第１４２２堀：変わらずの盾姫 (Part2)
"I want to give those people who put me and my friends through such hell a real piece of my mind! I heard that Yuki-sama is moving to do exactly that, and since I owe him my life for the treatment and rescue, I’m here to offer my humble assistance!"
Ryushi stated her position without a hint of hesitation.
Lowell was visibly stunned by the answer, but she soon broke into a laugh.
"Hahaha! That’s great, Ryushi. Your spirit and your drive are both truly remarkable. Honestly, most people would want nothing to do with such dangerous business after what you’ve been through—especially considering how severe your situation was."
I couldn't help but agree.
To have suffered so much and still be able to declare that she wants to crush those people—Ryushi is either an absolute fool or someone of immense character.
"Yes, at first, I didn't even want to go on living. But Yuki-sama, Rurua-sama, and so many others worried about me. People who didn't even know me. It was more than anyone in my village ever did, so I was shocked. I realized the world is much wider than I thought. So, when I heard about catching the people who did this to me, I thought I’d like to do whatever I could to repay that kindness."
"I see. It’s true that the world is more open than a village, but let me tell you: a place as kind as Weed is a rarity. You’d do well to remember that."
"Yes, I understand. That’s exactly why I want to protect these kind people and be of use to them."
"Hmm. Say, Seraria, would you mind giving Ryushi to me?"
"Excuse me?"
Even the energetic Ryushi tilted her head in confusion at Lowell’s sudden, outlandish request. Seraria pressed a hand to her forehead, sighing.
"As if I would ever give her away. She’s my husband’s bodyguard, after all."
"Sigh. Why does Weed attract such good talent, anyway?"
"Well, that’s only natural. This is the hub of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. The flow of people is at its peak here. Naturally, good talent is going to drift in and out."
Exactly. It’s just a matter of numbers. While it takes our own discernment to identify that talent, having a high volume of traffic significantly increases the odds. Lowell might be simple-minded, but she isn't stupid; she seemed to grasp what I was saying.
"I understand your logic. Still, you can see why I’d want to snatch up good talent when I see it, right?"
"I suppose so."
"Besides, Lowell, you were just wandering around on your own, weren't you? If you want talent, why not try recruiting in Weed or just hanging around here more often?"
"Ah, that’s an option, isn't it? It’s getting difficult for my regular units to track down the dark guilds and anti-Weed factions."
Ah, she finally touched upon what I wanted to hear.
"Lowell. You’ve been moving around quite a bit, tracking those dark guilds and anti-Weed factions, haven't you?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah. I have."
"Are you aware that the Great Overflow in Suurus involved those dark guilds and anti-Weed factions?"
"Yeah, I’ve heard as much from Seraria and Higil. I’ve had intelligence to that effect on my end, too. Oh, and speaking of which, I was planning to bring that up, but judging by the members present, I assume it’s safe to talk about?"
"Yeah, that won't be a problem."
So, that was it. She was making small talk just to gauge whether she could speak freely in front of this group. I suppose I should have just told her they were family from the start. As I was thinking this, Lowell drained her coffee.
"Alright, can I get another cup of Una’s coffee?"
"Certainly."
"Oh? Is mine not good enough for you?"
"It’s not that. It would just be a nuisance if you had to step out right when I’m about to start talking."
Lowell never would admit that something was delicious. Though, to be fair, I think it’s just standard for her.
"What? Do you have something you want to say, too?"
"Yeah, let’s hear the story. We took a surprisingly long detour."
Seraria looked miffed, but she couldn't find the words to retort to my excuse, and so, Lowell’s account began.
Lowell is doing well. And she is thinking things through properly.