Chapter 5: Lesson
Um. I don't really understand, so let's try to think from Oslo's perspective.
If he just sits around with his finger in his mouth and does nothing... in that case, he might be held responsible, lose his job, and even be imprisoned depending on the lord's decision.
If there's evidence, then it would definitely lead to losing his job, but if it was unjust, he could turn the tables and make it a credit to Oslo.
In that case, he would be at a loss if he didn't point out the problem... or would he?
"By the way, were you slacking off?"
"No, no, the security at the tavern was perfect."
Oh, that's not good. The killer ants multiplied exponentially because they didn't properly exterminate the monsters, making their food source abundant.
Oslo was furious at Berine's sarcastic remark.
"Don't make fun of me, little girl! Are you saying that a brat like you fought against a group of killer ants? Don't make up lies!"
Oslo seems to be speaking under the assumption that I am the one committing the fraud. Is that why he spoke up?
If it has come to this, there must be something really dangerous if the lord finds out. ...It must be. If it's not just about losing his job, then I can understand why he's so desperate.
"So, you're saying that I just need to show that I have the power to repel the killer ant swarm? Should I use seventh rank magic right now?"
"Seventh rank?!"
Using Defense Field again would be a hindrance to traffic.
If I were to use magic, what would be good? Deploying a magic circle at my fingertips and showing that I can shoot anytime might impress Oslo. He was momentarily stunned and wide-eyed, then shook his head as if he had regained his composure.
"N-no! Even if you can use it, it won't prove that the swarm has gathered in that forest! Stay in this town until your subordinates return!"
"So... what authority do you have to order that?"
Tilting his head, Oslo seems to think that he's dealing with a child and says something like this.
"Th-that's... of course, as the head of the security team!"
"I thought you were a well-meaning citizen...?"
"..."
When Robin interjected with a disbelieving remark, Oslo finally fell silent. Guild matters were to be handled within the guild, so it was up to the guild to investigate and determine whether or not there had been any wrongdoing and whether or not a reward should be given. Soldiers and security personnel would only get involved in guild-related matters if they received a report of wrongdoing, and only then if it was a current offense.
"By the way, the Forestbird group is well-known by name and face. Even if they were to commit fraud and flee, they would be easy to identify and apprehend. In that case, for the sake of the guild's reputation, they would be caught regardless of whether they were dead or alive. As for their employer, Theodore=Gartner-sama... seems to be a well-established individual. I don't think we need to force him to stay; there's no need to worry about him fleeing."
... Berine seems to be fully aware of the count's situation. Forestbird is aware that I hate my family, so there's no reason for them to relay any information about them. Berine might not be clear about it because I haven't identified myself as such. Even if my assumption is wrong, she's using a wording that doesn't give her a commitment.
Oslo seemed to have realized it as well, as he looked back and forth between my attire and the appearance of Grace standing next to me, his complexion worsening.
What was Oslo trying to accomplish by keeping us here at this point? Did he think that because I had shown him the magic circle, it was possible to repel the ants? That was why he had immediately cut off my attempt to use it as evidence. Killing or threatening us to keep us silent was no longer meaningful. As long as the guild was aware of the situation, the only thing that would affect his position was whether or not there were any ant remains in the forest.
...Ah. So he want to protect himself by coordinating his story before his subordinate returns, assuming there was no misconduct on their part.
If that's the case, then it's understandable why he made contact. However, since the guild is watching us, he couldn't change his aggressive attitude and had to give orders arrogantly.
So the next step would be to soften his attitude and try to appease us. He might offer something tempting after separating Berine and me...
"I-I'm sorry. It seems there was a misunderstanding. If we calm down and talk, we can understand each other. Could we talk inside the stable? Don't worry, we won't do anything bad. Right, my friend?"
He said in a gentle tone, speaking softly enough that Berine couldn't hear him.
It's not that it's easy to understand, but I hate that I can predict the actions of people like him. It's probably because I've seen too much of my stupid brother and Catherine up close.
Why do I have to cooperate with something like this? Especially when we're already dealing with repelling the ants and wasting our time because of this.
If a Killer Ant colony appears, it could result in the destruction of one or two villages if mishandled. If it's revealed that this happened due to negligence, he might not just lose his job but even end up in jail. It's fortunate that we prevented it from happening, but if it had happened, there would be no doubt that he would face execution.
Hmm... Wasn't the Lord of this land not fond of adventurers? With this outcome, aren't they tarnishing the Lord's reputation?
Before accusing others of wrongdoing, Oslo will undoubtedly be held responsible for the crime. I have no intention of shielding him, but if I do, the sparks will fly. It's not a matter of conditions or even sympathy.
"...Wouldn't it be better if you resigned and bowed your head to the lord?"
"You bastard! How dare you show such an attitude to Lord Oslo!"
"Hey, wait a minute...!?"
If the boss was bad, then the subordinates were even worse. The man next to Oslo swung at me. Oslo screamed in surprise.
Immediately, I activated my magic circulation, enhancing my physical abilities while using the martial technique "Waterwheel Throw" to respond. I dodged the man's fist, grabbed his arm, stopped the foot he was leaning on with my body, and shook his balance. Then, taking advantage of the momentum, I cleanly rotated once in the air and slammed him down on the ground from behind - I had to be careful not to land him on his head and die, so I landed him on his butt. I judged that he was still dazed and unable to take a proper fall.
"Guh!?"
It seemed like the centrifugal force made the impact even worse. The man couldn't even stand on the ground and writhed in agony.
Normally, martial techniques consume stamina and energy when activated, but if you're in a circulation state, you consume magical power either way. This is also one of the characteristics of a battle mage, but whether stamina consumption or magical power consumption is better depends on the situation, so it's hard to say whether it's a merit or a demerit.
"You brat! Don't resist!"
The other half drew his sword from his waist. Seriously...in this situation, drawing a sword is impossible.
I peeked at Oslo's face and saw him pale and stunned. If he had worked seriously, he would have understood the situation and prevented this.
"Theodore-sama."
Grace took out a magic wand from her package and offered it to me.
"Thank you, Grace."
After confirming that Grace had stepped back, I lightly swung the wand to test its usability.
The ends of the wand made a light, swift sound as they cut through the air. She said it was for beginner practice, but...yeah. Not bad.
If I put too much powerful magic into it, it would probably break easily, but as a simple weapon, it was easy to handle without any quirks. It was no wonder that the shopkeeper understood wand techniques. Now then.
"Ugh..."
I held my cane like a spear, and the man froze in his tracks. Perhaps he had remembered that I was a magician. But, you don't really need a magic wand to use magic.
"Ughhhhh!"
Still, he hesitated or maybe he thought that he could take the initiative since we were so close. He rushed forward, shouting loudly and wielding his sword, but I had the longer reach. I quickly flicked his chin up from below to gain the upper hand, tripped him, and stomped on his fist while he still held the sword.
"Guahhh!?"
He screamed and dropped the sword this time, so I used my cane to deflect it and push it aside. Then, I aimed my cane and palm at the two fallen men to construct the magic circle to cast the spell.
"Light Bind."
It was a fifth-tier light magic spell. A circle of light appeared around the men, and as it narrowed, their bodies stiffened as if they were bound. It's unclear who the security guards are anymore.
"Isn't that enough?"
I looked at Oslo, who was trembling and sweating profusely. Who made the first move, and why? There were plenty of witnesses, including Berine, and it would become a scandal involving the security team. It was needless to say that the incident was already conclusive.
Oslo fell to his knees on the spot.
"What should I do...?"
"Well...why don't you apologize to the lord?"
I didn't mean to belittle him, and I thought it was a serious suggestion.
It's impossible for him to escape or shirk responsibility. He's cornered.
"Heh... why should I do something so pathetic?"
He shook his head while showing a peculiar, almost broken smile. Then he slowly looked around.
There was something in the impression of his eyes that brought back memories of Keiki, not of me now.
He looked at Berine, then at Lucien and Monica.
Finally, his gaze turned towards Grace, just as Oslo put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
The magic wand held in reverse grip was touching Oslo's neck, ready to activate the magic at any moment, emitting a blue-white light and a hum.
Oslo smiled, frozen while still holding the sword's hilt.
"Let go of the sword and step back," I ordered, trying to suppress my emotions.
I wouldn't allow any other action. Was he planning to escape with a hostage?
Berine was in a bad position, and Lucien and Monica were adventurers. Grace, who didn't seem to be a combatant, was the closest.
People can die easily--I can kill too. The heat of being stabbed in the side, which should have left no wound, still lingers. I haven't forgotten that heat.
Oslo's eyes looking up at me clearly showed fear. When our eyes met, I narrowed mine as if revealing my irritation. Then, Oslo's expression twisted.
"Uh... hii..."
It was as if he had broken his fangs, not so much that he had given up. Oslo let go of the hilt and retreated on his butt. After confirming that, I also put away the wand.
I'm not very interested in what punishment the lord will give them afterward. That's their problem.
What I need to think about now is the means of self-defense or tools when Grace's ring is active. What's the best course of action?
As I pondered, I heard the sound of wood cracking again from the wand.
...it seems I got the amount of magic I poured in wrong. One wand broken in less than an hour.