Unlike in the middle of the capital, it was dark in the back alley of the slums even at noon.
This was where criminals and the Shadow Guild would gather for illegal trading.
No one would guess that this was in the sa district as the shopping area.
That was why it was known as the back side of the Shopping District.
This was a place that even the residents of the slums didnt go near.
Using the rampart as a wall, a small and ruined mansion rose above the surroundings.
Apparently, the noble who used to manage the shopping center once lived there.
This nobleman had died a long ti ago.
His son was not fortunate and lost the mansion.
Being of junior nobility, I was told he had returned to his hotown with only a few of his servants.
The mansion, with no one left to live in it, had beco ruined and now gave off an atmosphere that scared others away.
I think its easier to understand if I said that it looked like a mansion out of a horror film.
The soldiers of the Imperial Army waited in the shadows around the ruined mansion.
Several dozen mages had cast hide presence magic to ensure that their presence wouldnt be noticed.
Knight Commander, the Archer Corps, Swordsn Corps, Fighter Corps, and Mage Corps are in position. [Swordsman Soldier]
A man who belonged to the Swordsn Corps reported in a low voice.
Understood. Tell them to hold their positions and wait for the signal to attack. [Chie]
Yes sir! [Swordsman Soldier]
After I instructed the soldier in a low voice, he acknowledged the order and left.
Soon we would attack the auction location.
A plan of attack had been created three days ago, using the results from Claudes investigation of the auction venue.
The Captains, including Conrad and myself, were all gathered in the War room.
As for why no other vice-captains other than Conrad were present, it was because Conrad was allowed to wear a special cloak that was proof of his status as Captain, even though he was my subordinate.
This was because of his past achievents.
This was an urgent eting between the Captains, who were ranked highest in the military.
We sat in chairs around a large, round table.
To suddenly open an ergency eting, does that an its finally ti to move out, Black Knight-san? [Adolf]
Blue Captain Addinsell asked with a serious look.
I nodded in response.
Thats correct, Captain Addinsell. [Chie]
For so reason, when I answered, everyones serious faces except for Conrads beca surprised.
Whats wrong? [Chie]
Nouh, its just, you didnt use his nickna just now. So it just wasnt the usual you know [Adelbert]
Captain Abercrombie said.
So thats what it was about.
Now is a serious ti, Captain Abercrombie. It is not the ti to be playful. [Chie]
Well, that is true. [Adelbert]
Captain Abercrombie said in response, while looking puzzled.
Today was the first ti I showed them my work mode.
It wasnt unreasonable for them to be surprised, when one considered the difference between my current attitude and my usual playful attitude.
Now, on to the main issue. [Chie]
Everyones faces beca serious again.
I think everyone already knows, but recently two important pieces of information have co into our possession. First is the location of the Shadow Guild and second is information about a group of suspicious individuals entering the ruins at the back of the town. To start with, Conrad will report on the Shadow Guild. [Chie]
I directed my line of sight to Conrad.
Conrad nodded before starting the explanation.
Currently, we have our subordinates keeping watch over the Shadow Guild. They were able to identify a suspicious looking individual through their observations. Upon investigation, it was found that an assassination request had been put in for the Commander [Conrad]
All eyes turned to focus on .
I gave a worried look.
Its not a problem. Conrad is usually nearby to assist . Well, encountering Gardo on my previous day off was unexpected, but the Goblins were dealt with, so theres nothing to worry about. [Chie]
I said to everyone.
Claude shall remain a secret.
If I told them about Claude, I would be defeated by all the questions that they would ask.
Continue, Conrad. [Chie]
I ordered Conrad to continue.
Understood. We found out that the man was an interdiary between Praetor Ackroyd and the Shadow Guild. Praetor Ackroyd hired this interdiary to put out a request to the Shadow Guild. [Conrad]
This man happened to be a big catch.
During interrogation, he talked non-stop while acting all nervous and jumpy.
Not only did he talk about the request for my assassination, but he also talked about the kidnapping requests, backed up with evidence of their activities.
We offered to release this man on the condition that he would report any future requests made by Praetor Ackroyd to the Army imdiately. In this case, the request was not made by this man, so it was determined that there would be no issues with releasing him. However, he was warned that if he did not honor the agreent there would be no such rcy next ti. [Conrad]
Everyone seed satisfied with what Conrad said.
I rembered the pale face of the man during the investigation.
I had just watched as Conrad had turned into a demon as he interrogated the man.
I wonder if that was what they called bone-chilling fear?
That concludes the report, Commander. [Conrad]
Oh. Thank you, Conrad. [Chie]
I thanked Conrad, then turned my line of sight back towards the Captains.
Next is the second piece of information, which involves the ruins at the back of the town. It was found out that the next auction will be held there in several days. I would like to imdiately form a unit to launch an attack on this location. [Chie]
Im concerned. How did we obtain this information? [Brandon]
Captain Adams asked.
Everyone other than Conrad was of the sa opinion.
Well, we just [Chie]
I tried to think of acceptable words to say.
Claudes presence shouldnt be revealed to anyone other than Conrad, Alice, and His Majesty.
That way, it would be easier for him to move.
..Haa~, its not sothing we need to be concerned about. [Adolf]
I silently expressed relief.
What matters is the positioning of all the corps. My bown will surround the buildings, cutting off any escape paths. [Adolf]
My Fighters Corp will do sothing similar. Honestly, fighting within the buildings would be quite difficult for my n. [Brandon]
I nodded to the words of Captain Addinsell and Captain Adams.
If thats how it is, then the Spear Corps should also wait outside. [Celes]
Understood. Captain Arnold, I would like your Mage Corps to spread out among the other corps to help with defense and concealnt. Move as you see fit. [Chie]
YesSir. Theycancasthidepresencemagic. [Amy]
Captain Avery and Captain Arnold also confird their positions.
That leaves the assault to the Knight Corps and Captain Abercrombies Swordsn Corps. Is that alright? [Chie]
.I dont care. [Adelbert]
After a slight pause, Captain Abercrombie accepted.
I knew he didnt like , so I ignored it.
I also didnt acknowledge him.
Ill have command of the assault troops. Who will lead the external forces? [Chie]
It wasnt like all the Captains could be involved in the attack.
At best it would be and another person, but should it be the Bow, Spear, Fight, or Mage Corps Captain?
It was previously decided that Captain Abercrombie would lead the troops guarding the castle grounds, so he would wait here.
Ill do it. [Adolf]
Stated Captain Addinsell.
Ill give the orders. Archers excel at ranged attack. We can easily observe the situation and relay orders to the others. [Adolf]
Everyone nodded to his words and afterwards the unit was created.
Since there was little ti, we rushed to select the mbers of the unit, and procure and check the equipnt.
The auction date quickly arrived.
It beca completely dark as the soldiers concealed themselves in the surrounding buildings.
Filled with tension, my heartbeat increased imnsely.
My mind was clouded with anxiety.
It was no good; my hands were trembling.
I grabbed my arm so the other soldiers wouldnt see.
They would beco uneasy if they saw it.
I stood up to leave and calm down.
Commander, whats wrong? [Conrad]
When I went to leave, I heard Conrads voice.
I needed to say sothing to him.
Just getting a little excited. Im going to cool down. [Chie]
I said quietly, so only he could hear.
Understood, be careful. [Conrad]
It looks like he knows.
After all, hes an adult. Im reminded of it again.
I walked away to a more secluded area.
Phew~ [Chie]
I let out a large sigh as I sat down against a wall.
ntally preparing myself had been useless
The tension caused my heart to beat faster, and I felt a discomfort in my chest.
Not only my hands, but my whole body had started to tremble.
How could I
If I were to fail here.
As I began to think, I was filled with unease.
Even when given power equal to that of the Demon Lord, or all the knowledge of this world, I was still just a high school girl.
The knowledge given to was of common sense, fighting, politics, history, and legends.
The knowledge ca from the Elk god of this world, and was implanted into this body.
The knowledge was enormous, as much as all the information contained in a large library.
This was only possible because this body was made by Amaterasu.
Considering history, the knowledge of the next 4 years had not been entered.
Perhaps it was because the future where Yuusuke was summoned had yet to occur.
Amaterasu may have sent back in ti in order to gain combat experience.
Actually, she had explained that to before I left.
However, when I thought about why I was sent to this world, perhaps I would make a future where, in 4 years, Yuusuke would need to be summoned.
Hah~, thats ridiculous~ [Chie]
I let out a deep sigh and muttered in a low voice.
Dont think of such things right now.
Its heavy~.
I felt like weights had been attached to my whole body.
Since I ca to this world, the only original knowledge I had were of Earths ani, manga, and gas.
A simple high school girl wouldnt have been accepted by His Majesty, and there would have been no reason to let train the military.
There would have been no reason to give the title of Duke, let alone Commander.
Even being favored by the Royal Family
None of it was done through my own strength.
The more I thought about it, the more negative I beca.
My face under the helt was probably making a pathetic expression right now.
You look discouraged, Black Knight-san. [?]
!?Claude? [Chie]
I was surprised by the voice directed at .
The voice ca from a spot between a house and a wall.
A man was leaning against the wall with his arms folded.
As usual, a black scarf hid his nose and mouth.
Usually, the night and shadow would hide anyone there, but my helt allowed to see clearly.
I was surprised when I noticed Claudes profile.
Youre pretty good at hiding~. Usually Im good at picking up any signs. [Chie]
I was talking in my usual way, rather than how I talk in work mode.
I really didnt notice him.
In my original world, I was already sensitive to my surroundings, but coming here had made even more sensitive.
Idiot, you were so defenseless. [Claude]
Haha [Chie]
Hearing Claudes words, I laughed at myself.
I had no words to say in return.
Whats up? This isnt like the usual you. [Claude]
Usual. [Chie]
So he said, but I didnt even know what the usual was like.
A woman?
A Black Knight?
The usual what is it? [Chie]
Huh? [Claude]
Just answer [Chie]
Claude made a strange face when he heard my words.
I asked him for an answer.
Lets see~ [Claude]
Claude looked like he was thinking.
I waited nervously.
An unreasonable, suspicious, rciless, naive, and strange guy. [Claude]
[Chie]
I quietly grabbed a bunch of pebbles and threw them at Claude.
He quickly ducked to avoid them.
Although I hadnt thrown the stones in earnest, I was secretly irritated that he had dodged them.
Hey! What gives!? [Claude]
Complaining, Claude stood up again.
Too loud! And those are all bad things! [Chie]
We ended up shouting at each other, though not too loudly.
There was no way soone wouldnt get angry when talked about in such a way.
What! Right when I thought you were all depressed you suddenly beco all energetic again. Really you, even while not wearing your armor you have beco strange! [Claude]
Huh? StrangeI am? [Chie]
I involuntarily gave him a blank look.
Under my helt, I probably looked like a pigeon that had been shot by a peashooter.
Whats with that blank look? [Claude]
Oh, I anI was just wondering what you thought was strange. [Chie]
I responded in surprise to the words that Claude spoke.
Huh? What are you talking about? [Claude]
Amazed, Claude continues.
In the beginning, your voice was different depending on whether or not you were wearing the armor. These last few days, when I listened to you talk while changing voices, I thought sothing was strange. Just now I thought the sa thing. [Claude]
When he said that, I tried to recall my voice from the last few days.
Certainly, even without wearing the armor, I spoke with a mans voice even though Im a woman.
While outside the armor, I had only spoken to Conrad, Alice, and Claude, so I hadnt even noticed.
I didnt notice at all [Chie]
You didnt even notice until now [Claude]
I nodded in response to Claudes words.
Stunned, he looked down at .
I see it changed [Chie]
I muttered to myself.
Strangely enough, the tension that had built up a while ago had eased sowhat.
You alright? [Claude]
Claude asked with a doubtful expression on his face.
Ah~, actually, I was troubled just a little while ago. About what would happen if I failed here. [Chie]
[Claude]
Claude silently listened to .
Because this is my first mission, I beca terrified thinking that I might fail here. The feeling grew as I thought about my position, and it made insecure. I wondered about His Majestys intentions when he gave this position. [Chie]
Those were the feeling that had been accumulating up until now.
A man in his position, he must have so sort of aim. [Chie]
You think so? Recomndations from the Captain and Vice-Captain alone is enough rit, or so I would think [Claude]
I agreed with Claude.
Perhaps I had been thinking about it too much; no matter how much I thought, I could not find an answer.
Until now, a person whom I could ask for advice had not existed.
Though Conrad had been more reliable than anyone else, because he maintained a superior to subordinate relationship it was difficult for to consult him.
He gave off an atmosphere of a strong and stern individual who didnt express deep feelings.
I would have loved to talk with Alice, but because she worshipped due to my position it was difficult to consult with her.
Compared to those two, it was much easier to talk with Claude.
After all, unlike with subordinates and key employees, one could freely speak to friends.
There was no one else in this world that I could talk to as a friend.
Once again, I thought that Claude was a valuable existence.
Enough talking about difficult stuff. [Chie]
I said while standing up.
I had been gone long enough.
If I didnt return soon, it would be past ti to lead the assault.
Black Knight-san, I think its okay to just do what you think is best. [Claude]
Claude said unexpectedly.
I turned to face Claude.
As I think? [Chie]
I asked, puzzled.
There have been tis when I was confused and didnt know what to do. At those tis, I think it is better to do what you feel is right rather than not doing anything at all. [Claude]
He said while looking at with serious eyes.
Certainly, it was as Claude said.
Understood. [Chie]
I couldnt afford to worry at this late hour.
I would just have to do what I could.
Claude, are you really an assassin? Such a thing wouldnt be said by a normal assassin, dont you think? [Chie]
I said to Claude.
Even though we were friends, I didnt know much about his background.
Hmph, I have a number of reasons. [Claude]
I see. [Chie]
Claude muttered grumpily while I gave a small laugh.
And Im not an Assassin anymore, Im a Covert Investigator now. [Claude]
Its still temporary though. [Chie]
I retorted to Claudes proud words.
We put off the formal procedure so it was still temporary.
Hmph, whatever. [Claude]
Claude beca grumpy again.
Hahaha! After this is over, well do the formal procedure. Wait for it until then. [Chie]
I said to Claude while laughing.
Hoh~, that so. Im fine with this title though; Im starting to like it. [Claude]
Claude said with a sigh.
I had given him the title for fun, but he seed to have grown attached to it.
I wasnt sure why I did such a thing, but I rembered that when I had told him the job title and description, he had responded happily.
That was the first ti I saw the true Claude.
Thats what I thought.
Good. You better look sharp when that happens, since well be going in front of His Majesty together. [Chie]
Stop that, Im already nervous enough as it is. [Claude]
Claude said wearily as he put a hand on his chest.
It was understandable.
Oh no! Well also have to get sothing for Alice for her birthday! [Chie]
Seriously!? [Claude]
He was wide-eyed and very attentive.
It seed like he really wanted to know.
Thank you~! As I thought, youll need help to win her hand. [Chie]
Calculating girl, you. [Claude]
Claude said happily, with a wry smile.
Well, its ti to go. [Chie]
Oh! I might not be able to help this ti, but good luck. [Claude]
We shook hands and parted.
Claudeit was good to talk to a friend.
My trembling and tension had subsided.
Now I would just do what I could.
We would launch the attack soon.
I headed back to where the soldiers were waiting.
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