93 93. Report (2/2)

She must have understood the situation from my attitude and conversation. There's a possibility that the swordsmen will come here and set up a trap. And if it's not Iris they're after, then it's me they're after.

When I nodded to Aria's words, she wrinkled her brow in anger.

When I nodded to Aria, she wrinkled her brow somewhat angrily, ”If that's the case, you should have told me sooner.

”Haha, that's not really something to talk about...

”It's not funny. It's not funny. They're after you, the enemy is coming. Then you should turn to me for help.

Aria says this with pride. She continued with a gesture of checking her surroundings.

I can find out where the enemy is. I can find out where the enemy is. Even if we get into an engagement, there's a chance we can do something. I can give you all the information you need.

Aria, I appreciate the sentiment, but...

It's not fair that you help me and I don't help you. Even if the teacher doesn't want to help me, I can help the teacher myself.

I can help you if you don't want me to. ...... It sounded like a threat in a way. Aria can do it - something I understand very well.

To put it simply, Aria will do her own research and provide me with information even if I don't ask for her help.

If that's the case, then it's better to cooperate after all - that's what she wants me to say.

The enemy is the Swordsmen. You engaged them once, didn't you, Aria?

Yes. I can fight.

When I asked for confirmation, Aria replied in no uncertain terms. I shrugged and nodded in agreement.

I shrugged my shoulders, but still nodded in agreement with Aria's determination.

...... I understand. But I'm not going to ask you to investigate on your own. You have to follow my instructions--that's the deal. Don't get involved in anything dangerous or go anywhere you feel unsafe. If you can do that, you can help me.

”Okay. I'm not like Iris.

I'm not like Iris,” Aria said, referring to Iris, ”but to me, we're not so different. She's the type of person who would give up her life if she decided to work for someone else.

It's great that he can do that at such a young age, but it's also worrisome. ...... So it would be best to keep him by my side as a means of surveillance.

...... By the way, I had asked Iris to stay by the shore to wait for me to return. She went to get a drink, didn't she?

”She didn't come back, so I came to the doctor. I thought she might have seen him coming.

I see. Well, let's go get Iris first. Since there was a problem in this area, it would be dangerous to leave her alone. Aria, please keep a low profile along the coast. If anything happens, report to me immediately.

”All right. Are you going to tell Iris about this?

Aria asks. ...... Aria herself is worried about me, but informing Iris about this is a different story.

No, I'm not going to inform Iris - I'm sure you feel the same way, don't you?

”...... Yeah. When Iris finds out about something like this, she'll do something dangerous.

Is that what you're saying, Aria? As usual, they are difficult children.

I'm not sure what to do.

The swordsmen are starting to move, and it looks like we need to start moving too.