- Shari -

 

Sometimes it's kinda weird how things play out.
One moment, you are intimidating a whole bunch of elite fighters with the army backing you up, and the next, you get scolded by Jacob for how reckless someone possibly can be.
Not like I had much of a choice on that matter.
You simply don't say no to Peras and Gareth together while a super crucial plan is underway.
But would you think the guy in front of me is listening?

 

"....And to think that after all this, you'd still come here, in this situation, to literally stand here against every single adventurer this town has to offer!" (Jacob)

"Ehm, technically, a portion of the adventurers didn't come here." (Shari)

"Ehm, technically, this doesn't matter! Especially, not as they are out! Seriously, how did you survive till this point?!" (Jacob)

"That wasn't easy! I tell you!" (Liqu)

"And you're bringing her!" (Jacob)

 

At this point, finally, someone comes to my aid.
Though, at closer look, it's Vela, so I'm not sure if "aid" really is the right word here.

 

"I take it you know each other?" (Vela)

 

The officer looks over the group of adventurers.
I'm particularly curious about her thoughts regarding Myra.
At this point, the two are kinda alike.
Jacob, as the team leader, takes it upon himself to speak for them.

 

"We've got a... complicated history." (Jacob)

"Could it be any different with those two?" (Vela)

"Yeah, I mean, it's certainly not a simple matter. There were bound to be some issues." (Jacob)

"I'm still not quite sure what to think about them, but if they support this endeavor, I suppose they have the right intentions." (Lorel)

 

Hey, now Zeon has finally made it over here as well.

 

"I see. So you are all informed about their peculiar nature. We had some missions together, so I can tell you they are trustworthy. Even if it can become really weird when they are involved." (Zeon)

"It's not like we were doubting you. We had our own joint operations. However, they didn't go well, due to... personal disputes." (Jacob)

"You think you had it hard? Try having to answer to those two as your commanders!" (Vela)

"Why don't you try having your childhood friend get eaten by one of them?" (Myra)

"That green monster truly did that?!" (Balion)

"It was Shari." (Myra)

 

The whole squad pauses, then slowly, all the looks go to me.

 

"There were circumstances!" (Shari)

"That I'm sure about." (Vela)

 

Abruptly, the air freezes.
Overwhelming pressure settles over us, rippling right through all my slime.
Even Liqu seems affected.
I turn to the origin of this stifling aura and promptly know what made me feel so queasy.
Gareth and Sir Elkon are standing right there.
Both wearing an impression as if any wrong word now could be my last.

 

"Ahem! While I'm not sure how your superiors think about this, I'm very certain that there are better places to discuss topics such as these. Especially, not at this volume!" (Gareth)

 

Those were pretty emotional topics.
Though I suppose they're also rather delicate.
Difficult to judge how to best go about this.

 

"Sorry, things got a little heated here." (Shari)

"I heard that. Hopefully, the entire rest of the hall did not." (Gareth)

"Though, it might be a boon if they would know what they're up against. At least, it can't hurt to leave things a bit ambiguous." (Elkon)

"By the way, is this going to last much longer? As I see it, you already set up your own precautions. We, on the other side, can't afford to waste any resources on something like this. Any moment we stick around here might cost a comrade's life because we can't back them up." (Vela)

"I don't think so. As soon as enough of the adventurers have handed over their weapons, there won't be any more need for your forces to be present. In fact, your troop should leave now. It would serve as a token of goodwill towards the adventurers who already gave their weapons if they see you don't intend to stick around for them." (Elkon)

"Great. Because we really should get going. There are some noble houses on our list that require a visit." (Vela)

"Sigh, what did I just say about not speaking out loud?" (Gareth)

 

As if anyone wouldn't know about this part by now.

 

"What is this about noble houses? Is House Dimas involved?!" (Lorel)

 

Oh, knight boy.
This could be an issue.

 

"Usually, I would just deny this information, but as this might make matters unnecessarily complicated, I'll tell you that they're not on the list. Our mission is to concentrate on those involved in the slave trafficking affairs." (Vela)

 

Lorel breathes out in visible relief.
Couldn't have seen this ending well if there was any chance for his family to become persecuted.

 

"Slave trafficking? There are truly nobles involved in this?" (Lorel)

 

Seriously?!

 

"Pffgllrllbshh!" (Shari)

 

Oh great.
Now everyone is looking at me after this minor slip-up.

 

"What was that supposed to mean?" (Gareth)

"This was the most beautiful laugh of my Shari! So marvelous!" (Liqu)

 

Urgh.
Does she have to become so colorful in her elation?

 

"What is there to laugh at?!" (Lorel)

 

Hey, no reason to lash out at me!

 

"Sorry, but I just found it so hilarious. The nobles are the ones behind all this. A group known as 'The Pact' tries to start a civil war in preparation for having us all sold out to Koreso. You just sounded so ridiculously innocent just there. Sorry." (Shari)

 

Was I too harsh?
He stares now quite blankly at me.

 

"Something like this is happening just in front of me?" (Lorel)

 

Oh damn, he looks like he's willing to charge right into the enemy without any sense of reason.
Yet then he suddenly holds in his tracks and looks up to the guildmaster.

 

"Sir! I'd like to join the effort! Would it be possible for me to fight alongside the guards on this matter?" (Lorel)

"We already talked about this. It would set a problematic precedent considering involvement of the guild." (Elkon)

"Sir, I need to do something! No noble should tolerate this kind of injustice! The mere possibility offends me deeply." (Lorel)

 

The guild leader gives a glance to Gareth, who just shrugs.
It's not like he's in any position to deny further helpers.

 

"Fine. It doesn't look like I could convince you otherwise. So I'll grant you special permission. We will say you are acting on your own behalf, as a noble, to assist your country. However, because of this, you should know that there won't be any compensation for you from the guild." (Elkon)

"This won't be a problem, Sir!" (Lorel)

 

Was the salute really necessary?

 

"Tsk. Maybe you failed your profession. The army might suit you better." (Elkon)

"Damn. Not even a bonus? So basically we're about to do this for free." (Myra)

 

Huh?
Why is Myra getting involved now?
She didn't seem the slightest bit invested in this.

 

"Myra? But... Why?" (Lorel)

"Can't have you die on them. After all, we are a team!" (Myra)

"Seems like we're going to accompany you." (Jacob)

"Jacob?" (Lorel)

"Live with it. I certainly won't go through the stress of looking for a new member again. Also, I doubt that the guild is going to write an official warrant against us for supporting national forces." (Jacob)

"No, I can't. However, please hold back a little. At least, don't be the ones who personally arrest, or worse, slay nobles." (Elkon)

 

Yeah, sounds like a political nightmare.

But as a whole, this moment is quite touching.
A nice example of camaraderie.

 

"Well, as it was said, we should leave now. Can't leave the city waiting." (Gareth)

"Finally! I really want to dissolve someone! All this useless standing around makes me jiggly!" (Liqu)

 

Well, and that's my "comrade".