Chapter 22 (2/2)
Shelly only flashes a troubled smile
”Shelly, you are someone ill eventually fly out into the world as a researcher This request fro stone for your bright future”
”But someone like me……”
”Shelly, I always say this, do I not? Have more confidence in yourself This can be done if it's you This can be done only by you”
Ruslan places one hand on Shelly's slender shoulder
”Alright then……”
Shelly accepts the artifact from Iris
”I see, language of the ancients And even written in code”
”It was at one of the facilities of a religious order called the Order of Diabolos We suspect they were conducting research related to the ancient civilization, but we don't know the details We also think that the code is also related to the ancient civilization”
”Then this is indeed a request suited for me”
Shelly gazes at the artifact, curiosity already twinkling in her eyes
”And we also wish to assign souard the artifact”
” 'Guard'……?”
Ruslan reacts to Iris' words
”We will be upfront This artifact is being targeted by the Order of Diabolos even this very moment”
”That sounds quite dangerous”
Ruslan's eyes sharpen
”This artifact was originally seized fro we seized at the tie arin, the other day, the facility where we had been safekeeping all those things was torched The only thing left is that artifact”
”Ahh, that fire incident Speaking of which, it was after that incident that Princess Iris established a new knight order, wasn't it?”
”Indeed Though it is still quite small in size”
”If I remember correctly, the name is The Crimson Order? So you are here today under that identity?”
”Yes, I am……”
”That's how ht Order?”
Iris does not answer Ruslan's sharp-witted question
She only looks straight at Ruslan without a single change in her expression
”Furant permission But for only two”
”Two…… The safest would be for me to take on the position myself, but……”
Iris displays a conflicted expression on her face
”If Iris-saress at all with our other work as a knight order”
The person who says this is the knight with a large build sitting at Iris' right Hair like the e scar on his face
”That's true too, I suppose Alright then, Glen, this will be your new assignment from now on”
”Yes ma'am! I shall do my utmost”
Glen lowers his head
”Nee-sama, allow me to help out with this”
So says Alexia from Iris' left
”The n here wouldthe Jet Black Incident”
Iris remains silent
”The Crimson Order is still far too short-handed On top of which, I've met him before There's no one more suited to this role than me”
”However, Alexia, you are still……”
”A student? But what does that th? It was you who said those words, Nee-sama”
”I said no such thing”
”You said so similar to it to Shelly-san just now”
Iris sulks, as Alexia grins with composure
”You used to be so cute too…”
So grumbles Iris in a small voice
”I heard that Nee-sama, I really want to know What their aim is And…… whether they are our enemies or not”
”But it's dangerous!”
”I am aware”
Iris and Alexia gaze at each other for a while
”Very well But only to the degree where it does not negatively affect your studies, and only on er”
”Thank you very much”
Alexia s her head
”About the artifact, ill leave it in your hands then”
So says Iris to Shelly with a sigh