Volume 3 Chapter 19 The Mysterious Encounter, But...
Mikage's expression changed in a way that was hard to describe when she looked at my face. Her eyes widened as if startled, and then she fixed a strong gaze on me. Without asking me anything, she headed towards the gate to intercept the monster, as instructed by the other mercenaries.
I watched her silently as she went. Some of the running mercenaries, who may have overheard my conversation with Mikage, openly directed scornful looks at me, but I didn't mind.
Eventually, most of the mercenaries in the guild left, and the surroundings became quiet and deserted.
'...So, what's your plan, partner?'
Gram's voice carried a hint of exasperation.
'I'm talking about you, partner. It's not like you're just realizing you're scared now.'
"......"
I walked along the streets of the royal capital, which had become less crowded.
The soldiers I saw on my way to the guild were nowhere to be seen now. Perhaps they had gone towards the gates to deal with the monster attack.
I continued on and made my way to Kyunei's clinic.
"Huh, Yukina-kun?"
As soon as I entered, Kyunei exclaimed in surprise. It seemed like she was preparing to go somewhere, as she had a bag filled with medicine hanging from her shoulder.
"Where are you going, Kyunei?"
"T-to set up a field hospital near the gates... for the mercenaries and soldiers who got injured in the battle with the monsters."
With Kyunei's skill, she would definitely be a great asset to the field hospital. It was only natural for them to ask for her help. And as a proud doctor, she didn't have the option to refuse when approached with such a request.
"Yukina-kun, what about Mikage? And what was that bell earlier?"
"Mikage went to confront the monster. I... will stay here in the royal capital."
In response to my answer, Kyunei showed the same surprised expression as Mikage did earlier.
But after a little while, she smiled.
"I see... I understand."
Kyunei said that and gently hugged me.
"If that's what Yukina-kun chose, I won't say anything."
"I'm sorry... I won't be on the front lines, but I'll be close to the battle. Take care."
"Yeah, you too, Yukina-kun."
And so, I saw Kyunei off.
'She's really a great girl, both Kyunei and Mikage.'
"Yeah. I really don't deserve them."
Both of them must have had something to say. But, they chose to prioritize my will. It's truly a grateful thing.
I walk on the deserted streets of the royal capital.
'...So, what's your plan, partner? It's about time you explain properly.'
"Especially, there's no deep reason for this."
The only reason I stayed inside the royal capital was the 'troublesome feeling' that arose in my heart.
"That's right, doing the same thing as everyone else is boring."
'No, no, I think that thought is questionable in this situation.'
As I exchange words with Gram, I continue to walk aimlessly on the streets of the royal capital.
If I listen carefully, I can hear the distant sounds of battle. Outside the gate, the soldiers of the kingdom and the mercenaries are fighting with all their might to prevent the monsters from advancing this far.
Mikage and Kyunei are both trying their best to fulfill their duties.
While I feel sorry, I couldn't ignore the 'anxiety' that welled up within me.
"Well, saying 'boring' was probably a bit harsh. But you know, I just think it's not great if everyone takes the same actions."
"...I can't see where this is going. Stop beating around the bush with your words."
Usually, I'm the one asking questions, but this time Gram is the one asking. It felt a bit fresh and strange.
There's no basis, no certainty.
But I just vaguely felt it while listening to the conversation.
--Everyone's eyes seem to be focused only on the 'outside' of the royal capital.
"It's simple. It just means that it wouldn't hurt to have at least one person watching the 'inside' instead of the 'outside'."
"Yeah..."
In terms of gambling, it's like a 'long shot'.
"Hey, Gram, remember when you said that a bunch of monsters appeared because someone used summoning magic? And that it was something done on purpose? If it involves people's intentions..."
I interrupted my words and stopped walking.
I had arrived at a square in the middle of the royal capital, where many roads intersected.
The odds were high precisely because no one was betting.
The high payout was unbelievable.
No one would lose if they didn't win.
But what would happen if I actually won?
The payout would reflect the seriousness of the danger.
Those who bet on a long shot would lose.
In this case, it would be similar to the evaluation from other mercenaries.
If nothing happened, the mercenaries' feelings towards me would decline. It would go even lower from its already low state.
If I could just be made a fool of, I wouldn't mind. It would be a gain if I could get rid of the 'unpleasant premonition' that had been lingering in my mind.
In this big hole, it was necessary to invest everything. That's what I decided.
--And unfortunately, it seems that the bad bet has hit the mark.
There was something in the square.
Normally, there would be many street vendors lined up, bustling with the residents of the royal capital.
But now, a giant 'magic circle' was drawn there.
And in the center, there was a figure wearing a robe. The cloak was pulled deep, so I couldn't see the face. But it clearly exuded an extraordinary atmosphere.
'Hey, partner...this is a summoning magic circle, isn't it?'
Gram warned. In this situation, it was needless to ask what it was summoning.
"This is going to be really troublesome."
I sighed. The realization of my unpleasant premonition made me weary. But now was not the time to look away from reality.
I pull out the spear from my back and start running.
Finally noticing my presence in a hurry, the person in a robe turns around here, looking surprised.
I drove the tip of the spear into the top of their head.
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