Chapter 75

After concluding the meeting with Mr. Delitz, the owner of Orlando's store, I received a report from Fred, who had been on reconnaissance in Lastock.

"Camilla... is worried about the existence of the Tamer..."

"Does that mean she saw me giving instructions to everyone and told Paul?"

"I think so... She was gathering information on the Tamer."

According to Fred's report, Camilla had summoned the guild master of Lastock and asked him various questions about the Tamer. The types of monsters that can be tamed, the number that can be controlled at once, how obedient they are, whether they can be made to follow other people's orders, and whether there are any adventurers in Reisenburg who can perform such feats. Taming is a skill mostly passed down from parent to child or master to apprentice, and the number of Tamers is limited. According to the guild master, there is no one in Reisenburg who meets the conditions Camilla has set.

During the operation, I was stabbed and my face was seen, but Paul didn't recognize me. It seems he didn't remember the faces of his classmates except for those who stood out, like Funayama and the class president, and didn't realize I was one of the first to be discarded. As a result, Camilla believes that the mastermind of this incident is one of the five who died in the first practical training. She also suspects that there are survivors among the fifty who participated in the second practical training, but considering the scale of the rescue operation, she thinks it would be impossible for them to have had enough time to prepare.

"So, Camilla thinks the mastermind is one of the three: the old-new duo and the glasses-wearing guy?"

"That seems to be the case... However, she suspects that the Tamer is an external collaborator, possibly from the Second Prince's faction."

"Meaning she thinks the real mastermind is the Second Prince or someone from his faction?"

"Exactly..."

Camilla speculates that some of the five who participated in the first practical training survived, and the Second Prince's faction made contact with them. To avoid Camilla discovering the involvement of the Second Prince's faction, the Tamer likely used monsters to help them escape.

If the territories of the First Prince's faction and the Second Prince's faction are divided simply, the western side of Reisenburg is the First Prince's faction, and the eastern side is the Second Prince's faction. Thus, Lastock is in the territory of the Second Prince's faction, and it is a city effectively controlled by Camilla, who is from the First Prince's faction. If the First Prince's faction and the Second Prince's faction engage in armed conflict, the Second Prince's faction would be caught in a pincer attack by Camilla's forces.

Of course, the Second Prince understands this situation, and Camilla is aware that she is considered a thorn in the side by the Second Prince. The reason for the small number of knights in Lastock is not only because Camilla has few resources to command but also because she doesn't want to provoke the Second Prince. However, with the training of the 200 summoned, the combat strength will nearly triple, and Camilla is likely keeping a close eye on the movements of the Second Prince's faction. Even if she suspects the involvement of the Second Prince's faction in this incident, she lacks evidence and is trying to trace it back through the Tamer.

On the other hand, Camilla has not completely ruled out the possibility of a third party collaborator. If a third party was involved, the escapees' target would be the entire city of Reisenburg. In that case, she believes their hiding place is likely in Volzard, and she has started preparing to send an envoy to Volzard.

"Reinhardt, what kind of person will the envoy be?"

"It depends on the content of the letter, but in a case like this, involving military matters, it is common for a knight to serve as the envoy, accompanied by a few knights as guards."

"So, once the letter is written and the envoy is chosen, knights from Reisenburg will come to Volzard?"

"Yes, that's right."

The Republic of Lanzhelt, to which Volzard belongs, was originally part of the Kingdom of Reisenburg, and the relationship between them is delicate. The border is the Forest of Demons, which makes armed conflict unlikely, and trade still occurs, but the relationship is not particularly close.

"What does Camilla plan to write in the letter?"

"The most likely scenario is a request for the return of the slaves."

"Yeah... But they all removed their bracelets and are in Volzard. What happens in such a case?"

"Most likely, they would be recognized as civilians once registered with the guild. Since the Republic of Lanzhelt does not have a slave system, the response would be that there are no slaves to return."

"I see... But Reisenburg won't be satisfied with that, right?"

"Indeed, they might try to extend their stay under some pretext and search the city themselves."

"In that case, we'll have to keep everyone in the barracks until the knights return to Reisenburg."

It's not clear how long this will last, but being confined to the barracks will likely cause stress.

"No, Kent, that's not enough."

"Huh? But... Oh, you mean the Reisenburg knights might come to the barracks?"

"No, that's not the issue. Even if they don't see us, just being part of the city's rumors could reveal our presence."

"Oh... I see..."

A group of 150 teenagers with black hair and black eyes would stand out, especially since their appearance is unusual in this world.

"If someone asks if they've seen a group of black-haired, black-eyed people, we'll be found out immediately..."

"Yes, Kent, your appearance is quite distinctive."

In that case, we need to consider the possibility that our presence in Volzard will be discovered. We should discuss countermeasures with Klaus at dinner tomorrow. I recalled Mr. Delitz's words from earlier.

"Klaus Volzard is a very shrewd man. Even if a blood relationship is established, if he judges that it is a disadvantage to the city, he has the resolve to cut ties..."

If we are judged to be a disadvantage to Volzard...

"Will Reisenburg and Lanzhelt go to war if Klaus refuses to return us?"

"There won't be a war."

"Are you sure?"

"While a war is not impossible, it requires significant military strength. Camilla does not have the strength to attack Volzard."

"Right, the letter from Reisenburg is just from Camilla, not the entire kingdom."

Indeed, I had forgotten about the military strength. The kingdom of Reisenburg is in a power struggle between the First Prince's faction and the Second Prince's faction. Even if Camilla could get additional forces from the First Prince's faction, it would be difficult to pass through the eastern part of the kingdom, which is controlled by the Second Prince's faction. The Second Prince's faction would not risk reducing their own strength during the power struggle.

"So, we'll try to keep our presence in Volzard a secret, but if it's discovered, it's discovered..."

"Exactly. With the current strength, Volzard has the advantage, and Camilla's forces alone cannot breach the city walls."

I had worried too much when I heard about the envoy. Even if the negotiations are left to the teachers, I shouldn't be so anxious over this.

"Kent, the response to the envoy is decided, so you should rest now."

"Right, I'm invited to Klaus's mansion tomorrow."

Tonight, in the expanded bed, Malt and the others surround Meisa, who is sound asleep. I hope she doesn't drool tonight...

When I slip into the space Milt opened for me, Meisa snuggles up to me.

Whether it's fluffy or not, it doesn't matter.

"Hmm... Kent, you're amazing..."

Hehe, is she dreaming about the guild earlier? That's right, Meisa, I'm pretty amazing.

"Kent... amazing, pervert..."

"Uh..."

Well, it's fine... I'm just like that. But when I see Meisa smiling in her sleep, I can't help but forgive her. Fortunately, I didn't drool until the next morning, but I woke up with Meisa using my pillow.

After breakfast, we went to the barracks and told Mr. Oda about Fred's report. Mr. Oda is also concerned about the envoy from Reisenburg, but we decided to discuss the response with Klaus.

I also handed over the negotiation-related materials I asked Reinhardt and the others to prepare. What, did I just delegate everything? No, I asked them to do it because I might make mistakes if I do it myself. Reinhardt and the others were happy to do the paperwork.

"Hmm, this is well-organized and helpful..."

"Yes, Reinhardt and the others are former knights, so they are good at this kind of report."

"I see... Kunitaka, you should learn how to organize materials like this."

"Uh... Yes, I see... I will..."

"Kunitaka... Were you planning to delegate everything?"

"No, no, not really... I will learn."

"Hehe, take your time, you seem busy."

I think he's talking about the class president and Manon, but today's problem is Beatrice. Being invited to dinner without the class president and Manon present is a bit risky.

After the meeting with Mr. Oda, we left the barracks and headed to a clothing store. In this world, mass-produced items don't exist, so formal wear is usually custom-made. Ready-made clothes exist but are mostly for everyday wear.

According to Amanda, formal wear is standard at gatherings of nobles, but for citizens, clean and presentable clothing is sufficient. However, the clothes I have are from the carriage that was attacked by monsters and are quite worn out, so I came to buy new ones.

"Hello..."

"Welcome! Oh, it's Kunitaka."

"Uh, Sagara?"

"Hehe, I've always been interested in fashion, so I work here."

"Really? Is Honmi here too?"

"No, Hikari is more interested in food, so she works in the food industry."

Sagara chose this job from the job postings on the guild's bulletin board. The owner was initially hesitant to hire her, thinking she might return to Japan, but Sagara showed him drawings of Japanese fashion, and he changed his mind. Indeed, the clothing in Volzard is simple and lacks variety.

"Is this a customer, Takako?"

"Yes, Flavia."

"Huh?"

When I saw the woman who came from the back of the store, I couldn't help but exclaim. The woman, whom Sagara called Flavia, is in her late twenties, with silver straight hair, triangular ears, and a fox-like thick tail with a black tip. She is not very tall but has a curvaceous and voluptuous figure.

Flavia is wearing a costume that looks like it came straight out of an anime, a modified shrine maiden outfit with lots of exposed skin. The red hakama is so short it looks like hot pants, and the white knee-high socks create a contrast of purity and voluptuousness. The white kimono is stitched with red thread, the sleeves are like a furisode, and the front is so low that it reveals the cleavage.

"Welcome... You have black hair and black eyes, so you must be Takako's friend."

"Flavia, this is the rumored monster tamer."

"Really? This one? Really?"

When Flavia heard I was a monster tamer, she walked around me, examining me from head to toe.

"Hmm... You're the monster tamer..."

"Yes, that's what I've been called..."

Flavia came to the front, crossed her arms, and leaned forward, looking up at me. Her posture is a bit awkward, and her contents might spill out.

"Hehe, you're a boy..."

"Ugh, because... I'm sorry."

Awkward, I'm getting a cold stare from Sagara. If I mess up here, Manon and the class president will be informed.

"Hehe, so what are you looking for, monster tamer?"

"Ah, well... I was invited to dinner at Klaus's mansion tonight, and I don't have anything to wear..."

"I see, I see... We do make formal wear, but it won't be ready by tonight. How about a skilled adventurer's style? Let me take your measurements."

Flavia took my measurements and showed me several jackets, vests, and pants. Honestly, I have no idea which combinations are good.

I thought the cargo pants with lots of pockets might be nice, but then I realized I can use shadow storage, so I don't really need pockets. So, I bought a pair of comfortable pants, a plaid shirt, a slightly thicker jacket for the cooler weather, and a stylish leather vest.

After paying and putting the items in shadow storage, Flavia and Sagara were surprised.

"Monster tamer, you don't chant?"

"No, I can use magic without learning chants..."

"Indeed, there are few people who can use dark magic, I see... This is why you're a rumor."

"No... I don't like standing out..."

"Hehe, you're unique. Most adventurers are all about standing out."

"Standing out just causes trouble..."

"That's the price of fame, you can't avoid it."

"Ha... I see..."

Thinking about being bothered by random people and barmaids, I can't help but sigh. After leaving Flavia's store, I headed to Marcel's place, where he is renting a warehouse. The store and display items were burned, but the tools in the back workshop mostly survived. Marcel has been making items to sell until the store is rebuilt. It's been about five days since he restarted, so I'm not sure if he has shoes that fit me, but Marcel's store is my first choice for buying shoes.

Following the map Herman drew, I walked through the back alleys and arrived at a warehouse district. I found the warehouse by the number and approached it. I could hear the sound of work from outside.

"Hello..."

"Who is it? Come in, the door is open."

I recognized Marcel's voice. I opened the creaky door, and Marcel was looking at me from across the workbench.

"Hey, who's there? Oh, it's Kent."

"Hello, Marcel, I'm sorry to bother you."

"Hey, good to see you. I heard you did a great job the other day."