Chapter 81 (1/2)

Volume 1

Atelier Tanaka Volume 1 &2 Chapter 12 Part 1

A certain event happened in the afternoon of the second day on our flight aboard the airship.

A strategy meeting? [Fahren]

Well be arriving at our destination the next day so there should be things to discuss about before that. [Tanaka]

.Thats true. [Fahren]

This exchange took place an hour before in my room with the noble mage.

And so, we summoned everyone and had all party members gather to exchange ideas. Everyone, including Sophichan whose role was non-combative, assembled together in an area resembling a huge living room.

Resting on the sofa, we all faced each other with a drink in our hand.

In hindsight, wasnt that the first opportunity we had to gather everyone in one place, including the noble mage? Considering his so-called high ranking position, he must have ended up being isolated most of the time. I have a sneaking suspicion that he creates these situations occasionally.

The blonde haired loli?

Displaying her tsundere characteristics, she had magnificently blended into the group.

Shes actually a good person but she plainly hates this ugly middle-aged ossan. Well, thats natural for most people. If I were a woman, I dont think I would ever come to like an ugly middle-aged old man like myself either. Thats a given.

Anyway let us begin our session in devising a countermeasure to defeat the dragon.

Without further delay, the one leading the session was the ugly middle-aged old man.

Yeah it was me.

Im sorry.

Congregating around a short table, we began our discussion after everyone was seated. There were two three-seater sofas and one box-shaped one-seater sofa. The three members of team group sex were seated on one while the other one was occupied by me, the noble mage and Mercedes-chan. Sophichan seated herself in the remaining sofa.

First of all, we will be deciding on the formation to take on that day. [Tanaka]

I cut to the chase at once.

I shared the scene that I had envisioned beforehand.

Despite my interpretation, I was actually giving a trivial explanation, like having no intel on the last boss of an internet game.

Allen-san and Mercedes-san will be the vanguard while me and Fahren-san will be the rear guard. Ester-san and Sophie-san will be supporting from the side. [Tanaka]

Actually, that was all.

As for the responsibilities of the rear guard, I will be in charge of healing and also aiding the people around. Fahren-san, Ester-san and Sophie-san, please help in the terms of firepower. [Tanaka]

Im not really sure about the two loli bitches but, this role should be well-suited for the noble mage.

Well have to do our best in various ways this time.

For the two vanguards, please do your utmost to draw the attention of the dragon but its not necessary to be on the offensive. Prioritize your safety first. [Tanaka]

W-Wait a minute! [Mercedes]

Mercedes raised her hand.

In spite of her drained complexion, she opened her pale-blue lips, voicing out.

Regardless of the circumstances, such an important role of leading as a vanguard against a Red Dragon is just too [Mercedes]

She looked like she couldnt spit out what she wanted to say in the presence of the noble mage.

Especially since the noble mage was just sitting right beside her.

In any event I guess an unpleasant task was still an unpleasant task to her. Thank you very much for voicing out your desperate opinion without reservation.

Is the Dragon that dangerous?

If you lose just an arm or a leg, Ill be able to restore them immediately so please rest assured. [Tanaka]

There were proven results.

But! [Mercedes]

Mercedes-chan still persisted in it.

Glancing at Allen from the corner of my eye, I saw him glancing down at his feet spiritless. Because he had the all-important task of protecting the blonde-haired loli, there was no room for him to object. However, the look of reluctance on his face portrayed his desire to not participate if possible.

I cant give up, I thought. If this dragon extermination quest falls apart, my house would be mortgaged due to debt and someone from somewhere would take it away from me. That must be prevented at all cost. In order to avoid that, I have to kill one or two dragons by any means.

Mercedes-san, I understand your reservations. [Tanaka]

Then! [Mercedes]

*glance*glance* The lady knight threw occasional glances at the noble mage, intimidated by his gaze.

Nevertheless, this is a serious national issue. Her Royal Princess, the Kings beloved daughter, is currently on the brink of death. There have been many great rulers who ended up abusing their power and taking the wrong path after losing their love ones. Looking back through history, you can see this is true, cant you? [Tanaka]

For the sake of convincing her, I mixed in facts with non-existent details noncommittally.

Of course, I cant say that its inevitable. However, you cant refute the possibility either. Therefore, as citizens staying in his country, it might not be an exaggeration to say that this mission is a crusade that will determine the fate of the entire country. [Tanaka]

Arent you disrespecting the King with that speech!? [Mercedes]

The desperate look on Mercedes as she protested was cute.

If that is the case then Ill pay the price by curing the illness of Her Royal Highness Princess. [Tanaka]

I stared at her with a straight face.

Even if you are one of the knights, you report me directly and blab anything you want, thats fine with me. [Tanaka]

! [Mercedes]

The other party couldnt even utter out a single sound.

It was decided for real then. That was cool of me.

Though only on the exterior.

I do think that it will be very troublesome. But, I would like everyone to lend me your power. This mission will be impossible by myself. The keystone in succeeding the dragon extermination expedition this time is the trust from everyone here. All for one and one for all, not leaving anyone out. If its not for this Dragon Slayer team, it will not be possible to accomplish this mission. [Tanaka]

The little girl in the town has said it before.

I believe in the little girl.

Since I am a lolicon.

But I do like huge breasts too.

Yesterday, didnt you feel anything even after receiving that violent torrent of magic? [Fahren]

He directed his gaze at Mercedes-chan who was sitting next to him.

Owing to that, she trembled violently. She was freaked out.

I-Im sorry. The torrent you meant [Mercedes]

Dont you think you should consider what happened? Didnt this person display magnificent proof yesterday? Even after witnessing that, you still cant comprehend? This is why those who cant understand magic are worthless. [Fahren]

He directed his glance here the moment he saidthis person.

Apparently he was talking about me.

Mm.M-My humble apologies!! [Mercedes]

Mercedes-chan got up from the sofa frantically and prostrated.

*kosu kosu* Her forehead was rubbing against the carpet profusely as she stretched out and bowed.

Had she kept it up, the surface of her forehead would have grown.

Just how scary is the nobility?

Although, what the noble mage said sounded ambiguous. Was the magnificent proof referring to that bullshit reasoning? I didnt get what he meant either but it was better to let it slide. I should just go with the flow.

Now, now Fahren-san. Lets just get along. There will be other opportunities later. [Tanaka]

..Fuun, fine then. I will overlook it this time to save this persons face. [Fahren]

T-Thank you very much! [Mercedes]

As though she has just narrowly escaped death, tears could be seen welled up in her eyes as she couldnt contain her composure.

I wondered if I would be feared like this too once I became a noble. I started considering it, maybe being a noble wasnt too bad. Having a voluptuous beauty prostrate before you is the best. That might be my next goal after I complete the youth-restoration potion someday.

Ill aim for something like a duke.