Twilight Alchemist 4.1

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4.1. A Story That Makes You Want To Rebel Against Annoying People

"This is my sister, and I'm Myrna Veil Road. Due to various circumstances, we'll be going together. Come on, Myrna, say hello."

"Ni... Nice to... meet you..."

Peeking slightly from the back of the 3rd son Kyle, Myrna bowed her head and quickly hid.

The dress wasn't suitable for going to the pioneer village, but it definitely suited her.

"Not just Kyle-sama, but Myrna-jou too!?"

The guild master exclaimed in surprise. It would be considered rude, but this was an exceptional situation.

Fortunately, none of the 3 nobles seemed uncomfortable with the guild master's reaction.

Well, one couldn't be sure about what they felt inside.

"Oh, isn't it an honor?"

"Yes, of course, it's a great honor. However, as I mentioned, the pioneer village we're heading to is quite treacherous. I can't guarantee your safety."

"What? We're aware that the pioneer village is dangerous. Right, Kyle?"

"Yes, Zaid-oniisama."

Kyle answered with a tense expression.

"Well, but..."

"Don't worry; we have prepared individuals who are impeccable as escort forces. Alphard Promiss! Persia Formalhaut! Step forward!"

""Hah!!""

A composed adult man and woman stepped forward.

From their behavior and equipment, it was clear that they were highly skilled.

The man wore a light-type armor of the Holy Knight Order, and the woman wore the light-type armor of the Royal Guard Knight Order.

Complex emblems were drawn on their left hands.

"Alphard is a remarkable figure who was entrusted with the command of the Holy Knight Order at this young age. Persia served as the vice-commander in charge of the female guardian unit of the Royal Guard Knight Order. I guarantee their skills."

"These 2 are from that famous... I see. As promised, the defense force is more than sufficient, but..."

In this world, an individual with great strength could rival the power of a group. Indeed, these two powerful individuals could be considered equivalent to a regular army unit.

Well, the question remained whether they would protect not only the nobles but also others.

"No need for thanks."

"It's just impossible to provide an environment suitable for Kyle-sama."

"Guild Master, I'm fine."

"But..."

"He says he's fine. Don't worry about it."

"That's..."

Zaid leaned towards Kyle and showed a shadowy smile.

"What? The success or failure of the pioneer village depends entirely on Kyle's responsibility. If you fail, it's the fault of Kyle, who can't command properly. Oh, of course, I believe in the capable Kyle. I expect you to achieve satisfactory results soon and return triumphantly. While you're absent, my brother and I will support Father, so take your time."

"..."

Am I getting more and more irritated?

"Well, you've been considered useless due to your frailty until now. Don't miss this chance, right? Make it a big success and surprise us all."

Ah, I see.

They're getting rid of me because I'm unnecessary.

That's the reason.

[Craft, you're fired.]

I remembered the moment when I was declared unnecessary by the party the other day.

So, I did something outrageous without thinking.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure the pioneer succeeds. I guarantee it."

"Craft!?"

"Hmm?"

I stood up slowly and placed my hand on Kyle's shoulder.

Not only Alphard and Persia but also the soldiers tried to move, but they stopped at Zaid's signal.

Kyle looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Who are you?"

"Craft Woken. Former adventurer, now a member of the production guild. I'm participating in this pioneer."

"Former adventurer? Did you switch to the Production Guild?"

"Yeah."

"What can a newcomer do?"

"I'll support him. I'll make the pioneer a success."

(Hey! Craft!)

Worst case, could this lead to a beheading?

"Haha... Hahaha! Yeah! That's the spirit! Pioneers need this kind of determination! Yeah! But isn't it a bit rude?"

"This was supposed to be incognito, unofficial, right? I just went along with it."

"I see. That sounds like something an adventurer who dislikes authority would say."

"Shall I dispose of him?"

"No, let him off. In return, I'd like to be entertained by the results."

"I promise."

The results Zaid is seeking will probably differ significantly from mine!

My emblem whispers.

We can do it!

"Besides, Kyle-sama has already achieved one result, you know?"

"What?"

A wrinkle formed on Zaid's forehead.

"Hiring me significantly reduced the number of carriages. I made quite a contribution to budget reduction."

"Huh? Are you capable of storage?"

"Yeah."

"But Kyle didn't specifically mention you, did he?"

"Luck is part of skill, as they say."

Zaid blinked, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! I see! Indeed! Absolutely! What matters is the result!"

Zaid keeps laughing for a while, for some reason.

He really is an annoying guy.

"Haha... Thanks for the laugh... Well, I'll take my leave now. Good luck."

Chuckling, Zaid left with his soldiers.

Should I give him the finger?

"Hey! Craft! What the heck are you doing?"

"Seriously! It was enough to create a lake with cold sweat!"

"Sorry, couldn't help it."

"Um..."

"Oh! This is Kyle-sama! My subordinates were quite rude!"

"No, it's not like that."

"Kyle-sama, I apologize for the great rudeness."

I knelt in front of Kyle and deeply bowed my head.

"Please raise your head! I, um, was very happy!"

"I appreciate you saying that."

"But, may I ask one thing?"

"Yes."

"Why did you do such a thing?"

"Well, it's a bit presumptuous of me, but I felt a connection to your situation."

"?"

"I've been an adventurer until recently when I was declared useless."

Not just once.

Multiple times.

"Oh..."

"I don't know Kyle-sama's circumstances, but it seems like you're not well-received by Kyle-sama."

"Please raise your head again."

Prompted again, I slowly lifted my head. Kyle's expression was bitter.

Actually, I'm weak due to illness, and compared to my two excellent older brothers, I'm truly useless."

"No! Kyle-sama is a splendid person who cares for the people!"

The guild master shouted without hesitation.

"I don't have the power to save anyone... But! This time, I volunteered because I thought I could be of some help to the people!"

Ah, this child is truly innocent and kind.

"So, even though I'm an unfortunate person, I'll do my best. I would be very happy if everyone could lend their strength."

"I've already declared it. Leave it to me. I'll definitely do it well."

"Your words are very reassuring."

What I dislike is injustice.

It's not right for such a child to be given a hard time.

"We, the guild, will fully cooperate too!"

"Yes, me too!"

The pioneers who had been holding back until now stood up one by one, determined.

"Oh... We will too!"

"I heard that Kyle-sama called for tax reduction in a bad harvest year."

"Yeah! For Kyle-sama's sake!"

Not only the guild master and Leifan but also the pioneers who had been holding back joined in, clenching their fists one by one.

Well, seeing Zaid's attitude, this was bound to happen.

"Thank you! Everyone!"

Myrna, hiding behind Kyle, also bowed her head shyly.

After that, the adventurer party for the escort also joined, and they set out.

The two escorts, Alphard and Persia, remained poker-faced throughout.

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