---

---

“If there’s something please save us!”

“Head, big sis, if I die I’ll curse you”

　My two senior’s eyes were filled with tears but everyone pretended not to notice it.

“Come on, don’t mess around and hurry up!”

　With Crescent Moon’s heartless words my seniors unwillingly opened the door and stepped into the depth.

“You can go first”

“Hey, don’t push, we should go side by side. Almost always you – -”

　Even in times like this you should get along well, seniors.

“Hey everyone, have you ever fought the Undead?”

　After the seniors went inside Crescent Moon posed this question to us who stayed behind.

“I haven’t. How about Knopf and Pick?”

“Me neither. Don’t they make you feel sick?”

“I haven’t either.”

　Looks like no one fought those guys before.

“What about you, Crescent Moon?”

“In a dungeon. But as one would expect they don’t really give off a pleasant feeling.”

“How did you fight them?”

“Even if I say undead they are divided into Zombie-types which possess flesh, Skeleton-types which only consist out of bones and Wraith- and Evil Spirit-types which have a spirit body.”

“Are the ways to cope with them different as well?”

　Knopf asked Crescent Moon.

“That’s right. You can attack the Zombie-type with a sword like normal. There are also cases where those guys still had some will left in them. Its looks are kind of bizarre but it’s basically just your run-of-the-mill monster.”

“What about Skeletons?”

“They don’t get much damage even if you cut them with a sword because they are made entirely of bones. Even if you cut it into pieces it regenerates immediately and starts to attack you. There’s this guy they call skeleton soldier, he’s equipped with a weapon and a shield and is considerably difficult to defeat among them. Stabbing them is almost meaningless. You have to either completely wreck it or burn it with fire quickly.”

“Does Fire magic work?”

“Yeah. Fire magic works on both the Zombie-types and the Skeleton-types. The most troublesome are the ones with a spirit body like Wraiths and Evil Spirits. Attacking them with physical weapons is completely meaningless.”

“How about fire magic then?”

　Crescent Moon frowns at my question.

“I think it would hardly do any damage. I don’t know about high-ranking spells, though. Usually, one should attack them with magic weapons imbued with anti-undead effects or Light- or Darkness Magic.”

　As she said so Crescent Moon took out a strangely twisted knife out of her décolleté.

“This is a knife imbued with Anti-Undead attributes. Honestly, this is just a mere consolation. If I would face an evil spirit with just this I would certainly be the one to suffer.”

　Well, of course, if you want to attack it with that you would have approach it until you can hit it point-blank.
　I wouldn’t want to get closer to things like Wraiths and Evil Spirits.

“I see, I can neither use light attribute magic nor darkness attribute magic. I wonder if I can’t do anything.”

　The cat girl Knopf muttered.
　She can use all the other attributes so it’s fine.

“To be honest, I don’t want to have anything to do with the Undead either. They are a pain in the ***, creepy and even if you subjugate them often it’s not even profitable.”

　As I thought, that’s her basis.
　Crescent Moon really likes money.

“I think I would be a little hesitant to defeat them if I think about the fact that they were previously alive.”

　Though I understand Pick’s train of thought if I would act like that I would turn into an undead then.⌈¹⌋
　If the Author reincarnates as an undead I don’t have the confidence I would be able to finish the story like that.

“I wonder if you are alright, big bros.”
Pick said this anxiously.
　Even with all, that was said they are still companions after all.

“Well, it should be fine. Though I said things like that it’s unlikely that the Undead would walk around here like that. And even if they do they can only move slowly. Those guys can do as much as escape, right?”

“Heh, so Undead can only move slowly, huh?”

　As I asked this Crescent Moon answered me with a tone of ridicule for not even knowing that.

“A Zombie running at full speed would be really bad. Well, the only ones who might be able to move quicker would be higher ranked Skeleto–”

“Gyaaaaaaaa!!!!”

　Just as Crescent Moon was talking we hear a scream from the other side of the door.

“Run, run, ruuun!”

“It’s straaaaaaaaange!!!!!”

　While screaming, my two seniors jumped into the room with a desperate look on their faces.

“Head, its coming! Those guys are comeiiiing!”

　Two people with teary eyes quickly took cover behind me.
　Immediately after that one could hear a rattling noise coming from the hallway behind the door.
　It sounded like something was running towards us, a lot of them.

“What, what’s this?!”

　Crescent Moon immediately stood up and pulled her sword.
　I took out my two-handed Great Sword, Crescent Moon held her scimitar (Crescent Moon Sword) in her right hand and in the other she held the Anti-Undead knife she showed us a while ago.
　Knopf had her iron cane and Pick a rapier.

“Sk, sk, skeleton- -”

　At the same time as Bass shouted this a group of skeletons ran into the room.
　They held weapons like maces and swords in one hand and shields in the other.
　There were about ten of them though there might come more from the back.

“They are those rumoured Skeleton Soldiers! Additionally, they are moving fast.”

　Crescent Moon shouted.
　Are those the fast moving, high-ranked Skeletons?
　Additionally I can’t be careless with this many.
　As I was told that Fire magic would work on them I called for the small lizard/salamander Reus.
　Huh, he seems a little bigger than usual but now’s not the time to think about that.

“Bass, Drum, Pick, their weakness is fire. Set fire to some sticks you can find and hit them hard with it. Don’t let them get near Knopf because she can use fire magic.”

“Understood!”

　They always move around together, those three, so they should be able to cooperate with each other.
　Knopf’s magic will be the most effective here.
　Though my fireball would be effective as well but I don’t think I can hit an opponent of such speed.
　I gave up on the fire ball and chanted the aria for the Flame Sword.
　My Great Sword is instantly covered in flames.
　OK, this should be enough to cause some damage.

　Even though the Skeletons saw the flames which where their weakness they stepped forward without hesitation.
　Do they not have a sense of fear? Or rather are they able to see in the first place?
　As they are Skeletons they have no eyeballs, this is kind of mysterious.

　I swung my sword as I thought about such things in the corner of my mind.
　As I tried cutting one body another immediately intercepted my blow with their shield.
　I hastily parried the sword which came cutting from my side.
　Damn it, they are annoying.
　There are a lot of them, they move quickly and they are also rather skilled with the sword.
　I wonder if they were able to use this technique they are using now when they were still alive.

　Next to me Crescent Moon was fighting against several bodies.
　I could see how the ones which got smashed apart by her scimitar returned to their previous form after just a few minutes.
　Even if the magic effect of the knife is proven right its range is too short.
　Crescent Moon seems to have trouble killing even one with this knife.

　In the back they were doing their best while saying things like “Waa” and “Yoou!”.
　Opposing a Skeleton which had a sword with a torch, giving it their all.
　Those seniors were stronger than I thought.

　Goooooh, Baaaaaang!
　Fireballs which Knopf would occasionally throw smashed into a skeleton.
　She didn’t seem to have added oxygen to it in this narrow place but it was still powerful enough.
　As my seniors and Pick were guarding her well she was able to effectively use her spells.

　Gashiiin!
My flaming Great Sword hit my opponent.
　The skeleton got wrapped in flames and collapsed.
　Good, good, their numbers considerably decreased.
　There are only two left, it should be alright now.

“Just a bit more, let’s do this!”

　Crescent Moon blocked her opponent’s sword with the scimitar in her right hand and cut it with the knife in her left hand.
　When I thought I saw something glittering white at that moment her opponent collapsed.
　There are no signs of it reviving.
　Is this the great power of a magic weapon?

　The last one was in front of me.
　I ignored the fact that it was holding a shield and swung down my flaming Great sword down on it with all my might.
　The sword simply crushed the wooden shield my opponent held and cut right into its body.
　The last skeleton was burning down in flames.

　Alright, and there are no signs of more coming out from the back.

“That’s all, everyone good- -”

“What on earth do you think you’re doing?!”

　Just when I was about to praise everyone I heard a sharp voice from behind me.　

　The door leading outside was open and a girl dressed in black from head to toe stood there when I looked back.
　Bishi! She pointed her finger straight at me with a momentum that could have produced a sound.

---

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---

---

On the third day after we started our trip the flat road gradually turned into a slope.
　Now we approached a gentle hill.

“Hey, you guys, do you know where we are?”

　Crescent Moon talked to my seniors.
　That face is telling me she’s planning something.
　I gradually came to understand her despite the mask.

“No, I don’t know. Does big sis know?”

“Here’s a famous place. Don’t you know about the Orlea hill?”

“Back then there was a huge battle at this place, right? It was called the Battle of Orlea.”

“What’s with that? I never heard about this. Was it like this, big sis?”

　Oh, Drum-senpai is quite the knowledgeable person.
　On the other hand, Bass-senpai is the type who strayed from the right path.⌈¹⌋
　I bet he only did bad things when he was still in school.⌈²⌋

“That’s right, back then a huge battle between nobles took place here.”

“So what’s with that, big sis?”

　Crescent Moon grins at Bass-senpai’s question.
　Oh boy, my senior got caught in her trap.

“About this, at this place……they appear. When night falls, you know?”

“Wh, what about them appearing? Come on, please don’t make fun of me, big sis”

“Tha, that’s right. We aren’t afraid of that kind of stuff, we’re already adults after all.”⌈³⌋

　That’s not what your expression tells us, seniors.

“It was a big battle so does that mean a large number of people died here?”

　Knopf comfortably listened to this.
　Ehm, you don’t have to carry on with this topic.

“……That’s right. It was a fierce battle until the middle but then a betrayal happened and it became unilateral.”

　The faces of Pick and my seniors listening to Crescent Moon’s story were a little too serious.

“Countless bodies of murdered soldiers and commanders rolled down the hill and it is said the river was dyed red. Look, it should be the river we crossed over just a while ago.”

“Eeeeh?! I drank out of it.”

“Well, you probably don’t have to worry. Since then these bodies wander around when night falls. Saying things like, where is the traitor?”

“Please stooop, I’m not good with stuff like this!”

“Wha, what are you saying Pick, that’s just superstition. Hey, Head?”

　Drum, please don’t call me over.
　I was talked to but I decided to ignore it.
　Honestly, I’m not good with those kinds of stories as well.
　I don’t have any supernatural senses, though.⌈⁴⌋

“Huh? Why is Akatsuki looking the other way? Could it be that you’re weak against this as well?”

　Why does that fellow look so happy?⌈⁵⌋
　But if I reacted now I would just do what she wants me to.
　I thoroughly ignored Crescent Moon.

“The clouds are somehow looking weird.”

　When I heard the cat girl Knopf’s voice I turned to look at the sky and black clouds suddenly appeared.

“That’s bad, we’ll get caught in it.”

　At Crescent Moon’s exclamation, everyone put on their mantle’s hood in a hurry.
　At that time I got off and put a leather cloth over the baggage.
　We hurried our horses but the rain became more intense.
　It wasn’t much but a hood and mantle had to do.
　It’s inconvenient that rain gear like umbrellas and raincoats don’t exist here.

“Is there anywhere we can take shelter in?”

“Head, there’s a building!”

　When I looked in the direction they pointed in I could clearly see the shadow of a building behind the hill.

“Alright, we can take shelter from the rain there”

　We moved towards the building.

“This, was this originally a church?”

　As I approached it seems to be a ruin abandoned a long time ago.
　As Pick said, it seemed to have been a church.
　The door was locked with a simple lock but Pick opened it in no time and we were able to enter.

“Oh, this somehow looks promising.”

　Bass-senpai joyfully said this.
　We got into a large room which I thought was originally the sanctuary.
　Several broken banks were lined up there.
　There was nothing enshrined on the shelf in the front, I wonder if someone stole it.
　Although it was leaking here and there but at least we had a roof over our heads and it’s far better than outside.
　We put down our baggage at a place without leaks and then took a break.

　Bass, Drum and Pick, those three tore off a part of the floor boards then broke some chairs and used them as firewood to light a fire.
　It’s blasphemous but it’s good to against the cold.⌈⁶⌋
　Thanks to that I can warm up my body and feel a little more comfortable.

“Finding this good place really saved us.”

“This is probably a church destroyed at the time of that battle.”

　Following Knopf’s words Crescent Moon looked around and started talking happily.
　The rain got better but the sun was covered and it got really dark.

“Let’s see, looks like this place wasn’t used in quite the long time.”

“It’s kind of creepy.”

　My seniors are still pretty shaken by that story from a while ago.

“Hey, you guys, go look if you can find some food in this room somewhere”

　Crescent Moon smirked while she instructed my seniors.

“I don’t want to! There shouldn’t be any food in a place like this anyway.”

“That’s right, how long ago do you think it was that people lived here?”

　Seniors, don’t resist.
　Of course, I definitely don’t want to go either.
　In the end, we boiled some water and made dinner with the things we brought.

“But for such a place to appear like this.”

　……It’s starting again, those ambiguous statements of Crescent Moon.
　I feigned ignorance but my seniors reacted to this brilliantly.
　That’s why, be good and enjoy yourself, seniors.

“The, there’s no way that something will appear here, right?”

“That’s right, this place is a church in the first place?!”

　Joyfully listening to my senior’s reactions Crescent Moon answered.

“You guys don’t know about it, huh? In the first place, a church is where ghosts gather. Besides, there were several sword cuts and traces of blood smeared on the chairs and the floor. Didn’t you notice?”

“Eeh? I didn’t notice that at all. Drum, did you notice anything?”

“No, I didn’t notice anything. Where did you see that?”

　My seniors shook their heads.
　Oh boy, they completely fell for Crescent Moon’s trap.

“Now that you say it I definitely saw some cuts on the chair I broke a while ago.”

　Pick said this fearfully.
　Knopf read a book on her own while Pick was taken as well.
　Crescent Moon nodded as she heard this and continued to talk.

“There’s no doubt about that. The soldiers who lost escaped to this place. Then this place got raided by the winning side……”

　Gulp.
　I heard the sound of three people gulping.

“Some of them died here while resisting. Then……”
Crescent Moon looked in the direction of the door in the before continuing her sentence.

“The remaining ones surely escaped through there. However, they were completely outnumbered. I bet behind those doors are heaps of corpses.”

“Please stop it, big sis!”

“That’s right, don’t scare us like that. What will you do if we can’t sleep?!”⌈⁷⌋

“Hehehe, you guys will take turns to stand guard today, though”⌈⁸⌋

“That’s unfair! To be awake all alone in a place like this! Big bro’s, I leave it to you!”

“Wait a minute, Pick, don’t decide it so forcibly! That’s it, Drum, you’ll keep watch alone. I’ll do it tomorrow and you can rest.”

“You, what are you saying? Then you do it today and I’ll do it tomorrow.”

　Finally, a quarrel between friends broke out.
　I stared into the other direction as to not get involved in this too much.
　Then.

　――Goton

“Hey, did you hear that sound just now?”

“D, d, don’t do that, big sis, even if you told us that, there’s no way something would actually come out.”

“Th, tha, that’s right, I know you enjoy scaring us.”

　――Goton

“Uwaaaaaa!”

“I, I definitely heard something. No doubt. From where, from wheeere?!”

“I think I heard it from there”

　The place Pick pointed at was — The door in the back.

“I also heard it. Hey, Mister Akatsuki, let’s go and look what’s going on back there”

“That’s impossible! Head, big sis, because you’re still young please go ahead!”

“That’s right, it’s hopeless even if we go! So, please!”

　My seniors desperately begged me but I only said a few words.

“Bass, Drum, go search the back a little.”

“Tha, that’s, Head!”

“That’s mean, that’s so mean, Head!”

　Even if you yell and cry I won’t change my mind.
　I’m the villain Carlo, I don’t mind if you have a grudge against me.⌈⁹⌋
　I mean, there’s no way in hell I go there!

---

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---

---

“Big bro Akatsuki, long time no see! So, what can we do for you today?”

　The female hobbit thief, Pick who returned came over to greet me.
　Outwardly she looks like an innocent little girl as always.
　If you know what’s inside it’s fine but if you don’t you’ll get completely deceived by this.

“Yeah, I have some work for you so I came over to meet you.”

“Eh, you wanted to see me? I’m happy”

　For some reason, Bass and Drum were staring at us while Pick kept on grinning.
　She was acting like she didn’t notice Bass and Drum.

“As I thought it’s like that, huh? Big bro Akatsuki and I were perfectly in sync at that time with the Troll after all.”

“Hey, Pick, don’t be so impudent and call the Head big bro”

“That’s right, please say something as well, Head, she can’t use that kind of tone.”

“Hehe, though it was big bro Akatsuki who said, “You’re my little sister so call me like this”. Right, Big. Bro?”⌈¹⌋

　Well, I certainly told you to say this when people would ask you.
　Even so, I also told you not to act so familiarly.

“Your lock-picking skills are necessary for this job”

“What kind of job is it?”

Seeming interested, Drum and Bass both seriously listened.

“We took the Labyrinth exploration quest. It’s S rank.”

“Is that true?! Will big sis Crescent Moon also go?”

“This time Crescent Moon and also the magician Knopf will come with us”

“I want to go! Big bro Akatsuki, Big sis Crescent Moon and Knopf-san, with those members we are the strongest!”⌈²⌋

“Is that so? Then come to the adventurer’s guild tomorrow morning.”

　I intended to return now that I finished my business here but then I noticed that my seniors looked like they wanted to say something.

“You guys, is there something wrong?”

“Head, isn’t that a little too much?”

“That’s right, that’s right, why is it just that fellow? Moreover, even though she looks like a kid she’s already quite old, you know?”⌈³⌋

　What, why are they getting angry at me for choosing Pick?

“What’s with you? Being old doesn’t really matter! Generally, it’s Big bro’s and the other’s job.”

“Only you move out with the head, isn’t that too cunning?”

“Besides, since this job is already stable it’s alright if we aren’t there.”

　Hey, hey, don’t fight for such a reason.

“Head, please. Leave this place to Bass and please take me with you.”

“Hey, Drum, what do you think you are doing?! Head, please take this one- -”

　Jeez, two big, old men acting selfishly like children.
　Well, it should be fine if it’s just a few more people.
　But Crescent Moon might start complaining because her reward share will decrease.

“I don’t particularly mind taking you but is really everything going well here?”

“Yes, there are the things I told the Head a while ago when you came back but there are no particular problems.”

“As I said before, there are already three people in my group but there’s only one reward, would it still be enough if I take you with me?”

“As it’s an S ranked dungeon it should be enough. Please, take me with you, okay~?”⌈⁴⌋

　Bass senpai, even if you try talking in a sweet voice it’s not cute at all!

“Well, can’t be helped, so please properly arrange everything till tomorrow”

“Yes, I’ll tell that guy, Flute”

　Ah, that guy with the name which doesn’t fit in.⌈⁵⌋

“Then come to the adventurer’s guild tomorrow morning, you three. Don’t be late.”

“All right. Hehe, I wonder what snacks I should take with me.”

You, this isn’t a field trip!

　When I went to the guild the next morning everyone already gathered.
　Crescent Moon seemed to be complaining to the Rabbit Group’s members.

“Sorry I kept you waiting”

“Hey, Mister Akatsuki, is it true that you want to take those guys with us?!”

“No, Big sis⌈⁶⌋ Crescent Moon, don’t say that”

“That’s right, we’ll work hard.”

　As expected, my seniors feel deep gratitude towards Crescent Moon as well.

“Well, isn’t it fine? If we explore the S-type labyrinth our baggage will increase so I think it’s fine.”

“Ah, no, well, you’re right……”

　When the cat girl magician Knopf tried to mediate Crescent Moon gave in.
　For Crescent Moon Knopf is like an absolute weakness.

“Head, it somehow looks like Big sis Crescent Moon is acting reserved in front of this little magician girl.”

　Bass-senpai whispered to me in a low voice.
　Pretty observant, that senior.

“It seems like Knopf’s way of fighting had a big impact on her the last time.”

“Heeh, on that big sis Crescent Moon? She doesn’t look like it, but is this young girl actually amazing?”

“Big bro Bass, you shouldn’t judge someone by their appearance. That magician instantly killed a Troll with one magic spell I never saw before.”

　Pick is right.
　Seniors, don’t get blown away by Knopf.
　I feel scared when imagining Knopf’s boosted magic exploding in the labyrinth’s narrow corridors.

“Head, we prepared these horses for this occasion.”

　As expected, Drum is solid.
　In times like this, he’s reliable.

“Then, shall we leave? The destination is the Mcbell Earldom.

　We started galloping on our horses.
　Though it’s a trotting speed as it’s a considerable distance.
　The Mcbell Earldom is located in the far south of Carlo’s territory.
　It seems like the population is concentrated in valleys and flatland surrounded by mountains.

“Speaking of the Mcbell Earldom, I heard Kouga village is located there.”

　While Drum was riding beside me he started to talk.

“Hoh, do you know about the shadow corps?”

“That’s because we are in the same line of work, needs a thief to know a thief kind of.”

　Bass also joined in into our conversation.

“The shadow corps? That sounds kind of scary.”

　Knopf didn’t seem like she heard of them.
　By the way, I had Knopf ride behind Crescent Moon.
　Thanks to that Crescent Moon didn’t have her usual force behind her.

“The shadow corps is an organisation specialised in underground work such as killing people destroying things and spreading or gathering information. It’s said that their headquarters, Kouga village, is in the Mcbell Earldom.”

　Crescent Moon’s attitude towards her is completely different than towards me.
　She gave her information free of charge.

“Did you have any connection with the shadow corps?”

“I didn’t. I just heard some rumours.”

“We didn’t have any direct contact with them either.”

　Even though they are in the same line of work the Rabbit Group isn’t as severe as the Shadow corps.
　If an opponent defeats them losing means dying.

“I had some fights with them from time to time. I got my revenge each time.”

　If it’s Crescent moon I somehow feel like it’s possible.
　But every time, you said. How many times did that happen?
Then is it really fine for you to go to such a place?

“That somewhat sounds like a frightening place. I’m kind of scared.”

“No, for me your magic is more……”

　I heard Crescent Moon muttering without Knopf behind her hearing it.
　Yeah, that air gun was pretty frightening, huh?
　Well, the only firearm they know in this world are bows so I know it’s impossible for them to know about this but I do.

“When will we arrive?”

“If we continue like this I think we’ll be there in four days.”

　As long as four days, to be honest, I’m sick and tired of this.
　I wasn’t a person who was going out much in the first place.
　There was also the thing that I didn’t have any friends to hang out with.
　So I spend my days reading light novels and manga, playing games and making figurines for fun inside my house.
　I never thought something like this would happen in my life.⌈⁷⌋

　When it was night we would camp outside to take a rest.
　Since the three members of the Rabbit group said they would take turns standing guard I left it to them.
　I wonder if it was a good idea to take them with us like this.
　They told me something like the Head shouldn’t be doing this and then they took my baggage and carried it for me.

　Like this, the journey towards the labyrinth went smoothly.

---

　

---

---

“Then, I’m off. Keep the door locked.”

“Yes, have a nice trip”

　I missed my chance to kiss for the third time after all before I left for the adventurer’s guild.
　Crescent Moon who left earlier was waiting inside the guild but her gaze was as cold as before.

“Yo, you came, Mister Popular. I got tired of waiting”

　I wanted to say something but I stopped myself as it would have been useless.
　I generally hate arguing with others.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. So, did you get the Labyrinth exploration quest?”

“Yeah. Mister Akatsuki has never been to a labyrinth, right?”⌈¹⌋

“That’s right. I planned to go to one though”

　I wanted to become an adventurer to enter a labyrinth in the first place which Pikaru forbid me so I had to join the guild under a pseudonym.
　I wanted to gain some experience in the labyrinth before I would meet the Hero Kazuma.

“So Akatsuki doesn’t even know the basics of exploring a labyrinth?”

“Yeah, you could say that”

　Though I wasn’t able to look that much in front of Elsa, but this roundness is excellent as I thought.
　Her two perfect mountains and that fascinating valley they produced.

“Then as a veteran it’s my duty to carefully explain everything to Mr. Newbie here, right?”⌈²⌋

　Crescent Moon proudly stuck her chest out.
　I don’t know why but it seemed like her mood got slightly better.
　I mean, why are you holding out your right hand?
　I don’t really have any other choice so I gave her one gold coin.⌈³⌋

“Hehe, thank you as always.”

　When the money reached her hand she her mood got even better.
　But to always get one gold coin or 100,000 yen taken is a serious matter.
　Though this greedy mercenary wouldn’t be convinced if it was just one silver coin equivalent to 2,000 yen.
　I don’t even want to think about gold coins being something equal to silver coins to me some time soon.

“Hey, what are you thinking? So, when a labyrinth is found a quest to investigate it is given out.”

“Yeah. What should one check while investigating?”

“Let’s see, what you can find in it, how big it is, how many floors it has and so on.”

“I see, so you’re saying anything is fine? Is it fine to take back things from monsters I defeated inside?”

“Naturally. Moreover, the reward increases depending on what you subdued.”

　Even if you defeat this world’s monsters it’s not like they would drop money or magic stones.
　Instead, things like fangs and leather turn into material and one gets a bonus depending on the strength and number of the defeated monsters and the degree of danger.
　Apart from the rewards of the guild’s quest this is how adventurers earn money.

“So, a new labyrinth was found this time around and an exploration quest got extensively handed out.”

“Is it a usual occurrence for a labyrinth to be discovered?”

“Are you stupid? There’s no way that would be the case, right? A new labyrinth might be found once every few years, it’s that rare. You are lucky, Mister.”

　Often a labyrinth is made by a monster settling down in naturally formed cave or limestone cave or the like.
　If the monsters settled in it have a high propagative power and are of humanoid form like Goblins, Gnomes and Orcs they dig holes and expand the cave by themselves and may create multiple layers.
　It’s the most commonly seen labyrinth called A type.

　In the case of such A type labyrinths almost only the same kind of monsters inhabit it.
　Though there are some rare cases where a large number of Goblins are led by some Orcs.
　In A type labyrinths, valuable things like magic items and treasures are hardly found.
　Once it got investigated and emptied out the labyrinth will stay empty.
　After some time passes other monsters might settle down in it again.

“Moreover, it seems like the one this time is slightly different”

　According to the preliminary investigation conducted before the quest was handed out various kinds of monsters were confirmed to inhabit it.
　Besides, the cave itself doesn’t look like something that formed naturally.

“It’s categorized as S type and it seems to be considerably big.”

　The S type different from the spontaneously made A type “is something intentionally made”.
　A high ranking magician or an extremely strong monster possessing intelligence might have made it.

Because they want to protect or hide something special like their residence in the deepest part they kill adventurers who come to investigate it and take their equipment.

　Various types of monsters are placed in it and the deeper you get the higher the danger.
　Often there are dangerous traps and many locked doors so lock-picking skills are essential.

“How is it, there’s no way someone would want to miss out on that, right? Those who are talented already headed there one after the other and I also want to go there as soon as possible. Because letting other people steal all the sweet spots is unacceptable.”

　In the case of S type labyrinths requests outside of the adventurer’s guild are widely spread.
　When I asked where the labyrinth is located this time I was told that it was discovered in Earl Mcbell’s territory.
　Kouga village, the hometown of the assassins which got send after me, the dark corps, is located in that mantis guy’s territory so I’m interested.

“Some preparations are necessary. Let’s take Knopf, Pick and some other guys with us.”⌈⁴⌋

“That cat-eared magician and the hobbit thief. That thief’s lock picking skills were indeed brilliant and though that magician seems a little strange but she’s skilled. It would have been great if she could use recovery magic but healing spells are of the light magic system so they can’t be used if one isn’t a priest. I’m bad in dealing with priests.”

　A priest would certainly be a bad match for that miserly mercenary.
　However, Crescent Moon still seems to have trouble dealing with Knopf.
　It looks like the air rifle magic had a great impact on her.

“Then I shall invite Knopf and Pick tomorrow. Shall we depart on the day after tomorrow?”

“Though I want to hurry and go as soon as possible but it can’t be helped. Okay, then I go collect some information tomorrow”

　Crescent Moon invited me to dinner and after we ate together I returned to Carlo’s mansion.⌈⁵⌋
　I wanted to also invite Elsa but I didn’t because then Crescent Moon’s mood would only grow worse.
　I wonder if Elsa is eating properly.

　The next day I left the mansion while wearing the mask, borrowed a horse and first went to the windmill Knopf was living in.

“–That’s the story, so, do you want to come with us?”

“Of course, I want to come. Investigating an S type labyrinth is something one could only rarely experience after all.”

“Then is it fine with you to wait tomorrow morning at the adventurer’s guild?”

“Understood, I’ll get ready.”

　Next I went to the Rabbit group’s hiding place.
　It’s been a long time since I came here.

“Aah! Isn’t that the head?! Hey everyone, Head Akatsuki came over!”

“Long time no see. Is Pick present?”

“She went out but she should come back any minute now. Please enter.”

　My two seniors Bass and Drum greeted me.
　The thin and fidgety Bass and the strongly build, calm Drum.
　A perfect combination as always, seniors.

“How’s work?”

“Hehehe, it’s going really well. Especially the quick horse delivery is profitable as well as increasing the customer’s good opinion of us.”

“On the other hand our income as thieves became less. Recently the number of caravans trying to skip paying the tariff decreased and it’s getting harder to earn money.”

　Though it’s good that the merchants paying the tariff increased but ironically the money earned by the Rabbit group decreased.

“The highway connecting the Capital and Braham will soon get a stone pavement. If that happens not only will transportation of people and good via carriage become popular but also dispatching mounted messengers.”

“Ooh, is that true? I never heard about that rumour.”

“Hehe, it can’t be wrong if it’s information from the Head, right? Because the head and this town’s influential people are well connected.”

　Well connected, as I’m the feudal lord it’s natural that I’m familiar with this information.

“Yeah, there’s no doubt about that. It will be completed next spring so arrange a carriage and a horse as soon as possible.”

“Understood!”

　If this goes well it might be able to substitute for their decreased income as thieves.

“What about information gathering?”

“About that, there are rumours about this territory’s feudal lord Carlo and the other nobles are about to battle against each other”

“That’s right, it’s a sign that there is conflict between the nobles.”

Hoh, my seniors are pretty good.
　But there’s already rumours about that?
　Though the matters with the king and the engagement aren’t known yet I have to work carefully in more than one way.

“Is that so? Carefully investigate this matter again. I found a shop which could become a new source for information–”

　I was talking about Doloa of “the goddess’s hall”.

“Stop by there and listen to the hostess’ rumours. It’s a high-class shop so avoid making careless mistakes repeatedly.”

“A luxurious brothel, I always wanted to see one~”

　Hey hey, Bass-senpai, you can’t do anything, absolutely not.
　I have to remind Doloa to not let them do anything.
　As we had such a discussion the female hobbit thief Pick returned.

“Big bro, long time no see! So, how can I help you today?”

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“Melissa, you don’t have to prepare supper today. I’ll eat outside”

“Oh, even though you came back after a long absence you want to go out?! I put so much effort into it and yet–”

“My bad, leave it here I’ll eat it tomorrow morning.”

　I left the mansion while hearing Melissa’s scolding in the background.

　I put on my mask on the way to the hideout as to not attract any attention.
　I passed Doji outside the mansion and he said “I delivered her properly” in a low voice.
　But honestly, I thought that Elsa might not be in the hideout.

　Aah, though this is the first time seeing her after that time.
　But if one thinks calmly about it wouldn’t be weird for that to happen.
　She didn’t sign a contract with me so Elsa is a free person and able to go where ever she wants.
　Generally being a mistress isn’t normal.

　That’s why I decided to be neither disappointed nor angry even if Elsa isn’t there.
That would be too excessively miserable as a man.
　If that’s really the case I want to be capable to get through it with a laugh.
　That’s what the popular villain Carlo would do, right?

　As I thought about such things I reached the hideout with a fast beating heart.
　I thought about knocking the door first but it’s my own house and if no one is in there that wouldn’t be too cool so I opened the entrance with one of the spare keys the old landlady gave me.

　Gacha

　When I opened the door– Elsa was standing there.
　She waited for me and didn’t run away.
　I was deeply moved and approached her to hug her.

“El–”

“Kyaaaaaaaaa!”

“What, what happened?!”

　As Elsa screamed Crescent moon jumped out from the back of the room.
　Why are you here?

“A, a strange looking person suddenly came in here!”

　Elsa quickly hid behind Crescent Moon.
　Ah, I forgot I was wearing a mask.

“You, a strange person you say, but isn’t that Akatsuki?! Didn’t you say you were Akatsuki’s mistress?”

“Eh?”

　Elsa became speechless as she heard Crescent Moon’s words.
　This girl, maybe……That’s natural, huh?

“No, I’m sorry for surprising you, it’s me.”

　I took off the mask.

“Carlo-sama”

　Elsa suddenly wore a joyful expression.
　I’m relieved, it seems like she is happy to see me.

“What’s the meaning of this, Mister Akatsuki? Explain it to me properly”

　I heard Crescent Moon speaking in a harsh tone.
　I mean, why are you even here?

　I decided to first sit down in the living room and drink some tea.
　Yeah, the tea Elsa made isn’t bad at all.
　Though I’d prefer it if it was a little more black.

“I came over because I thought I might be able to meet Mister Akatsuki because I didn’t see your face around that much recently and then when I came over I found this girl here”

　Crescent Moon started to speak with me.
　Without a doubt the eyes behind her mask were cold.

“So, when I asked her who she was she answered with “I’m Akatsuki-sama’s mistress”.”

　Mmm, you should fix that habit of telling every person you are someone’s mistress immediately.
　That will give us a bad image.

“Because I’m really Carlo-sama’s……I mean Akatsuki-sama’s mistress. Hey, it’s like this, right, Carlo-sama?”

　Ehm, she mixes up Carlo and Akatsuki a lot.
　Well, though I think that’s unavoidable.

“Elsa, call me “Akatsuki” from now on”

“Ah, I’m sorry, ehm……Akatsuki-sama”

　So, shall I tell everything to Crescent Moon?

“What Elsa said was the truth. This girl is supposed to stay here from now on.”

“Heeh, “this girl”, huh? Just when one thinks he just had his debut as an adventurer and borrowed this place he’s already surrounded by mistresses as one would expect of “Akatsuki-sama”.”

　Why is she so angry?⌈¹⌋

“Didn’t you say something like “I’m no good with women”? Is that so? So it was like that.”

“It’s not like that but various things happened. Well, let’s get along.”

　Why is my heart beating like this?
　I just share a work-relationship with Crescent Moon while sometimes looking at her mountains, right?
　By the amount of money she cheated out of me it should my privilege to take a look.
　Besides, I’ve only kissed Elsa so far.
　So her being angry while I’m completely innocent⌈²⌋ is unreasonable.

“Apart from that, do you have any business with me, Crescent Moon?”

“Hmpf, oh well, fine. Yes, that’s right, I came over to invite you to go together exploring a labyrinth for a while because the guild asked me to do it.”

　Was I able to safely change the subject?
　Getting angry for some incomprehensible reason is one of the reason’s I don’t like women.⌈³⌋

“Labyrinth exploration, that sound’s interesting”

“Doesn’t it? Even though I came all the way just to invite you……”

“Then, let’s go to the guild at once. Crescent Moon, I’m sorry but could you please go ahead? I’ll be coming soon as well.”

　I was somehow able to send Crescent Moon away and it was just the two of us left.

“You arrived safely.”

“Carl……Akatsuki-sama, can I really live in such a nice house?”

“Yeah. You may freely use it. I’ll also usually wear this mask”

　I got the mask from the other room and put it on.

“Well, it’s a bit scary. But I think it suits you well.”

“Is that so? You’ll probably get lonely because I can’t come here that often so I don’t mind if you go outside.”

　I took out three gold coins and put them in front of Elsa.

“You should be able to live with this for the time being. Of course, you are allowed to send it to your grandparents if something remains. Tell me if it’s not enough, okay?”

“Well, this is more than enough. Thank you very much. This not being enough is outrageous.”

“But I might ask you to go shopping for me, anyway, just tell me.”

Then I stood up and got close to Elsa.

“I thought that Elsa might have already left this place.”

“Why? I did properly promise you this.”　

“No, it’s just that we only met once. Thank you very much.”

“I should be the one to thank you. Thank you for treating me this well.”

“I heard it a lot already but is it really okay?”

　At my question, Elsa looked down bashfully and answered me in a low voice.

“……Of course. Because, ehm, you were totally cool and it was love at first sight. And I also gave you my first kiss.”

　I couldn’t stand it anymore and hugged Elsa.
　I forgot to remove the mask……Like this, I’m not able to kiss her.
　How regrettable!

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“Welcome home”

　When I arrived at the mansion in Braham Pikaru and the head maid Melissa greeted me.
　Since I’m not that tired I decided to immediately do the arrangements.

“Pikaru, call F and Marcus.”

　As I entered my office together with Lunos and Nals, Pikaru came over together with Mirea-san and Reina who brought tea.
　I wonder why Reina is looking so frequently at Lunos and I.⌈¹⌋

“The General and the Imperial Guard Order’s Head came”

“Let them through”

　Marcus and F stepped into the room.
　As usual, General Marcus, without saying anything, sat down on the sofa without waiting for my permission.
　I told F to also sit down and began the meeting together with Pikaru.

“So, how was it?”

“It can be said that our objectives got achieved for the greatest part.”

　Except for Operation DDT.
　I told Nals to explain the finer details.

“- – In that way, we gained the cooperation of the Royal Family and accepted the task of going against the conservative nobles. Therefore, it’s important to carry this out as soon as possible.”

How’s the progress of the colonial soldier settlements and the irrigation construction?”⌈²⌋

“Both are progressing favourably. Thanks to the drastic improvement in efficiency through the implementation of earth magic all constructions are expected to be done within this year.”

　Pikaru answered Marcus’ question.

“With that said, is it possible to finish the construction work on the highway by the beginning of the next year as well?”

“Well, I’d like to advance the training of the farmer-soldiers who are now constructing the colonial soldier-settlement later on.”

　In response to Marcus’ and Nals’ words, I decided to voice out the idea I kept to myself for a while.

“Therefore I have a suggestion but it requires to fundamentally change the present military.”

“What do you mean by fundamentally changing the military?”

　Everyone including Marcus looked at me.

　In the novel “Yuusha Tensei” which I wrote, the troops of the countries called the “Yuroa countries”, Franz Kingdom included, are basically all made up of infantry, cavalry and archer units.
　Carlo’s military can be taken as an example as the knights of the Imperial Guard order Lunos and F are part of only consists out of cavalry in times of war.
　It’s basic style to recruit farmers or citizens as archers or foot soldiers.
　Of course, I used the military of the European Middle Ages as a model.

　However, as a result of this, as I reincarnated as the feudal lord who is in a leading position for the army, Carlo, many problems would arise if we would fight the Barbarians who are a horse-riding tribe modelled after the Mongolian soldiers like this.
　If one takes a look at the history books one would see that Europe was shaken by the Mongolian invasion, there’s no doubt it will be fairly difficult to fight the Barbarians with the present military.⌈³⌋
　If you just write a sentence as an author it’s all good even if there’s such a problem but if you really have to lead an army like this that’s a completely different matter.⌈⁴⌋

　As a fight with Duke Armandi and the other conservative nobles is inevitable now I want to manage to efficiently win in the shortest amount of time.
　If it isn’t a story I simply wrote but a real battle there should be as little sacrifices as possible and more than anything else I don’t want to die either.
　That’s why I thought about this military reform.

“If we let the cavalry officers lead the archers and infantry as before we can’t make use of the speed which is the cavalry’s greatest weapon. Therefore we make the Imperial Guard Order the Cavalry unit and let another officer lead the archer and infantry unit.”

　Nals explains my concept.
　It’s a result of having talked with Nals about this reform all the time.

“We’ll let the infantry and archers choose an officer among the farmer-soldiers we established this time. Even the archers and infantry were mixed together in one unit so far even though they have independent formations.”

“Fumu, though I think it’s an interesting plan but it’s to be expected that the Imperial Guard Order’s Knights will oppose to this. As they have pride in leading the army.”

　Marcus interrupts Nals’ explanation.
　Because Marcus who led the Imperial Guard Order for many years said this it can’t be wrong.
　But I considered that as well.

“It’s necessary to inform the Knights how powerful the cavalry unit is and how it can be decisive to a battle’s outcome. That’s it. Nals, explain it please.”
“Yes. We are planning to execute an exercise with the original formation and the reformed formation this time. We divide the Imperial Guard’s knights and the farmer-soldiers into two groups and let them compete while being led by F and Lunos.”⌈⁵⌋

“I see, so the knights can’t help but be convinced if the difference is overwhelming.”

　F also nodded to Lunos’ words.

“It’s like that. So, who leads which side?”

　This became interesting.
　I grinned as F gave me an earnest answer.

“I’m fine with either side. I’ll do my best all the same if you order me.”

　Lunos answered interestingly.

“As I’ve been here longer I’m more acquainted with everyone than the head so I know the obstinate people who would seem like they would object to the reform. I shall take charge of the original formation with these people. Just for confirmation’s sake, we may get serious as well, right?”

“Naturally. They won’t be persuaded if they won while you were going easy on them. If you defeat them even though they were attacking seriously then everyone will get persuaded that the reform has a meaning.”

　Old man Marcus looked at me with an interested face as he listened to my explanation.

“That means that Carlo-sama will go with the new unit led by F. Then shall I join the original unit led my Lunos?”

　This old man, he completely entered play mode again.
　Do you know that it’ll be bad if you let this reform fail?
　He’s absolutely, earnestly motivated, that captain imitation!
　Well, I won’t lose.⌈⁶⌋

“So, when will we execute the exercise?”

“Let’s see, how about making it the main event of the end-of-year festivities?”

　As F suggested we decided to hold the exercise at the end of the year.⌈⁷⌋

“Now that that’s decided, let’s start the strategy meeting. Please tell me if you decided on a place to hold it later. Lunos, let’s go”

“Wait a minute, there are still some details of the reform plan that–”

“We’ll see it later. It’s like I’m being shown your cards, so it’s no fun at all.”

　As I thought, that old man is completely enjoying this.
　Well, fine, I cannot lose.
　Marcus took Lunos and left.

“Goodness gracious, that old man is hopeless.”

　As I was astonished F looked back at me with a straight face.

“However, no matter how much he said he’s going to lead the original unit the general cannot be underestimated. Sir Lunos is also excellent.”

“About that, I already have two suggestions.”

　Nals grinned as I began to talk.

“The first being we use a part of the Order’s knights as a high-speed search and reconnaissance unit. For that purpose I want F to choose the knights who can move the fastest.”

“If it has to be someone fast it would be good if the horse is quick and the rider is small and skilful. How many people are necessary?”

“Let’s see, I’d like to assign 20% of the whole unit.”

“Though I think 20% is quite a lot.”

　It’s natural for F to think that way.
　That’s because it will only decrease the operational unit’s number.
　However, the saying goes “Know thy enemy and know thyself and you will win a hundred battles”⌈⁸⌋ so information is extremely important.

“I don’t care. F, can I leave this to you?”

“Certainly”

　F obediently nodded to my words.

“And the other one concerns the infantry. Give all the foot soldiers a 5 meter-long spear.”

“5 meters?! I think that they can’t fight freely if they have a spear of such length, though.”

　F was astonished as he heard about the length but the tactic to use long spear infantry was actually used in Europe.
　I know it was a tactic particularly effective against cavalry and was used until the bayonet appeared.
　I took Lunos into consideration while making the foundation.
　Its main purpose was to oppose the Barbarian’s cavalry by crowding them, but they are, of course, effective against infantry as well

“Well, just leave that to me and Nals. F, as soon as Lunos decided on how to divide the order you’ll start the election for the reconnaissance unit.”

“Understood”

“Pikaru, after the irrigation construction is over arrange for the pavement of the highway.”

“Certainly”　

　Aah, today as well Pikaru’s brightness is at its highest.
　Like this, the military reform meeting ended.

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“Uhm, ehem, would you mind introducing her?

“Eek!”

　At the moment we kissed a voice called out to me then Elsa screamed and clung to me.
　I was also surprised that I got to kiss the second time in my life.

“Hey, I kept you waiting, Doji”⌈¹⌋

“Carlo-sama, you completely forgot about me and enjoyed yourself, didn’t you?”⌈²⌋

“Tha, that can’t be, I would never do that”

　……****, I completely forgot about him.
　Doji looked at me with doubtful eyes.
　Don’t look at me like that.

“Elsa, this is Doji. He’s serving me. He’s a strong, brave and really reliable man.”

　Though I tried to praise him to gloss over the fact that I forgot about him but it didn’t seem to be very effective. ⌈³⌋
　That good-natured, loyal Doji was looking at me doubtfully from the side.

“Doji, this girl’s named Elsa. She’ll come back with us to Braham.”

“Nice to meet you, Doji-sama, I’m Elsa. As I became Carlo-sama’s mistress please take care of me.”

　Yeah yeah, she became my mistress today……I mean, hey!
　Elsa, what are you declaring so proudly?!

“Mi, mi, mistress……What do you mean?”

　At that moment Doji was so surprised his eyes started spinning.
　No, even if you ask what it means, it means exactly what she said.

　But that’s when I noticed.
　What do I say to Pikaru and Melissa when I take Elsa back with me to the mansion?
　Even just imagining it is horrible.
　Though I made her my mistress in the spur of the moment I didn’t think about this back then.
　Even though I’m still a virgin.

　Mmm, no matter how I think about it, it’s bad to return together with Elsa.
　I mean it would be the same with Lunos and Nals if I take her to the mansion in Ruan.
　If I do that they would definitely rat me out to Pikaru.

　While I was thinking about such things Elsa, not knowing what to do, started fidgeting and Doji who heard about her being my mistress looked at us confused.
　As I thought I have no choice but to take her to the hideout.
　But to do that I would have to talk with Elsa about Akatsuki and how to take her to the hideout is a problem as well.

　Aah, what should I do?!
　Just a moment ago the inside of my head was filled with happiness and pink but as soon as I returned to reality a lot of problems appear.
　It gradually becomes troublesome.
　Aaah, I’ll just improvise

“Elsa, Doji, listen”

“Yes, Carlo-sama”

“What is it?”

　I decided to explain it to those two immediately.

“I want to take Elsa back with me to Braham but I won’t take her to my mansion.”

“That’s right, if Melissa-sama finds out about this she’ll get angry.”

　For that villain Carlo to get yelled at by maid.⌈⁴⌋
　But looks like Doji thought the same as my.

“Ehm, then where are you going to take me……?”

　Looks like Elsa was already uneasy.

“I actually have a hideout in Braham.”

“Eh, a hideout! That’s kind of cool”

“I intended to let you go there Elsa.”

“I’m okay with anywhere you put me”⌈⁵⌋

“That’s my base for doing undercover work. This is a secret not even Melissa or Pikaru know about. Doji, can you keep that secret?”

“O, of course. I’ll keep that secret even if it costs my life.”

　Doji had an earnest face after he heard about this secret no one else knows about.
　Though Crescent Moon knows about the hideout but she isn’t acquainted with Doji.
　While looking at this I held back the urge to laugh and continued to talk with a straight face.

“I’ll tell you this because I trust you, Doji. When I’m there I’ll be wearing a mask and go with the name “Akatsuki”.”

“A mask……! This is getting even cooler”

“Anyway, it’s undercover work. So, I have a request for you Doji.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to secretly take Elsa to this hideout”

“Yeah, understood. I’ll definitely take her there.”

“Yeah, if it’s you I know you can do it, Doji. Take care of you on the way”

“Please leave it to me!”

　Doji was enthusiastic because I gave him a special mission.
　He was completely dauntless.

“Elsa, tonight it’s already too late. Stay overnight somewhere and then tomorrow you should leave. Is there an Inn somewhere around here?”

“Yes, there’s a small inn located a bit away from here”

　Doji brought Elsa to the in together with me.
　On the way, I told Elsa to call me “Akatsuki”.
As there was luckily still one room in a good condition still vacant I paid the money, made Elsa stay there and left.

“Doji, sneak out of the mansion early in the morning tomorrow and go pick up Elsa.”

“……Understood. I’ll be careful not to be found out by Lunos or Nals or the other knights.”

　Doji was talking in a low voice even though we had yet to reach the residence.
　Well, it’s good to be fired up, right?

　Neither Lunos nor Nals have returned yet when we arrived at the mansion.
　I took Doji into my room handed him a map to the hideout and the key to it and also some money.

“Then I’m counting on you, Doji”

“……Please leave it to me”

　For some reason, Doji left my room while tip-toeing.
　You’re too suspicious.

　The following day when I got up in the morning Doji wasn’t there anymore.

“Carlo-sama, I told Doji to stand guard but I don’t see him anywhere, do you know where he is?”

“Yeah, he remembered that he had to do something and returned to Braham earlier.”

　Lunos asked me curiously and I answered appropriately.

“Nals, how did the negotiations with State Minister Walles turn out?”

“Everything got settled safely. First, to the matter of the military expansion without the royal family’s permission. He gave his tacit consent. I confirmed that it isn’t a problem to remove the original tariff. Furthermore, the pavement between Braham and the Capital was particularly permitted as well.

　Alright, it’s great that the permission to pave the road between the Capital and Braham was given.
　I assumed that fearing another country might invade or the nobles would start a revolt they wouldn’t grant the permission to pave the road.
　That was a major hindrance to logistics and it would cause a delay in sending troops in the case of something happening.
　If I pave it I can immediately react if the conservative nobles show some threatening movements and I wanted to do it because it’s convenient for me when I’ll do the coup d’état in the future.

“How’s the matter with Princess Charlotte going?”

“Yes, although the engagement itself depends on Carlo-sama’s achievements, but all talks of Her Imperial Highness the Princess’s engagements got suspended or cancelled.”

　With this Sharon won’t get engaged to someone she doesn’t know.
　Next, I should earn some credits by fighting the conservative nobles.

“You did well. It seems like we can move considerably freely with this.”

“That’s right, after that we have to quickly arrange the military so that we are able to move at any time.”

　I build connections to the Royal Family, I made progress in the matter of getting engaged to Sharon and I met some nobles (Though they are old men) who hold antipathy towards Duke Armandi Rejum.
　Operation DDT which was my biggest purpose for coming here⌈⁶⌋ failed though I somehow gained a mistress through that, but all in all I was able to accomplish everything I came here for so shall I return to Braham soon?

“Then shall we return to Braham tomorrow morning?”

“That’s right, the ladies here might hold a grudge against me if I stay here for too long.”

　Lunos approached some women to get some information but it might get hard for him if it grows too deep.

“Then I shall pass the official documents with Minister Walles today”

“Please do. I’ll go to the Royal Palace for the time being as well”

　I went to the castle together with Nals.
　That’s because I wanted to see Fraudia one last time if possible.

　I’m quite the bad man for being concerned about Frau when I’m like this with Elsa.
　Well, I’m still a virgin.

　I entered the Royal Palace and greeted Minister Walles and General Dolus first.
　I tried looking for Earl Mcbell, also known as mantis, but I couldn’t find him.
　That guy, he must have gone into hiding after that failed assassination attempt on me.

　Though I walked around for a long time I couldn’t find Frau, but just when I thought about giving up I found her while walking up the Royal Palace’s corridor.

“Carlo-sama!”

“Frau, were you able to safely return after that matter?”

“Yes, more importantly, Carlo-sama is also safe.”

“Yeah, I decided to depart from Ruan tomorrow morning.”

“Did you come to the castle because of that?”

“Yeah, I thought I might be able to meet Frau.”

“……Well”

　Frau looked down bashfully.
　Her cheeks turning red is just too cute.

“I won’t be able to meet you for a while but I’ll come again as soon as possible so stay healthy.”

“Carlo-sama, please take care of your body as well. I pray for your success.”

　This child mostly knows about those circumstances.

“Yeah, I’ll try my best.”

　If I get engaged to Sharon the chances to meet Frau might increase.
　I actually wanted to hug her but as it was hard to do I just gently touched her cheek and parted from her.
　I could watch that back who was seeing me off forever.

　OK, let’s get back to Braham and do our best.

---

---

　

---

---

⌈¹⌋
“Elsa, how much did you borrow from Doloa?”

“Eh……?”

　Not understanding the meaning of my question Elsa looked at me puzzled.
　She still had tears in her eyes.

“I’m asking what the amount of money you borrowed is.”

“Eehm, it’s 50 gold coins……”⌈²⌋

　Elsa replied unwillingly.
　That’s 5 million Japanese Yen, isn’t it?
　That’s a large amount of money for a girl her age.⌈³⌋
　That’s a large sum of money for the me from my original world as well.

“When you returned it are you able to quit this job?”

“Eh, yes, but I have to try harder and earn money to – -”

“You want to let your grandparents have an easier life, right? But you don’t have to do it through this job, right?”

“That’s right, but how else should I earn money?”

　That’s right, for a girl her age it’s hard to earn as much as 5 million yen to return it and continue earning money.
　Besides, there isn’t any gender equality in this world.
　It’s different from my original world because I modelled this world after the medieval Europe.⌈⁴⌋

“Elsa, what do you think of m- – me?”⌈⁵⌋

“As I said a while ago, I think you are a gentle person.”

“Do you dislike me?”

“How could I dislike you? For Carlo-sama to be my first customer, I was really relieved – -”

　I see, she doesn’t dislike me.
　Then let’s do this … after all.

“Elsa, you said something a while ago. There’s another method, becoming the mistress of a rich person.”

“Yeah, though Doloa-san told me this would be better”

“How about you become my mistress? Even though I say mistress I won’t do anything to you forcibly. If you don’t like it you can go whenever you want. Of course, I’ll pay you a monthly salary so you can properly support your grandparents.”⌈⁶⌋

“Eh?! But we didn’t do anything yet, right?”

“There’s no need to rush. It’s your first time, it’s better to know each other a little more before doing this stuff, then Elsa can decide if you really want to do it with me.”

　And when I’m prepared, okay?

“But I can’t possibly accept this much from you”

“It’s fine, if Elsa’s fine with it I’m also fine with it. Are you against it?”

“It’s……It’s not like I’m against it……But I’m sorry I can’t after all……”

“If Elsa isn’t against it then it’s settled. Let’s go talk to Doloa about it immediately.”

　I quickly got up from the bed.
　After I put on my clothes I left the room without looking at Elsa.
　When I looked at the carefully folded clothes thoughts of the lovely Elsa rose up.⌈⁷⌋

　This isn’t love.⌈⁸⌋
　Of course, it isn’t affection⌈⁹⌋ either, it might just be out of pity.
　In the end, it’s only me helping her for my own self-satisfaction.
　But isn’t that fine?
　I’m mostly the villain Carlo, keeping one mistress around is just fine!
　……Though I’m still a virgin.

　I waited for Elsa to get dressed and left the room together.
　A black dressed man, who was standing in the corridor and different from the one at the entrance, came over in a hurry.

“Are you returning already? Though I hadn’t stood her for long but is there something you are dissatisfied with?”

“No, I want to talk to Doloa. I’m sorry but could you get her?”

　We went down the stairs and were led into the room from a while ago.
　Elsa stood completely tense next to me.

“Carlo-sama, is that really fine?”

“I said it’s fine, didn’t I? Or are you against is?”

　Elsa lightly shook her head.

“Didn’t I say I’m not against it? But I still can’t believe it.”

“Then sit down. I’ll make you believe it soon”

　When I was talking about such things I heard someone knocking on the door.

“Well, Carlo-sama, what can I do for you? Did this child do something wrong?”

　Doloa entered with a smile on her lips.
　She moved in a sexy yet elegant way, as one would expect.
　This person surely fought 100 battles.⌈¹⁰⌋

“No, in fact, I want to take Elsa back home.”

“Well, did you like her that much? That’s fine. Our store can also send women to mansions, hotels and – -”

“That’s not it”

　I interrupted Doloa in a serious tone.

“I want to have Elsa in my hand’s reach all the time. Of course, I’ll pay an appropriate amount of money.”

“Well, do you want to redeem her?”⌈¹¹⌋

Redeem her, she said, huh?
　I feel like I heard this in a historical drama or read it in a historical novel.

“Did you hear about that child’s circumstances?”

“Yeah. She said she borrowed money from you, Doloa.”

“You know about that as well, huh?”

　Doloa looked towards Elsa with a straight face.
　Until a while ago she used a professional type of voice but now she asked her in a little lower tone.

“Elsa, how about you? Do you want to go with this Carlo-sama?”

　Elsa was puzzled for a bit and threw inquiring looks towards me.
　When I nodded she turned towards Doloa again as she made up her mind.

“I want to go with Carlo-sama if you allow it Doloa-san”

“……Is, is that so?”

　As Doloa slightly sighed she started to speak to me.

“To tell the truth, I was against that child doing this kind of work. You can earn money but this job is many times harder.”

　Then she continued with a slightly bitter smile.

“For this to happen after just the first customer. This is the first time I saw something like this even with my long experience.”

“Well, that’s to be expected”

“Carlo-sama, I won’t object to this child’s wishes. Could you please make this child happy?”

　Carlo is a villain in this world and I myself have no experience in going out with a girl.
　That’s why I honestly don’t know if I can make her happy.
　But I could at least grant her freedom.
　She will still be happier than in this present situation.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I wonder if I’m able to make someone happy. But I do want to make her happy.”

“Is it so? It’s good if you think this way. Can you pay the money?”

　If the amount Elsa borrowed from Doloa is 50 gold coins that would be five white gold coins.⌈¹²⌋
　There’s definitely interest on it so it’s probably higher than that.

“How much should I pay? If I don’t have enough at hand I will let the missing amount be delivered to you.”

“Carlo-sama, your budget for today’s joyride was five white gold coins, right?”

“Yeah, I spend a bit of it just now though”

“Then the rest of it is fine. Please pay the four white gold coins and seven gold coins you have with you.”

“Hey, then- -”

　I was trying to say that Doloa would make losses this way but she just shook her head and stopped me.

“Though I’m also running a business offering these types of things but before that I see myself as a mother to those children. Please take good care of this child. That enough for me”

“Doloa-san……”

As Elsa heard Doloa’s words she couldn’t utter a single one.
　She covered her mouth with both hands and merely shed tears.
　I was also impressed by Doloa’s kind nature.

“Got it. I’ll cherish this promise.”

“Then that’s fine. Then would you kindly hand over the money?”

　Doloa smiled happily and held out her right hand towards me.
　I took out the four white gold coins and seven gold coins out of the small pouch and put them on her hand.

“Shouldn’t I pay at least another two gold coins?”⌈¹³⌋

“I’m not that much of a stingy person. This much is fine.”

　After she said this she spoke to the black-clothed man who stood behind her.

“Please, go and get Elsa’s deed”

　The uncle immediately returned with a piece of paper.

“Now, with this you are free”

　As she said that Doloa tore the deed she received into four pieces and handed them to Elsa.

“Doloa-san……”

“Now, what are you doing, get your bags right away. Get out of here together with Carlo-sama”

“Ah, ye, yes!”　

　Elsa left the room in a hurry.

“Carlo-sama, thank you. I didn’t want to let that child work here from the beginning. The world is still unknown to this child. Please, be gentle.”

“I understand. Apart from that, Doloa seems to have a lot of information.”

“If you work in this kind of field for so many years various rumours will come your way.”

　That’s right, various people will come and go.
　Besides this is a super high-quality shop.
　People with high social positions will come here.

“Doloa, I have a request.”

“……What is it?”

　From this flow of our talk, Doloa seems to have gotten a little cautious.

“Actually, I was asked by His Majesty to move for the sake of Franz Kingdom’s and Ruan’s security. If it’s fine with you, could you cooperate with me?”

“I was born and raised in this town Ruan so I want to be of help to His Majesty. But isn’t it dangerous?”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I would never bother Doloa or the shop. Just tell me the noble’s state and rumours.”

“Certainly a lot of nobles come to this house. If I can be of help to His Majesty it’s not bothersome but can you pay me properly?”

　As one would expect, she’s persistent.
　But the information I could get here is pretty attractive.
　I knew my reason for coming to this town Ruan as well as I know the scar on my face.

“Of course. I’ll pay you well. Since it’s like this I’ll tell an organisation called the “Rabbit group” to come over from time to time, please tell them the information.”

“My, what a cute name, “Rabbit group”.”

　Doloa laughed in an interesting way.

“Yeah, I’d just like you to not tell them about me. Officially, I’m not supposed to be involved. Give the information to a man called “Akatsuki” instead”

“How very interesting. Akatsuki-san, right? Understood. But is that fine? I might tell someone this information, you know?”

“I believe that I can trust you Doloa. When such a thing happens then that means I was just wrong.”⌈¹⁴⌋

“Well, if you say things like that I can’t go around and talk, can I? Alright, I won’t tell this to anyone”

“Also don’t let the Rabbit group’s men play around here. If those guys fall into bankruptcy I would have to settle it.”

“What a pity. You seemed like you’d make a good customer.”

　Doloa laughed in a loud voice.
　That’s not a joke, I’d have to take over every debt those guys made even if it was made while playing around!

“Sorry, I’ve have kept you waiting”

　The door was knocked and Elsa entered.
　She changed from her sexy dress from a while into some simple clothes which probably belonged to her.
　Yes, this appearance fits my preference.
　It goes well with Elsa’s natural cuteness.

“You came. Elsa, serve Carlo-sama well. But if he’s doing terrible things to you just run away and hide here.”

“Hey, hey, that won’t happen.”

　As I protested Doloa laughed interestingly and said.

“That’s a joke. This child is now in your care.”

　While being seen off by the uncles and Doloa Elsa and I left the “Goddess’s Hall”.

“Thank you very much. I will serve you the best I can from now on.”

“Yeah, Elsa, please take care of from now on.”

　Elsa embraced me and I hugged her shoulders.
　Out of nowhere, we kissed a second time.⌈¹⁵⌋
　Then someone suddenly called out to me from the darkness.

“Uhm, ehem, would you mind introducing her?”

---

---

　

---

---

“I’ll do my best!”

　As Elsa said this she looked at me with sparkling eyes.
　Elsa’s lips were only 10 centimetres away from mine.
　****, I can’t move.

　After hearing that story I can’t possibly stop her.
　When I thought that Elsa suddenly closed her eyes.
　She put her chin up a bit and lightly pursed her lips.

　……Thi, thi, this.
　Does she perhaps want to kiss?
　Impossible, impossible, impossible.
　It’s not only because I’m inexperienced but after hearing that story it’s just impossible!

“Ehm, Carlo-sama?”

　Elsa who was tired of waiting opened her eyes and looked at me who became stiff.

Ah, no, it’s nothing. I just admired the scenery a little.”

“Is that so? I’m relieved. I thought you don’t like me after all.”

“No, it’s alright. Rather I think that you are very pretty.”

“Ehe, thank you very much”

　Elsa laughed a little timidly.

“Uhm, should we first take a bath? The other older sisters told me that procedure is good!”

　Ba, ba, baaath!
　Entering together, that?
　WhaWhaWhaWhaWhaWhaWhaWhat should I do?

　While I was suffering Elsa stood up and looked into the bathroom.

“It feels good. I’ll wash your back”

　Then Elsa took my hand and made me stand up.
　I was just standing there without moving an inch.
　Like this Elsa started to undress me.

　First, she took my jacket followed by my shirt, Elsa folded the clothes she successfully stripped from my body carefully one by one.
　I was merely standing there.
　Elsa kneeled down to strip me of my socks and pants.
　Finally only my underwear was remaining.　
　Elsa just reached out to it.

　Stooop!
　Just this is no good.
　I hastily turned around and went away from Elsa.

“Carlo-sama?”

“This much is fine. I’ll do this myself.”

　When I said that I took off my underwear without Elsa seeing and went into the bathroom.

“I’ll enter first.”

　I said that, entered the bathroom and quickly started to soak in the hot bathwater.
　The water had a good temperature but that’s not important now.
　Coming, she’ll definitely come.
　She’ll come soon.
　Just thinking about it made my heart beat awfully fast.

“Excuse me”

　The moment I heard Elsa’s voice I saw her silhouette beyond the steam.
　I averted my eyes immediately but for a moment I saw Elsa’s figure just warped in a towel.
　Those long slender legs exposed until the thigh were immediately burned into my mind.

“Is it fine if you to come out so I can wash your back?”

　As I heard Elsa’s voice I left the bathtub without saying a word.
　While being careful not to look and not to be seen.
　I just turned my back towards Elsa and sat down on the small wooden chair.
　My whole body hardens from the tension.

　Elsa washed my back with a sponge covered in bubbles.
　It feels comfortable since my mother washed me like this when I was small as well.
　But it isn’t mum who’s washing my back right now.

“Then, could you please turn around so that I can wash your front as well?”

　The front!?
I twisted my body and snatched the sponge from Elsa’s hand.
　The valley of her chest warped in a towel instantly jumped into my view.
　It’s not the same size as Crescent Moon’s or Rozea’s but it was still considerable.

“I’ll wash it myself so it’s fine”

“Eh, but……”

　I ignored Elsa’s dissatisfied voice, turned my back to her with emphasis and hastily washed myself.
　Of course, carefully.
　When I finished washing myself I drew some hot water and poured it over myself.
　Then I just jumped into the bathtub.

“I’ll wash it”

“No, it’s fine”

　I said so as I turned the other way in the bathtub as to not look towards Elsa.
　I didn’t see it but I knew that Elsa was washing her body by the sound of it.

“Ehm, excuse me”

　After a while, I heard the sound of a body entering, Elsa entered the bathtub.
　Aaaaah, our bodies are touching.
　My whole nerves were concentrated in my right shoulder were Elsa was coming into contact with me.
　****, I can’t move.

“Carlo-sama……”

　Elsa gently but her head on my shoulder.
　I, I’m…… At my limit!!

“I’m leaving first”

　As I said this curtly I jumped out of the bathtub.
　I hastily wiped my body with a towel.

　What should I do from now on……?
　It feels weird to put on my clothes again.
　In the end, I bound a towel around my waist and went to the bedroom.
　Besides, I don’t have the courage to welcome Elsa after coming out of the bathroom in this form.

　I’ll just crawl into the bed first.
　****, ****, ****.
　This is completely going in that direction.

　Of course, I came to this shop with that intention.
　But to think my partner would be so cute and nice, what’s more, I’m her first customer.
　What should I do?
　But I came here to feel good but she’s such a good child.

　While I had this conflict in my heart someone left the bath.
　I subtly heard the sound of someone wiping their body with a towel.
　That means Elsa is naked right now……?!

　A sign that she will come over soon.
　I unintentionally turned my face the other way as to not look at her.
　Then the candle at the entrance of the room got put out, the light disappeared and the room became dusky.

“Sorry, I’ve kept you waiting”

　I heard a person coming closer to the bed, then I felt the futon getting pushed back next Elsa entered the bed and lay next to me.
　I couldn’t move with me faced to the other side.

　Both of us just kept on laying in silence for a while before Elsa opened her mouth.

“Ehm, Carlo-sama?”

“Yes?”

　Ah, I shouldn’t have answered.
　I’m nearly suffocating with tension.
　Though I didn’t brush my teeth, will I be alright?⌈¹⌋

“If this is a misunderstanding, forgive me for my rudeness.”

“I don’t mind. Say it”

“Could it be that this is Carlo-sama’s first time coming to a shop like this?”

　I, I, I got found out!
　What should I do?
　How should I answer her?
　I’m the villain Carlo, I should play it cool at times like this.
　But honestly, I don’t have such confidence.
　What should I do?

　I came to the conclusion, to be honest.
　There’s no way I can hide behind some cool act.
　Besides, I believe that this Elsa wouldn’t make fun of me for that.

“……That’s true”

“So it was like this after all! I knew it because you were so tense.”　

“Ahaha, I was found out after all, huh?”
After I talked honestly the power left my shoulders.
　I turned around and faced Elsa.
　Elsa’s faced bloomed 5 centimetres before me.
　It at was such a distanced that our noses seemed to nearly touch.

“I actually don’t have any experience with shops like this. I’m really tense as I don’t know what I should do.”⌈²⌋

　As I told her the truth Elsa laughed with a smile……She lightly kissed me.
　That’s a kiss?
　Though I feel very excited and nervous it feels kind of warm.

“Leave it to me. I did hear some things from the other older sisters so I’ll lead you!”

　As she said so Elsa tore off the futon and lay on me.
　Elsa’s naked body was exposed.
　Her chest was hitting mine.
　I think I can feel her tips touching me somehow.
　I unintentionally hugged Elsa’s body with both hands.

　……Hm?
　Elsa’s body was shaking a little.
　She’s trying really hard but she can’t hide this trembling.
　For an instant, I thought she was cold but that didn’t seem to be the case.

“Relax and leave everything to me”

“Elsa, one moment, okay?”

“Yes, what is it?”

　Elsa looked at my face with a tensed up face.
　I smiled awkwardly

“Elsa, do you have experience with those kinds of things?”

“Like I said, this is my first job but I heard how to do it from the other older sisters- -”

“That’s not it, have you done something like this with a man before?”

　Elsa tensed up for an instant and evaded her eyes, turning to the side.

“Ehm, it’s… my first time……”

“The kiss?”

“Ehm, the one earlier… was my first as well.”

　It’s like this after all, huh?
　I thought as much.

“Let’s stop”

“Eh? But……”⌈³⌋

“It’s fine already. Let’s stop here.”

“I’m sorry, do you hate inexperienced virgins? Ehm I’m really… sowwy”

　Elsa’s eyes were filled with tears.⌈⁴⌋

“That’s not it. Everything is alright, you don’t have to cry, Elsa”

　That being said I put Elsa next to me.
　I covered her with a futon.

“Elsa, how much did you borrow from Doloa?”⌈⁵⌋

---

---

　

---

---

Me, a virgin, playing around with an inexperienced girl?!
　That’s absolutely impossible!

“I’m sorry I can’t meet your request. But I can assure you that this child will satisfy you.”

　Doloa smiled at me for some reason and called out to the black-dressed uncle standing next to her.

“You should first take a look. Please bring Elsa”⌈¹⌋

　The black clothed uncle bowed respectfully and left.
　Eh, are you really bringing the girl here?⌈²⌋

“Doloa, isn’t there a regular girl who’s free for me now……”

“Carlo-sama, don’t worry. You’ll surely like her when you see her”

　Ah, it’s no use.
　Negotiating with that Doloa is rather tough.
　There’s a huge gap in experience.
　The door was immediately knocked.

“Enter”

　Following Doloa’s voice the door opened and a girl timidly entered.
　Though not as much as Doloa she was a pretty tall girl with defined facial features.
　She’s around 18 years old and certainly quite pretty.
　She seemed to be considerably tense.

“Doloa-san, you called for me?”

“Elsa, say hello to this person. He’ll be your customer.”

“Eh? Ehm, I’m Elsa. Please take care of me.”

　Elsa looked into my eyes and told me her name then she briskly bowed.

“Ah, no, ehm, Doloa!”

“How is it? Isn’t she a refined, good girl? Her style is quite good as well.”

“That might be the case but I’d want a different girl after all……”⌈³⌋

“Oh? Does she not suite Carlo-sama’s taste?”

　The moment Doloa said this, tears ran down the girl called Elsa’s face.⌈⁴⌋
　Uwawawaa, don’t cry.

“Ehm, sniff, am I no good after all? I’m not as beautiful as the other older sisters and my back is wide.”

“No, it’s not that, it’s not that, but”

“Right? If it’s this child you’ll surely like her. She’s a good child after all.”

　Doloa said this.
　……It’s impossible.
　I can’t tell them to send me another girl right in front of this girl.⌈⁵⌋

“Got it, that girl’s fine.”

“Thank you. Elsa, give him your thanks, he’s going to be your first customer.”

“Th, thank you very much! I’ll do my best, so please take care of me.”

　Elsa was happy again and lowered her head.
　My mind has already gone blank.

“Then Carlo-sama, would it be fine if you’d pay first?”⌈⁶⌋

“Yeah. How much is it?”⌈⁷⌋

“That would be three gold coins”

　I handed her one white gold coin and put the remaining four white gold coins and my change of seven gold coins back into the small bag.

“As you can see, Elsa, he’s rich and has a high social position. Try your hardest to satisfy him.”

“Understood, I’ll do my best”

　……What are you going to do your best in?
　Having a younger girl say that to me it isn’t strange for me to feel kind of guilty.

　I left the small room together with Elsa, climbed up the grand staircase under the guidance of the black-clothed uncle and entered a room on the second floor.
　The room is divided into a room with a sofa and a small table in it, a bathroom and a bedroom.
It was so wide and clean that one wouldn’t believe it was a room belonging to such a shop.

“You have time until tomorrow’s sunrise. Please enjoy your time and relax.”

　The uncle carefully lowered his head and left the room, now it was just me and Elsa.
　Uwaa~, the feeling of tension is strong.
　I have no idea what to talk about.

“I’m Elsa. Thank you for choosing me today. I’m inexperienced in what to do at first but I will serve you with all my heart so please take care of me.”

　Surprisingly Elsa suddenly sat down on the floor and lowered her head.
　Dogeza exists in this world?⌈⁸⌋
　I mean I’ll get even tenser if you do such a thing.

“I, it’s fine even if you’re not acting that formal. So, let’s sit here”

　 I took Elsa’s hand who was kneeling on the floor to help her stand up.
　Uwa, I unintentionally touched her.

“Ah, then please excuse me.”

　Elsa sat down beside me when I sat down on the sofa.
　Uwa, she got super close.
　Though Rozea from the Moulin Rough also sat close to me she didn’t stick to me like that.
　Throb, throb, throb⌈⁹⌋
　Though I unintentionally wanted to leave I did my best to stay.⌈¹⁰⌋

“Ehm, how should I call you?”

“Call me Carlo.”

　As Elsa is taller than Carlo I had to look up to her from below.
　Close, she’s close!

“Carlo-sama, I’m in your care”

“Elsa, how old are you?”

“I turned 18 this year”

　My estimate just got proven right.
　Aah, Her wide open eyes and her nose ridge were just like those of a doll.
　She seemed to be pretty nervous her expression became really cute.
　I’m still quite nervous.
　Mmm, what should we talk about?

“Elsa, why did you start doing this kind of work?”

　As I casually asked her this Elsa suddenly looked down.⌈¹¹⌋
　She dropped her shoulders and started to speak with a small voice while looking down.

“Ehm, when I was small my parents died and I was brought up by my grandparents……”

　Aaah, I messed up!
　Let’s listen for the time being, but this is something I shouldn’t have touched, isn’t iiit?
　At times like this inexperience brings about bad results.

“My grandparents have a small shop but recently my grandpa fell ill. My grandma is still running the shop while also nursing my grandpa……”

　Ah, I can’t listen anymore I’ll get blue otherwise.
　But I can’t stop her because I asked her myself.
　The only thing I can do is listen and nod.

“Though I helped out as much as possible the sales fell nevertheless and we were gradually becoming unable to buy new goods and pay the rent.”

　Aah, it’s sad.
　For such a pretty girl to come to a store like this there had to be such a reason.
　Why did I ask such a thing? I’m so stupid.⌈¹²⌋

“My grandpa’s disease became worse and worse so I had a famous doctor examine him. Then he told me that he had to take some very expensive medicine for a while to be cured”

　Please forgive me already.
　I’m the bad one for asking.⌈¹³⌋

“My grandpa can’t afford to borrow money and I don’t have the money to pay for the medicine. He told me I shouldn’t worry about him. However, I tried asking some people I know to borrow me some money but they all declined.”

　At that point, Elsa raised her face and smiled when she looked into my eyes.
　Her eyes were filled with tears.

“At that time I was introduced to Doloa-san. Doloa-san told me I could earn money with this shop but because it’s really hard it’s fine to stop any time. She told me it would be much better if I’d become the mistress of a rich person. But I don’t know someone like that and if I don’t get the money soon my grandpa will die. That’s why I borrowed money from Doloa-san. I told her I would work hard and return it.”

　She said so with a smile and wiped away her tears.

“I’m very grateful to Doloa-san. Thanks to her I was able to pay our shop’s rent, I could also buy the medicine for my grandpa, and I read in a letter from my grandma that he’s doing better after just taking it for a while. That’s why I want to work hard here to pay Doloa-san back and let my grandparents enjoy an easy life. That’s why I’ll give it my best”
……I give up.
　What did I want to do to such a good child?⌈¹⁴⌋
　What Operation DDT, it’s the lowest.
　Can’t make passes at such a child.

“Ehm, Carlo-sama, That Carlo, I think it’s really good that Carlo-sama is my first customer. You’re gentle for silently listening to my worthless life story. Thanks to you I feel better. I’ll do my best from now on so please always be this affectionate, okay?”

　I seem gentle, though I’m supposed to be villain?
　Besides I leave my money in a shop like this and was going to do that kind of thing.
　Stop it, don’t look at me with those sparkling eyes.⌈¹⁵⌋

---

---

　

---

---

Just entering the back alley of the main street changed the atmosphere drastically.
　Curtains were hanging in the shop’s windows on both sides.
　As the entrance door opened pink light spills out onto the street.

　Within that light a silhouette of a person standing at the shop’s entrance arises.
　It was a woman with the fullest degree of skin exposure.

“Hey that good-looking mister over there, won’t you play with me?”

“I’m a lot better~. I’ll take you to heaven.”

　As we went along the street sexy Onee-san’s were calling out to me.
　Doji’s eyes were spinning in bewilderment.

“Ca, Carlo-sama, why are these women acting so shameless?　What in the heavens……?”

　Honestly, I’m nervous but I can’t show that on my face.
　I can’t afford to stop now because I already decided on a shop.

“Doji, is it the first time you come to a place like this?”

“Ye, yes. As expected of Carlo-sama, to be familiar with this.”

　Doji looked at me with admiration.
　Fufun, Doji is definitely a virgin.
　I’m also still one, though.
　But soon DDT will be carried out.

　My objective shop should be further back.
　After we walked for a while we reached an especially luxurious building.
　Unlike the other shops, its doors were closed and a shield with the name “The Goddess’s hall” was hanging in front of it.
　It’s here, no doubt.

“Sorry, but could you wait here?”

　I called out to Doji.
　Doji looked up at the luxurious building and seemed dumbfounded.

“Ye, yes, I’ll wait for you here.”

　Haa, Fuu
　I took a deep breath without Doji noticing and opened the doors.
　Unlike the shabby shops I saw in the street this shop is illuminated with bright light giving of a luxurious feelings.
　A huge chandelier hung above the grand staircase covered in a bright red soft and fluffy carpet in front of me.

“Welcome. Do have a reservation?”

　I thought a sexy Onee-san would come to greet me but instead a tough-looking old man wearing a tie and black formal wear bowed deeply and greeted me.

“No, I don’t have a reservation.”

“Certainly. Did you visit our shop before already?”

“This would be my first time”

“Is that so? Thank you for visiting our shop. Our store has the best women in all of Ruan. Dear costumer, which type of goddess would you like to request for today?”

　OK, now comes the important part.

“Let’s see, I want you to choose about five of your best women”

“Ha? Five people is it?”⌈¹⌋

“That’s right. Let’s have all five at the same time, shall we? Choose the best women without minding the money.”⌈²⌋

“Pl, please wait in this room for a bit. I shall call the person in charge.”

　The black clothed Uncle suddenly led me to a small room opposite to the grand staircase.
　It was a small and cozy room but the furniture was luxurious.
　Is this the waiting room for special guest?

　When I sat down on the sofa and waited for a while I heard knocking on the door and a person entered.
　It was a large women wearing a purple dress followed by the black-clothed uncle from a little while ago who entered.
　She should be in her late 30s or her early 40s in terms of age, an auntie, but she probably was a beautiful woman in her younger days, even now she’s a beautiful woman.
　From the dresses neckline one could see a rich valley.

　Though she certainly seemed to be experienced and capable to take the lead but I’d prefer someone a little younger…….
　But I wonder if she would be better for a beginner, but still, you know?⌈³⌋

　The moment those thoughts kept on spinning in my head the woman bowed and began to speak.

“Welcome. I’m the owner of this Goddess’s hall, Doloa.”
Ah, she was this place’s owner, huh?⌈⁴⌋
　I thought she was the person who would keep me company and I certainly got impatient.

“I heard you want our five best women?”

“That’s right. I want five to keep me company.”

“Excuse me, but we are high-quality shops. If you want five women to keep you company at the same time it will become considerably expensive.”

“I don’t mind. I have money”

　As I said so I took out the five white gold coins out of the small back and put them on the table.
　I might get swindled but this is an once-in-a-lifetime chance.⌈⁵⌋
　I didn’t plan to be stingy in the first place.⌈⁶⌋

“Wow, white gold coins. And five pieces of them……”

　That woman who called herself Doloa smiled at me bewitchingly.

“You’re used to playing around, aren’t you? So you can’t be satisfied by just one anymore?”

“Ah, yeah, something like that.”

　……I have to show off.

“I see, you’re truly Margrave Medici-sama.”

　? ！

“Why do you know my name?”

　Could I perhaps have come here before I reincarnated?!⌈⁷⌋
　That’s bad, if that girl is familiar with him…….
　Carlo might have been to 100 battles already but for me, that would be my first campaign.
　If the other party really is familiar with me I will certainly get found out.
　What should I do, my heart is beating fast…….

“Though this Doloa didn’t live in this night world for a long time. There’s no one else with blond hair and a scar on their cheek to be willing to pay so much money for some night time fun. I recently got the information that Margrave Medici-sama came to Ruan so I was able to recognise you immediately.”

　Doloa gave me a perfect smile.
　What a relief, you weren’t familiar with Carlo, huh?
　Still, it just has been a few days since I fell from my horse and got hurt.
　That person has some great intelligence gathering ability and analytical skill.

“I was found out, and here I thought I could go play without others knowing about it.”

When I smiled wryly unintentionally, Doloa began to laugh.

“Margrave-sama, please be at ease, we will keep this a secret as it is part of our job.”

“Just Carlo is fine. You’d save me if you do.”

“Then Carlo-sama, I’m sorry but I cannot meet your demand.”

“Why, is the money, not enough?”

“As if that could be possible. It’s because tomorrow is a holiday.”

　Tomorrow is a holiday, so what?

“In shops like this, the night before a holiday is the busiest. Besides, the girls working here just keep one customer company per night. This stems from the idea of instead having a high rate of customers we would let the customer play slowly to their heart’s content. Unfortunately, today every girl I could recommend Carlo-sama is already accompanying customers.”

　Gooong.
　Tha, that can’t be.⌈⁸⌋
　I was able to gather all my courage with much effort just to carry out Operation DDT.

“Then, it’s fine if it’s not the best women. Three instead of five would be fine as well. Is it still not possible?”

“There isn’t any girl available with the confidence to serve a gentlemen like Carlo-sama. But the ones I would recommend with the confidence are all waiting on customers already……”

“Ca, can’t you do anything about this?”

　I am desperate.
　If I miss my chance tonight I feel like there won’t come one again anytime soon.⌈⁹⌋
　Doloa seemed to be lost in thoughts for a while but got to a conclusion somehow and then looked at me with mischievous eyes.

“Carlo-sama, how about you play in a different way though it’s different from what you hoped for?”

“If there’s a partner available then by all means, but what do you mean with “in a different way”?”

“I’m just asking because it’s someone like you, Carlo-sama. Though I think that people who are used to playing around wouldn’t be able to bear this.”

　I’m not at all used to playing around.
　Far from used to playing around, I’m completely inexperienced.
　But I can’t say something like this right now, I have to let Operation DDT succeed.

“Hoh, sounds interesting. What is it?”

“Actually, there’s someone who just joined the shop recently and that girl has yet to have her first customer. Until today I taught her manners and courtesy, I was planning to present her in this shop tomorrow. How about you become this girl’s first customer?”

　No, no, no, no.
　That’s impossible!
　Even though I don’t have any experience myself, I should be that girl’s first after entering the shop?
　That’s absolutely impossible!!
　But I can’t decline with an atmosphere like this, what will you do, Carlo?!

---

---

　

---

---

The morning of the next day after I met with Frau I talked about the attack with Lunos and Nals.
　I wonder why they didn’t ask me about why I went out.

“Masked men wearing black?”

“Yeah, and they were obviously part of a professional group. They executed cooperative movements and would take their own lives without a second thought to protect a secret.”

“This is either Duke Rejum’s doing or someone close to him, no doubt.”

　Lunos also nods at Nals words.

“That’s right. They might attack Carlo-sama again. Please be careful.”

“Yeah, you should also be careful. How did it go on your side, Lunos?”

“From the list I received I contacted several noble families on bad terms with Duke Rejum and two of them wish to meet you. Do you want to meet them?”

“I want to see them as soon as possible. Make an appointment.”

“The other party seems to think the same way as well. I will try to arrange a meeting as soon as today.”

　At noon I met the two nobles of the Anti-Rejum-group which Lunos told me about.
　They are both weak and old nobles but they are both old men who experienced a lot.

“My~ Carlo-dono is so young and yet so very level-headed already.”

“That’s right, that’s right, it’s a wonderful desire wanting to serve His Majesty the King without fearing that Rejum.”

“Generally that Rejum is acting so bossy now but we know him since his snot was still dripping out of his nose.”

“That’s right, that’s right, back then in the old days he was still wetting his bed and now he’s looking down on these old eagles here.”

“Carlo-dono, let us join hands and give that impudent Rejum a good beating.”

“That’s right, that’s right, we have to work hard for His Majesty the King’s sake! We already served the preceding King so we shall pick up our swords again for His Majesty – -”

　I listened to their endlessly long story but thanks to that I was able to gain their support somehow.
　They seemed to agree to my engagement with Sharon.
　It seems like those two know a sure fire joke they’d like to tell at the wedding party, well, there aren’t any plans for us marry, though.
　As the other party was already pretty old the same stories came up again and again.
　But I also gained something thanks to those stories.
　I heard about those black dressed shinobi which attacked me yesterday from those two people.

“Ooh, it must have been the dark corps”

“That’s right, it’s Kouga village’s dark corps.”

“Kouga village? Where is it?”

　These two answer my questions without having to even think about it.
　Old people know a lot about old stories.

“There’s a village of that name in the territory Earl McBell rules. It is said the hidden village Kouga is located there.”

“That’s right, that’s right, I heard that all people from Kouga got taught in the art of assassination from an early age.”

　Earl McBell, is it–?
　I’m sure I heard that name somewhere before.⌈¹⌋

“That Mcbell guy, Rejum and some other guys employ the dark corps to do some shady work for them”

“That’s right, that’s right, McBell also joined Rejum.”

Ah–, I remembered.
　It’s that mantis-like guy who messily threw those accusations at me from behind when I had my audience with the King, right?
　He seemed to have a lot of antipathy towards Carlo, no doubt.
　Sooner or later this will be settled with money but for now, let’s just wait and see.

　When the talks with the old nobles was over I returned to the mansion.
　Today Nals will come back late due to the negotiations with the Minister and Lunos seemed to continue gathering information, too.
　Alright, today’s my chance to make some progress with my plan.⌈²⌋

　After dinner, I started to fix my appearance.
　I took a bath, brushed my teeth, changed into new underwear, and tried to dress more fashionably like Lunos.
　The fragrance is particularly important.
　I secretly borrowed Lunos’ perfume.⌈³⌋
　Sniff-sniff.
Let’s see if this fragrance is well liked by women and then buy it next time.⌈⁴⌋

　Alright, done.
　Afterwards, I took my Oricalcum Sword and the small bag Pikaru gave me.⌈⁵⌋

“Doji, I’m going out now. Follow me.”

　I called out to Doji who stood guard at the door and left the mansion.
　Though I was excited about meeting Frau yesterday today I’m so nervous.

　Based on the information I purchased from the Rabbit group I walked through the back alleys of the Capital Ruan.
　Night fell and the quiet city gradually started to become lively.
　I heard the cackling of drunkards and the chuckling of women from several shops.

　That’s right, this area represents Ruan’s face at night.
　I went through a street with many gorgeous bars lined up and entered the street at the end.
　According to the information, it should be around here.

　It’s the plan I set up even before I left Braham, I called it “Operation DDT”
　What does DDT stand for?
　It fittingly means “Datsu doutei”⌈⁶⌋

　In my novel “Yuusha Tensei” I wrote that Carlo is popular with women even though he’s a villain.
　He’s a character who made many girls cry.
　Such a Carlo, can he stay a virgin forever?⌈⁷⌋
　No, he can’t.

　This problem is so serious that I unintentionally started to use rhetorical questions.
　For my mission as the author to lead this story to a beautiful ending, that is.
　It’s necessary to solve this problem as soon as possible.
　For that purpose, I made the “Operation DDT/ Datsu Doutei”.

　The contents of Operation DDT are like this.
　In my original world, I nearly have never associated with women other than my mother.
　I’ve never gone on a date and obviously didn’t do anything further than that either.

　When I came to this world I got some experience with talking to them and Rozea often grabbed my hand.
　If I think about the me from my original world that is great progress.
　But doing anything further is absolutely impossible as I get too nervous after all.

　Yesterday with Frau.……I thought, but it was all in vain after all.
　What’s necessary for this me?
　Isn’t it experience and the confidence coming with it?

　Even compared to Lunos and F, Carlo should also be a considerably good-looking man.
　If I increase my experience and confidence I shouldn’t feel that scared anymore.
　Then how does one obtain that?

　When I was worrying about those things the Rabbit group brought in some good information.
　It is said that “In the Capital, there are brothels with experienced women in them”.
　Isn’t that place just what I searched for?

　There were various types of women there from the lovely girl to the older sister full of sex appeal.
　Additionally, the quality and prices vary in each shop.
　I succeeded in finding an excellent shop where the highest-grade Onee-san’s were gathered.

 In my original world, to be honest, I wasn't really interested in these kinds of shops.

　But, as I thought, I was scared.
　I don’t know what kind of Onee-san will come out and what should I do if a scary Nii-san comes out and threatens me?
　I don’t even know what actions to take or what to talk about with a woman when it’s just the two of us in the first place.
　That’s why it was absolutely impossible for me to visit such a shop.

　However.
　In this world, I am Carlo, besides there’s the author’s correction.
　There’s no need to be afraid of this areas hooligans coming out either.
　I brought Doji with me as something like a bodyguard.

　But the question remains, what will I do if I’m alone with a woman?
　I’m completely nervous.
　I have no idea what to do.

　That’s where “Operation DDT” comes in.
　First, I’ll go to “the best shop” with the information I got.
　When I’m there I’ll be able to employ a lot of experienced Onee-sans.
　If I do that it won’t be a one-on-one situation so I might be able to relax.
　Besides, if there are so many Onee-sans even if I don’t do anything they’d probably do everything.
　Aah, this is complete debauchery.⌈⁸⌋
　It could be said that this is a gorgeous battle appropriate for Villain Carlo’s debut match.

　Alright, that’s it.
　The problem, however, is that if I want to do something like that it will cost a tremendous amount of money.
　Something like that can’t be cheap and I want to do this in the best shop.
　But otherwise my strategy is perfect there’s not a single mistake in it.⌈⁹⌋
　That’s why I asked Pikaru to prepare the money beforehand.
　Of course, I told Pikaru it’s a present for the Royal Family.⌈¹⁰⌋

　The budget is five white gold coins.
　It’s a large sum of money when converted to Japanese yen it would be 500 million yen.
　With this amount of money, it’ll be alright no matter what might happen.

　Goodbye, my virginity.
　Right now Operation DDT will be carried out, with my utmost effort, seyo.

---

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---

---

“Got it. Then listen well to what I have to say now.”

　I took a deep breath and started to talk to Fraudia.

“First of all, I want to say again that I swore my loyalty to His Majesty and Her Imperial Highness from the bottom of my heart.”

“I also know that.”

“Yeah. Then, Fraudia should also have heard this, Her Imperial Highness is an important tool for negotiations for His Majesty and Franz Kingdom. In such a situation the Princess will be married off to another country’s royal family or a local noble sooner or later. In the end, it’s for political reasons, right?”

“That’s what the Princess always says as well. She said she’s ready for it.”

“That’s right, isn’t it? But I feel sorry for Her Imperial Highness to end up like this. One has to sacrifice themselves not to defeat an enemy but for political reasons. Besides His Majesty the King is in conflict with the nobles at the moment. Under these circumstances, if Her Imperial Highness is married off to a noble to reconcile with them what will happen to her?”

“That’s……”

“It’s inevitable that His Majesty and the nobles will clash sometime soon. I want to avoid that Her Imperial Highness is used for the things I mentioned earlier. If possible, I want her Imperial Highness to have a happy marriage with a partner she chose.”

“But even if she gets married to Carlo-sama you aren’t a partner she chose herself, right? Ah, please forgive my rudeness.”

“No, you’re right. Getting married off to me would be the same thing. Fraudia, make sure to keep what I’m going to tell you now a secret from His Imperial Highness.”

“Yes, I kind of feel scared asking you now.”

“I asked His Majesty for an engagement with Her Imperial Highness for the reasons I told His Majesty additionally to the reasons I just told you. However, I don’t intend to marry her Imperial Highness. I just want to get engaged to her.”

“Just get engaged……?”

“That’s right. As I said before, I want Her Imperial Highness to find her own happiness with a partner she chose herself and I myself haven’t fallen in love with her at first sight.⌈¹⌋
Everything is for her to be exempted from those political matters. Therefore, I will ask for my engagement with the Imperial Highness to get cancelled after the conflict with the nobles is over with the help of His Majesty.”

　I can’t really tell her that this partner is supposed to be the Hero and that I’m actually the author who created this world and decided on that but what I said wasn’t a lie.
　Though Fraudia will bear a grudge when the time comes for Carlo to betray the Princess and the King in his coup d’état but please forgive me because there’s a happy ending waiting for her (planned).

“Is what you said the truth?”⌈²⌋

“Yeah, it’s the truth. That’s why I, of course, don’t plan to do anything with the Princess even if we get engaged. You’ll understand if you watch closely, Fraudia, right?”

“Carlo-sama, I didn’t think you would consider the Princess that much……”

　I could see, even though she wore a shawl, that Fraudia was touched and moved to tears.
　You did it, Carlo, Point Uuuuup!!⌈³⌋
　Is now the time to attack?
　When should I attack? Now, right?! (Stale)⌈⁴⌋

“In the first place, I thought that Fraudia was much prettier than Her Imperial Highness when I met her.”

　I gave a smile mimicking Lunos.
　How’s that? Did it work?

“That’s, Carlo-sama……”

　Oooh, it worked, it worked!
　That attack just now was a direct hit!
　While I was at a loss if I should hug her a voice sounded.

“Carlo-sama, there’s a strange presence.”

　Doji who was standing guard close by came over and whispered in a low voice.
　He already held his axe in his hand.
　That’s right, there was a setting that Doji had a superior wild intuition.

“Fraudia, there’s something strange. Don’t leave my side.”

“Ye, yes……?”

　I also pulled out my Oricalcum Sword and investigated the area for that presence.
　I certainly feel a disturbance in the dark.
　Who is it that dared to disturb this good moment?!

　Reus……!
　I call for the lizard (Salamander) Reus the fire spirit in my mind.
　Then I formed seals with my left hand and chanted the aria for a light spell in a low voice.

　Paaa

　Fireballs started to float in the air and at the same time illuminated this area.
　There were five men dressed in black.
　Each one of them held Swords resembling Japanese Swords in their hands and covered their faces with a mask.
　Aren’t they the same as ninjas?

“You guys, quit acting cool. What are you doing?”

　Doji asked but no one answered.
　Those five people made a semicircle and gradually shuffled around the three of us.

“Hmpf, I bet our friend, Rejum sent them over. Are you aiming for me or Fraudia?”

　The man standing in the middle was going to answer my question.

“Margrave Medici, we will take your life. Of course, we won’t let the other two live either.”

　Mmm, it’s like a historical drama.
　But I can’t forgive them.
　If it went well I might have gotten my first kiss or we might have gone a little further.⌈⁵⌋
　When I thought about that I got really angry.

“I feel sorry for you guys. To especially come here on a day like this. I’m in a pretty bad mood.”

　I held my Oricalcum sword in front of me as I said that.
　Fraudia was properly following behind me.

　Hyun!
　Kakiin!

“How……?! To dodge that”

　I knocked down the thing which suddenly flew towards me with my sword.
　As I thought what you threw was a shuriken, wasn’t it?
　I was able to deal with it and I think I looked pretty cool.
　Thanks to the fireballs it was bright and the author’s correction was applied.
　They seemed surprised that I was able to deal with that.

“Those tricks don’t work on me. If you don’t believe me want to try it again?”

　Hyun, Hyun, Hyun!

　On my provocation, several shuriken flew towards me.

　Kakin, Kakin, Kakin!

　I repelled them left and right.
　Looking to my side, I saw Doji using his axe as a substitute for a shield and he was able to block them properly.
　The intuition of a wild nature child is truly splendid.

“****! They are able to do it”

“I told you, didn’t I? It won’t work on me. So, what are you going to do next? Ninjutsu?”

　As soon as I said that several shurikens came flying from the left again.
　Then I turned my head towards the Ninja who appeared at the place where I tried to repel those flying things.
　He ran close to the ground and tried to stab me with his sword from a low posture.
　I didn’t think about combined attacks from above and below.

　But my speed doesn’t allow it to work.
　I just swung down my sword after I repelled the shurikens in the upper corner.
　My sword reaches my opponent faster than the tip of his sword could reach me.

　Zen!

　Just when I cut one another guy came flying from the sky about to cut me.
　I stepped into the opposite direction and blocked my opponent’s sword which swung down on me from the front.

　Giin

　Followed by the impact my opponent’s sword broke from the root.
　That guy lost his balance from the shock and flipped over, at that time I stabbed him with my sword.

　Guse

　The Oricalcum Sword penetrated through my opponent’s chest along with an indescribable response.
　At the moment I pulled out the sword I felt a burning sensation running up my spine.

　Buun!

　As I turned around when I felt that sensation I saw a sword nearly cutting me from behind.
　While I twisted my body and dodged it I swung my sword to the left.

　Zuba!!

　The one I slashed at was the leader-like man who answered my question a while ago.
　My sword dug deep into the man’s body.
　Guhaa
　After the man coughed up some blood he slowly fell down.

　Far from the blade even being scratched there wasn’t even any blood sticking to the Oricalcum sword even after I pulled it out of that man.
　Even after cutting down three people its sharpness didn’t decrease.
　As I expected this is a good sword, it’s worth its price.

　When I looked to the side I saw Doji cut down one guy and faced the last one.⌈⁶⌋
　Let’s capture that one and interrogate him, shall we?

“Doji, let this one live and capture him.”

“Understood”

　Seeing that all his companions were done in he turned his back to us and tried to flee.
　I struck his back with the back of the sword.
　The man fell from the impact and let go of his sword.
　This caused me to grab that man’s head.

“I’ll have you tell me who your employer is.”

“Gu, gufuu……”

　Blood ran down the man’s mouth.
　In that moment the life left his eyes.
　****, did he bite off his tongue?
　What a guy, going this far to keep that secret.
　For my opponent to use these guys, I can’t be careless, huh?

“Are you alright, Fraudia? You must’ve been scared.”

“I’m alright. Because I know about Carlo-sama’s strength.”

　I approached Fraudia and took her hand.
　While trembling a little, Fraudia looked at me firmly.
　Her brown eyes were looking through the veil at me for a while.
　****, like I thought that girl’s my type.⌈⁷⌋

“People will come soon. If it comes out that we met here it would become troublesome in various ways. Leave quickly.”

“Understood. Then I shall take my leave. Carlo-sama……”

“What?”

“Please call me Frau. Well then”

　When I put out the fireballs Fraudia disappeared in the darkness.
　Ah, I mean Frau.
　Frau, I wonder when we’ll be able to meet again.

　Meanwhile, three knights rushed here.
　It seems like they were the knights in charge of guarding the royal palace.
You’re slow, good grief.

“What on earth happened here? Please state your name.”

“I’m Margrave Carlo de Medici. And that over there is my attendant, Doji.”

“Forgive me for my rudeness, Margrave-sama. What happened here? Who are these dead people?”

“That’s what I want to know. When I was taking a walk I was suddenly attacked by those guys. Who are they?”

“You don’t have any idea who they are?”

“No idea at all. Investigate those guy’s identities with your people”

　Well, they won’t be able to find any evidence, though.
　Those guys are obviously professional shinobi.

“By the way, what was Margrave-sama doing here?”

“Do I have to explain myself in front of you?”

　When I glared at them the knights suddenly became flustered.

“No, there won’t be a problem even if we don’t question you. Be careful”

“I’m sorry but could you please investigate this. Tell me about your progress.”

“Certainly”

　I returned to the mansion together with Doji.
　Oh man, I was almost able to kiss her.

---

---

　

---

---

“Then shall we greet him?”

“Is that alright? The other party is a big shot.”

“We’re going to fight anyway so there’s no need to be reserved.”

　I grinned at Lunos and went towards Rejum.
　Normally I wouldn’t act that boldly, seems like I got a little influenced by Carlo this time.
　Rejum’s followers seemed surprised as they saw me come over.
　But as one would expect of Rejum, his expression didn’t change.

“If it isn’t Carlo-dono, it has been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Duke Armandi, you haven’t changed at all.”

“I heard about the thing with Viscount Gerg. Carlo-dono seemed to have wonderfully uncovered this crime.”

　To talk about this matter right away on his own accord, what an impudent guy.
　He plans to put all the blame on Gerg and make himself appear completely unconcerned.

“Thanks to that the ringleader committed suicide. From this point on I intend to search for the person who controlled them from the shadows.”

　Did I sound like Pick just now?

“The person who controlled them from the shadows, is it? You have to track that person down by all means.”

“For the Duke to say this, it boosts my motivation. His Majesty also told me that.”

　Rejum should have heard about my report to the King from Earl McBell from a little while ago.
　But he shouldn’t know about the exchange in the King’s living room.

“Hoh, his Majesty, is it?”

“Yeah. He told me something like I should find that person no matter what to ensure Franz Kingdom’s stability and order.”

“Carlo-dono, you were that close to His Majesty?”

“That’s strange. Isn’t it natural to devote all your loyalty to His Majesty the King as we received our peerage in this Franz Kingdom?”

　On the surface, this sounded rather innocent but if I had to summarise its meaning it would be “Could it be you aren’t on the king’s side?” and “Shut up, I don’t feel like becoming your follower, Idiot”.⌈¹⌋
　Seeing the bitter faces of his followers in the vicinity made me smile.

“I see. I shall keep that in mind.”

“Is that so? I shall take my leave now.”　

　After I said just that I lowered my head and left.
　This much should be enough to provoke them.

　I was just going to leave the Ball hall when I passed Fraudia.
　She passed me a small, folded piece of paper while we were walking past each other.

“Tonight, 11:00”

　Fraudia left after she whispered only that.
　What is this? An invitation to a date?!⌈²⌋

　As I left the Ball hall I opened the small piece of paper Fraudia gave me and read the following: “At the bridge leading into the royal palace.”
　It’s that drawbridge I crossed to enter the palace.
　What on earth does she want from me?
　I’m really excited!

“Carlo-sama, did something happen?”

“N, no, nothing at all.”

　I hastily hid the paper as I heard Lunos who followed me.
　Only that guy can’t find out about this.
　I see that good-looking guy as my rival after all for now.

“Is that so? I shall take Carlo-sama to the residence now.”

“Please do”

　I left the castle, crossed the drawbridge and went to my residence.
　Later at that bridge……I’m nervous!
　The bells indicating it’s half past 9 just sounded which means it’s another one and a half hour until that time.

“Welcome back, Carlo-sama. I waited for you.”

　Even if you call it a residence it wasn’t really big.
　Well, about as big as my mansion in Braham.
　It’s no surprise that it is like that, I’m an emerging, inexperienced noble after all.
　But it was warm thanks to Doji who lit a fire earlier.
　Nals was also waiting there.
“Lunos, how did the intelligence gathering at the ball go?”

“Everything went smoothly as I found a woman with a loose mouth. I shall make her talk tonight as well … slowly.”

　As I expected, Lunos’ lady-killer skills could be useful as well.
　In that point, I’m no match for that fellow.⌈³⌋
　But even I have a date today!⌈⁴⌋

“I see, then please do that. Nals, how was the meeting with the Minister?”

“As I expected, Minister Walles is a capable person. He’s a formidable opponent but I’ll be able to do something.”

“If this negotiation goes well we will gain more flexibility in our military reform and economic policies.”

“Understood. It should be fine as increasing our power to benefit the other side isn’t a bad excuse.”

　As I was talking with Nals like that Lunos left.
　He put on a stylish scarf and wore his military uniform.
　I’ll also use that as reference.
　Meanwhile, I heard the bell indicating it is half past 10.
　****, only 30 minutes left.

“Let’s leave it at that for today. Please give it your all tomorrow as well.”

“Certainly, good night”

　After I confirmed that Nals left and entered his room I hastily got ready to go out once again.
　I did my hair and brushed my teeth.
　Of course, I changed my underwear as well. ⌈⁵⌋
　I don’t know how the situation might develop after all.
　Should I take my Oricalcum sword with me, just in case?

　I quietly left my room and sneaked down the stairs.
　This reminded me of my student days when I tried to sneak out of the house without my mother noticing.
　In those days I still had friends…….⌈⁶⌋
　I tried to open the entrance door with the key as quietly as possible.

　Squeeeek

“Carlo-sama, are you going out this late at night?”

　Uwaaaa!!
　I nearly got a heart attack.
　Please stop that~ I’m weak to those kinds of things.
　It was Doji who called out to me from the darkness.
　When I looked closer he had his huge axe in his hand.

“Do, Doji, huh? What are you doing here?”

“Lunos-sama told me to stand guard because we don’t know if a noble might decide to attack us.”

　I see, the possibility for that to happen surely exists as I declared war just a while ago.
　Though I’m grateful that you are concerned about me but I’m running out of time here.

“Where’s Carlo-sama going?”

“No, it’s just some boorish business I have to take care of.”

“Hehe, it’s that kind of thing, huh? As I thought. Then let me accompany you.”

“Eh? N, no, but, that’s……”

“Isn’t it fine? I won’t tell anyone what I heard or saw, not even Lunos-sama or Pikaru-sama.”

　……Well, is it alright because Doji is a character who admires Carlo a whole lot?
　It can’t be helped, I don’t have time to persuade him so let’s take him with me.

“I got it, then come. Please keep this a secret.”

“I shall keep it a secret.”

　I hurried to the bridge as promised together with Doji.
　Just when I arrived the bell sounded indicating it is 11:00.
　Uwa, I’m late.
　Coming too late to one’s first date is the worst in my opinion (cries).

“I’m sorry, I kept you waiting.”

　When I reached the promised place I saw a woman standing in the dark.
　I couldn’t see her face as she covered it with a shawl.
　I let Doji stand close to me and called out to the woman.

“No, I’m sorry for calling you out at such an hour.”

“What business would you have with me this late at night?”

“Yes, there’s something I want to ask Carlo-sama by all means.”⌈⁷⌋
I noticed that Fraudia was tense from the sound of her voice.
　****, what does she want to ask me?
　Something like: “do you have a girlfriend at the moment?” or “What do you think of me?”
　If she asks me that what should I answer? How did I answer in those games……?

“Why did you propose to Princess Charlotte?”⌈⁸⌋

　Ah, it’s about that, huh?
　That’s bad, that’s bad.
　Well, of course, she’d be bothered about it as that happened right in front of her.
　I’m too careless to forget about that.
　 I want to get engaged to Sharon because it’s necessary for the story.
　But it’s not like I can tell Fraudia that. What should I do?

“I didn’t propose to her I asked His Majesty to get engaged to her, you should have heard that as well, Fraudia.”

“But isn’t that the same as proposing? Why? This should have been the first time you met the Princess.”

　I can’t make a wrong choice here.
　This might end in the engagement with Sharon getting cancelled not to mention my relationship with Fraudia will suffer if I fail here.⌈⁹⌋
　Think carefully, don’t make any mistakes, me.

“Fraudia, can you promise me that you are absolutely loyal to Her Imperial Highness the Princess?”

“Of course. I value the Princess more than anything else.”

“Can you also promise me that you’ll never leak a secret if it’s asked of you?”

“If it’s for the princess’ good.”

　This girl is a smart child.
　Rather than deceiving her, I should…… tell her the truth to some extent.
　Of course, I can’t tell her about the final part.

“Got it. Then listen well to what I have to say now.”

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