Chapter 120 The Tyrant
Translator: “Pink Tea” Editor: ”Weasalopes”
Who was the person in a mask that killed the pickpocketing lady? A soldier explained.
「He is the leader of antisocial organization 『Fangs of Counterattack』 seeking to subvert the state. He is called S, some elements have fanatical support for him.」
This lady most likely was also a member of Fangs of Counterattack, and was killed for failing the job. It seems they’d do anything to procure funds, pickpocketing, burglary, robbery. And the more public order worsens the happier they get.
「Why are they trying to undermine the state?」
「Probably just doesn’t like that he isn’t the king. Lately, they became even more extreme, so we are troubled as well. 」
「Sounds like a lot of trouble……」
I couldn’t help but agree with what Emma whispered into my ear. I wonder why problems occur everywhere we go.
Could it be that I’m bringing bad luck?
「Could it be that I’m bringing bad luck……」
So Luna-san was thinking the same thing!
Anyway, leaving the corpse to the guards we head for the castle. I have a bad premonition. Since the old days, I have a good intuition for such stuff.
Passing through the castle town we reach the castle itself. When we gave our names to the gatekeepers they very politely guided us inside.
「Hey, how much do you think this rug’s worth?」
「No doubt it’s crazy expensive. With my meager assets, it’s a bit out of reach. Emma’s house might be able to somehow afford it.」
「Eeeh, even for us it’s impossible.」
And while having a casual chat we climb the stairs. The throne room is located on the third floor.
Ugh… The moment we got to the right floor, soldiers form lines on both sides from us, forming a path for us. I’m starting to get nervous.
This is a tough situation for a beggar noble.
Sitting on a throne lavishly decorated with gold was a man of a very outstanding physique…… It might be my first time seeing a person with a quadruple chin!
The age is about forty, I guess. The queen beside him was a beautiful person with blonde hair that really suited her. Age-wise she didn’t appear that different from us. Heeeeeh, so there is an age gap……
Getting to one knee in front of the king, we showed a respectful attitude.
「We are Gyro. Now, we already heard how you saved Hornest from the crisis. You have my praise.」
「We are grateful for your generous words.」
I answer on everyone’s behalf.
「Noir Stalgia, was it? As I heard you have skills and quick wit and your companions are also able. Therefore, would you lend us your strength?」
Just as I thought!
It probably related to Fangs of Counterattack…… And it turned out to be exactly as I expected. I was requested to assist with crushing Fangs of Counterattack and S especially.
To be honest, I want to go home. Or rather, we have school, we might be in trouble if we don’t return soon enough. Laura-san and Luna-san have their jobs.
「It’s hard to say…… But we have to return to our country.」
「Upon killing S, we are willing to give you a rank!」
「Even so……」
「Then, Stalgia, at least you should assist us. ……We are not going to force you though.」
With those words, the king gave a signal with his eyes to the troops near the stairway. A group of muscular people now blocked the stairway, I wonder what is he thinking? Don’t tell me we will be executed if we refuse?
This Gyro King…… Both his appearance and demeanor hardly come off as intelligent.
「……Understood. Then I alone shall remain in this country.」
「Noir?!」
Emma and everyone raised concerned voices, but I reply that it will be fine. Well, I myself not sure what exactly will be fine, but to get through this……
「Is that so, is that so, we are glad that you chose the path that will bring happiness to both of us. Stalgia is wise despite your age. Before you go, the blond girl should remain. There is something on our mind.」
Emma only? I ask, but it seems that there is something to discuss with her personally. I had my doubts, but we left the third floor without her anyway. By the way, for the duration of my stay, I will be allowed to use an inn exclusive for nobles and was also explained how to reach there.
We wait for Emma on the first floor. Tilting her head Laura-san asks.
「What do you think he wants to discuss with Emma alone?」
「Emma’s house should have no relation to the nobles of this country……」
「I will try to ask indirectly.」
Layla-san questioned a few maids around the castle.
After a short while, she returned half running, slightly flustered.
「That King Gyro seems to be extremely fond of blonde girls with good figures. He has eight concubines, all of them blonde.」
「I’ll be right back!」
I climb up the stairs in a rush.
No matter how you think, he wants to make her another concubine, that fat king!
When I tried to come to the third floor, a number of soldiers were lined up there. They didn’t even try to move when I showed up.
And from the back could be heard pretty agitated shouts of the king.
「Are you mocking us?! Even if you are Stalgia’s companion, you won’t come unharmed if you don’t change this attitude towards us!」
Emma is being threatened? I told soldiers to open the way, but they refused, shaking their heads.
「We are ordered not to allow anyone inside until the conversation is over. Even if it’s Stalgia-sama, were you to try and force your way……」
The soldiers drew his swords as if intending to intimidate me. I prefer to solve things peacefully and avoid unneeded complications as much as possible, but even I got pissed.
Setting 【Stone Bullet】 to 30 cm I shot it at the soldiers’ legs. Of course repeatedly, at the legs of every soldier that blocked the way.
「Ouh.」「Ah.」「Ugh.」「Fu?!」
As soldiers bent down, grabbing their legs, I use the leap skill and get over them. Other soldiers are shouting something, but I dash to Emma without paying them any heed.
「Noir, why did you come?!」
「You were told to become his concubine, right? And when you refused he started yelling? Wrong?」
「Not wrong at all! It’s so precise as if you saw it all!」
Well, not really watching, I thought and made a wry smile. Situation-wise, we are surrounded by the guards and are in deep trouble.
And as expected, King Gyro flipped out, jiggling his four chins around.
I wonder if I can get through this by referring to Lord Shoen-sama or General Stay, with whom I became quite friendly.
The king holds a much higher status, so I don’t think it’s possible.
「Even if we run away and both will be branded as criminals…… If it’s with you, Noir, then I’m okay with it.」
「A few hours and we are on a wanted list, huh. Such a life might be not bad as well.」
「You liar! You absolutely hate the idea, don’t you?」
「Bingo.」
I shout, about to cry.
And the king was even noisier than us. Using his limited vocabulary he kept insulting us. Even though we risked our lives to protect Hornest, isn’t this treatment too much?
「King Gyro, using my abilities I can bestow upon esteemed king a disease that even the best physicians won’t be able to treat for their entire lives. All without moving from this spot.」
「Yo-you’re bluffing. I won’t be tricked!」
「Then I shall do so.」
In fact, I have plenty of LP, he was within range, so I can use 【Bestow】. Would 【Frail】do? But if symptoms showed right away it would work better as intimidation.
With daggers in both of her hands, Emma acted as my guard. Realizing that I’m completely serious, the king began to plead.
「Wait, let’s negotiate! As a hero, you wouldn’t want to end up as a criminal, right?」
「I might consider it in case Emma’s protest was recognized and all of what happened here was forgiven.」
「You can’t expect me to forgive all of the insolence that……」
「Our country is beyond the border. You are not our king. If you try to force unjust treatment upon us, we will simply fight.」
I confidently drew my sword. Half of it was mere desperation, but if an opponent is going to attack, then I have to fight.
According to 【Appraisal】 the strength of the soldiers varied. Aiming for the weakest I’d like to at least allow Emma to escape.
「Noir, are you going to use this sword? Even parrying will get them infected.」
I jump on Emma’s flash of insight.
「It can’t be helped, it’s a kill or be killed situation. This Sword of Plague will have to reap its due.」
Taking a few swings at the air I glance at the soldiers, everyone took a few steps back. Well, no one wants to suffer.
Sensing that the soldiers were scared, the king gritted his teeth and finally gave in.
「……Fine, everything shall be forgiven. So put away your sword.」
Telling the soldiers to back away first, I then sheathe my sword. In order to be able to draw it anytime, I put one hand on the grip.
Yup, I guess we somehow made it through this pinch!
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