from the church. Having entities like pastors who can listen to the consultation of the victims is big, and I think the cooperation of the church is needed to convince the authorities to support the activities.”

“Speaking of authorities, are you going to talk to someone about that?”

Amou shook his head.

“If possible, I’d like to ask Margrave-sama, but I don’t know how much he would agree to our request with just our previous achievements. I think it’s better to have people listen to our intentions through other people after laying the groundwork.”

“It seems we have no choice but to grope our way forward more than we imagined.” Sorano said.

Even if they wanted to connect the existing organizations, each organization already had their own territory. If newcomers such as Eto’s party move aimlessly, it might create unnecessary friction with them. So they will have to earn the trust of each department while spreading some rumors about the activities.

“But we’ve found a goal we can aim for.”

“A goal?”

“Aa. It seems there is a group called the self-help group in the church. It seems to be a group where crime victims get together and discuss their experiences with each other. I heard there are pastors and civilians who are cooperating with them free of charge, to help the victims of crime get out of difficult times by helping each other.”

“The same thing that we are about to do?”

“That’s right. With that self-help group as a goal, I think we can create such a mechanism with the cooperation of authorities and the Knights, we can support the victims from various aspects. Well, for now, it’s just a mechanism that only exists in my head, though.”

“If Eto can see the prospect of that, then I’m sure it will be fine. I will also do it with you.”

“Aa. I’m counting on you.”