We’re back at the Adventurer Guild,
Or at least, that’s what I’d like to say, but this is the Empire’s side.
“Listen up, everyone! The people here are Nina Starlights, an Adventurer Party who defeated one of the Seven Great Demon Lords. Do not show them any disrespect!”
Raitani announced loudly.
Some people looked embarrassed and fled, but I felt like their gaze towards us had changed.
(Well, if anything happens, I won’t hesitate to go all out next time!)
I wouldn’t mind burning down the entire building then.
“Now, please come to the Guild Master’s Room.”
Inside, I saw a gloomy person with glasses working beneath an imperial crest.
“It’s rare for you to visit our side.”
“I brought them. Nina Starlights. Please, have a seat.”
As we were guided to the sofa, a maid with a stern expression served us water.
Nastasia and Helen, who were slaves, stood behind us, but water was still provided for everyone.
“First, I want to apologize. We misjudged your abilities and were rude. I am truly sorry.”
He bowed deeply. He didn’t kneel, which was fitting for him.
“Well, we also had some aspects we kept hidden.”
“Nonetheless, we were the ones who started the fight by taking advantage of the trouble.”
Even the second-in-command, Fira, bowed with him.
“We’ve already received all the compensation we can get. It’s fine.”
“About that… everyone became slaves to help me. So, I want to buy them all back, even if it takes my whole life and all my wealth.”
Huh, he actually has some reasonable feelings. Even like this, he’s the Guild Master, and still an active Hero.
“Even so, the distribution has already been done.”
“Whatever is taken in by the two Adventurer Guilds can be managed. No, I will manage it. The problem is the four who went to your side. In extreme terms, they became slaves because of my orders.”
“So you expect us to sell them? That’s a convenient story. We already have enough money.”
I understood Raitani’s desire to fix what he caused with his own power, but our slaves were finally starting to have a purpose. More importantly, slaves are slaves, and their ownership belongs to us.
“If you’re asking us to provide replacements, we’ll look for them. However, our Twelve Heroes…”
“You’re quite self-centered to say that after you broke them yourself.”
“So please, if possible, I want to save as many as I can. Please! I’m begging you!”
Why is it that even though he’s bowing, I feel nauseous?
“That’s what Deles says. What do you think?”
“Hmm, this makes it sound like we’re the bad guys.”
“N-no, that’s not… this is just…”
I doubt he’ll be forgiven just because he’s asking.
“Raitani-san, if you are a Hero, then you should understand the value of a Hero.”
“…I truly regret it. It was a grievous mistake. That’s why, that’s why!”
“Exactly, ‘it was a grievous mistake.’ That concludes our discussion.”
We had already made significant concessions to distribute the four Slave Heroes. Yes, just four people. We didn’t demand that much for the rest of the money.
“Since Deles says so, that’s everything. As the Leader, I can’t discuss this any further.”
“I see… Nastasia, I’m sorry. But, but someday for sure…”
“…”
Nastasia lowered her eyes in silence. She can’t say anything, can she? Oh, maybe she can’t speak because she’s a slave. Let me try to help her out a little.
“Nastasia-san, you have my permission. Please reply to Raitani-san if you have anything to say.”
“Yes, Deles Master… No, it’s fine. We’ve already said our goodbyes to the Party.”
“Nastasia…”
Raitani looked at least somewhat shocked. A duel is a serious matter, and I can’t back down on this.
“Is that all? Let’s move on to the main topic.”
Nina then started discussing tomorrow’s strategy.
“So, when the numbers count reaches zero, we defeat it. Understood?”
“Ah, I understand. Can we really leave the finishing blow to you?”
“It’s fine. All we need is to buy time and provide support.”
By the time we finished our briefing, the setting sun was casting its rays outside.
“Alright, we’re leaving then. We’ll subjugate them tomorrow morning. Don’t be late.”
“Ah… Lastly, one more time, I want to talk to Nastasia…”
“Absolutely not.”
(Nastasia also looks a bit down, but I guess that’s understandable.)
And so, we were sent off by Raitani and his group (including the gloomy person with glasses), and safely left the Empire’s Adventurer Guild without any further incident. Then, when we went to the foreign Adventurer Guild, we encountered Hyō and his family, laden with luggage!
“Alright, let’s go home!”
“Tha-a-a-nk you ve-ry mu-uch! We… will… see… you… again!!”
“That’s what they say, Anju.” “Roger that.”
And so, Shucco’s Dark Guild Master and the others headed home.
(It looks like they had a good family trip, which is great.)
Returning to the castle, the butler had an important announcement.
“Dinner will be served tomorrow morning.”
“I see. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“Not at all. We have to transport the cooking equipment, after all.”
(Ah, I wish they’d give me the salad recipe!)
