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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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---

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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