Chapter 61: Conspiracy

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Translator: Soafp

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Today is the closing ceremony.

Summer vacation in this world is the same as in Japan, starting from July 1st and lasting until the end of August, spanning two months due to the distances involved.

“Once the closing ceremony’s done, it’s preparation from tomorrow onward.”

“Yeah, we’re meeting at the Blue Ring mansion at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, right?”

“That’s right. Don’t forget anything. Most things might be available, but make sure to prepare at least two months’ worth of medicine.”

“I’m good. But for the ladies…”

“Hey, don’t say more than that.”

“Got it…”

We discussed tomorrow’s plans. But we forgot about one thing…

The closing ceremony was similar to those in Japan. Advisories for the break, reminders about disciplined living, and health-related advice.

After the ceremony, as we were preparing to leave, Anna-sensei dropped a bombshell.

“Well, I’ll just hand out the report cards before we conclude.”

Report cards. In a calm manner, one would think they were a given. I awaited being called with the feelings of a prisoner awaiting execution.

“Aldo-kun.”

“Yes…”

I was called to receive the report card.

Someone who looks at it right there is an amateur! Someone like me, a pro, minimizes the risk of others seeing it—I’ll go to the very back.

No one was behind me. This should give me a chance to examine it carefully. I’ll take a look… My heartbeat sounded unusually loud.

I quietly opened it.

Ah, pretty standard. What reaction is appropriate for an all 3? Not great, not terrible.

Well, it’s better than being last in the class upon enrollment, so I guess it’s okay.

Satisfied with this, the first semester came to an end.

“Alright, see you at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. Don’t be late.”

“Yeah.”

“Got it.”

Faristea and Anna-sensei live in the same house, so no issues there. I just double-checked with Louis and Nero one last time.

And so, my first year as a freshman at the academy came to an end.

Tomorrow’s journey involves six wagons and twelve cavalrymen.

One wagon for me, El, and Marl; another for Olivia, Faristea, and Anna-sensei; one for Lewis, Nero, and the knights; and two wagons for six maids. Plus, there’s one wagon for luggage.

There are three maids from the Blue Ring family and three from the Sandra Count’s family, making up the total of six maids. The knights include six from the Blue Ring family and six from the Sandra Count’s family. This is a conscious effort to maintain an outwardly even relationship between the two families.

In reality, I intend to travel by horse, switching places with one of the knights.

As for the practical details of the journey, Noel and the Count Sandra’s knights are discussing it.

While inspecting the equipment, I noticed that my dagger was quite worn out.

“You’ve been with me since the expedition at age 10… Once we’re back in Blue Ring, you’re retired.”

I hadn’t felt any special attachment, but now that I’m about to part with it, I find it quite a comfortable dagger.

“Let’s see if it can be repaired. And if they can make the blade a bit longer, I’d appreciate it now that I’ve grown a bit taller.”

In the end, I decided to inquire about repairing it once we’re in the Blue Ring territory.

The next morning after breakfast…

It’s currently 7:30. The carriages from the Count Sandra’s estate are lined up at the Blue Ring mansion. Grandpa is talking to a gentleman.

“Aldo, come over here.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

I’m called over and taken to the gentleman.

“Thank you for this time. I’m Kiel von Sandra. Lewis and Olivia’s father.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Aldo von Blue Ring. Nice to meet you.”

“I see. I can tell what Lord Blue Ring is trying to say.”

“Really? What did Grandpa say?”

“He thinks you’re a prodigy.”

“I’m in Class D, you know. Olivia-sama is far more talented.”

“Maybe in school grades.”

“….”

“Anyway, I hope you’ll continue to be good friends with Lewis and Olivia.”

“Yes. Likewise, I look forward to it.”

After a brief exchange, I excuse myself. By the way, I’m fully armed.

At first, there were various comments, but after Grandpa sighed and said, “Do as you please,” everyone stopped saying anything.

As expected of Grandpa. He understands the situation.

I got tired of maintaining appearances and reluctantly convinced Noel to let me ride a horse from the beginning.

Preparations are gradually progressing, and it’s almost time to mount. The knights look cool while riding, but it’s a bit challenging for me due to my height. So, I use a jumping technique to get on the horse. I vividly remember the surprised expression on Count Sandra’s face.

“Now, let’s depart for the Blue Ring territory. Everyone, move out!”

At Noel’s command, everyone starts moving. Here we go, off we go.

The journey seems to be in the opposite direction of the one we took when we came to the capital.

It’s said that it will take 6 to 8 days by carriage. I wonder if I can endure this free time…

It’s not just me who’s worried this time. Lewis and Nero won’t be able to bear this boring carriage journey. At least, that’s what I thought.

However, the carriages of Lewis and Nero are surprisingly quiet. When I peek inside, I see the three of them, including the knight, engaged in an arm-wrestling contest with their enhanced strength.

All three of them are sweating profusely, fiercely competing in arm-wrestling. It’s a sight that feels quite suffocatingly hot just by watching.

It’s already summer, so I use air conditioning magic to keep myself cool. Ah, this feels comfortable.

But my attempt doesn’t escape Olivia, Faristea, and Anna-sensei’s notice.

They call out from the carriage.

“Aldo, you’re not sweating at all…”

“Really? It’s pretty cool on horseback with the wind.”

They’re giving me suspicious looks. I sense a strong feeling of doubt coming from them.

“I’ve been thinking for a while now, but whenever I’m near Aldo, Marl, or Elphus-sama, it feels cooler.”

“I’ve been feeling the same!”

“Aldo, you’re refreshing.”

The stares from Olivia, Anna-sensei, and Faristea are piercing.

It’s true, the inside of the carriage is hot. It feels like a steam room. The three of them are wiping sweat with handkerchiefs.

Managing to divert the attention, we continue, and it’s finally time for a break.

As Olivia gets off her carriage, she immediately walks towards Marl’s carriage.

El and Marl haven’t exited yet. Olivia opens the carriage door and steps inside.

I look up at the sky thinking, “This isn’t good, I’m caught.”

Olivia steps out of the carriage and looks around. Our eyes meet. I panic and use wall-running technique to climb a nearby tree, disappearing into the forest.

“Aldo! It’s cool near you after all! You liar!”

Olivia’s shouting echoes in the surroundings.

When things cool down, around the end of the break, I cautiously return. It seems there was a discussion, and it’s decided that Marl, Olivia, Anna-sensei, and Faristea will ride together in a carriage.

Only I, El, and Marl can use the air conditioning magic. We discussed how to arrange ourselves in the carriages. Initially, El was supposed to ride alone, but the maids wanted to join him.

Marl raised an objection to that. Eventually, El was pushed out of the carriage under the pretext of learning horsemanship and now sits in front of Noel.

Well, learning horsemanship isn’t a bad idea, so it’s a good opportunity for practice.

Olivia’s group seems delighted, enjoying the cool carriage thanks to Marl’s air conditioning magic. Meanwhile, Lewis and Nero continue arm-wrestling with enhanced strength. Just watching them makes it feel stuffy.

El is learning horsemanship from Noel. Occasionally, he uses space kick to move onto the roof of the carriage and get splashed with water. It seems to make the horse sleepy.

Thus, the journey to the Blue Ring territory has been progressing smoothly without any significant issues.

Time goes back four days ago in a room somewhere in the royal capital———–

“It seems the Elven diplomat has been forcibly sent back to their homeland…”

“Yeah, fussing over such small matters… Especially when, as long as they sell the secret medicine, there wouldn’t be anyone digging through graveyards.”

“Indeed. The Elven secret medicine… If only they’d accept selling it…”

“No matter how much we offer to buy it, they never nod in agreement. Stubborn bunch. Honestly…”

“By the way, it seems the diplomat’s daughter managed to evade forced deportation…”

“Ah, here comes Blue Ring meddling again. Like playing checkers, but they’re setting a trap for themselves. That old man…”

“Elves are known for their strong family ties. If we could use the daughter skillfully, we might get our hands on the secret medicine…”

“What’s the plan? Sandra is also allied with Blue Ring. The royal family is informed too. If we make a move, we might expose ourselves.”

“Cashew has some history with Blue Ring…”

“Cashew?”

“We won’t talk about this incident; instead, we’ll send only money and people to kidnap the Elven daughter. Of course, ensuring that the money and people don’t trace back to us.”

“Using Cashew, who has a grudge against Blue Ring…”

“If it’s Cashew, perhaps they’ll dance along nicely…”

“Do you think they won’t find out she’s the diplomat’s daughter?”

“Originally, the Elven daughter’s matter is the kingdom’s embarrassment. Very few are aware. Besides, that family is inept at espionage. With a bit of manipulation of information…”

“Even if it fails, only the money and the hired individuals will be involved…”

“Yes…”

“Let’s give Blue Ring a little trouble…”

This conversation took place in a mansion somewhere in the capital city.

Four days into the journey to the Blue Ring territory—

The weather has been continuously clear for these four days.

“Good weather lifts the spirits, doesn’t it?”

This statement had both supporters and opposers: those benefiting from the air conditioning magic and those who weren’t.

Of course, Aldo, El, Marl, Olivia, Anna-sensei, Faristea, and Noel enjoyed the benefits of the air conditioning magic.

Why Noel? Well, she’s closely assisting El in learning horsemanship, so naturally, she gets the benefit of the air conditioning magic.

These seven individuals were leisurely enjoying the journey, but the others—Lewis, Nero, the 11 knights, and the 6 maids—were feeling utterly fatigued by the scorching heat under the sun.

This difference might surely dampen their motivation. So, during breaks, I expanded the range of the air conditioning magic to ensure everyone could feel the coolness.

“Thank you, Aldo-sama!” × (11 knights + 6 maids)

Lewis and Nero, who benefited from the air conditioning magic, approached me with pleading eyes.

“Aldo, wouldn’t you come and ride with us in our carriage?”

“I’ll go with Aldo…”

I received gratitude from the 17 knights and maids. I ignored the opinions of Lewis and Nero.

I used the air conditioning magic, expanding its range during every break. While indoors, it could last a while once the air cooled, but here, it was all outdoors.

I must keep cooling constantly. As a result, I was experiencing slight magical depletion by the midday break.

“Crap, I’m out of magic…”

“Nii-sama, maybe you should ease up on the magic a bit.”

“I’ll do that…”

Saying that, the break ended.

After the break, I sensed an unsettling atmosphere in a spot we’d advanced to.

The road was adjacent to the forest, causing limited visibility to the right.

“Noel, be careful.”

As I spoke, something resembling a sack flew out from the forest in front of the squad.

We stopped the carriage, and as the cavalry tried to inspect the sack, a horde of orcs emerged from the forest.

“Everyone, take battle positions. Engage as necessary.”

At Noel’s command, the cavalry moved to protect the carriage. However, some cavalry near the sack were almost overwhelmed by the orc horde.

“Damn it, my magic is running low, but… I have no choice.”

I hesitated for a moment, delaying my movement.

A gust of wind blew by me—or rather, El soared away with a space kick.

El was certainly in full armor from horsemanship practice. However, facing such a number of monsters was unprecedented.

“El! Come back!”

Even though my words should have been heard, El charged straight at the orcs.

Just as I was about to use a space kick, El swung the one-handed sword.

A flash…

Another flash…

The orcs’ strength was considerable, but I blocked them head-on with my shield. I wasn’t losing in terms of strength.

I was left bewildered, knowing I had to go help. But I couldn’t take my eyes off what was happening.

It was like a dance… with each swing of the sword, the orcs diminished.

Blocking with the shield, wielding the sword. Running through the air with space kicks… not many leg techniques, but effectively utilizing magic.

Not just me, even the knights were captivated by El’s movements.

Before I knew it, the orc horde was gone.

Only the corpses of six orcs that El had defeated were lying around.

“El! Don’t charge in alone, it’s dangerous!”

“Nii-sama…”

From El, I could almost hear a “Leave it to me.”

“Noel, can you tell him too?”

“Ah, yes, Elphus-sama, please be careful…”

I glanced at Noel, who casually responded.

Aha… there’s a sparkle in those eyes.

I pulled Noel aside and struck up a conversation in a corner.

“Hey, Noel, so… are you infatuated with El?”

“D-Don’t say silly things!”

“Is that not it?”

“My feelings aren’t like that.”

“Is that so?”

“The swordsmanship Elphus-sama just displayed—his fluid movements, they’re beautiful… that’s the pinnacle of martial skill I aim for.”

“Oh, I see. That’s what it is.”

“Hmm. What do you mean?”

“Well, I just thought you might be into that kind of thing, Noel.”

“Hmph. While Aldo may indeed be strong, your fights lack flair. Elphus-sama’s battles should be my model.”

“I’m not seeking a flashy fight, you know?”

“I see. I’ve clearly understood the difference between Elphus-sama’s and Aldo’s combat just now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let me put it clearly. Aldo’s combat is fearsome. Every move is aimed to kill. Every action is solely for killing.”

“Killing…?”

“Yes, it’s the opposite of a knight’s swordsmanship. We wield opposite swords, twins in opposition…”

I agreed with Noel’s words. I indeed trained to achieve maximum effect with minimal movements. This was a different story from the stylish and impressive fights—it was more about concepts.

“Ah… sorry, I might have been a bit too much. Forget what I said.”

“No, it’s okay. What you said, Noel, is right. That’s how I’ve been training.”

“… … …”

“No regrets? Power is just power. The purpose behind wielding it embodies the righteousness.”

“That’s… true…”

“Well, did you notice anything about the bag?”

“The one that was thrown in initially?”

“Yeah, that one. What was it? Does it have something to do with this attack?”

“Wait, I’ll go take a look.”

Saying so, Noel went to check the bag.

The knights gathered to examine it.

Approaching them, I asked about the situation.

“Any progress? Have you found anything?”

Noel responded to my inquiry.

“This is a ‘Monster Bait.'”

“Monster Bait?”

“Yes, originally made to lure monsters away. They set up bags with scents that attract monsters in places far from settlements to draw them away.”

“Calling monsters here?”

“Yes, nowadays, it’s often used for assassination.”

“Could it be Faristea? “

“I don’t know. It might be aimed at Faristea-sama, Olivia-sama, Lewis-sama, Elphas-sama, and maybe you, Aldo.”

“I see.”

“I’m surrounded by too many people in important positions right now.”

“Noel, El and I are fully armed. No air conditioning magic during breaks. Just to be safe, arm Marle, Lewis, and Nero too.”

“That’s…”

“It’s an emergency. Let me be clear. The top combat force is El and me. Marl is skilled as the Ice Witch’s apprentice, adequate for combat. Lewis and Nero aren’t as strong as knights, but they’ll be somewhat useful.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t worry about it. The blood soaked Shura-dono.”

I chuckled at Noel’s words and rearranged the carriage layout.

One carriage for Olivia, Lewis, Nero, and Noel, and another for Marl, Faristea, Anna, and the knights. The rest remained the same.

“Olivia, there won’t be any air conditioning magic, my apologies.”

“I won’t be making any demands in this situation.”

“Since we don’t know the target of the enemy, I’ll separate Olivia, Faristea, El, and me.”

“Well, that seems appropriate.”

El will ride alone on horseback. If it comes to combat, he’ll abandon the horse and fight using space kicks.

“Let’s depart!”

With my command, the group headed towards the Blue Ring territory.