CH 188

Before the meal and after the meal

***---***

"Meat!"

"Meat!"

After finishing the escort meeting, we wiped our sweat and changed clothes, and in order to decide on a restaurant for dinner, we started discussing with the map given by Rita-san, but we came to a conclusion in two seconds.

We decided to head to a restaurant that served meat dishes from the Bakkenheim region, although it was a short walk from the guild.

I checked it on the map, but when I asked the guards where it was before leaving the dormitory, they told me that it would be easier to find it if we went through the park, although it would be a small detour.

Looking at the map, it certainly seemed easier to walk through the promenade in the park than through the chaotic streets.

We left the dormitory in casual clothes with only knives hung around our waists, and started walking towards a park with evergreen trees.

The sun had already set, and the lights were on in the city.

"It's kind of exciting."

"I agree, I came to another world, but I didn't do any sightseeing."

"Ah, Takayama is right."

"Come to think of it, Kokubu has been going here and there."

"That's right. Aldaros, the royal capital of Resenburg, Bamata of the Count Gleisner territory, Gaso of the Margrave Calvine Territory, Lauf of the Drevis Duchy, Chowsk on the border of Barshania ... I go here and there, but I don't do sightseeing in the city, it might not be much different from Takayama."

"Oh, really?"

"I go here and there, but only inside the mansion, or only in the grasslands where soldiers gather ... that's why."

"Got it ..."

The town of Bakkenheim was a European-style townscape that was more jumbled and intricate than Volzard.

The roads were not only paved with magic, but also cobbled in places, and there seemed to be no standards for the size of houses and shops, and the sizes of buildings were also uneven.

On the main street where the carriages passed, there were of course buildings with wide frontages, but even buildings that were small enough for an adult to spread their hands out had shops on the first floor.

The products they carried were suitable for an academic city, and there were also shops that sold writing utensils, research equipment, laboratory equipment, and chemicals.

As for the clothes of the passers-by, adventurer style like us was in the minority, and people who seemed to be students, merchants, and educators stood out.

As we approached the entrance of the park, Fred spoke to me.

[ Kent-sama ... The guy from earlier is ambushing you ... ]

[ Haa ... Seriously, well, should we clean up before enjoying dinner. ]

[ Seven people ahead of the promenade ... Five people behind ... ]

[ Fred, if I give you a signal ... Can you do it? ]

[ Leave it to me ... ]

Apparently, just like Rita-san said, Fel came to take revenge.

If this were outside the city, I would have Zeta-tachi surround them and let them experience the fear of being eaten, but it would be difficult inside the city because there would be panic around us.

So, let's focus on Fred as the main punisher.

"Takayama, seven in front, five behind ... an ambush."

"Huh!? Is that the bastard from earlier? What should we do, avoid them?"

"No, no, they're just acquaintances of the guy called Fel, and I'll deal with them before breakfast, no, before dinner."

"Kokubu, since you came here, you've become extremely belligerent, haven't you?"

"Ah ... That may be possible, but it can't be helped, can it?"

"Well, I guess we can't do the same as in Japan."

Streetlights were also lit in the park, but compared to the rest of the city, the darkness stood out.

Well, since I have night-vision, the darkness is rather welcome, and I can see how they're hiding.

"Takayama, it looks like they're about to come out, but it's fine if you just watch. Rather, don't unexpectedly meddle."

"Ou, I'm hungry and I don't want to move anymore, so please clean up quickly."

"Roger ..."

As I was walking along the promenade while chatting with Takayama, I heard multiple footsteps approaching from behind, and a group of men appeared as if to block my path.

The ugly-looking men were all carrying sticks.

"Yo, are you guys the Monster Users of Volzard?"

"Nope, we're not, but ..."

"Ehh, it's different ..."

When the men standing in our way were puzzled, Fel, who was hiding in the darkness, jumped out.

"You bastard, don't act stupid!"

"I'm not acting stupid. I'm the only one who uses monsters, not us."

"I see, this brat's making fun of us. Hey, Fel, is it okay to strangle them both?"

"Ah, do it ..."

As the men who surrounded Takayama and I slowly closed the distance with wide grins on their faces, a gust of black wind blew through.

Karan ... Karakaran ... Kon! Karakarakara ...

"Ehh ... what?"

"Hey, what is this!"

"What's going on ..."

The sticks brought by the men were cut from their hands and scattered on the promenade.

Maa, they can't see Fred's movements in this darkness, can they.

"I told you earlier. If you mess with me any more, please be prepared to lose at least one of your arms ... So, have you come to your senses?"

"Kokubu, didn't these gathered people hear that you were S-rank?"

Takayama's words caused the gathered men to back away.

"Hey, Fel! I didn't hear that the opponent was an S-rank."

"I'm leaving ..."

"I'm out too ... ouch."

"Uwaa ... what is it?"

When one person tried to run away, the entire crowd tried to run away, and as soon as they started running, they collapsed.

It seemed that Mart and the others grabbed their legs from the shadows and knocked them over.

Mart and the others seemed to be playing around when they tried to escape, but the men were unable to move and started trembling.

"What's going on ... what's going on?"

"You bastard, Fel, what are we going to do!"

"We were tricked, we didn't know."

"Guruuuuuu ..."

"Fu! ... Fu! ... Fu! ..."

If it's going to cause a ruckus if they show themselves, then they shouldn't show themselves, right ... Just like that, Zeta-tachi, started circling around the men, growling as they hid in the shadows.

"It's bad ... It's bad, hey ..."

"I'm sorry. I really didn't know ..."

"Is that so, then, the reason why I'm called a Monster User, should I thoroughly teach your bodies?"

"Wait, please wait! Please, I'm sorry, I won't do it again, so please forgive me."

"I'm begging you, like this ..."

Everyone, including Fel, crouched down and begged for forgiveness, so I'll leave it at this.

"Then, I'll leave the punishment of that person called Fel to you. Everyone, you can let them go."

When I called out to them, Zeta-tachi's growls suddenly stopped and the silence returned.

The men stood up fearfully, and when I waved my hand and made a shooing motion, they scattered like spiderlings and ran away.

"It's black ... It's Black Kokubu."

"What are you talking about. I only threatened them and didn't hurt anyone. I'm too kind Angel Kokubu."

"Angel, is it ... you mistook Devil. That guy called Fel, they'll probably beat the hell out of him to their heart's content, right?"

"It's self-inflicted, isn't it ... An idiot who suddenly attacks, it's better if he meets with a painful experience."

"Maybe, maa, it doesn't matter, let's go eat."

"Yeah. I'm hungry."

The shop we were aiming for, 'Moonlight Grotto', was about a five-minute walk straight from the point where we exited the park through the promenade.

It was made of solid masonry, and a metal plate with the store's name was inlaid on the sturdy wooden door.

"Kokubu ... Doesn't it look expensive?"

"Maa, maa, I'll treat you tonight."

"Rather, you, do you have any money?"

"You know ... I'm someone who carries around a large storage compartment, right?"

"Oh, I see, is there money in there as well?"

"Right, right, don't worry about money."

In the shadow storage, there were still Minotaur horns and magic stones lying around, and the cash I recovered from the carriage that was attacked by monsters before coming to Volzard was almost untouched.

No matter how expensive it was, there was no way I couldn't afford it.

When we entered the store and looked at the menu, the prices were certainly high, but they were surprising.

Stewed, grilled, steamed, deep-fried ... we chose a variety of dishes with different recipes, laid them out on the table, and Takayama and I put them into our stomachs one by one.

"It's bad ... These skewers are super delicious, Kokubu."

"Whoaaa ... Takayama, this, this stew ..."

"Which one ... Nuaa, it melts, it melts away, but the taste is so good! Hey, it's too dangerous."

"Noaaa, this sausage is so tender ... so tenderrr ..."

"It's bad, I think I should move here with Celia ..."

"Haa? What are you talking about, Takayama, mugumugu ... You don't have any savings, mugu ... You don't even have a regular job, mugumugu ... Your child will be born, and there's your mother-in-law. Mugumugumugu ... Think more about your current situation, mugumugu ..."

"Eat or talk, choose one or the other ... I know it's impossible."

"Maa, mugumugu ... Then, mugu ... That's fine, mugu ..."

"That's enough, just eat."

"Mugu ..."

Following Takayama's words, we sat quietly for a while, enjoying the food, and just when I was thinking about ordering a final dish, Hart, who was the liaison with Camilla, appeared.

"Wafuu, Goshujin-sama, Camilla is in a pinch! Come with me!"

"Eeeehhhh ... Takayama, I'm going for a second!"

"Hey, Kokubu! Wait a minute ..."

It seemed that Takayama was shouting something, but I followed Hart into the shadows and moved.

I didn't know where we moved to, but in the room, Camilla in a dress was pushed down on the bed by a man.

"Hey, what kind of situation is this?"

[ Kent-sama, that's Havre Calvine! ]

"This is, inside the royal castle!"

Camilla was being held down by Havre's hands.

"Insolent fellow! Do you think you can get away with this!"

"Of course, Camilla-sama. His Majesty the King has given permission for our wedding."

"Idiot! Someone! Is there anyone there!"

"There is no one to interfere with the marriage between a man and a woman who have decided to marry."

It seemed that the King had been rounded up by Havre.

"Basten, camera ..."

[ Understood, I will prepare immediately. ]

I thought about going to help right away, but I decided to record the abomination

"Let go! Who would, with you bastard who had my older stepbrothers killed ..."

"Hou, did you suspect even that, yes, I ordered everything. But, is there any proof? It's true that I ordered them to be killed, but how can you prove it. No matter how much I tell the truth here, if there are no witnesses, it won't prove anything."

Maa, I guess that's the common sense in this world, but I filmed and recorded it perfectly.

"Let go, you traitor, this body is dedicated to Maou-sama, I will not let you bastard do as you like!"

"What, dedicated ... to this Maou ..."

"That's right, this body of mine, every single strand of hair and every single drop of blood, belongs to Maou-sama!"

"Fuun! , I don't know to what extent, but I hate you shaking your ass at another man. Maa, it doesn't matter, I'll make you forget about that man right away. I will engrave the mark of this Havre Calvine deep into your body."

"Kuh! ... Let go, insolent fool! Somebody! Somebody!"

Havre put Camilla's hands above her head and held her down solidly with his left hand.

On the day we were summoned, Camilla hoisted that Funayama with one hand, but in a situation where both of them are using physical enhancement, she would probably lose in strength to Havre, who was far superior in physique.

"Let go! Let go! Someone, someone ... Maou-sama!"

"Fuhahahahaha ... There's no way such a person will ever appear. The strong, the wise will get everything. That's the truth of this world. This castle, this country, and this body belong to me. Come on, let's have a lot of fun ... Goaa!"

The moment Havre was about to tear the neckline of her dress with his now free right hand, I kicked him as hard as I could while coming out of the shield of darkness that I had put out beside the bed.

Havre tumbled out of the bed, holding his right side and fainting in agony.

Yeah, in addition to strengthening my body, I kicked him without holding back.

"Maou-sama!"

"Camilla, isn't it too careless to not have an escort?"

"I'm extremely sorry."

Havre Calvine was still crouched on the floor, glaring at us.

"Gufuu ... Bastard, who are you. Where did you come from ..."

"Greetings, nice to meet you, Margrave Havre Calvine. My name is Kent Kokubu."

"Are you the Maou ... Guu ..."

"Maa, in the end, it feels like I'm playing as a Maou."

"Fuun, it seems to be possible to some extent, but the likes of a dark-attribute magician ... What ..."

I made a demonstrative fireball above my right hand, Havre widened his eyes and was speechless.

"Did you say something about a dark-attribute magician?"

"Aren't you a magician with the dark attribute?"

"Well, what do you think ..."

"If you're not a dark-attribute magician, how did you get in!"

"Well, where should I start from ... Havre-san, since when did you have the illusion that you had conquered the royal castle?"

"What, that ..."

Of course, I didn't care about Resenburg, so I didn't know what was going on with the royal castle, but looking at Havre's confident expression, I could guess that he thought he had conquered it.

I tried to bluff, as if I was sure, but it was more effective than I expected.

"Who is it, who betrayed me. The Prime Minister, or the Knight Commander."

"Do you really think I'll tell you that?"

"Damnit, who is it! Who the hell is it!"

Even if Havre raised a loud voice, there was no sign of even hearing footsteps.

Perhaps, Fred had probably already cleaned up.

"Damn, what are you going to do with me?"

"That's right ... Tomorrow, how about gathering everyone at the royal castle and making everything crystal clear?"

"Did the King betray me?"

"If you aren't confident, please wrap your tail between your legs and return to your territory tonight. Of course, as soon as you leave the castle, please think that you will be chased by the hunters."

"Kuh ... That's fine. This Havre Calvine won't run or hide! Gufu! ..."

"Then, please, get out ..."

When I urged him to leave the room, Havre frowned at the pain in his side and left with his chest puffed out while staggering.

[ Fred, watch him for me. ]

[ Roger ... ]

As I saw Havre off, I commanded Fred, then slowly turned around to see Camilla kneeling and bowing her head.

"Maou-sama, I'm sorry for bothering you."

"I think you let your guard down too much, but ... I didn't think that Havre was such an idiot. Camilla, are Count Gleisner and Count Saruel in the mansion below the castle?"

"Yes, they should be in their respective mansions ..."

"Do you know where their mansions are located? I don't think it will happen, but it would be a problem if an assassin was sent, so I'd like to take action now."

"Yes, then, the map ..."

I asked her to tell Reinhardt and Basten the locations of the mansions, and let them move with Camilla's letter.

They would watch over them until the security system was in place.

"I was going to not show up, but apparently I have to participate."

"Maou-sama, please lend me your strength."

"As I said earlier, tomorrow we will gather everyone together and condemn Havre and the others. However, according to Havre's words, it seems that the King and the Knight Commander have been rounded up, or they are voluntarily cooperating, so depending on the case, it may be a brute force settlement."

"I have pledged allegiance to Maou-sama. I am prepared to part with my father."

I asked Camilla to write letters to bring together the important people.

I dragged the guard who was under the influence of Havre and was knocked out by Fred, roused him up, and threatened him to choose whether it was better to deliver the letters or have his whole family executed for betraying the Princess.

In addition, I took out my smartphone from the shadow storage and asked Suzuki-san to order a mobile projector.

Because of the time difference, it was only after 6:00 in the evening in Japan, so I got a reply that it would be ready by tomorrow morning.

Reinhardt and Basten returned from going back and forth, and reported that Count Gleisner and Count Saruel finished guarding their mansions with soldiers.

Fred then came back and reported on how Havre was doing.

[ Havre was summoning the Prime Minister ... He seemed to be quite suspicious ... ]

It seemed that the bluff I came up with for Havre was more effective than expected.

It seemed that Havre was looking at the Prime Minister's reaction while saying that there was a power within the castle that was influenced by Camilla.

Originally, because he was trying to deceive others and win big, Havre must have been extremely afraid of being betrayed.

For the time being, it seemed that the suspicions about the Prime Minister had been cleared, but this time it seemed that the suspicions about the Knight Commander could not be dispelled.

According to the Prime Minister's story, he told the Knight Commander that Havre and the others had taken action out of concern for the country, and that the current King would abdicate, and that Havre would support Camilla as her husband and install her on the throne.

For that reason alone, suspicion of betray was like doubting the Knight Commander's loyalty to his country, to it seemed that there was no way to summon him and ask him.

As for the Knight Commander, he seemed to have come to the conclusion that the only option was to act according to the basic plan and deceive him according to the circumstances.

In the middle of the conversation, the Prime Minister suggested that they assassinate him, but the Knight Commander was a warrior, even if not as much as when he was young, and it seemed that not only was the success unlikely, but even if it succeeded, it would turn the knights against them, so it seemed that they gave up on it.

For Camila's protection, I contacted Oswald, the Commander of the Royal Knights who came with her from Bamata, and asked him to send a knight.

In addition, Basten would also protect her from the shadows.

I consulted with Camilla about how to proceed with tomorrow's meeting, and when I returned to Bakkenheim, the date was about to change.

In the living room of the dormitory, Takayama was sitting with his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face.

"I'm back, Takayama."

When I stepped into the living room from the shield of darkness, Takayama glared at me.

"What's wrong, Takayama?"

"Hey, you ... what's wrong with you. I don't know where you went, but pay the money before you go!"

"Ooohhh ... Sorry, that's right, dinner payment ... Sorry, sorry, how much was it?"

"Total of the two, 940 Helts, 470 Helts each."

"Sorry, I'll pay now ..."

"You idiot, it's not 'I'll pay now'! Think about it, do you think I'm carrying around 940 Helts?"

"Ah!!"

" 'Ah!' is right. You left without paying, so I had a lot of trouble ..."

Takayama who was almost penniless, was about to be handed over to the authorities, so he explained that he was from Volzard together with Master Reese.

However, he was thought to be using Master Reese's name without permission, and was not believed.

He tried to get Rita-san, who was the caretaker, to be contacted, but he couldn't remember the name of the essential Rita-san, so he was worked hard washing dishes and such until they could get in touch.

In the end, Rita-san paid for it, and it would be withdrawn from my guild account.

"No, my bad, my bad ... As for Resenburg, it feels like things are finally coming to an end, and it's tough."

"You, be careful when you're alone, because that will be dine and dash. Just pay the money before you go."

It took even more time to fix Takayama's mood, and it wasn't until the date changed that I was finally able to sleep.