Little bear, imagine it to be something like Ted (laughs).
Also, I've surpassed 100,000 points! Thanks to everyone. Thank you so much ('β')γ
I'm thinking of updating twice tomorrow if I can (laughs).
The outermost layer of the imperial capital.
I came to Guy's dojo with Fine.
"Hey, Al. And Lady Fine, it's great that you came! Come on in!"
The way he treated us was so different that my cheeks twitched as I entered the dojo.
There were no children inside.
"No, the kids were here until just a little while ago, but I sent them home early."
"Recently, there's been a guy calling himself a Robin Hood, giving out all sorts of things. Well, that's not a bad thing, but now there are some rude people hanging around, trying to get what he gives out. It's dangerous, so I'm sending the kids home early."
"I see. That's convenient. We came to look for that Robin Hood. Do you have any leads?"
Guy averted his gaze as he said this.
I sighed softly and told Guy the confidential information.
"Last night, Sebastian brought evidence of the corrupt merchants' wrongdoing to the patrol team. They'll be arrested soon, but next is the Robin Hood. Whether it's you or someone else, stealing is a crime. If you don't protect yourself, you'll be caught."
"Are you here to arrest him?"
"Do I look like a righteous person?"
Guy scratched his head and sat down in seiza.
After thinking for a while, he looked at me.
"While you and Leo were away, the corrupt merchants took a lot from the outer layer residents. They tried to make a profit during the imperial succession dispute. In the midst of this, the Robin Hood recovered the stolen goods and money using illegal means. He's a hero to the outer layer residents."
"I understand. I don't intend to treat him harshly."
"Lord Al, there's something you want this person to help with. Please tell us. Where is he?"
"β¦I don't know the exact location, but there's one suspicious place."
"It's a recently vacant house, but the kids keep bringing food there."
"I see. Can you show me that vacant house?"
"Sure, but the outer layer residents are expecting the Robin Hood's distribution. If we don't divert their attention, they might turn into a mob."
I looked at Fine, and she nodded firmly.
Guy was puzzled, but we went outside without a word.
"Everyone! There's plenty of supplies, so please don't push!"
Standing in front of a large group of outer layer residents was Fine in an apron.
Around Fine were the staff and guards of the demi-human guild, and a few knights.
"To divert the attention of the outer layer residents, you're distributing supplies. And directly from the Blue Swan Princess?"
"I didn't bring her here for that purpose."
"It's simply to make amends. The corrupt merchants deceived and sometimes threatened the poor in the capital, taking their money and goods. Since we found out, it's necessary to make amends."
"Shouldn't the country make amends, not you?"
"Don't worry. The demi-human guild is paying for it, and it will also serve as good publicity for Leo. It's a necessary expense. By the way, we could consult with the castle, but it would take time for them to act."
"I see. It's a win-win situation."
"Exactly. And it won't hurt my pocket."
With that, Guy and I headed to the vacant house we had in mind.
Soon, a dilapidated wooden house came into view.
"Be careful. He can fight with Elna. Well, we're not here to fight."
Only Guy and I came here to avoid arousing suspicion.
It might be careless of Elna, but if she's on guard, it won't work.
Besides, I'm confident that I can handle it.
"It seems no one's home."
Hearing Guy's words, I entered the house.
Indeed, there was a sense of life inside, and the house was empty, but...
On the shelf, a small teddy bear was placed.
The brown fur and round eyes looked like a teddy bear.
But, it's impossible for it to be a teddy bear just a day after yesterday.
I addressed the male Robin Hood.
"Come on, that's impossible. Give up."
"Huh? Are you going to insist it's a teddy bear?"
"Hey... Al, are you okay? Talking to a teddy bear all of a sudden..."
I glared at Guy, who was worried about me.
To not notice the situation is to be insensitive.
"Huh? Ah, I see... You want to talk, right..."
He misunderstood, but it's fine. He'll be surprised later.
I looked around the room. If he insists it's a teddy bear, I have a plan.
"It looks like you were about to eat. It's a waste, so I'll eat it."
I picked up the bread on the table and took a bite, showing it to him.
The bread wasn't of high quality, but eating it while showing it to someone made it taste good.
I felt the teddy bear's expression change slightly. He's angry. Good, keep it up.
"Let's introduce ourselves. I'm Al. Alnord Reiks Ardler, the seventh prince of this country. I was a decoy to catch you yesterday."
"...Okay. Introductions are important, after all."
Guy looked at me with pity.
I almost snapped at Guy, but my target isn't him.
I focused on the teddy bear.
"The corrupt merchants you were dealing with have been arrested. Once the investigation is wrapped up, it will be your turn. Whether it's you or someone else, stealing is a crime. I'm here to recruit you. Cooperate with me, and I'll protect you."
"Ah, I see. A practice run before meeting the Robin Hood. Sorry, I thought you were a bit of a pain."
"Shut up. I'm talking to him."
"Sorry... Yeah, really, sorry..."
I ignored Guy's pitying gaze and focused on the teddy bear.
He's definitely the one who attacked me yesterday. I hope he's interested in what I'm saying, but he doesn't move.
I've never heard of a talking bear demi-human, so there must be a reason for this form. Probably because of this, he's very cautious.
I need to gain his trust.
What can I do? How can I open his heart?
While I was thinking, the door opened.
"Lord Al, Mr. Guy. Was the Robin Hood here?"
"No, it seems he's not home."
While Fine and Guy were talking, I turned my gaze back to the shelf.
Damn! He escaped through the door Fine opened!
I looked at Fine, and something unexpected happened.
"Beautiful lady... Meeting you here must be fate. May I have your name?"
"Oh, what a cute teddy bear. I am Fine von Kleinter, ma'am."
Fine smiled and responded.
But her reaction was not normal.
The correct reaction would be:
"That's what I've been saying. This is the Robin Hood."
"Is it true... Sorry, I was going to consult with Leo."
"You... Well, it's fine. Focus on him now."
"My name is Siegmund Eisler. Close friends call me Sieg. I hope you will too, Miss Fine."
Hearing this, Guy and I exchanged glances.
We both felt the same way, so it's probably not a misunderstanding.
"Wasn't there an S-rank adventurer with the same name?"
"Yeah. Among the many adventurers in the continent, he was known as the strongest spear user."
"Hmm? If you know me, you must be an adventurer. If you know me, back off. I'm having a pleasant conversation with Miss Fine right now."
Sieg turned back to Fine with a determined look.
I've heard of him. His thrusts were so fast and inevitable that he was praised, and despite being an adventurer, he was exceptionally strong in human combat.
Among all adventurers, he was undoubtedly one of the top five in terms of skill.
At the same time, I've heard another rumor.
"Wasn't Siegmund known for being a womanizer, hitting on all sorts of women? But, he was supposed to be missing for about half a year, and he was human, right...?"
"It might be related to his womanizing."
It's impossible for a human to naturally turn into a teddy bear.
If he is the real Siegmund, he must have changed his form through some magic or drug. But I don't think he did it willingly. Probably something happened with a woman.
While making this guess, I stomped on Sieg, who was trying to hug Fine.
"Hey, ladies' man. Answer the question from before."
"What are you doing, kid!? Stomping on such a cute teddy bear, you have no heart!?"
"You were human, weren't you?"
"Did you hear that, Miss Fine! This guy is bullying me~"
Sieg tried to hug Fine again, pretending to cry, but I put a collar I brought on his neck.
It's a secret item from my grandfather. It can't be removed without the key I have.
"What's this!? It ruins the cute appearance! Take it off!!"
"It's a magic device. It can't be removed without the key. I didn't want to use it, but there's no choice."
"Ha! So what! Not putting a lock on me was a mistake! If I run away, it's mine!"
It's surreal to see a teddy bear running on two legs.
And he's quite fast, getting farther and farther away.
"Then? What's the effect of that magic device?"
Sieg, who was running on two legs, suddenly switched to four legs and moved slowly.
To others, it might look like he's joking, but this is the effect of the collar. The farther he gets from the key holder, the heavier his body becomes.
After a while, Sieg, with his shoulders drooping, came back.
"Will you cooperate with us? It's better than being caught."
"But, Lord Al. It might be inconvenient to have him help us find people with that collar on. Besides, it seems a bit pitiful."
"The range of the weight effect can be adjusted by the key holder. Besides, there's no need to sympathize with him. He's definitely a scoundrel."
"Why do you assume that! I've been working hard for the troubled people in the outer layer, despite being in this unfortunate form!"
"Is that so? Then what's this?"
I pointed to a corner covered by a cloth.
I knew this before coming here.
The goods he stole were distributed to the outer layer residents, but he also stole a considerable amount of money. However, the amount distributed didn't match.
Behind it was a large amount of hidden money.
"If you took the money from the troubled people, you should return it all, right?"
"Well... You see, being a hero of justice isn't free..."
Seeing Sieg avert his gaze, I sighed.