Chapter 209.1

Chapter 209.1 \n<h1>Chapter 209 A Reliable Man ②</h1>\n

　After all, I am not cut out to be a Hunter. I am not competent enough, and it is also too mentally taxing.　I wonder how many times I have been summoned by Franz-san by now. But it is normal to have meetings during an escort, and I have screwed up a lot, so I have plenty of ideas why I have been summoned so much.

　I have been summoned to a lot of places, but no matter how many times I am summoned, I never get used to it. In the background, Kruz was complaining about being pushed around.

“Alright, the only reason I’m going along is because Lapis told me to listen to your order, Yowaningen, desu. However, no matter how much you rely on me, you’re the Leader so you have to be firm or it’ll be problematic, desu.” (Kruz)

“Un, un, that’s right……” (Cry)

　It is not good. I really need people like Sytry, Eva, Anthem, or Ark to lead the organization.

　What on earth does he want…… With the Conference coming up, Franz-san shouldn’t have time to worry about me.

　I went to Franz-san’s room, always ready to give him my best Dogeza at any time.

　In front of the room, fully-armed knights from the Imperial Guard stood there like a gatekeeper.

　I wonder if they won’t turn me away…… But my hope was crushed to pieces and I was promptly let through. Inside the room, there were not only Franz-san and the Imperial Guard waiting for me, there was also the familiar-looking Emperor.

　He had a well-trained body that did not look like a member of the Imperial family, and his fearless face gave him the air of a hero. At that unexpected sight, I could only freeze my expression with a smile.　When I thought I was called by Franz-san, it was the Emperor who was there. Why the heck are you here……?\n

　Was this why some Imperial Guards were standing in front of the room?

　Toizant was a backyard country compared to Zebrudia, but when it came to accommodations for foreign dignitaries, they were no less than the Empire.　The desert climate was a bit exotic, but the spacious room was air-conditioned and furnished with expensive-looking furniture. I had no idea how much it would cost per night.

　As I enter, His Majesty raised his hand to the guards around him before Franz-san could open his mouth.

“Thank you for coming, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. …… Leave us alone.” (Radrick)

　Except for Franz-san, the Imperial knights followed his order and left the room. The only ones left were Franz-san, His Majesty, and Her Imperial Princess, who was standing still behind him.

　Franz-san frowned when he saw Kruz behind me.

“I, intended to call only you……” (Franz)

　Apparently, it seems that Kruz is no longer useful. Why would he want to talk to me rather than Kruz, who is so much better than me?　Before Kruz could open her mouth, I quickly say something.

“No, Kruz is useful, you know. Besides, you can trust her.” (Cry)

　If we listened to them together, she should be able to stop me when I tried to do something wrong.\n“This isn’t what we are talking ab――” (Franz)

“No, it is fine. Franz.” (Radrick)

　His Majesty stopped Franz-san, who seemed to be in a bad mood. To completely stop a nobleman like Franz-san with just a single word, he has such an amazing charisma.　Radrick Atrum Zebrudia was a *gorigori* burly martial artist with a reputation for being a rare and outstanding man, and apparently, that was true. Come to think of it, he has maintained his dignity even as a frog. It is hard to believe we are of the same race.

“We don’t have much time. First of all, I would like to thank you for all your hard work in escorting me here. I have summoned you here to discuss the matter of this escort and our future plans.” (Radrick)

　I see…… I didn’t expect this discussion to come at a time when the Conference hadn’t started yet, but I should have expected it.

　Will he cut my head off? Will I be captured? I should have told my Sheet Ghosts to wait outside so that I could escape at any moment’s notice.

　Franz-san continues with a grim expression.

“You have invited members of the infamous 『Nine Tail Shadow Fox (Kyubi no Kage Kitsune)』 to be part of His Majesty’s escort, resulting in the crash of the 『Black Star』, the pride of the Empire. According to the Empire laws, of course, you deserved to be executed. Whatever the reason, using His Majesty as bait is unacceptable, and leading him to a Treasure Shrine is completely unheard of.” (Franz)

　Noblemen are usually arrogant and don’t care about the common people. The laws of the Empire are fair to a certain extent, but even so, there are many stories of the common people crying because of the arrogant act of noblemen.　However, Franz-san’s words were kind of very convincing. If I were in Franz-san’s position, I would say the same thing.

“…… I see.” (Cry)\nVisit wuxiaworld.eu for extra chapters.

　I can’t say that I am surprised to hear him say that…… But it has been yet another terrible trip. When I nodded understandably, Franz-san’s veins appeared on his forehead.　I am calm because I have been through something similar a few times before. Kruz, who was following behind me, raised her voice.

“Wait. I admit that Yowaningen went too far, but as a result of his action, we have arrived safely in Toizant, desu. The reason he invited members of the “Fox (Kitsune)” was to flush them out, and considering that, there are extenuating circumstances――” (Kruz)

“No…… I just didn’t notice it.” (Cry)

“!? Haaaah?” (Kruz)

　Kruz makes a hysterical voice.

　I’m sorry for my incompetence. But you wouldn’t normally think that a member of such secret organization would be mixed in with the members of the famous 《Magic Wand (Ma Tsue)》. Besides, Kechakchakka was also very suspicious. Who would have guessed that such a suspicious woman was really a bad guy?　By the way, I think Franz-san, who accepted the members I brought with me, may have a problem as well.

　His Majesty checked with me as I was shifting the blame in my mind without expressing it.

“Fumu. Cry Andrich. In your opinion, do you think that 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 is a member of the “Fox (Kitsune)”?” (Radrick)

“No. I don’t think so.” (Cry)

　You don’t even need to think about this possibility. His Majesty’s eyes widened as I answered immediately.

“Can you tell me why?” (Radrick)

\n“If she was a “Fox (Kitsune)”, she wouldn’t be assassinating people.” (Cry)

　《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》 is a Baa-san similar to an angry fire dragon. If she tried to do something, she would choose to burn it to the ground.　His Majesty frowned at what I said. He thought about it for a while and then nodded his head.

“…… If you didn’t know about them beforehand, then it was unavoidable.” (Radrick)

“…… As you wish.” (Franz)

　After a moment of silence, Franz-san responded to the grave words that came out of His Majesty in a stifled voice.

　The tide has turned. Kruz stared in wonder. And for some reason, I felt the urge to vomit.

　Franz-san opened his mouth. His expression was still disagreeing with the current situation, but he had no intention of objecting. His loyalty is totally admirable.

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“His Majesty says he will heartily forgive you for your past mistakes. Normally, this is something that would have never happened.” (Franz)

“This is…… Normally impossible, isn’t it?” (Cry)

“Listen silently.” (Franz)