Riot Grasper

Translated by mranon

Volume 2, Chapter 20 Determination and Resolution

I returned from Lana Village to Merville. It took quite some time, though.

The horse that was carrying the two had stamina incomparably inferior to Rook, so it had to rest at regular intervals.

The moon, that had been hanging overhead, had set by the time we reached Merville.

Now that I thought about it, I had been on the move since morning. As you would expect, I was feeling slightly fatigued.

The towns gate was obviously closed. However, it didnt mean there was no one there at all. In response of my calling out, a face that I was familiar with peeked from over the top of wallit was Nicholas-san.

Ne? Oo, Seiji, eh? What are you doing at this hour? And those guys behind you

When I explained upon his enquiry, he was somewhat bewildered. Was Nicholas-san aware of this matter? Although information control was exercised to some extent, Nicholas-san was after all a sentinel. Some information would certainly make way to someone who held a position of controlling entry into the town. As you would expect, a How do you know about that matter? returned to me.

I see. So, you happened to be present at the scene, huh?

I briefly told him what happened at Lana Village, which I headed toward searching for a clue in relation to the invasion of the mansion.

So, I plan on taking these two to Albert-san.

When I pointed to the captives, Nicholas-san I get it nodded.

However, since I was bringing people of unknown origins into the town, I was escorted up to the lords mansion.

After handing the two captives over to the guards deployed at the gate to the mansion, I requested an audience with Albert-san.

By the way, although I would be troubled to explain as to how I won over Kuroko ( Bradely Bens name), Kuroko knew where Marita was being held captive. I had to request their cooperation to rescue Marita Actually, wouldnt the one offering cooperation be me?

If you thought about it, had I not been connected with Marita, I would be no more than a mere adventurer. Desiring an audience with the lord would be taken as arrogance. Unexpectedly, however, I was readily granted my request. Probably, their search was at a standstill.

I was led inside the mansion, and was asked to wait in a room.

It cant be helped, I guess, since I came calling all of a sudden, in the middle of the night.

As I slumped onto the sofa inside the room, my body sank in.

Probably because I was tired, or probably because of the luxuriously soft furniture My body seemed to melt.

So sleepy

So then, how do I gloss over the matter with Kuroko?

He was on standby along with rook outside the mansion still, monsters were not a species that could coexist with humans. However, due to the existence of a skill called monster tame, they could follow a particular human being was the known detail as of now.

It would be rather easier to explain that I had a special ability ( Monster Tame) since birth than explaining the fact that I stole a monster from the man in black.

Actually, after Kuroko was at a loss because it couldnt recognize the asshole, whom I had stolen the skill from using Thiefs Godly Hand; I simply re-tamed it That was what actually happened.

Still, to have had a change of mind right after the skill was gone It was so terrible of Kuroko.

I said that in jest Kuroko himself wasnt well aware of what happened either.

If the man, who was his master just a moment ago, lost the skill which was the basis of his qualification, something ordinarily impossible, he would naturally be confused.

In my opinion, the asshole was too full of himself. If there were someone else in his place, might I say, it would be impossible for me to tame their monster companion.

So, something that would otherwise be impossible to happen happened, and Kuroko who is now my companion will guide us. How do I explain that?

In all seriousness, though. What if I stole the skill from the guy who sold tamed monsters to the mount shop? Would the completely reset monsters go back to being wild again? There would probably be no effect on the monsters not present in immediate vicinity However, it would be difficult to test that.

Was what I was thinking while sitting. However, my thoughts were soon interrupted by a sleep attack. I knew I couldnt afford to given the time Still, I could close my eyes a little.

N O?

I woke up to the sound of a knock on the door. The one who entered the room was maid-san.

When I peeked outside the window, the sky could be seen to be getting dimly bright.

I seemed to have fallen asleep for a bit. Thanks to that, my body felt more comfortable.

I was led to the office by maid-san. I submitted weapons and the like to the guard by the entrance.

Well, it was reasonable to think of it as reasonable.

Excuse me.

Slightly tense, I opened the door.

Why was I tense? Because it was my first time meeting Albert-san. Even when we came here to visit Marita, Albert-san was too busy for us to have a chance to meet him.

However, He was pleased to hear that I was able to make friends was what Marita told us. He might know my name.

In the office, there were four people present beside me.

Firstly, sitting behind the work deskwith blonde hair, blue eyes, and gentle countenance, was a man in his prime. His body was donned in an outfit made of white fabric embroidered with golden thread. With his elbows resting on the work desk, his hands were knit together. That he appeared somewhat emaciated was probably not just my imagination.

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He was about 40 years old. That person was Albert-san wasnt he?

His eyes resembled Maritas. I knew it; this man was truly Maritas father that notion was dispelled in 0.1 second as my line of sight caught the remaining three.

The face of the one sitting on the sofa by the window wasnt visible. The two left were a male knight in silver armour and a female elf.

Oo, an elf. I read in a book in the library that elves didnt ordinarily step outside the forests, yet an elf was here? What was she doing here? Her white as porcelain limbs sneaking through the hem of her chartreuse green robe, her well arranged facial features, her gold dust like silky hair and her pointed ears were all proofs that she was none other than en elf.

Enchanted by her appearance, when I moved over to her jade eyes that were examining me our eyes met.

He is okay, I guess.

A voice that sounded like rolling bells resounded inside the office. It was the female elf who said that. What the heck did she mean?

Leaving my questioning look behind, Albert-san opened his mouth next.

Are you Seiji-kun? Im obliged to you for my daughter.

That, Im truly sorry for that incident

No its fine. Except for you and your friend, everyone else was asleep like a log. By the way, you seem to have captured two men can I have a detailed account?

Thereafter, I told him about the sequence of events that led me to Lana Village. I then told him everything I heard from Eleanor-san. I also told him about the possibility of hostages being used as a shield to threaten Login-san. How do I tell him about Kuroko?

The orphanage where Phylia grew up? But why would Logins Aa, even if its you saying this, it cant be, can it?

The expression of Albert-san, who had learnt of the development, darkened.

Erm did I do something I wasnt supposed to?

Will the rescue mission, which they planned on carrying out in utmost secrecy, be now hindered? Contrary to what I was thinking, utterly surprising words left Albert-sans mouth.

That cant be. Nevertheless I intend to accept their demands.

Wha what!? After waiting arduously long

If I do, the likelihood of Marita returning safely will be high. Its deplorable I know that.

As to what he meant I knew. If they launched a surprise attack or a siege in order to rescue, the possibility of them harming Marita would be high.

Isnt that why its necessary for us to cooperate? was what I thought However, wasnt that a fathers concern for his daughter? The cases of kidnapping for ransom whereby parents would pay the sum without informing the police were surprisingly many. I remember reading that somewhere. Being a bachelor, I might not be able to empathize; however, a parents feelings would remain the same regardless of which world it was.

Compared to them, Bal was honestly cute. The next time I met him, I would show him more love.

Ever since I lost my wife, I devoted myself to the development of commerce I tried to make this country great. Just like I promised her back then butI dont want to lose my daughter as well.

Although I didnt know as to how Phylia-san died the force behind Albert-sans words indicated me not to ask. Even if I asked, I wouldnt get an answer.

Right there, the one who entered the fray was none other than the male sitting on the sofa.

How can you still say that? At this point, the signing ceremony cannot be suspended.

The man, whose voice was fraught with a hint of anger, was a big man who could be called a giant.

Ruffled auburn hair, coupled with sideburns, covered his face. In the middle, what looked like a lions mane rounded up his already intense features. In contrast to his face, the clothes he was wearing seemed to be quite expensive.

Are you not expected to be quiet here? Continuing with the story, Seiji-kimi returned home afterwards

What? You care more about this lads story?

E? whats with this person. How can he be so unreserved with Albert-san? Unreserved with the lord?

I looked at the face of the man, who had cut into the conversation, and focusedEh No way

Lad, youre an adventurer, arent you? You seem quite promising. So, why dont you work under me*? Ne? (Translators note: Spoken in the accent of an elderly)

You are

The big man turned toward me and sneered.

Me? My name is Hardin Hardin Duo Balladthe King of Lechelle Kingdom.

After silence ensued for several blinks, the male knight who had been quiet all this time spoke.

Your majesty, please refrain from openly saying such a thing. The identity of this boy is still

Didnt Ilii say he is okay?

wait a minute. This big man here is the king?! Doesnt that mean hes the elder brother of Albert-san? Then, why dont they resemble? What the heck is happening here?

Still, to say such a thing out of blue

Umu. When youve made your mind, come knock on the door of the Royal Capital. So you dont plan on changing your mind even though this lad here put in his all? Albert

Ehhh

Lets draw the lines, then You move along whichever one you want to; I will move along whichever one I want to Kane! Ilii! Follow meyou, too, lad.

Brother! Wont you even consider?!

You, reconsider as to how foolish your decision is.

When Albert-san tried to argue those wordsThe door to the office banged. I, who was swallowed by the kings air, left the room in tandem However, I was finding it difficult to grasp the not so good situation.

Erm, may I ask something? Why were you, the king, here?

Have you heard about the treaty with the Western Archipelago States? Albert and I were scheduled to board a ship from Pascam in order to attend the signing ceremony.

It was then that they received the report of the event, so he returned together with Albert-san and examined the correspondence. While walking down the corridor, I *fumufumu* nodded. However, there was something more I wanted to ask.

Earlier, what did this elf lady say

Ilii, explain.

Upon my query, it was instead the referred elf who spun her words. So, this person was Ilii. Then, Kane would be that knight.

As you may have already surmised, Im an elf. Its not widely known, but elves have the power to read the mind, Albeit to only a small extent, of others Rather, read the air of others.

eh? Wha- w- w- w- what did she just say?

Although it would be difficult to put it into words, what I felt in your case was like gazing at a clear river. Calm yet strong. But there was also a trace of a childs innocence somewhere, so it had a hint of fragility thats what I felt.

Lameeeeeeee! Utterly embarrassing. And even if its something deep down ones mind, dont peep! But I cant say that!

Gunuu Huh? In other words, wont they be able to check whether someone is a suspicious character or not from the outset?

Damn.

That was that. This man here is the Captain of the Royal Guard Knights, Kane. Ilii is the Royal Court Magician. I personally invited both of them, thats how capable they are.

Upon his saying so, I wanted to peep at their complete status The question, however, took precedence for now.

What do you intend to do from this point on?

Its obvious. We will be able to trace the whereabouts of the criminals by making the two the lad captured confess. Albert may have only let out an aa, but I wont meekly stay still. This treaty may certainly have been that fellows initiative, but it now is momentous in deepening the bond between the countries.

Muu, even if we were to submit, there was no guarantee that Marita would return safely. Since Albert-san decided not to act, wouldnt it be better for me to offer my cooperation to the king?

With the guidance of Kuroko, it wasnt even necessary to make those two confess. The rescue force could immediately

But if we somehow failed in rescuing Marita safely

The king, upon hearing my words, halted and turned around.

Let me say this beforehand because there seems to be a difference in opinion. Lad, what in your opinion takes priority?

That Marita returns safely.

Im glad. But my opinion differs. I of course want to help a much as I can but in comparisonthe treaty takes priority.

Eh?

If you cannot come to terms with it, your work here is done. You may leave, lad.

In other words the king would eradicate the enemieseven if he had to use Marita as a shield? And he would then proceed to sign the treaty with the west

How could he? Wasnt marita the kings niece?

I was shaking visibly. Then, I blurted something considerably discourteous out.

What if the kings own family were in the same situation?

I would still do the same. Thats where I differ from Albert. And, what would you do?

Although it might be an inappropriate question, it came about out of my values.

However

To be able to abandon a friend for the greater good Im not that much of an adult yet. Besides, the quest I received from the guild requires me to protect Marita.

Hou

I would act as my values dictated.

Even though I made such a crisp remark, the king with a somewhat smiling expression *gashari* laid his hand on my head and *guriguri* stroked it.

Young blood, huh Its not a bad thing, though. Do as you like. It will be better if you come with us. Actually, you should come with us to know if it really is something you cannot come to terms with. However if what you said turns out to be nothing more than empty words, I will have to take back what I said about you being promising.

The king said this and resumed his stride. I was momentarily hesitant whether to follow him or not. I was rooted on the spot. When I thought Marita could be rescued safely if we cooperated, was it merely superficial?

I didnt take such a development into consideration.

From the perspective of Albert-san, who was willing to accept their demands, I might have done something absolutely unnecessary.

Dont mind him. Even if you didnt come, Hardin-sama would forcibly attend the signing ceremony.

When I raised my face upon words that seemed to have seen through my mind, eyes like jade jewels were directed at me. Ilii the elfs eyes.

Then, will Marita really be abandoned? can my mind really not be read?

I dont think Hardin-samas suggestion was that wrong, but Albert-sama strongly opposed it. Well then

Saying up to that point, Ilii quickly went away.

It would not be futile if I just followed him would it?

At any rate, now that it had turned out like this, I had to move Also, since I talked so big just now

To be honest, there was just one way I could think of.

Asking a certain someone for help. However, if I did that, I would have no place to live in this country.

I dont care. Didnt I say I just wanted to save Marita?

I put the lords mansion off and returned to feeder pops for a while.

The sun had already risen. The interior was filled with the usual aroma.

Aah its healing. After brutal encounters in succession, this usual view permeated deep into my heart.

Since I had decided to leave with Rook afterward, I had better order highly nutritious food. Who knew it might end up being my last meal here.

Ou, Seiji? I didnt know anything about your quest, but Lim seemed worried when you didnt come back.

When Dario-san said so, I caught Lim coming downstairs from the corner of my eyes.

Im glad you safely woke up.

Seiji.

Saying so, I assumed the posture of hugging Lim. The soft sensation I felt on my cheeks was surely my imagination.

It was a relief that Lim was a beastkin, not an elf. Correction, that she wasnt able to read minds.

I, who deemed it indispensable to report the current status to Lim, recounted everything from A to Z, including what I intended to do thereafter, while shoving the breakfast down to my stomach.

I want to go, too.

Sorry, but I cant take you with me this time.

Because Im weak? I guess.

Even though I earnestly intend to work hard to become strong I can never catch up with Seiji.

Watching Lim, the ears of whom had drooped and the eyes of whom had tears welled up; I was stricken with guilt. My strength was all about plunders. For lim, who diligently trained, to self deprecate like that was truly unjustified. As for her sentiment of wanting to save Marita It was no less than mine.

Rather, if I over-play my skills to Lim, it would serve to drive her feelings further.

Listen, Lim

Yes?

No nothing. Ill talk to you when I have returned safely Probably

Okay, I understand

I wrapped my conversation with Lim up. Content with my last breakfast, I left Merville.

If possible, I had better end it before the king took action.

The direction Kuroko indicated was south.

The direction was coincidentally the same. Only, I planned on continuing further down the south first

In a relatively sparse area inside a forest, void of any signs of life, I was waiting for a certain someone.

As you would expect, the pace of the flying mount was brisk.

The black spot in the sky gradually enlarged. The person I was waiting for jumped down.

Although I was afraid I would be killed the moment we met, it ended up as being nothing more than a needless fear.

So as not to offend that person, I conveyed necessary details as briefly as possible and came straight to what I wanted that person to do.

I did tell you I would do any one thing you wanted, but are you really fine with that?

Yeah, an enemys enemy is a friend Actually, its a little different Its more like tossing anyone considered as an enemy into a vortex of disaster.

Did you just call me a disaster?

It practically was for me back then Sorry. Stop, please.

I dont care, really. Rather, wouldnt it be troublesome for you if it came to light that you have a connection with me?

What happened in the past is in the past uowaaaaa

What were you doing?

Nothing, really. Hahaha. Can you please talk to this fellow~ it still seems too early for me.

What? That person wanted to get on your shoulderumuhaahaa, interesting.

Oi, Kuroko Dont you be like that.

No, no. I was a little curious as to what would your wish be but this is really interesting.

Thanks. By the way, you have been calling me you for a while now have you forgotten that we introduced ourselves.

Seiji Agatsuma, was it?

Im glad you remember. Well then, thanks againAlba-san.

Authors note: Next timeTies, Cutting

Dont miss.