◆ Avangarde Royal Capital, Hotel Maison ◆
“It feels nostalgic here, doesn’t it?”
“We’ve always been taken care of here. I almost got killed in this place, though.”
Since then, the Smooth Ones who called themselves Phantom were captured by the castle soldiers. Thanks to Ritta’s leadership, it was resolved quicker than expected, but there are still mountains of problems to deal with. The situation was so dire that the Uzei Religion’s temple is currently under thorough investigation. Of course, the Smooth Ones were furious, and things have been chaotic since then. Now, that place is off-limits. Ryoho and the others were incredibly downcast, but they managed to cheer up and returned to the Nation of Negesta.
I understand why they couldn’t stay silent after hearing such stories. We felt the same, but for some reason, the soldiers stopped us. They acted so high and mighty, saying they wanted us to refrain from taking reckless actions. As if we couldn’t do whatever we wanted.
“Doesn’t it feel… strange? It’s like we’re the only ones being told to hold back.”
“It’s infuriating. Let’s just ignore them and head to Negesta.”
“But what if we’re stopped at the border…?”
“Kurinka could just fly over, right?”
“That’s true, but is that really okay?”
“We’ve been doing it until now…”
The reason we’re even at this hotel right now is that someone who seemed like a soldier, not Ritta, told us to wait. They said it was an emergency, and we had to stay put until further orders came from above. We’re not soldiers.
What’s even more frustrating is that only Gantetsu and Seigel, along with other adventurers who were present, were summoned somewhere else.
“What do you think about Phantom, Kurinka?”
“I didn’t quite grasp what that Elmera girl was saying, but… I tried to summarize it.”
First off, the leader of Phantom is Elmera, as she claimed. The reason she attacked the Nation of Negesta was that she wanted to “smash it to pieces first,” which suggests she harbors some kind of hatred towards that nation and the Uzei Religion. The five Smooth Ones who were originally part of the Uzei Religion also defected to Phantom because they grew tired of it.
“So, that means they must have found something appealing about Phantom.”
“Weren’t they threatened?”
“It didn’t seem that way, but their complaints about the Uzei Religion were too specific for that… especially considering how many of them were so passionate.”
“Phantom was the one who killed those old men, right?”
“If what Elmera said is true, then that’s probably not the case.”
“Then who did it?”
“I think it’s the waterway she mentioned.”
Waterway, now that you mention it, she did say something like that. What does that even mean?
“I think the waterway is just a mistake she made; there must be a real name for it. A collaborator of Phantom, or a group or organization. I can think of one possibility…”
Knock, knock.
We reacted excessively to the knock on the door. Could it be Seigel or Gantetsu? But they shouldn’t know we’re here. Who could it be?
“Oh, I forgot I ordered sandwiches!”
“What? Kurinka, you’re such a glutton.”
“I got one for Lua-chan too.”
“Thanks for the food!”
As we exchanged these words, Kurinka received the sandwiches from a middle-aged woman. Wait, there are only three. Is that enough? I wonder if Kurinka can be satisfied with just that.
“I’m sorry for interrupting your important conversation…”
“No, thank you.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Oh, wait a moment!”
See? I knew it wouldn’t be enough. She’ll probably demand fifty instead of just three. That’s why I suggested we go eat somewhere.
“What is it?”
“Um, I was just wondering how you knew we were in the middle of a conversation.”
“I could hear it from outside.”
“Is that so? If you walked down the hallway and knocked on the door, you shouldn’t have had time to grasp that. Plus, you said it was an important conversation. How did you know that?”
“W-What do you mean? Did I do something wrong?”
“You were eavesdropping, weren’t you?”
When Kurinka sharply stated this, the landlady’s face stiffened. She gripped the tray tightly, fell silent for a moment, but quickly forced a smile again. This reaction… wait a minute. Wasn’t this the same person who almost stabbed me with a knife before? I thought it was just a coincidence back then, but this feels suspicious.
“Are you perhaps Phantom?”
“Ph-Phantom? What are you talking about…?”
“Your eyes are darting around. I want you to tell me what you know.”
“Please, just stop it. I’ll call someone!”
“You really don’t know anything, do you?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Alright, then. I’ll report this to Elmera.”
“Go ahead… ah!”
It’s too late for her to cover her mouth. Kurinka is terrifying. Or maybe this person is just foolish. She looks around nervously, unsure of what to do. Of course, I’ve blocked the exit. Now, all that’s left is to listen to her talk. From what I can see, she seems like an ordinary person. She doesn’t look like she could fight, so I feel safe.
“You just fell for that. Who is this Elmera… hohoho.”
“Tell me the truth. Otherwise, I won’t let you leave. Lua-chan will…”
“Somebody—! Help me—!”
Suddenly, the landlady let out a piercing scream. I instinctively covered my ears, and while I was doing that, I heard a group running down the hallway. By the time I realized this was bad, it was too late. The door was violently flung open, and people rushed in. Guests from other rooms and hotel staff pushed me aside.
“Whoa!”
“W-What’s going on?!”
I was left speechless as several people glared at me. The landlady pretended to be frightened and sat down on the carpet. It looked like we were the ones causing trouble. I felt completely cornered.
“Um, this is a misunderstanding.”
“These people suddenly attacked! I was so scared!”
“What?! Are these two… the Flash Strike Girl and the Flame Princess?!”
“What’s a Flame Princess?!”
I almost burst out laughing. Flame Princess? Maybe I became known for swinging my staff and casting fire instead of my healing abilities. It’s hard to hold back laughter in such a dangerous situation.
“What kind of trouble did you two adventurers cause?!”
“It’s a misunderstanding! And please stop calling me Flame Princess!”
“I was so scared!”
The landlady clung to the hotel manager, drawing sympathetic glances from those around us. What is this? It’s like we’re the complete villains here.
◆ Avangarde Royal Capital, Adventurer’s Guild ◆
After explaining everything together, we ended up being kicked out of the hotel for causing a commotion. We weren’t banned from using it, but they said they would be stricter from now on.
On top of that, we were lectured, “You two have grown strong, but you don’t understand the feelings of the weak. That’s why you’re still children.” That’s not true! Regardless of strength, we’ve interacted with all sorts of people. They know nothing.
With nowhere else to go, we reluctantly came to the Adventurer’s Guild, but we really had no leads. Sitting across from each other while sipping on Momoru Soda, we felt a sense of frustration in the bustling guild.
“I’m so mad! That person is definitely suspicious!”
“But we have no evidence, and maybe we jumped to conclusions. I got too heated… but they were aiming for your life, Lua-chan!”
I was glad Kurinka was so fired up about it. Her insight was spot on. Just like the Smooth Ones from the Uzei Religion, there are ordinary people involved with Phantom for some reason. The problem is, I have no idea how they learned about Phantom in the first place.
“Maybe it’s related to the Nation of Negesta…”
“Oh, you two!”
A tall figure with a dazzling royal crown caught my eye. I recognized him from somewhere. That’s right, he was in the Combat Tournament.
“Um… Rupie-san?”
“You remember me well. This must be fate under the stars; otherwise, we wouldn’t have met like this.”
“R-Really?”
“Are you two planning to join the Phantom extermination operation? If so, that would be reassuring.”
“W-What is that?!”
Rupie, known as the Sky Crown, is a user of the rare Star Magic. Stardust Memory was incredible. The stars remember their targets and counter whatever they do. Does that mean I’m remembered too?
“You must know that the Nation of Negesta has been occupied by those calling themselves Phantom. Normally, the country would take action, but it seems they’re overwhelmed with internal issues.”
“So, they’re leaving it all to us adventurers.”
“Are you joining as well, ‘Sealing Mage’ Baste?”
Now Baste, the one I fought in the Combat Tournament preliminaries, appeared. Even though I was weakened by magic, I couldn’t defeat him with just one punch. Well, he was definitely holding back. More and more famous adventurers are showing up. Wait, isn’t that Seigel and Gantetsu over there? The people around them must be A-Rank adventurers too.
“Currently, the only confirmed participants besides me and Baste are ‘Grim Reaper’ Argil, ‘Verdant Mage’ Nokiri, ‘Leaping Sword’ Franks, and ‘Dragon Hunter’ Seigel, along with ‘Mighty Warrior’ Gantetsu. Many renowned adventurers are gathering as well.”
“That’s impressive… even Seigel and Gantetsu. But is it really okay to proceed without much information?”
“That’s exactly why. The higher-ups are too busy dealing with the domestic turmoil, so they probably decided to just throw this matter to the adventurers for now.”
“I-I don’t think they’re an opponent to take lightly…”
If anything, it would be better to cooperate with Ryoho and the others. In my opinion, the Phantom is definitely not a foe to underestimate, just as Kurinka said. Elmera is shrouded in mystery, and judging by her demeanor, she seems to possess considerable strength.
Phantom, a specter. That soldier who committed suicide, and the flower shop uncle from some time ago. The landlady from Maison. These people likely aren’t counted as combatants. They tried to kill me with poison and knives, but honestly, that’s about all they can do. There’s no way they could launch an attack on the Nation of Negesta.
“Rupie, you shouldn’t underestimate the Phantom.”
“Haha, I know that. That’s why I’m telling you too.”
“Rua and Roel cannot participate.”
The guild member delivered the unbelievable news. Why? How could this be happening?
“W-Why not?”
“It’s an order from the kingdom. From now on, your activities will be restricted here. If you do not comply, there will be appropriate measures taken, so please understand.”
“That’s why I’m asking why!”
“That is not something our guild is privy to. It’s simply the directive given.”
“Why?!”
“Calm down, Lua-chan. The Adventurer’s Guild is an independent organization, but the laws and orders of the nation take precedence. There are various conditions that allow for the establishment of guild facilities within the country…”
The coldness of the well-groomed female guild member made me feel as if she despised us. Other adventurers watched awkwardly. Seigel and Gantetsu exchanged glances and whispered to each other; perhaps they knew something.
“…Could it be that rumor is true?”
Rupie muttered apologetically. That rumor… it seems everyone is aware of it from the atmosphere.
“Even here in the Royal Capital, such rumors are circulating. This country cannot protect itself without those two girls; it’s entirely dependent on them. Indeed, during the attack of the Neo Demon Lord Army and when monsters covered the sky, their contributions were significant.”
“Of course, those two are doing well, and we are grateful. But for the higher-ups, such rumors are troublesome. Moreover, it leads to a tendency for other nations to look down on us. These kinds of rumors shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
Even after hearing Rupie and Baste’s explanations, I couldn’t accept it. This frustrating irritation felt familiar. Yes, it was during the Poison Salamander subjugation. I had defeated it, yet it was brushed aside. I didn’t fight for money or praise. But I didn’t fight to be treated like this.
“But that doesn’t make sense. Even the S-rank Tiferia is under the kingdom’s employ.”
“S-rank is different. She’s like a trump card, an important asset that can deter other nations. Therefore, she doesn’t engage in activities that often. And now, you’ve resolved a situation that would require her intervention.”
“That’s right; your achievements are currently more prominent than Tiferia’s.”
“I share the same sentiment as Rua-chan; this is unacceptable.”
Turning away from Rupie and Baste, Kurinka boldly confronted the guild member. It’s absurd that Tiferia is fine while we are not. I too leaned over the counter, challenging the guild member. She flinched slightly but quickly regained her composure.
“Is Tiferia participating in this request?”
“I cannot answer that.”
“How she acts is determined by the kingdom. An S-rank is that kind of existence.”
Baste’s irritating tone made me wonder if he was still holding a grudge against me for defeating him. It felt cold enough to make me think that.
“Restrictions, huh? Can you tell me more details?”
“You can accept regular requests. However, you will not be able to take on requests specified by us in the future.”
“So, you’re telling us to act modestly.”
Even in response to Kurinka’s question, the guild member remained silent, busily shuffling papers as if to distract herself.
“Well, you know, why don’t you leave this to us this time?”
“Yeah, yeah, I think it’s a good opportunity for you to take a break. And whoever this Phantom is, we won’t do anything reckless like charging in blindly.”
Seigel and Gantetsu came over, trying to comfort us. They emphasized that they wanted us to trust them. It’s not that I don’t trust them; I’m just frustrated with the current situation.
“…If it’s going to be like this, then maybe I should just quit being an adventurer…”
“Hah… Hah… Oh, there you are. Have you seen Kou and Bun? They’ve been missing since this morning… I was hoping to treat myself to something nice for once…”
Ord’s breathless voice barely registered in my ears. I was simply struggling to suppress the swirling emotions within me.
◆ Shin Report ◆
That old hag is black, but even if I corner her like that, I can’t get much information. After all, that old hag is a complete dead end. Plus, judging by the previous soldier’s death, she’s probably been set up. What’s the setup? Well, that’s obvious.
Shin realized it, but I thought about saying it. But, you know, why would Shin go that far? It’s like a grudge for only getting one piece of high-class confectionery, the Aurora chocolate.
It’s like she’s lacking the compassion to share that with Shin. Ah, I want to eat that melting, sweet Aurora chocolate.
And now, having been kicked out of the guild, I guess I should just quit being an adventurer. That would solve everything. Ah, but then there’s the money issue. After all, those guys have no skills outside of being adventurers.
Oh, this is indeed a problem.