Sousetsuka

477 Cry Inducing

I like the tea, hence why I'm going this far for it.
All I need to do is getting rid of that monster at the tea plantation site and all is right.
Afterward, no more production issues, and the tea should go back to its normal price.
I'm trying to resolve a mess for my own sake for once.

(Feeling thankful for this power only for occasions like this, I'm so selfish.)

Eliminating a monster or two is a simple matter with brute force.
I made my way through the route the store manager taught me.
I got to the gate and surprised the gatekeepers yet again with Second Class Pass like always.
My destination is the Waking Grass's production site. I dashed off in high spirits, in Accelerated state of course.

＝＝　　～～　＝＝　～～

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

The route ordinarily takes half a day with a carriage at high speed. But for me that distance did not even last a moment.
I got no time to lose. I gotta get the price back to normalcy as soon as possible.
The time I experienced running in Accelerated World was about four hours. And yet the moment I undid Acceleration, not even one second had elapsed in real world. I have zero idea how this power is even supposed to work, let alone housed in a human body.

(Really, what about theory of relativity? Einstein must be rolling in his grave.)

Not just Einstein, this phenomenon would have bewildered any scientists. Simply waving it away as a 'fantasy' is too easy.
Yet, there's no way to decipher this power, so all I can do is leave it be. I simply lack experience and data to get an answer. In fact, I don't really care about getting to the bottom of this power.
I've decided to stop being antsy about it.

I have more important stuff to attend to.
Like these three men who seem to be safe guarding the building where Waking Grass is being produced.
I undid Acceleration and spoke to them.

"Hello, excuse me, is this the production site for Waking Grass?"

"Who the heck are you? No, we're not selling you Waking Grass! How many of you lot are gonna keep coming anyway, dammit! Every single one of you is trying to make a profit buying directly! Fools, the lot of you! We keep telling y'all it's an emergency yet you keep coming back with that dumb face of yours!"

One of the men told me off all of a sudden. Talk about unreasonable. I never uttered the word 'sell'. In fact, I haven't even stated my business. Getting shouted right off the bat, I couldn't react quickly enough to even deny him.

"All of 'em make a fuss cause we won't sell, saying they can pay or whatever! That's what you're gonna tell me next, ain't it!? Huuh!?"

These men must see a lot of people who did exactly that. Doesn't seem like he's willing to even give me an ear.
The other two guards approached thanks to the man's yell.

"You foolishly think you can get Waking Grass for cheap here, don't you? Believing you can make a killing by selling them high at town."

"Oy, you brat! Don't tell me you're here to steal 'em!? Let me tell ya, this tea is nothing more than weed if amateurs plucked 'em. Lots of our Waking Grass withered because of dumbarses like you. These grass are already dwindling as is, we can't have you brats make it worse. Forget jailtime, we're gonna personally send you to the afterlife!"

These guards' reactions tell me all I need to know about the situation here. Things are really bad.
Bad enough to resort to death threat.

"Err, I've come here to visit the production site. Also, I'm thinking of lending a hand if possible."

Apparently it's past the expiration date to get them believe that reasoning.

"We already got one thief who used the same excuse! You must be one of 'em!"

It's clear now they won't believe whatever I say.
These men are too high strung. All the people that came before me must be some serious criminals.
I took the letter of introduction from my magic bag in an attempt to persuade them. But I only showed them, and kept the letter with me.

"This is a letter of introduction written by the manager of 'Aromatic Dream'. His acquaintance is in charge of this site. If he is to be believed, this letter should afford me entry. Does it ring a bell?"

Previous Chapter

Life on Ship

Announcing the results of target hitting game.

1st Hiyoko - Outstanding 72 points

2nd Reinamiure - Dignified 65 points

3rd Almatina - Close match with 2nd at 63 points

4th me - Rock bottom 13 points


What. Laugh all you want.
Dagnabbit!! I asked you girls to hold back a bit, told ya I got no Skill!


"...I lost, to Hiyoko..."

"Hiyoko-chan's Throwing Skill is only at Level 1, right? How come you're so good..."

『Cluuck.』


Hiyoko smugly puffed out its chest. No really, how do you hit that precisely anyway.
Reina's Throwing Skill is already at Level 5, yet Hiyoko beat her handily.
...Hmm, let's check some things out.


"Hiyoko-sensei, can you show me the rope just once more?"

『Cluuck.』

"Uwaa, this man even lowered his head to Hiyoko-chan now."


Oh shut it. I just wanna check something.


『Cluck!』


Hiyoko gripped the dart-ball with its claw and threw it.
The dart-ball went completely straight, yes, as if it was unaffected by gravity, before hitting dead center on the target board.


"Uwaa, Hiyoko-chan really is so good at it!"

"...How do you throw so accurately with a claw anyway?"

『Cluck, clucluck!』

"Thank you very much, sensei."


I held Hiyoko in my arms as I said my thanks.
I can tell it's been putting on weight when I have it in my arms like this. It's grown so much in just two months. In so many ways.


"Yup. You've grown splendidly, Hiyoko."

『Cluck.』

"Who could have imagined you'd even go on to learn Direct Mana Control too... Eh?"

『Clu... C-cluck...!?』
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

Hiyoko's smug face turned into that of a panic.


"Eh, Mana, what?"

"What do you mean?"

"This chicken wraps its own mana on the dart ball and remotely manipulates its trajectory. Just like, this!"


I wrapped my mana on a dart-ball and threw it.
I can then control its trajectory by manipulating that mana using the same principle as Mana Flight.
Even someone as clumsy as me can hit dead center with this trick.
In fact, my dart-ball pierced through the dart-ball Hiyoko threw earlier... I'll reimburse the facility later.


"T-that's dirty, Hiyoko-chan!"

"...Unfair."

『...C-cluck...』


Hiyoko clucked apologetically when the two pressed on it.
...Looking at Hiyoko so dejected, I'm feeling bad about it now.


"Hmm, why don't we play again then?"

"I'm in! It's a rematch~!"

"This time, I won't lose."

"Hiyoko, no cheating now, okay. Let's treat the first match as your win because we didn't set the rules."

『C-cluck!』


I understand you have a fiery competitive spirit, but let's not break the rules. Gotta be fair and square.
Above all else, it's more fun when everybody is having a good time together playing games.
Still, I can't believe Hiyoko even learned Mana Control. Children grow up so fast, don't they.
...By the way, do I have to pay for two now that we're having a second match?


We played three more matches afterward, with Reina winning twice, Alma once, and Hiyoko once in the beginning.
And so I ended up having to treat them all.
They went too wild, this is a bullying...



Thus how we spent the days on the ship including some light exercises in the sports ground every now and then.
I thought our meals would be mainly seafood but turned out there were plenty of meat dishes as well.
Thanks to that, we don't get tired of the food. Rather, our food expenses would go through the roof if we didn't cook for ourselves once in a while too.

My only complaint is the lack of opportunity to fight magic beasts, so our leveling sessions have come to a grinding halt.
Two weeks of no leveling is honestly pretty bad.
Not fighting magic beasts being the worst thing about traveling, I'm gradually turning into a battle junkie aren't I....

One week had quickly passed before an event that solved that issue cropped up.

In other word, we got trouble.


"Big troubleeeeeeee!! A s-swarm of magic beasts is closing in on uuuuus!"

A sailor on the lookout shouted a warning out loud.

"H-how many!?"

"From what I see, there's around 30 small ones and three big ones!"

"Are you serious, can't we shake 'em off!?"

"No can do! They're way faster than us! Dammit, we turned down Monster Ward's output cuz this was supposed to be a safe sea, curses!"


Monster Ward? Did they cast a magic to reduce encounter rate on this ship or something?

<<Holy Magic Skill Ability [Saint Veil], a spell that erects a mana barrier that makes its target nearly imperceptible to magic beasts. This ship is installed with an engine that generates the same effect. The crew may have reduced its output to save on magic stones required as fuel during this long voyage. This results in beasts discovering the ship.>>

Welp, it's the ship crew's fault then.
Seriously, do they even care about their passenger's safety~.
No choice, guess we gotta exterminate those beasts ourselves. Ah man, what a troublesome crew they are, really, seriously.
...I'm absolutely not happy to have an opportunity for leveling up after so long. Nope, no sire.

"Welp, let's get rid of 'em quick."

"Un. It's nice to fight for real even during a trip."

"Yessire!"

『Cluck!』


Our group went out on the deck.
Looking down the sea, I see dozens of shark-like fins encircling the ship.
Then there's three giant whale-like beasts in the distance, seemingly watching the situation here.
...Fumu, I'm guessing those three whales are commanding these sharks to attack the ship.

By the by, Menu-san, are these sharks edible?

<<The body has a bad texture, unfit for consumption. The fin part, however, is delicious when prepared correctly.>>

I see, thanksies.
...We're having a shark fin's party today. I'm not letting even one of you escape, you're all part of the meal fufufufufu...

Previous Chapter

476 Tea Situation

"Oh, don't worry. The tea you're drinking right now is an old stock. That one pot only cost one copper coin. The price usually fluctuated a bit, but that was about the average."

Around 500 yen per cup is about normal for a coffee shop's beverage I guess.
I perked my ears to the manager's story while slowly sipping my tea.

"But it's a tragedy when the price soars like this. It'll greatly affect the customers looking for this tea. It's a luxury goods to most people. Especially now that it's jumped so high, adventurers and mercenaries who need this grass most are the biggest victims here."

"Eh? Why would those types need this?"

"Ah, you see. Keeping awake when you're watching the camp at night is a matter of life or death to them. After all, they can't have the one standing guard fall asleep do they?"

"Ah, I see. Right of course. An item that can keep them awake is a necessity indeed. I can imagine high demands for this stuff."

I get it now. This Waking Grass tea is powerful enough for that use case. Speaking from experience.
Some guests entered the store in a hurry and asked the manager.

"You got Waking Grass for sale here!? I want to buy some. Five bundles. You got that many?"

Considering their leather armor and swords, they must be mercenaries. Both of them.

"Yes, I do have some. Five bundles, is it. Please wait a bit. Here you go, that will be one silver coin."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Cheap!? We almost gave up buying cause every store was asking way high. Thank ye."

"We been having it rough cause of this tea's sudden price jump lately. We ain't profiting in the least. Heck, dunno if we can even afford it anymore. Our night watches keep falling asleep without this stuff. That was close."

"Dear customers, please do keep this to yourself. I might run out of stock if rumors spread. I can't keep the store open if people in the same situation as you rush in. Please think of this as a special service."

"I got ya. We ain't that shameless. We won't talk to our companions where we got this."

I ended up listening in to their conversation. The manager is selling the tea far cheaper than the current market price.

(He's carefully balancing around the market and the mercenaries' circumstances.)

It's only a matter of time until more people are flooding here to buy the tea. It's inevitable even if these mercenaries don't talk about it.

(I shouldn't buy this tea here... Can't be helped.)

"Manager-san. Where can I find the production site of this tea. I'd like to pay a visit."

I decided to poke my nose into this matter, for my own sake.

"Hm? Well, they certainly do not forbid visitations, I don't mind telling you but what's the matter? That place is a danger zone with a monster abound even now. Yet the staff there can't exactly leave the remaining Waking Grass unattended so they're still around. The securities are stricter due to all those factors however, so they might drive you away at the gate, do you still want to go?"

"Even so, I'm interested in this tea. Could you tell me?"

The manager suddenly started writing a letter. When I asked why he'd go this far for me, he replied, 'I can feel your passion.'
It's a letter of introduction to his acquaintance in charge of the production site.

"Bring this with you. She will definitely welcome you once it's clear I wrote it."

"Thank you so much. And also, thank you for the treat."

I left one silver coin on the table as I took the letter.

"Ah hey? That was my treat. I can't accept this! And isn't this a silver coin? ...Are you sure? Also, weren't you here to purchase tea?"

"I've changed my mind. There are people who need that tea more than me. But I'd feel bad if I just go home, so I hope you can let me off with that. Right, just think of it as a token of appreciation for teaching me the correct brewing method for this delicious tea. Oh, and for the letter of introduction as well."

"Well I'll be. Here I was simply delighted to find someone who fell in love with this tea. Fumu, I shall receive this if you insist."

There's a reason why I could easily handed out a silver coin.
I still don't really get this world's sense of value. As a result I see one silver coin no different than a 100 yen coin.
The shine, size and feel are completely disparate yet the dull glitter of silver coins keeps reminding me of 100 yen coins.
Thus, I keep easily taking these coins out of my wallet.
Also, I'm aware how much silver is worth, but it's just not enough to act as a stopper.

(Thanks to becoming weirdly rich out of nowhere, I can't bring myself to course correct that mindset...)

Thus I left the store while having an odd crisis in my mind.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Departure Sailing Sally-ho

"...Hikaru, why didn't you use Fast Travel in the inn."

"Too many prying eyes there, also, I wanted to make it look like we were running away in this direction... Sorry for carrying you off like that without an explanation."

"M-my eyes are still spinning..."

『Pi.』


Hello, good evening. We're now on a highway in the opposite direction of Nyushina.
We're quite far away now the town looks like a tiny speck in the distance. Think it's safe to say we've shaken them off.


"So what are we gonna do now? From here, the next town is quite far, you know?"

"...If possible, I'd rather not go around with that absurd method again."

"Ah, I opted going here to throw them off our trail. We'll be using Fast Travel now. You can rest easy."

"Where to?"

"Port town Randorainam. Seeing as that army takes orders directly from the kingdom, they'll likely keep going after us if we stay on this continent, so I'm thinking of moving to another one."

"T-to another continent!? T-that's a bold move to make, or rather... Are we gonna be okay?"

"I mean we can always come back here anytime with Fast Travel, no reason to get cold feet."


My feet would have been the coldest if I didn't have Fast Travel, actually.
I never went abroad during my days in Japan, let alone another world.


After making sure there was nobody around, I used Fast Travel and got us to Randorainam.
It's hard to see our surroundings this late at night but you can tell we're in the port town from the smell of salt and sounds of waves.


"Ooh, it hasn't been long since we left yet it feels oddly nostalgic."

"It's already late, let's look for a ship tomorrow."

"Which continent are we heading to?"

"The ships from this port can only go to the third and fifth continent. The third is on the brink of collapse, it's way dangerous so fifth it is, what do you girls think?"

"...Fifth continent. Firie Kingdom rules over it."

"It's also Julian-san's homeland. Maybe he wanna tag along too?"

"The man doesn't want to go back. Besides, his little brother might find out he's still alive if we took him there."

"Those brothers don't get along, huh."

"It's rather more the lil' bro unilaterally hates Julian's guts."


I plan to go and tell Gen-san about our situation once things have settled down.
Now then, booking a room this late might be a challenge but I'm hoping to get one at the inn we stayed at previously.



Morning after.
Luckily, a ship was just about to set off, and with available rooms at that, so I bought our tickets.
The fifth continent is relatively safe due to the protection of the Black Dragon and as there's going to be a Martial Art Tournament held soon, there's been an increase of traffic towards the fifth continent.

Every one of us was staring at the huge ship in awe while we were waiting to board.


"It's a splendid looking ship."

"T-this ship is so huge... I bet it can easily fit a thousand people aboard."


It's like staring at Titanic... I should stop, don't wanna jinx it.
I can always get all passengers join hands together and get away with Fast Travel even if it comes down to that, but I pray it won't come to that.

Thankfully I got us all a private room each.
If we had to share a room and sleep huddled together, I'd rather choose to delay our departure and wait for another ship.
But then our pursuers might catch up to us, so we really lucked out this time. Wonder if this is an effect of my Luck Attribute too.

We put down our luggage and waited in our rooms, a steam whistle echoed loudly before long.
Must be the signal to set sail. Guess this is goodbye to this continent for a while then.
...It just hit me, wonder if I'm gonna get seasick. At least it should better than wagons or beast carriages I hope.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

The ship may be big, but a luxury liner it's not.
I suppose you can't really compare it to those thousands dollar per trip ships you see often in variety shows.
Yet the fact that it's got a dining hall and an amusement center brings it to the more luxurious side in this world.

The voyage to the fifth continent is going to take two weeks.
It's not a direct route, the ship is going to make a stop at an island along the way to resupply but we'll be constantly looking at the sea asides from that one time. Sounds boring.
Welp, guess it's a good time as any to laze around.

I was thinking that when someone knocked on my door. Who's there?


"Hikaru, do you have time?"

"Kajikawa-san, they've got lots of interesting stuff in the amusement center! Let's take a look together!"


...Well, since they're inviting. Might as well spend time having fun.
I'm not disappointed for having my lazy time interrupted or anything, I swear.


The amusement center is surprisingly spacious and lively.
There are card games, board games, dart-like games, and even sports grounds for combat Job people.
Should help keeping your body fit during the boat trip.


"So many people..."

"Oh, I see a target hitting game over there! Kajikawa-san, let's all compare scores, it'll be fun!"

"Ou... I'm the only one here without Throwing Skill, please take it easy on me."

"No holding back."

"Eeh..."

"Fufufu, I'll show you how it's done...!"

『Pipi!』


These three are getting too much into it. I'm begging you please don't go too hard.
By the way, apparently Hiyoko learned 'Throwing' Skill recently. How does that even work with those hands, or rather wings...?


This target hitting game doesn't have complex rules like Earth dart, you get the highest score hitting the center and the closer you hit, the higher your score, simple.

The board is around 50cm in diameter, hitting the outer circumference gets you 1 point, the inner one 3 points, the circle near the center 5 points and the marble-sized circle in the center nets you 10 points.
There are three throwing lines where you stand, one for children, one for adults and lastly for combatants. We're standing on the combatant line.

We'll be throwing a dart-like ball 10 times, the last ranker will have to treat the highest scorer or so the rule goes in our little game.
...I'm gonna be stuck treating them no matter how you look at it. Thank you.


"Kajikawa-san you go first, do your best~."

"Thanks for the very definitely sincere cheers, just you watch, dangit. Hragh!"


I went first and... the ball never reached the target, falling midway through and leaving behind a lonesome clanking sound on the floor. Zero point.


"...Hikaru?"

"...Sorry. This is the full extent of my throwing ability. Yep."

"Kajikawa-san, don't look so down now, pfft."

"Oh get off my back will you! You're up next!"

"Yessire. Torya!"


Reina next. This girl's got the highest Throwing Skill level among us.
Her dart-ball hit near the center circle. 3 points.


"Ah, I almost got it!"

"Don't mind, don't mind."

"Quit consoling me while holding your laughter. Or rather, I don't wanna hear that from someone who can't even land a hit."

"I'm throwing next."

"Ou. Go at it."


Third one goes to Alma. Her Throwing Skill is pretty high too, though not quite at Reina's level.
She hit right on the middle line, which is an amazing feat in itself.
The line is only few millimeter thick too, how'd she do that...


"...What's my point?"

"Apparently hitting the line gets you three points."

"Meaning we're even. This is gonna be a good match between me and Alma-san."

"Nn, I won't lose."


Skill bearers are so strong~. There's no room for me~.
I could freely change trajectory if I wrap my dart-ball with mana, but I don't want to cheat just for a game. Still, man, doing it the legit way is pretty hard.

...Hm? Oh right, the next one is--


『Cluck!』


The sound of a stabbing dart-ball could be heard after Hiyoko's cluck.
Hiyoko must have thrown using its raised claw. So it's not the wings, huh.

The dart-ball hit dead center on the target board. 10 points, incredibly enough.


""...""

『Cluck.』


Alma and Reina are staring in bewilderment.
The advent of a dark horse out of nowhere.
...So who am I going to treat in the end... Sigh.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

475 Like hence, Passionate

Piping hot water got poured into a tea pot. Then a bundle of tea leaves were put in.

"This particular tea has an unusual brewing method, you see. Normally, you pour hot water over tea leaves but that's the worst thing you could do for this tea's taste. Weird isn't it?"

The Waking Grass tea leaves swirled in the transparent hot water before slowly falling down.

"What do you think? Exquisite isn't it? I just love this exquisite green color. Now you wait a bit and then... See."

The tea leaves were shaped like needles. But once they started sinking, they floated back up and came untied. Back to their original leaf shape.

"You see. Specialized workers must roll these leaves immediately after plucking. That allows them to exquisitely bloom in hot water like this. First sinking down before floating up as they bloom. The tea element melts in the water during this blooming process. Intriguing, no?"

The manager explained with sparkling eyes like a kid.

"I believe you drank this tea this morning, yes? Which brought you here. That makes me very happy. This tea may be called 'Waking Grass' but its meaning when inside this pot is 'Asleep'. Weird, no?"

I bet it's because the leaves must start its transformation into drinkable tea by being asleep as they sink.
Then the blooming is an expression of waking up in the morning.

"All the leaves have floated up. So now you pour it into this cup. Here, have a sip. I'm sure it will be a surprise."

The manager poured the tea into a cup that had one needle-shaped tea leaf inside. He was smiling as he urged me.
I lifted the cup and sniffed the aroma.

"Whoaa! Even the fragrance is way stronger than the tea I had earlier!"

A refreshing scent ran through my nose. This cup is much more waking than the one I had at the inn.
Even a sip felt like ingesting a really strong mint, yet the refreshing taste didn't linger in my mouth.

"Uwoo? This stuff isn't just waking. It'd keep you up all night."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"See how that lone leaf is slowly blooming in your cup. Have another sip now."

I hesitated. Even if it's just one leaf, it's blooming in so little water.
I was sure it'd make the taste too strong to drink.
Yet, the result was eye opening. Which took me by another surprise.

"Sweet and bitter...? Eh? This is the same tea I had just now right? Eh? For real?"

"As I said earlier, pouring hot water on this tea leaves will degrade its taste. Yet pouring the prepared tea on a leaf gives us this unusual interaction. The taste doesn't get worse yet a change happens. In a good way that is. Surprising isn't it?"

"...How does this even work? How can it change so much? Seriously, I need an explanation..."

Fantasy is awesome, has a tea ever surprised me this much? Nope never.
This was so impactful it left me in awe.

"People have done all kinds of research on this grass. Yet, none could come up with an answer. Quite a mysterious tea it is. Fufufufu."

The manager laughed in a good mood. He resumed his explanation.

"This is a small pot only enough for two cups. If you use more leaves and water, it won't taste as good even with the same exact ratio. As such this quantity is optimal. It's the best brewing method to obtain the best taste. This Waking Grass tea is really unlike any other tea. That's what makes it so good, I personally think."

This manager really loves his tea. But then his face suddenly became downcast.

"But currently the price of Waking Grass is seeing a steep increase. The production site is being plagued by a monster issue. It's a delicate medicinal plant hence even the slightest disturbance lowers its quality. Even a monster simply coming close to its production site spoils a lot of them."

This manager must know so much due to his love for tea.

"Meanwhile hiring mercenaries might cause an even bigger problem to the site, my friend in charge is at her wit's end dealing with this issue. It's been quite a headache. And so, I'm sorry to say but this much tea leaves will cost one silver coin after this."

My hand stopped while I was sipping my cup. Stopped dead in its track. That's way pricey!

(Manager! You're too generous treating a first-time customer to such an expensive tea!)

Thanks to Black Card, it's not really an issue for me, yet even so, that price still made me think twice before deciding to buy.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Traitor

During our post-dinner break, the silver haired ponytail young man, Nakramurada came by.
Telling us to leave the town right away if we want to avoid joining the army. It's kinda out of the blue.


"W-what are you going on about this late at night...?"

"...I'm sorry. I plead captain to put your recruitment on hold but he wouldn't listen to a word I said."

"So what's up with that captain?"

"Unit Five, which is the unit I belong to will be garrisoned in this town by tonight. It consists of around 30 people, and captain believes he can make you guys join through forces."

"...That's, an abuse of power."


Alma murmured with a mix of contempt and shock in her voice.
I was sure that old captain was the brain of the unit seeing as he was lower leveled than his subordinates. Guess he's not even a good boss at that huh?
Kinda reminds me of that factory boss I got stuck with in Japan. No, I guess that man was still comparatively better cause he was sterner on himself. I still won't forgive him for all the unpaid overtime he made us do though.


"Why would you tell us though? Won't this be bad for you considering your position..."

"...All I ever wanted was protecting people from demons. I wish to liberate us all from the terror of demons. That's the reason I joined Anti-Demon Army, but the way we're doing is far from protecting, we're pushing people to do our bidding. I cannot condone such actions."


My impression on ponytail went up inwardly.
I'll call him Silver-san (Gin-san) from now on. No, not that handyman.


"All personnel should arrive in about two hours. You should go get ready to leave before--"

"No, it's too late."

"...What?"

"Combat Job people are congregating around this inn already. There's more than 30 of them, they must be your unit. It started around the time you went in this inn."

"W-what...!?"


...He looks genuinely surprised, not acting.
Apparently, the other side had anticipated him tattling to us.
This guy had been stalking me for days yet he overlooked someone else doing the same to him. Well, guess this is unavoidable.


"Alma, Reina, pack up your things now. Don't worry about sorting them, just take everything with you."

"Got it."

"Yessire!"


I told them to go get their belongings in their room.
Most of our luggage is inside my Item Screen, so they only have stuff they need close by.


"Forgive me...! I cannot believe me warning you only served to accelerate this...! I-I'll be the decoy head-on, you three should exit from the backdoor--"

"No, we'll be fine. We're going to leave through the front door."

"T-that's madness! I'm aware of your party's capability but you're up against more than 30 people at nearing Lv40!? There's no way you could escape them..."

"Hikaru, I'm done packing."

"I'm all OK too!"

"Heave-ho. Lemme just put them away for you."


I stored their stuff inside Item Screen via a mock item bag and said my goodbye to Silver-san.


"This is goodbye then. If you have doubts about the army, this might be a good time to think long and hard about what you wish to do instead of what you ought to."

"O-oy!"

"Farewell."

"H-Hikaru? Why are you holding me and Reina?"

"W-what are you planning!? Y-you can't be, wait, no, stop...!!"

『...Pipi.』


I opened the front entrance, and the moment I stepped outside, I moved at high speed with super low altitude Mana Flight made to look like Ground Shrink.


"Uuaaaaaaaa!!?"

"Niyaaaakneewwwwwwwwiiiiitt!!!"


I made sure to not crash into passerby as I zoomed my way out of town!
The direction is to the opposite of Nyushina.
I won't use Fast Travel yet. First, we gotta get somewhere with nobody around.
Bear with it, you two. Fighto.
...I'm already fearing for my life for what comes after.



~~~~~~~~Silver-san's POV~~~~~~~~~~



The moment that man stepped outside, he carried the two girls under his arms and ran off at unbelievable speed.
Was that 'Ground Shrink'? No, he shouldn't be able to use Skills, meaning he must have a way to conceal his Status.
...Regardless, there is no pursuing them with that speed. They should manage.


"Nakramuradaa!! How dare you give them intel!"


Captain's jarring shout resounded in the inn.
Other guests are looking at us dubiously. I'm sorry for this ruckus.


"What are you talking about?"

"Don't you dare play dumb! You told that party our unit's arrival!"

"What proof do you have to accuse me that?"

"I have installed a magic tool to wiretap traitors such as you on your sword's sheath! I have all your words recorded, there is no getting out!"


I have to look really closely at my sword's sheath to find a very small sphere shaped object attached to it.
Must be the magic tool in question... I never noticed.


"That's a breach of privacy you know? Going this far without basis is a violation of military code."

"Yet you did betray me and let that party escape! That's everything! This is a felony!"


Disgusting.
That was the only thing that came up on my mind looking at this man as I resigned myself to getting punished.
Never doubting that he is in the right without realizing all the mistakes he's making.
That description might apply to me too.


"What're you standing around for! Restrain this man at once!"


Captain gave his order to two personnel standing next to him while flinging his saliva everywhere.
His shouting figure looked majestic to me just yesterday, yet the only impression I have now is how shallow he seems.
...I'm a shallow man myself for missing that.


As the two personnel violently restrained my arms, someone walked up to the captain from behind.
...Is that...?


"Ah, there you are. Captain, shouting so loud with your foul mouth this late at night is gonna get you complaints from neighbors, y'know."


The former adventurer, Jangrajima.
His long hair fluttered as he spoke to captain with his usual carefree tone.


"Shut up! Where have you been fooling around all this time! Go after them with 'Ground Shrink', now!"

"Naw, my stamina won't last. 'Sides, ain't no way I could catch up to them if I started now."

"Eey, every single one of you! Traitor and incompetent lot, not a single usable bone! And that's why we need that party!"

"Hmm, I've gathered around 20 people to arrest a traitor though. I am working hard, see?"

"Are you a fool! We don't need all those people to arrest this traitor, no, it's to make that party--"

"Not at all, we do."

"What, are you...!?"


Captain's yell stopped short.
Jangrajima's spear is thrust in front of his throat.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

"I'm saying you're the traitor here, Captain Heigerdara-dono."



Jangrajima put up a serious expression he never showed even once before.
His voice was so cold completely unlike what he usually sounded.


"W-w-what are you...!?"

"...Do you recall my reason for joining the army? I failed to protect a town under demon's attack because I lacked the manpower, hence, this army was made to prevent another tragedy like that again, remember?"

"I-I do! That's precisely why we're scouting people from all over the place to amass our numbers!"

"Then why did you refuse personnel relocation from Unit Three?"

"!?"


Personnel relocation, from Unit Three?
That's the first time I heard of it.
Every unit is barely scraping by to protect areas under their jurisdiction, there's no room for reallocation.
That's, what, captain told us.


"Ah by the way, for some reason part of Unit Five got relocated to Unit Two, got any clue about that?"

"I-I know nothing."

"Eeeh? Personnel from Unit Three that should have moved to our Unit went to Unit Two instead, heck we even shouldered all the associated expense, you telling me you don't know? Even I found out with just a little investigation, how can you not know?"

"Wha...! Guh...!?"


What's going on.
What's he talking about.


"You were bribed by Unit Two's captain and sent people that should have been assigned to our unit their way, weren't you?"

"W-what proof do you have for that accusation!!"

"Mind taking a good look of your sword's sheath?"

"Wha...!? Y-you can't be...!!"


Captain looked shocked as he stared at his sword's sheath.
His face went pale after noticing a speck of dust-like sphere attached to the bottom of the sheath.


"It's a trick you love so much. You're not gonna tell me it's a violation of military code, are you?"

"Y-you bastaaaaaaaaaaard!!! How dare you, how dare!! You traitooooor!!!"

"Correction, you, are, the traitor here. You got no right to accuse anyone with your pocket full of embezzled dough, you dumbarse."

"Unforgivable!! Die, you hatchliiiing!"


Captain slashed at Jangrajima with an enraged reddened face.


"Aah~, and I woulda stopped at arrest if only you admitted your sin too."


Jangrajima easily dodged captain's sword while staring at him like he was garbage while looking bored.


"You're the only deadmeat here, darned geezer."

"Ga... Hyu...?"


A spear lodged in captain's forehead.
He fell down while looking like he couldn't understand what happened.
...It may have been a legitimate act of self-defense, but dying just because of bribery, I have a mixed feeling about this.


"Welp there you have it, the villainous captain who made an unjust attempt to to kill a team member has up and died. Oh yeah, I'll have you know that I have already been given the permission from the main office."


He powerfully stabbed his spear on the ground and spoke out loud.


"I, Jangrajima will now serve as the captain of Unit Five. State your objection if you have any. Otherwise, all personnel, pay attention!!"


At his order, all members of the forces present here including the two that restrained me earlier stood upright.
His thundering voice made even the former captain's voice sounded like a baby's. This must be how a true captain should look like.
I was among the members standing upright before I realized what happened.


"Welp, now that's done and dusted, guess I gotta start reorganizing our forces and get all those fellas reassigned back here, man so many things to do. All a pain in the arse, but gotta what you gotta do."


Was his usual frivolous behavior an act?
He easily gathered information, unveiled the old captain's wrongdoings and took his place in one fell swoop.
Truly a brilliant play... Total opposite of me who couldn't even discern old captain's trap.

If it's him, we can surely.
Surely we can finally become a unit befitting to be called Anti-Demon, I'm convinced.


"Nakram, what're you spacing out for. Get this body outta the way, pronto."

"Y-yes sir...!"

"...Why're you crying? Gross."


I couldn't stop my tears of joy for finally finding someone I can get behind.
No more hesitation now. I will follow this captain and defeat those demons.



A moment after I steeled my resolve, the innlady came out of the back with the look of an ogre as she glared at us.


"Hey you! Keep it down! Make any more noise and I'll bring the guards here!"

"Ah~ We're sorry~! We're going home right now, give me a break, for real!"


Captain ran away at full speed, leaving his dignity in tatter.
...H-he's gonna do all right, surely. Yup... Probably.

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474 Place of Relief

I got the memo as I left the inn. I gave the staff member another silver coin in return.

"Thank you. This is my gratitude for the tea and the memo. Please keep it up with your excellent service in the future."

"Thank you so much, sir. I shall strive to answer your expectations. We await your next visit."

She bowed and kept her posture at the entrance even after I left.
Knowing she'd keep doing that until I disappeared from sight, I took a turn.
Of course not randomly. It's the route to the place depicted on the memo.
I'm going to buy some tea. I've taken a liking to it.
I'd like to stock up some before departing this kingdom.
It's a nice stroll away from the inn.

＝～＝～　　＝～＝～　　＝～＝～

Sometimes after, the inn rose up to the top of 'Rank', and the secret behind its success was its elevated customer service.
The staff member who chaperoned me started treating other guests the same way she did me and other personnel started mimicking her.
As it's a high class inn where the guests are mostly the wealthy, those guests give the staff members who did extra service 'gratuity'. In short, tips.
And so, the inn workers got more motivated and found pride in their work resulting in an overall better experience for the guests, raising the inn's rank in the process.
And the inn retained its booking fee despite its higher rank which netted them more repeat customers, increasing the inn's profitability on the management side.
The inn is 'Moon Serenity'. Offering the best service in the whole kingdom, even royalty book rooms there.
I only found out about all this way later on.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
＝～＝～　　＝～＝～　　＝～＝～

I found a store adorned with a signboard of a tea cup with rising steam. It's the tea store I'm looking for.
It's called 'Aromatic Dream'. Apparently the store also serves as a cafe on top of selling tea leaves.

"Welcome. Are you looking to purchase teas? Or perhaps are you here to enjoy a cup of tea?"

An elderly man who seemed to be this store's manager called out to me. He's standing straight with an awfully nice posture.

"I'd like to purchase this type of tea. I have no idea how much should I get though, do you mind teaching me?"

The tea leaf's name is written on the memo. 'Waking Grass', the manager smiled when he saw it.

"Have you taken a liking to this tea? Would you like to enjoy a cup in the meantime? I assure you it will be good. Come now, have a seat."

The manager gently offered me a seat in the cafe.
I've never studied how to brew good tea. Also, I would never refuse good tea so I took him up on his offer.

The inside isn't too big. It's like a typical coffeehouse.
The only other guests besides me are two women having breakfast, and a man sipping a fragrant cup of tea on the counter.

"It's early in the morning. Allow me to treat you to a cup as an accompaniment to my lecture while we're still not too busy."

This manager isn't only sociable he's also generous. I see no reason to refuse him.
I had completely forgotten about coliseum thing at this point.

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