Chapter 96: I received a terrible mental attack

Chapter 96: I received a terrible mental attack

The incident of an intelligence operative{ossan} being captured right from the outset is a delicate matter, whether the result should be regarded as positive or negative.

Looking at it from a positive lens, information leaks was prevented by discovering the spy early on. On a more negative perspective, Faima is in possession of [something] that warranted an intelligence operative to spy on her.

By taking the latter into a more positive light, perhaps it could be considered a stroke of good luck as both the existence of someone behind the spy and the [something] they sought after are brought to light.

I concentrate all my nerves trying to sense anything [out of place] in the room but I got nothing. Excluding tools for illumination and heating water, there are no other suspicious magic tool. With the exception of the intelligence operative{ossan}, I couldn’t find any signs of tampering in this room.

「Your ability is close to being a natural enemy of those with covert professions. Choosing to invite you in this mission was indeed a correct choice. For my part, I shall return to the headquarter and take part in the interrogation of the detained operative.」(rea-gulus)

While the ossan who was restrained with a rope (a cloth is wrapped around his lower half) is being hauled away by the knights who rushed from their headquarter, the commander-san smacks my shoul-

…-der?

「I’ll inform you if there is a result and from now on, [you] will be in charge in case of an emergency. I’m counting on you.」

「Huh? Me!?」

The hell are ya saying, you hidden kyonyuu full body armored female knight!?

「Wait, hang on a minute. Don’t you think it’s improper to let an adventurer cum external collaborator to take command on-site?」

「Listen to me carefully. Ultimately, it is only limited to an [emergency]. During normal operation, my men will take command. Nevertheless, your coping ability is exceptional. There are probably none among my men who can move without hesitation to such an extent.」

Feels like he’s too unhesitant, or so someone inside this room murmurs.

「Certainly, there is no denying that your action were slightly [overkill] if we consider common sense. However, if we remove that consideration and focus on the result, your actions are not mistaken at all. Rather, it could be said to be the best choice. At the very least, I believe that there should be no fewer than one person who isn’t [bound by common senses] to be present on-site. Besidesーー」

Regulus turns her eyes to Rand.

With a hand on his chin, he nods slowly after receiving her gaze.

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「……Perhaps it is as Regulus-dono said. It is unknown whether the intelligence operative had any intent to harm Faima-sama or not. However, if we had moved to confirm his intention first, we will definitely fall behind. It is reassuring to have someone amongst us who can move at their fastest speed without being trapped by circumstances and common sense.」

Hearing the words of their leader, Kiska nods in assent with her arms crossed while Agatt goes agape with [haaaaa!?]

What a coincidence Agatt-kun. I feel the same way.

「ーーAnd that is how it will be, both of you. In case of emergency, follow the instructions of Kanna-dono. In any other circumstances, he is unfamiliar with the social etiquette for nobilities. It’ll be troubling but I ask the both of you to follow up on him.」(rea-gulus)

「「Yes, sir!」」

Whuuut?

They accepted that unreasonable instruction from their commander just like that?

Even though they’re are talking about me, I’m still having a hard time swallowing the situation and while I’m still being overwhelmed, the two knight steps forward for a handshake.

「My introduction is overdue. I am Kakurd. I was more or less{・・・・} tasked with field responsibility for this mission.」

「Skeria. I was assigned{・・・・} to assist Kakurd in this mission.」 Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

I’m reeeally bothered by their use of past tense and its implied meaning{・・・・}.

「We witnessed the scene where Kanna-dono played an active role alongside commander on [that battlefield]. Having such a powerful force while being deeply trusted by the commander, there is no way we cannot place our trust on you.」(kakurd)

「As of yesterday, myself and Kakurd were briefed that Kanna-dono would take part in this mission. As someone endorsed by the commander, you would be an exceedingly dependable force in an unforeseen predicament. I was convinced of it earlier.」(Skelia)

Staph! Don’t look at me with eyes full of respect!

I’m nothing more than a kyonyuu-loving high school boy!

……Oh, that also possess Spirit Art and so on.

「We are being forthright when agreeing to the commander’s order to follow Kanna-dono’s instruction during an emergency. Rather, it would be an honor to work alongside a person with the commander’s recognition.」(kakurd)

「Please be assured. We will follow up on you in normal situations.」(skelia)

Oi Regulus, what did you drill into your men?

My stocks are going through the roof in places I don’t know. It might even grow so much that I can live by freeloading it.1

「Don’t worry. Suppose that the worst case scenario doesn’t happen, it won’t be a problem if you just keep a watchful eyes on the surroundings. However, in the off chance if it does, don’t hesitate to make a move. I shall take full responsibility of your action as the commander of the Phantom Dragon Knight Order.」(rea-gulus)

「……Those words packs a lot of [pressure] even on its own.」

「I’m surprised hearing that you have the nerve to feel [pressure].」

Gimme a break.

Regulus and her subordinates hauled off the spy to their headquarter and Agatt finally released me from his lecture.

Only after both came to pass did I finally have some time to talk calmly with Faima.

「Once again, I am glad you are safe. I am truly sorry for not being able to do anything at that time.」

I respond to Faima’s apologetic words with a light gesture.

「There was no helping it in that situation. Besides, Faima’s hand was tied up in your own problem, right? In the end, it would all be in vain though.」

「It was nothing compared to the hardship you have suffered. Moreover, it did not mitigate much either.」

Properly speaking, an escort and his charge conversing casually like this are considered taboo but everybody present knows that Faima and I are personally acquainted. Our relaxed conversation is also possible because this is not a formal space.

「At any rate, it’s amazing that Kanna-kun had already been promoted to C-rank. But I heard that one usually needs at least a year’s time after registering」

「I was originally fine with staying as an E-rank though…」

Although the promotion to D-rank was a voluntary decision, I was half coerced into C-rank. But thanks to that, I’m involved in Faima’s escort mission. As far as the result is concerned, it’s all a-ok, I guess.

「Besides, you seem to know Ryuuken personally. Just what exactly have you perpetrated in the last month?」

「Hey, don’t phrase it like I’m someone who loves to make an uproar{happening}. I’m a peace-loving person.」

「A true peace-loving person would not have performed a back throw on a noble{another person}.」

………………………………。

…………………。

………。

Aa, come to think of it, that sorta happened.

「……By any chance, did you forget about it until just now?」

「Yahaha. That couldn’t possibly be true, y’knowahahahaha.」

「You forgot about it……」

The events that occurred immediately after that was too packed that it made the existence of gaudy in my memory to be driven far beyond the horizon. After all, instead of being surrounded by gaudy’s minion, I was encircled by jerks in dark armor and chucked into jail.

「The Guild asked me to deliver a package, y’see. The consignee was Ryuuken-san. At the time, it was a bit of a mess and that created a connection between us.」

I didn’t tell any lies, it’s all facts.

At the very least, without this connection, it would’ve taken a long time before I could’ve known what kinda position Real has in this country.

Kiska opens her mouth midway between our talk.

「That mess, was it perhaps the goblin outbreak that happened in a mine a short distance away from Draknil?」

「Oh, Kiska. You already knew about it.」

When I affirm her words, Kiska claps her hands.

「Kanna-kun, are you the rumored [Shiroyasha]?」(kiska)

「Gehaaa!?」

I clutch my chest and collapsed on the spot. The unexpected mental attack completely shaved away my MP.

「A maid told me. She has a personal connection with an adventurer who participated in that group request{raid}. I heard about a white-haired adventurer who stormed into the battlefield and went on a rampage there.」(kiska)

I can’t believe that the chuuni name slithered all the way here.

Rand nods, as if convinced by Kiska’s words.

「Sometimes, I hear stories of occasions whereby promising adventurers obtain an [alias], before they even reach A-rank.」(rand)

「I am certain that Ryuuken-dono also demonstrated a glimpse of his ability since he was a lower rank. At the time, I heard that he had already been nicknamed [Greatsword Regulus]. ……For this guy{Kanna} to be treated the same is somewhat incomprehensible.」(a)

Be relieved Agatt. My state of mind is relatively similar to yours.

「But well, although his etiquette is very worrying, I think we can reasonably place our trust in his ability.」(a)

Agatt went subtly dere there.

Rand smiles bitterly and goes…

「He’s incorrigible.」

…when he sees Agatt’s face.

His attitude is considerably mellowed compared to our first meeting. It might be preferable, I guess.

「Still, listen here. It was still fine when milady’s status were hidden but at present, it would be troubling if you forget that milady is the young lady of a count’s household. Keep that in mind.」

I scratch my head at Agatt’s sound reasoning. It’s all well and good now but if I don’t keep a tight lid on myself, it may cause inconvenience in public places.

Having a pleasant chat is certainly nice and all but we can’t avoid talking about her matter.

「What Agatt said makes sense. Let’s wrap up the lively conversation and begin talking seriously.」

Rand’s words caused the harmonious atmosphere to become tense.

「I’d like to confirm this first. Is it true that Faima is the daughter of a count’s household in Yulfilia?」

「……Yes. Arnabeth is one of the oldest Count lineage in Yulfilia. I am their eldest daughter.」

Faima answers with almost no falter in her words.

「Why did you hide your status for a journey of an academic nature? I’ve heard before that you’re travelling incognito but if I think about it carefully, wouldn’t you be able to receive accommodation from this country if you used your status?」(kanna)

She visited Diagal Empire’s Draknil to learn about the unique magical formation handed down within the Empire, the [Contract with Magic Beasts].

However, the conversation we had on the day I was chucked into jail is still fresh in my mind. The one where she complained about how her research stalled.

「The head of House Arnabeth is wholly indifferent to power struggles. Having said that, the number of people involved in the nation’s internal affair who revere him are by no means, small in number. There will always be someone who think that by having the young lady of the household as their acquaintance, they will be able to forge a strong connection with Yulfilia. Our incognito travel was to avoid such an occurrence.」(Rand?)

「I decided that it would be more efficient to travel as a commoner who has no connections, thus fewer troubles rather than doing research while dealing with those people one by one. In the end, I came to the realization that I could not achieve anything without utilizing my identity to some extent.」(faima)

Faima drops her shoulder after uttering those words.

「But now that my identity have been exposed, I shall use my status as a state guest to advance my research.」(faima)

「Someone’s positive.」(kanna)

Authority are to be used. Those are some wonderful words.

At this point, Kakurd interjects.

「If it concerns a research, there is an archive within the Imperial Palace. Perhaps it can be of use?」(kakurd)

「Eh? Would that be allowed?」(faima)

「Books that require permission to view would be impossible. Aside from that, there should be no problem. Of course, with the prerequisite of us being in the vicinity.」(kakurd)

「Yes please!」

「If it is decided, we will handle the various procedures required. Skelia.」

「Okay. I’ll get permission from the custodian later. However, I’d like to request for some leeway. Is it okay for the research to start tomorrow?」(skelia)

「I have no dissatifaction. Thank you very much!」(faima)

At least it’s a promising start.

It’s uncertain if Faima’s research would make a breakthrough in the archive but would it be considered a luxury to wish for her success?

Let’s just take this nice and slow.

Faima’s research will proceed as planned.

The difference is Kakurd, Skelia and I will accompany her without exception as a result of today’s discussion.

It goes without saying that by taking Faima’s feeling into consideration, she gladly accepts our good will of escorting her according to her schedule rather than restricting her scope of movement.

Thanks to that, Faima would also reciprocate by only moving within a range that won’t be a burden to her attendants and the knights. A fine example of achieving the best possible result through mutual concessions.

From here on out, me and the two knights will be staying in the room adjacent to Faima’s room. Same goes for meal time. The reason is for faster response in case of an emergency.

Iyay, high quality bed and delicious treats get.