Chapter 6

Well, let me think. Since I don't really understand, I'll try to put myself in Oslo's shoes.

If he just stands there doing nothing... in that case, he might be held responsible and lose his job, and depending on the lord, he might even be imprisoned.

If there's evidence, he'll definitely lose his job, but if it's a fraud, it could turn into a major comeback for Oslo.

So, he would be at a loss if he doesn't point out the problem... right?

"By the way, were you slacking off?"

"No, no, the tavern's security was perfect."

Ah. That's no good.

Because he didn't properly deal with the monsters, the "food" became abundant, and the Killer Ants increased rapidly.

Oslo became enraged at Berline's sarcastic remark.

"Don't mock me, little girl! How could a kid like you have fought a swarm of Killer Ants!? Stop telling such ridiculous stories!"

Oslo seems to be speaking on the assumption that I'm the one who committed fraud. Is that why he butted in?

If he's this desperate, there must be something seriously wrong that could be exposed to the lord. ...There must be. If it's not just losing his job, I can understand his desperation.

"So, you're saying I should show that I have the ability to repel the Killer Ants? Should I use a seventh-class magic right here and now?"

"Seventh!?"

Using Defense Field again would probably get in the way of the street.

What should I use? If I display a magic circle on my fingertips to show that I can attack at any time, Oslo's eyes widened in surprise for a moment before he seemed to regain his composure.

"N-no! Even if you could use it, it wouldn't prove that a swarm appeared in the forest! You'll have to stay in this town until my subordinates return!"

"Why... what authority do you have to make that demand?"

Tilting my head, Oslo, thinking I'm a child, said this.

"T-that's... as the captain of the guard, of course!"

"Isn't it the good citizens who do the job...?"

"..."

Robin's exasperated interjection made Oslo finally shut up.

Since guild matters are handled internally, whether to offer a reward or if there was any fraud is something the guild investigates and decides.

The soldiers or guards would only get involved in guild-related matters if there was a report of fraud, unless it was a current crime.

"By the way, the Forest Birds are well-known by name and face. If there was any fraud and they fled, it would be easy to issue a warrant. In that case, the guild would pursue them, dead or alive, for the sake of their reputation. The employer, Theodore Gartner, seems to be a reputable person. I don't think there's any need to force them to stay, as there's no risk of them fleeing."

...Ah. Berline is fully aware of the noble family.

The Forest Birds know that I dislike my family, so they wouldn't reveal anything about my family.

Berline doesn't explicitly say it because I haven't claimed it. Even if her guess is wrong, she's phrasing it in a way that doesn't give away any information.

Oslo seems to have noticed this, and as he alternately looked at my clothes and Grace's attire, his face grew increasingly pale.

In general, what did Oslo want to do by keeping us here at this point?

He probably thought that showing the magic circle proved that the ants could be repelled. So he immediately countered that it wouldn't be evidence.

Killing or threatening to silence us is already meaningless. Given that the guild is aware of the situation, the only thing that could affect his position is whether there are ant remains in the forest.

...Ah. If there was no fraud, he probably wanted to cover up by colluding with his subordinates and claiming he was involved in the ant extermination.

That makes sense for why he tried to contact us. But with the guild watching, he couldn't back down and gave orders in a domineering manner.

So his next move would be to soften his attitude and try to win us over. He might try to separate Berline and me and offer some tempting deal—

"N-no, sorry. It seems there was a misunderstanding. If we talk calmly, we can understand each other. Can we talk in the stable? I won't do anything bad, I promise."

He spoke in a soothing tone, almost in a whisper that Berline couldn't hear.

It's clear... I hate being able to read the actions of people like him. It's because I've seen too much of the idiot brothers and Catherine.

Why do I have to cooperate with such a person? I'm already dealing with the ant extermination and this unnecessary delay.

If a swarm of Killer Ants appears, it could lead to the destruction of one or two villages. If it turns out that this was due to negligence, it's not just losing his job; he could be imprisoned. If it had actually happened, he would have been executed for sure.

Ah, right. The lord hates adventurers, doesn't he? So this result is tarnishing the lord's reputation.

Before accusing others of fraud, Oslo himself will be held accountable. I have no intention of covering for him, but if I did, it would only make things worse. It's not a matter of conditions or sympathy.

"...Maybe it would be better to resign and apologize to the lord."

"You! How dare you speak to Lord Oslo like that!"

"Hey, you...!"

If the boss is like that, the subordinates are even worse. The man next to Oslo lunged at me. Oslo let out a surprised cry.

I immediately activated my magic circulation, enhancing my physical abilities and using the martial technique "Waterwheel Throw." I dodged the man's punch, grabbed his arm, and destabilized his balance by stopping the foot on the side where he was leaning. Using the momentum, I spun him around and dropped him on his buttocks. I judged that he wouldn't be able to take a defensive position during the spin.

"Oof!?"

The centrifugal force was strong. He couldn't even plant his feet and hit the ground hard, writhing in pain.

Usually, martial techniques consume stamina or spirit, but in a circulation state, they consume magic power. This is one of the characteristics of a battle mage, but whether stamina or magic power is better depends on the situation, so it's not always an advantage or a disadvantage.

"Brat! Don't resist!"

Another one drew his sword from his waist. Here too... In this situation, drawing a sword is out of the question.

Glancing at Oslo, he was pale and in a daze. If he could understand the outcome, he should have done his job properly.

"Mr. Theodore"

Grace took out a magic staff from the package and handed it to me.

"Thank you, Grace."

After confirming that Grace had stepped back, I swung it lightly to check the feel.

The staff's ends cut through the air with a brisk sound. It's not bad, even though it's for beginners.

If I channel strong magic power, it would break quickly, but as a weapon, it's easy to handle without any quirks. The shopkeeper, who understands staff techniques, did a good job. Well then.

"Ugh..."

Holding the staff like a spear, the man froze. He must have remembered that I'm a mage. I can use magic without a staff, but that's beside the point.

"Ugh, aaaaaaaah!"

Despite or because of the pressure, he couldn't take the initiative. Or maybe he thought he could get the first hit because of the close distance.

He charged with his sword raised, but my reach was longer. I lightly jabbed his chin from below to take the initiative. As he stumbled, I swept his legs and rolled him over. I stomped on his hand, which was still holding the sword.

"Ugh!?"

He dropped the sword and I used the staff to knock it to the side of the road.

Continuing, I constructed a spell and aimed the staff's tip and my palm at the two fallen men, activating a magic circle.

"Light Bind"

A fifth-class light magic. A ring of light formed around the men, and as it tightened, their bodies were bound. It's hard to tell who the guards are.

"Is that enough?"

Oslo, sweating and trembling, looked at me.

Who made the first move and why.

There are plenty of witnesses, starting with Berline. This is a case that could be treated as a scandal by the guards. The ants are irrelevant; the conclusion is already clear.

Oslo dropped to his knees.

"W-What should I do...?"

"So... why don't you apologize to the lord?"

I'm not mocking him; I genuinely think that's the best course of action.

Fleeing or evading responsibility is impossible for him. He's cornered.

"Haha... Why would I do such a disgraceful thing..."

He shook his head with a broken, unique smile. Then he slowly looked around.

His eyes... reminded me of something, or rather, something from Kei's memories, not mine.

He looked at Berline, then at Lucian and Monica.

His gaze finally landed on Grace, and just as he reached for his sword at his waist—

The staff, held in reverse, was touching the side of his neck, ready to cast a spell, emitting a blue-white light and a humming sound.

Oslo smiled and froze, still gripping the hilt of his sword.

"Let go of the sword and step back."

I gave the order, trying to keep my emotions in check.

No other actions are allowed. I have no intention of hesitating.

Were you planning to take a hostage and flee?

Berline's position is bad, and Lucian and Monica are adventurers. Grace, who doesn't look like a combatant and is close by, was probably the target.

People can die easily—and can be killed. The heat from the stab in my side, which should have been unmarked, came back to me. I haven't forgotten that heat.

Oslo's eyes showed clear fear as he looked up at me. When our eyes met, I narrowed mine as if to reveal my current agitated state, and Oslo's expression crumpled.

"U-Uh... H-Huh..."

It felt more like his spirit was broken than he had given up. Oslo released the hilt and sat back. After confirming this, I also put away the staff.

I'm not particularly interested in what the lord will decide... It's their problem.

More importantly, I need to think about defensive measures or tools while Grace's ring is active. What would be best?

As I pondered, I heard the staff crack again.

...It seems I miscalibrated the magic power. To break a staff in less than an hour...