Chapter 73

"Karnak, show these people around. And the ones outside too."

"Damn... Why do I have to—"

The young man who was called Karnak was the one who had shown anger towards us. He seemed to be the youngest among us. He was sulking, having been given the troublesome task. Despite his grumbling, he didn’t refuse, which might show his honesty, or perhaps he was afraid of the tavern owner, or both.

"And if you're going to the coal mine, Murdoch should go with you."

"Fine."

The man who responded to the name Murdoch was sitting at the end of the bar counter. He was a large man, both in height and width. He might be slightly shorter than the master, who is taller than average, but his broad build made him look bigger. Karnak himself wasn’t small, but standing next to Murdoch, he looked much smaller. Murdoch walked to the entrance of the tavern first, and Karnak, after another sigh, looked at us and motioned us to follow with a nod of his chin.

"Hey, let's go!"

"Wait a moment... I—"

"Let's go! Working with your body is also an experience!"

I cut her off and pulled Rosalimonde along. Michelle followed Karnak, and as we stepped outside, still drawing the attention of the entire tavern, Michelle signaled, and the hidden knights appeared. They were all in civilian clothes, but in this small, closed-off village, their presence as guards was not very effective.

"Hey, are these the ones?"

"Yes."

"Hmm..."

There were three knights in total. Though few, they were chosen by the master, so they were said to be quite skilled. Incidentally, Michelle, despite her small stature, was said to be one of the best swordsmen among the knights. I haven’t seen her in battle, but I have seen her deliver a powerful strike with her slender arms while in a dress, so I don’t doubt her skills.

"Not bad."

Karnak looked them up and down and gave his assessment. His face clearly showed his dissatisfaction, which made him seem young. On the other hand, it was hard to tell what Murdoch was thinking.

"Let's go."

Murdoch had a tough look on his face and didn’t appear to be a law-abiding citizen. He had the air of someone who had killed a few people. If we saw him in the capital, he would probably be reported immediately.

"Where are we going? We don’t have time to spare."

That’s right! Why can’t you read the room? Even Michelle, who usually doesn’t, is reading the room!

Just as Karnak was about to complain to Rosalimonde again, Murdoch intervened.

"You’ll see when you follow."

His words were short but had a strange power. They had a resonance that made it impossible to say anything more. Rosalimonde, who usually speaks her mind, seemed to have some thoughts and, though slightly dissatisfied, didn’t say anything more. Karnak, who had a lot to say, glared at Rosalimonde and us, but Murdoch’s words had silenced him.

"I’m a little impressed..."

"What?"

"Rosalimonde has quite a lot of nerve, doesn’t she..."

There’s a hidden message that it’s going to be tough, but I thought the same thing, Michelle.

I’m not sure if it’s because she can’t read the room or if she has absolute confidence in herself, but she is basically very confident and fearless. That’s why she could speak in the crowded tavern and even talk casually to the tough-looking Murdoch. The master could probably do it, but I couldn’t. Somehow, I felt it wasn’t about her background or upbringing. She is fundamentally a bit different. She is outside the realm of general common sense.

We quickly left the village, and the well-maintained road indicated that it was frequently used. The coal mine was just ahead.

"By the way, is today a day off?"

After leaving the village, Rosalimonde asked again. She seemed to be curious about something she had heard at the tavern. She might keep asking until her curiosity is satisfied. I can understand why the master would be annoyed by this.

"It’s always a day off."

Murdoch answered dutifully.

"Why?"

"Because the boss isn’t here."

"The boss?"

"Yes, the one who gives orders. Without him, we don’t get paid. It’s pointless to work."

"Why isn’t he here?"

"Ah! What the hell, you!!"

Karnak finally snapped and pointed at Rosalimonde.

"He’s not here! He ran away! With all our money!! We gathered today to discuss what to do next!!"

I looked at Karnak, thinking that was probably the case. Karnak, who looked ready to pounce, didn’t lay a hand on Rosalimonde, perhaps because she was a woman. His words were harsh, and his attitude was bad, but that was because we were seen as a threat and because we were saying things that made him angry. I could see his fists trembling, but he didn’t throw a punch.

"Karnak, that’s enough."

"Mr. Murdoch!"

"It’s pointless to say anything to strangers. Or to those who don’t want to know."

"I’m not completely ignorant. I’m here because I want to know."

A sheltered young lady. But I’m the same. Even if I know about the lives of the people I should protect, I don’t truly understand how difficult it is. That’s true for most of the nobility—privileged class. I don’t say they don’t need to understand, but I also think they shouldn’t cross the line. If they get too close, it becomes hard to make the right judgment.

"You said the same thing at the tavern. I hope your words are true."

His glance at me made my spine shiver. I felt he had seen through the lie I had told on the spot and smiled to cover it up.

"Mr. Murdoch, are you sure? These people are just curious! They just want to look around and say a few things!"

"Karnak, be quiet."

"..."

After silencing the young man, Murdoch started walking again. Karnak, not getting support from Murdoch, pouted and followed silently. He did look a bit pitiful.

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