Chapter 183

“Alright. You people, you’re next.”

A guard with a very laid-back air came to stand in front of the carriage.

“A stagecoach, eh? Ohhh, what a lot of ruffians you all are!”

“Hahaha. We were attacked by bandits…”

“Truly? Ah, well, of course, you were! But that would mean our security is quite worthless then…I don’t think I can apologize enough!”

He didn’t seem to take it seriously at all… In fact, I had to assume that a lot of damage had been done until we took care of them.

“Still, it was the lot of you who killed them then? In that case, you must all come with me to the guardhouse, as there will be a reward.”

“Now wait a minute here. I didn’t participate in the fight. Besides, I am in a hurry. Let us through!”

The merchantman with the bag jumped out of the carriage in order to protest. Indeed, he had not fought at all.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry! But you know, we would also like to hear the opinions of passengers who did not fight!”

“Then you can ask these other two. They didn’t fight either.”

“Yes, yes. But I think it would be preferable to hear from everyone. I’m terribly sorry and all that. But you must understand! I’m begging you!”

The guard lowered his head to such a degree that I thought it would touch the ground. He was also pleading very loudly, which drew the attention of others. That was probably his intention from the beginning. The merchantman now found it difficult to refuse, and he very begrudgingly muttered, ‘I suppose that I have no choice…’

“Splendid! You all have my deepest gratitude! Now, driver. Please come this way!”

“Very well.”

The driver did not seem to mind, and so he drove the carriage towards the guardhouse. The other passengers also showed no signs of objecting and remained quiet. Of course, Daniela and I also had no reason to refuse.

□ □ □ □

As the questioning would be conducted in separate rooms, I had to wait a while before a guard called my name and led me away.

When I entered the room, the same guard we met at the gate was waiting there.

“Oh, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Not at all. So, what am I supposed to tell you?”

I sat down on the chair and stared at him. He had seemed very easy going at first, but I now felt that it was part of some act. He had smoothly manipulated us all into coming here, after all… Maybe he was a brilliant guard with a knack for acting.

“Well, to begin with, you can tell me of this situation that led to hunting the bandits.”

“Alright.”

And so I thought back on what had happened as I began to talk. I was sleeping in the carriage when Daniela had woken me up. We realized then that we were surrounded by forty bandits. Also, Miss Tetra and I killed about half of them.

“Hmm…I see. Yes, thank you for your detailed account.”

The guard’s voice seemed to change as he muttered to himself while I recounted the story. I was pretty sure that it was the real person starting to show and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Hmm? What is it?”

“You seem to have returned to normal.”

“…Ah…”

He looked horrified for a moment before scratching the back of his head in embarrassment, knowing that there was no undoing it.

“Well, this is very humiliating. But you know, when dealing with such blood-drenched ruffians, it is better to talk in such a way…”

“I kind of thought so. I realized it when I sat down in front of you.”

“Hmph… You do have a good eye.”

He seemed impressed and now smiled.

“Well, I’ve seen a lot…or maybe I just think that I have.”

“Hehehe. You are an odd one. I am glad that the bandits didn’t kill you. Now, this interview is over.”

So saying, he began to gather his papers.

“Thank you very much, Mister Asagi. I have already scanned your status card, so you can continue on your way in the town. And since you are an Adventurer, the reward money will be sent to you through the guild, so please confirm it when you have the time.”

“Yes, thank you. I’m glad to have been of service.”

We shook hands and it was over. The guard stood up first and opened the door for me.

“I still have much to do, but I’m sure you know your way out. Oh, by the way, I am Inspector Rami, of the guards of Yukka. Thank you so much for everything that you have done.”

“Uh, it’s nothing, really.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Welcome to the deep green town of Yukka. I hope that you enjoy your stay!”

He gave a well-disciplined salute which was quite effective in dispelling the last remnants of his foolish character. It was impressive acting. Though, there had been something endearing about the old guy. In any case, you could do much worse for a first encounter in a new town.

□ □ □ □

I returned to the room where the others were waiting. Everyone would be splitting up at this point, and so I took Daniela and left.

“A lot happened, but I’m glad we all arrived safely. If fate permits it, we may just meet again. So do call us if you happen to see us.”

I said at the door. The other passengers waved back and were surprisingly friendly. Now that I think about it, I had boarded, been misunderstood, slept, and then woke up and fought. There hadn’t been much talking, but I guess my good deeds of the day had shown through.

Even the beastfolk girl waved at me awkwardly. I was quite happy about that.

We left the guardhouse and walked through the town. Still, my appearance was…well, it was simply the worst. I was drenched in blood. And I couldn’t use that ‘Cleaning’ spell. And there wasn’t any place I could get changed.

“Let’s find an inn as soon as possible…”

“Yes. We must do something about your appearance. It is completely horrible; unlike me.”

I would have used a bow if I could…

In any case, this was no time to wander around in search of a place, and so we decided to ask the good-natured residents about such establishments, all the while scaring the hell out of them. Our only real requirement was that we be able to wash clothes, but their teeth chattered so much that it was hard to understand them.

“Asagi, it is no good. You should hide over there. Leave this to me.”

“Are you sure? You’re going to go and talk to strangers? Don’t do anything dangerous, alright?”

“You must think yourself my guardian…I will be fine. In spite of appearances, I have lived much longer than you. There is nothing I cannot do.”

“That’s right. You’re three-hundred years old.”

“You do not need to remind me.”

Daniela turned up her nose and walked away sulkily.

Oh, but I was worried. Daniela was communicatively-impaired and a woman of few words. Would she be able to do it? Well, she said she would. And so I had to wait in the dark alley and trust her.

I looked in the direction of the alley. It reminded me of my meeting with Rachel. That one had stretched on forever, but I could see this one end at the next street. That was comforting.

“Now that I think of it, Rachel said she was going to Lambrusen…”

We had now been in Flugelnia longer, but Lambrusen still held a lot of important memories for me. After all, it was the place I had first landed in. Once we had traveled through the empire, I would like to see the rest of Lambrusen…

“Asagi, I found an inn.”

“Oh, that’s amazing! Good for you!”

“Do not praise me too much. It is embarrassing.”

Daniela said with unhidden smugness. To be honest, I expected her to take longer, so I was surprised.

Well, time to go then. Thanks to Daniela and Rami, I was feeling a lot better, but still felt a little anxious. And so I was looking forward to taking a long rest.

At this inn that Daniela had found. Yes, an inn that Daniela had found.