Ruins of Hans’s Workshop, Royal Capital of Kashiram
“I swear, the next time that old bastard shows his face in front of me, I’ll kill him without a second thought.”
The stylish, rounded workshop adjacent to Hans’s home lay in ruins, a pitiful sight reduced to rubble. The sight of Tatarka and Rama, clinging to each other and weeping, was almost unbearable, and Hans himself seemed like the calm before a storm. He crushed a piece of debris in his hand, turning it to dust with a grip that could easily snuff out that old man’s life. Normally, even when furious, he wouldn’t go that far, but this time felt different; I could feel it in my bones.
“I know that standing here won’t change anything. But… my legs, my hands won’t move! I’m filled with anger and humiliation, more than I can bear!”
He slammed his fist into the ground, tears falling in response to his rage. The frustration of Hans, who had always hidden his weaknesses, was palpable. It felt as if the droplets of his despair were being absorbed by the earth beneath him, the Matere Trading Company, swallowing him whole. The scene was so heart-wrenching that it made me think of such tragic thoughts.
“Mom… what have we done? I just… I just wanted to start over here…”
“You’re not to blame. None of you are…”
Uncontrollable anger is truly troublesome. Even if I were to strike the ground like Hans, only the ground would suffer. Should I go and attack the Matere Trading Company instead? I thought about it, but doing so without any evidence would only make us the villains. Worst case, we could even end up as wanted criminals. Even Kurinka, who calmly pointed this out, must have been hurting inside.
“If only someone had seen what happened!”
“That’s already been taken care of. Most likely, the people around here have already been bribed by that scum. If they were to side with us, they’d end up in a worse situation than this workshop.”
“Ugh! It’s so infuriating! Can’t we do something, Kurinka?”
“What do you expect me to do…?”
Honestly, there was nothing Kurinka could do. I felt an overwhelming urge to storm into the Matere Trading Company and unleash the Sonic Ripper. But if I did that, I’d be no different from the Demon Lord Army or the Comet Wolf Brigade. In a way, those who act without restraint might be living more freely than we are. I didn’t want to admit it, but it was true.
In the end, the day passed with us helping to clear the workshop’s ruins. I had plenty of money and thought about buying what was needed, but Hans quietly refused any charity. Normally, he would have shouted in anger, but it seemed he was significantly weakened by this incident.
I was considering heading toward the Demon Lord Castle in earnest, but there were still those I couldn’t let go free. The Matere Trading Company was a problem for us, and I couldn’t forgive that uncle who wielded money and status to oppress the weak. As I wrapped myself in a blanket, pondering what could be done at Hans’s home, I eventually fell asleep.
King’s Chamber, Kashiram Royal Palace
I didn’t really want to be here, but since they were offering the reward for the bandit extermination, I had no choice but to come. After investigating the bandits’ hideout, it seemed an astonishing amount of treasure had been uncovered, and they were busy distributing it.
Hecaton had managed to avoid being killed and was now confined in the dungeon. The king had come to a point where we couldn’t back down, but when I suggested reducing the reward, he agreed. Still, I doubted he had any intention of releasing Hecaton anyway.
“Your efforts the other day were commendable. I value you so highly that I would like you to serve as the kingdom’s exclusive Adventurers.”
“Exclusive? You mean… like Weiss, as an S-rank?”
“Indeed. I find it hard to believe that the Kingdom of Avangarde has let such talented individuals go unrecognized. It wouldn’t be surprising if an offer were made…”
“Um, I’m not sure I understand.”
We would be on the same S-rank level as Tiferia. That was something to boast about, and the old me would have jumped at the chance. But now, knowing the reality of being S-rank, I found it less appealing. I wouldn’t be able to adventure freely like before, and I hated the thought of being at the king’s beck and call.
And let’s not forget, Kirkton and Mugen had tried to kill me in the Kingdom of Avangarde. I wanted to believe it was just my imagination, but that incident had shattered my trust. The matter with the Hero that Lord Hast had told me about also weighed heavily; there was something off about that kingdom.
“If you’re interested, you’re always welcome. You would make a fine rival for Weiss.”
“Those who can’t make up their minds in a pinch are a burden.”
Even in front of the king I respected, I couldn’t help but speak with a hint of sarcasm; it was clear how much I disliked that situation. I had been troubled by many things, but thanks to Kurinka, I felt I could finally let go.
“That’s just misplaced resentment. You shouldn’t worry about it, Lua-chan. If you were the kind of person who could easily kill someone, we wouldn’t have become this close… So, um, I love you just the way you are, including that!”
She said many things, but Kurinka’s declaration of love warmed my heart. How could a single phrase make me feel so at ease? The pounding of my heart when we embraced confirmed that we were indeed like lovers.
“Well, that’s a topic for another time… But there’s one more thing I’d like to ask of you. Of course, this isn’t a command from a king, and you’re free to refuse. If you do, I’ll seek help elsewhere. So, if it’s not an urgent journey, would you be willing to listen?”
“Kurinka, you’re saying that, but…”
“Well, if it’s just to listen…”
To be honest, with everything going on with Hans’s workshop and the Matere Trading Company, I didn’t have time to entertain the king. I didn’t particularly like Weiss’s harsh attitude, and I had my own issues with the king’s way of thinking. If he had time to make such requests, he should be focusing on rescuing the slaves in the Black Market District.
Exterminating bandits was fine, but there were so many people we needed to save; I truly didn’t understand what he was doing. Even the thought of just listening made me weary, but I decided to follow Kurinka’s lead.
“Recently, the weapons of the Comet Wolf Brigade we defeated were suspiciously new. There’s no way bandits would have legitimate means to acquire such weapons; they’re usually someone else’s used goods. Yet, the sheer number of brand-new weapons they had raises questions. I suspect the Matere Trading Company might be involved.”
“The Matere Trading Company? I find it hard to believe they would do business with bandits…”
“You’re quite perceptive; I like that. I didn’t want to believe it either, but after analyzing the ores and surfaces used, they closely resemble those made by the Matere Trading Company. I can’t say for sure, but if they are connected to the bandits…”
Just as I thought he was finished, the king suddenly slammed his fist into his left palm. The sharp sound echoed through the royal palace, and he shook his head in frustration. His feelings toward the bandits were clear.
But why was the king so taken with Kurinka? I hoped he wasn’t thinking of making her his bride like someone else I knew. While it might be a good thing that Kurinka had such charm, it seemed she was attracting the wrong kind of attention from Juo, the Dragon God, and the King of Kashiram. No, with this king, it had to be a misunderstanding.
“We have no choice but to crush them along with the bandits.”
He had just been smiling, but now his gaze turned predatory, like a monster ready to devour its prey. The king was certainly busy.
“So, to crush them… what do you want us to do?”
“Well, I’d like you to cooperate with me. Now that we suspect a connection with the bandits, we can maintain the kingdom’s dignity by stepping into their headquarters. Even if we try to negotiate, they’ll likely resist. In that case, I want you to infiltrate their headquarters and retrieve the documents that manage their sales and other records.”
“That’s too reckless! We can’t cooperate with that! Besides, isn’t that the same thing the Comet Wolf Brigade was doing?!”
“If they’re colluding with bandits, they’re bandits themselves! At that point, the Matere Trading Company has fallen from merchant to bandit! Listen, I will not forgive bandits or those who aid them! Absolutely not!”
“Why are you so fixated on the bandits…?”
The King said nothing more. However, the fleeting change in his expression carried a profound sadness, almost melancholic. Weiss might know something, but I had no desire to pry. Just as I sought revenge against the One-Winged Demon, perhaps the King had his own reasons for his demeanor.
“…In any case, I don’t believe this is a bad situation for you either. I know that Matere has set his sights on you.”
“You knew about that…? But Matere Trading Company is just a business; they don’t have the military strength of the Comet Wolf Brigade, do they? Why should we cooperate?”
“Don’t underestimate their military capabilities. He is quietly developing new weapons based on technology from other nations, all while pretending to be just a simple arms dealer. He is far more dangerous than he appears.”
If this was the case, we would have to fight Matere Trading Company just as we did the Comet Wolf Brigade. The thought of having a chance to unleash the Sonic Ripper sent a shiver down my spine. If this went well, the pressure on us might ease, and that mother and child could live in peace. I was eager to help, but something about being at the mercy of this King didn’t sit right with me.
“Understood, I will take on this task.”
“Kurinka?! Are you sure?”
“However, I have conditions. If you can accept them…”
“Go on.”
“First, I want the slaves in this country to be freed, and their livelihoods guaranteed. Second, I want to rescue Hans and his family, who are suffering under Matere’s pressure. If you cannot accept these terms, we will have nothing to do with this country.”
“…! Kurinka…”
“You! Do not speak so disrespectfully!”
As expected, Weiss was furious, but Kurinka ignored him completely. She fixed her gaze on the King, exuding an aura of intimidation.
“The neighboring Kingdom of Avangarde is accepting refugees from areas affected by the Demon Lord Army. We owe that country a debt of gratitude, and I ask that you show us a greater capacity and resolve.”
“Young girl, know your place. We do not need your help for this matter. In fact, I could have you imprisoned for disrespecting His Majesty right here.”
“I am speaking with the King of Kashiram.”
“Y-You insolent girl!”
Kurinka remained unfazed, her composure unwavering as Weiss’s face twisted in anger, his long silver hair swirling as if he might attack with Grand Run at any moment. I was taken aback by Kurinka’s courage. Before meeting me, she had struggled to act as an Adventurer. She had trembled in the Haunted Mansion and turned her back on Formas. Now, she was shaking the very foundation of the Battle King. Was this what it felt like for a parent to witness their child’s growth? I felt a swell of pride and emotion, captivated by her dignified expression.
“Enough, Weiss.”
“But! Are you really going to tolerate such insolence, Your Majesty?!”
“No one has ever dared to speak to me like this. I admire your fighting spirit.”
“Y-You mean to say, Your Majesty…”
“I will accept the conditions you proposed.”
“Your Majesty! This is unacceptable!”
“Weiss, be quiet for a moment.”
It must have been a shock for him to receive such a disdainful look from the King he respected. The King of Kashiram silenced his nagging son, and the image formed in my mind without any sense of dissonance. Weiss and even the guards shrank back. If Weiss was silenced, who could dare voice any complaints against the King? No one.
Amidst the expressions of doubt and dissatisfaction, the King smiled faintly.
“However, this is contingent upon your decisive contributions. Earlier, I mentioned sales management documents, but that may not be enough to sway the situation. Matere does not allow his subordinates to handle financial matters; he manages all the company’s finances himself. It is rumored that he has everything memorized, so what else do we need?”
“I’ll do my best…”
“Moreover, it is said that even the employees do not know the location of the president’s office. He is notoriously paranoid about his own safety. Even if you manage to infiltrate, will you be able to find him…?”
“I-I’ll try!”
Somehow, the confident Kurinka from earlier seemed to have vanished. Though she had pushed through with determination, the King’s counter was overwhelming. It seemed that he was a few steps ahead of us.
◆ Shin Report ◆
The daughters finally snapped due to the harassment from Matere Trading Company.
Then came the group aiming to take down Matere.
When it comes to Matere’s influence, a giant named Doumato appeared.
A powered suit, huh?
If I lost while wearing such a senseless suit, I wouldn’t be able to show my face in public, Shin thought.
That sight lined up in a row…
Pfft, hee hee hee hee.
Oh no, oh no.
By the way, is Matere connected to the thieves?
If that were the case, it would be a disaster.
If I were Matere, I wouldn’t have to deal with thieves since I have plenty of money.
At that point, there would be no connection between Matere and the thieves!
Hehehe, Shin is clever; even that foolish king should take notes.
Rua seemed eager to unleash the Sonic Ripper on Matere Trading Company, but surely that was just my imagination.
No way could she be that reckless.
Yes, yes, my Shin’s keen insight has sharpened.
This is evidence that he is maturing.
Hee hee hee, I will continue to expose their weaknesses at this rate!