Chapter 66 (1/2)

Volume 1

Atelier Tanaka Chapter 29 Part 3

Conflict

“You were superb in command. I can only hope that I can reach that level someday.”

“No, really, the only reason things went so well is that everyone was so willing to cooperate.”

It’s not good for him to be speaking so openly about his inexperience. Especially with Klein here. If word were to spread about Allen’s inexperience many soldiers would begin to doubt him.

I looked around at our surroundings to see if there might be anything I’d like to ask Allen.

But, my eyes quickly met with the Dark Elf’s.

And she immediately averted her gaze.

I know.

I’m not going to say anything to you to incur your wrath.

“By the way, when did you get here, Allen?”

“I only just arrived yesterday evening.”

“I see.”

Given the information I got in the past, an elite knight like Allen wouldn’t be sent to the front lines. Perhaps he decided to come here on his own. Maybe he came for Ester-chan.

“I’m, well, how should I put it? I’m a really foolish man.”

“That was sudden. What’s wrong?”

The ikemen was showing his usual cheerful smile, but there was a dark shadow hanging over his face.

Even with this depressing look on his face he still looks cool. Can this guy ever look uncool? I bet he could just point to his crotch and any surrounding women would come to service him in no time.

I’d also like to experience that.

“I worked so hard for her and she never even noticed. She’s more important to me than anyone else in this world but I’m nothing more than a friend to her.”

“So that’s why you wanted to go to Tricklis.”

It seems like I was right.

He’s here for Ester-chan.

There’s no other reason he’d come to such a dangerous place. Due to Allen’s rank, there’s a high possibility that he could die before he even gets to meet her.

“Yes, it’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I came to see you the day you left. I spoke with Sophia-san and she told me where both you and Ester were.”

“That just goes to show how great of a man you are. I’m only here because I was conscripted by the Guild. You came here on your own. You’re brave.”

“Even so, don’t you feel like we’ve abandoned the students at the school? The Knights of the Order are stationed there to protect the students. Yet, almost every knight has been pulled away from the school.”

“I’m not the one that makes those decisions so I really can’t answer.”

But this guy was alone with Sophia-chan in my dorm room, right? Was that his plan? Sneak into the dormitory once Ester-chan and I had left and do all sorts of things to the unsuspecting Sophia-chan.

Actually, knowing Sophia-chan, she’d probably willingly invite him inside.

Damn it.

Recently, I felt like we were starting to get along well.

“How was Sophia-san doing?”

“Oh, she was fine. She seemed worried about you.”

I’m surprised to hear that.

Maybe I’m finally starting to develop social skills now that I’ve reached my late thirties. Now that I’m of an age that nobody would want to marry me, I have nothing to lose. And a man with nothing to lose is powerful.

“That’s good to hear.”

“Yeah. That’s why you should try to return home soon and let her know you’re safe.”

“I think so too. And that’s why we should win this conflict as soon as possible.”

“Yeah, I agree.”

I kind of want to get a drink with this guy.

In fact, the night spent out with Neumann, I was so obsessed with eating good food that I didn’t even drink anything.

I’ll have to be sure to grab a drink when I return home.

It’s good for two men to bond over a drink every now and then.

“E-Excuse me! Allen Senpai!”

“Hm? What is it, Klein?”

For a few seconds, the shota kept glancing at the ground then back up at Allen and me.

“It-It might be rude of me to ask, but.”

“Please, say what’s on your mind.”

“Well, u-umm. What kind of relationship do you have with Tanaka-san?”

“Ah, I never introduced you. Sorry, sorry.”

The shota asked this with moist eyes.

In response to his question, Allen responded with a casual tone.

And placed his hand on my shoulder.

“This is Tanaka-san. The man I adore more than anyone else.”

EhA-Allen Senpaiy-you adore him?”

“Yes. Oh, can you call me Saito from now on?”

“Eh?”

Saito.”

“S-SaitoSenpai?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“N-No.”

Allen showed one of his trademark ikemen smiles.

Is he still going by Saito?

And why do I feel such a strange sense of guilt right now?

“Anyway, we’ve been talking out here for far too long now. There’s a nearby tent that’s been prepared for my company. For strategic purposes, we’ll be called the ‘First Company.’ Let’s move there so we can continue these talks. You can also receive any equipment you need there.”

“Alright, I’ll offer whatever help I can.”

“Thank you very much, Tanaka-san. I’m sure you’ll be a great help. I was honestly worried about being in command. Not only are there a large number of soldiers here, most of them have never even seen real combat.”

“I-I’ll help too!”

“Thank you, Klein. Then, shall we get going?”

Following Allen’s instructions, we headed to the nearby tent to give everyone their assignments.