Chapter 393: The Common Sense Person and the Uncommon Sense Person
The lord’s mansion I was guided to stood at the entrance of an upscale residential area, not far from the harbor. As I stepped down from the uncomfortable carriage, I was greeted by a figure who appeared to be a butler.
“We have been expecting you.”
I was the only one who had come here. Rio and Ivan were still at the Adventurer’s Guild, keeping watch. The butler, a muscular old man with a distinguished touch of gray in his hair, led me inside, where a maid quickly prepared tea.
“Please wait a moment; the lord will be with you shortly.”
With that, the maid blended into the wall, waiting silently. It wasn’t long before the lord arrived.
“I apologize for the wait.”
He was a tall, slender man in his forties, with sharp eyes and strikingly well-groomed blue hair. He introduced himself as Gazenash Quingle, and I returned the courtesy with my own name.
“I would like to discuss the request without delay.”
As he settled into a sofa, he began speaking before his own tea had even been served.
“Are you aware that there has been an increase in people speaking a strange dialect in the city lately?”
What? I was currently investigating that very matter.
“Is that so?”
I could be honest, but it might be better to feign ignorance. If he were to say something like, “Since you’ve already started, the reward will be doubled,” I would feel like I had lost.
Listening to the lord’s explanation, I found it almost identical to what Mesaria had told me. It seemed there were indeed no regions nearby where such dialects were spoken, and he wanted me to investigate their origins. It was clear that an unknown group was a cause for concern for the lord.
“It seems they have a base in a certain house. We have placed surveillance there, but so far, there has been no movement.”
Given that this was his territory, he would likely notice something amiss before Hinomaru’s information network did.
“With that said, would you be willing to take on this task?”
“Hmm…”
Although I had already begun my investigation, it seemed more prudent to appear reluctant, as that might earn me some gratitude.
“Your territory is quite close to here. If they are planning something significant, it could also affect you.”
“That’s true… Very well. I will accept the task.”
However, once the lord mentioned the reason we had begun our investigation, I couldn’t refuse. I could push back, but that would mean lying, and I wasn’t keen on that.
“R-Really? If you can take it on, I would be most grateful!”
It was good to see him so pleased. Both the lord and his loyal retainers were individuals who did not abuse their power. There are indeed people in this world who treat adventurers with respect.
“Yes. I will start investigating that house right away.”
“Ah, I appreciate it.”
And just like that, I had readily accepted the lord’s request.
After conveying the conclusion of our discussion through telepathic communication, I learned that Rio and Ivan were still at the Guild, so I made my way back.
“You took it on, huh?”
“Yeah. Unusually, everyone in the mansion was a common sense person.”
“Oh?”
“Common sense, huh…”
While Rio seemed intrigued, Ivan was gazing off into the distance. I believed that common sense varied from person to person, but it felt like our encounters with such common sense individuals were quite rare.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed a few adventurers lounging against the wall, but they likely belonged to the category of those lacking common sense. These types were everywhere, but what was going on with them?
“Anyway, I think we should head to that house right away.”
“Is it fine to leave this place?”
“Isn’t it? If we go to that house, they should definitely be there, right?”
“I can’t say for sure, but I think the chances are high.”
“I see.”
“Then let’s go.”
Thus, after a brief discussion, we set off toward the house.
As evening approached, we entered an area where houses began to cluster, gradually losing the foot traffic of the Main Street. As we strolled leisurely, I sensed a presence approaching from behind. I had been maintaining my Presence Detection, assuming it was just a passerby, but—
“Rio-tan!”
The voice that reached my ears sent a chilling shiver down my spine. Looking at Rio, I could see her face had turned pale. I felt an urge to turn around and launch an attack on whoever was behind us, but since they had called out her name, I had to confirm who it was.
“I finally found you… my Rio-tan!”
As I turned around, I heard words that I couldn’t ignore.
“Huh?”
I glared with an intimidating presence, but the person showed no signs of fear. Rather, it seemed they only just recognized me after tightly hugging Rio.
“You… you’re the one who’s with my Rio-tan…!”
“Uh… what is that…?”
Rio was utterly taken aback, and I felt the same. What on earth was this guy?
“I won’t forgive you!”
As I braced myself, the individual charged at us without a hint of listening. He pulled a knife from his pocket, and there was no mistaking it—he was clearly a suspicious character. Not wanting to engage in conversation, I opened a Dimensional Rift in his path and used magic to push him back—
When I closed the rift, there was no sign of Takuto Neguro, one of my classmates, anywhere to be found.