---

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“Ma, Margrave Medici, this joke is going too far!”

　Minister Walles panicked.
　No wonder, I suddenly proposed to the princess after all.
　My original self would never have done this in such a forceful way.
　But the story’s setting of “Yuusha Tensei” would collapse if I didn’t do something here.

“No, this isn’t a joke. If Her Imperial Highness Princess Charlotte and I get engaged it would strengthen my position and direct all the feudal lord’s opposition towards me at the same time. If it turns out like this the criticism which was supposed to be directed towards His Majesty will decrease and it would become easier to start the reform, don’t you think?”

“……A vassal asking for Her Imperial Highness’ hand, even if you said you want be His Majesty’s strength this is disrespectful. What on earth are you plotting?”

　General Dolus interrogated me with a rugged face.
　This person is really serious when it comes to the King.
　When he glared at me with that stern face my original character resurfaced again and I nearly became fainthearted.
　That’s no good, I have to hold out.

“Please forgive my repeated disrespectful behaviour. However, the conservative feudal lords including Duke Armandi are powerful. To oppose them considerable preparation and suitable power are necessary. If I would get engaged to Her Imperial Highness then my position would become clearer and I would become the representative for the powers sympathising with the Royal Family. Please, allow it.”

“However, I must ask about Her Imperial Highness’ intentions first……”

　At Walles’ words everybody turned towards Charlotte all at once.
　The Princess didn’t seem like she had recovered from her surprise but as she noticed the eyes focused on her she slowly started to speak, choosing her words carefully.

“If it’s necessary, I shall obey If His Majesty decides it is the best for this country.”

“However, Princess……”

“Walles, it’s fine. I’ve been brought up as this country’s princess. I’m prepared to give my all for this country.”

　Mmm, the princess said it.
　Though I feel sorry to get us engaged so forcefully but you’ll soon be able to meet your wonderful Hero-sama and can have lovey-dovey (peep) with him so be patient, Sharon.
　Ah, Sharon is Princess Charlotte’s nickname.
　But Sharon was a girl who would clearly show her will.
　Though I though her character was more tomboyish and selfish.
　There really is a gap between reality and the author’s expectations.

“Fumu, I don’t really understand Carlo’s words. But if Charlotte says so I shall think about it.”

　The King uttered that in a hoarse voice.
　Alright, I somehow did it!
　Just when I thought that he continued.

“But I’m not giving away my beloved daughter so easily. Carlo, this will depend on your future achievements. Charlotte is a very important tool for negotiations for this country, she’ll only marry the most beneficial partner. Fufufu……”

　Is it normal to call one’s own daughter “Tool for negotiations” right in front of her?
　See, this whole situation turned awkward.⌈¹⌋

“Certainly. Then let’s decide it based on my future achievements.”

　I didn’t yield to that atmosphere and carefully consented.
　Well, as long as I haven’t been declined it’s progress.

　I left the King’s living room and reunited with Nals, Lunos and Doji.

“That’s the reason, Nals. I leave those detailed negotiations to you.”

“Understood, it’s a matter of acknowledging this as an economic stimulus instead of a burden on the governmental funds to realise the pavement of the highway and the military expansion.”

“Please tell me if you need anything. Don’t let your guard down, the other party is Minister Walles after all.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll do my best as this is also a measurement necessary to oppose the barbarians.”

“And Lunos, this is a list of nobles who are likely to resist Duke Armandi. Investigate them in secret.”

“Certainly. Then I shall look for a talkative lady and have her tell me some things.”

　I’ll let the Rabbit group investigate the information on the list as well.
　Lunos is able to easily gain the favour of women so he’ll be able to investigate through that way.
　He’s a good-looking, popular man after all.
　Bringing Lunos instead of F with me was the right decision after all.
　Even though F is also good-looking, work like this is impossible for him.

　When night fell I was invited to a ball hosted by the King.
　I’ve never danced on a ball before……!
　I’m generally bad with those luxurious kind of things.
　****, I’m nervous.
　Ah, that woman who’s obviously walking towards me.
　Though she’s a beautiful woman wearing a fancy dress and having her hair put up in a bun she looked kind of old (rude).⌈²⌋
Did she lock on to me……? ！

“Margrave Carlo de Medici, you were able to come. Would you like to dance with me?”

　Uuh, it’s absolutely impossible for me to dance after all!
　In the worst case scenario, I might sprain my foot in the middle of it, you know?!

　……Though I thought like that I was able to dance without a problem thanks to the author’s correction.⌈³⌋
　One-two-three, one-two-three.
　Before I knew what happened my body was dancing on its own.
The author’s correction is amazing.

　It seems like the name Carlo was well known so I received many dance invitations from various ladies.
　Though I took all the invitations, hmm, I had yet to find someone who fits my taste.
　Everyone was kind of, a little, slightly, considerably flashy.
　There’s a large gap in preferences there.
　Rozea of the Moulin Rouge is many times sexier and more beautiful.
　And before Crescent Moon’s large mountains everyone else pales in comparison.⌈⁴⌋

　When I think about it, it could be said that I got used to women.⌈⁵⌋
　The former me would have been flying out of bliss.
　Even if I say that I’m still a virgin.
　……Well, for now at least.
　I also had “another purpose” for coming to the Capital Ruan this time around.⌈⁶⌋
　I thought about such things while I was dancing and after being exhausted I began to drink some liquor close to a wall.
　Lunos was dancing elegantly on the dancefloor.
　The eyes of the women in the vicinity were pinned on him.
　Yeah yeah, Lunos sure is a handsome and elegant man.
　Bringing that guy was really the right choice.
　He’ll surely be able to bring me some useful information.

　Then suddenly everyone stopped chattering and turned towards the grand staircase.
　A loud voice echoed through the Ball hall.

“Her Imperial Highness Princess Charlotte has arrived!”

　Charlotte, wearing a tiara and a dress, elegantly went down the grand staircase.
　The whole Ball hall was filled with applause.
　But if one listened carefully one could hear some women whisper things like “How haughty” and “Not a big deal”.
　A woman’s jealousy sure is scary.

　Charlotte received greetings from a large group of attendants.
　Then our eyes incidentally met.
　Uuh, she’s coming over here.

“Carlo-sama, would you like to dance?”

　Charlotte invited me.
　Uuh, those stares are painful.

“With pleasure”

　I put on a cool expression, bowed then took Sharon’s hand and begun to dance with her.
　The Music had a slow, sweet melody.
　I put one hand on Sharon’s waist and slowly danced to the music.
　Sharon put her mouth close to my ear and whispered into it without the people around us noticing.

“You surprised me there a little while ago. Why did you say such a thing so suddenly?”

“On one hand, because I wanted to show my loyalty towards His Majesty and on the other because my heart was taken by Her Imperial Highness’ stunning beauty.”

“It’s useless, even if you tell lies like that. We just met for the first time.”

“Time doesn’t matter when it comes to falling in love with someone. Besides with the Princess’ beauty and straight-forwardness, my heart was easily capture.”

“Let’s take this as a compliment for now then. But do you really intend to support His Majesty the King?”

“Indeed. I plan to serve the King from the bottom of my heart.”

“Those words are enough. I pray for your success.”

　As Sharon said this, we parted and she went somewhere.
　Aah, what a nice smell.
　Though my mouth sprouted those lines as if it had a life of its own, I did well for a virgin.

“Carlo-sama, Duke Armandi has been glaring at you since a little while ago.”

　Lunos casually came over and whispered into my ear.
　When I looked into the direction Lunos pointed in I saw a man wearing a black moustache with an excellent build.⌈⁷⌋
　That’s Duke Armandi Rejum.
　Is that the point where I declare war?

---

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---

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I was invited into the King’s living room together with Fraudia.
　The King, General Dolus and Minister Walles were walking before us.

　So that’s the King’s living room.
　As I expected it’s luxurious and solemn.
　I can’t really relax with such an atmosphere.
　The first to open their mouth was General Dolus.

“About Gerg, are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure. And there’s something else I want to tell His Majesty.”

　There’s something I wasn’t able to say back then.

“Viscount Gerg had connections to Duke Armandi.”

“Is that true?”

　Minister Walles asked for confirmation.
　As Duke Armandi is the present King’s greatest enemy they should be bothered by this.

“This is also something I heard from the person himself. Fraudia was to be sent to Duke Armandi soon. She herself should know best about this.”

“Is that so, Fraudia?”

　Fraudia answered Minister Walles question in a clear voice.

“That’s what the Viscount told me. I should be prepared because I’ll soon be sent to Rejum-sama”

“Fufu, Rejum, he must have planned to use this girl as bait.”

　The King who heard this laughed in a gloomy, low voice.
　I’m not good at dealing with people with such dark personalities.⌈¹⌋
　I feel depressed just talking to them.⌈²⌋
　We were talking like this when suddenly the door was opened and a person jumped in.

“Father, is it true that Frau, that Fraudia returned?!”

“Princess……”

“Aah, Frau, Frau, you’re safe! This is……”⌈³⌋

　The beautiful, blond girl had her eyes filled with tears as soon as she jumped into the room and embraced Fraudia.
　”That” must be Princess Charlotte.⌈⁴⌋

“Where on earth were you, Frau? Do you know how worried I was? Are you alright?”

“I’m sorry, Princess. I was caught by some bad people while I was on my way home. But I was thankfully able to come back safely.”

“Well, like I thought! I knew that something bad must have happened for you to suddenly disappear in front of me. That’s why I asked the Minister and General to send out some soldiers countless times!”

　As the Princess said so she glared at Minister Walles and General Dolus.
　Though she is a stunningly beautiful girl she seemed strong-willed.⌈⁵⌋
　The way she changed from a happy expression to glaring that quickly was scary.

“Well, if we don’t have any evidence we aren’t able to do anything……”

　The Minister tried to hastily explain himself but the Princess seemed to ignore him.⌈⁶⌋

“It must have been hard on you, right, Frau? But you did well to survive. How did you manage to escape?”

“Margrave Medici who also came here helped me.”

　After hearing Fraudia’s words the Princess seemed to finally notice me.
　Do I really have that thin of a presence?

“This should be our first meeting, Margrave-sama. I’m Princess Charlotte.”

“My name is Carlo de Medici. His Majesty the King generously gave me the position of Margrave. Please forgive my rudeness as I come from a rural area.”

　I greeted her with a cool expression.
　Though it’s a little rough I used Lunos as my reference.
　That guy’s popular after all.
　Anyway, being disliked by the princess would be bad.

“I heard you helped Fraudia. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

　The princess thanked me elegantly and smiled.
　****, that smile is exactly like that of an angel.⌈⁷⌋
　I can’t fall in love with her, I can’t fall in love with her, I can’t fall in love with her.
　Because this girl will marry the Hero in the future.

“No, it’s only natural as one of His Majesty’s faithful subjects to also serve Her Imperial Highness the Princess.”

　As I answered to her politely a gloomy voice drifted over from the side.
“Hmpf, a faithful subject you say, but inwardly you think differently, right? You’re not thinking anything good about me either, do you?”

　Uwah, this King is seriously warped.
　How did he become like this?⌈⁸⌋
　……
　……Mmm, Even though it’s troublesome, let’s use a frontal attack!

“Even if it’s like this, Your Majesty”

“What? Speak”

“I know that His Majesty is aiming for a centralization reform right now.”

“Fufu, nobody wants to hear the rest of those words.”

“I heard that there are many feudal lords who don’t agree with His Majesty’s intentions. About that I, Carlo de Medici, want to tell His Majesty something.”

“Then just say it already.”

　The King was clearly irritated by this exchange.
　It also seemed like a noble was going to oppose his reform once again.
　I spoke in such a roundabout way intentionally to irritate the king.
I took a deep breath and continued to speak.

“If His Majesty promises to let me keep my current position and power even after the reform, this Carlo wants to act as a shield for His Majesty and approves of the realisation of this reform from the bottom of my heart.”

　When I kneeled and lowered my head while saying this the King remained silent for a while.

“……Are you trying to tell me you want to support me?”

“Yes, of course, though just if you guarantee my social position and territory.”

“Are you saying the other nobles don’t concern you?”

“I’m not interested in anything else as long as the results are favourable for Franz Kingdom and myself.”

“Hoh, You don’t care what happens to the other nobles?”

　The King asked again with a surprised face.
　This is a matter of course for Carlo, meaning me who’ll be aiming for the throne in the future.
　It would be more than convenient for the number of nobles who could become my rivals to decrease.
　Using the King’s authority I’ll disperse the nobles who look like they’d become rivals and after the number of competitors has considerably decreased I’ll arrest the King and aim for the throne, but it’ll fail in the end because the Hero will stop me, that’s the scenario I wrote for Carlo.

“I don’t care what happens to them. Even if I’m a noble as I’m just an emerging noble I am not particularly close with the other nobles. Rather it should have been obvious with this case that I’m on rather bad terms with Duke Rejum. My true intention is it to borrow his Majesty’s power to oppose those nobles including Duke Rejum.”

　I intentionally grinned as I said this.
　I think it’s better to just show one’s ulterior motives rather than use useless deceptive tactics.
　It seemed like it went as well as I expected.

“Interesting, if it’s like this I wouldn’t mind joining hands. Superficial flattery and pretty words do not deserve to be believed. Carlo, do you have any conditions for lending me a hand?”⌈⁹⌋

“Yes, of course, I will send soldiers in case of an emergency. Please grant me permission to organise a new army to enrichen our military strength and please let us pave the road between the Capital and Braham to promptly be able to move the military.”

　I heard that it was basically forbidden for nobles to organise an army without permission as they could pose a threat to the King.
　The pavement of the highway wasn’t permitted either for similar reasons.
　Even if a noble were to send out soldiers it would take a long time to reach the Capital on an unpaved road.

　I want to clear these two conditions by all means for Carlo to win the war against the barbarians, the fight against the nobles and also for Carlo’s coup d’état on the King in the future.
　The King believed that Carlo’s soldiers were weak so it wouldn’t matter and he would also be troubled if they would take too much time to get to the Capital so that was OK as well.

“Fumu, that’s fine. Discuss the details with Walles. That’s fine, right, Walles?”

“Certainly”

　With that said, I’ll leave the detailed negotiations with Minister Walles to the tactician Nals.
　Well then, there is another condition I haven’t said yet.

“I fear I have another request, your Majesty.”

“Let’s hear it.”

　I took a deep breath.
　Aah, I’m nervous.⌈¹⁰⌋

“I would like to clarify my position and would need a title to be able to stand on His Majesty’s side and to oppose Duke Armandi.”

“I see, a title, huh? What do you want?”

“I’m single. If possible I’d like to ask for Her Imperial Highness Princess Charlotte’s hand.”

“Are you telling me to give you Charlotte as your wife?”

　The King’s tone of voice became lower.
　Princess Charlotte was so surprised by this matter that her eyes became perfectly round and Minister Walles and General Dolus were also obviously astonished by this unexpected situation.
　OK, this is the crucial moment, Carlo.

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Nothing happened on our journey and we safely reached the Capital Ruan.
　The fact that there weren’t any disturbances shows that Duke Armandi didn’t hear about this yet, I guess.
　I saw the Rabbit groups relay station and noticed some of them but they were working hard.
　I didn’t wear my mask so I didn’t call out to them.

　The Capital Ruan is a fort town surrounded by a stunning wall.
　Its height is completely different from the one at our Braham.
　To get examined many people entered the side gate next to the entrance gate to enter Ruan.
　I was led through the front gate as soon as I said that my name is Carlo.
　As expected of a noble.

“Well then, we arrived safely”

　Lunos said those things but Nals seemed to feel dizzy.
　He was able to ride a horse but because he said he wasn’t that proficient I made him ride the carriage but it seemed to have shook considerably.⌈¹⌋

“We were going pretty fast, is Fraudia alright?”

“Yes, just this much is fine.”

　Even though Fraudia who rode the same carriage was in high spirits Nals looked pretty bad.
　Well, there’s no helping that as he’s the type who battles with his head, right?
　He looked quite feeble, too.
　But because he’s thin and beautiful he should be popular within a certain group of girls.
　I bet he will become the next victim of Reina and her friends sometime soon.⌈²⌋
　Please don’t make me his partner if you do.⌈³⌋

“Then shall we go to the royal palace? Fraudia, can I ask you to guide us?”

“Certainly”

　Though Carlo has been to the royal palace many times it would be the first for me.
　Because I didn’t write about the Capital in detail I don’t really know the way despite this being the world I created.⌈⁴⌋
　It seemed like this was Doji’s first time here as well, as he looked around in wonder.
　The Town’s people also looked at Doji who was carrying a huge axe on his back in wonder.

　However, as expected, the Capital is a big town.
　All the buildings were made out of stone and looked excellent, even the roads were also paved with stone.
　There are a lot of people, the businesses seemed to prosper as well.
　Compared to Ruan Braham felt like a local town.
　Though because it’s mostly made of stone the town looked grey.
　I like Braham’s wooden buildings better.
　Though, this would be better in case of a big fire.

　As one would think the people of the Capital walking on the streets were dressed fashionably.
　Though it might be my imagination but the people’s eyes seemed cold when they looked towards us.
　Is this what they would call discrimination of people from rural areas?

　After we advanced for a while we saw some big gates.
　This seemed to be the entrance to the royal palace.

　Franz Kingdom is the country with the greatest power and longest history among the Yuroa countries.
　According to that, the royal palace turned out to be a considerably excellent castle.
　The big mansions in the vicinity of the moat are residences of nobles.
　I wonder which of them belongs to Carlo.
　Though I was a little interested I quickly went to the royal palace because time is of the essence.
　I crossed the wooden drawbridge leading over the moat to enter the royal palace.

　Before I entered I left White King at the entrance.
　The entrance turned into a solemn hall with a high arch ceiling and the sun shone through the coloured glass.
　I suddenly felt overwhelmed.⌈⁵⌋
　Nals looked around with great interest as well.
　Should I ask him to use this as reference for Balhart castle’s design?
　I don’t need something as luxurious as this though.⌈⁶⌋

“Margrave Carlo de Medici, you were able to safely arrive this place.”

　At the time when we passed through the entrance hall, an elderly man with white hair greeted us.
　This seemed to be the State Minister of Franz Kingdom called Walles.
　He seemed like the type of man who could do anything in a calm manner.

“His Highness Minister Walles, thank you for greeting us. I hastily came over to report something to His Majesty the King.”

　I tried to speak as carefully as possible.
　If I want to show my intentions to act as part of the royalists I can’t provoke the King’s close aide.

“I heard about that. His Majesty waited for your arrival, Margrave Medici.”

　I parted with Lunos, Nals and Doji and followed Walles together with Fraudia.
　We climbed the grand staircase and after walking along the corridor of the second floor for a while we reached a luxurious door guarded by two sentries.

“His Majesty the King is awaiting you inside.”

　When I passed through the door the sentry opened I saw a grand hall.
　The one sitting on the chair on a higher ground at the back of the hall was probably King Franz Johann III.
There was a man with an excellent build dressed in a military uniform standing next to the chair.
　His black moustache was eye-catching and his sharp eyes seemed to be able to look into one’s heart.
　This is the famous General Dolus called “The Kingdom’s Guardian” and additionally holds the position of Military affairs, Minister.
　He holds great bravery, excels in leadership and is absolutely loyal to the king, he is supposed to be the greatest obstacle for Carlo who’ll oppose the King and aims for the throne.

“Margrave Carlo de Medici, please step forward and report to his Majesty the King.”

　I went through the vassals who stood in tow lines, kneeled before the King and greeted him.
　I should have done it perfectly as I studied the etiquette when I left Braham.⌈⁷⌋
　Fraudia kneeled behind me.

“Carlo, huh? Long time no see. What do you have to report?”

　After some time a voice was raised.
　That seemed to be the King’s, Johann III, voice.
　I was a little surprised. I had an image of him being a normal, not to say mediocre monarch but his voice was hoarse and heavy.
　In terms of age, he’s supposed to not yet have reached the age of 50 but he gave off a much older feeling.

“Around Braham, which I rule, frequent kidnappings aimed only at women started to happen recently.”

　I raised my face and reported to the King.
　The State Minister Walles whom I’ve met before stood next to the King.
　Like I thought he enjoys the King’s trust.

“If the required ransom money isn’t paid they would murder the hostage but even if the money is paid the woman will be sold off never to be seen again. When I was investigating I found an unexpected person.”

“Hoh, who might that person be?”

　It seemed like I got the King’s attention.
　OK, now comes the important part.

“Yes. That person was Viscount Gerg.”

“That Viscount would never do such things! That viscount cannot do something like that! Margrave Medici, do you intend to put the blame on Viscount Gerg?!”

　As soon as I said that a sharp voice flew over from behind.
　That guy’s surely a follower of Duke Armandi Rejum.

“It’s a fact that Viscount Gerg ordered the kidnappings, no doubt about that. I heard it from the person himself.”

“That Gerg? That’s hard to believe so suddenly, but where is the person in question Gerg?”

“After I interrogated him and he confessed his own crimes he set fire to his mansion and killed himself.”

　The vassals in the vicinity were upset and begun to murmur as soon as these words left my mouth.
　After committing a crime a noble killed himself even if the Viscount wasn’t of a higher rank.
　It’s only natural they would be upset.

“Lies, Margrave Medici, you’re trying to put the blame for these crimes on Viscount Gerg after you killed him!”

　Then I heard that guy’s voice from a little while ago.
　I turned back to confirm his face this time.
　He was a nervous-looking, thin noble in his late 30s giving off the same feeling as a mantis.
　That’s the guy, check, when I thought that a low voice sounded from the plateau.

“Don’t say such careless things, Earl McBell. Doubt will only cause unnecessary conflict.”

“Kuu……”

　General Dolus was the one who spoke.
　That man called McBell fell silent at ones while looking vexed.
　After that, General Dolus turned towards me.

“Margrave Medici, do you have clear evidence that Viscount Gerg committed these crimes?”

“Yes. This girl is called Fraudia. She was kept hostage by Viscount Gerg and is also Her Imperial Highness Princess Charlotte’s personal maid.”

　After I said that Fraudia raised her head and spoke to General Dolus, Minister Walles and the King

“I’m called Fraudia serving Her Imperial Highness the Princess. It’ true that Margrave Medici helped me when I was held hostage by Viscount Gerg.”

　After hearing Fraudia’s words State Minister Walles spoke in a clear voice.

“I indeed heard about one of Her Imperial Highness the Princess’ maids gone missing after having returned home. I met this girl called Fraudia several times in this royal palace.”

“It seems like the information is reliable. Let’s hear about the details in my private rooms, shall we? Carlo, go to my private rooms together with this girl. Walles, please call Charlotte.”

“””Understood”””

　At the King’s words the vassals lowered their heads all at once.
　That guy called Earl McBell was only able to look at this scene with vexation.

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Pikaru and Marcus were waiting for me when I returned to the mansion.
　The head maid Melissa and the newly appointed tactician Nals were the same.

“Melissa, how’s the women’s state?”

“Everybody was very frightened and weakened but they seemed to have calmed down to some extent”

“Is it so? There should be a girl called Fraudia inside. Could you send her to me later?”

“Certainly, Carlo-sama”

　As Melissa lowered her head and left Marcus started to speak.

“Carlo-sama, could you explain to me what happened today?”

“Yeah. Do you know about the frequent kidnappings aimed at only women happening recently around this town?”

　Everyone nodded when I looked at them.

“When I was searching for the culprit it turned out that Gerg was the one behind this.”

“That Viscount with such a good reputation did such things?”

　Pikaru shook his glittering head in disbelief.⌈¹⌋

“Then Carlo-sama took the Imperial Guard’s knights with him to confront him and after having confessed his crimes he killed himself, huh?”

“That’s right. He set his own mansion on fire.”

　Marcus was thinking while touching his white moustache.
　He resembles a captain after all.

“Well then, what’s done is done. But won’t this cause problems as you attacked a noble whose peerage got granted by the king, though, of a lower rank? Besides it seemed like the deceased viscount had connections to Prince Armandi.”

“I’m prepared for that. Rather I want to use this incident to show that I’m clearly part of the royalists.”

　When I answered this to the worrying Marcus, both Marcus and Pikaru had slightly surprised faces.
　It’s surprising for Carlo, a nobleman, to cooperate with the king who wants to destroy the aristocratic power.
　The tactician Nals was listening calmly and expectant.

“The royalists, aren’t they the reformists promoting the centralization?”⌈²⌋
“That’s right. The King is now confronted with the conservative aristocrats led by Prince Armandi because he is trying to push for the centralisation. He’s completely inferior in military power so he should be dying to get you on his side.”

“I see, it’s a normal practice in politics to force someone to buy oneself for a higher price.”

　At Nals’ words old man Marcus grinned.
　This old man has indeed a good comprehension ability.

“That’s it. Even if the king succeeds in promoting centralization and weakens the aristocratic power as long as my own power isn’t taken the others don’t matter. If the King doesn’t have any allies he won’t be able to pull off a reform.”

“However, even if you are in conflict with Prince Armandi, His Majesty the King doesn’t necessarily have to trust you, right?”

　Pikaru who had a pessimistic nature listened with unease.
　If one worries too much one will get bald……Is it fine because it’s already shining?

“Everything’s alright on that point. In fact, today I went to get my trump card.”

　As I said so I rang the bell on my desk.

　Ting Ting――

　Immediately the door was knocked and Melissa entered the room with a single girl.
　It was Fraudia.
　She looked pitiful with that iron collar still around her neck.

“Couldn’t the collar be removed yet?”

“It has been firmly welded. I will go take her to a blacksmith tomorrow.”

“There’s a blacksmith called Mohkan in the town. His skills are of the super class so ask him.”

“Certainly”

　Melissa left and I introduced Fraudia to all the people present.

“This girl is called Fraudia. She was caught by Gerg and we helped her. This girl is my trump card.”

“Hoh, this girl’s appearance is quite good but how is she a trump card?”
Marcus opened his narrow eyes and looked at Fraudia.

“Fraudia, please explain your situation to those people.”

“Certainly. I’m Fraudia the maid serving Her Imperial Highness Princess Charlotte of the Franz royal family.”

“Hohoh, Her Imperial Highness the Princess’ personal maid, is it?”

　Marcus asked for confirmation with an interested expression.
　Nals’ facial expression looked like he already guessed it, as expected.

“Yes. My parents’ house is located here I have been kidnapped on my way home. At first, I was to be sold after the ransom money was given but after they found out I’m the Princess’ favourite maid they decided to deliver me to Prince Armandi Rejum and I was made to work at the Viscount’s mansion till then.”

“I see, this is quite good. She can testify not only that the Viscount was the wire puller but also that he had connections with Prince Armandi. If she was well liked by the Princess this is a good opportunity to form connections with the Royal Family.”

　Looks like a concrete plan has already been completed in Nals’ head.

“That’s right. Therefore I believe I am able to clearly show that I’m standing on the side of the Royal family and I’m able to form a solid connection with them.”

　As I said so I looked into everyone’s faces.

“I want to go to the capital to make those connections with the Royal family before Rejum gets wind of this. We’ll leave as soon as Fraudia’s collar is removed. Nals, you’ll come with me. There will be various occasions where one has to negotiate. Marcus, Pikaru, please take care of everything in my absence. As I shall take Lunos as a bodyguard and Doji as my attendant with me please do the preparations.”

“””Yes!”””

“Fraudia, I’m sorry but could you accompany us to the capital to give your testimony? As you heard, I want to be His Majesty the King’s and Her Imperial Highness the Princess’ strength.”

“Understood. I shall do my best as this body was saved by Margrave-sama.”

　Fraudia isn’t just pretty but also a straight-forward girl.
　If I can win her over to my side she will give her testimony as expected.

　The next day Melissa seemed to have gone to the blacksmith Mohkan with Fraudia in the morning.
　When she was brought before me she wasn’t wearing a collar anymore.
　Seeing the red marks left behind by the collar made one pity her but they don’t seem to hurt.

“Ooh, looks like the collar got removed. Are you alright?”

“Thanks to you it was taken off without a problem. After a long time, I finally feel free again.”

“That’s good. I’m sorry that I can’t give you time to relax but we have to leave immediately. Are you ready?”

“I’m fine. I want to see Princess Charlotte as soon as possible as well.”

　Fraudia’s eyes who looked straight at me were beautiful.
　I don’t dislike straight-forward girls like this.⌈³⌋

“Call Lunos and Doji.”

　After I asked Melissa to do as such, two people immediately entered the room.

“Good morning, Is it fine to just take five knights including me as bodyguards with you?”

“That’s fine. I don’t want to attract attention and I also want to focus on speed. What about the arrangements for a carriage for Fraudia?”

“Yes. We prepared a horse-drawn carriage which can attain up to four times the speed. Though it isn’t comfortable to ride in it.”

　As Lunos said that I looked at Fraudia.

“I’m fine. I’ll just close my mouth to not bite my tongue even if it shakes and bounces.”

　As Fraudia said this jokingly she winked.
　****, so cute…….⌈⁴⌋

“Ah, ehem, then, Doji, is everything ready?”

“Yes, but is it alright to take me with you? Am I fit to be Carlo-sama’s attendant?”

“I don’t mind. Doji, you can ride a horse, right?”

“Ah, yes. As I handled horses ever since I was small I’m able to ride a horse.”

“Then that’s fine. For weapons, that’s right, take a slightly bigger axe with you, though it’s rather conspicuous.”

“Understood, then I shall pick the biggest and bring it with me.”

“Yeah, that’s fine. Your job will be to act as an escort. You should always be behind me. Well then, let’s go.”

“Understood. I will do my best.”

　The people I asked to take care of things around here in my absence, Marcus, Pikaru, F, Melissa and the other maids were waiting outside.
Lunos and the other knights were already close to the carriage with their horses and waited.

“Carlo-sama, please take this.”

　Pikaru handed me a small bag.
　Even without looking inside I knew what it is.
　It’s gold and white gold coins.
　Something like a present for the Royal family …… that’s why I let him prepare this.⌈⁵⌋

“Yeah, please take care while I’m absent.”

“Please leave everything to me.”

　Pikaru will take care of domestic affairs and Marcus and F will take care of military affairs and security.

“Carlo-sama, please be careful.”

　The three maids Melissa, Reina and Mirea saw me off.
　Though I was a little worried about the way Reina looked at me and Lunos, oh well, it should be fine.⌈⁶⌋

“Well then, let’s go. Depart!”

---

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---

---

Click――

After turning the doorknob I entered while holding my sword in one hand, I saw old man Gerg standing beside his desk.
The office was an excellent room with a sword hanging on the wall as decorations.

“If it isn’t Carlo-sama, what brings you here on a night like this?”⌈¹⌋

Regardless of his real intentions, he not only had the gall to ask me that in a friendly manner he also was shameless enough to sit down at a time like this.
Even though one could hear the sound of fighting beyond the door he had a smile on his face.

“I just happened to coincidently pass by here and even though I thought I would be a nuisance I still had to stop by.”⌈²⌋

“No, no, you’d never be a nuisance. You’re welcome anytime –”

This guy being a noble is used to hiding his real intentions.
Is this also a kind of fight?

“Welcome, huh? A blond brat like me?…… Excuse me.”

Twitch.
His eyebrows slightly twitched when I said “blond brat”.
I wonder if he’s now trying to figure out who leaked this information.

“Hoho, I don’t know from whom you heard this but this person is surely planning to fracture our relationship. Pay it no heed.”

“Mine and Gerg’s relationship? When talking about close relationships wouldn’t it be between you and Prince Armandi?”

When I sarcastically uttered this sentence Gerg’s expression changed.
It seemed like he realised who leaked the info.

“I see now. It’s those masked people, right? I don’t know what you heard but you can’t believe in the words of such uncivilised people.”

“Masked people? What on earth are you saying? I have no idea what you mean.”

As I feigned ignorance Gerg spoke to me with a serious face.

“Carlo-sama should know about the frequent kidnappings happening recently, right?”

As the Imperial Guard Order had a battle with the kidnappers today Carlo should know about it.

“I have been chasing the criminals for a long time now.”

“Hoh, and?”

This is taking a somewhat interesting turn.
I’m kind of interested in what kind of excuse he’ll come up with.

“Recently I finally discovered the criminals. They are called Akatsuki and Crescent Moon, a male and female mercenary wearing suspicious masks. Today I nearly got them.”

“Akatsuki and Crescent Moon, a male and female mercenary wearing masks, interesting.”⌈³⌋

It’s a fact that the kidnappers were two people.
If I asked the Imperial Guard Order they would be able to confirm this.
You thought about this quite well, didn’t you, old man?

“If you consider this, those people, being cornered, in the end tried to accuse me of a crime in front of Carlo-sama, don’t you think?”

“I see, now that you say it I feel like the Imperial Guard told me about those people.”

When I said so, Gerg made exaggerated movements with his hands and nodded.

“I was right after all! Carlo-sama, please hand over those two people to me. I shall interrogate them closely and will make them confess all their sins.”

After those two people confessed you’ll arrange for them to die in an unexpected accident during the interrogation.
At that moment I started to think carefully.

“Is that right, Gerg? They didn’t seem to lie to me.”

“What did they say? You must not listen to their words! Or do they have any evidence that it was me? If they do have some let it be judged in front of His Majesty the King.”

“Evidence, huh? There’s none.”

When I said so Gerg gained more and more momentum.

“I thought so! I’m not Carlo-sama’s vassal in the first place even if our social positions are different. We are both nobles who equally got their peerage granted by His Majesty the King. You made a mistake in thinking it would be over with this riot!”

This old man finally assumed a defiant attitude.
Well then, shall we draw the curtain?

“A mistake? I don’t make mistakes.”

“Then can you prove anything!?”

“I don’t need evidence. I certainly heard it with my own ears.”

I slowly took that out from my chest and put it in front of Gerg.

“Y, you are the mercenary, Akatsuki!”

“That’s right, you directly told me everything. Oh, Now that I think about it, there is evidence. It’s Fraudia. My men should be protecting her right about now. How is it? Do you still want to be judged in front of the King?”

As I put on my masked and started to laugh Gerg’s face was distorted by anger.

“You, you planned all this! However, whatever you ******* may say Rejum-sama will protect me!”⌈⁴⌋

Like I thought that old man is completely connected with Rejum.

“Unfortunately, that’s impossible. You’ll die now in this place.”⌈⁵⌋

“Wha, what did – -”

After having understood my real intentions Gerg leapt to the sword hanging on the wall.
I waited until Gerg pulled out the sword.⌈⁶⌋

“If you lay your hands on a noble you ******* won’t get away with it. Even if the King might forgive you Rejum-sama won’t, you *******!”

“What if I tell you that this is what I wanted?”

“You *******, are you targeting Rejum-sama? Unforgivable! Die, you blond brat!”

Gerg lost himself in anger and was about to attack me.
But his attack was slow and weak probably because of his age.
I thrust my Oricalcum sword into his heart as he tried to swing his sword.

“Y, you, I will curse you from the afterlife……”

As Gerg vomited blood from his mouth I pulled out my sword and let him collapse on the floor before he ceased to breathe.

So this is what it’s like to kill a person.
It doesn’t feel comfortable even if I know that my opponent was an evil person.
But there will surely be many people I have to take care of in the future.
Because I’m the villain, Margrave Carlo de Medici.
Old man, wait for me in hell.⌈⁷⌋

“I kept you waiting”

When I opened the door after putting away my mask I saw F and Lunos waiting in front of it.
Zackary got killed a while ago and his corpse was leaning against the wall.

“What happened to Viscount Gerg?”

“After he confessed his crimes I killed him. How’s the situation downstairs?”

“It’s over. All men died and all women we considered to be hostages are safe.”

“The casualties are?”

“None. About two were wounded but it’s nothing more than a scratch.”

As I received the report and went downstairs the members of the Imperial Guard Order were standing in a row.
The women were huddled together as a group near a wall, frightened.
I heard that there was a room underground somewhere, where they were locked up in.
Alright, Fraudia is also there.

“You worked hard. We’re going to return now. Lunos, go back to the mansion together with these women. Fitzgerald, choose five people and stay here with me.”

“Yes!”

After I made sure Lunos took the women with him I let F give the order to set the mansion on fire.
The fire instantly engulfed everything and the mansion turned pitch black while shrouded in burning red flames.
I left Gerg’s corpse inside.

“This will cause an uproar tomorrow. Everybody in town saw Carlo-sama leave with soldiers. Regardless of his true nature he seemed to be loved by the people.”

F who minded my reputation started to talk to me but I didn’t care about it.

“I don’t care. More importantly, I have to quickly go to the capital. I have to start working before Rejum hears about this.”

“Prince Armandi? Were Viscount Gerg and he connected?”

“That’s right. That’s why I couldn’t put him on trial. He would have gotten in the way.”

“He’s a very difficult opponent”

“Hmpf, I won’t lose.”

“Please tell me in which way I can be of help.”

After having made sure that the mansion completely burned down I returned to my mansion together with F.

---

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---

---

I thought I would end this case with finding the wire-puller and putting him away, but the plan changed.
　I decided to just talk with Gerg.

　It resulted in them stopping the kidnappings for a while and falling into a wait-and-see state.
　Carlo, namely me will leak out that he will pack his mansion full with soldiers as a precaution.
　Gyan and also Zackary were made to patrol, Crescent Moon and I were also asked to do it but we said we still had some business and would join them shortly, with that being said we forcibly left.

　It seems like the Princess’s maid, Fraudia, will soon be delivered to Prince Armandi Rejum.
　At the same time, Rejum intends to use her as a means to ensure his personal security.

　I parted with Crescent Moon at the hideout then I returned to the mansion and called for F and Lunos.

“Carlo-sama’s plan worked really well.”

　Lunos reported this but I obviously knew this already.
　Well, I was there after all.

“Looks like it, I got a report from my subordinate a few minutes ago. I know who the mastermind is.”

“Who is it?”

　As F asked Lunos who also was interested leant forward.

“Don’t be surprised when you hear this, it’s old man Gerg.”

“What? That Viscount Gerg is behind the kidnappings? I can’t believe that. Is the information reliable?”

“Yeah, he seemed to have directly met him in the mansion and talked to him. He told me there was a kidnapped girl there.”⌈¹⌋

　I was seriously surprised that Lunos knew of Gerg’s good reputation.
　That’s to be expected, I wouldn’t believe it either if I didn’t see it with my own eyes.

“Viscount Gerg was close with Carlo-sama, right? How shall we do this?”

“Obviously attacking him isn’t possible. However, assuming that he was found out, that guy is gathering soldiers. He will soon make his move.”

“A raid?”

“I see, I will punish him with my own hands.”

“However, wouldn’t it be bad if we start a fight with Viscount Gerg who got his peerage from the king?”

　F’s worry was also reasonable.
　That’s why I wanted to cut him down as Akatsuki and not as Carlo at first.
　But I have a plan this time.

“I thought about this point. Gather the Imperial Guard immediately. I don’t care who comes. We’ll depart as soon as you gathered enough.”

“”Yes!””

　As one would expect, those two are excellent warriors, as soon as they understood my intentions they immediately left to gather soldiers.

　Ting Ting――⌈²⌋

　I rang the bell and called for Melissa.

“What are your orders, Carlo-sama?”

“I’ll shortly leave this place with some soldiers. I want to ask you to immediately prepare the equipment.”

“Well, this late at night? Understood, I shall immediately prepare it.”

“I’m sorry. Additionally, I may return with some women. They’ll probably be tired. Please make preparations to accommodate them.”

“- – Understood, I shall prepare everything for them.”

　For an instant, Melissa looked like she wanted to know the whole story but lowered her head without saying anything.
　Melissa is a good person after all.

“Are you ready? Our goal is the Viscount’s house. There’s no doubt that the enemy is also armed. Don’t be careless!”

　After F’s commands, a momentary unrest runs through the gathered knights.
　They were told to invade Viscount Gerg who enjoys such a good reputation.
　However, as one would expect they were well trained and the unrest had immediately settled down.

“Mount your horses, advance!”

　At F’s shout approximately 20 knights started to march.
　As they are a cavalry corps only consisting out of mounted knights their marching speed was considerable.
　Their mobility was their biggest weapon after all.

“The Imperial Guard Order is passing through! Make way!”

　People wondered what was going on as a cavalry group was running through Braham at night.
　Oops, “that” which I put near my chest nearly fell because of the vibrations caused by White King.
　Dangerous, dangerous.

　We left Braham and rode our horses for a while before the light of Gerg’s mansion was visible.
　To not be exposed we halted at a slightly remote place and arrange our formation.

“Lunos, you’ll go with the knights to confront the opposing soldiers. F you’ll come with me, please take care of that guy’s guard. I’ll have a man-to-man talk with Gerg. Oh, and Lunos, protect all the women kept inside. Especially the woman with a collar around her neck. She’s the key figure. Don’t let her even get a single scratch.”

“”Certainly””

　Everyone ties their horses together and sneaked towards the mansion on foot.
　As expected, there were no guards out. They can’t even imagine someone attacking them now.
　As we approached the mansion several knights went to the door with a wooden hammer in their hands.
　Ah, isn’t that the guy with the good body who lost against me in the second round of the Sword Fighting Competition?
　He’s certainly the third corps’ Captain, give it your all (laughs).

　Baaaaaam!

“We’ll attack them, come on!”

　At the same time, the door got wrecked Lunos’ unit pulled their swords and jumped inside.
　I took my Oricalcum Sword in my hand and finally entered together with F.

　When we entered battles started in various places.
　When I looked to Lunos I saw Gyan was his opponent.
　Even though you were able to escape with so much effort, I’m disappointed, Gyan.

　There were a lot of people here, the knights who were free protected the women.
　Yeah, if it’s like this Fraudia will surely be fine.
　Of course, the door got guarded so that no one could escape.

　Seeing that Zackary isn’t here he’s probably on the second floor together with Gerg.
　I went up the grand staircase together with F.

　Different than the noisy first floor the second floor was quiet.
　While watching our surroundings we cautiously went through the corridor and then around the next corner there was a man.
　Zackary was guarding an especially luxurious door.
　Behind it was Gerg’s room.

“F, please distract that guy. Gerg should be on the other side of the door. I’ll try to get in.”

“Certainly”

　Zackary shouted at me and F who lowered his head.

“I’m Greg-sama’s right-hand man, the knight, Zackary! No matter who you are I won’t let you through!”

“I’m Carlo-sama’s head of the Imperial Guard Order, Fitzgerald. He said he wishes to go through that door. Let us through.”⌈³⌋

　Zackary reacted to F’s words calmly.

“Hoh, you’re the ******* who defeated that pretty boy, Lunos. Then you shouldn’t be lacking as an opponent!”

　Ehm, he also defeated me.
　It was in the finals, too.
　Are you just going to ignore me, is that so?⌈⁴⌋

　Oh well, that guy isn’t a match for F but I want to enter that room as soon as possible.
　For that, I can’t just wait until F defeated him.
　I can’t let Gerg escape no matter what.

“F, Lets both attack him to get through. Is that fine?”

“Certainly. Then let us go.”

　After hearing our conversation Zackary flew into a rage.

“You guys are cowardly for attacking this Zackary with two people. Fight me one on one like a dignified knight!”

　Even if you say that, you won’t let us through so you’re the bad one here.
　Besides, I’m a villain so there’s no need for me to be “dignified”.

　I completely ignored Zackary’s words and was about to hit him together with F.
　You can’t do anything if the Sword Fighting Competition’s champion and runner-up attack you together.

　F and I inexhaustibly attacked Zackary with our swords.
　Zackary tried to desperately block but honestly his short-comings can’t be denied.
　It’s just that he doesn’t receive any severe wound because he’s wearing a heavy armour.

　As one would expect of F, he’s good.
　Zackary gets gradually driven to the wall.
　Thanks to that a gap was created through which I could pass.

“I’m sorry, F. Don’t let anyone enter until I say it’s good.”

“Understood.”

　After I just exchanged a few words with him I placed my hand on the doorknob.

“W, wait!”

　Zackary hastily shouted but that’s all he could do because he was busy blocking F’s sword so he couldn’t chase after me.

　Click

　As I turned the doorknob the door opened.
　There was no need for a key.

---

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――The night before the carriage raid.

“I see, so when the gang is attacking the carriage Lunos will come from behind with his knights.”

“That’s right. The masked man with the great sword and the similarly masked woman are under my order. Let them escape together with the two core members.”

“This is necessary for the act, right? Well, this Lunos will perform as best as possible.”

“In the end the man with the great sword will create a firewall, when he does that please let him escape.”

　I called Lunos and F to the mansion to make these arrangements.
　I had to talk to F because I want to move the Imperial Guard Order.
　The F asked curiously out of turn this time.

“Hoh, isn’t it strange to use a two-handed sword while using magic? What kind of man is he?”

“Well, isn’t it fine? You don’t have to worry, F. More importantly, Lunos, perform the best you can.”

“Please leave it to me. I always played the leading role in amateur theatre acts ever since I was a child.”

　Is that equivalent to the culture festival in this world?
　Well, if he was playing the leading role there must have been a lot of girls going kyaa kyaa.
　I feel bad just from imagining it.

　Thanks to this careful planning the raid went well.⌈¹⌋
　Of course, I told Crescent Moon about it beforehand.

“So when are we going to meet that “boss” to make our excuses?”

“I’m not making excuses. I’m just reporting the facts. Well, there’s nothing else we can do. I wanted to go as early as possible, are you fine with that?”

　Gyan was pretty impatient, wasn’t he?
　Not only did the raid obviously fail but the Guard Order’s vigilance also became more severe.
　Further arrangements have to be made for the future, something like this.

“I don’t mind. Can I take Crescent Moon with me?”

“Well, that’s right. It’s necessary to report today’s events as detailed as possible.”

“Don’t worry, Gyan, I’ll intercede well.”

　Crescent Moon will also go with us.
　Strategy success.
　And after beating the mastermind this incident will come to an end.

“Akatsuki, it’s that mansion. Don’t let there be any more blunders.”

　Gyan led us to a single house built on a hill quite far away from Braham.
　It’s considerably huge.
　Its size isn’t much different from Carlo’s mansion either.

“It’s a rather big house. He seems to also have a lot of money.”

　Crescent Moon’s eyes turn into yen marks again.
　Hey hey, we didn’t come here to attack and steal his money.
　Even though I’m a villain I somehow want to still live a good life.⌈²⌋
　Gyan faced the back entrance and knocked the door several times in a regular pattern.
　This seemed to be a code.
　The door was immediately opened and we went inside.

　The three of us were led through a hall.
　Then after waiting for a while a man in a large armour appeared.
　Wearing a suit of armour in the house should be tiring, isn’t that too difficult?

“Gyan, what happened? Why did you bring those guys along?”

　The armoured man had a moustache and haughtily asked Gyan.
　Is that guy the wire puller?

“I, it failed because we got attacked by the Imperial Guard Order. Nearly all of us got ki – -”

“Failure? The Guard Order, you said? And you dare to shamelessly return!?”

　The armoured man momentarily flew into a rage.
　They said you’d die young if you’re too irritable on TV.
　Gyan was tense and tried to desperately make excuses.

“Because of our recent work they somehow got more cautious. Besides, It was the unit led by Lunos and my three comrades got instantly – -”

“Lunos? That Lunos? You said that pretty boy appeared there!?”

　Oh? That guy is jealous of Lunos’ appearance, too?
　Maybe we could become friends.
“Ye, yes. Then when I was about to be killed this person here called Akatsuki helped us and survived somehow.”

“Hoh, you got Lunos?”

　The armoured man stared at my face, judging me.

“No, I didn’t defeat him. However, I shook him off and they withdrew.”

“Hoho, Let’s hear your story, shall we?”⌈³⌋

　At the time I said that sentence another man entered through a door in the back.
　I was very surprised to see that face growing a long white beard.
　Isn’t that guy Viscount Gerg?!⌈⁴⌋
　I just met him as Carlo a few days ago.

“This here is Viscount-sama. It seems it failed because Carlo’s Household troops interfered.”

　The armoured man deeply lowered his head.
　So that means, Gerg was the wire puller?
　However, I didn’t expect this man who is known to be a truly virtuous person to be the wire puller ⌈⁵⌋.
　If I didn’t wear this mask it might have shown on my face.
　He naturally also knew my face so it was good I was wearing a mask.

“Heeh, I didn’t know you were our employer.”

　Crescent Moon seemed to also know Gerg.
　Looks like he’s a celebrity after all.　

“You *******, watch your tongue!”
“Hoho, it’s fine, it’s fine. It’s useless to keep it a secret. Zackary, what is this here? Let’s take a seat and slowly hear their story, shall we?”

　With these instructions, the armoured man called Zackary led us to Gerg’s living room.
　Of course, only Gerg sat down Zackary and we were standing.

“So, how about you tell us your story once again?”

　Prompted by Gerg Gyan explained the situation from the beginning once again.
　Gyan seemed to be quite afraid of Gerg as he was extremely tense and sweated profusely.
　This old man, He looked like a gentle person from the outside but his insides seemed to be considerably bad.

“……Therefore in order for us to survive this Akatsuki here led Lunos away.”

“Hohooh. Not only did he help everyone to escape from that Lunos but also escaped himself safely. Akatsuki, that person seems to possess considerable skill.”　

　Crescent Moon intervened from the side faster than I could answer.

“If it’s this Akatsuki he could even straightforwardly fight that Fitzgerald guy or me”

　It would be the same result as the Sword Fighting Competition.
　Crescent Moon don’t say unnecessary things.

“Do you mean the man who defeated Lunos and became the champion of the Sword Fighting Competition, Fitzgerald? That’s pretty good. Zackary, Akatsuki might even surpass you, too.”

　After hearing Crescent Moon’s words Gerg suddenly became cheerful.
　On the contrary, Zackary stared at me with eyes filled with hostility.
　Looks like I won’t be able to befriend him anytime soon.

“However, this is troubling. It was a pretty good kind of work. It’ll be rather difficult to continue if they keep being so cautious, wouldn’t it?”

　Like I thought they acted on this man’s order.
　Just when I thought about hammer him down――

“Excuse me”

　A girl lowered her head and entered the room with a drink for Gerg.
　She’s a rather beautiful girl but there’s nothing eye-catching about her.
　An iron collar was around her neck.

“Fraudia, is it? Come here.”⌈⁶⌋

“Aah, Gerg-sama, please don’t……!”

　Gerg forcibly pulled the girl’s hand who put down the drink.
　The girl resisted but got drawn closer nevertheless.

“This woman is……?”

　Gyan seemed to recognise this girl.

“That’s right, this is the woman you caught the other day. This woman is Fraudia and Princess Charlotte’s former maid.”
　
Zackary explained to Gyan.

“Hoho, you did a very good job. If it was just an ordinary woman I would have sold her after enjoying her and after receiving the ransom but it’s a different story with the princess’s favourite maid.”

　Gerg said so while hugging the girl who is obviously uncomfortable.

“This Fraudia will be given to Rejum-sama. The prince will surely be delighted as well.”⌈⁷⌋
　Hohohoh, Gerg laughed pleasantly.
　The name of a big one came out again.

　Prince Armandi Rejum.
　He’s the leader of the conservative aristocrats who are against King Franz Johann III plan to centralise the government and the big shot of all big shots having the right to succeed Franz Kingdom’s and Italino Kingdom’s throne.
　I see, so Gerg had connections to Rejum.

“For that reason, I’m handing out this girl. It is said that the princess especially liked this maid. Rejum-sama will surely use her well.”

　I see, so Gerg uses this child to get Rejum’s favour and he will use her as a tool to oppose the King.

“Gerg-sama, I certainly thought you were close to Margrave Medici, though.”

　As I asked that Gergs expression suddenly changed and his tone grew bitter.

“Who would willingly wave their tail to that blond boy? This also was something Prince Armandi instructed.”

　I heard something good there.
　I planned to kill this villain here today but the strategy changed.

---

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The next day I returned to the unoccupied house together with Crescent Moon.
　The five men, Gyan and company, were getting ready and waited.

“Oh, Akatsuki, Crescent Moon, we waited for you. Are you ready?”

　Gyan greeted us liked nothing happened.
　As one would expect he doesn’t even lose a word about the person he made us trail yesterday.
　Though we pretended not to notice him and shook him off.

“Yeah, we are well prepared. Domur, I’m sorry about yesterday.”

“N, no, that was my fault, don’t mind it.”

　When I spoke to Domur he wore a fake smile on his face.
　Looks like my medicine worked better than I thought.

　We went to our destination on the horses they prepared.
　We hid in a less popular place in Braham in a grove next to the road and waited.
　Of course, everyone was wearing a mask to prevent their faces to get known.
　Next to mine and Crescent Moon’s mask they look kind of idiotic.
I hid together with Gyan and Crescent Moon.

“The carriages will pass here soon. Domur, you’ll block the front, we’ll attack from behind.”

“What about the bodyguards?”

“Kill them. Just let one person escape so that they can report it was a kidnapping of the Highway Thieves.”

　Gyan gives us instruction like it’s nothing.
　He’s a guy who can say gruesome things calmly.
　Compared to him my seniors are completely amiable.

“It came, that’s it.”

　After less than an hour a carriage passed the highway.
　Three bodyguards were protecting the considerably luxurious carriage.
　They seem rather cautious, constantly looking around like that.

“Stop! We are the Highway Thieves! We have some business with that carriage’s content. Come out quietly!”

　At the moment Domur shouted this four people jumped in front of the carriage.
　The three bodyguards hastily pulled out their swords.

“Akatsuki, we’ll also go out!”

　According to Gyan’s words, we also jumped out.
　The other four people are already battling the three bodyguards.

“Hehe, This is an easy victory – – What’s this?!”

　After the smiling Gyan turned around, became stiff and his eyes were wide open.
　When I also turned around I saw a cavalry group emerging from the dust behind us.

“You people over there, wait! We are the Imperial Guard Order’s first corps! Surrender quietly!”

“****, were we caught in the Order’s patrol? You guys, scatter!!”

　Gyan hastily shouted and we got on our horses to run away but our opponents were knights who received training so they were faster.
　They caught up to us in the blink of an eye and a battle broke out.

“Damn it, we don’t have any other choice but to do this. You guys, open up an escape route no matter what!”

“Yeah!”

　The knights who chased us were five and in the front was Lunos.
　Together with the bodyguards they even outnumbered us and the skills of an Imperial Guard Order’s knight is on a completely different level.
　Everyone got into battle.

“Hmpf, it’s 10 years too early for you knights to be this awesome me’s opponent!”

　Even though Crescent Moon is fighting against a knight she is in no way inferior.
　I don’t have to worry about her.

“****, I won’t be done in, in a place like thiiiiis!”

　Domur was fighting the knight in front of him but he seems to get by.
　The problem was lying with the remaining three people.

“Guhaa!”

　First, one of the guys battling a knight was pushed off his horse and somersaulted on the floor after having his shoulder slashed.

“Waaaa!”

　A different man who tried to run away in a panic was about to be cut down by two bodyguards.
　Looks like his back got cut while he tried to run away.
　He fell from his horse and didn’t move an inch anymore.

“Shiit……Gah!”

　The knight who cut down the first man proceeded to cut down the next from the side who was fighting another bodyguard.
　He was the one who pushed around his bodyguard opponent but was completely helpless against the knight’s surprise attack.
　He got his neck cut, blood came spraying out like water and then he fell down.

　Three people were cut down in no time and the men remaining were Gyan and Domur.
　Looks like Gyan was fighting with Captain Lunos.
　Lunos who was once called Braham’s strongest attacked him inexhaustibly.
　Gyan desperately tried to block him but in this situation it’s only a matter of time for him to get killed.

　Not to mention, while our numbers decrease their numbers increase.
　If I don’t do something our annihilation is inevitable.

“Uoooo!”

　I swung my great sword down on the knight in front of me.
　The knight attempts to block it with his shield but got blown off of his horse from the shock.

“Gyan, are you okay?!”

　I entered Gyan’s and Lunos’ fight.
　It became a two on one but as one would expect Lunos wasn’t daunted by this at all.
　He skilfully blocked my great sword with his shield and attacked Gyan with his sword.
　I blocked Lunos’ sword with my great sword.

“Hoh, who’s the one going against this Lunos?”

　As one would expect, Lunos noticed my skill.
　But I can’t afford to have a fight with Lunos here.

“I’ll do something about this fellow. Run away!”

“Sorry, you should also run away!”

　Gyan found a gap and ran away.
　Looks like Crescent Moon helped Domur and they also ran away together.
　I waited while being surrounded by Lunos’ knights until those three people had ran away far enough.

“Sorry, but I don’t plan to be your opponent. I’ll leave”

“I can’t let you do that. Let’s have you slowly tell me on whose order you’re acting, shall we?”

　As the knights gradually approached I took one hand off of my sword.
　I call the salamander spirit, Reus in my mind.

“Do you want to surrender? What a good attitude.”

　While Lunos approached me I formed a seal with my left hand without being careless.

“Firewall!”

　A wall of flames instantly emerged from the ground and formed an obstacle between me and the Order.
　I used that chance to ride my horse and somehow succeeded in escaping.

　I just rode for a while and returned to the town through another gate after I checked for pursuers.
　I went to the unoccupied house where just Gyan was waiting.

“Akatsuki! Are you fine?!”

　Like I thought Gyan returned earlier.

“See, I told you he’d be alright. Akatsuki isn’t the type of guy to be caught at a place like that.”

　Domur and Crescent Moon came together.

“You really saved me there a while ago. If you weren’t there we surely would have been annihilated.”

“You’re amazing. How did you get away from them?”

　As Domur asked I chanted the aria for the light ball spell and let some fireballs float in the air.

“As you can see, I am able to use fire magic. I made a flame wall and blocked them. Well, it’s my trump card.”

“What a guy, can use magic and swing that great sword. Amazing, you’re too amazing……”

　As I laughed fearlessly Domur seemed surprised from the bottom of his heart.
　Well, I guess the author correction had time to shine today.
　I’m really sorry for cheating.　

“But why were the Order Knights at a place like this?”

　Gyan said this in vexation.

“It’s like you said yesterday, I guess, their vigilance became stricter. Isn’t it that?”

“I see, that’s why they were patrolling. Damn it.”

　It seemed like they were convinced by Crescent Moon’s words but both Gyan and Domur are frustrated because their comrades were killed.

“What are we going to do then? Is this the end of the job?”

　As I asked Gyan looked troubled for a while and then opened his mouth.

“I can’t decide. I can’t tell you that either. I guess I have to talk to the boss but if I go alone I might be killed to take responsibility. Akatsuki, I’m sorry but could you go with me to explain what happened? I would feel safer.”

　Okay, there it is, there it is.
　Looks like he completely believed I was a comrade.
　But I can’t get impatient, careful.

“To be honest, that’s rather troublesome for me. Well, I wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing you got killed, there’s also something I want to say about the reward. So, can’t be helped, let’s go.”

“Thank you, Akatsuki. I’m very grateful.”

　Now it’s time for the wire puller to finally appear.

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1. N/A

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The next day I went to the Guild while wearing my mask and met up with Crescent Moon.
I made sure to bring a normal sword with me because I was worried that my true identity might get found out if I take the Oricalcum Sword with me.
I should ask the legendary blacksmith Mohkan to make an “Akatsuki exclusive” the next time I see him.
A two-hander made out of steel and a big one.
Even the blade of a common two handed sword is 100-150 centimetres long but Carlo’s sword exceeds the length of 175 centimetres.

“Akatsuki, good timing. I’m supposed to meet him now.”

Aah, the mountains are pretty today.
Her Breastplate emphasises them even more.

“Are you okay? Let’s go.”

Oops, now’s not the time to admire the scenery.
Let’s get serious.
I’m sure this is related to “that incident”.

Crescent Moon together with me entered a house out of town.
It’s a pretty big house but it seemed to be an unoccupied house with no residents.

“Hey, I came. It’s me”

“Crescent Moon, huh? You came. Is that your friend? Well, sit down.”

When the door opened five men were waiting in the room.
They all looked pretty evil.

“This fellow here is Akatsuki. He’s a mercenary same as me. I can guarantee his ability.”

“I’m Akatsuki. I heard this job is quite profitable. What should I do?”

As I introduced myself the men seemed to look at me doubtfully.

“Akatsuki? I’ve never heard of that name. He’s also covering his face, can we really trust that guy?”

A bearded man brought his face closer to mine and jeered at me.
Uh, He smelled of liquor.
To be honest, I’m bad with those kinds of guys but I can’t turn my eyes away now.
I endured it and just stared back at him with a deadpan expression.

“What? Those eyes. Want to fight? Huuuh?”

“You, are you complaining about someone I brought?”

I held back Crescent Moon who got angry at the man who wanted to pick a fight with me and slowly opened my mouth.

“Haven’t you misunderstood something? I was just asked to come by Crescent Moon. If you have complaints I’ll go back. Tell me if you want to check my abilities. I’ll show my skills in getting rid of you”

As I said this in a deadpan, calm voice my opponent gave in to his anger.

“You getting rid of me?! Don’t be so conceited! Gyan, let me show him how to speak properly!”

Looks like the man called Gyan is the leader.
Judging from his calm attitude that’s likely the case.

“Domur, don’t lose your temper. This happened because you suddenly picked a fight. As for you, you said your name was Akatsuki? Your way of speaking is a little – -”

“I don’t really mind. It’s not a bad idea to let you see my strength. Don’t worry I’ll go easy on you.”

I interrupted Gyan’s words who tried to pacify and provoked them daringly.

“Thiiiiis! I won’t forgive you, you, I’ll kill you!”

As the man called Domur’s eyes became bloodshot he pulled out his two-handed sword.
Looks like he forgot himself in anger.

“That guy, making Domur that angry. Is this fine, Crescent Moon? The man you brought will be done in.”

“Hmpf, do you think I’d bring a guy who’d get done in by someone like that? They can do whatever they want.”

Crescent Moon also noticed that I recklessly provoked my opponent.
She won’t try to stop me at all.

“Can’t be helped. Akatsuki, fight Domur. Just Domur should do. He has plenty of experience. Surrender before you get yourself killed.”

“Shut up, Gyan. If I don’t kill this guy I won’t be satisfied”

We moved to a larger place which looked like the living room.

“You, I won’t forgive you even if you beg for our life. Prepare yourself”

“Domur, don’t kill him. We need his help. Akatsuki, don’t you think it would be better if you apologised, too?”
Gyan seemed to want to detonate the situation but I ignored him and boldly pulled out my sword.
At that moment the men held their breath.
That’s to be expected, after all, I pulled out a 1.5-meter long sword which was a two-handed sword just like Domur’s.
It’s obviously imbalanced with my physique.

“Whaat, you, is that a bluff? Can you even swing that sword?”

Domur was daunted for an instant but then figured that I’m bluffing.

“You’re incredibly noisy. Do you want to fight with your mouth?”

After I said that, Domur finally snapped.

“You, I won’t let you talk anymore! Dieee!”

Domur came cutting at me with full power from the front.
To be honest, this kind of sword is disadvantageous to fight indoors.
But the visual impact is perfect and I always wanted to use such a sword no matter what.
Though I actually wanted a ridiculously huge sword like GaO’s Okiller but there’s a difference in the strength of an author and him so I can’t overdo it (sad)⌈¹⌋.

Gaan!

I blocked Domur’s sword which he swung down in a big arc.

“****!”

Domur wore a vexed expression, this time he’s attacking from there.

Gaan! Gakin!

Of course, I don’t intend to kill him so I’m suppressing my power and speed to the extent that I can still block Domur.
Still, I swing around this huge sword with ease and the men watching seem to not be able to conceal their surprise.

“Shi, ****, this!”

Domur desperately blocks my sword.
A considerable amount of pain should run through both his arms.

I wonder if his arms got tired, Domur’s sword kept falling lower and the gap grew.
I decided to finish this quickly because there’s no meaning in continuing this any further.

Gakiiiin!!
Buuuun!

At the time I hit away Domur’s sword my sword roared and shook and then landed next to Domur’s neck.
Out of fear to be killed Domur wasn’t even able to flinch.

“He, hey……You……”

“What’s the matter? Just try to move. If you do I’ll make you head roll and send it flying with a kick.”

“I, I lost, please forgive meee”

Domur is sweating profusely out of fear.

“Akatsuki, I have a good understanding of your strength. Please, forgive him.”

Gyan tried to hastily mediate.
My demonstration was a success.

“How is it? Akatsuki’s skills. I told you the guy I brought wouldn’t be weak, right?”

“Hmpf, All bark and no bite.”

I said this calmly and sheathed my sword.
When the sword disappeared from Domur’s neck he exhaled and sat down.

“He’s not just swinging around that huge sword, that perfect block is nothing short of superhuman. I thought I was done for.”

He must have cooled down as he heartily said this while patting his own neck.

“So, what are you going to do? If you have any complaints I’ll go home.”

“There are none. Akatsuki, please help us together with Crescent Moon.”

“That depends on the request’s contents and the money.”

I won’t just recklessly accept.
It’s troublesome to be so cautious.⌈²⌋

“I can’t say it in a loud voice but the job is a kidnapping. We only target young rich women as requested by a certain someone. However, recently rumours started to spread and their vigilance became severe, so we were looking for helpers.” (TN: I bet that certain someone is Gerg)

“A kidnapping, huh? I refuse to become a wanted man just for a one-time job.”

“Regarding that, it’s alright. We use the name of a thief group living around this area called the Highway thieves as cover so they won’t even search for us.”

Bingo.
So it was them who assumed those fellow’s identity after all?
But I need a little more information.

“The highway thieves, is it? What’s with that stale name?”

“Ahaha, it’s a laughingstock. Well, I didn’t really hear their name around as often recently, maybe they went somewhere else. Well, we got the support of a big shot”

There it is.
As I thought there’s a guy pulling the strings from the shadows.

“A Supporter, is it? Who would that be?”

“Slow down there, I can’t tell you that. It’s top secret. But Akatsuki, if a man of your calibre works for a while with us you’ll get to see him maybe.”

Mmm, after working with them for a while, that’s troublesome.
But they’ll get suspicious if I keep asking about this.
This is something I have to think about a little.

“Well, I don’t really care about that, I ought to get a proper reward for this work, right? So, how much is it?”

“That’s right, formerly I thought about giving 10 gold coins per person but I changed my mind, we’ll give 15 gold coins. How’s that?”

Honestly, the amount of money doesn’t really matter.
As I thought that, hey, my partner’s eyes turned into yen signs.
Well, should I negotiate a little to not get suspected?

“15 coins? Then you can forget about it. Make it 20 coins. Then I’ll think about it”⌈³⌋

“Fufufu as I expected. With your skills I thought it would rather suspicious if everything will go that smoothly, I’m sorry for doubting you. Let’s make it 20 coins like you asked. So? Will you accept?”

As I thought, using Akatsuki’s original character was the correct answer here.

“Fine. When will the job start?”

“It’s sudden but tomorrow. We got information that tomorrow the daughter of a rich merchant will leave the town to go to the capital. There’ll also be bodyguards but can I ask you to do it?”

“Fine by me, then it’s decided. Tomorrow I’ll come here. Is it also fine with you, Crescent Moon?”

“I don’t have any complaints. Then, till tomorrow”

With this, the talk concluded and Crescent Moon and I left.

“Akatsuki, someone is following us”

Crescent Moon told me that in a low voice without changing her line of sight.
This is also within expectations.
We confirmed that we had a follower and returned to the hideout after shaking him off.

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On that day, I had a visitor since this morning.

“Well, I wanted to see Carlo-sama’s sword skills with my own eyes.”

“I should show you the arena sometime soon. Well, there’s no better place to go to see a match, right?”

“You’re right, hoho”

　In front of my eyes was Viscount Gerg.
　He’s a noble possessing a small territory which is adjacent to the Medici border territory.
　Even if our social status is different he isn’t my vassal, but because there’s a huge difference in economic structure his territory is included in mine.

　Viscount Gerg seemed to be in his early 60s and was a gentle person.
　He grew a long white beard, the spitting image of Santa Claus.
　When he was laughing his eyes would become thin lines this also made him seem rather kind.
　Inwardly he also seems to have that kind of character, he gained the people’s respect by giving the poor. (TN: I don’t trust him =__=)

　Though, because he’s a viscount he isn’t a high-ranking noble but despite being of an old aristocratic family he’s close to Carlo who’s an emerging aristocrat.
　I’d like to take care of this relationship so that I can use him as a fighting force in the conflict with the major aristocratic families.

“Well then, I shall return soon. Please take care of your body in the future because it will grow cold soon.”

“Right back at you, Gerg. Take care of your body.”

“Thank you, Carlo. Then I shall take my leave.”

　After Gerg left I chose a suitable reason to leave the mansion and went to the hideout.
　I put on my mask, just to be sure and entered the hideout where Pick was waiting.

“What’s the matter, Pick? Did something happen?”

　When I asked Pick with my mask covering my face to hide my identity, Pick answered with a difficult expression.

“It’s from big bro Drum and Bass. Strange things seem to happen recently for some reason.”

“What are those strange things?”

“I didn’t really understand it that well, but there seems to be some guy putting the blame for crimes on the Rabbit Group.”

“What the hell?”

　I decided to go to the Rabbit group’s hiding place together with Pick first.

“So, what do you mean?”

“I don’t really get it either. Just that there’s some guy doing vicious things under our name.”

　Bass answered my question but he didn’t seem to know what happened.

“Drum, what does that mean?”

“Yes, even though he assumed our name it’s not the Rabbit group name. These guys seemed to perform kidnappings repeatedly and call themselves “Highway thieves”.”

“Tha, that’s right. They only kidnap beautiful women and take ransom money but never return the hostages. However, if you don’t pay the ransom you’ll find the kidnapped woman murdered somewhere.”

“Highway thieves, you said? That was the name you used before, right? ……I just want to verify one thing, none of you did that, right?”

“O, of course, we didn’t! Ever since we follow head Akatsuki we stopped doing things like killing or kidnapping.”

　I ask because my seniors have a criminal record.
　Well, anyhow, it doesn’t look like they were lying.

“So that culprit is calling himself “Highway Thief”?”
“That’s right. So, what in the world shall we do?”

　Well, you reap what you sow.
　But I would be troubled if the Rabbit group had to be disposed of because of that.
　Because they are like a backbone for my illegal actions.

“I understood the situation. Go search for the perpetrator of the kidnappings. However, don’t do anything more than that.”

“”Understood!””

“Apart from that, how’s the relay road?”

“Like this, we can earn a lot. As you told me I bought some horses and made several stations along the main road to the capital. When you use these you won’t even take 2 days to the capital.”
　Hoh, up until now a messenger would take at least 3 days so this is rather fast.

“Because it’s like this we can use it as a business. Things like love letters or medicine, things people want to send quickly, we can charge them with a high price.”

“Naturally. What about collecting information?”

“Other than the information about the wheat I told you before there isn’t anything else at the moment. It’s just that the atmosphere between the royal family and the influential nobles grew more dangerous.”

　I see, then it might be good to come in contact with the royal family soon and press for the engagement with the princess.

“How’s the matter of attacking the caravans who don’t hold a bill going?” (TN: The caravans who have paid up to go into the city get a bill)

“About that, Head, look over there.”

　When that guy Bass said so he joyfully brought out a black cloth.

“In reference to Head’s mask we all made this.”

　As he said so he put on the black cloth.
　It was a mask you could pull over your head with holes for the eyes and nose.
　It resembles a wrestling mask.

“If we attack the caravans like this they’ll get so scared they’ll immediately hand over the money. Because those guys don’t have a bill they’ll try to avoid the checking stations by using other roads other than the highway so they’ll immediately know what awaits them.”

　……That’s fine and all but you completely look like a combatant of an evil organisation when you put that on, senior.

“How is it? Don’t you think it looks pretty cool?”

“Ye, yeah, they look pretty good”

“Right? If we work under the Head we have to have masks after all!”

　Oh well, as long as my seniors are happy with it then let’s settle with this. (TN: The evil Rabbit organisation’s combatants are born~)

　After I left the Rabbit Group’s hiding place I looked around the adventurer’s guild.
　Then I saw Crescent Moon waiting for me in the Guildhall.
　Unusually she didn’t wear her Breastplate over her light clothing but you still could see her valley like always.

“Yo, Mister Akatsuki. I waited for you”

“What is it, Crescent Moon? Do you have any business with me?” (TN: Bye bye money again?)

“I got some rather interesting information. I think this might interest you.”

“Hoh, what kind of information?”

“Slow down there, I won’t tell you for free. Give me five gold coins. If you don’t I won’t tell you” (TN: Yep, bye-bye, money again)

　She wants five gold coins again.
　Is the information this valuable? (TN: She’s overcharging you all the time. Come on, you should have noticed.)
　I took out five gold coins and handed them to Crescent Moon.

“Thank you! The truth is……” (TN: I just wanted your money and will now run away? I actually love you? I’m Felicia?)

　Crescent Moon suddenly lowered her voice and brought her face closer to mine.
　****, her face is too close to mine I could feel Crescent Moon’s breathe on my skin.
　I suddenly became worried whether my breath smells bad.

“Recently a guy came over and asked me to do some absolutely confidential work. Looks like he heard that I’d do anything for money.”

　I brushed my teeth this morning so it should be fine. (TN: You have toothbrushes?…. I mean, listen to her. I’ll hit you)

“So I can tell you what kind of job it is but I can’t tell you the details. The reward was at least 10 gold coins and he’d pay me more depending on the results.”

　Still, Crescent Moon’s breathe smells pretty good.
　Aah, and her lips look really soft. (TN: You paid money for this so listen up!!!)

“So I thought a little and asked him if I could bring a friend who would do anything for money like me and can keep his mouth shut”

　Besides, there are those wonderfully round lumps in front of my face.
　Those two round lumps were also touching the top of the table.
　They completely looked like tender rice cakes, no, like two mirror rice cakes. (TN: So it’s mochi and kagami mochi. I believe he meant one kagami mochi though and also, you’re an idiot)

“How is it? It’s interesting, right? So I thought about taking you with me. Want to do it?”

“That’s right, I want to eat rice cakes again after this long.” (TN: face palm)

“Hah? What the hell? Even though a person is talking seriously here you are thinking about food? Listen properly!”

“Aah, sorry. I listened properly. Of course, I’ll do it. This……smells kind of fishy.” (TN: You actually listened?….)

“Hmpf, well, fine then. Okay then I will contact the other person today so come back here tomorrow.”

　Mmm, when she got angry they bounced.
　Like I thought those mountains weren’t artificial but naturally formed.
　What a splendid view.

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1. N/a

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[Summary of Part 1] The 22-year-old virgin, figurine otaku and aspiring light novel author, Ryosuke gets into a traffic accident while returning from a dinner party with his editor on the occasion of the release of the first volume of his light novel “Yuusha Tensei”. When he woke up again he reincarnated as Margrave Carlo de Medici, a character and villain of the novel “Yuusha Tensei” Ryosuke himself wrote. Ryosuke accepts his new reality though still puzzled and decides to lead his still unfinished story “Yuusha Tensei” to its end and magnificently play the role of the villain Carlo.

It’s another five years until the actual story begins and until the Hero reincarnates, until then everything has to be ready. Ryosuke seeks out the comrades which supported the villain Carlo in the story. The head maid Melissa, the butler Pikaru, the strongest knight F and Doji who admires Carlo and possesses herculean strength, everything seemed to go smoothly. But he was supposed to meet the money-grubbing masked mercenary, Akatsuki, why did the setting change to encountering the greedy female masked mercenary, Crescent Moon (big ****)? For some reason, the puzzled Carlo (= Ryosuke) ended up playing the role of the mysterious masked mercenary Akatsuki himself.

Ryosuke managed to play the two roles of the villain Carlo and the mysterious masked mercenary Akatsuki while somehow reforming the territory and preparing its national strength. In that time Akatsuki (=Carlo) (=Ryosuke) decided to turn the thief group he beat up into his personal spy group, the evil “Rabbit group”. In addition to his author correction cheat power he formed a contract with a Salamander fire spirit and learned some fire magic spells, learned how to ride his favourite horse, White King, got an Oricalcum Sword, met the magician, cat girl Knopf and was even able to get a Figurine otaku comrade, the tactician Nals, though he lost against F in a Sword Fighting Competition and landed in second place. Will Ryosuke (=Carlo) (=Akatsuki) who defeated a two-headed troll and keeps on playing around with the beautiful diva Felicia and the high-quality hostess Rozea be able to lead this story to its impressive ending? And what will be virgin Ryosuke’s course of action to manage that be?

[Characters]

Ryosuke……A 22-year-old aspiring light novel author. A virgin. A figurine otaku. With the goal of “becoming a writer” he posted novels on free novel posting sites and now his novel “Yuusha Tensei” is getting published as a book series for the first time. A thin man who hates to compete with others and tends to adapt to others opinions. He has a stronger attachment towards the villain Carlo than the main character the Hero of this novel.

Carlo……Full name Margrave Carlo de Medici. The novel “Yuusha Tensei’s” villain character. He’s a threat to the protagonist, the Hero Kazuma, since the very beginning, envies him and opposes him. For certain reasons he becomes the Demon King’s subordinate, but gets defeated by the Hero in the end and reforms (planned). He’s a blond handsome man but he has a big scar on his right cheek. He uses magic and a ******* Sword as weapon. 175cm tall. His character is broadminded, arrogant, free willed and unreasonably violent. At the time Ryosuke reincarnated he is 22 years old.

Kazuma……The protagonist of the novel “Yuusha Tensei”. At the time of the novel’s start, he is a 16-year-old high school student. He’ll reincarnate from the present age to a different world and will defeat the Demon king as the Hero (planned). It will be another 5 years until he reincarnates.

F ……His full name is Fitz-Morris Fitzgerald, but because his name is too long he is called with an abbreviation, the strongest knight of Franz Kingdom. At the time of Ryosuke’s Reincarnation, he is 27 years old. Carlo’s Imperial Guard Order’s head with a loyal and awfully hardy personality. In the end, he will give up on Carlo and become the Hero’s ally (planned). He fights with a sword and shield. A super good-looking man with brown eyes and hair.

Pikaru……The Grand Chamberlain who serves Carlo. He’s a worrywart, faithful and straight-laced. Carlo calling him “baldie” caused a lot of stress for him. He has extraordinary talent in domestic administration.

Melissa……Carlo’s head maid. It seems like she owes Carlo some favour and will continue supporting Carlo until the end. Anyway, she’s a person good. (TN: I know it doesn’t really fit in here but I kinda wonder what happened to Carlo’s parents. I mean they shouldn’t have died of natural cause yet at least)

Marcus……The General who served the Medici border territory since the preceding generation. The former Head of the Imperial Guard Order. Very stubborn, but sharp-minded and an old man with a grey moustache. He had hardly any screen time in the original. Resembles the first captain of a space battleship.

Lunos……First Captain of the Imperial Guard Order. Before being beaten by F in the Sword Fighting Competition he was the number one swordsman of Braham. Number 1 Man beautiful women want to marry, he’s of noble birth, has blond hair and an elegant conduct.

Reina……A 17-year-old maid of Carlo. Careless. She has a palm-sized chest. A fujoshi/BL enthusiast.

Akatsuki……A mysterious mercenary who covers his face with a mask and part of Carlo’s group in the novel “Yuusha Tensei”. A money-grubbing man who would do anything for money. His favourite phrase is “But it depends on the money”. In the end, he will plainly betray Carlo (planned). – – Or so it should have been, but for some reason, it became Carlo’s (=Ryosuke) synonym when he became an adventurer for some reason.

Crescent moon……A character that didn’t appear in the novel. She’s a character rather similar to the original “Akatsuki”, but for some reason, the person who was supposed to be a man turned into a greedy woman for some reason. Big ****. She uses a short two-edged thick Gladius in her right hand and a single-edged, thin, curved Scimitar in her left hand, she’s also a master of archery.
Knopf……The cat girl magician. She’s able to use fire, water, wind and earth magic. A research enthusiastic mad scientist who researches combinations of low-level spells causing huge effects. But she isn’t that good with water magic. Is it because she’s a cat? On the inside, she is 30 years old but she looks like a 14-15-year-old. She’s half cat human half human. Does she have a tail……?

Doji……The child of a peasant under Carlo. He has an incredibly strong body and doesn’t really think deeply but he greatly respects Carlo. He uses clubs or axes.

Mirea & Lucia……It’s the mother daughter pair Carlo and Crescent Moon saved from the villains who captured them as they travelled from the castle town Ruan to Braham to ask their relatives for shelter as Mirea’s husband died of illness. Mirea is 31 years old and Lucia is 9 years old. Mirea acts as a maid in Carlo’s mansion. Both are beautiful.

Drum & Bass…… The villain “seniors” who tried to kidnap Mirea and Lucia. The core members of the Rabbit Group. They speak with a provincial accent. Bass is thin and Drum is muscular.

Pick……A female Hobbit thief and a member of the Rabbit Group. She has a cute appearance (like a primary school child) but is pretty crafty. She’s responsible for the communication between Akatsuki and the Group.

Mohkan……A dwarven blacksmith whose skills are said to be legendary. In the original, his role was to hand over an Oricalcum Sword to Kazuma when he enters Braham. He loves “Hobbit sake”. Stubborn.

Felicia……The diva of the “Fawn Pavilion” the restaurant/bar the fat owner Fats runs. She has white skin, brown hair and clear eyes. She’s 19 years old. Learned to sing and dance from her father but his business went bankrupt. She sings to help her family’s finances.

Rozea……A sexy Onee-san from the “Moulin Rouge” an adult’s playground. Her age is unidentified but she seems to be in her late twenties. Her chest size isn’t as big as Crescent Moon’s but it’s enough for her build. She wears the colour red.

Lily……A pretty girl from the “Moulin Rouge”. 18 years old. She wears yellow.

Old Landlady……The landlady of the unoccupied house in Braham which Akatsuki (=Carlo) uses as hideout. She’s particular about money.

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1. N/a

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On that day I went to inspect the irrigation construction site.

“Pikaru, how’s the construction’s progress?”

“It’s progressing splendidly. Carlo-sama’s instructions were very effective.”

　Pikaru lowered his head respectfully.

　Good, good, looks like the construction is progressing favourably.
　”My instructions” that Pikaru mentioned were roughly three.

　The first instruction was to divide them into groups and make them compete, inspired by Hideyoshi.

“You guys aren’t going to lose to the other groups! You want to let your mothers eat something delicious, don’t you?!”

“Yeah, we absolutely won’t lose!”

　A loud motivating voice echoed through the scene.
　The farmers participating in the construction seemed to desperately compete against each other to get the prize money.
　This is all going according to my expectations.

　Another instruction was the use of earth magic in the construction.
We gathered prestigious magicians that could use earth magic and used them instead of heavy machinery.
　I hear this was an unprecedented endeavour but it was a huge hit.
　They are more usable than those imprecise bulldozers and shovel cars.
　They could move around the soil just like they intended.
　It’s a problem that they can’t do too complicated things because there were only a few earth magicians and most of them here used beginner class magic but this drastically increased our efficiency.

“Everyone, be careful, we are going to blast that spot! 3, 2, 1……”

　Boooooooom!

　Earth and sand vanish with an explosion.
　I had Knopf provide us with plenty of substitute dynamite.

　Another instruction was about a certain person.
　It’s the person Rozea wanted to introduce to me, that was good. (TN: It’s not Felica. It’s not Crescent Moon it is~~~)
　That person’s name was Nals. (TN: Some duuuuude~)
　He’s one of the people I was looking for, he was a tactician appearing in my novel who supported Carlo in diplomacy and military affairs.

　When that name left Rozea’s mouth I was so surprised she started laughing at me.
　I had Rozea write a letter of introduction and then I immediately went to meet Nals on foot.

“I’m sorry for having caused you trouble in expressly coming here, Carlo-sama.”

“When I heard from Rozea there’s such an excellent person here I immediately rushed over. I’m intruding on you. Sorry.”

“Honestly I was in the midst of reading but one can’t meet the feudal lord every day. So, what kind of business do you have with me today?”

　Mmm, his reaction is brusque.
　But since I heard the person being introduced was called Nals I was prepared.
　Nals is a sharp-minded person in scholar skin and also a character who liked Carlo.
　He was a weird person blessed with a sharp tongue.

“Let’s not beat around the bush. I want you to lend me your power for this border territory, Nals. Although it may be annoying”

“To be honest, it is annoying. And even if I lend you my power what would you make me do?”

　Well, that’s right.
　Even though I know about Nals he doesn’t know about me.
　Mmm, how should I do this?

“I want you to lend me your strength as a tactician. To make this border territory even wealthier Nals’ power is- -”

　I got until there when my eyes got stuck on a shelf at the wall.
　Some wooden dolls were placed on it.
　A soldier, a magician, a maid, a knight, a nurse, all of them were girls.
　Their size was around 15 centimetres each. (TN: Figurines~ so the Tactician has a hobby of making figurine~. You’ll get along well, I guess?)

　They weren’t just dolls either.
　Not only were they elaborately made but they also struck various poses.
　The soldier raised her sword, the magician raised her wand and chanted an aria and the maid swept with her broom.
　Besides, each one is carefully painted.

“T, this is……”

　I unconsciously stood up and stared into that shelf before I noticed it.
　No doubt, those are figurines.
　Is the scale 1/10?
Of course, because it is a wooden hand-carving it is not as precise as Sculpey and epoxy. (TN: Sculpting material. For the ones interested Sculpey and epoxy)
　But it’s enough to convey the creator’s enthusiasm.

“Who made this?”

“I made it. Are you interested?”

“Yeah. It’s well made. Unfortunately, it’s the eyes, huh? If the eyes had more power to them they would seem livelier.”

That’s right, the eyes.
　After all the eyes are an important point on a figurine.
　Since there are no decals it makes a big difference and all depends on the creator’s ability. (TN: Decalcomania)
　The dolls Nals made were well done for wooden ones but their eyes were so doll-like because the emotions didn’t reach them.

“What? Are you calling the dolls this Nals made cheap?”

“No, I don’t call them cheap. But I think this needs more fee……I just know of a better way to draw the doll’s eyes to make it match them.”

“Hohou, I can’t ignore this. To think you’d suddenly brag that you can draw the eyes better than this Nals, hmpf.”

　Nals snorted and I think he looked at me challengingly.

“How about you show me, huh? Here’s a doll I was planning to paint just now. I’ll have you draw the eyes on it.”

　Oops, did I anger him?
　If I anger you even though I came here to get you to help me I get absolutely nothing out of it.
　But there are also some things I can’t give up on as a person who loves figurines, a person who once aimed to be a modeller.

“Fine, I’ll draw them”

“Then, let’s do it like this, if you can’t convince this Nals you’ll immediately return. On the other hand, if you can persuade this Nals I will listen to anything you have to say.”

“Yeah, I don’t mind.”

“Are you sure? Don’t you think this Nals might not tell the truth even if I am convinced inwardly?”

　I breathed in, stared into Nals’ eyes and said:

“I’m not worried about that. This fee……You’ll understand it when you look at the doll. There is no way for a man who loves these dolls to use such daunting measures.”

　Nals looked back at me with a straight gaze.

“Fine. Then go for it.”

　What Nals took out was the figurine of a girl yet to be painted.
　The girl slightly lifted her face and was dancing lightly.
　The girl’s expression of her hands, her feet taking light steps, the spreading of her skirt’s folds, long flowing hair.
　Everything is extremely delicate and yet lively.

　I took the brush.
　I didn’t paint wood since elementary school.
　I don’t have any idea what this paint is either.
　I carefully tried to draw on a piece of wood first.

　Good.
　If it’s like that I can do something.
　I held my breath and started working.
　Nals seemed to also hold his breath and watched me.

　I decided on the image.
　This is Felicia. (TN: Geh, you mention her even here?)
Felicia’s lively eyes when she danced for me.
　While remembering that scene I concentrated and drew it in one stroke.

“What the, that is……”

　After he saw the completed doll Nals was stunned.

“How is it, Nals? I think those eyes are appropriate for the dolls Nals makes.”

“I was surprised. To think that just changing the eyes gives birth to such a lively expression……”

　Nals looked into my eyes again.

“This Nals admired it. But please tell me one more thing. What’s the most important thing when moving soldiers in battle?” (TN: Talk about a quick subject change)

“That’s a simple question, it’s logistics. Those who let soldiers starve don’t have any qualification as the lord.”

“Is that so?”

　This was too easy a question for me as Nals uses this like a favourite phrase in my work.
　It’s a secret that this is second-hand information from an anime.
　After Nals closed his eyes and thought for a while he slowly opened them again.
“This Nals thought about serving you even if you just answered with military power or spirit. There are only few who understand the importance of logistics.”

　After he said that Nals kneeled before me. (TN: Ding! Nals has entered the party)　

“This Nals will serve Carol-sama. Although my body is weak, please make full use of it.”

　Like this, the tactician became my comrade.

　Nals didn’t only demonstrate his talent in diplomacy and military affairs but also public work.
　Due to Nals’ precisely drawn out plan the irrigation construction efficiency dramatically increased.
　Like this, the construction progressed extremely smoothly.
　By the way, I also asked Nals for the design of Balhart castle.

　On another note.
　There’s a Felicia figurine production going on.
　I secretly took Nals to the Fawn Pavilion and let him meet Felicia.
　Sure enough, the figure of Felicia singing and dancing seemed to have stimulated his desire to produce as expected. (TN: You just wanted Felicia figurines, didn’t you?)
　I’m doing the colouring.

　Aah, I can’t wait to see the finished product.
　Eh, what was that?
　That’s fee……I mean, let’s settle on the irrigation construction (sweat). (TN: siiiiiiiigh)

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1. N/a

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(TN: There are no graphic BL scenes in this chapter it is mentioned though.)

“Carlo-sama, can I talk with you for a bit?”

　Melissa suddenly came over when I was sitting in my office.
　After her Reina also came in.
　It’s unusual for Melissa to come without being called and it’s not the time for a meal yet.

　What is it?
　She was obviously angry.
　Did I do something? (TN: Oh, oooh you did a lot of stuff….)
　Is it because I recently went out to play at night and visited the Fawn Pavilion and the Moulin Rouge?

“What is it?”

　Ah, my voice broke out of tension.
　I hate people being angry at me.

“It’s about this Reina”

　That gentle Melissa looked like an ogre when looking back at Reina.
　Reina turned her gaze downwards and didn’t dare to turn this way.
　Aah, the one she’s angry with is Reina, huh?
　Once I knew I wasn’t the one in trouble the tension left my body.

“Did Reina do something wrong?”

“Because I couldn’t see her working in the morning I searched for her and found her hiding in the shadows to read this kind of thing!”

　That reminds me, didn’t Melissa hold something like a thin book in her hand?

“What is it?”

　When she heard my question Melissa’s face suddenly reddened.
　Reina became smaller and smaller. (TN: Yeah, well, the title says everything)

“Ehm, this is just too much to explain it with my own mouth. It is too dirty for your esteemed eyes but could you view it to decide upon Reina’s punishment?”

　What’s going on?
　The problem wasn’t her being absent from work but the contents of this book?
　It feels like an ordinary novel.

　I took the book from Melissa and opened it.
　Then Reina began to sob.

　……
　Hoho, is the Earl with the scar on his cheek the main character?
　He kind of looks like me. (TN: Cause that’s you. My condolences)
　……
　……
　That beautiful knight of the Imperial Guard with blonde hair who swore allegiance to the Earl.
　The best swordsmen of the country.
　……
　……
　……
　There’s also a refreshing brown-haired knight appearing.
　In addition to being handsome, his sword skills were incomparable.
　The blonde knight competes against this knight and ends up losing.
　Isn’t that just like Lunos and F? (TN: Eeeyup)
　……
　……
　……
　……
　……What the hell is this?!?!

　The two knights compete with each other to gain the Earl’s favour and before long they fall in love.
　Affection exceeding friendship sprouted between the rivals.
There were love scenes between the two knights and between the Earl and the knights. (TN: … I’ll… just… whatever…)

　Tha, that fellow, did she become rotten……This is too early for this era.

　I never thought I’d read BL with me as the inspiration in my life
　Good grief, no matter in what world fujoshi always exist, don’t they? (TN: They are everywhere, everywhereeee)

　Oh well, because I’m 2D otaku trash entering the Comiket while yelling I understand them to some extent.
　But for the Maid Reina to get corrupted.
　Even though I thought she was cute but her panting over me, F and Lunos doing those kind of things was kind of disappointing.

“So, Carlo-sama, what is Reina’s punishment? Though, I think a dismissal is only natural”

　Melissa with a beet red face said this in a severe tone.
　When she heard that, Reina raised her voice while bursting into tears.

“Aah, Carlo-sama, I’m sorry! I’m going to reflect on it so please anything but dismissing me. Please let me stay here!”
　Mmm, well I don’t really think reading BL isn’t particularly bad.
　I don’t think it’s good to skip work to read, though.
　I’d appreciate it if you would stop just that.

“Melissa, Leave the rest to me. Would you let me talk with her alone?”

“Certainly. Please be strict.”

　Melissa lowered her head and left.

“Reina, sit down.”

“Bu, but……”

　I let the puzzled Reina sit on the sofa for visitors and I sat down on the opposing side.

“Are such books popular?”

“Eh, no, such things would never……”

“You don’t have to hide it. I think it’s understandable to like those kind of things and I also know some girls who like it. How long have you been reading these kinds of books?”

“……For about three years”

　Because Reina is now 17 years old she started with 14!
　She’s an elite in a sense.

“Are those around you reading this as well?”

“All my friends read them.”

“This book here, too?”

“Yes, we take turns reading them. I promised my friends to give it to them this evening and I didn’t have time to read so I skipped work……I’m terribly sorry”

　Aah, my figure got exposed to everyone (teary eyes).

“Carlo-sama, please don’t fire me. Please let me stay here!”

　Reina burst into tears again.
　I’m the one who wants to cry.

“Ehm, well, don’t cry. Let’s over look this incident this time. I’ll convince Melissa, too.”

“……Aah, Carlo-sama!”

She looked at me with wet eyes.
　Her face was cute but being looked at by those eyes, honestly, I pulled back a little.

“However, don’t read those books while you are in the mansion, working. What did your friends say?”

“Ehm, actually, it was one of my friends who wrote this book.”

　……A BL writer, what kind of friends do you have? (TN: I have enough of those, too….)

“She frequently tells me that she envies me for working at such a heavenly place.”

　What heaven, good grief.
　Besides, as soon as she realised she won’t get fired she got really lively.

“Ehm, Carlo-sama, that friend told me to ask you something when I get the opportunity.”

　I got a reeeeally bad feeling about this.

“What is it? Let’s hear it.”

“Ehm, that, uhm……”

　Reina fidgeting like that is pretty cute.
　But it’s something hard to say after all, huh?

“Ehm, if I dare to say, but, Carlo-sama, if you could answer this, you’re a uke, right? And what do you think about Gekokujo? I think it’s very wonderful!” (TN: Gekokujo = juniors dominating their seniors, 下剋上に関 gekokujo ni kanshite that’s the full thing)

　……This girl is done for.
　She’s completely corrupted (white eyed)

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1. N/a

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After having defeated the Troll we reported this to the people at the windmill.
Although the villagers who escaped to the windmill were still initially suspicious they were surprised by the sight of the two fallen Trolls.

“Is this the truth? You defeated them? Moreover, those two ……were tremendously strong.”

“To big bro Akatsuki and big sis Crescent Moon something of this degree is nothing!”

Pick seemed happy but Crescent Moon kept on staring at Knopf suspiciously.

“What’s the matter, Crescent Moon? This doesn’t look like you at all.”

“But with that said, Akatsuki. Don’t you think that cat ear magician is weird? That finisher, I never saw or heard of a spell like that. Even though one couldn’t see anything that big hole suddenly appeared and that thing immediately kicked the bucket. This is just too weird.”

Well, to a human of this world in which things such as guns do not exist it’ll turn out like this.

“Don’t say that. Knopf isn’t particularly suspicious. She just devises various spells out of normal ones.”

“Was it like that? That first fireball also had tremendous power, didn’t it?”

“Are you talking about me?”

When Knopf came over, Crescent Moon hastily tried to fix this up.

“Ah, no, I was just praising your magic, like your magic is more awesome than I first thought.”

“Is that so? Thank you. Crescent Moon’s skill with the bow was also amazing.”

That’s right, Crescent Moon’s archery is also of miracle grade.
Is this because Akatsuki was originally set to be an Archery master?
By the way, I wonder how skilled I’m with it.
I’ve never tried to use a bow before so I don’t know.
I feel like I’m able to use it for some reason.

“By the way, what are those demon eyes you mentioned before?”

I was interested in this so I asked the cat girl.

“It had its eyes sewed shut so that it couldn’t see, right? That’s demon eyes. It’s something like a curse that takes your vision in exchange for strong magical power. The question is who did this?”

So that means that someone was behind this Troll variant?
I have to be careful.

We asked the villagers to clean up and decided to go back to the town.
For the sake of reporting to the Guild, we cut off the Troll’s left ear each.
I entrusted the task of cutting it to Crescent Moon, though. (TN: You cut off a Troll’s head though)
I can’t do something so grotesque.
The Trolls didn’t have anything particularly valuable on them.
How disappointing.

When we left the village all the residents waved saw us off and waved their hands.
Though there were some victims I want you to work hard to restore everything to normal.

When we entered we got assaulted by a barrage of questions.
Stuff like, what kind of enemy was it, how did you defeat them? And so on, and so on.
What kind of enemy it was, was okay to answer but regarding how we defeated it I gave a vague answer.
Especially that last spell is top-secret.

When we reported to the guild and showed them the three severed ears our reward got increased to 40 coins.
The reason for this was the danger we were already exposed to by the two-headed enemy who could use magic and additionally defeating another one which suddenly appeared.
With this, it became 10 gold coins per person.

“Hehe, I’m grateful for this. But I wish they had given us a little more.”

The greedy Crescent Moon was saying things like that.
This person really likes money.
Knopf seemed to allot it to her research funds.
As Pick asked, “What should I do with this?” I was delighted to tell her “Distribute it among the Rabbit Group”.

I left the Guildhall, returned to the hideout, changed back into Carlo’s clothes and went back to the mansion.
For a moment I thought about going to the Fawn Pavilion but it was still early and I didn’t want to trouble Felicia. (TN: Yep don’t go~)

“Welcome home, Carlo-sama”

Melissa and Reina, but also the Imperial Guard’s captain Lunos greeted me.
When I entered the mansion Lunos handed me a letter.

“What, from whom?”

“First open it and take a look, please.”

Lunos flashed a grin for an instant.

When I opened it I saw that the letter was from one of “Moulin Rouge’s” Onee-sans, Rozea.

“What’s written in it?”

Lunos listened with an unconcerned face.
Is it like this? Or did Rozea give the letter to him? (TN: If it’s his letter…. why would he show it to you again?)

It was written that she had a fun during that time.
If I have time I should visit again by all means.
And she also wrote she found someone she wanted to introduce to me.

“Aah, something like she wants to see me again. Rozea’s also troubled.”

Alright, Rozea wants to see me and not Lunos! (TN: Cause money? And ya know, she just saw him and he’s there a lot apparently)
Honestly, I was bursting with joy and wanted to brag but I controlled myself and assumed a curt attitude.

“Well, for women with that kind of job sending letters like this to customers is part of their work.” (TN: Bingo)

That Lunos, is he jealous of me? (TN: Nooope. Don’t think so)
Rozea isn’t the type of girl who writes letters like this just for her work.
Unexpectedly that handsome guy Lunos doesn’t understand a woman’s feelings either. (TN: Heh. First the idol now her. Did ya even fall for spam e-mails before?)

“Well, can’t be helped. Might as well go today, huh?”

“Eh, you want to go at once? Then I shall also accompany you.”

That Lunos, what’s with you letting out that surprised voice?
Isn’t it normal to go to someone who wants to see you? (TN: In different situations, yes, but not in this one…)

“No, it’s fine, I’m going alone.”

After eating dinner I left the mansion and headed for the Moulin Rouge.
I’m glad that thanks to the herbs the eating habits have considerably improved.
The Genovese pasta with basil I had the other day was delicious.
I’d like to eat curry sometime soon.

“Welcome~”

As I entered the Moulin Rouge there were a lot of glamorous Onee-sans there again.

“Welcome. Do you want to see someone in particular?”

Just when I wanted to tell the name to the black clothed man Rozea appeared from behind.

“Oh my, Carlo-sama. Thank you very much for coming.”

“Yeah, I got your letter and came over.”

Today Rozea is wearing a crimson dress again though it has a different shape than the one before.
The neckline wasn’t as deeply cut as before but the deep slit in her skirt was also very sexy.

“This gentleman is my visitor. Let me guide you.”

Rozea took me by my hand and guided me to a seat.
Ah, this is dangerous.
This might be the first time after becoming and adult that I held hands with a woman so casually. (TN: Srsly? I mean, there had to be some kind of situation, right?)

I sat down while my heart was throbbing.
Rozea snuggled closer to my side.

“I’m sorry for giving you a letter like that. Did I trouble you?”

“No, I don’t mind. It’s alright.”

This was the first time I received a letter from a woman so I was happy.
I kind of became aware of something, I’m not good at talking. Rozea’s beautiful and white thighs became visible when she crossed her legs.
Aah, I can’t stare, don’t stare.
Just when I thought like that I just took a glance.

“What would you like to drink?”

Rozea listened.
Ehm, they certainly ask to buy “bottles” in this kind of shops and that makes the girls happy.
But they were really expensive, at least that’s what I saw in TV dramas.

I don’t have any idea what I should order.
I should have taken Lunos with me after all. (TN: Yeah, you should have)
Sigh, there’s no helping it, let’s tell her the truth.

“I want to order a bottle but, honestly, I don’t know anything about that. I’ve never been to shops like this.”

“Oh my, is that so? Then just for me……Thank you. Then I’ll order instead. What price would be appropriate?”

Rozea laughed with relish.
But she didn’t make me feel like an idiot, besides, she was a good girl who properly asked about the budget.
I got the reward from the Troll extermination today, so let’s use that.

“I see, today I have 10 gold coins with me so use them well.”

Those 10 gold coins are equal to 1 million yen.
Though I don’t know how expensive this place is but this much should be enough.
Then Rozea suddenly stared at me with a serious face. (TN: Eh? Did I misjudge Rozea?)

“Carlo-sama. I know that you’re rich. I’m also happy that you would order this for me. However, please don’t order such expensive liquor. Rather than using it all at once Rozea would be happier to see Carlo-sama many times.” (TN:Hmmm)

When she said this I began to smile, then she continued.

“In fact, there’s a Liquor I really like. It would cost one gold coin in total, so may I ask you to buy it for me?” (TN: Not bye bye 10 gold coins then?)

“Aah, well, let’s order it then, shall we?”

The liquor which got brought was a delicious sparkling wine with a slightly sweet taste.
While drinking it Rozea laughed happily.
Crescent Moon would never say things like that.
She’d say things like: More importantly give me more money.

“By the way, you wrote in the letter that you wanted to introduce someone to me.”

“That’s right. It’s when you came here the other day, but I think she might be useful to Carlo-sama. Though she’s a slightly strange person.”

Is that so? Rozea always thought about me?
Let’s meet that person next time.

Thus, the fun night continued on.

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1. N/a

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“O, oh no, that thing came back! Quickly, get inside the windmill!”

 

The moment they heard the thudding sound the villagers started to panic.

 

“I’ll lure that guy. Crescent Moon attack him with your bow. Knopf, get ready to chant an aria and Pick, you’re support.”

 

Everyone positioned themselves as I instructed.

In fact, this is my first campaign, honestly, my legs are shaking.

Thanks to the mask my expression still looked fine.

 

Zuuuun, zuuuun

 

The thudding sounds came closer.

I was prepared.

Then one could see its head appearing beyond the trees.

Two heads.

 

One of its heads had a face resembling a human’s but its appearance was so distorted it made the viewer uncomfortable – – It laughed.

That’s right, it looked at us as if it couldn’t contain its joy over finding new prey anymore.

 

And the other head.

Similarly, it also had a face resembling a human’s but its eyes were sewn shut with something that looked like a huge thread.

Besides, it had the same smirk as the other head even though it’s blind.

This creature partly resembling a human evoked disgust, physiological repugnance and fear.

 

It was also considerably big.

For its head to tower over the tree tops, it certainly had to exceed 5 meters in height.

 

――That, isn’t that thing actually a Titan? (TN: Shingeki no Kyojin reference)

I don’t have any device to move in the sky and fight it.

But, I guess, magic is better in this setting.

So, how do I fight that?

 

The Troll inched closer while watching us and laughed.

In its right hand, it held a 2 meter long, big club.

Finally, it got into battle distance.

 

“The head with the sewn shut eyes has “demon eyes”. It can definitely use magic!”

 

Knopf shouted.

How troublesome, magic, huh?

But I’m grateful for at least knowing that much.

 

――Reus!

 

I call Reus in my mind, chant an aria and form seals with my left hand.

 

“Fire Sword!”

 

Then the Oricalcum Sword got wrapped in flames.

 

Gaaaaaaaah!

 

At the time the Troll released an incomprehensible roar it raised its club in front of me.

 

“Let’s go!”

 

The battle began with my shout.

 

The Troll swung down its club on me.

What a tremendous speed and wind pressure.

 

Kuu――

 

I avoided it by jumping to the side.

The arrow Crescent Moon shot pierced the Troll’s right shoulder.

 

“Hehe, how’s that?”

 

Crescent Moon shot one arrow after another.

She seemed to focus on its right hand gripping the club.

Then the Troll’s other head with the sewn shut eyes shouted something making a gust of wind appear which blew off the arrows at the same time.

 

“It’s useless, with this wind magic, not a single arrow will hit.”

 

While shouting that Pick threw stones with her sling but they didn’t inflict much damage.

But in that instance, I jumped to the Troll’s feet.

As I thought, it’s huge, my head doesn’t even reach its waist.

I flung the Fire Sword in my right hand against its thigh in front of me.

 

Guwaaa!

 

The Troll screamed in pain and kicked me.

It didn’t cause much damage as I was jumping back at the same time.

But it seems like I couldn’t give the Troll a severe wound either.

 

“Here I come!”

Knopf shouted, held her wand and chanted an aria.

At the moment, a huge fireball attacked the Troll’s upper body and exploded as it collided with it.

Looks like she added oxygen to the fireball spell with wind magic.

 

The Troll’s upper body burnt red and started to fester.

As is expected, seemed like it dealt damage.

Isn’t this good?

 

“There’s something coming from the left!”

 

Just when I thought that, Pick shouted this.

Looking to the left I saw another Troll run here with a tremendous force.

This one is about 3 meters in height and had only one head.

Though it’s slow but its feet were like heavy tanks.

This is a common Troll.

 

“We have another guest, what should we do? Akatsuki!”

 

I thought for a moment to Crescent Moon’s words but immediately gave an answer.

 

“I’ll fight this one so please take care of the other. It will mainly focus on Knopf because of her magic attack, so Crescent Moon and Pick have to draw it away from her.” (TN: Good that you can stay calm~ Author correction?)

 

Aggro management, it’s that.

My experience gained through MMO’s is useful in times like this.

 

“Understood, leave this to us”

 

Crescent Moon is reliable, really.

OK, I should give it my best, too.

 

This new Troll had also a club like the other.

But as long as it can’t use magic and isn’t that big I can somehow manage.

I held my sword with both hands.

 

Gowaaa!

 

The Troll was about to hit me with its club but I tried to block it with my Orichalcum Sword.

 

Kuwaang!

 

It gave off a dull sound, but it’s fine, I blocked it.

It’s strong indeed, but I have the author correction on my side.

I flicked the club away and stuck at the Troll’s practically defenceless torso.

 

Guyaaaa

 

The Troll was agonising because of the pain.

I didn’t go as far as cutting it in two with a single sword stroke but I inflicted a pretty heavy wound.

 

Bang, bang, bang!

 

The wounded Troll bangs around its club to attack.

It wasn’t fast enough to get me but those strikes had enough power behind it to instantly kill me if I was hit by them.

While carefully evading I waited for an opportunity.

I want to defeat it quickly and help the other but I can’t be careless.

 

I raised the Fire Sword’s heat to increase the damage a hit will give.

The moment the Troll made a big swing it broke its posture.

I struck the Troll’s neck with my sword after it became reachable.

 

The fire clad Oricalcum Sword cut into the Troll’s neck.

Even though I felt resistance I swung it through without change.

 

Zudoooooon

 

The Troll’s head fell followed by its body.

I did it, how about the others?

 

 

 

 

When I looked back to the right I saw Crescent Moon fighting well.

Crescent Moon didn’t use her sword and kept on shooting the Troll with her bow.

Because of its magic, the arrows hardly hit its mark, but this was more of a measure against it using magic against the others.

 

Pick provoked her enemy to make it attack her before avoiding the attacks at point-blank range.

Seeing that small body fighting against her opponent’s gigantic club was scary.

But it seems like it couldn’t even graze her.

 

Knopf fired a new kind of magic.

It seemed like she used the strategy of mixing ice splinters created with beginner ranked water magic with the beginner rank wind spell “Storm” to cut the Troll.

The Ice Storm caught the Troll’s head with open eyes.

 

How skilled, like this the Troll became blind.

Because the other head’s eyes were sewed shut it could see nothing now.

 

“Now, let’s go!”

 

I shouted as I ran behind the Troll.

While the Troll held its head in pain I swung my sword against its right knee’s back with all my might.

 

Zuba――

 

I continued on and aimed for its left knee.

This was also a good hit, with both its legs ruined the two-headed Troll had no choice but to kneel down.

 

“Way to go, Akatsuki!”

 

As Crescent Moon shouted that she shot some arrows at the Troll who couldn’t afford to use magic anymore.

The carefully aimed arrow pierced the open-eyed head’s left eye.

 

“You, did you see that?!”

 

Looks like she didn’t aim for that.

It’s a miracle, huh? Good grief. (TN: Says the no control fireball pitching machine)

 

I approached the suffering, crouching Troll’s body from behind.

I jumped up with all my might and struck my Fire Sword down on the neck of the head with demon eyes. (TN: Yeah, it’s like in Shingeki no Kyojin. The neck cutting.)

 

Guwaaaaaaaaaa!

 

Just when the head with the demon eyes let out a shout it stopped moving soon after.

Alright, then there’s only the open-eyed head left.

Moreover, one of its eyes was crushed.

 

The Troll tried to stand up while wielding its club in its right hand but it was difficult with those legs after all.

 

“Don’t miss that chance, go!”

 

I snuck to the Troll’s front left side as I shouted this.

The Troll whose freedom of movement got snatched away turned towards me and tried to hit me but because one of its eyes was crushed it didn’t have any more sense of perspective resulting in not hitting me.

While escaping from it I used the opportunity to cut at the Troll.

 

Furthermore, Crescent Moon and Pick launched an attack from the other side.

This fight’s end is already only a matter of time.

 

“Here I go! Ice Barrett!”

 

Just when Knopf shouted, paan!  A small hole opened in the Trolls forehead only a dry explosion sound remaining, then the Troll slowly collapsed.

 

 

“W, what was that just now……?”

 

Without showing any joy for the victory, Crescent Moon turned around and unpleasantly looked at Knopf.

 

“You did that just now, didn’t you? What was it? I never saw someone use it before……”

 

 

“Car……That’s not it, Akatsuki, the spell went well just now. Although it’s hard to use because aiming with it is difficult.”

 

That’s right, I taught Knopf the spell she used back then.

In fact, the wand Knopf has is made out of steel and hollow inside.

I proposed to use it to shoot out bullets made with ice magic propelling it out with a to-the-limit compressed air ball made with wind magic.

It is, so to speak, something like a magic air gun.

 

I let the legendary blacksmith Mohan especially make it for Knopf.

The inside of the wand was carefully cut into spiral groves.

Thanks to that, the ice bullets could be propelled out at a high-speed and keep flying straight because of the gyro effect. (TN: Gyro effect)

 

This is our weapon for fighting the Titans.

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