Chapter 34

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: The Princess Only Deals in the Real Thing 40

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"Isn't this something William sent?"

I tilted my head and asked.

Because when I sent the telegram to William, I'd told him to come if more explanation was needed.

But Alter shook his head as if wondering what I was talking about.

"No."

At the same time, the telegraph machine chimed with a ding.

Got it. Turns out there's a guild member nearby anyway? I'll leave it to him.

It was William's reply.

Well, it was a relief I wouldn't have to explain everything in detail to Alter.

It wasn't something I wanted to spread around to a bunch of people anyway.

But then why is Alter here?

To press me for that advisory weapon?

"I don't have any weapons ready for advisory yet. And even if I did, I couldn't hand them over today."

"Advisory?"

"Yeah, as you can see, things are pretty hectic here. I'm busy."

I nodded subtly toward the window, and Alter narrowed his eyes at the knights milling about outside.

"......I'm not here to ask for that advisory item."

"Then what?"

"I'm here to tell you something for reference. Knowing it might make this hectic situation even worse."

Why say something that kills my motivation to talk...

I gave Alter a cold look before shrugging my shoulders.

He wouldn't ask for money just for telling me himself, right?

"Go ahead. My philosophy is that knowing anything is always good."

"About that knight who came last time."

"Oh, that sparkly gentleman thug."

"......Why does 'sparkly' keep coming up? Anyway, he's coming back today."

"Figured as much? The streets are packed with knights like they've got some big day marked on the calendar."

"Don't be shocked. He's a holy knight."

Then Alter fixed his gaze on me.

He seemed to be expecting a reaction, so I almost said something like, "No way? Really?!" But unfortunately, my mind was preoccupied.

"Yeah, he seemed like one."

"......You knew?"

"He didn't seem ordinary in a lot of ways. And honestly, a face and voice that convincing would be a waste on a regular low-rank knight."

Instead of saying I'd heard it from Emma, I brushed it off vaguely.

Alter looked at me with exasperation and shook his head.

"This isn't something to brush off so casually. A convincing face and voice? ...Hah, fine. Like you said, at least it's not a waste of talent."

Before I knew it, Alter's expression had hardened.

"That man's the captain of the Imperial Holy Knight Order."

"No way? Really?!"

"Now that's a more appropriate reaction."

That thug is the Holy Knight Captain?

Alter was right.

The situation was about to get even worse.

No, then what the hell is Rina's uncle? Someone who can command the Imperial Holy Knight Captain at will?

I recalled what I knew about the current state of affairs.

The emperor, current ruler of the empire, was absent.

A year ago, the empress died, and the grief-stricken emperor left on a pilgrimage to the holy lands.

According to doctrine, he has to make a pilgrimage once during his reign anyway, so he probably went to clear his head.

But I'd heard it was taking much longer than usual.

And the one who's been ruling the country in the meantime...

Crodil Marquis.

As Regent King, he was steadily ruining the empire in the emperor's absence.

No way Rina's uncle is Crodil Marquis? Then Rina... No, that's not the point right now!

He could be Crodil Marquis himself, or someone with enough pull to ask a favor from him.

Either way, it was a problem, but no need to dig into it right now.

But there was something even more nagging at me.

There was an article about the Holy Knight Captain around this time... I definitely saw it!

Remember, remember!

As I racked my brains, Alter spoke up in a slightly flustered voice.

"I didn't mean for you to react that intensely."

"Yeah, ugh, my neck suddenly started itching."

I mumbled an excuse and bowed my head.

"Anyway, thanks for letting me know."

"......Nothing else to say?"

Nothing else?

I hesitated before speaking.

"Anyway, thanks so so much for telling me...?"

"Not that."

"With a thug like that as this country's Holy Knight Captain, what's gonna happen to the empire's fate...?"

"Not that either..."

Alter let out a deep sigh.

"Aren't you gonna ask for help?"

He looked surprised at himself for saying it.

Running a hand roughly through his hair, Alter stepped closer.

"I told you last time. If you need bodyguard or security, feel free to request it. Isn't now the time? A guy who's the empire's Holy Knight Captain no less is coming to your... that pawnshop you treasure so much, enough to cry bitterly if anything goes even a little wrong."

I stared at Alter.

He'd remembered that offhand comment.

Probably just business... but still, I'm grateful.

Our gazes lingered.

Looking into his eyes, which held a strange glint, I spoke sincerely.

"Thanks for thinking of me. I'm honestly a little touched."

Alter's eyes twitched.

He opened his mouth slowly.

"If you're gonna spout nonsense like that..."

It wasn't nonsense, but it sounded like it.

Well, given my track record, can't be helped.

I smiled faintly and added,

"Still, I'll handle it myself for now."

"What?"

"I've made some preparations, and I'm curious if they'll work."

Is this guy sane?

Alter's incredulous expression froze at my next words.

"......Plus, I'm not used to asking for help."

Requesting services and paying for them is easy.

But asking for help felt awkward and hard.

No one had ever taken my hand when I'd asked in my previous life.

Aftereffect of all those rejections.

Hesitating, I cleared my throat.

"Besides, your rates are sky-high! Can't waste your talents on something like this."

I forced a brighter smile.

After staring at my smile for a while, Alter looked away.

Right as I thought he was leaving,

Unexpected words came.

"Then practice today."

"......Huh?"

"You said you're not used to it. Practice asking."

Alter leaned against the wall.

"I'll be here, so when you need help, just say it."

And then he added,

"......I'll give you a discount."

He turned his head sharply.

Probably the lighting, but his ear, visible in profile, looked a bit red, making me smile a little.

"Got it, thanks."

Alter jerked his chin in response instead of speaking.

I followed his gaze, and there...

"Pardon the intrusion."

The thug had arrived before I knew it.

Even on this cloudy day, light seemed to shine around him. Because of all the extra accessories this time?

His expression was clearer too. His brows were slightly furrowed.

And here he was, coming for rough business, yet so polite...

If you know, then don't do it...

As I thought that, the thug glanced at Alter and walked toward me.

Sensing his presence once, it hit me strongly.

I'd thought it was just charisma, but maybe because he wielded both holy power and mana?

"You've faithfully carried out what I informed you of last time."

"Yeees, not to run off or anything..."

"So I'll gladly fulfill my end. Here's the search warrant."

So this is what a search warrant looks like.

As I read it down, I paused.

"Pardon the late introduction. Captain of the Imperial Holy Knight Order of the Pressripe Empire..."

No, this guy's name.

"Ayrun Hugo Radien."

Hugo?!

Sorry about that, whatever-Hugo-guy.

I think I hate you now. Actually, I already do.

"As promised, please open the door to the second floor now."

Wait, hold on.

Ayrun Hugo Radien.

Hearing the name jogged my memory. Why I remembered his article!

Oh my god, this guy...

He's gonna die soon!

I clamped my mouth shut.