Chapter 61 (1/2)
Volume 1
Atelier Tanaka Chapter 28 Part 1
Conflict 6
With no further excitement, we managed to bring the lesbian masquerading as an Imperial Knight back to Tricklis. We travelled all day and night while I used my recovery magic to keep us going. By the way, we passed through that unnamed village on our way back without stopping.
Mercedes-chan had been upset ever since she lost her meat toilet and walked through the forest with little attention being paid to her surroundings.
Even though we were still in a dangerous area and even a slight mistake could lead to us being captured.
And this is exactly what I reported to the Adventurers Guild in Tricklis. I followed the instructions of the bald macho guild member and waited nearby with the Dark Elf and Mercedes-chan at one of the tables.
The latter of which was the only one willing to talk to me.
“By the way, where is FitzClarence-sama?”
“I actually havent seen her since arriving here.”
“I see.”
“Did you need her for something?”
“Nothing, in particular, Im just feeling a little anxious.”
This super les really has a wide strike zone. Shes constantly sending short glances to the Dark Elf’s thick thighs and chest, but shes still thinking about molesting Ester-chan as well.
I wonder if any hole is good enough for her.
Ah, we really are alike.
“Have you already been to the castle?”
“No, I haven’t even got close to that place yet.”
“I heard that you were travelling with a group of soldiers.”
“A few low ranking soldiers were assigned to travel with me from the Guild. We were sent out on a mission shortly after arriving here; I really had no time to do much of anything else.”
“I-I see.”
I can perfectly understand the feeling of being sent straight to the frontlines.
Mercedes-chan and I continued sharing information for a few minutes. After some time had passed, the Dark Elf became irritated after being forced to wait for so long. She began rapidly tapping her fingers on the table. Eventually, an official from the Guild appeared from behind the counter.
With a somewhat tired expression, the official approached us.
I guess this person is also really busy.
“I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
“Yeah, well, I guess we were lucky.”
“Excuse me, you must be the missing knight?”
“Yeah, I’m Mercedes.”
“I’m sorry for seeming so rushed, but thank you for your hard work.”
The official that had been consistently rude to both the Dark Elf and me, was suddenly polite when speaking with Mercedes-chan. Once again, I realize how great the title of ‘Imperial Knight’ must be. Especially in smaller towns. It’s similar to someone working at a large company in Tokyo then getting transferred to a rural branch. Even if they’re not great at their job, the prestige of their title gets them respect.
So far, the only people I’ve seen treated with such respect has been the noble mage and Ester-chan, but now that Mercedes-chan has a new title, it seems she’s reached the same heights as them.
“I’m sure we have a lot to talk about, do you mind if we do that while travelling to the castle?”
“Sure, that’s fine.”
“Thank you so much. You’re so understanding.”
“From now on, can you just skip the small talk and get to the main point?”
“Y-Yes!”
I have seen a scene like this in the past, but it’s somewhat surprising seeing Mercedes-chan treated with such high regard.
“By the way, do you know this adventurer?”
“Why do you ask?”
“No, it’s just, I’m a bit curious.”
“This adventurer and I have similar interests, and we’ve fought together before.”
“I-I understand.”
I stared blankly at Mercedes-chan as she said this.
I never thought this day would come.
I felt a strange feeling deep down inside me begin to form.
“So, what are we doing now?”
“Yes, of course. Right now, you’ll be temporarily assigned to the castle. I’m sure it will be trivial to a knight such as yourself, but we’re preparing a welcoming celebration for you. Also, there should be a reward awaiting you from the Lord.”
“I see.”
What’s the reward for?
Didn’t she fail her mission and lose most of her unit?
Well, if I follow I’m sure I’ll find out.
“I have a carriage waiting outside. Please, follow me.”
“Alright.”
Mercedes-chan nodded and rose from her chair.
The Dark Elf and I followed after her.
[Sophia-chan’s point of view]
I returned to the others after I finished exploring the castle. Apparently, their discussion has already ended. Ester-sama, Fahren-sama, and the Dragon are all sitting at a table drinking tea.
A maid stood in the corner of the room. Only her and the three drinking tea remained in the room. I wonder how long they’ve been waiting.
“I-I’m sorry for being late!”
I panicked and hurriedly bowed my head in apology for inconveniencing them.
But Fahren-sama responded in a gentle manner.
“Don’t worry about it. Would you like a cup?”
“No, I-I’m more used to being the one pouring the tea.”
“Really? If so, I won’t force you, but you can still sit with us, right?”
“Y-Yes!”
He motioned for me to take a seat next to him. There was only one seat open and it was between him and Ester-chan. I’m so nervous, but I just need to bear with it. As soon as I sat down on the sofa, I sunk deep into the cushions. Ah, this sofa is great.
After sitting down, the maid moved from her position in the corner and began to pour me a cup of tea. It feels nice being on the opposite side of this.
This girl really must be a pro. She’s getting me tea even though I refused it. So cool. In addition to that, this tea, it’s the same type Tanaka-san buys. This must be Ester-chan’s doing. It’s just as delicious as usual.
“From now on, you will be working with Lord Fahren.”
“eh?”
What is Ester-sama saying?
I almost spit out the tea in my mouth.
“Is that not okay?”
“No, u-umm, I-I-I’m just so honoured to be working with Fahren-sama.”
“If you’re with him, that person will be unlikely to refuse him.”
It’s the reason we left the capital in the first place.
The person she’s talking about is Tanaka. The Dragon is still looking for him.
Even so, I don’t know if my heart can stand working closely with Fahren-sama. I don’t think I can take it. I’d like to stay with Ester-sama, or even better, can’t they just let me go home? I’d like to eat dinner alone in the dorm room.
“Umm, E-Ester-sama.”
“As for me, I’ll try to find out his exact whereabouts from the castle.”