CH 110

[The Hated Hero and the Fiancée Give an Advice to the Brother-in-Law]

A report arrived for Mr. Abel.

As soon as he received it, his mood took a sudden subtle turn.

Sensing that, I asked him to allow us to accompany him on his patrol.

The ones who would be coming along with him were just me and Tayte.

Well, it was most likely forbidden for students to meddle in the knights’ duties, but Mr. Abel kindly consented.

…Or rather,

“Well, you have the Holy Sword, it’ll be reassuring to have you around.”

Those words of his strangely stuck in my mind.

Mr. Abel might have said them with no particular intention in mind… but I couldn’t help but suspect there was a hidden meaning behind his words.

Perhaps he needed me, or more specifically the power of the Holy Sword… or he was simply glad to have a strong helper.

◇◇◇

Tayte, Mr. Abel, Mr. Abel’s three subordinates, and I began to patrol.

–However, no matter how far we walked, all we could see was the scenery of a peaceful rural town with an idyllic atmosphere.

It didn’t seem to be a place where a shoplifter would lurk around, let alone a monster.

It felt like there was no need to worry about its security.

“It’s peaceful here, isn’t it, Mr. Abel?” Tayte said.

“You can say that again. It wouldn’t be bad to spend your old age leisurely while farming in a place like this,” Mr. Abel nodded.

“That sounds like a nice idea. I wanted to try growing vegetables myself,” Tayte clapped her hands.

“Oh? After flowers, now vegetables?” I looked at her in surprise.

“I’ve been interested in growing vegetables for a long time, but it seems more difficult than growing flowers, so I’ve been putting it off…” Tayte smiled embarrassedly.

“Then, when you finally decide to try growing some, just tell me, and I’ll help,” I said.

“Huh? B-but…” Tayte wore a difficult face.

“I’d like to do what you want to do together with you, so we can have fun together. That will be the greatest joy for me,” I smiled at her.

“Barrett…” Tayte looked moved.

“Hahaha! Well, well, that’s truly wonderful!”

Mr. Abel’s hearty laughter brought me and Tayte back to our senses.

We had been immersed in our own world before we even knew it again…

“…You two really get along well.”

All of a sudden, Mr. Abel’s excitement died down.

D-did we take our flirting too far?

“I know it’s kind of pathetic of me to talk about this with you since you are going to be my brother and sister-in-law, but… can I consult with you about something?”

““?!””

Tayte and I involuntarily looked at each other.

ThatMr. Abel wanted to consult with us… what could it be about?

“I-if you’re okay with us, with pleasure!” I said, slightly tense.

“Yes! We will help you as best as we can!” Tayte clenched her fists.

Tayte and I accepted the request.

He was going to be my brother-in-law in the future.

I’d spare no effort to help him.

“Truth be told, I’m jealous of you two.” Mr. Abel began.

“You’re jealous… of us?” Tayte tilted her head.

“Yeah… I mean, with my line of work, I don’t have many opportunities to meet Reina.”

Reina was concerned about that too.

But in her case, she was more concerned if he found a better woman than her on his expedition…

“Besides, Reina and I are twelve years apart. I can be considered rather old compared to her, and there are a lot of young students around her.”

Reina was concerned about that point as well.

But in her case, she was more concerned if he found a woman who was more mature and attractive than her…

In any case, I had to tell Mr. Abel that his worries were unfounded. “My sister Reina only has eyes for you, Mr. Abel.”

“I think so too. Even when she was making the cookies, Reina was always worried if you would like them.”

“Really?” Mr. Abel wore a relieved expression upon receiving our assurance.

While talking about such things, we continued to walk.

Hmm… I didn’t see anything particularly strange around.

“It seems like there is nothing suspicious,” Tayte remarked.

“I was told my subordinates detected a strange mana… perhaps it was just their imagination,” Mr. Abel said.

“A strange mana?” I echoed.

…Huh?

I got a sense of déjà vu.

Where did I… oh, right!

This flow of events—it also happened in the original storyline!