第３０７堀：国を守護する者 (Part2)
"That makes sense. We’re old acquaintances who used to train together. I told you that before, didn't I?"
"Ah. So that was Milly-san? But, your appearance looks different..."
"That’s only natural. Women change when they pursue beauty."
"...I can't believe my sister actually said that."
Yes. It seems she’s quite good at improvising. She’s even glancing over at me, so I should play along.
"That’s right. Sorry, Teles-chan. This shop was actually a recommendation from Laraina."
"What? You could have just said so sooner!"
"I couldn't really do that, could I? There are plenty of scoundrels who would try to borrow Laraina's name for their own gain, right?"
"That’s true. If anyone tried that, Teles-chan or her old man would come knocking."
"Oh, right. Yeah. Phew, what a waste of energy being surprised."
As the two of them let out sighs of relief, the shopkeeper emerged from the back.
"Hmph. I come back to find you on the verge of a brawl with a customer. Normally, I’d give you a good knock on the head, but since you’ve shown your face during such a hectic time, you must have a reason. Get in the back. Teles, the shop is in your hands."
"Got it!"
"Moment. If any idiot tries to mess with my daughter..."
"I know, I know. I'll beat them to a pulp."
"Geez. I can handle myself, you know."
With that, the shopkeeper led Laraina toward the back of the shop...
"What are you just sitting there for? You’re coming too, girl."
"Me too?"
"Yeah. It seems you’re a party to this as well. It’s better to hear the whole story at once. Besides, if there are two of you, you’ll be able to call for help if things go south."
"Heh."
This shopkeeper really understands the gap in our abilities. He’s not just Laraina and Teles’s father for nothing. It’s no wonder the mercenaries hold him in such high regard.
"That’s true. We have a lot to catch up on, and it’s easier to talk in the back."
With that, I stood up from my seat and followed them into the back of the shop.
"Sorry about the mess. The back is just our home."
The shopkeeper offered me some water. Despite the place looking aged and weathered, it was meticulously cleaned and had a pleasant, tidy atmosphere. I genuinely felt that he took great pride in running his business.
"Not at all. It’s very clean and comfortable here."
"I’m glad to hear that. Now, sorry to jump straight into it, but let’s hear what Laraina has to say."
"Understood. Milly-dono seems to know everything already, but the truth is..."
Laraina then recounted the facts of the recent battle and explained that she had volunteered to be an envoy for the Hifi Holy Kingdom. She spoke with complete conciseness, wasting no words. It felt less like a father and daughter talking and more like a superior and a subordinate. She must have been raised with strict discipline.
"I understand the situation. And I understand Milly-dono’s position as well."
"What do you mean, Father?"
What did he figure out? I tilted my head, but the shopkeeper wore a look of realization.
"Most likely, the provocation was a test to see if you could truly fulfill your mission as an envoy. His Majesty is a cruel man, but it makes sense. This matter must be handled with the utmost caution. What do you think?"
Ah, so that’s his interpretation. It’s a reasonable one, honestly. It makes more sense than this being Yuki-san’s direct instruction.
"I have my own circumstances, so I can’t go into details."
"I understand. The rest depends on His Majesty."
"Is that so... Did I pass the test?"
She sounded worried, but since I was acting on Yuki-san’s orders, I couldn't say for sure. Personally, I think she’s fine. Her stats are just right—a passing grade for an envoy, and enough combat power to handle herself if she ends up facing an enemy. All in all, it’s convenient.
"Still, I never expected someone as skilled as Milly-dono to be involved."
"Yes. I never thought anyone could stop a sword with their bare hands. But I’ve never heard rumors of Milly-dono. Where exactly are you from..."
"Well, I’ll avoid giving a straight answer, but if you rely on the people going with you as envoys, I don’t think things will turn out too badly."
"Were there other candidates?"
"No. I don’t know of any. The only other person coming is Dragon Knight Amanda-dono, but she’s still a student..."
"Hmm. Well, His Majesty is likely making his own moves. Laraina, cooperate with your companions. You have Milly-dono’s seal of approval, so there should be no problem relying on them."
"Yes. Then, you’ll allow me to go?"
"Yes. It’s not like I could stop you from going to a dangerous place just by saying I don't want my precious daughter to go, right?"
"That’s right."
"Then fulfill your mission and come back alive. Don't think that death is a noble end. That is what a knight—the person you said you wanted to be—is: someone who protects their country and their lord."
"Yes! Then, Magic Sword User Laraina, I am returning to duty effective immediately!!"
"Go on then."
The shopkeeper watched Laraina leave the back of the shop.
"Oh, big sister. Where are you going?"
"To work."
"Eh, already?"
"Yeah. It’s busy right now. I think I’ll be able to take it easy when I get back, so let’s play then."
"Yeah. It’s a promise."
I could hear their conversation. They seem like a close-knit pair of sisters.
"She’s like that when she’s at home, but perhaps she was chasing my shadow—she’s been saying she wanted to be a knight since she was little. She ended up growing into such a stubborn person. And as luck would have it, she even learned to use a magic sword..."
The shopkeeper muttered, looking a bit lonely.
"Please take care of my daughter."
"Yes. I will bring her back with me, no matter what."
Since she’s bait, Yuki-san won’t complain if I show her a little favoritism. That man is soft-hearted, after all.
...Still, with the predecessor and an Otherworlder as opponents, I can’t even imagine what kind of battle this will be. It seems Laraina will be heading out as an envoy. Now, how will the enemy react? And how will Yuki interfere in these discussions? Stay tuned.