Chapter 5: Sleepless Night
It was a rough and hasty assumption. No, it was more like a baseless suspicion that couldn’t even be called a guess anymore.
It was probably Ryuguin who brought it up. That kind of underhanded tactic suited him perfectly.
After all, we had a Saintess in our party, a specialist in dispelling curses. If it was indeed a curse, she could have dispelled it right away.
“But if it’s a curse, why not have the Saintess dispel it?”
Exactly! That’s what I’m talking about! Some people just get it!
“That’s true. However, according to the Hero-sama, this isn’t a curse derived from the magic or sorcery that exists in this world. It’s said to be some kind of ‘curse-like’ effect caused by a Unique Skill that manifested in him as a transfer student.”
What the hell? A ‘curse-like’ effect caused by some ‘kind of skill’? That’s way too vague! It’s like a fluffy cloud!
“That’s ridiculous…”
I muttered under my breath, and Milan tilted her head in confusion.
I had been eavesdropping for a while, but in the end, it was just gossip—nothing more than idle chatter. The thought that I might continue to be wrongfully accused like this was disheartening, but I figured I could endure it.
Milan finished her cookie and picked at the crumbs left on her plate. When she noticed me watching, her face turned red (so cute). Just as I was about to stand up and suggest we leave since she was done eating, I overheard:
“Since it’s just gossip, no matter how much we think about it, we won’t know the truth.”
“That’s right. But more than that, it’s sad for the other Holy Knights who got caught up in this because of that fugitive.”
“Especially the one from the Noble family.”
That was the moment I stood up. I couldn’t sit back down again, so I called out to Milan.
“I think we’re done with our business at the Guild for today. Let’s go shopping.”
“Okay!”
I felt a bit restless, so I decided to blow off some steam by spending money.
─── The other Holy Knights who got caught up in this
─── The one from the Noble family
No matter how much I spent afterward, those words wouldn’t leave my mind.
I regretted not listening a bit longer, but it was too late for that.
Since I was staying over at Milan’s place, I bought a bunch of souvenirs to bring along. I suddenly noticed that Milan, who always wore a hat, was staring intently at a hair accessory.
I casually picked it up and said, “I’ll take this,” but Milan shook her head vigorously, saying, “I don’t need it! I really don’t!” So, I forced myself to buy it and handed it to her.
Being the considerate person I am, I didn’t stop there; I also bought hair accessories for Maro and Fio.
After spending quite a bit, I headed to Milan’s house with the souvenirs in hand.
The souvenirs were dried meat, fish, and bread that could be stored for a while, but when I handed the hair accessories to Fio and Maro, their reactions were far more enthusiastic than for the food.
“I’ll treasure this forever!” they exclaimed, which made me chuckle at how exaggerated it sounded.
Since they hadn’t cooked with dried fish much, I decided to give them a cooking lesson and prepared a meal.
As night fell, for some reason, we started playing pretend Seeker. The one who suggested it was none other than Maro. I played the Hero role while Maro took on the Saintess, and Milan and Fio became the rival party. The roles were decided by rock-paper-scissors, and Maro ended up winning.
I found the whole role assignment a bit nonsensical, but I was impressed that a mother like her would take the initiative to suggest such a childish game.
Milan, now changed into her pajamas, let out a big yawn.
“Thanks for today.”
“No, thank you, Row-nii-san.”
“Don’t mention it!”
I grinned, playfully touching my nose.
“More importantly, I have a favor to ask for tomorrow.”
“What is it?”
“Do you know anyone who’s an information broker? Someone who deals with information about Seekers and Nobles?”
“Well, I might know someone.”
“Could you introduce me tomorrow? I have money!”
“I know you have money! I’m not trying to ask for any!”
“Just,” she said, placing her index finger on her cheek and gazing into the air, “Hmm, but I think you should be fine, Row-nii-san.”
“Alright, then I’ll count on you tomorrow.”
After finishing my business with Milan, I returned to my room and slipped under the covers. I tried to fall asleep, tossing and turning multiple times.
However, no matter how much time passed, I just couldn’t stop my thoughts.
─── The other Holy Knights who got caught up in this
─── The one from the Noble family
As the day came to an end, those words just wouldn’t leave my mind.
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