Volume 5 Chapter 18 I Feel Like My Neck Might Hurt, But...
After returning to the inn, we decided to wait for Mikage and the others to come back. They joined us around dusk. We left the inn briefly to have dinner in the city at night.
We went to a restaurant that served foreign cuisine. Since we were visiting a tourist spot, it made sense to try things we normally wouldn't eat.
As we enjoyed the new dishes for the first time, some time passed.
"――So, it seems like Eubarest is getting into a bit of trouble."
After finishing our meals, we sipped on some tea and I explained the information from Reed to Mikage and Kyunei.
"Well, even though I've said all this, can we really trust Reed's story?"
"...I don't really respect him as a person and I would actually prefer to cut ties with him and burn him right now... But I don't think he's the type to scheme against others so elaborately."
I asked a question, but Mikage went on a long detour to deny it. Despite looking like she had just bitten a bitter bug, Mikage's strong point is that she can squarely face what she admit.
"As Reed said, this city is a tourist destination, so many people come and go from both domestic and international places. Of course, there are also some unsavory characters mixed in."
"It's the same in the royal capital, isn't it? Once you step off the main street, there are plenty of people doing shady business. Brothels without proper health regulations, sellers pushing highly addictive illegal drugs, pawn shops displaying stolen goods... the list goes on."
The words of a former top-class pros***ute hold a different kind of persuasiveness. Aina is taken aback by the nonchalant way she speaks. It's probably because she was once on the side of those who rule the royal capital.
"Even in the midst of chaos, there is always an order behind the scenes. Those who stray from the path will face consequences. Even what I just mentioned will surely be settled in some way if it goes too far."
I didn't dare ask what kind of settlement it was.
"So, does that mean the backside of this city is in a state of order collapse, Kyunei-san?"
"Well, not quite that extreme. But if Reed's words are correct, then it's certain that Eubarest is not in its normal state right now."
The four of us groaned together with our arms crossed.
"...Honestly, should we just return to the royal capital?"
"Choosing to retreat before getting caught up in trouble could be one option."
"I think that's a good idea. After all, we came here to refresh ourselves, and if all this commotion starts here, it will only make us more tired."
"Since I was able to go on a date with Yukina-san and I'm satisfied now, I think it's all good."
Mikage, Kyunei, and Aina spoke in that order. None of them voiced any objections. So, even though I feel really disappointed, it looks like this little trip is coming to an end.
"Well, once it's decided, we better hurry to get things done."
There are a few things we need to take care of, like checking out of the inn and reserving a carriage. It's getting dark and time is passing by. It's already nighttime, and there are no more regular carriages to the royal capital at this hour. If possible, we should leave this city tomorrow.
After settling the bill, we left the dining hall. There are still many sights to see even at night, but unfortunately, we don't have time to see them all. We need to go back to the inn now and pack some of our stuff.
'It's a shame, partner, but things might not go as smoothly as you hope.'
"Huh?"
After Gram's unsettling words, Mikage suddenly stops.
"...Everyone, be on guard."
Mikage looks around sharply. It's only now that we realize the situation we're in.
Without us even noticing, the surroundings have become quiet. Since we arrived in this city, at this time of day, it would normally be bustling with activity. But there is no one here, and there is a strangely tense atmosphere hanging in the air.
No, there are signs of people.
From the shadows and around the corner of the street, figures start to appear, looking rather shady. In an instant, we find ourselves surrounded.
"...What is this situation? What's going on?"
"Well... Yukina-san."
"You don't have to tell it, Aina-chan. Maybe, just maybe, he want to escape from reality for a little while."
Kyunei replies, understanding my state of mind well.
I put my hand on my face and let out a deep sigh from the depths of my heart. It may be partly my own fault, but why do I always end up in troublesome situations like this every time?
It's not impossible that this area has become a gathering place for bad characters by chance, but everyone is staring at us with dangerous eyes. The air feels like someone might attack us at any moment.
In the midst of this, a man steps out from the group and approaches us.
"Hey, you guys messing up our territory..."
"Which territory? And who are you guys?"
"What!?!"
When I tsukkomi naturally, the man angrily spits out his words.
"Don't act dumb. Lately, you've been getting in the way of our work. What's up with that?"
"You've got the wrong person. It's a misunderstanding."
"What!? You'll regret underestimating me, huh!?"
While talking, he's needlessly shaking his head up and down. Maybe he thinks he's trying to intimidate me. It reminds me of those nodding dolls I saw at some souvenir shop
And I can vaguely guess what the man is talking about. It's probably the two scam cases that I inadvertently ruined. However, it seemed like there were too many acts of retaliation for that.
"You're buddy-buddy with that scumbag Reed, aren't you? You act like you don't know!?"
"I don't remember becoming friends with that guy!?"
I couldn't help but retort to the unexpected evaluation, but Aina tugged at my sleeve.
"Um... maybe, you were seen drinking tea with Reed-san earlier today?"
"...Huh, just that?"
That's quite a short-sighted view.
As Aina and I whispered to each other, the head-shaking man had somehow approached us.
"Our business has gone downhill ever since that guy showed up. How are you going to make this right?"
The words of this man are difficult to understand, and I don't even want to understand them. I have a feeling that he is looking down on me, even though it's just a vague feeling. He seems to underestimate us because we haven't made a move.
'Well, it's probably because there are so few of us. If it was just you and Mikage, you could probably handle it even without weapons, but unfortunately, you also have to protect Aina and Kyunei, partner. Also, it would be troublesome to use flashy magic in the town.'
The people around us are holding weapons like wooden sticks and wooden swords, but I don't see any sharp blades. They probably don't want things to escalate into a serious fight either.
However, if we aren't careful, we might end up killing our opponents too. And unfortunately, I'm the one who would be the most dangerous in such a situation.
If I had Mikage's skill, I could probably neutralize the opponents here without killing them. But if I make a mistake with the amount of force I use, I might end up killing someone.
Maybe this guy understands it, or maybe he's not thinking at all. He's still glaring at me from up close, making me extremely uncomfortable.
――At that moment, a flash of inspiration struck me like thunder.
'You definitely aren't thinking about anything smart.'
I'm already in a pretty bad situation. Adding more stupidity on top of that probably won't make much of a difference.
While feeling the awkward gaze of Gram, I turned my attention back to the guy nodding his head.
"Well, if you bastard guys show some sincerity in front of our boss――"
Ignoring the man's words, I grabbed his shoulders and forcibly turned him around. I wrapped my arm around his neck, held a big hatchet from my waist with my other hand, and pointed the blade at his face.
"――――Huh?"
As the man let out a puzzled voice, I raised my voice loud enough for everyone present to hear.
"Nobody move! If anyone takes a step, I won't guarantee this guy's life!"
................
'It wasn't really a good thing after all!?'
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