“S-so where is it?”
“…This is just one possibility, but we think it’s the castle.”
Answers Ryuryu, very plainly.
And Argo and his party freeze with surprise when they hear it.
“T-the castle?”
“I would say there’s a good chance, based on my investigation. There’s also a higher than zero chance that the person you are looking for is in an important noble’s mansion.”
Answers Heat instead of Ryuryu.
Of course, this is not information on the woman that Argo saw. It’s about a similar situation, and the result of a solo investigation gained from following a carriage that sped away in the dead of night, away from people’s eyes.
“Where did you investigate that?”
“Every place has people that are knowledgeable about this sort of thing. These ones probably aren’t.”
They probably used professionals in this sort of field in the short time since we came to the capital.
And Argo and his party were probably not aware of this option.
Would high ranking adventurers really not know about this sort of thing? That question pops up in my mind, but people can’t be good at everything. It’s not like I’m an expert on this subject either.
Using a third party also comes with its dangers. An amateur handling it poorly might get burned.
From what I’ve heard of Argo and his party, I get the feeling that they’re completely unfamiliar with the underworld, so I guess it makes sense. And there’s also the fact that he’s one of those rare people from the empire that doesn’t look down on other races.
And I’m guessing he cares about his people. After he forms the contract, Guilford and the others also sign it, even if they have reluctant expressions. And they don’t say a word to complain.
“That ups our fighting power.”
Ryuryu says with a very nice smile.
“…Then there’s one thing we need to check.”
I say, and Ryuryu’s face turns unpleasant.
Fufufu. It’s unavoidable. We need to confirm this because of what’s to come too.
Argo and the others look more worried, probably sensing something, but it’s too late.
“W-what are you doing?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Mock battles!”
Everyone with me, except Ryuryu, nods in agreement.
These guys get it. If we’re going to be working together, it’s important to gauge each other’s strength! How could we trust our backs to someone otherwise?
“And Ryuryu, everyone’s rusty from doing delivery quests. It’s important to get a tune-up too.”
I say, like there’s really nothing else that can be done.
“…End, that’s just you. Everyone else has been finishing their quests quickly and exercising so they can be ready any time.”
She says. I look at the others, and they have iffy looks on their faces.
Eh? You have that much time? The sun is setting by the time I’m done with mine.
“You always wake up too late. Starting today, stop drinking and start leading a more regular life. Okay?”
It’s scary how she can accurately respond to what I’m thinking.
And I’ve already drank today anyway.
I look to the others for help, and they all shake their heads.
“Please give it up.”
Says Heat, consoling me with a hand on my shoulder.
I don’t need to be consoled, I need booze! Is what I want to yell, but Ryuryu’s eyes are scaring me, so I swallow my words.
My instincts are telling me that going against her any more will be dangerous.
“Hmph, all right. But I really want to do mock battles tomorrow. Is that all right? Uh?”
I won’t drink, but I’m not giving up the mock battles.
“That’s fine. I agree that we should know how strong they are.”
I want to toast our new friends, but I go to bed without drinking.
The lady that owns the inn looks a bit disappointed about that, but what can I do?
Even the beast king, the one at the top of his country, has things he can’t object.
◇ ◇ ◇
The next day, I finish a quest before midday, and go to the training area with Argo and the others to get the mock battles going right away.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, no problem.”
Asks Argo, as he holds a training sword that doesn’t have a blade, and I nod.
I fight with my bare hands. Basically, I pulverize my enemies with these fists. And I can kick too!
That’s why people tend to be surprised when they have mock battles with me for the first time, and see I’m not holding a weapon.
“Don’t hold back.”
Hmph, it’s decided.
“Stop saying nonsense and get going.”
Ryuryu is cold as always. And then she gives the signal, and the mock battle is underway.
Argo is an A ranked adventurer, so he’s pretty strong. He has a strong foundation, and training with fighting people too.
A lot of adventurers in the Magic State are weak when they fight other people, even if they reach A rank. A lot of them only fight in the dungeon, so they only get to face monsters.
That’s why student adventurers tend to be stronger, because they train that too.
“Hey hey, that’s all?”
His swordsmanship is good, but he’s still too soft. He’s not gonna touch me like that.
I get close, hit two punches in a row, and the mock battle is over.
I can’t be too harsh, or he won’t be able to face the others. And Heat and the others look like they’re looking forward to it too, so I need to make sure he still has energy left.
And I can still face Argo’s party anyway.
I crack my knuckles, and call out to my next prey
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Thanks for the treat.
Wow is he really gonna beat them all down. Surprised they went from being captured by the beast people to agreeing to help them so soon