"Wow~! Look at that long line!"
"No wonder it's so popular! It's the 'Mitsugoshi Shokai' after all!"
After school, Cid and I were being led by Hyoro and Jaga to the recently popular 'Mitsugoshi Shokai'. According to Hyoro, they have this snack called 'Choco' that is insanely delicious. Well, it's just chocolate, really.
Using that chocolate to get closer to female students, that was Hyoro's plan called the 'Presentation (Light) Operation'. I wasn't really up for participating in a plan with a success rate of zero, but since the destination was 'Mitsugoshi Shokai', I decided to show up.
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Hmm, you seem unusually interested."
"Well, you know, I'm curious about this world's chocolate and all."
Cid had no idea that he was the reason it was created. Well, it was all thanks to Gamma's hard work that it became an established product. I mean, who would have thought that crushing bitter beans and adding sugar would create something delicious?
"The waiting time for entry is 80 minutes!"
The staff member holding a sign called out loudly. Seriously, it's amazing that you have to wait 80 minutes just to get inside. It's like waiting for a popular attraction at an amusement park.
"What should we do? We'll barely make it back to the dorm before curfew... I heard there have been rumors of street attacks lately."
"Idiot! Jaga, you idiot! We have four swordsmen here, and one of them is a privileged student. If something happens, we can rely on Takumi for protection."
"I see! That's right!"
Hey, seriously? It's like you're relying on others without any effort. Jaga, you potato boy, that's not the right way to go about it.
"You can count on me."
Idiot, you don't need any protection.
(...Huh?)
As I sighed and joined the line behind the three, the female staff member who had called out earlier approached from behind and spoke to us.
"Excuse me, may I have a moment of your time? I would like to ask for your cooperation with a survey, if you don't mind."
"Understood. Let's go, Cid."
"Huh? Why me?"
"Just come. Hyoro, Jaga, you guys wait inside."
Confused, Cid's neck was grabbed, and we followed the smiling woman who guided us into the building. Hyoro and Jaga tried to tag along, but they were silenced by the woman's intimidating smile.
"...What's going on?"
"You'll find out if you follow."
Silently climbing a staircase that was clearly not meant for customers, we reached the top floor after opening a door. Cid, who still couldn't grasp the situation, asked for an explanation, but I declined since it seemed troublesome.
"This way."
We were led to a separate building outside, and we entered. Inside, several beautiful elf girls were lined up neatly, bowing their heads. I was slightly taken aback by the familiar scene, while Cid looked confused, not understanding what was going on. The woman who greeted us was a familiar face.
"We have been waiting for your visit, my lord."
"It's Gamma. Ah, so this is your shop. Takumi knew about it."
"Well, yes. 'Mitsugoshi Shokai' is a subsidiary of 'Shadow Garden.' Right, Gamma?"
"Yes. We have been recreating a part of the wisdom received from my lord to the best of our abilities."
Dressed in a black dress and bowing from the top of the staircase laid with a red carpet, Gamma, the third seat of 'Nanayin' and the brightest mind in 'Shadow Garden,' greeted us. She also serves as the president of 'Mitsugoshi Shokai' and has developed numerous products.
And her nickname is 'The Weakest.'
Why is Gamma, a high-ranking member of the organization, called that? Cid and I were about to find out again.
"Pyaa! Buja! Aah! Guhee!"
Gamma, who was trying to gracefully descend the stairs, slipped and fell. She performed a painful 4-hit combo, crashing her face into the red carpet.
"...L-long time no see, my lord, Takumi-sama."
"You're bleeding from your nose."
"Here, don't move. Take this handkerchief."
"...I apologize."
A genius who falls for no reason, Gamma. When it comes to weakness in combat, there's no one who can surpass her. I wiped Gamma's nosebleed with a handkerchief and checked if there were any injuries on her face. Well, even though she's called 'The Weakest' in 'Nanayin,' she's exceptionally durable.
"Um... please excuse the unsightly scene. But more importantly, please come this way!"
After the dust on Gamma's clothes was brushed off by the elf attendants, she beckoned us to go upstairs. There, unnecessarily luxurious chairs were placed, giving off a king-like atmosphere.
"Oh~ It's nice. Let's go, Takumi."
"...Huh, me too?"
Encouraged by Cid's enthusiasm, I also stepped onto the stairs. Since Cid confidently took a seat, I positioned myself a certain distance away and stood on his right.
"Oh...!"
"This is amazing...!"
"My lord and Takumi-sama...!"
They seem incredibly moved. It's so embarrassing.
(Cid... has such a satisfied expression.)
Seems like the idiot is thoroughly enjoying himself. He crosses his legs without trying to hide his grin. It must have made him happier than I thought, considering he even presented magic in a shadowy tone as a reward.
"By the way, this shop... seems to be making quite a profit, huh?"
(Don't say that in a shadowy tone.)
A man who became a dog for the sake of gold, he's greedy when it comes to money. Even with Cid's subtly suggestive question, Gamma maintained her smile and began explaining about the company.
"Yes, the business is doing well. As for the working capital, we can immediately utilize about one billion Zeni."
"Te, te, ten billion!? Wow!!"
"You're incredible, Gamma. Shadow is also pleased."
Seeing Cid's unattractive expression and almost hysterical voice, I unreservedly stepped on his foot to silence him. One billion gold coins casually placed in front of him would certainly stir up anyone's emotions. How many times the salary of a princess's pet is that?
"Hold on... Gamma, wait a moment."
"Yes?"
"Takumi (Light), we need to talk."
Called by Cid, who was sweating profusely, I went to the back of the chair. There, I crouched down with Cid and began a quiet conversation.
"What's this? Why has this happened? Was it behind my back?"
"Right, I knew about it."
"Why didn't you tell me!? You used my knowledge to make a fortune, didn't you?"
"Shut up! Aren't you satisfied sitting on such a luxurious chair?"
"Well, that's... true."
Surely, you might have imparted the knowledge, but you weren't the one who materialized it all. Give it up, you pet in the shadows.
"Um... was there a problem?"
"No, not at all. Cid, Shadow is praising your efforts. He is delighted to have bestowed the 'Wisdom of Shadows' upon you."
I wasn't sure how to excuse myself, and my tone of voice probably reflected my confusion.
"Oh! Such flattering words!"
(He's so gullible...)
Thankfully, it seemed like I managed to deflect the situation. I certainly couldn't say that Shadow only responded to the money.
As I gave Cid a sidelong glance, Gamma, who had finished expressing his admiration, opened his mouth with a serious look.
"I suppose you have come here concerning the recent incident... about the serial killer, right?"
"Eh? Oh, yes."
(Eh? What's that?)
Shadow answered promptly, and I unwittingly nodded along, even though I had no idea what he was talking about. In fact, Shadow probably didn't know either.
"Recently, a murderer has been appearing in the royal capital. These fools are committing their crimes in the name of the 'Shadow Garden'. We are still investigating, but the perpetrator hasn't been caught yet."
(Ah, now I remember. Princess Iris mentioned something like that.)
I just remembered hearing about this from Gamma at a briefing of the "Red Knights", which I had joined recently.
They're using our name, huh? They've got guts.
"We will definitely bring them down..."
"Takumi (Light), control your magic."
"Right... sorry."
My irritation caused my magic to leak out. Ah, there's a crack in the window. I'm sorry, I'll pay for it once I get my salary.
"I have some idea about that incident. Let's investigate it, Takumi (Light) and me."
"What!? Have you already figured it out?"
Eh? Really? You didn't know about the killer, did you?
(What's the plan?)
(The one who stabbed me before.)
Reading his lips, I understood Shadow's silent communication. It's a technique he forced me to practice because it looks cool, unlike stylish unboxing, it's fairly useful.
(Oh, that guy. The one who slashed at Princess Alexia.)
That really freaked me out. Cid tapped me on the shoulder, and when I turned around, I was looking at a murder victim. I wonder if I would have met the same fate if I hadn't calmed Princess Alexia down in the sewer.
"Well, it would be better if that's not the case."
For some reason, Princess Alexia is also in the "Red Knights". And again, for some reason, she seems to hate me. Even though we don't have much to do with each other. I think she might have seen me spar with Princess Iris once. Do I inadvertently step on her landmines just like with Takumi (Light)?
"It seems even Takumi (Light) has come to understand our Lord's thoughts... Truly impressive."
Whoa, Gamma looks sad. It's not that big of a deal, really. I just helped this guy wash his blood-stained uniform.
"...Come here, New."
"Yes?"
After Gamma flashed a resigned smile, he called over a woman who had been standing back. It was the same woman who had greeted me and Cid when we entered.
"This is New, a new member of the 'Numbers'. She's new here, but even Alpha acknowledges her skills. Please feel free to use her services."
"I, I look forward to working with you."
"We'll call you when we need you."
Even though she's a beautiful woman and a rare human member in our group, Shadow's response was as nonchalant as ever. If it was a man, he would have overreacted to Gamma's words.
"Ah, that's right. I want to buy some chocolate. The cheapest one, for four people."
And then he switched gears at a bewildering speed. When he turned from Shadow back to Cid, he casually mentioned to Gamma that he wanted to buy chocolate, seemingly securing it for Hyoro and Jaga as well.
"Chocolate...? I'll prepare our finest chocolates! With a 100% discount!"
"What!? So, it's free! Haha, lucky!"
"Well, hehe."
The reunion, whether it was amicable or not, came to a safe conclusion. After receiving the chocolate from Cid, he thanked Gamma and walked towards the exit.
"Huh? What's wrong? Let's go home."
"You go ahead. I have something to discuss with Gamma."
"Hmm, alright. Hurry up then."
Without prying further, Cid left the building on his own. His personality is convenient in times like these.
"Um, Takumi-sama? Is there something you need from me?"
"Oh, no. There's nothing to say."
Not only Cid but also Hyoro and Jaga can get quite noisy if they're made to wait. I should finish quickly and get back.
"You've...done...well..."
"...Huh?"
I place my hand on Gamma's head, gently stroking her perfectly arranged beautiful black hair. If we didn't have this kind of relationship, it would be considered sexual harassment, but from my perspective, she's like a little sister, so it's safe. Let's consider it safe.
"U-Um, why am I being stroked by Takumi-sama...?"
"Because you've worked hard, Gamma. If it weren't for you, the 'Wisdom of Shadows' wouldn't have been utilized by the organization to this extent. You truly are Gamma."
In the past, Gamma despised her own lack of usefulness in combat. She constantly pondered how she could contribute to the organization and the shadows, and the answer she came up with bore fruit through her intellect. As someone who has been watching over her, I naturally feel happy. I can't help but want to stroke her.
"Your way of supporting the shadows is something I can't do. You really gave it your all."
"...It's too kind of you to say so."
"Don't cry. It ruins the beauty."
I take out the handkerchief again and wipe away the tears from the parts of her face that aren't stained with the earlier nosebleed.
"That's all I wanted to say. I'm going now. See you."
"Yes! Thank you very much!"
A nice smile. It seems she's become a little livelier. Indeed, Gamma is cuter when she has expressive facial expressions.
"Oh, and here, I'm returning this."
"Is this... a gold coin?"
"Yes. It fell on the floor."
"I-I see. Thank you very much."
"I did return it, after all. Well then."
"Yes! We look forward to your next visit!"
I hand over a thick gold coin to Gamma and start running to catch up with Cid. As I descend the stairs, I'm bid farewell by the beautiful elf girls.
◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇
"Hurry up!"
"We're going to be late for curfew!"
"I know, I know!"
"It's really close."
Carrying the chocolate we got for free thanks to Gamma's authority, we were running towards the dormitory. Only my dormitory is located on the school grounds, but we're in the same hurry as the path is the same until halfway.
"It's all Cid and Takumi's fault! They were flirting with a beautiful lady in the survey!"
"We're sorry~, didn't we give you chocolates!"
The reward for cooperating with the survey was an excuse to get the chocolate for free. It's a much better excuse than Cid's "give me something". I feel like I've gotten better at making excuses since the organization has grown. I'm not happy about it.
"Why do they have to return it~"
While I was saddened by the wrong direction of human growth, Cid whispered his regret in a low voice.
"Idiot, of course. You tried to steal a gold coin. It's a respectable theft."
"Well, that's true, but..."
The one gold coin that I returned to Gamma was a lie of mine. In truth, Cid was trying to secretly steal it and put it into his pocket, but I stole it back.
"But I'm using my knowledge to make a profit, so I think one piece is..."
"You don't deserve to receive a gold coin from those who haven't worked, even though Gamma and others are working hard while you're doing stupid things."
Well, if Cid asks for money, they would probably give it with a heartfelt smile. I know that's going to happen, but I will absolutely prevent it.
"First of all, Takumi, isn't it unfair that only you join the Knights and receive a salary? And what do you mean you joined another organization without even consulting me? You're my right hand, right?"
"Talk big after you pay the salary. Of course, with special allowances."
I silenced him by countering his sarcastic remark about money with another sarcastic remark about money. Cid wanted to retort but couldn't, and I was feeling quite good.
"Well, you don't have that kind of responsibility... Huh?"
Just as I was about to continue taunting Cid, I heard a faint sound of swords clashing. Cid seems to have noticed it too, as his expression changed.
"Who's that?"
"Takumi, I'll leave the rest to you."
"Huh?"
As I raised my voice, Cid held his stomach and collapsed on his knees. It was Hyoro and Jaga, who had been running ahead of me, who raised their voices instead of me, who was frozen in shock.
"Hey! What happened!? Cid!!"
"We're not going to make it!!"
The words that Cid, who had suddenly stopped, returned to the two anxious people were literally shitty words that made me want to sigh.
"I... need to... go to the toilet."
At the limit. It's coming. If I don't go now, I'll start to let it flow while I'm running. Listening to Cid's words, I thought.
(I want to quit being his right hand...)
Hyoro and Jaga, who are full-fledged actors, were easily deceived.
"That is... certainly important."
"It's a question of curfew or dignity..."
That's a good way to put it. It made me chuckle a bit.
"Leave me and go ahead. I don't want anyone... to see."
He probably wanted to send Hyoro and Jaga ahead, but couldn't he come up with a better excuse? If you're going to shit in the wild, you can't even protect your dignity, let alone make the curfew, right?
"Please... Takumi."
"Hyoro, Jaga. Let's go."
"But!"
"Are we leaving Cid behind!?"
"Hurry up! Don't waste Cid's determination."
I just want to get out of here as quickly as possible. I want to say goodbye to Hyoro and Jaga and get back to the dormitory as soon as possible. With that in mind, I acted with all my might.
"...I understand. Cid! We won't tell anyone that you took a dump in the wild! It's a promise between men!!"
"Cid's choice was right no matter what anyone says... that's what I believe!"
"Both of you... let's go."
"We won't forget you!"
"Even if you take a dump in the wild, we'll always be friends!"
Hyoro and Jaga started running with tears streaming down their faces. I followed them, but there was no way I could shed tears. Well, I could cry at the fact that such a guy is above me.
"Uwaaaaaaa!!!"
(Are they... good guys?)
If it's just the part where they can cry for a friend, maybe they are. I kind of understand why I can't hate these guys even though they are normally trash.
(Don't overdo it...)
Cid, who gave a small thumbs-up on my iContact.
Idiot, I'm not worried about you, I'm worried about the damage to the city.
(Well, he must have his own thoughts)
The reason why Cid decided to act separately is probably related to the fake "Shadow Garden". I don't know, but I think there was something that only he could understand from that sword fight.
(It seems like trouble is starting again...)
The next day, it was rumored that Cid was the man who let loose his bowel movements while running. At this point, I didn't know that yet.