Chapter 92

『...te, Owl!』

Huh...?

It seems I was having a dream. I felt like someone was talking to me in the dream, but who was it? Could it be that Yomi was whispering something to me while I was sleeping?

...No way. They’re probably dealing with the girls we rescued after the knights’ response. I don’t know what they’re doing, but I’m sure they’re doing something that will help the girls we rescued.

Still, what was that dream about? It would have been nice to have a more enjoyable dream...

By the way, I forgot to give Luna and Yomi the voice transmission magic tools I bought. I should have given them to them earlier. Then we could have communicated even if we were apart.

Knock knock knock

"Master, it’s Luna. Yomi and I talked, and I’ve come back for now."

"Come in."

I thought both of them were still in the slums, but it seems Luna came back without Yomi.

"I’m back!"

"Welcome back. Can I check on the situation?"

"Yes. Actually—"

...I see. So that’s the situation. It’s so Yomi. I guess it’s because of her background. I can understand her feelings.

We didn’t have enough people, so it might be good for them to become our direct subordinates this time. Eventually, the girls we rescued will be able to choose their own lives.

This world is meritocratic in a way, for better or worse. Once you fall, it’s hard to climb back up. It’s nice to think that Yomi wants to help them because of my influence.

"If there’s anything I can do, let me know. I’ll do my best."

"Thank you. I think we can manage while we’re in the empire. We plan to build up their strength before we return to the kingdom. Also, if you have time, it would help if you could listen to their stories."

"Sure, I understand. Ah, and here, I found this at the flea market and bought it for you. Do you want it?"

Since Luna just came back, I’ll give her the voice transmission magic tool.

"This is... a voice transmission magic tool, right? You’re giving this to me?!"

She looks really happy. Yomi’s share is also here, but I’ll give Luna’s first.

"With this, we can communicate even if we’re apart."

The voice transmission magic tool is a set of rings and earrings. However, I bought three rings and two earrings this time. I originally planned to buy all the earrings, but the merchant said that the rings alone can be registered, so I bought the rings for Luna, Yomi, and Mirei, and the earrings for Mirei and me.

When we get back to the kingdom, we’ll need to tune everyone’s magic tools, but for now, I’ll tune mine and Luna’s.

"...Can Master put it on for me?"

"Huh? Sure."

Luna has her cute moments. I thought the index finger would be fine, but when I tried to put the ring on her index finger, her hand moved.

Huh...?

When I tried to put it on her index finger again, her hand moved and put it on her ring finger. This feels different... Ah, is this intentional?

When I looked at Luna’s face, she looked incredibly happy, so I’ll let it go for now.

"Thank you! ...Hehe, I thought I was behind, but now I’m one step ahead!"

Ah, so she was worried about not having a date. I should make time for her soon.

"Anyway, I’m going to meet the former emperor today, so I’ll leave the princess’s protection to you. Be careful, as the Dark Guild might attack."

"Understood."

With Dain and Luna, there shouldn’t be any problems. I’ll go and talk to the former emperor.

After greeting Lily and asking for an audience with the former emperor, I was immediately allowed in. He must really like me. At any rate, it’s a relief not to waste time here.

Knock knock knock

"Grandfather, I’ve brought Owl."

"Oh, come in, come in."

When I went in, the old man was reading a book while drinking tea in bed. After such an incident, he’s still so relaxed. I think he should be more worried about Lily.

"I’m glad Lily is doing well. So, what brings you here today?"

"Yes, thanks to Master Owl, everything is fine. Today, Master Owl has something to discuss with you, so I brought him."

"Is that so? Then let’s talk in private. Lily, you can go."

Lily left quietly as the old man said. So, it’s just the two of us in this room now.

"Let me thank you again. I’m really grateful for saving that girl. Well, I believed you would handle it without any problems."

"No, it’s nothing. ...I came here for a reason. Can you tell me what you know about the Dark Guild?"

"The Dark Guild is a huge organization that even I couldn’t crush. To be honest, I don’t know much. ...However, I suspect the top of the Dark Guild might be a reincarnated or transferred person like me."

"Really?! Do you have any evidence?"

"Unofficially, I saw the top once. During the Dark Guild extermination operation, there was a man with a clearly different magic power and aura. He had black hair and eyes, and a Japanese-looking face. He suddenly shouted, 'Next time, I’ll definitely crush you!' in Japanese. He looked surprised when I shouted, so I’m pretty sure it’s him."

So, the top of the Dark Guild might be a reincarnated or transferred person... That means they might have cheat abilities?

"That means it won’t be easy. ...Actually, the Dark Guild has put out a hit on me, two of my companions, and Lily."

"I’ve crushed countless small groups, but it was just cutting off the tail of a lizard. I couldn’t crush the main body. I thought they weren’t doing much lately, but it seems they’re making a big move again. To think they’d target Lily..."

Putting out a hit on the princess would be a major project for even a huge organization. That means there must be a reason they need to kill Lily.

And why are they targeting us? Is it because I’m Lily’s fiancé? If that’s the reason, it makes sense, but if they’re targeting Lily too, it’s a different story.

"I’ll investigate as well."

"I’ll do the same. If I find anything, I’ll contact you immediately."

"Thank you."

The old man’s information network is more reliable than mine, who doesn’t know the capital well. Still, the information is highly confidential, and the ones we caught were too low-level to have any useful information.

This will take a lot of time.

I’ll leave the princess’s protection to Luna and Dain and head to the market. Information from merchants is invaluable in any era. It would be great if I could get friendly with a merchant.

This time, I came to the flea market alone, and as usual, it’s crowded. It would be great if I could talk to a merchant who might have information. Who should I talk to?

While wandering around the flea market alone, I was unexpectedly called by someone.

"Master Owl! What are you doing here alone?"

"Oh, it’s Yomi. What are you doing here?"

"Just some shopping."

Shopping, huh? Probably buying daily necessities and food for the girls. But, is Yomi wearing this kind of clothes? It looks similar, but I’ve never seen her in this before.

...What is it? Even though it’s clearly Yomi, something feels off.

"Hmm. By the way, how are the girls we rescued?"

This is a small test. We rescued women, so saying "they" is incorrect. If the Yomi in front of me is the real one, she’ll correct me. If she’s a fake, she’ll agree.

"Hehe, they’re fine."

...I see. This is a fake Yomi. Probably from the Dark Guild.

I came here to gather information, but I caught an unexpected target. I could capture her immediately, but it might be better to let her lead me to more information.

"I’m about to head back, but do you want to come with me, Yomi?"

"Actually, there’s a store I want to visit, but I can’t go alone, so could you come with me...?"

"Sure. Let’s go then."

The fake Yomi started walking, holding my arm. Her ample chest was pressed against my arm. ...This is for the investigation, not because I have any ulterior motives.

The place we were heading to had more and more adult-oriented buildings, and Yomi stopped at a high-end rest stop. It’s basically a love hotel.

"Hehehe, would you like to come in with me?"

Let me repeat, this is for the investigation, not because I have any ulterior motives!

"Alright, let’s go!"

The fake Yomi started walking, holding my arm. Her ample chest was pressed against my arm. ...This is for the investigation, not because I have any ulterior motives.

The place we were heading to had more and more adult-oriented buildings, and Yomi stopped at a high-end rest stop. It’s basically a love hotel.

"Hehehe, would you like to come in with me?"

Let me repeat, this is for the investigation, not because I have any ulterior motives!

"Alright, let’s go!"

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Despite the busy situation, I’ll try to update as often as possible.

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Thanks to everyone, I won the [Net Novel Award] and will be publishing a book with Futabasha.