I investigated the races living in the town.
During the day, I decided to have Kyle of the Guard Corps teach me about this town and the races that inhabit it.
“There are many races around here. Especially to the south, there’s the ferocious Sand Lizard Tribe, and to the east, there are the Garudas.”
Speaking of Garuda, isn’t that a god with the head of a bird?
“Garudas and Nagas don’t get along, so be careful. It’s like the Dark Harpies and Nagas in Shindo.”
Now that you mention it, it seems like the chieftains of the Dark Harpies and Nagas were fighting. Is it because they are a snake and a bird?
“Apparently, Garuda used to eat Nagas in the past. Dark Harpies too. Have you never seen a Naga wearing a feather ornament? Those are from the feathers of enemies they defeated.”
How ominous. That’s when I suddenly remembered a newspaper I saw before. I thought they were friendly because they wore accessories symbolizing each other, but was that a huge provocation?
“Well, nowadays they’re mostly just ornaments. The feathers are just picked up from those dropped by Flower Harpies and re-dyed.”
“Is that so? Maybe I’ll buy one as a souvenir.”
I was met with a dry laugh and told to do so. After a while of small talk, I returned to the hotel. Nina and Chamber were waiting with disgusted expressions.
“You’re finally here! Make him shut up.”
“Geh, you’re back already. Show some consideration.”
Even if you tell me to… And what about the response from Navis?
“Well, if you’re here, it can’t be helped. He said it’s okay, but he also said it’s better to infiltrate as a prostitute because you’d stand out.”
I see, so it’s no wonder you haven’t seen her face.
“Alright, it’s decided. Let’s go right away.”
“Wait, are you going, Lady Nina?”
“Is there a problem?”
I forgot, the problem is who is going. It would be more natural for a girl to go here. But considering any unforeseen circumstances… Nina is probably better. She could kill a man or two with her bare hands.
“For the time being, Navis is waiting. Let’s go.”
Nina slipped away, ignoring the hand Chamber offered. We arrived at a large house in the most prominent part of town. I could see servants working from the window.
“Hello Navis, I’m here. It’s me, Chain.”
Then, one of the maids came out from inside and opened the gate. The inside of the house felt like a rich person’s home, with a large sofa, a red carpet, an expensive-looking golden vase, and some unidentifiable paintings. He looked up from the ledger he was reading in the adjacent room, his long legs stretched out on a large sofa.
“Hey Chain, I was waiting. It seems you’re doing something interesting.”
“I’ve brought a pastime for a rich person who seems to be bored.”
“Please, sit down,” he said, gesturing to the sofa behind him. I sat down, and it was so fluffy I thought I would fall over. A maid brought out tea that also looked expensive.
“I’ll let you participate in the party this time. I’m only attending for business, but some people bring mistresses or… so-called ‘puppies.’ I’ll take you as my mistress.”
Those so-called puppies are probably the children.
“Yes, thank you. But will it be a bother?”
“Hmm, I’d like to get leverage on the opponent, too.”
Alright, if that’s decided, all that’s left is action.
“Thank you, I’ll gladly accept.”
“Heh heh, I see. But first, let’s fix the way you’re wearing that cloth.”
Saying that, he took the cloth wrapped around my head and re-wrapped it.
“You look shabby like that. Tie it at the back with your hair. You can’t do that because your hair is short.”
“Eh, really…?”
“Hmm, and with that outfit, it’s a bit… you should shave your beard too.”
I see, I haven’t taken care of myself for a while, so my hair and beard have grown quite long. I should have tidied myself up before coming to Navis’s house. It was customary manners.
“Yes, I apologize. It’s polite to take care of one’s appearance.”
“No, but wouldn’t it look out of place when you infiltrate? You’re not that burly, so it’ll be fine.”
???Huh, is it me who’s going?
“Um… am I the one going?”
“Eh? Isn’t it? I thought it was.”
“That’s right! Sending Lady Nina on a dangerous mission, are you even a man?!”
