Volume 4 Chapter 31 I Watched It Well, But...
During the journey by carriage, we encountered monsters sporadically and engaged in battle, but everyone was accustomed to it as 3rd-ranked mercenaries. Since the monsters that appeared were not particularly strong, we repelled them without any casualties.
Five days have passed since we departed from the royal capital, and we safely arrived at the town, our initial destination.
Apart from the geographical advantage of being reachable within a week from the royal capital, the town does not have any particularly notable specialty products. However, on the flip side, due to its location, it serves as a connecting point between the royal capital and other regions, with many trading posts and inns. It seems to be thriving in its own way.
However, this town is currently facing a slight crisis of survival.
The cause is none other than a group of bandits who have established a hideout near the town.
The hideout is located half a day's walk from the town, in a rocky area.
Because monsters occasionally appear in the area, mercenaries rarely visit to seek materials. It is far from trading routes and almost no one pays attention to such a place.
However, it was the perfect place to hide from prying eyes. Before they knew it, bandits had built their hideout there.
Many travelers and merchants have already been attacked, resulting in significant financial and personal losses. There have been deaths, and some people have been kidnapped.
As a result, the number of merchants passing through this town has drastically decreased. This has had a big impact on the inn that relied on the merchants for business.
Of course, not everyone stayed silent.
When the presence of the bandits was discovered, the town's local goverment requested the Mercenary Guild to investigate and eliminate them. Their quick action was definitely the right choice and praiseworthy.
However, a problem arose at this point.
To investigate the base of a band of bandits, a mercenary skilled in scouting conducted investigation. What they discovered far exceeded their initial estimates—the number of bandits was much greater than expected. Even gathering all the mercenaries in town would make it extremely difficult to counter them.
Normally, with a group of bandits of such scale, it would be natural for the country's army to intervene. Unfortunately, the timing was bad.
The commotion caused by the demon attack incident had not yet subsided.
So, it fell upon us, the mercenaries in the royal capital, to handle the situation.
"Mikage, how much can you see from here?"
"...I'm not sure of the exact number, but it seems like there are as many as the information suggested."
"I see. Well, better than having too few, I suppose."
Mikage and I were hiding in the shadow of a rocky hill, observing the bandits' hideout. We were scouts sent to confirm whether there were any discrepancies between the information provided by the guild and the actual situation.
However, we're positioned quite far away so that the bandits won't notice us, making people look like tiny beans to us. However, it seems that Mikage, the fox beastman, can see them.
Among the mercenaries hired for this mission, Mikage has the best vision. I am there to support her. I am accompanying her so that I can provide backup in case of an emergency.
There are several tents set up in the hideout. They may be for sleeping or storing loot.
"From this distance, it's hard to tell who the leader is. They are probably in the biggest tent."
"The biggest tent? Which one is that?"
"From here, it's the second one from the right back there."
"...I wonder if I have any purpose in coming here."
I am completely relying on Mikage.
Although I say I am there for backup, Mikage is actually a 2nd-rank mercenary with much more experience than me. It feels like I am the one being supported by her.
In a recent practice match, I finally managed to win, but my winning rate is still below 20%. During normal training sessions, Mikage is still one or two levels above me.
"Just having Yukina-sama next to me makes me feel secure enough to fulfill my role. Please don't put yourself down."
"I'm glad you say that, but..."
Mikage, who had comforted me, suddenly brought up something.
"By the way, there's this mercenary named Rudel, looks like you've become friends."
"Believe it or not, he's a fan of mine."
I briefly told Mikage about the conversation I had with Rudel during the journey. She had a genuinely disappointed expression.
"If that's the case... you should have told me."
"No need to make a big deal out of it."
"Sigh... it was a chance to spread Yukina-sama's fame. But I might become good friends with him, myself."
I'm not sure if I should be happy about that friendship.
"Putting aside the friend talk, Rudel was quite skilled as a mercenary. From what I saw during the incident, he would be classified as an Upper rank among the 3rd ranks. It's reassuring to have him accompany us on this mission."
If even the strict Mikage says that, then despite his charming appearance, he must truly be talented.
"Still, you saw quite well in that situation (demon attack)."
"My eyes are decent, so that's why I'm playing this role now."
In that battlefield, Mikage probably had enough composure to pay attention to her surroundings compared to me. I wonder if I can also reach that level.
"Don't belittle yourself like that. Mikage was able to stay calm and assess the situation because his partner was dealing with the most dangerous enemy."
Well, I guess it couldn't be helped that I was distracted by Aina at that time.
With that thought in mind, I shook my head.
I got too carried away with the conversation. Even though the "real deal (fight)" was still ahead, I was currently in the middle of a mission. Just when I thought I should stay focused, I looked at Mikage's face and saw a very serious expression. The atmosphere shifted from friendly banter to tense.
Wondering if something had happened at the hideout, I followed Mikage's gaze, but I still couldn't see clearly.
If I had to say, it seemed like a few people had come out with long, thin objects attached to them――
'Partner, first of all, please calm down and listen.'
While Gram whispered through Telepathy, Mikage stated the facts emotionlessly.
"Several women with their hands tied with chains came out of the tent. They are probably the ones who were abducted."
――Gasp
Before I knew it, I was holding Gram, the spear on my back, and Mikage was holding my arm.
"Yukina-sama, I understand how you feel... but please, endure it here."
If I focus just on physical strength, I'm already way stronger than Mikage. Even though I know I could shake her off if I wanted to, Mikage is grabbing my arm with all her might to stop me from rushing out.
...no, that's not it.
Mikage is also holding herself back. I could feel it from the hand that's gripping my arm.
"Sorry... I'm calm now."
I apologized to her as I peeled my hand off the spear.
"No, this is also the duty of a subordinate."
"Thank you. So... do you know how many people are tied up?"
"From what I can see... about three. I can't tell their condition from here, but we shouldn't take too long."
"Right. Let's hurry back."
Mikage and I nodded to each other and rushed to the point where the other mercenaries were waiting.
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