第３７２堀：訓練と食事と噂と傭兵団と (Part2)
The meat was grilled to perfection, seasoned expertly with salt and pepper—a price tag that felt entirely justified. If this were paired with a steak sauce or prepared using a different technique, it could be elevated even further.
……I see. So that’s how he does it. He gathers these elements and refines them back in Weed. Yuki has no reservations about such things; he has no intention of conforming to the local common sense. That’s just who he is.
As I was lost in thought, the waitress came to clear the plates.
"How was it?"
"Oh, it was delicious."
"I'm glad to hear that. I’d hate for you to pay such a high price only to be disappointed. It makes me happy to hear you say my father's cooking is good."
"Your father?"
"Ah, yes. He’s the manager of this shop."
"So, that makes you his daughter, then?"
"Yes. As you can see, we’re short-handed, so I help out."
"I see. Does that mean you’ll be taking over the shop?"
"Hmm. I’m not sure yet. I’m still just a waitress, after all. My father has never taught me how to cook. Besides, I’ve been thinking about becoming a knight..."
"A knight, huh? That’s quite the ambitious goal."
"The knight exam is next week—well, in a few days, actually. If I pass, even a commoner can become a quasi-knight. The King is a wonderful person who believes that talent matters more than status..."
With our stomachs full, we spent some time chatting with the staff—our usual method of gathering intelligence—before heading back to the inn.
"The knight exam, huh? Every shop in town is buzzing about it."
"Well, it’s not every day one can become a knight, so it’s no wonder people are excited."
"True. Word is that people are flocking here from other countries just to take the test."
"That’s a common occurrence. It happened in the lands where Weed is located, as well as in Roschur, Gartz, and Litea. Though, I have no idea how many actually pass."
As Dore noted at the end, it’s not unusual for an exam to be held with no successful candidates at all. Whether it’s because there were no promising prospects or if it was just for show, it’s hard to say.
"Well, we’ve already informed Yuki about this, and since he hasn’t said anything, I don’t think it’s something we need to worry about."
"I suppose so. There’s really no merit in infiltrating as a rookie knight, anyway."
"Between Hifi, Comet, the Academy, Steve and his lot, and ourselves, we’ve already got plenty of people embedded."
"Um, everyone? The inn seems to be getting noisy."
"Hm?"
Prompted by Dore, I looked toward the inn and saw a crowd forming for some reason. What’s going on? We’re in a back alley, so why are so many people gathering here?
"Ha. You’re an idiot."
"The idiot is you, Rosetta. Do you really think you’re that strong?"
What’s this? One of them is definitely Rosetta, but I’ve never seen the man she’s arguing with.
"I could say the same to you. The Blood Battle Mercenary Corps can’t do a thing without their shields, can they?"
"What did you say?"
"What? Didn't you hear me? You’re useless without those goblins acting as your shields. You’re only capable of taking down opponents with cheap sneak attacks, aren't you? Is that why you’re asking us to team up with you?"
"Why you..."
Oh? So that’s the rumored mercenary group that uses goblins. Looking at them, their skills seem a cut below Rosetta’s. And judging by how easily Rosetta is talking circles around him, he doesn't seem particularly bright, either.
"Why me? What are you going to do about it? Want to start a fight here? I don’t mind at all, but if you do, consider the offer to team up with us off the table."
"Tch. I’m reporting this to the Captain, you hear me?!"
"Tell him to send someone a bit more competent next time."
"Damn it!!"
I see. Just a lackey. It would have been a real surprise if that had been the Captain. The man, having been thoroughly outmaneuvered by Rosetta, turned and fled toward us.
"Move!!"
"Whoops."
I stepped aside as ordered. Pathetic.
"Oh, you’re back."
"Yeah. Looks like things are pretty heated."
"Well, it’s nothing new. But there’s no way we’re teaming up with those goblin-users. They have no respect for women."
"So the rumors are true, then?"
"Yeah. They take women as part of their payment and use them as tools to breed more goblins. Honestly, I don’t know why the King lets people like that into the Royal Capital..."
There seem to be complex circumstances behind that, but it’s not our business to investigate. For now, we’ll keep gathering information steadily until things start to move. We don’t want to end up as bait, so we need to be ready to run at a moment’s notice.
And so, we’ve finally made contact with the Blood Battle Mercenary Corps! What is their true purpose in the Royal Capital? And now, we’re diving straight into the enemy’s den. Who will be the first to make their move? Hifi and her group, Popuri, or Steve?
It’s currently May 7th. Only one day left until the end of Golden Week. Some of you might already be finished with it. Don't let the "May Blues" get to you.