Mob No.134: “Long time no see. Is there something you need, Nosweil-san?”
To cut straight to the point, Arrest-Zein was taken into police custody as an active sexual harassment offender after Alphonse Zeistole—the victim—filed a report that was officially accepted. As a result, he was dismissed from the mercenary guild for disciplinary reasons.
After his arrest, the conversation quickly shifted to uncovering Zeistole’s true identity.
Though the atmosphere was open for anyone to speak, regardless of gender, the first to address him was Old Man Roans.
“So, you were the Grandmaster’s grandson, eh?”
That said, Old Man Roans didn’t seem particularly surprised—more like, Oh, so that’s where you’re from.
“I apologize for keeping it hidden. Before my assignment here, I was also conducting an internal investigation at the request of the Audit Department.”
Even though he hadn’t outright deceived anyone, Zeistole still offered an apology.
“No, I completely understand not wanting special treatment. It’s frustrating when your worth is judged not by your skills but by who’s behind you. Though I am surprised you were connected to the Audit Department…”
Miss Miya Ausim responded as if she understood his feelings—
perhaps because she’d had similar experiences herself.
Then, the discussion turned to Zeistole’s explanation of how Arrest-Zein had been hired in the first place.
“According to headquarters, they’ve been troubled by the declining quality of guild staff lately.
Receptionists, in particular, are highly sought-after positions, making the screening process difficult.
Worse, even before my grandfather took office, there were corrupt staff and instructors who bribed—or, well, used other methods—to bypass screening. The previous Etesina-Spiehoce. was one such case.
Arrest-Zein likely exploited the fact that my grandfather, the Supreme Commander, never disclosed my identity. He must’ve learned somewhere that my initials matched his, then pretended to be me, using my grandfather’s influence and money to bribe a corrupt instructor into passing him.”
The fact that none of his peers from the same training program are stationed here was probably to avoid exposure.
With this mass audit, corrupt staff and instructors are being purged, and a stricter training program is being developed. Things should improve somewhat from now on.”
“Still, some might play nice just until they’re hired, no?”
“Well… the Supreme Commander mentioned they’re devising a curriculum to weed those types out.”
Perhaps venting built-up frustration, Zeistole spoke rapidly—until Old Man Roans cut in, though Zeistole smoothly deflected.
Just when it seemed like the discussion would drag on forever—
“I get your curiosity, but we’ve wasted enough time. Return to your duties.”
With that command from Director Wardell, everyone dispersed.
Learning that Zeistole was the grandson of someone important was shocking, but given his work ethic, there was no need to worry. As long as everyone else treated him fairly from now on, things would be fine.
As I pondered this, yesterday’s events resurfaced, so I asked Old Man Roans:
“By the way, what about that email from yesterday?”
“Nothin’ we can do. They ain’t stormin’ the guild, and we can’t interfere with mercs’ private lives.”
Fair point.
Even if those guys poached mercs, the guild couldn’t stop them—as long as they didn’t damage guild property or operations, there was no grounds for intervention.
After leaving the guild, I headed to Animember and Seizaban, which I’d skipped yesterday.
Unfortunately, no new works I liked were in stock, but I did find a doujinshi I’d missed before at Seizaban and grabbed it immediately.
As I happily started home, an unfamiliar woman blocked my path.
She wore high heels, a flared skirt, a sleeveless top (some fancy name I wouldn’t know), an expensive-looking watch and bracelet, hip-length black hair, a wide-brimmed hat, and designer sunglasses—like an actress or top model.
At that moment, I had a bad feeling.
Women who approach someone like me fall into very specific categories.
And given her height—around 190cm, likely thanks to those heels—it only narrowed further.
So, I kept my voice low:
“Long time no see. Is there something you need, Nosweil-san?”
The woman adjusted her sunglasses and—
“Thought I had you fooled~”
—stuck her tongue out impishly.
“So, what do you need?”
“Oh, nothing. Just saw you and thought I’d say hi. Today’s purely an off day.”
She quickly readjusted her sunglasses, scanning our surroundings briefly.
To onlookers, we probably looked mismatched—Why’s a beauty like her talking to him?—but thankfully, no one recognized her as Schoona Nosweil, the Planet Racer.
Still, another worry surfaced.
“Actually, Nosweil-san, be careful. There’s a group called the Anti-Imperial Civil Liberation Organization recruiting lately—mainly targeting mercs like us, but Planet Racers might be next.”
“Huh?! Seriously?!”
She seemed genuinely shocked.
If they were gathering mercs (= combat pilots), it made sense Planet Racers could be targets.
Though her glamorous world seemed far removed from such dangers, it wasn’t impossible.
While she is in disguise, she may be in danger on the race track or in the company of her teams.
Of course there will be bodyguards and security guards.
“Well, places Planet Racers frequent should have team security, but staying alert never hurts.”
“I’ll warn my manager and team.”
Her expression turned serious before she smiled.
=”I’ve got plans, so I’ll head out now.”
=”Sure. Wishing you a great next season!”
With that, she left.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
☆☆☆
[Side: Schoona Nosweil]
“…Hello? I need to ask something…”
“Yes. Has any faction started recruiting?”
“They haven’t? …Yet there’s definitely a group—likely the Anti-Imperial Civil Liberation Organization—doing exactly that.”
“Understood. I’ll return shortly…”
★★★
After parting with Nosweil-san, I finished grocery shopping, returned home, read my doujinshi, watched anime, and wasted time on forums—ending the day happily.
…Or so I thought.
[Breaking News: Galactic Empire Government Announcement, 8:30 AM. The neighboring Nekirelma Star Kingdom has formally declared war on our nation as of 8:15 AM. Skirmishes have erupted in adjacent sectors…]
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