Chapter 71 The Voice You Wish For
"Hiiro... why are you here...?"
"Ha! That's my line! You just strolled in without thinkin', and now look at the state of this place. Not very fresh, huh, Ms. Shura?"
"Ugh..."
Honestly, I felt really relieved.
Because this situation was super close. In many ways. But I guess this is what they call protagonist luck.
Protagonists usually have good timing, after all.
Well, this time it's not just luck, though.
"Time for a switch, now you're goin' down."
"Wait! Even you can't handle this alone..."
"No sweat, I got it."
I tapped Ruthless on the shoulder to show I was fine.
While doing that, I thought about how badly Shura was doing, but I pushed it aside. I couldn't just leave the bad guys in front of us alone.
"Answer me. Why are you here when you should be in the Punishment Room?"
"What are you talkin' 'bout? It's obvious, right? I got sprung!"
"What!? Who did that...!?"
Well, I get why she's surprised. I was planning to just wait quietly for my punishment too.
So when I heard my punishment was way too harsh, I was shocked. That Paella guy really did a number on me.
"Haha, you came here all by yourself, Hiiro. That's why you're such a fool!"
I was distracted by Powell's panic, and before I knew it, Bilibimos's powder was swirling in front of me.
Shouk, huh? When did he show up? This guy is so sneaky.
"Spell cancel──'Sylph's Play'."
But facing the powder that had caused me so much trouble before, I surprisingly didn't feel scared.
It wasn't because I was careless. I trusted my friends. Just as I hoped, a blade of wind came from behind me and blocked the golden rain.
"What... where did this wind come from!?"
"Don't let your guard down. I'll send that advice right back to you."
"W-who are you... the skinny glasses guy from before!"
"That's a pretty rude name. But that's fine. I don't even want to be called by a name by someone like you."
Yeah, I didn't come here alone.
I brought along a reliable friend.
"Hey Quollio, What's takin' ya so long? Get here already!"
"You're just too fast. What's with those crazy legs... and you're way too reckless. Who charges into the enemy like that!?"
"Shut up about it! Thanks to you, I made it on time. Quit your yappin', soundin' like some naggin' grandma."
"Ugh... you almost got lost once. You really are directionally challenged."
But Quollio was still harsh. Even after lecturing me in the Punishment Room, he still had more to say.
But I definitely wouldn't have gotten out of the Punishment Room without Quollio's help.
"Y-you... but how did you do it? You look like just a knight candidate. You shouldn't have the power to free that kid!"
"Yeah, I don't have that power. That's why I convinced the right people and got help from the right people. Like my sister... Leiva Batigan."
"Wha...!?"
Yeah, I can see why they're speechless.
I was shocked to find out that the strict lady with the monocle was Quollio's sister. I was really surprised when Quollio brought Ms. Leiva and 'another person' to the Punishment Room.
Apparently, Quollio got suspicious after hearing everything and went to talk to Ms. Leiva directly. Then Ms. Leiva, after being convinced by Quollio, asked the judge who decided my punishment, and he easily confessed.
So I didn't get completely cleared... but at least I avoided losing my knight title. Man, having smart friends is the best.
"And I'm not as reckless and unplanned as Hiiro. I made sure to take the right steps, Knight O'Doubler."
"W-what do you mean...?"
"────Seriously. Instead of spending time improving yourself, you always use your brain for bad stuff. And when you do something bad, you always choose this place. You haven't changed since your training days, Powell."
"Wait... Shidou!?"
Quollio called for some really strong backup.
Just like Ms. Leiva, he brought someone to the Punishment Room to check what was going on. It was that instructor, Shidou.
"Hiiro Merifar. Quollio Batigan. Normally, I wouldn't ask for your help to handle this situation, but things have changed. Can I trust you with it?"
"Got it, sir."
"I'll let you have that paella. Do whatever you want with it."
"W-wait, Shidou!! We can talk about this!"
"No way. You have been ordered to be captured by assistant commander Batigan. Unfortunately, my morale is much higher now than when I captured the young people who fought to protect our country. Get ready, you fool!!"
"Eeekk!?"
That was quite a panic. For Powell, Shidou must be a nightmare. I couldn't get the full story, but it seems Shidou has some connection with Powell.
Actually, it was thanks to Shidou that we figured out Shura was in the old school building.
Apparently, Shidou noticed the secret meeting through the bars. He let it slide, but when he saw Shura running towards the old school building, he got suspicious.
When I explained what happened and Powell's invitation, Shidou said that Shura might be in danger.
(This time I got a whole lotta help, huh?)
(This time? You mean this time too, right? So my help in that village doesn't count? Wow, Master, you're so cold!)
(Ah, yeah, yeah. I'm always gettin' helped, sure. So now you're countin' on me again, Ruthless.)
(Hmph. Can't be helped, I guess.)
And then there's Ms. Ruthless. She immediately makes her presence known, so maybe she and I are kind of alike.
Well, relationships are about give and take. Let's help each other out.
But I can't just keep taking help without giving anything back.
As the protagonist. As a hero.
As the former Hiiro Merifar, I have to do what needs to be done.
Hey, Ruzure. You think so too, right?
"Yo, what's good Ruzure, long time no see."
"Hiiro...!"
After not seeing him for a while, I notice he has a pretty intense look now.
"I'm takin' charge from here."
I'll put an end to your evil plans.
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