Chapter 161.1

Chapter 161.1 \n<h1>Chapter 161 White Sword Gathering ①</h1>\n\n　The 『White Sword Gathering』.　It is the most famous and most prestigious gathering of Zebrudia’s Hunters.

　Hosted by the emperor, it is a venerable meeting where only a small number of Hunters who are recognized as having contributed to Zebrudia are allowed to attend.　I don’t know much about it as I have never attended one before, but I have heard that when you are a Hunter who has been allowed to attend the gathering, it is as good as a promise of success in the empire.　Rumor has it that it originated from the fact that Ark’s ancestor was once called by the Emperor after he fought a battle to the death and conquered a Shrine that was once located in the Imperial Capital. The white sword from the White Sword Gathering is said to have originated from the Relic which is handed down from the Rodin family ―― The Sacred Sword.

　The invitation to the 『Gathering』 was a straightforward process of glorification, but my hand was already full when I was in the mood of retiring right now.　I don’t even want to go to an event that the Emperor will be attending, but if there are multiple high-level Hunters who have their base in the Imperial Capital attending, then there is no reason for me to not go there.

　Compared to these veteran warriors, I am like a pill bug.　In addition to that, I don’t know anything about etiquette, so I usually end up doing something rude whenever I go to events like this.

　The gathering was already right around the corner.

　With no time to enjoy the afterglow of my vacation, I spent the whole day thinking about countermeasures, but my empty head couldn’t find any measures at all.　In the first place, delaying it only three days later is way too early. Aaah, it has already been a day, so it was only two days away now.\n

　I definitely don’t want to go. I feel like I’m getting a stomach ache.

“I don’t want to go…… I’m getting a stomach ache.” (Cry)

　As I whined depressedly in the Clan Master’s office, Eva sighed deeply and strongly said.

“You can’t.” (Eva)

　I got a straightforward refusal. I even went to the trouble of taking a vacation just to get away, and now it has been postponed…… Isn’t that cheating? No, it is definitely cheating.

　Apparently, everything was 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction’s (Shin En Kametsu)》 fault. The war between the 《Hidden Curse》 and the Tower of Akasha caused the Imperial Capital to be in the same state as a beehive that had been poked, so they had to postpone it.　A Level 8 is truly a frightening being, as it has postponed an event that has never been postponed since its inception.

　I wanted to complain, but of course, I won’t complain to them directly. It was because even a single word can lead me to be burned to the ground. In the Hunter industry, those without power have no right to speak. 

　As expected, I can’t reuse my tactic of going on a vacation. When I openly ran away, Eva was already dumbfounded, but if I try to run away once again, it will be Eva who will leave the house.

　But I really don’t want to go. And then, I snapped my fingers.

“I know, I will have Ark go instead.” (Cry)\n“………… As you may already know, Ark-san already has his own invitation.” (Eva)

　That’s right. Ark-san has his own invitation. 

　He has Rodin’s blood coursing through his vein and he is a regular at the gathering. I wonder since how long he has been invited to it……

 

“…… I don’t have any clothes to wear.” (Cry)

“It seems the dress code for Treasure Hunters isn’t strictly specified…… In case you are wondering, I have it ready for you. It is a made-to-order.” (Eva)

　In response to my nonsense, Eva brought out a dress hung on the hanger. It was a tuxedo that looked very well-tailored.　Tuxedo…… Am I going there in a tuxedo? ………… Absolutely no way.

“I don’t remember having my size being measured.” (Cry)

“I obtained it from Sytry-san. If anything, some Hunters attend the event with heavy armor and helmets…… But as Cry-san doesn’t usually wear armor…” (Eva)\n\n“Only one companion is allowed.” (Eva)

“Yosh, let’s take Ark.” (Cry)

“You can’t.” (Eva)

“Let’s take Anthem.” (Cry)

“That’s…… He won’t fit into the venue.” (Eva)

　Eva’s tone was extremely serious and for some reason, I felt like I was being blamed.

　I don’t think it will be impossible to fit him in, but it might certainly be a problem to take Anthem to such a place. After all, he is a big, intimidating guy, so he might unnecessarily irritate the nobles and other muscle-brain Hunters.

　If I can’t use any method to escape, then I am going to make myself extremely little. I will just stay in the corner and try not to get spotted. There is no one better than me at getting by.

　If anything, I am even willing to do a Dogeza1. This means that my companion is limited only to those who will let me do a Dogeza when I have to do a Dogeza (Which is none of them). 

　At this point, it was pretty much a no-brainer………… After all, I have no choice but to ask Ark to call in absent and have him come along as my companion.

“It seems that Ark-san always picks one of his Party Members to go with him. I hear something like there was a fierce competition going on about it.” (Eva)

“That is…… Something that will dust up some murderous intent.” (Cry)