CH 209.2

Chapter 209 A Reliable Man ②

Part 2

I have a bad feeling about this.

This is impossible. It is impossible. Even if it was negligence, even if everything was settled (which wasn’t by the way), what happened in the escort this time is not something that can be forgiven without blame. Kruz also widened her eyes in surprise.

Even I was prepared to be punished to some extent. But they said that I won’t be blamed for it…… There is always more to a good story than meets the eye. There is nothing more expensive than free.

Franz-san continued to talk.

“The Conference security will be provided by the soldiers of each country. There will be an ironclad security force at the venue. Even if 《Stillwater (Shisui)》 attacks, there will be no problem. We are guests, we cannot interfere. Do you understand, Cry Andrich?” (Franz)

“Well, of course. But it is highly unlikely that 《Stillwater (Shisui)》 or Kechakchakka will attack us.” (Cry)

They should be under house arrest at the 【Lost Inn】, and if you want, I can call to check on them, you know. Because, I, have the latest smartphone now.

At my words, Franz-san nodded grandly and said in a dignified voice.

“So――You will be given a new and important mission. You are to escort Her Imperial Highness, Princess Murina during the Conference.” (Franz)

“Eh?” (Cry)

“We can’t take her to the Conference. We will have Imperial Guards escorting her with you, but since the “Fox (Kitsune)” has taken direct action, we can’t be too careful. This is your chance to redeem yourselves.” (Franz)

I glanced at Her Imperial Highness, Princess Murina. She seemed to be a very quiet person, and when she looked at me, she lowered her eyes. By the way, did the Onsen egg suit your palate?

…… No, no, no, wait, wait. Why did you bring Her Imperial Princess here without any intention of having her attend the Conference? Pointlessly bringing the Emperor’s daughter to a dangerous foreign land can only be described as stupid.

In the first place, escorting Her Imperial Princess was not included in the contract. However, I can’t say that I don’t want to do it. I am at a loss at what to do.

“Don’t forget that you turned Her Imperial Princess into a frog. You should be grateful for the opportunity to redeem your honor.” (Franz)

“………… Aaah, something like that did happen, right?” (Cry)

“Kuh……” (Franz)

Franz-san grits his teeth. I am sorry for turning you into a frog, but I had told you beforehand that I couldn’t control it, and since I was able to turn you back to normal, there is no fault on me due to this.

The problem is――Their thinking process. Even though they experienced so many problems with me as their escort, they are still trying to rely on me. I seriously want to question them about that.

“Shouldn’t the Imperial Guard be enough? Or do you have something in mind?” (Cry)

The knights of the Imperial Guard should be the pride of Franz-san, their Commander. They were helpless against Term, but that was because their opponent was a Level 7 Magi, but against normal enemies, they are more than good enough. They are a hundred times better than me.

Nevertheless, if that is not enough, is there a reason why you are being attacked?

Even though I am not a person who knows politics, I have a lot of information about the Emperor Radrick, but I don’t know anything about Her Imperial Princess Murina. She is not a great ruler, nor does she have any specialties or achievements. It isn’t like she is a great politician, or has any specialty, or any kind of special accomplishments.

I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but her presence is too thin. I didn’t even know her name until the other day. I don’t think there is a lot of reason to be attacked. The only reason I could think of is to take her hostage…… However, even more so, I don’t understand why you didn’t leave her in the Empire.

When I asked the obvious question, Franz-san’s expression changed completely. It wasn’t anger. There was a shadow on his expression.

The next person to speak was His Majesty. For a moment, hesitation flashed across his face. I felt as if I was looking at a bomb about to explode.

Then, His Majesty said in a tone as if he were whispering a state secret.

“《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. This is confidential, but truth is……. Murina is――――Very unlucky.” (Radrick)

“Un…… Lucky?” (Kruz)

Kruz blinked in astonishment. And Her Imperial Princess shrinks back.

Even though they started by saying that it was a secret, the content was such a normal thing.

I unintentionally smiled and said to the Emperor.

“I refuse.” (Cry)

Franz-san’s face stiffen, but this was non-negotiable.

After all, her luck is so bad that the Emperor of a major Empire has made it a state secret. She must be extremely unlucky. She must be so unlucky that people around her can see the damage caused by it.

Treasure Hunters are supposed to be risk-takers, but it shouldn’t be to that extent.

“In other words, the fact that without me knowing, Kechakchakka and Term got mixed up with the guards, the fact that so many Dragons attacked, the fact that the ship fell, and the fact that we hit a Treasure Shrine were all problems caused by Her Imperial Princess’ bad luck, is that right?” (Cry)

How should I say, of course the travel was kind of awful, but as I had experienced similar awful things a few times before it was the same as usual, so I didn’t notice it at all.

But to think it was all the fault of the employer…… I thought it was His Majesty who had bad luck, but I guess it was Her Imperial Princess who had bad luck from the beginning. It’s a terrible mix-up. Seriously, I wrongly accused him because of some misinformation.

What, you were blaming me for everything as if it was the most natural in the world. You bastard! I may be disrespectful, but when it needs to be said, I will say it, I seriously will! The only time I am cowering is when I am in a weak position.

Now that I think about it, it was natural that I wasn’t the one to be blamed. It was all Her Imperial Princess’ fault!

Her Imperial Princess was trembling. Franz-san shoved more details on my face and yelled at me.

“No, don’t get me wrong. Even with her bad luck, it was the first time that there was so much trouble. In the first place, I hired you as a countermeasure against them! You have no right to complain!” (Franz)

“!?” (Cry)

I was momentarily overwhelmed by his willpower and what he said. However, I would not be a Level 8 if I were to back down now.

I undauntedly approached Franz-san and said.

“Un, un, you are right. Luck is not something you can see, and all this misfortune is just a coincidence. The ones who are at fault are Term, Kechakchakka, and that Treasure Shrine, and neither Murina, Her Imperial Princess nor I are at fault at all. This escort, I, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, will be happy to oblige!” (Cry)