Chapter 298: Chapter 171，Part2: 2 - Responsibility and Prestige

Chapter 171 Responsibility and Prestige

Part 2

This was the worst. Even though escorting someone to a meeting within the border of Zebrudia was already dangerous, protecting the Emperor and his delegation on their way outside of Zebrudia was something that I cannot take responsibility for.

According to the request form, we are only here for insurance. Seems like the Emperor’s personal guards ―― The Zero Knight Order will go with the escort soldiers. It wasn’t like they were going to mobilize an army, it was just a small group of elite guards.

However, I couldn’t really trust those escorts. After all, just the other day, a poisoning incident happened at the Imperial Castle. No matter how carefree of a person I am, I would have some afterthoughts after this.? If they have an Ark-class person with them, I can still feel safe, but that is unlikely. Because, most of all, there are very few people that competent.

Eva pointed to the request form with a more serious expression than mine.

“The limit of five people is also troublesome. I understand that they can’t hire too many Hunters because they have to balance with the Knights’ budget, but also because…… They just had an incident this year ―― So they probably want to show a strong attitude.” (Eva)

“…… You know, I don’t really know much about conferences and stuff like this, but how did it go last year?” (Cry)

“Last year, the venue was in Zebrudia. The venue for the conference is usually in a country with high national power.? About one out of every two conferences are held in Zebrudia, and there hasn’t been a meeting held in Toisant for the last ten years. The conference should end without any hitch.” (Eva)

“…… Every single time I draw the short straw. I am sick of this.” (Cry)

I’m telling you first, if you take me with you, you’re going to get some bad shit, you know? And the more important the event will be, the worse it will get.

I don’t understand the theory, and I don’t know what will come out of it, but I know from experience that it will come out.

Eva gloriously ignored my whining and said.

“Well, the country also has to keep its reputation, so I don’t think the burden on Cry’s side will be that great. …… Do you have any idea what will happen?” (Eva)

“I do. And it seems like they also have some ideas. But I can’t explain their reasoning behind this.” (Cry)

“………… Your intuition, is it?” (Eva)

It wasn’t intuition. It is said that excellent Hunters have sharpened their sixth sense, but I don’t have one.

This is just…… A rule of thumb. It was just a matter of, I have had it bad before, so I am sure that I will have it bad again. There was no way I could explain this to her.

Well, the fact that there were only five of us was a condition of their part, so let’s say that I can’t do anything about it. The biggest problem is that I can’t include 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 in this request.

Our Party’s coordination with others is in the negative. If we combined them with the nobles, then it would be a disaster. Anthem, Lucia, and Sytry might be able to handle it, but if we include those three, the other Members will probably follow. And I don’t have the confidence that I will be able to stop Liz and Luke’s barbarism, and Eliza being Eliza, she is so free-spirited. I am sure she will recommend some lizards she hunted in the area to the Emperor.

After some deep thought, I nodded my head widely and said.

“Five people, eh…… With our Party, Eliza and I would be left out, but it would be perfect for Ark’s Party.” (Cry)

“!? …… Don’t tell me you are saying that you don’t plan to go, Cry-san?” (Eva)

“………… I can’t?” (Cry)

“…………” (Eva)

“…… Maybe you can convince them?” (Cry)

“That’s impossible. Even I can’t do anything about it. Please don’t be selfish. In the first place, aren’t you always doing it at the end.” (Eva)

Eva’s every single word *gusagusa* stabbed me in my heart.

You said I am always doing it, but I never did. You always see me lounging around the Clan Master’s office! However, if I say that Eva will throw me away.

The request form said that there are up to five slots available, but it didn’t say to bring your own Party Members.

I guess that means I have the right to choose. Does that mean they trust me on that as well? Hmm, five people, five people……. Is it?

And that’s when I have a revelation. I involuntarily smiled at her.

《First Step (Ashiato)》 is a large-scale Clan. Naturally, it also has a wide range of connections.

And although I am a noob, I am leading a Party that is renowned as one of the strongest young Party. I have many enemies, but I also have many allies. In particular, I know a lot of Hunters.

That’s right…… I should just gather five people who look strong, have a high level, are famous, and are easy to ask them.

Hunters have a lot of pride, so no one would refuse a request from the Emperor.

And in the unlikely event that the Emperor was assassinated, the blame will surely be shared with everyone.

I can make a Dream Party. I called it Operation Gorgeous Dark Pot. Of course, it goes without saying that one of them is Ark.

Today, I am………… Brilliant. Now, it is getting kind of fun.

“W-what’s with, that smile……” (Eva)

I know, although he isn’t a Hunter anymore, let’s add Gark-san. There was no requirement as being a Hunter in their directives.

I am going to make the guy who is always pushing me for nasty requests realize how badly I have been treated all those times.

If I can’t escape being glared at, I will bring everyone down with me. Let me show you what that rumored unparalleled strategist is all about.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Yami nabe the return! Cry’s going to make a Hunter All-Start team!

Who is he going to put in his team!? Let the draft begin!

Oh and lol at Eliza offering lizard she caught to the Emperor XD

Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

Dark pot: Dark Pot or Yami nabe is when you randomly put ingredients in a Pot and eat it.