第５１掘：冒険者の新人？ (Part2)
"The important thing is how we spread the word of Lady Rurua's survival, make them believe it, and then strike at the heart of Litea..."
"We'll hammer out the details once I've heard your report. So, is that all from Mauve?"
Yuki checked to ensure Mauve hadn't left anything out.
"Yeah, that covers the main points. Oh, and in the Litea capital, Alstaire—was that her name?—the girl who inherited her position is apparently quite distraught. She still refuses to accept that she's dead."
"Hmm. Rurua, what kind of person is this Alstaire?"
"Well, for better or worse, she is a person of great enthusiasm and a very straightforward heart. She still lacks experience, so I worry she might be easily led astray."
"Well, if Rurua, who was led astray herself, says so, it must be true."
"Ugh."
"The information matches what I heard from Seraria, so we can assume the intel on Alstaire is accurate. Now, what about the information Curse gathered?"
Curse wore an expression that looked far too amused. He had clearly cooked up something devious.
"The general overview is the same as Mauve's. However, I managed to get some specific details regarding Alstaire."
"Oh?"
"She plans to visit the village where Lady Rurua supposedly passed away. Her stated reason is to verify the items Lady Rurua was wearing at the time. For the hardliners, this will be the final nail in the coffin. It’s all too convenient. They’ll surely have a fake ready for her to find."
"Heh heh heh heh..."
"Fufu fufu..."
Yuki and Curse locked eyes and chuckled.
"If she had holed herself up deep in the Litea capital, it would have been a nuisance..."
"Indeed. Thankfully, she’s going out of her way to come to us..."
"They’ve set up checkpoints, but they don't expect Rurua to be alive and infiltrating, do they?"
"Of course not. We are still in the Kingdom of Roschur. The hardliners believe everything is going according to plan; they expect Saintess Alstaire to reach the village and confirm Lady Rurua's death. Even though it's 'nearby,' it’s a four-day ride by horse from here. Alstaire left Litea about ten days ago. No matter what, she will reach the village first. That is precisely why they are completely off their guard."
"Ah, that's right. We have a convenient mode of transport, don't we?"
"Yes, a vehicle of unparalleled speed..."
"Heh heh heh heh..."
"Fufu fufu..."
This is bad. This is really bad. The two masterminds of the group are plotting something wicked. This isn't going to end with anything simple. Even Rurua and Covil are trembling, clinging to each other in fear of the atmosphere.
"What’s the scenario?"
"Well, the monsters around that village are of such a low level that the area is used for rookie adventurer training."
"Heh, I know about that. I have some 'rookies' in mind."
"I do as well."
"Then it wouldn't be unnatural for us to go to that village to train some newcomers, would it?"
"Exactly. Let's go through the proper channels and accept a quest. It's always better to do things by the book."
"You're right. Procedures are important."
With that, the two stood up from their chairs and walked toward the door.
"Oh, and one of you—Raiya or Mauve—come with us. Curse is coming too, but your endorsement alone won't be enough to make it look official."
"A-ah, I'll go."
Mauve stood up and chased after Yuki and Curse. A while later, Yuki returned, having successfully registered as an adventurer. Just as Curse had planned, they had even picked up the quest for that village.
However, Mauve’s face looked miserable.
"I am never, ever going into politics. That was the most sickening thing I've ever seen..."
When asked what he saw, it turned out the issue was the interaction between Yuki and Curse at the reception desk. On paper, there was nothing wrong with what was said. But the fact that it was *Yuki and Curse* doing the talking was the problem.
According to Mauve's reenactment:
"Excuse me, I'd like to register this child as an adventurer."
"Oh, my! Isn't that Curse? And Mauve, too! Where is Raiya?"
"Raiya is taking it easy at the inn."
"I see, that's good. You're from the Kingdom of Gartz, right? I heard there was a war with Roschur..."
"Well, we managed to come through it safely. Now, sorry to trouble you, but could you register him?"
"Oh, forgive me. Please fill out this form."
"Yes."
"My, you write very neatly. Curse, who is this boy?"
"...A victim of that war. I managed to save him, and he’s been attached to me ever since. He doesn't seem to have bad potential, so I brought him here."
"...That must have been very hard for you, young man."
"...No, I was saved by Curse and the others. So, I want to become strong one day, just like them, so I can help people who are in trouble, just like I was."
"How rare to see such a serious child these days. But don't push yourself too hard. Listen to what Curse and the others tell you and live a good life. I'm sure that will lead to your wish coming true."
"Yes, thank you very much!!"
Mauve stopped listening around that point.
...Yeah, that gives me goosebumps. Yuki, you’ve changed way too much.
Who said there were two chapters today?! Today there are three!! But don't get used to it, this rarely happens!
And Yuki, you were disgusting. Though, from an outsider's perspective, I suppose you just looked like a boy dreaming of the future.