Side: Raiya
Currently, we are in the city of Kiris, gathering information, securing necessary supplies, and making preparations for what lies ahead.
"Yuki, can you hear me?"
『Yeah, I hear you.』
"Regular report. As planned, we've arrived in the city of Kiris. We've secured an inn and everyone is out gathering info individually."
『Got it. By the way, Kiyu hasn't been exposed, right?』
"If they had, I wouldn't be saying things are going 'as planned.'"
『Fair point. I'll handle the adventurer registration. Kiyu can't control himself properly, for better or worse.』
"Please do. Ostensibly, we're protecting and looking after him, so he's bound to draw some attention. It'll cause problems if he shows off too much power. By the way, how are things on your end?"
『Ah, that... it's a long story. I'll tell you once I get over there.』
With that, the Call cut off. Truly a convenient skill.
"How was it?"
"He said Yuki will be handling the information gathering directly."
"I see... In the end, we continue to rely entirely on his strength."
Rurua-sama's shoulders slumped dejectedly.
I understand feeling powerless, but wallowing in regret won't help.
"Rurua-sama, there's no reason to be depressed. I'm an adventurer, but I can't do everything alone. Neither can Yuki. That's why he bows his head to so many different people to secure their cooperation. I think you should have more confidence in yourself."
"Is that... so...?"
"What matters is how you move from here. Adventurers are the type of lot who will sip muddy water or eat rotten meat just to survive. If you can't do that, there are situations where the only alternative is death."
"And you're saying now is that time?"
"Who knows? I can't decide where someone else should stake their life. But Rurua-sama, did you rise to the position of Saint without anyone's help?"
"No, of course not. I am who I am today because of countless people."
"It's the same thing. We and Yuki are just some of those 'countless people.' If anything, Yuki is quite principled. He doesn't harbor false expectations; he takes his share, and if he succeeds, he demands a return. It's easy to understand, isn't it?"
"Certainly... you're right. Why do I feel such a strong sense of inferiority toward Yuki-san, I wonder..."
That's because the difference in ability is just overwhelming.
If you haven't been completely crushed by him like we have, that feeling is perfectly normal.
She still thinks there must be some area where she surpasses him. Well, I have areas where I'm better too, but it's not out of rivalry or inferiority.
"Yo~ You're overthinking weird stuff again. I told you, you're not me. Just do what you want to do, Rurua. I'll back you up if you're about to die. If you actually die, then that's the end."
Kiyu—with Yuki's consciousness inside—strolled into the room. His bluntness is actually a relief for us.
"Here."
The moment he entered, Yuki tossed us some coins. Rurua-sama and I caught them.
"A regular copper coin?"
"Yeah."
"Keep them and don't use them for now. How and when you use them is up to you."
"What do you mean by that?"
Rurua-sama asked, looking puzzled by his words.
"Let's see... Coville, wake up."
Yuki shook Coville, who was sleeping under a blanket.
Since Coville stands out way too much if we move together, we had her hide among the luggage. It's inconvenient, but she seemed to understand and stayed quiet. Contrary to my first impression, she seems to be the type who can think things through properly.
"Nn...? Ah, Kiyu, is it dinner time?"
"Too bad, it's me, Yuki. Here, grilled doll skewers—local specialty."
"Yay! Thank you!"
"And here. Take this too. It's like a lucky charm."
"Munch munch... what's this? It's just a copper coin. What am I supposed to do with it?"
"Use it however you like. An ace up your sleeve in a fight, buying a snack, or giving it to a beggar."
"Hmm, but it's a gift from Yuki, right? I'll treasure it and won't use it."
"Sure, do what you want. So, there's your answer. You get it, Rurua?"
He turned back to the questioning Rurua-sama.
"Um... so you're saying I should think for myself?"
"Exactly. You could throw it to distract someone at a critical moment, or use the sound to draw attention. Or you could treasure it like Coville. It's a handy item for emergencies. Money doesn't always have to be used as money. Especially for you, Rurua—you're going to be standing in the most dangerous spot. I recommend carrying non-weapon items as weapons."
"...Yes. I understand."
Rurua-sama stared solemnly at the copper coin she had received.
"Raiya, you've got plenty of cards up your sleeve too, right?"
"Of course. Anyone who can't fight just because they lose their spear is less than an amateur. Most of us train with sidearms. Not as much as you, Yuki, but still."
As we were chatting, Mobu and Kurse, who had gone out to gather information, returned.
"Oh, everyone's here. I've got a lot of info."
"Found quite a bit on my end too."
If both of them found info so easily, it means the Holy Kingdom of Rithea is already broadcasting it. Yuki seemed to think the same, as he started smirking.
"Heh~ so the news is already out. I look forward to hearing what kind of info it is."
"...Are you Yuki?"
"I assume so. Kiyu doesn't talk like that."
"Bingo. Well, putting that aside, let's hear from Mobu first."
Yuki prompted Mobu to speak.
"Right. Basically, the story is that Rurua-sama was attacked by monsters on her way back to the country and lost her life. Her body was apparently in such a state that they had to cremate her on the spot. As proof—and this is the fishy part—one of her guards survived and delivered her personal belongings. And they're blaming the monster attack on the Demon King. It's like they jumped right onto the hand Yuki played."
"Wow, exactly as predicted... how boring. So, where is Rurua supposed to have died? It's near a village, right?"
"How did you know? Yeah, exactly. It's near a village just across the border from Kiris, inside Rithea territory."
"It's simple. To make it believable that Rurua was killed, they need witnesses. Someone to scream, 'This body belongs to Rurua-sama!' Even if it's a lie, if people hear it, they'll believe it. Especially if it's a Rithea soldier saying it. If only the hardliners reported her death..."
"I see... it wouldn't be enough to convince the Rurua faction or other groups? So they prepared a body dressed in her clothes that couldn't be easily distinguished, and made her die in a public place like a village to make people believe it."
"Exactly. No matter how much the opposition doubts it, the common people will think Rurua is dead. Which means even if the real Rurua returns..."
"She'll be treated as a fake."
"Whoa, what the heck? That makes me so mad!!! Rurua is alive right here!"
Hearing the story, Coville hugged Rurua. Well, they are both women; this group is unusually full of men. I suppose they've bonded that way.
"Well, it's lucky not much time has passed. If this were a month later, it would have been a pain in many ways. The enemy hasn't completely secured Rithea yet."
"But we're still at a disadvantage, right?"
"Of course. They've completely solidified their position. They probably think the plan was a success and it's just a matter of time now."
"The important thing is how to spread the word that Rurua-sama is alive, make them believe it, and cut into the heart of Rithea... right?"
"We'll figure that out after I hear your info. Is that all from Mobu?"
Yuki checked if Mobu had missed anything.
"Yeah, that's the gist of it. Oh, and in the capital of Rithea, Arshtelle... was it? The girl's successor is apparently grieving deeply and refusing to accept that she's dead."
"Hmm. Rurua, who is this Arshtelle?"
"She is... for better or worse, a very passionate and honest person. She still lacks experience, so I'm worried she's being manipulated."
"Well, coming from someone like you who was also manipulated, that carries some weight."
"Urgh."
"The info hasn't changed since I talked to Seraria. We can assume the info on Arshtelle is accurate. Now, what about Kurse's info?"
Kurse had an incredibly mischievous look on his face. He's definitely come up with something weird.
"My info is mostly the same as Mobu-san's. However, I got some specific details about Arshtelle."
"Oh?"
"She's planning to visit the village where Rurua-sama supposedly died. Ostensibly to confirm the items she was wearing. For the hardliners, this will be the finishing blow. It's so predictable. They'll definitely have a fake ready for her."
"Hehehehe..."
"Fufufufu..."
Yuki and Kurse looked at each other and started laughing.
"It would have been a pain if they stayed holed up deep inside the capital of Rithea..."
"Yes, thankfully, she's coming out to us..."
"They have checkpoints up and don't expect Rurua to enter while alive, do they?"
"Of course. This is still the Kingdom of Roshure. The hardliners likely think Saintess Arshtelle will reach the village without issue and confirm Rurua-sama's death. Even though it's 'nearby,' it takes four days by fast horse to get to that village from here. Arshtelle left the capital about ten days ago. No matter what, she'll reach the village first. That's why they're completely off-guard."
"Ah, but we have a very convenient vehicle, don't we?"
"Yes, a vehicle with an incomparable speed..."
"Hehehehe..."
"Fufufufu..."
This is bad.
The two masterminds of the male group are plotting something evil.
This won't end quietly.
Rurua and Coville were shivering and clinging to each other, terrified by the atmosphere.
"What's the scenario?"
"Well, in this area, that village is where rookie adventurers go for training because the level of the monsters around it is so low."
"Heh~ I know. I have a rookie adventurer in mind."
"So do I."
"Then it wouldn't be unnatural to go to that village to train a rookie, right?"
"Exactly. Let's take a proper quest for it. It's better to do these things by the book."
"Right~ paperwork is important."
The two of them stood up and walked toward the door.
"Oh, right. Raiya or Mobu, one of you come with us. Kurse is coming too, but to make the 'endorsement' solid, we need one more."
"Y-Yeah, I'll go."
Mobu stood up and followed Yuki and Kurse.
* * *
A while later, Yuki returned, now registered as an adventurer.
Just as Kurse planned, they had taken a quest for that village.
However, Mobu looked pale.
"...I'm never becoming a politician. That was the creepiest thing I've ever seen..."
When I asked what he saw, apparently the problem was the conversation between Yuki and Kurse at the reception desk.
The content itself wasn't strange.
But the fact that it was Yuki and Kurse made it unsettling.
According to Mobu's recount, it went like this:
"Excuse me, I'd like to register this boy as an adventurer."
"Yes, oh! Isn't it Kurse-san?! And Mobu-san too?! Where's Raiya-san?"
"Oh, Raiya-san is relaxing at the inn."
"I see~ that's good. Kurse-san, aren't you guys from the Gartz Kingdom? I heard there was a war with Roshure..."
"Well, we managed to make it out okay. Anyway, sorry, but could you register him?"
"Oh, sorry. Please fill this out."
"Yes."
"Wow~ you can write so clearly. Kurse-san, who is this boy?"
"...A victim of that war. We managed to save him, and he's taken a liking to us. He seems to have potential, so we brought him here."
"...You poor thing, you must have been through a lot."
"...No, I was saved by Kurse-san and the others. That's why I want to get strong someday, so I can save people in trouble, just like Kurse-san and the others saved me!"
"What a serious boy, so rare these times. But don't push yourself too hard. Listen to what Kurse-san and the others tell you and live a good life. I'm sure that's the best way to achieve your dream."
"Yes! Thank you very much!!"
"......"
From that point on, Mobu said he stopped listening.
...Yeah, that's enough to give anyone the creeps.
Especially you, Yuki. You changed way too much...
