Side: A Certain Group of Three 4

「That was a hell of a match. As I thought, we should be cautious of adventurers」

「Sis’ right. That old man is dangerous. I couldn’t see through his move at all…」

「Yeah. If he was an assassin, I wonder just how many people in our country that can stop him… What do you think, Clicker?」

「Without a doubt, they’ll lose even if they could see through his moves」

「Haa-h. The other adventurers are also not exactly something easy to deal with… Can we stop the Southern and Eastern Duke with this information?」

「We should. If the two countries’ relations continue to deteriorate and a large-scale war were to breaks out, our country will surely suffer tremendous damage」

「But, will the Dukes even give up? If we handle this poorly, it could even lead to a civil war…」

「That’s better than being invaded. I guess it’s time for our country to change」

「But…」

「Biscot. I know you care about the country where the former commander that treated you well lives. But when there’s light, there must be shadow. You should know what I mean, right?」

「That is… I was born in a research facility too. But the old man crushed it, didn’t he? I’ve been around a lot of other places that have been destroyed too…」

「The one that’s close to the capital, yes. But there could be similar facilities in the east, the south, maybe even in the west and north too. Things won’t get better if we keep on turning a blind eye to that possibility」

「…You’re right」

「I would like to get back as soon as possible… How’s their surveillance going?」

「They’re still keeping their eyes on us. But I’m currently using wind magic, so our conversation is definitely not being heard」

「Then, I think the best time to get out would be right after the final. They’ll probably need a lot of manpower for the ceremony and stuff, right?」

「Actually, there is one thing I would like to bring to your attention regarding that」

「What is it?」

「It seems that there are other forces besides us that have secretly entered this town and are moving stealthily」

「Really? I mean, how do you know? We’re being watched and can’t openly make a move, aren’t we? We can’t even go to bars because of that, right?」

「Ha? It’s obviously because you can’t handle alcohol though」

「Don’t treat me like a kid! I’ve grown up and even understood why father and his friends were so loud about drinking after work」

「Just endure it as long as we’re in this town. So, Clicker, where did you know this?」

「It’s from “him”. As long as there is no merit for him to betray us at this point, I’m sure he’s not making this up」

「I see, from “him”, huh. I guess we can trust this information then… In that case, the timing of our escape may change depending on their movements」

「Yes. Worst case scenario, we may have to figure out a way to get through the border by going north instead of using a boat from Barbra」

「Will we be okay? Philia’s sphere of influence is pretty strict, isn’t it?」

「We should be able to get by with my family’s merchants. They’re one of the few merchants operating out of our country」

「No, I want to refrain as much as possible from involving your family. They’re one of our supporters after all」

「But my father and mother are ready to give up one or two of their business routes if they can be of help to Sibylla-sama」

「No. They’re people who instantly recognized you as their own daughter after you had been missing for so many years, and even went so far as to make you their heir, you know? I can’t let this bother them」

「Sis’ right. Unlike us who were born in a research facility, you still have parents that cares about you. Cherish them」

「The stupid sure talk wise today…」

「Kukukuh. Biscot is right “this time”」

「Hey, that was uncalled for!」

「…But, thanks, I guess」

「Anyway, in worst case scenario, if I break the Red-Seal, I can use the Red-Sword’s power to just carry you two and “him” back home」

「Oh? That sounds fun!」

「Right?」

「…Only as our last resort, okay? So please don’t be too hasty」

「I know, I know」

「Just how many times I’ve heard those words, I wonder…」

「Ahahah. I’m serious this time though」

「…You better be serious, okay?」