Chapter 74 Request For The Retrieval Of The Sacred Sword
"I see. So you want us to retrieve that your precious sword?"
"Yes..."
At the Silver Apple Inn at night, I was listening to the fifth client's request as we had moved our base to Rune Gaia.
"Please! That sword was a memento left to me by my deceased brother. I'm not asking for revenge against them. Please, just bring back that precious sword. That's all I ask..."
The man sitting in front of me was expressing his thoughts desperately.
This time, the request was to retrieve a stolen precious sword.
To summarize the man's story, he was walking through the night streets when someone stole his sword. It seemed like he wasn't attacked or anything, but he just noticed that the sword he had in his hand was gone.
"I understand the general situation. However, there is something I would like to confirm."
"Y-yes..."
"When you realized you had lost your sword, why did you think it was stolen?"
"Well, actually, I met a child before losing the sword."
"A child?"
In response to my question, Maia, who was sitting next to me, let out a soft "ah."
"Come to think of it, I heard it from the townspeople. There have been strange rumors circulating in the castle town of Rune Gaia recently."
"Oh, really? What kind of rumors?"
"It's said that if you encounter a child wearing a hood at night, before you know it, valuable items end up in the child's hands. It's just a rumor though."
"I see."
As Maia and I conversed, the client lowered his head and spoke with difficulty.
"The same thing happened to me. A child wearing a hood stood in front of me, and suddenly my vision darkened. When I realized it, the child had a precious sword in hand and then disappeared somewhere. The child was fast and got away..."
"I see."
Vision suddenly darkening and the item you were holding being stolen, huh...
In that case—.
"Hey Adel, so...?"
"Yeah, it's probably just as Teti thinks. It's likely some kind of job ability."
It's not uncommon for theft cases involving the use of job abilities, but what bothers me is that it involves a child.
It's not so much the means, but rather why they would do such a thing that concerns me.
It's hard to believe that a young child would undertake such a bold act alone.
After pondering for a while, I concluded with a simple thought that maybe I should meet the child directly to confirm.
"Got it. Let's take on this request for now."
"R-Really!? Thank you so much!"
I nodded to the male client and decided to start preparing.
* * *
"But Adel, what will you do? The client didn't seem to have any noticeable scent, and even my nose might not be able to track them, you know?"
After parting ways with the male client, as I put on the executioner's black attire, Teti asked me such a question.
"According to Maia, it's a pretty big deal if it's being talked about. In that case, if we set up a decoy, they'll probably come to us."
"A decoy...? Oh, I see."
After organizing various pieces of information, it seems that the thief's child appears at night, around the time when the date changes.
So, if somone walk alone during that time, the chances of encountering them should be high.
However, just as I was pondering over such thoughts, Teti unexpectedly said something.
"If that's the case, I'll be the decoy."
"Huh?"
"Well, don't I look weaker than Adel? Maybe the opponent would find it easier to attack me."
"Well, that may be true, but..."
"Besides, Adel wears black clothes that have the effect of concealing a presence, and Maia can use the job skill (Presence Concealment). So, I think the two of you can wait nearby, and if I walk carrying things, I'm sure the culprit will show up."
Teti confidently lays out the plan in a firm tone. Despite her young appearance, Teti sometimes expresses mature thoughts.
Certainly, there have been no examples of physical harm from what we've heard so far, and Teti can use powerful abilities if needed. I don't think it's that dangerous, but...
When I glance at Maia, she smiles and nods. It's as if she's saying, "Let's go with what Teti-chan says."
"It's okay. I can be useful too."
"...Got it. But don't be reckless. Maia and I are nearby, and if needed, Teti, you can use your abilities."
"Yeah!"
Reluctantly agreeing, I see Teti happily wagging her tail.
While watching that scene, Maia, who was next to me, says a word.
"Hehe. It's like watching a father overseeing his child's first errand, Adel-sama."
That's what she said.
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