There is a large mansion about a hundred meters away from the royal castle.
　It is a villa for rent for visiting nobles. Although it is a villa, it looks like a mansion, and a lot of money has been spent on the interior as well as the exterior. Even the aristocrats who have a reputation for being rich and nagging have nothing to complain about this villa.

　In fact, Roberto Tergande was relaxing with a satisfied look on his face.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　On the top floor of the mansion, Roberto looked at the nearby furnishings and said: "I don't think so either.

Don't you think so too, Loren?

　Roberto called out to the man standing next to him.

...... I can't answer that.

You're boring.

　Roberto says with a frustrated look on his face.
　Just then, there is a small knock on the door.

Come in.

Excuse me, I have prepared some drinks for you.

　The servant who worked in the house bowed and entered the room.
　On a tray in his right hand was a bottle of wine and two glasses.

　The servant walked to the table beside Roberto and poured the wine into the glasses.

"Taste it.

Huh?

　The servant rolls his eyes at Roberto's words.

"Poison it.

"Yes, sir.

　The servant, surprised, pours the wine into another glass and sips it.
　The servant's throat moves. The servant's throat moved, and when he pulled the glass away, there was a faint smear of wine on his lips.

Put it here.

　After confirming the tainted taste, Roberto gave a short instruction.
　The servant put down the tray and left the room, looking somewhat confused.

"Dear Roberto, ...... Excuse me, but what exactly are you afraid of?

"...... Lauren. It is not your job to think about anything else.

　Roberto said firmly.
　But Lauren would not be silenced.

"Sir Roberto. I am a knight loyal to the Dukes of Telgande. I have a duty to protect you. If you are being targeted by someone, I need you to tell me about it. If you do, I will protect you.

"So you think you can beat the people behind the scenes?"

　Roberto said irritably.

I'm sure you've heard of it, being the leader of the Order of the Right Phosphorus. You may have heard of the dark ...... agencies and bureaus in the Kingdom of Terraria.

It's true that during the Great War, I often heard rumors about ......

You'll be able to get a lot more than just a few of them. Fortunately or unfortunately, I wasn't involved. ...... According to what I've heard, all of the "underworld" soldiers kill their enemies with advanced techniques that don't seem human. Stabbing, poisoning, strangulation, shooting, ...... are some of the methods used. In particular, a soldier who is known as the ace of the "underworld" has single-handedly defeated a demon that even a hero could not defeat. And not just once, but countless times.

It's ...... hard to believe.

I don't believe it either. I don't believe it either. - Well, it's an urban legend. I don't believe it either. ...... But they say there's no smoke without fire. The rumors may have been exaggerated. ...... Still, there are some incredibly scary killers out there. I am wary of the possibility of being targeted by such an entity.

　Roberto said with a slight tremble in his voice.

But even if they are 'behind the scenes', they are still allies of the kingdom. If you don't have any reason to believe that you're being targeted, you can rest assured that you're in good hands.

...... You never know. You can't trust an organization that keeps its identity a secret.

　You can't trust an organization that keeps its identity a secret.
　I have an idea, that's why I'm in trouble.

　--There should be no evidence left.

　He killed Gallia when he had evidence of corruption.
　I took out every last one of his mercenaries.
　There's no reason for me to be attacked in the back now.

　--But it's better to be careful.

　Even if you're not targeted by the Kingdom's underworld, there may be such organizations in other countries.
　Roberto was aware that he had a lot of people holding a grudge against him.

　Therefore, he is very careful.
　Whenever he received food or drink from a stranger, he would taste it before consuming it.
　Always have a knight by your side when you leave the estate.

　You will remain vigilant even while in this house.
　There were two large windows in this room on the top floor of the house. The night view of King's Landing from there must be beautiful, but as soon as Roberto came to this room, he immediately covered the windows with curtains. This was to block the view from the outside.

'Don't worry, Master Roberto.

　Lauren said with a sincere attitude.

I may not be as good as your predecessor, Lord Galia, but I am still the leader of the Order of the True Phosphorus. I will definitely protect you, Roberto-sama. Even if, for some reason, you have to deal with someone from the "other side", I will definitely be your sword and shield.



　With a confident look on her face, Lauren said.

　A knight is a very useful thing, Roberto thought.
　They never betray their masters unless they have to. He is a loyal dog that is easy to use.

　Just then. There was a knock at the door.
　Roberto said, "Come in," and the servant who had just brought him a drink reappeared.

What is it this time?

Well, it's a gift for Miss Lauren. ......

"For me?

　I'm not sure if it's for you or for me.

I'm not sure what to make of it. It was received by a member of the Order of Phosphorus patrolling outside. According to the knight, the letter inside is addressed to Master Lauren. It seems that the sender claims to be a fan of Lauren's. ......

I told you I don't accept ...... that kind of thing.

I told you I don't accept that kind of thing. The sender seemed to be very enthusiastic and insisted on receiving it, so he had no choice but to send it to .......

　The servant said apologetically.

　The person who received this is a member of the Order of the Phosphorus. The fact that he left the gift with this servant after censoring it suggests that it was not too much of a burden.

Is that all you got?

"Yes. Yes, please take it.

　The servant handed the white box in his hand to Lauren.
　Lauren slowly opened the box. --Right after.

"What?

　A large amount of white smoke poured out of the box.
　Lauren stifles her agitation and immediately draws her sword.

　Attack--where are the enemies?

　The usual answer is the servant who brought the box.
　Just before the smoke screen filled his vision, Lauren caught the shadow of the servant and grabbed his arm.

What do you think you're doing?

What are you doing?　I don't know!　I don't know anything!

　I don't know anything!" The servant who was grabbed by Lauren's arm slumped to the ground and screamed.

　The attacker is not this servant.
　Then who is it?
　Who did this, and why?

　While keeping an eye on the servant's movements, Lauren kept her eyes on the entrance to the room.
　But no intruder came for a long time.

"Lauren!　Hey, what's going on?

　Roberto shouted in panic.

"I can't see anything!　Open the window!

　There was a sound of curtains being drawn, and then the window began to creak open.
　Shiro smoke poured out of the window at once, and as Lauren saw this scene, the conversation she had just had came back to her mind.

　"The soldiers behind the scenes kill their enemies with advanced technology that is not humanly possible.
　There are many ways to do this.

　Stabbing, poisoning, strangulation: ----.


　---- shoot-to-kill.


"Master Roberto!　Please wait ----.







　The next moment.

　A clean hole appeared in Roberto's brain.









　Near death.









　On the verge of death.
　When he opened the window, he felt as if he could see the face of the sniper a few hundred meters away.

　There is a rumor whispered in the upper echelons of the military.

　It is said that behind the heroes, there is a true hero of the war who has killed many demons.
　It is said that during the war, this person actively dealt with those who were no match for the "front" people.

　People in the Agency rarely reveal their names.
　Even so, a soldier who stands out too much can become known before long.
　By the screams of the enemy. Or by the cheers of allies.
　His name was carried, little by little, by the wind.

　The dark side of the Kingdom of Terraria.

　The ace number of the True Military Special Service.




"........................28.




　It seems he's a sniper.