Chapter 56 The Kunoichi Chiyome (Part Four)
"What's going on?"
Chiyome looks at me again, intently. I said in a somewhat angry voice.
"Are you just going to give us orders? We're not your subordinates."
Chiyome let out a sigh.
"That's not my intention. And it's not that I won't explain the reason. But that reason is your earlier question about 'my purpose.' So if I tell you, I need to execute it without fail."
I hesitated. Tsubasa and Alice alternately look at me and Chiyome.
(Given Chiyome's intention, it's probably something that comes with a considerable risk, such as taking Alice and the others along.)
"Understood."
Then Tsubasa and Alice simultaneously shout.
"Akito!"
"Akito-kun!"
However, I ignore their cries.
"I want to know the criteria for bringing them along. Is it combat ability? Or the ability to heal comrades?"
"I need combat power. Healing power would be nice, but... well, it's not essential, I suppose."
Alice looked despairing.
"Understood. But Tsubasa is the one who stood at the forefront with me and Morimura to protect this town. I can't remove her from the party. It would be unnatural."
"I understand. I have no intention of removing her as the archer."
I looked at Alice.
"I'm sorry, Alice. Please hold back this time."
She pursed her lips.
"Is that so... I always end up being left out..."
"I don't mean it that way. You're the only one who can use healing magic, and for us, you're a lifeline."
"Then, can I also be part of the conversation?"
"Of course. Chiyome-san, is that alright with you?"
When I asked, she nodded and said, "Yes, that's fine."
"Then, could you tell us what's going on?"
I urged Chiyome.
"My purpose in coming to this town is to investigate Baronet Marqifasso, who is the lord here."
She then continued.
"Baronet Marqifasso, by title, is not of the status to become a lord. However, through substantial donations to other nobles, he has acquired the position of a lord. His wealth seems considerable, but considering his inherited estate and income, it is hard to believe that such a large fortune could be amassed."
"So, Chiyome-san believes that Baronet Marqifasso is involved in some kind of wrongdoing, right?"
"Yes. We have come here to investigate that."
However, I still had my doubts.
"But is that reason enough to bring so many shrine maidens here and expose them to danger? I know it may sound cynical, but aren't there corrupt lords in every place?"
In my previous loops, almost all the lords in this world were involved in some form of wrongdoing or misdeeds. So why specifically target the lord of this land? Chiyome then said,
"That's right. We won't take action for just any ordinary fraud. There seems to be something bigger behind Baronet Marqifasso."
"Something bigger? What is it?"
"Human trafficking."
""""Human trafficking!""""
The other four, Morimura, Kondo Shuichi, Tsubasa, and Alice, exclaimed in surprise. But I wasn't so surprised. Because there are slaves in this world. And when parents from poor families have too many children to support, it's common for them to sell off the ones they can't take care of. I pointed that out.
"Human trafficking is certainly illegal... but isn't it unusual to investigate the lord's mansion?"
"If it were just ordinary human trafficking, you'd be right. But from what I've investigated, the number of people who have gone missing due to human trafficking doesn't match the number of people who have been sold as slaves."
"What does that mean..."
"I still don't know. That's why I want to investigate it by entering Baronet Marqifasso's mansion. After all, the security there is incredibly tight, unlike anything you can imagine. Even the officials from the imperial capital can't get in, which is abnormal."
Upon hearing the story, I also pondered. This country is governed by a feudal system, with lords under the king ruling their respective territories. However, it's unthinkable that officials from the imperial capital, directly under the king, cannot enter the lords' mansions.
(There must be something to consider...)
But does that align with my purpose of 'protecting everyone while returning to our world'?
(However, the fact that we received an invitation from Baronet Marqifasso means it's none other than us. If there's something, it might be wise to cooperate with Chiyome.)
With that in mind, I answered.
"I understand. Chiyome-san, let's go to the party together."
Chiyome seemed satisfied with my answer, while the other four looked at me with complex expressions.
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