Chapter 24

We were moving smoothly, and we were about to reach the lake in question.

Suddenly, I sensed something.

What is it... It’s not hostility, but I can definitely feel someone watching us.

It doesn’t seem like they’re trying to hide their presence, but no one else seems to have noticed.

"Silfa, don't you feel something?"

"…? What do you mean?"

Silfa tilted her head in confusion.

Hmm, even Silfa hasn’t noticed.

That’s strange. There’s definitely someone there...

There’s no choice. I’ll make them come out.

I cast the wind magic 'Wind Slash' at the weakest setting in the direction of the presence.

The small wind blade released from my fingertips disappeared into the grass without anyone noticing.

"Kyaaah!"

A voice that sounded like a strange bird echoed around.

The guards immediately drew their weapons.

So, they were there. ...But that scream, it sounds familiar somehow.

"Who’s there! Show yourself!"

When Albert called out, the source of the scream slowly approached us.

"Ouch... I was suddenly bitten by some bug."

The girl who emerged from the grass, rubbing her slightly swollen hand, was Tao, the martial arts girl we had met before.

"Ta—"

I started to speak but quickly clamped my mouth shut.

Phew, that was close. I almost let it slip.

I need to pretend I don’t know her.

"Master Lloyd, do you know that girl?"

"Wh-what are you talking about? I don’t know her."

I was suddenly questioned by Grimo, and my voice trembled with surprise.

"…Hmm, maybe you met her when you went out before?"

"W-why do you know that...?"

"I’ve noticed recently that Master Lloyd is a terrible liar..."

I felt a warm, somewhat exasperated gaze.

Grr, being bitten by a familiar is the worst.

"I’m an adventurer named Tao. I’m not suspicious or anything."

While this was happening, Tao was addressing Albert.

"Hmm, I’m Albert Di Sarum. The second prince of this country."

"Oh, a prince!? ...This is a terrible impertinence! Please forgive me, okay?"

"It’s fine. You didn’t know, right? I’m not bothered by it."

"Thank you, sir."

Tao bowed awkwardly.

In other countries, it might be different, but in the relatively peaceful Sarum, being a bit rude to the royal family doesn’t result in immediate punishment.

We ourselves are told not to be too arrogant just because we are nobles, thanks to the country’s policies.

As a result, our royal family is friendly and well-liked by the people. It’s not uncommon for us to be invited to eat at commoners’ homes when we go out to hunt monsters.

"Anyway, what’s an adventurer doing here?"

"I received a request to repair a shrine at the lake ahead. On the way, I saw a face that looked familiar, so I followed it."

Tao bowed again, but her eyes, looking up at Albert, seemed somewhat sinister. ...Suspicious.

Silfa dismounted from her horse with a blank expression and stood in front of Tao.

"...This woman is suspicious. If she was interested, she should have called out openly. Why hide her presence? Her way of speaking is also suspicious."

"Wh-what! This is just my accent! And I didn’t hide my presence; it’s just a breathing habit!"

Ah, I see. Everyone didn’t sense Tao’s presence because of her ‘qi’ breathing.

I could sense it because I can also use ‘qi’.

Now that she’s closer, I can tell. Tao’s ‘qi’ breathing keeps the ‘qi’ circulating within her body, so it doesn’t leak out much.

"Hmm, then why were you giving Prince Albert a lecherous look just now?"

"I-I was just thinking he’s handsome! No lecherous looks at all!"

Tao, clearly flustered, was confronted by Silfa.

"Be clear. Is it there or not?"

"—Silfa, that’s enough. Uh, Tao? You can relax too."

When Albert spoke, Silfa glared at Tao for a moment before stepping back.

She still kept her finger on the hilt, ready to move at any moment.

Tao, now less tense, let out a big breath and sat down.

"Phew. Thanks, Prince Albert. I was saved. This person is beautiful but incredibly scary..."

"By the way, Tao. You said I look like someone you know, but I’ve never seen you before. Could it be a case of mistaken identity?"

"...Hmm, the person I’m looking for is Robert. The name is different. And the atmosphere around you is a bit different from Prince Albert’s."

Gah, Tao was looking for me.

I did run away suddenly. It’s not surprising she was looking for me.

Well, I changed my appearance, so she probably wouldn’t recognize me.

I glanced at her, and Tao was staring at me intently.

"Hmm, that kid has a ‘qi’ aura similar to Robert’s... but the appearance is clearly different. Am I imagining things...? But still..."

Tao was nodding to herself while looking at me.

She probably won’t figure it out, but my heart is racing.