Chapter 6 – Collateral Adventurer
1
“I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry! This failure is my responsibility! Please, please, just let my daughter-“
As I raised my right hand, the annoying woman’s voice wailing at my feet finally ceased.
Honestly, it would be easy to cut this woman’s throat in my irritation. But no, I can’t do that.
She still has value.
“Lift your head.”
…Ugly. The woman’s face is contorted in fear, stained with tears. Terribly ugly, unbearable to look at.
Indeed, if a human is not beautiful, their will to live becomes greatly diminished.
“You have done very well. Do not belittle yourself.”
“Ah… Aah…”
“Your daughter faithfully followed instructions and perfectly guided the infiltration. This is my fault. You need not feel responsible.”
“I could never…”
I stood up and approached the woman.
Then, lowering my gaze to her level, I gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
I truly don’t want to do this. But I must, to bind this woman’s heart more firmly.
Ah, an unpleasant feeling is spreading from my right hand through my whole body. I feel sick. I’ll have to wash it thoroughly later.
“The [Darkness] that brings calamity to this world must be destroyed. Please continue to lend me your strength.”
“…My entire being belongs to you, my lord. I will serve you with all my body and soul.”
Seeing the woman’s rapturous expression, I was convinced that my actions were correct.
I dismissed this woman, who was no longer of use to me, thinking,
“What an unlucky country this is.”
I had been preparing for years to undermine the hated old-generation hegemon nation of Milestia.
However, just as I was about to implement my plan, a shocking piece of information came to light – the emergence of [Darkness Attribute] magic.
Given the history of how Milestia rose to power after being overturned by a single [Light Attribute] mage in the past great war, I couldn’t ignore the counterpart [Darkness Attribute].
And I know very well the terribleness of [Darkness]. No, that power must absolutely not be in the hands of that nation.
So I spread this information to various countries. Of course, I was careful not to leave any clues that I was the source.
Enveloping everything to destroy the [Darkness]. Surely, the countries that dislike Milestia will move to eliminate it.
Naturally, I also took action. There are many foolish nobles in this country. It was far too easy to ingratiate myself.
That was the [Aslan Magic Academy Assault] this time.
Eliminate the [Darkness] prematurely, and if possible, kidnap it. If I could kidnap it, I could make it my own piece. I, of course, could do it for certain.
…It was supposed to be a pretty good plan,
but the result was a complete failure. Why? Why?
I ponder. Did that magic tool not function? No, that possibility is low.
Hmm… Ah, come to think of it, there was information that [he is a noble who also practices swordsmanship].
At the time, I dismissed it as insignificant information, but wait, could that be…?
Simply repelled by non-magical power? To a trained expert assassin? That child from the nation that reveres magic… unbelievable. No, I don’t want to believe it.
…No, there’s one more.
There was also talk of that country’s so-called incompetent enrolling this year, unable to even wield attribute magic.
Not to mention the possibility of an unexpected third-party intervention… Sigh.
I don’t know. The information is severely lacking. Hmm, what should I do about this…?
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2
“Well then, Alfred. Let me ask you, how much have you told father about the [Sword Saint Festival]?”
“…Only that such a festival called the [Sword Saint Festival] is held in the Empire. I did not go into the details.”
“I see. So father does not know that the [Sword Saint Festival] is a ruthlessly violent festival where people die every year.”
“…………”
“Hehehe… Alfred, this is to be kept strictly confidential. Don’t worry, to ensure you bear no responsibility for whatever happens, I will leave my will in writing.”
Now that the incident with Mia had finally settled, my mind was completely occupied by the [Sword Saint Festival], which I had been eagerly anticipating for months.
“That won’t be necessary.”
“…What?”
“Forgive me, Lord Luke. I too have a desire to witness it. This is my own will. Therefore, if anything should happen, I will take responsibility myself.”
“Haha… You’ve really become quite impressive, Alfred. Your will means nothing to me. My will shall take precedence above all else. I will leave it in writing. This is a settled matter.”
“…Understood. I am grateful.”
In researching the Sword Saint Festival, I learned that real swords are used in the matches.
Of course, it seems outright murder is not condoned, but… instant death cases are simply accepted as an unavoidable part of true combat.
Hehe… This feeling of my blood boiling, it’s been a while.
“First, we’ll obtain a real sword. I want to choose it myself. I’ll go there directly, so get ready.”
“Very well. I shall summon the guards immediately──”
“No need. Just you will do.”
“Understood.”
Given the attack incident, I strongly desire to have a real sword. All I have right now are training replicas. Of course, the knights of our own army must have their weapons, but I’d still like to choose my own armament.
In any case, I will need a real sword for activities as an adventurer. As for the attire, well, the school uniform should suffice for now. Aslan’s uniform was designed with the expectation of intense magical battles, so it’s hard to find something more functional.
……To be honest, I’m quite elated right now. It’s probably a backlash from all the troublesome incidents lately. However, there is one major problem. That is, Father will likely not allow me to participate in the Sword Saint Festival, as it involves mortal danger.
So I thought ── I should get the qualifications as an [adventurer].
That way, I can go to the Empire not as a nobleman, but as an individual adventurer. I won’t need the troublesome etiquette and formalities of nobility. The only concern is the risk of being exposed, but someone like me would never make such a mistake.
“Kukuku……Ahahaha! It’s perfect!”
“………… “
This way, I can participate in the Sword Saint Festival without Father saying a word.
Alfred is giving me a rather indescribable look as I suddenly burst into laughter, but oh well.
I’ve already done the preliminary research. Let’s head to the blacksmith right away.
§
“Ah, I’m really sorry, Mr. Zack. I just ended up tagging along like that, you know. Look, Felis is also saying thanks.”
“……Thank you.”
“No, no, it’s fine! Don’t worry about it, such a trivial thing.”
I wasn’t lying in my words.
This is nothing, really. When you’re doing the adventurer thing, you realize how important connections can be. In the end, these kinds of relationships end up benefiting you.
“Thank you for introducing me to so many people. I really don’t know how to properly express my gratitude──”
“I told you, don’t worry about it. Anyway, about the blacksmith’s father I’m going to introduce you to…”
“Mm. What about him?”
“Well, his skills are certainly impressive, but……he’s a bit difficult to deal with, you know.”
“No worries. I’m good at interacting with people.”
“……Eh?”
Why is this kid so self-assured? They’re basically expressionless, with few words, and not particularly friendly either……. N-No, they must be skilled in their own way. In any case, I’ll just have to provide backup.
While I was lost in these thoughts, we arrived at the familiar blacksmith. The shopfront, as always, was a simple converted private residence, without any fancy decorations.
“This is the place I mentioned──”
“I WON’T BOW TO POWER, DAMN IT!!”
A roar that could burst eardrums came from inside.
It was so loud that the passersby on the street couldn’t help but stop in their tracks.
“W-What’s going on?!”
I didn’t fully understand the situation, but I immediately went inside.
“──Enough. Don’t shout so loudly.”
The moment I saw that figure, the nightmares I had thought I had forgotten came crawling back from the depths of the abyss.
I’m impressed I didn’t end up screaming, “What the hell are you doing here?!”
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