Chapter 25
Three Requests
Harumi was taken by the S ranking party “Blizzard” to the castle where Ririade waited. The castle emptied of knights with their clattering armor felt somewhat lonely. Harumi was riding piggy-back on Maia like a row boat, as they entered the conference room. Opposite the large table that could probably hold a meeting for several dozen people, was the dual personality Irori, Riri, and Gin.
“I apologize for the delay.” (Maia)
“The reason we were slow coming here was because of this useless cat-ne!” (Meer) (「このダメ猫がだだこねてなかなか出てこれなかっただけだってーの！」)
Lowering their heads respectfully, Maia and Meer apologized as the three approached. *Supi- Supi-* As usual Harumi was completely asleep, making snoozing noises.
“It’s alright, since I called you so suddenly.” (Ririade)
As for Ririade, she was without anger as she directed her line of sight to the three people who each sat in a chair. Maia set down the sleeping Harumi on a chair, then she and Meer sat next to Irori.
“Maa- He certainly likes to sleep doesn’t he?” (Ririade)
“Even in the bath! It was a large nuisance-ne!” (Meer)
Looking at Harumi, Gin was amazed. While sitting in his chair, he secretly thought that Harumi was only happy while sleeping. (イスに座ったまま机に突っ伏して幸せそうな寝顔を見せるハルミを、叩き起こすことだけはやめておこうと密かに思っていたりする)
“I wanted to wait so even Harumi could hear, but…is that even possible to ask of you?” (Ririade)
After Ririade had conveyed her intention, Maia and Meer nodded that they would transmit the message to him later. Gin cut to the story. He had reached a point where he called Ririade with a term of endearment. The couple’s relationship had progressed significantly.
“Then I will cut to the chase. We would like you to handle three requests that could become considerably dangerous, which is why we have looked to your party.” (Gin)
The Bronze country third Princess Ririade had asked three things of Gin who had become guildmaster on behalf of Hairun.
“What do you say?”
Irori gently waved herself with her favorite fan.
First is the requested escort.
Under current circ.u.mstances there were no knights staying in the castle, and so the number of beings protecting Ririade have plummeted. And as for “Blizzard,” it was S ranking, and partly since every member was a woman, Ririade wanted to ask them to guard her closely under these circ.u.mstances. The request would last until a new delegation of knights was dispatched from the first Imperial City, the capitol. In regard to this request, Irori had accepted it immediately.
The second request was convoy duty for Ririade.
As soon as the dispatched Knights arrive, Ririade would leave for the Imperial City to report to her father the king. She wanted their party to accompany her. For the newly dispatched knights, it was a different story. Whether or not the knights had been informed upon coming by an opposing faction, Ririade didn’t know, but was not about to let them close.
Irori was also willing to accept this request. She had already known the contents of the request before the declaration upon Harumi’s arrival. She did not refuse the request.
“As for the final request, it is alright to refuse. You must understand that is very dangerous.” (Ririade)
Ririade’s expression became hard.
“Is it to punish the mastermind of this whole affair, wherever they are?” (Irori)
Ririade opened her mouth in surprise, as Irori had stated the contents of the request. Her surprise caused her eyes to also open wide. Gin also seemed slightly upset. As Irori closed her fan with a click, the sound echoed softly in the conference room.
“The destruction of the runaway knights is still a mystery and doesn’t quite fit in with the second monster invasion. In addition there was the former hero [Rampart Cleave] of the Platinum country.” (Irori)
“That old man has also disappeared. When he went to visit the king at the capitol he vanished.” (Maia or Gin)
“There’s something about it…that reminds of the mastermind from this affair.” (Irori) (そう思わざるを得ませんの。首謀者がいる。そう思ってしまうと)
It should be said that Irori was troubled. The mastermind was definitely the woman who had fought with the Hekatonkheires. She recalled that Ray herself had identified with the Avatars. The avatars were thought to merely be legend, but they really existed and their strength was great. It was thanks to Harumi that Irori and the third city Hairun survived.
“It is highly likely this mastermind might turn out to be too heavy a load.” (Irori)
“That may be the case.” (Maia)
“I’m sorry. Then while I go to capitol to see the king please search for the guildmaster.” (Ririade)
In the heavy atmosphere of the conference room, Ririade smiled.
“…Understood! So, the three requests include an escort and searching for Mainz. Thank you very much.”
“Is that okay?” (Ririade)
“Of course it is. Please leave it to us.” (Irori)
“We will do our best-ne!” (Meer)
Irori, Maia, and Meer were fired up from the request. And Harumi continued to sleep comfortably *Supi-Supi-* (sfx for deep breathing in sleep)
“Still sleeping.”
Besides Irori, none of them thought that the matter would concern the Avatars. Even Gin had not thought that Mainz had any connection to the Avatars.