Chapter 115: A master craftsman’s storage technique

A master craftsman’s storage technique

The morning after two days of preparations.

Faima’s guard details are assembled in front of Genryuu Knights’ headquarters1.

There are six additional members from the Genryuu Knights and we already introduced ourselves. The first impression for both parties wasn’t bad and future communications looked like it’ll go without a hitch.

However, the increase in number was not only from the Genryuu Knights.

「Sorry for the sudden job request, Chloe.」

「This Chloe will gladly undertake any request from Kanna-shi de gozaru.」

Yesterday, I visited the inn where Chloe was staying and asked her if she could accompany me on this sightseeing tour of a historical ruins. Of course, I consulted with Faima and Real in advance.

Chloe’s participation has been approved through the adventurers guild and a contract was signed in the form of a commission.

Right, before I forget, Chloe’s adventurer rank is now B. She’s already a first rate warrior, so there’s nothing to complain about her joining in as an escort.

「Moreover, this request actually came at a timely fashion de gozaru yo.」

With a wry smile, Chloe pats the pommel of the sword attached to her waist. It’s not the double-edged straight sword that I had seen before but a slender sword with a slight arc.

「This one went to the arms store introduced by Kanna-shi de gozaru but unfortunately the sword this one was looking for was not available there de gozaru yo. Therefore, the shopkeeper-dono directed this one to a shop which deals with the sword this one was seeking de gozaru yo. And finally, this one was able to obtain [this] from that shop de gozaru.」

In my mind, her homeland Hinoizur has the image of something close to Edo period of Japan, so it wasn’t far from my expectation. Apparently, the weapon she’s primarily specialized in is the Japanese Katana. And since there’s no Japan in this world, it should simply be called a katana.

Chloe’s form with a katana on her waist looks more natural, compared to when she was carrying a straight double-edged sword.

「By the way, how much was it?」

As soon as she heard me say price, Chloe who had been elated until now slumps her shoulders and her wolf ears droops down.

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Seems like it costs quite a bit.

「……ーーty gold coins de gozaru.」

「Hn?」

「T-Twenty……gold coins de gozaru.」

「Hooh……twenty goーーtwenty gold coins ! ?」

That price sure came as a shock. With ten gold coins, one can purchase quite the high-quality equipment. If it’s double that amount, the price entered the range of top-class equipment. If I’m not mistaken, a mithril alloy sword sells for twenty gold coins.

「Apparently, the katana are rarely in stock and there are scant few users in Diagal to begin with, hence the price tag de gozaru……」

「More like, how’d you even fork up that twenty gold goins.」

「Parallel to paying off debt to Kanna-shi, this one also stashed some for emergencies de gozaru. Additionally, this one’s recent earnings was also added up to somehow reach the amount de gozaru ga…… Owing to those reasons, this one’s living expenses had all but disappeared de gozaru yo.」

The figure of Chloe chuckling dryly looks just like a burned-out boxer. Of course, it’s all inside my mind but I guessing her state of mind is close enough. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

Chloe gives the impression of being perpetually strapped for money. After all, this girl was always broke from the moment we came across each other.

「If it hadn’t been for this request, this one would have been in trouble for tomorrow’s meal de gozaru. This one is truly grateful for the opportunity Kanna-shi has given de gozaru yo.」

「In the first place, it wouldn’t be a problem if you buy it after securing your living expenses, wouldn’t you say so?」

「Hagu !? Kanna-shi’s sound argument hurts this one’s heart de gozaru……」

ghhuk

Chloe looks like she’s in agony, complete with a sound effect that I could almost hear.

「I-It can’t be helped de gozaru yo. For a short while henceforth, this one will continue being an adventurer with the weapon this one hadn’t used for a long time. In front of the sword which this one wished for and sought after, this one could not stand to endure the desire de gozaru you.」

Maybe she had the self-realization of [oh I’ve done it now].

「ーーWhat do I do with you… You know that you can borrow funds from me.」

「N-No. Even at the best of times, this one is already much obliged to Kanna-shi de gozaru. Causing further inconvenience is………」

「Collapsing due to hunger in the middle of a request, now that’s what I call being an inconvenience. I might’ve reconsidered for a bit if you had, say, a debt of 100 gold coins but for something as trivial as meals for a few days, I’ll treat you.」

「K-Kanna-shii~~~」

With eyes moist from tears and both hands connected, Chloe who’s overcome with emotion calls out to me. I’m happy for her admiration and all but isn’t she a little too easy. I’m worried that she’ll be caught by a bad guy.

ーーHey you, behind the screen, be quiet and stop pointing fingers at me.

「By the way, why are Faima-dono and the rest still not here yet de gozarou ka?」

Chloe looks around restlessly for the ojou-sama and her entourage who haven’t arrived yet.

「Women are those who takes time to prepare for anything and everything. If the girl in question is an ojou-sama from up high, her preparation time is accordingly longer.」

「………This one is, more or less, also woman de gozaru ga……… Is it only in mine’s own imagination that quick preparations disqualifies this one as a woman de gozaru ka?」

「Isn’t it already hopeless the moment you attach [more or less] to yourself?」

「Kanna-shi is being harsh today de gozaru na !?」

.

As I was unfolding the usual comedy skit at the expense of Chloe, I hear multiple footsteps approaching.

The group we were waiting for has arrived. However, the expression plastered on the face of the approaching Faima isn’t that of anticipation for going to the ruins but a bewildered one. Her three escorts trailed behind her, followed by four unfamiliar soldiers in the rear.

「They are……the Heavenly Dragon Knight Order?」

Hearing Kakurd’s words made me remember the one in armor from the Tenryuu Knights I met at the Imperial Palace a few days ago. I’m positive the armors following behind Faima are a carbon copy of the armor I met at that time.

「Yo, Faima. Mornin’.」

「……Good morning.」

I greet her with the same lighthearted tone as always and Faima replied with a smile but her usual brightness is slightly covered in gloom.

Which isn’t surprising.

As soon as I called out to her, the Tenryuu bunch glared at me with their thoughts all over their faces.

「……Just a sec, ojou-sama. Why are they glaring at me? I haven’t joked nowhere near any dangerous territory though.」

「Oh, I see that you do have some self-awareness of your habitual frolicking. Although, that in itself is a problem of its own…… Or rather, you are conversing awfully eloquent for someone under intense scowling.」

I cover my mouth with a hand and continue talking with Faima in a whisper. Upon seeing my action, the Tenryuu bunch further furrow their brows. I dunno why but they don’t seem to like me exchanging words with Faima. Oh well, not gonna keep me from doing it though.

「So, what the heck are those high and mighty Tenryuu bunch doing here? You’re not saying they’re going to accompany us on the tour to the ruins, are you?」

「Exactly as you have said.」

「There wasn’t any inkling of a shadow or their figure last night though.」

At least, when we had a brief meeting last night, even a T from Tenryuu Knights hadn’t appeared.

「Actually, they came to my room while I was preparing for departure. I have already spoken to Regulus-san on this matter.」

「The commander?」

Puzzled, I casually turn my face to the main gate of their headquarters when the commander of the Genryuu Knights in a full-body armor appeared. The knights who had been preparing in the vicinity stop their hands and salute their commander. With a light hand gesture, the commander commands them to continue their work and walks closer to us.

「Looks like you’re all here.」

「Heya commander-san. Sorry for the sudden interruption but I was wondering if you could shed light on the situation. I haven’t heard of any additional gentlemen from the Tenryuu Knights accompanying us.」

「Apologies for the sudden change. Perhaps the other party caught wind of the talk of going to the ruins because there was a proposal from them last night. Additionally, it was directly from the commander of the Heavenly Dragon Knight Order. ーーAh, speak of the devil.」

Regulus looks up and stares at the sky from inside his helmet. Like a fish lured in, I also did the same but I can only see a vast expanse of the clear sky.

No, if I look closely, I can see a dot of [something] moving in the sky. As time goes by, it gradually becomes larger and its outline gets clearer.

That is beyond any doubt, the figure of a dragoon in command of his flying dragon2.

The dragoon circles in a wide berth directly overhead before landing in our vicinity.

The moment the dragon lands, all present members of Tenryuu Knights salute in harmony. Their action are similar to that of Genryuu Knights’ member when Regulus appeared.

The man riding on the back of the dragon is someone who could make women go ga-ga with a high-pitched shriek. Unfortunately, I’m used to seeing ikemen among ikemen, so he only gave me the impression that makes me wanna regurgitate curses{go explode} deep inside.

From the design of his armor, he can be inferred as someone from the Tenryuu Knights. His status on the other hand, could be perceived from the reaction of the members of Tenryuu Knights.

He descended from the back of his ride and strokes the neck of the dragon before coming to approach us.

.

「To think Theotis-dono himself, the commander of the Heavenly Dragon Knight Order would especially come to see us off.」

「I am entrusting an important duty to my subordinates after all. Is it not natural for a commander to impart some words of encouragement before setting off, Commander Regulus.」

Rather than saying it to the dragoon who just appeared, Regulus intended for us to hear his name. I see, that man is the commander of the Tenryuu Knights.

ーー『Watch out for the Tenryuu Knights.』

In my mind, the words left behind by the commander of the Steel Dragon Knights came to fore against my will.

I observe Theotis while trying not to display my vigilance on the surface. Suddenly, his eyes which were trained on Regulus turns my way.

「ーーYou are [Shiroyasha].」

………huhu.

I’m already getting used to being called by my second name. More like, I don’t recall ever being called by name by most people I meet for the first time.

Looks like my inner grief wasn’t transmitted and Theotis is looking at me with appraising eyes.

「……Is it not somewhat imprudent to include one who changes his position depending on where the gold flows as one of the escorts of a state guest? Moreover, this is a greenhorn who has just recently made a name for himself. And I believe C-rank adventurers are slightly inadequate for the role in terms of status.」

oy oy. A terrible personality is hiding behind that refreshing ikemen-type mask.

「HeーーKanna is the man I trust the most among all adventurers present in the Imperial Capital. To doubt his ability is to doubt my judgement. As such, I would like you to refrain from making such a statement.」

Once he heard Regulus’ words which contained a slight anger, Theotis shrugs it off with a wry smile.

「I sincerely hope your judgement is not mistaken.」

After he said that, he took his eyes off of us and heads towards the Tenryuu bunch. He’s probably gonna give some pep talk to his subordinates.

「To cast doubt on Kanna-shi’s competence. He is rude from the moment he appears de gozaru na.」

Chloe expresses her discomfort for Theotis, who is speaking to his subordinates.

And after a few seconds, she looks at me with surprise on her face.

「Hm? What……?」

「This one thought Kanna-shi would spew profanities or two towards that man at this juncture de gozaru ga……」

「I concur. That just now was not the usual Kanna.」

Faima also backs up Chloe’s words.

Could you guys stop treating me like a rabid dog who will bite anyone indiscriminately.

「It’s impossible to grasp someone’s personality from hearsay alone.」(kanna)

It’s not like I don’t feel anything at all. On the contrary, he’s at the level of someone I can tolerate. Or should I say, it’s honestly refreshing that there was less suspicion directed at me than I expected. But I heard he’s someone who holds animosity towards for commoner soldiers and adventurersーー

「Well, enough about that. Regulus, Genryuu Knights{you guys} and Tenryuu Knights are like oil and water, right? So, why’d you accept the offer?」

「Certainly, our compatibility may not be good but the strength of the Heavenly Dragon Knight Order are an undeniable truth. Even the members of Phantom Dragon that I personally trained would find themselves hard pressed to win against those of the Heavenly Dragon.」

「You didn’t say [can’t win].」

「A battle is an uncertain affair after all. Depending on the strategy, I’d say we are evenly matched. ……However, a head-on collision would most likely be impossible. Our experience as a knight order are too far apart.」

「Even in an individual fight de gozaru ka?」

Back at the mine outbreak incident, Chloe herself saw the battle prowess of the Genryuu Knights. The humble words coming out from the commander who personally spearheaded his daring and powerful bunch led Chloe to incline her head to one side.

「Fighting the dragoons individually is one matter but to challenge the combination of a dragoon atop their flying dragon is nothing but folly. They are not merely an ornamental unit inside the Imperial Army. In addition, if Miss Faima were to be in danger by any chance, they could place her on the back of a dragon and fly away. And suppose that we could not secure a ground escape route, there would be no problem for her to escape to the sky.」

I can’t sense the mindset of someone having trouble dealing with the Tenryuu bunch from her words.

「ーーRegardless of any sentiment, there is no doubt that the they are excellent and his associates aside, the person named Theotis is not a man who would bring needless uncertainty into a duty he took upon himself. I’ll assure you that much.」

And then, Regulus puts her hands on my shoulder and whisper something only my ears can catch.

「From Kakurd’s report, I also received word of Sharga’s warning. Worst that could happen, your [ability to respond] may be needed.」

「Can you not push a heavy responsibility onto my shoulder?」

My sharp glare only earned a stifled laughter from inside the helmet.

「I’m counting on you, Shiroyasha-dono.」

「Wha- Not you as well !」

My voice only reached his back, as he acted like he didn’t hear anything and left towards the members of the Genryuu Knights who are preparing.

That damnable bakunyuu3.

As I was grumbling inside, Faima looks at me with a strange expression.

「I have thought of this from a while back. Surprisingly, it seems as though Kanna is quite intimate with Regulus-san. Even though I have known beforehand that he is personally acquainted to you.」

Faima still doesn’t know the [inside] of Regulus.

Aside from disguising her appearance, the armor Regulus is clad in also has a special effect that alters her voice. I think if it’s only by coming into contact with her normally, even those who knew Regulus well won’t be able to connect her identities.

.

Each time we meet gets me thinking, how did she fit those two large melons in that armor?

Another mystery of the universe…