Volume 3, Chapter 5 – The Strange Occurrences in Tukat

“Greetings.”

“Beautiful lady. Might I ask your name?”

“…”

Suspicious. Is it really okay to tell this guy?

“Before I introduce myself, I heard that a woman named Safiya, who used to be the proprietress here, is staying with you. I have come at the request of her father to confirm her safety. You will let me see her, won’t you?”

“Hmm? Ah, perhaps one of the women who came to serve? Yes, of course. She is doing quite well. Now then, your name?”

“…It’s Fiene.”

“Oh, Fiene-san, how beautiful. Then, allow me to guide you to my manor.”

Felhi tries to take my hand, but I brush him off. I hear him click his tongue under his breath.

“Now, this way. Ah, I must ask your companions to refrain from joining us.”

Felhi feigns composure and tries to lead me toward a carriage, but this is setting off all kinds of alarm bells.

“It’s already late, so I’ll decline for today. I’ll visit around noon tomorrow, so please let me see Safiya-san then.”

“No, no. By all means, come now.”

Definitely suspicious. I’m certain he’s up to something.

“Is there some reason you’re in such a hurry? Inviting a woman you’ve just met to your home at night—and alone, no less—is quite rude, don’t you think?”

“Not at all. This is the town of Tukat. We don’t have such notions in Tukat.”

No, I’m the one saying I mind! And the way he keeps trying to peek at my face is just creepy!

“Hey, that’s enough. Fiene-sama is uncomfortable.”

“What? You, offering an opinion to me ? Shall I throw you in a dungeon so you never see the light of day again?”

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“You…!”

“Mayor-san, please leave for today.”

I cut in firmly before things turn into a brawl.

“It cannot be helped. I shall return another time.”

“Chris-san, please lower your weapon for now.”

“If that is what you wish, Fiene-sama.”

Good. Chris-san backed down.

Felhi glared around the shop before heading out.

Then, strange comments came from the surrounding customers.

“Hey, hey, missy. Refusing an invitation from the Mayor? Are you right in the head?”

“There’s no greater honor, you know?”

More voices chimed in with, “That’s right!” and “Exactly!”

“Fiene-sama, let us return to our room for now.”

“Right, let’s do that.”

We retreated to our room as if fleeing.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Holy Magic Barrier. Block all intruders to the room.”

As soon as we returned to the room, I put up a barrier against intruders.

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For now, while I’m awake, this should be fine.

“And then, Detoxify.”

Just a precaution. I can’t afford to fall for the same thing twice.

“What on earth is wrong with the people in this inn?”

“It was as if they were brainwashed,” Chris-san replied to my grumbling.

Then, Shizuku-san spoke up.

“According to my observations, it seems not just this inn, but this entire town is strange. As proof, I have not seen a single woman so far.”

That was true.

It was late, so I hadn’t paid much attention, but I really didn’t recall seeing any.

The shop clerks, the receptionist, the servers, the people on the street, and the guests—all were men.

“It is only a hunch, but I suspect that rude Mayor is the culprit.”

I agree. But since the town is independent, the Mayor is like an absolute monarch who is the law himself, which makes things tricky.

“It’s a question of whether we’re willing to make an enemy of the whole town.”

“Indeed.”

“Um, can we just sleep for today? I’m exhausted from all the traveling.”

I see. It’s true we can’t act at night, so it’s probably best to rest.

“You’re right, Lu-chan. Let’s do that. Since the barrier will disappear if I sleep, I’ll stay awake for a while. I’ll wake you in a few hours; can we rotate watches then?”

“I shall take the next watch.”

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“Then I shall follow.”

“Then I’ll go last.”

We decided on the watch rotation and went to bed.

◆ Shizuku POV ◆

Several hours have passed since I took over the watch from Fiene-dono.

I haven’t sensed any suspicious presences so far, but I never imagined being forced into the same tension as camping outdoors while staying at an inn.

The high moon has begun to tilt.

Nevertheless, late autumn nights are long. I glance briefly at the three mysterious individuals I find myself traveling with.

Chris-dono.

A Holy Knight of the White Moon Kingdom, but my impression is of a very straightforward warrior. Her swordsmanship is quite good, but she is far too impulsive. It is clear she treasures the silver princess and seeks to protect her. Yet, because of that very personality, I cannot help but wonder whether she can truly protect her to the very end.

Lumia-dono.

A small girl with long ears. She is of the Elf race, a race not seen in my homeland. She is a cheerful girl who eats a lot; she is likely the one keeping everyone’s spirits up. This girl also looks up to the silver princess, calling her sister.

And Fiene-dono.

The silver princess of this party is a very mysterious person. From what I hear, she is a Saint, possessing special powers.

It is said Chris-dono found her guided by the Holy Sword, and she has already defeated a Vampire who was considered the leading candidate to become the Demon Lord.

She has reportedly performed many other miracles, leading Chris-dono to describe her as humanity’s hope.

Yet she herself shows no trace of such things, remaining humble and natural at all times, which is likable.

Furthermore, she shows interest in my homeland, albeit skewed, which is also pleasing.

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However, at the same time, she gives off a somewhat fleeting or precarious impression.

As I am in the midst of a warrior’s pilgrimage, I cannot protect her forever, but she is a person who makes me feel that I want to protect her at least while we are together.

As I ponder such things, the moon has begun to hide behind the clouds. It should be about time.

“Chris-dono, it is time to switch.”

“Mm.”

Chris-dono wakes as I shake her.

“There has been no change so far.”

“I see. Then I shall take over.”

Saying so, she reaches for the sword by her pillow.

At that moment, a man suddenly emerged from the darkness. He scooped up Fiene-dono and leapt out the window with a loud crash.

“What!?”

“Fiene-sama!”

Chris-dono jumps straight out the window with sword in hand.

“Guh, a blunder. Lumia-dono! Wake up!”

I quickly wake Lumia-dono and chase after the fleeing man.

To infiltrate the room without letting me sense a thing—just what kind of expert is he?

Though I am worried for the kidnapped Fiene-dono, I can feel the excitement of facing a new and powerful foe welling up from deep within my heart, and before I know it, a grin spreads across my face.