The Hero of Sherwood Forest
The Carbuncle was running like a rabbit, and it was all I could do to keep up with her. But when she finally stopped, it was in front of the exact person I had expected to see.
Robin Hood.
He had evaded the guards and infiltrated the mansion from the opposite side. There was no bow or arrow in his hands. It appeared that he had given up trying to kill from a distance. He had a short sword on his belt.
He looked a little surprised to see co towards him, but didnt try and make any excuses.
Well, its no wonder they call you the god of strategy. It took you no ti at all to know who the assassin was. You saw right through my plan.
You exaggerate. It was all because of her.
I pointed at the Carbuncle.
Robin looked at her and nodded.
I see. So I was betrayed by one of my only friends.
Betrayal, or perhaps it was to save you. You were going to return to Dagon, werent you? She stopped that.
I have my reasons. Reasons that I must kill you. And though I failed this ti, the next ti will be on the battlefield with soldiers.
It would be an honor to face a Hero like you on the battlefield. But its also sothing to fear. In fact, I would like to deal with things here and now.
That wont do.
And why is that?
I snapped my fingers. At the sa ti, my maid jumped out behind Robin.
She was carrying a vase with both hands. Sothing she had borrowed from the hallway.
It was so expensive that it could buy a small mansion. And Eve smashed it against the back of Robins head. This hadnt happened by re accident.
I had asked Eve to keep an eye out for Robin. I had known from the beginning that he would try and do sothing.
After finishing this job, Eve turned to .
Ive lost count of the tis that Ive been surprised by your foresight, Master. But how did you know that Robin would betray you?
I just considered every possibility. You know, its quite unnatural for so many Heroes to join one after another.
That is true.
Eve then asked what she should do with the traitor.
He isnt a traitor.
But, he tried to assassinate you.
Robin said that there was a reason.
Should you really believe his words?
Not so much his words, but his conviction.
Is it because he killed Francis Rosnay? He must have done that in order to fool you, Master.
But he killed the captain of the guard before that. And there was sorrow in his eyes. He was moved by Georgs courage. Robins arrow was unleashed as a show of rcy and not hatred. Soone like that could not be a villain. I want to find out what is happening, so that he can truly join our camp.
Upon hearing this, Eve said, you truly are a compassionate king. And then she called her demon guards.
I ordered that he should be bound, but carried carefully to a room.
It was there that the interrogation began.
Well, I would only ask questions. And if Robin refused, that would be fine.
You are too soft, Master. However, that in itself may attract so Heroes.
Said Eve.
Its not done in a calculating way.
I said, and then used dicine to awaken Robin.
It could not have been very pleasant to be knocked out with a vase and co back like this, but Robins face remained neutral. He did not panic or beco wild. That was impressive.
And so I treated him with respect while questioning him.
So, why did you try to kill ?
It was a simple question, and Robin answered . He had no intention of hiding it at this point.
Because Demon King Dagon told to.
I take its not exactly an order that you agree with.
Aye. Im an archer, not an assassin. I would rather fight boldly on the battlefield. Especially if my opponent is a Demon King that will be rembered by history.
Well, lets not get carried away. So, Dagon wants to kill . And who did he take hostage?
So you can tell.
Aye. A proud man like you accepted this task. It was surely not for yourself.
My lover has been taken hostage. Her na is Fianna.
Its a pretty na.
And she is a pretty woman. Both inside and out. She helped when I was summoned to this world and lost my master. I had no reason to live in this world until I t her.
So you owe her a debt.
Yes. She is more important to than my heart.
Then I will help you get her back from Dagon.
Fianna is being imprisoned deep underground, below Dagons castle. Its impossible.
Not impossible. Im the king of strategy, after all.
And so I explained my plan to Robin.
I have a shinobi nad Fuma Kotaro among my n. I will send him to go and rescue Fianna.
But the castle is tightly protected.
Dagon is currently focused on the southern fortress. He has set out for it himself. There will be fewer guarding the castle than usual.
Besides, I intend to put on an act to lower his guard even further.
An act?
Yes. I will die once in battle. By your arrow. And if he thinks that I died in battle, you will know if he really intends to return Fianna to you. If he does, that is good. If not, Kotaro will rescue her, and then he can regret his decision as I kill him.
I see. That makes sense. Your reputation is well earned.
Im happy that you think so.
However, theres one thing that bothers . This plan about shooting you, and faking the assaination.
Yes.
What would happen if I really killed you? Your plan would be for nothing then.
Robin said the most morbid things as if they were nothing. And so I answered him calmly.
It would only an the complete collapse of the Ashtaroth army. Eve knows that if I ever die, she is not to resist, and allow the strongest to take my lands. I dont know if that will be Dagon or so other Demon King.
You do take a long view of things. Very well. I will gamble everything on your magnanimity.
The chances arent high, but the rewards are great.
In that case, we should increase the chances, as well as the reward.
Robin said as he offered his right hand. He wanted to shake on it. And so I did. Like that, I ford a friendship with the Hero of Sherwood forest.
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