Looking towards the source of the voice, I found only a pile of unfamiliar Magic Items. However, that voice…
“—I wouldn’t believe it, but you haven’t somehow buried the Communication Crystal in that pile of Junk, have you? No, that’s unlikely. Even Shin, who lacks the slightest concept of Organization and tidiness, wouldn’t do something so foolish. …He wouldn’t, right?”
Ah, so it was just as I suspected. This voice belonged to Lumiest’s Principal, Art. He was likely using a Communication Crystal or some other Magic Item to reach me. And that Magic Item was, of course, buried somewhere in that pile.
“You’re as rude as ever, Art! My collected items are not Junk! They’re all National Treasures! In other words, this is a treasure hoard!”
“Boss Shin, I have to agree with Kelvin-kun; piling those so-called National Treasures so carelessly is questionable.”
“Wha—!? Kelvin-kun, you traitor!?”
I wasn’t on your side from the start. I was merely questioning your common sense.
“As I thought. Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and find the Communication Crystal. Leaving fragile Magic Items lying around haphazardly is an utterly contemptible act for someone in your position.”
“Chee, fine, fine. I’m just a sloppy woman, after all.”
“What are you pouting about…?”
“I’m not pouting—!”
The Boss began searching through the Magic Items, puffing on her cigar. This person is usually far too unrestrained, but she seems to become even more childish when Art is involved… Ah, in the meantime, she seems to have found the crystal.
“See, I found it and even placed it on the Table. Everything’s great.”
“You’re saying more nonsensical things… Just because you can’t see my beautiful form through the crystal doesn’t mean you should be so grumpy. You should be enchanted by this beautiful voice and revel in it!”
“Yeah, yeah, my ears are going to rot, my ears are going to rot.”
“Hmph, how rude. Your ears were rotten from the start.”
“………”
“Um, Principal Art? You didn’t contact us just to pick a fight, did you?”
If I left these two to their own devices, the conversation would never progress, so I had to intervene. First Kelvum and Rukil, and now these two; there are so many self-centered people lately, it’s troublesome. Don’t you think so too, Gerard? What’s with that look of skepticism?
“Ah, I can’t be troubling Lord Celsius like this. Shin, let’s get back on track here.”
“Well, if Kelvin-kun insists, I suppose I have no choice. I don’t like that you’re using honorifics with Art, but I’ll overlook it to save Kelvin-kun’s face.”
“Uh, thanks…?”
Why am I thanking him? Oh well, what were we talking about?
“As I mentioned earlier, I wish to participate in this so-called Decisive Battle.”
Ah, yes, that. That’s what it was, right?……”
“…Just to be sure, may I ask if your desire to participate stems from the fact that Boss Shin is participating?”
“Of course not. Unlike Shin, I don’t have such childish rivalry. This is a matter of position. The Fallen Angels who worship the Ten Authorities sent spies to my academy to harm my students. As the Principal of Lumiest, I can absolutely not allow such an action. Including the incident where you used Dorothy, it could have led to a great catastrophe if things had gone slightly differently. That is precisely why I want to make an example of the Ten Authorities, who are responsible. Lord Celsius, would you please consider my request?”
Art’s tone of voice was a stark contrast to his earlier self-indulgent demeanor. Now, it was low and remarkably calm. No, it would be more accurate to say he was silently angry. This must be what they mean by touching someone’s inverse scale. Like Boss Shin, he has a perfectly valid reason to participate.
…However, the issue is that not only Boss Shin, but now Principal Art is also declaring his participation. While it is reassuring, I also have a feeling that the elements of concern will increase. Specifically, I’m worried about a smaller share of the spoils. What should I do, Gerard? Is it possible for us to go ahead of them on The Day, like we did with Trisen? No, stop giving me that pitying look! I’m thinking about it seriously too!
“Ah, I understand Lord Celsius’s bad habits well. Don’t worry too much; I have no intention of stealing Lord Celsius’s enjoyment. My forte is in rear support. In other words, I play music to boost everyone’s morale and, conversely, to impose unfavorable conditions on the enemy. Like Shin over there, whose objective is treasure hunting, I can assure you I have no intention of fighting the Ten Authorities directly. Although, I hope you’ll allow me some self-defense.”
Ah, now that I think about it, Principal Art used his instruments in the Versus Match as well. His combat style was to draw the enemy’s attention, evade their attacks, and then scatter supportive or disruptive effects around the area. …Come to think of it, he has a greedy set of abilities perfect for a Party’s rear support. As an S-Rank Adventurer who tends to fight on the front lines, he’s quite an unusual type. If someone like Art participates, it will certainly help us gain an advantage in the State of battle.
“…If that’s the case, I have no reason to object.”
“Well, considering it’s Art, it’s a reasonable explanation, so I think it’s fine. Just do your best to support me, okay?”
“I’m sorry, but my support won’t reach someone whose ears are rotten. I might be able to deliver personal grudges, though.”
“Oh, are you wagering support against personal grudges? Kudos to you, that’s a rather clever witty remark! …Though I’ll accept a fight if you offer one?”
“Yeah, yeah, calm down.”
Even if we let them participate, I absolutely cannot let these two act together. I’ve secretly made that decision.
“Hmm, so the S-Rank Adventurers are all gathering. Regardless of the King’s intentions, I am honored to fight alongside you all. Speaking of which, Your Majesty, what about the other S-Rank Adventurers?”
“Hmm? Ah, it varies by person. Bakke, who is currently with Dahak, is more interested in Dahak than the Ten Authorities, so he’s instructing him, and the possibility of him participating in the battle itself is slim for now. On the other hand, Glostina is quite motivated, partly because of Pritia-chan. She will almost certainly participate. As for the remaining S-Rank Adventurers from the Eastern Continent, Leon, and Silvia… Hmm, it’s a bit uncertain. Leon’s top priority is national interest, and Silvia is currently being treated as a guest general by Traage. While she should have considerable freedom as a guest, she likely wouldn’t disregard Tsubaki-sama’s intentions.”
“Hmm, it seems complicated.”
“What should I do about it, as I’ve been assigned to coordinate? These S-Rank Adventurers are all respected members of the Guild. Should I proceed with the plan to have them participate in resolving this disturbance?”
“…You’re saying that on purpose, aren’t you?”
“Kuhuhuhu.”
Despite smoking a cigar, the Boss’s smile was incredibly childish. I might actually need to seriously consider the plan to infiltrate the enemy’s Base before this Decisive Battle.
