CH 280

–After going to the lord’s mansion with Himmel-san, we went back to the inn and spent the night before heading back to Orff’s place for the night shift. With everyone from the castle, including Basleigh-sensei, it won’t be a problem for me to leave. 

“Now, I wonder if Orff is going to be at work? …… Hmm? That’s ……”

As I approached the guardroom, thinking that I didn’t know any timid men, I noticed a familiar face. That’s …… Birdie, huh.

After what we talked about this morning, it’s highly doubtful that he’s just a hired hand or a collaborator of Sonia. Should I decline the invitation until I find out?

As I approached the guardroom, Orff, who was talking with Birdie, noticed me and called out to me.

“Ah, Lars-sama! What are you doing here at this hour?”

“Hello, Orff. I’ve brought you something for your help yesterday.”

“Thank you for this …… Are you alone?”

“Yeah, it’s already dark, so I’m the only one here.”

As I handed him a basket of bread and sausages, Birdie, who had been watching me, opened his mouth in disappointment.

“What, Basleigh’s not here. I was hoping to talk to her.”

“I can’t walk around with a woman, even though she has a personality like that. What’s the matter with you at this hour, if I may ask?”

I don’t know how serious you are, but I’ll just dodge it and ask you what you’re doing. Birdie shrugs his shoulders and replies to me. Five guys besides Birdie, huh?

“Chie, I can’t see her since I’ve got work to do. Hm ……? Ahhh, It’s not a big deal, but I came to tell him about the situation in the area. The monsters are more active than we thought, and there might be a stampede. That’s why I came here to tell him, who’s in charge of the town’s defense.”

“Is the situation that bad?”

I asked casually, and he answered with a shrug of his shoulders and a look toward the exit.

“Well, it’s not good. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure you don’t have to worry about that.”

“That’s reassuring. By the way, did Zanbia tell you that we’re going to participate in Birdie’s operation?”

“Oh, you guys are? …… I see, I understand. I’ll check with the lord tomorrow, so please take care of us at that time.”

“Yeah.”

Birdie asked for a handshake, which I accepted. The man beside me smiled and put his hand on my shoulder to cool me down.

“Are you going to be okay? Don’t drag us down.”

“Don’t worry. I’m from a different territory, but I’m also the son of a lord, and I’m not so cold as to overlook this situation. Besides–“

“!?”

I took a step back and pulled out the Sargeblade at my waist and held it at half-stance, appealing with fire in my left hand. Soon after, Birdie and the rest of the adventurers gulped.

“T-That’s one hell of a sword ……”

“Your magic is awesome too ……”

“Is it a work of art? Ha-ha-ha, And you’re the son of a lord also? Then, I’ll have to do my best to protect you so you’ll remember me and get a job. Now that we’re done here, let’s go home.”

“We don’t want to die either, so we’ll do our best, see you later.”

After putting away my sword and magic, Birdie and the others walked toward the town. When I was about to speak to Orff, I was called from behind and I turned around.

“Hey, is Basleigh coming on that mission?”

“Yeah, that’s the plan, though?”

“…… I see.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing. See you.”

Birdie turned around and with his back turned, waved his hand and disappeared into the darkness of the city. Is it because he doesn’t want to put her in danger or something? I didn’t know what he meant, but I looked away, and then I beckoned Orff to come closer. 

“…… Didn’t it look a little fishy?”

“As you may have heard, we’re going to be part of their operation. The reason I’m here is to tell you about it and about Lux.”

“! Did you find him ……!”

I shake my head in denial when Orff gets all excited. 

“…… No, we haven’t found him yet. It’s a bit complicated, so don’t tell Naja, okay? It seems that he is running away with the medallion, which is a sign of lordship. Now we need to find him first. So, Orff, as soon as you get any information on Lux, please let me know.”

“Meda ……!? I-I understand! I have to tell Naja …… Ouch!?”

“As I said, don’t tell her. You’ll worry her, you know? Orff, you have to protect Naja.”

“O-Okay …….”

I’m more worried about this than Lux …… I left the guardroom and returned to Makina and the others, feeling of a little reluctant.

◆ 　 ◇ 　 ◆

“Wha-, this is pretty good.”

“You should just say it was delicious honestly.”

“♪”

“I wonder if the spring water was good too? Sephiro’s in a good mood.”

“He’s so carefree ……”

“No matter what happens, It doesn’t matter what we do need to do, after all. It’s better to keep your guard up and carry on as usual until we hear from him.”

It’s been three days since we went to the lord’s mansion, but so far we haven’t heard from him, and we’ve been strolling around the town like tourists every day.

The only thing I’m wondering is if they’re forcing the townspeople to refrain from going out. I’ve heard that a warning was issued recently, but I haven’t been able to figure out why. It would be great if we could find out in the large-scale operation, and I hope that a clear “enemy” will show its tail.

“The mission is still not starting. I wonder if it’s going to be okay since the number of monsters seems to be increasing?”

“Whether they have an idea or need to prepare …… It’s frustrating that we’re waiting for the other side to decide, but we can’t afford to make a bad move.”

“Umu. It’s a good idea to take the initiative, but we don’t know the enemy’s true intentions this time. We’ll just have to take the next one.”

Fath-san smiled and talked about the current situation, and I nodded in agreement. Just as we were about to make our move, we saw a horse-drawn carriage coming from the other side of the road, and it stopped near us.

“Ohhhh, so you’re here! There’s a notification from Sonia-sama. You’ll begin the joint operations with the Clan in the early morning hours two days from now. “

“Can you tell her I said yes? You heard that, everyone.”

Himmel-san said with a smile, and we laughed in response. Now it was time to make everything clear.

Ah, it’s time ……!

Thank you for reading!

[Afterword Theater]

“Well, let the show begin ……”

The rampage is next time!