Volume 6 Chapter 12 It's A Big Shot, But...
While there weren't many dangerous monsters around, we couldn't have a long chat in the forest, so we decided to head back to the village for now. Of course, the group in question was with us.
Upon our return from the forest with the familiar group, the village head was surprised but didn't ask too deeply, perhaps sensing the atmosphere. When I asked if there was a place where we could have a private conversation while expressing my gratitude for their consideration, we were suggested the Church in the center of the village. It was a place used as a stronghold during the goblin attack incident.
There was a priest and a sister working there, and they seemed to remember us as they kindly offered us a place to talk after we explained the situation.
"Well, sorry for indulging my whims, kakaka."
The beastman with a blue monk staff chuckled lightly as he took a seat in the chapel.
Egawa Rouza.
He come from a distant foreign noble family and are set to be the next head of the family. By the way, it seems that what appears to be dog ears are actually those of a wolf. According to Mikage, it's no joke if you accidentally touch them.
In short, the request to defeat the monster this time was a scheme arranged by the group led by Rouza, all to lure us to this village.
"It may have been a coincidence that we came to this village, but if I ask the villagers, it seems that they have some connection with Mikage and the others. So, I thought if there were any troubles, we could ask you for help."
The village hunters investigated the route they take through the forest, set up traps a little off from there, making it look like the territory of a non-existent monster.
It's quite something to come up with such a sloppy plan. It was fortunate that the request came to us, but what would they have done if completely different mercenaries had shown up?
"Hey, we'll figure it out when the time comes. Whether it's hiring mercenaries or bringing in some affordable monsters, we've got plenty of money from home."
Saying outrageous things, he laughs heartily while fanning himself from somewhere. How serious is he... If he's completely serious, then he's even more dangerously unpredictable.
"Hey, isn't that guy pretty dangerous?"
"His recklessness is nothing new."
It seems like Mikage is also having a hard time.
And next to her, kneeling behind her...
"So, about that swordsman."
"My brother - Shiraha Getsuya."
Looking closely, even without the white fur, ears, and tail, their faces somehow resemble Mikage. If I made her more manly, she might just turn into Getsuya.
The Shiraha family - in other words, Mikage's family - has been a warrior family that has protected the Egawa family, the birthplace of Rouza, for generations. They are like a knight's family in this world, and Rouza and Shiraha siblings are childhood friends.
"I had a feeling that the swordsmanship was familiar, but I never thought he was really my brother."
Getsuya and Mikage have been trained in swordsmanship by their father since they were young, and have sparred countless times. At first, due to hiding his faces, Mikage couldn't tell who the other was, but as they crossed swords, she began to realize the possibility that the opponent was Getsuya.
"My brother is entrusted with being Rouza-sama's top guard and is in charge of overseeing the guards."
Besides Getsuya, all those who attacked us wearing cloaks were guards of Rouza, and naturally, they were beastmen. There were nearly ten of them, but only about three are present here. The others seem to be scattered around, working as scouts or guards from a distance.
After roughly understanding the introduction of the characters, I ask Rouza.
"So, why did Rouza from the Egawa family go through all this trouble? If you were looking for Mikage, you should have just waited in the royal capital."
"How dare you speak so rudely to Rouza-sama!"
"Oh!?"
Getsuya, who had been silent until then, suddenly gets angry, and I am taken aback. Rouza gently gestures to calm down Mikage's brother, who looks like he's about to draw his sword.
"Alright, I forgive you. The power of the Egawa family only reaches to their distant homeland. I am just a young wanderer traveling through various countries. Don't be so uptight."
"...If that's what Rouza-sama says."
Getsuya continues to glare at me sternly, but reluctantly follows Rouza's lead and speaks.
"Sorry for interrupting the conversation. One of the good things about my bodyguard is that he's serious, but being too serious can also be a flaw. Look at the bigger picture. As I said, there's no need to be overly respectful. It's easier for me if you treat me normally without being too formal."
But your bodyguard is giving me a fierce look. When Mikage glanced at me, she shrugged but nodded. According to Rouza, everything seems fine as usual.
"Now, about the question just now, it's simple. I wanted to test your skills, also known as Black Blade."
"My skills?"
"Yes, the abilities of someone trusted by my dear Mikage. Isn't it natural for me to be curious as her former fiancé?"
So, it all comes down to that.
Mikage once told me something.
She didn't want to be married off to another family due to her parents' arrangements, so she ran away from home.
And the person she was supposed to marry was this man named Rouza.
"So, what's the deal with this?"
In response to the question, Rouza gently stroked his chin and nodded with interest as he looked at my black spear.
"It seems that you're not foolish enough to execute Getsuya on the spot. At the very least, if you are the owner of that 'black spear', you must be a significant figure."
I felt like I heard a casually terrifying remark, but let's leave it for now.
As I sensed, Rouza seemed to have sensed it too.
The leaning monk staff made a sharp sound.
'My name is Gatou. The proof of the head of the Egawa family passed down through generations. You better engrave that in your thick skull.'
...In a different way from his owner, this one also seems overly authoritative. They both might actually a big shot.
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