Volume 1 Chapter 41 Gathering with the Villainous Guildmaster and Those Who Have Been Played II
That day, I sensed it.
"......"
In the Guildmaster's room, I was in the middle of a meeting.
"Sir Act, what's wrong?"
"Master?"
My apprentice Yui and the maid Frederica were tilting their heads curiously in front of me.
"...Sorry. It's nothing."
I touched my left eye.
Closing my eyes, I saw a certain vision.
"......"
"Master, you look a bit pale."
"Are... are you alright?"
I shook my head.
"I'm fine. Let's continue."
After that, I ended the meeting.
Yui left the room with some documents.
Only Frederica and I remained.
"Now then, Master."
"What is it?"
"What did you see?"
...This girl. Did she notice?
"What are you talking about?"
"There's no use pretending. You're facing something serious, aren't you? Don't underestimate my powers of observation."
Frederica has an uncanny ability to perceive things—probably from spending so much time together.
"You saw the future, didn't you?"
My eyes, the King of Time's eyes, can see the past, present, and future.
There are things I can control... and things I can't.
For instance, when danger approaches me—or others—
That vision appears in my eyes.
This time, I saw a future where a malevolent being would attack the town.
Their goal: revenge against me.
"...This is a personal matter. It doesn't concern you."
"Hmph."
Frederica scowled, muuh-ing, and stood right next to me.
"What's with that face?"
"It's nothing. Hmph."
For someone usually so calm, she was unusually pouty.
"What's bothering you?"
"...Because you're treating me like an outsider."
Pop!
Her hidden dog ears and tail suddenly appeared, and her tail swished flap flap back and forth.
"Your tail's hitting me. Stop it."
"Am I not family to you, Master?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
Droop...
Her tail and ears hung down low.
"That's enough."
Flap flap, her tail and ears perked up.
"Then, I believe you can rely on me."
"But this is my problem."
The guy I saw...
He had such deep hatred for me.
Since the cause is me, I can't drag others into this.
I'll wipe my own butt.
"What are you saying, Master? I'd be happy to wipe Master's butt for you."
Frederica smiled brightly.
"Please, do involve me."
Yet, I hesitate to involve others.
But this girl... she's not going to listen no matter what I say.
...You don't even know what you're talking about.
Good grief.
"...Contact the Town Mayor. It's urgent."
Flap.
Frederica's ears moved as she bowed her head.
"And Frederica, I think you understand, but about this matter—it's strictly confidential. Absolutely do not tell anyone."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
---
But...
That night, I went to the Town Mayor's place to discuss reinforcing the town's barriers and evacuation guidance.
And when I returned to my mansion...
"Action!"
"We've been waiting for you, Guildmaster!"
"Good evening, Guildmaster!"
In the mansion's entrance hall, a crowd of Guild Members was waiting for me.
Quite a number of them.
At a glance, it seemed like everyone from the Gem of Heavenly Gift was there.
"...Hey, Frederica. What's going on with this? I said it was confidential."
"Eh? Wasn't that just a prelude to saying it's something you can't tell others?"
I flicked the dummy dog's head with a thwack.
"What are you all doing here in the middle of the night?"
The Guild Members replied with smiles.
"We heard you need hands!"
"We're here to help!"
"Come on, don't be so stiff—we're in this together!"
Frederica spoke, as if it were obvious.
"Master, everyone said they'd gladly help you without asking for details when they heard you were in trouble."
Even those who weren't Guild Members were there.
"Yoko...? What are you doing here...?"
She was one of the former Guild Members. Now, a court magician.
"Guildmaster, I want to help too! Please, let me assist you!"
"Don't be ridiculous. How can I involve a court magician in my personal matters?"
"That's not it! I want to help you as an individual—not as Court Magician Yoko—because you've done so much for me!"
There were other former Guild Members too.
Like Ria from the Magic Tool Guild.
And others from the town.
'I'm here too!'
The voice was so loud it felt like it might break my eardrums.
"Lawrence...?"
Frederica was holding a communication magic tool in her hand.
'How can you be silent?! I'd rush from the ends of the earth for our benefactor, Act! In fact, I'm on my way right now!'
"...You fool. Get back to your hero work."
'This is hero work too! Aren't you also supposed to protect the beloved people of this country? WOOOOAH!'
The connection was cut off.
That blonde-haired hero was probably racing over here at lightning speed.
---
"Master."
Frederica smiled.
"Your only flaw is that you try to do everything alone. I know it's to protect everyone, but..."
She held my hand and laughed softly.
"Please rely on us when you truly can't handle it on your own."
The Guild Members and former members smiled and nodded in agreement.
"That's right!"
"You've done so much for us—we can't repay you enough!"
"Count on us!"
"Let us fight for you!"
I didn't understand these guys.
I never thought I had done anything special for them.
I felt like I was just doing things for myself.
Even so...
Why does everyone act for me?
"It's simple logic. Everyone loves our amazing Guildmaster with all their hearts!"
Nods of agreement sprang up from those gathered around.
"So, Master. What will you do?"
I tugged on the dog's arm, defying my own words.
"...You. Why did you speak up? I told you not to drag others into my personal issues."
Frederica replied in a hushed tone.
"But if monsters are attacking the town, won't you need help? What were you planning to do all alone?"
"...I was going to figure something out."
I know the enemy's boss.
Before things got chaotic in the town, I was planning to deal with him somehow.
Worst case...
I could always use my trump card.
"...You mustn't use [that]. Please... stop doing things that could cost you your life in a place like this. Everyone will be sad."
Frederica pleaded quietly, making sure no one else would hear.
She was trembling.
Tears streamed down her face.
Seeing that, I let out a sigh.
...Good grief.
I glanced around at them.
And lowered my head.
"Everyone... lend me your strength."
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