Volume 2 Chapter 8 It's A Blatant Lie, But...
Karan paused for a moment before continuing.
"The worst-case scenario that the guild had anticipated has unfortunately come true, but the this misfortune is that we were able to resolve the Monster Rampage (Stampede) early. If we had discovered it later, the forest would have been flooded with a large number of Kobolds, and we would have needed to organize a large-scale extermination team."
Karan breathed a sigh of relief.
"It was truly fortunate that you were able to defeat the Kobold King, who was at the 'root' of the Monster Rampage (Stampede). Thanks to that, the remaining Kobolds in the forest have gathered together. No matter how many there are, they can be easily cleared out as long as we don't underestimate them, even with mercenary ranks below 4th."
However, even though they had lost their leadership, the hungry Kobolds were scavenging for food as much as they could, and it was certain that they were having a significant impact on the wildlife within their range of activity.
Even so, the guild had concluded that considering the damage if the Monster Rampage (Stampede) were to escalate, it would be better.
'With fear nullified by extreme hunger and the dominance of the Kobold King, the organized horde of Kobolds is far more troublesome than ordinary individuals. If such a horde were to come flooding in, the hunting party would have suffered considerable damage.'
As I listened to Gram's words, I remembered the scene where Mikage injured her leg. Facing a horde of Kobolds that attacked without regard for their own lives, Mikage was on the verge of losing her life. If such a horde were to come attacking in large numbers, there would be nothing but fear.
"...So, did you call us here just to listen to this useless talk?"
"Hmph."
Even though the important people from the guild were explaining it in detail, Mikage coldly dismissed it. I, who was standing next to him, couldn't help but cringe.
"Well, Silver Flash, you're being quite harsh. From observing Yukina-kun's behavior, it seems that he has some knowledge about the Monster Rampage (Stampede), so let's move on to the main topic soon."
After clearing his throat, Karan began speaking.
"I'm sure the defeat of the Kobold King was undoubtedly carried out. However, there are many voices within the guild questioning who the 'contributor' of that defeat is."
"...I explained it to the guild myself not long ago, didn't I?"
"Even so, yes. To be honest, if it wasn't for your report, I would have had a similar mindset as them."
Mikage, showing her displeasure, and Karan, looking disheveled, exchanged glances.
...So this means that, huh.
'It's just as you expected, partner.'
For now, it is known that Yukina defeated the Kobold King, and Mikage reported it to the guild. However, the guild is skeptical about her report.
'Well, it's hard to accept that a new 5th rank mercenary can defeat the Kobold King, even if it's coming from the person involved.'
Without saying anything, Karan looked at me next.
"So, I want to confirm with Yukina-kun. Did you really defeat the Kobold King?"
"Yeah, in terms of delivering the final blow, it was definitely me."
Karan's gaze sharpened at my honest answer.
It doesn't seem like he thinks I'm lying, but he still doesn't fully believe it.
"So, that means Silver Flash cornered the Kobold King and you delivered the final blow──"
"No, that's not it."
In the middle of Karan's conversation, Mikage cut him off.
"It is true that I was the one who encountered it first. However, I only slightly injured it. There is no doubt that this person (Yukina) was the one who subdued the Kobold King."
I mean, you're not wrong, but is there another way to say it? You don't have to be so pushy. Look, even Karan, the executive, seems a bit surprised.
"...I can't believe that you, Silver Flash, who was more obsessed with gaining fame than anyone else, would give credit to someone else."
"I'm not giving credit to anyone. I've always spoken the truth. And don't get me wrong. Seeking fame was just one of the means for me."
"Well, I understand that──"
"Of course, now it doesn't really matter anymore."
Mikage smiled and looked at me with blushing cheeks. Since I'm not really immune to women, my heart races when I'm looked at like that.
Oh, Karan, now your mouth is wide open.
"...What does that mean?"
"I have found the 'lord' I should serve. That's what it means."
After blinking, Karan turned to me with a start. Even though I had nothing to feel guilty about, I instinctively looked away from Karan.
"Um, anyway... we were talking about the defeat of the Kobold King, right?"
"Y-yes. That's right."
In response to my suspicious behavior, Karan nodded stiffly. Somehow, he got the feeling that I didn't want him to bring up this topic.
Karan cleared his throat as if to regain composure.
"After receiving the report of the Kobold King's defeat, the guild collected the Kobold King's body, and the staff inspected it.
As a result, in addition to the sword wounds from Silver Flash, there were many other wounds that seemed to have been inflicted by someone else. Especially, the blows to both arms and the fatal blow to the left chest. These two were clearly different from Silver Flash's."
"You can tell all that?"
"Silver Flash's weapons are unique. If you're familiar with handling blades, it's easy to recognize.
The wounds on both arms look like they were forcefully struck with a blade. As for the left chest, the area around the heart has been completely gouged out. It's hardly believable that it was done by Silver Flash."
Both arms and left chest── without a doubt, these are the wounds it got from battling Gram. However, it feels as if it happened to someone else. At that time, I was completely absorbed in the fight, but it doesn't feel real.
"So, it's possible that Silver Flash wasn't the one who defeated the Kobold King. However, if you were to ask whether a rookie from the 5th rank caused these wounds on both my arms and left chest, there would definitely be doubts."
"So, you want to ask us about the situation again? Well, no matter how many times you ask, the answer won't change. The greatest contributor to the defeat of the Kobold King is Yukina-sama."
"Yukina-kun, is there no falsehood in Silver Flash's words?"
"...There is no falsehood."
Whether it feels unreal or lacks credibility, the fact remains that I defeated the Kobold King. I truthfully answered Karan's question.
After receiving my words, Karan fell silent for a while, but eventually relaxed and showed a friendly smile.
"Okay. It doesn't seem like Silver Flash is willingly take the credit, so let's tell the guild members that."
"Didn't I say that from the beginning?"
"The Kobold King isn't a monster that a new 5th ranker can easily defeat. I didn't doubt your words from the start, but considering my position, I couldn't just believe it outright."
Mikage seemed exasperated by Karan's explanation.
"Also, the original 'investigation' request was Mikage's responsibility. Yukina-kun interfered and completed the request on his own."
Now that I think about it, I basically meddled in Mikage's request. If one mercenary intentionally interferes with another mercenary who accepted the request, it's subject to punishment.
"Of course, the guild understands that it was an urgent situation. That's why we needed to at least hear the situation from the parties involved, even if it's just for show."
As I listened to him talk, my honest opinion came to mind: Organizations are a pain.
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