You wanted to see me, Lord Lyttelar?

　My personal servants, Morari and Jastet. These two are the bastards I found with my own eyes. Morari has a spatial grasp that allows her to use transference magic, and Jastet has the concentration to deploy warding magic that blocks all attacks. In terms of simple combat ability, his former adventuring companions would probably win, but in terms of convenience alone, they are his best men.

"Archbishop Ceraes has just contacted Raheit. The fact that Ceraes has been holding the people of Yggra captive has become public, and he is now on the run. He is now on the run, and I would like you both to help him.
"With all due respect, Mr. Ritual, from what you've told me, Serraes has been deprived of his position as Archbishop, hasn't he? Is it worth it to help such a man?
"You have a good point, Morari. But Serraes is capable in his own way. For the past several decades, he has been supporting the security of Quama in the shadow of the incompetent King Zenotta. He has the most detailed knowledge of the world's underworld inhabitants, which will be of great help to us in our future activities.

　Losing one's job does not mean that the individual is no longer valuable. By that theory, I am also incompetent since I am no longer the Guildmaster of Morgana.

"I understand. Then--
"Just a reminder that this was orchestrated by someone. Then there is a high possibility that assassins have already been sent to the rendezvous point. I'll allow some engagement, but if you feel that the flag is about to turn bad, please withdraw immediately, even if it's just the two of you.
"Don't worry, I'll complete my mission safely.
You have me worried. Ceraes is the one I want, but you are more important to me. Your abilities as a bastard, but most of all, the loyalty of two people I trust is not something that can be easily replaced.
"...... is a waste of words. The magnificence of Littoral, who saved us, is such that the same bastard would be equally loyal.

　Morari has always had a reverent attitude towards me. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but sometimes I miss fools like Gradna.

It's not a waste. You're both worth it. I didn't lead you here to use you as tools. I led you not to be used as tools. I led you to be people who can work together to achieve the same ideal. Don't forget that. Now, I'll get on with my other business and leave the rest to you.

　I left the room I had called you from earlier. I'm sure those two can handle a little trouble. However, with a case that smells so fishy, they should be prepared for another move.

"Oh, Mr. Littoral! How kind of you! How kind of you to speak to me like that. Oh, oh, oh, oh!
"...... Morali, calm down.
"What? Don't make any dirty noises when I'm having a good time, Jastet. I'll kill you.
"...... Lord Ritual is still nearby. I won't stop you if you want to hear that strange sound.
What? No!

　You leave quietly, not making a sound. I'm aware that I've tried to make her trust me, but she's become dependent on me in a different way than I imagined. It's a cute thing, but how should I treat her? I don't know how to treat her, even though I have an eye for talent.

"Well... I think we should call him.

　It's certain that the people of Yugra were seriously injured by Ceraes. I'm sure the people of Yggra were seriously injured by the Seraes. I'd say the king of Taze was involved in this incident. If he's a wise king, he'll have a plan in place. No, it's possible that the man has already intervened. .......

I'm not sure what to make of that.

　I've had my fair share of people I've wanted to kill. But the number of people I've wished dead is limited. Yugra's Eye of the Star People, it's something close to my talent, but not as a bastard. If it were any other talent, I could safely assume that the talent of a bastard like Yugra would be superior, but that eye is disturbing. We should not be alarmed until its death is confirmed.

　I see.

"I see, my brother is all healed up. That's great!

　I was deeply relieved when Ecdysium told me the story of his brother. It's not the time for this, though. Even I know that now is not the time. Besides, if the brothers die, Miss and Wulfe will be sad.

I just can't believe that Serraes-sama was doing that. ...... Haha ......
"Masetha was a priest of the Quama Chapter, right? Does that mean he works for Serraes?
That's a new question. It's true that I worked for Serraes, but in terms of factions, I'm under Ucka. If I wanted to focus more on my work as Morgana, I would have stayed with Quama.
So that's how it is.
That's the way it is. That's why I was never contacted. The Yugoslavs other than Serraes's disciples must be in a panic right now.

　All Yugoslavian facilities in Quama have been seized by the Quama army and the holy knights who received orders directly from Pope Eupharo. If Masetta hadn't joined me, she'd probably be under house arrest right now. Lucky girl.

"Enough chit-chat. We need to get to where we're going. Any further and we'll be in range of the detection spell. Let's use teleportation magic to get a better look.


I can't use that thing.
I don't blame you. Here, give me your face.

　Masetha puts her hand over my eyes and uses magic on me. Oh, the distance feels so good. I look off into the distance and see where Therese's students are headed.

There they are. There's about thirty of them. Oh, Ceraes found them too. All right, let's get on with it--
Wait. We're here for Raheit's men. If we hit them before they show up, they might run.
Oh, right. And Lackla's not here yet.
Why is he going to the grocery store? ......
It's probably because his compatriots told him about the strange ironclad rule that snacks are essential for a stakeout.
What if the smell of the food gives you away?
What if they smell the food? ...... I'm sure you can work some magic there.
It's more manageable than a hungry belly rumbling, isn't it?
That's ...... hmm.

　Masetta looks at me like something doesn't add up. I know what you mean, when you have too much time on your hands, you need something to chew on. Meanwhile, Mixu and Lakra arrived with food.

Thank you for waiting.
"How is Cellaes, Mister Ecdysius?
He seems to be waiting for something. He seems to be waiting for something, but he sometimes seems to be wary of his surroundings, so we can't get any closer.

　With that, they each took a bite of the meal that had been prepared for them. Lakra, don't drink, okay? Don't ask me why I've prepared it.

I don't want to know why it's been prepared. "Actually, we've already arrived and are preparing. You can't detect the activation of transference magic, can you, Mr. Harkdock?
"I might be able to handle a transference spell that was trying to harm me. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't wake up if someone tried to kill me in the reception area while I was sleeping in the inn.
It's not something to brag about, you know.

　Well, I wonder what it's really like. If my life is in danger, my instincts will immediately kick my back or my ass, but can't I apply them somehow?

How about this? "Then how about this? If someone comes to you with a transference spell, Mixu-chan will stab Mr. Harkdock without thinking. Wouldn't that be a critical situation for Mr. Harkdock?
What an absurdity!
"Well, if you relate it to the threat to Hark-dog's life, then maybe. But that would mean that the moment the Mix saw it, it would react. If we stab him when he's too late to notice the transference magic, won't he be able to detect it before we do?
"That's absurd! I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure what to say.

　Mixu quietly pulls out a knife. He's got serious eyes.

I think what's important is the assumption that it will become a fact. That's why I'm going to take it seriously!
That means I'll get stabbed if I can't sense it.
No problem. If it doesn't work, you can just avoid it.
You're sure you're going to stab me?
Why does he have such a bloody personality when he's an adventurer from Morgana? ......

　Ooh, I can't even feel Masetta trying to stop me! I'm not sure what to do. Is she a girl who can do it if she tries? I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I can do it. Oh, yes?

It looks like it's about to happen.

　As I turned my gaze toward Ceraes and the others, I saw a slight glow. I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

"Pssst!
"Ow!

　A knife in the side. This guy really stabbed me without hesitation! Why didn't he warn us, Instinct-sama? If you know it's coming, you should avoid it on your own!

"Oh, I'm sorry. My hand was reflexive.
You really did have a reflex to stab me, didn't you?
I assumed you had to be serious, so I'm going to ...... cast a healing spell.
Anyway, now you don't have to worry about missing it. Let's go!
"Oh, wait a minute! Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute.
Well, it's just a minor puncture wound, we'll fix it later!
It's only the tip of my thumb, though!

　I'm sure they'll start moving soon, though. I'm going to take my frustration out on them.

　I'm not sure what to say.

　I'm going to break the chains, close the distance, and activate the detection magic. The exact number is 34, and there are three people including the two bastards and Ceraes who must not be allowed to escape at this moment. They responded to my detection spell and turned their gazes toward me at once. As you get closer, you see that the two newcomers match up with Ritual's entourage that Duvraeori had told you about.

d*mn, there really are assassins out there.
There's ...... five of them. What do we do?
Don't ask me. Don't ask me. Hey, Serraes, you're the one who invited them. Keep him occupied until I'm ready.
Copy that. All hands, prepare for battle! Buy us some time!



　At the sound of Ceraes's voice, the people around him took up a fighting stance. All of them seemed to be reasonably skilled, but not to the point of being troublesome. However, if they were to deal with this number honestly, it would buy them time to reactivate the transference spell. Then I'll just aim for the one transfer spell user: ......! He released his chain and attacked the transfer spell user in a straight line. But the attack was blocked by a ward deployed by the man beside him.

You're too hungry for a woman to go after me out of the blue.
...... Morari, you need to concentrate on your preparations.
Don't tell me what to do or I'll kill you.

　According to Duvraeori, the wards are far stronger than the ones Lakra has put up. It will be difficult to break it head-on. While our initial attack misses, those around us are preparing to attack us and activate their attack magic. Defend, evade, or even jump in.

I'm not sure what to do.

　The only thing you can't avoid is the enemy in front of you, but that enemy has already been pierced by a mixed knife flying from behind. The knife hit the enemy, causing him to miss his target, and the magic attack passed over his head.

"Lord Ecdysium! Take this!

　He takes the knife thrown by Mixu and checks its shape. So that's what it looks like. He attaches the knife to the end of the chain and attacks the woman again.

That's not fair.
...... No, this is...

　As before, the man steps forward and deploys a ward, but before he can collide with it, the chain changes its course and dives into the ground. The man's wards seem to be very sturdy, but there is no evidence that the ground was broken when they occurred. In other words, there are no wards around his feet. He dives into the chain, emerges from under the woman's feet, and activates the magic in the knife. The knife, activated by magic, explodes, spreading smoke around.

You quickly released the wards to keep your distance.

　If the wards are still in place, the impact of the explosion won't reach us. The man who noticed our trick must have acted quickly. When the smoke cleared, the two men were still unharmed and staring at us.

"Hey, don't touch me with your dirty hands.
...... Looks like we can't afford to take our time preparing the transference spell.
"Jastet, your wards are just hard and full of holes. You have to deploy them properly.
"...... is not impossible, Morari, but your long-range transfer spell will require a connection to the ground. It's no good deploying it just to protect you when you can't use your transference magic.
"Then don't protect me. I'll kill you right now.

　I can feel the enemy's intent to kill me. They seem to be prioritizing our annihilation over their escape. It's easy to predict what they're good at, but when it comes to attacking, how do you--?

"Okay, die.
"What?

　As soon as the woman in front of me, Morari, disappeared, I felt a killing intent from behind me. When I quickly turned around, I saw Morari wielding a knife right in front of me. He used his chain-strapped arms as a shield to protect his neck.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.
I can use it instantaneously if I'm alone and over a short distance. I can fight more than enough if I don't have to take care of other people dragging me down.
"...... Then the reason why I'm usually transferring Lord Lytal...
"Don't lump you guys in with Lord Ritual. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

　Being able to close the distance at will is tricky, but I'm convinced after that blow. Morari's pure fighting ability was not that high. I'd put him on par with Harkdock. But considering the fact that he can use all of his bastard talents in battle, he is not an opponent to be careless about. If that's the case, then Jastet should be the one to attack first, releasing his chains and attempting to attack.

"...... You're putting me before Morari. Just so you know, I'm stronger than Morari.

　Just as he was about to change his trajectory after confirming the activation of the wards, Jastet stepped forward and grabbed the chains. The chain was magically designed to inflict a curse or poison on anyone it touched, but there was no sign that it had been activated. Yastet pulled the chain at once, forcing me to jump into his bosom. From the way he carries himself, it looks like this guy is going to be doing some physical combat. ...... No, wait. It's not a good idea to take this attack. I break the chain that's been pulled and stick another one in the side. My body stops just short of Jastet, and the fist I swing cuts through the air.

"......?

　The chains that had not been touched by the fist shattered into pieces. It's not just an attack with magic power in both arms. This man has strong warding on his arms and even his whole body. The current attack was made with a much longer range than the original arm that he could see. The fact that he grabbed a flying chain without any effort suggests that he has considerable skill.

"Hey, who's stronger than me?
...... is an objective fact.
Okay, I'll kill you later.

　Someone who is difficult to catch, and even if you do catch them, difficult to hurt. I see, it's not as simple as it seems.