𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟎: 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝
Walking down the street normally, I look around curiously.
It’s not an act, I’m genuinely intrigued.
It’s a huge castle after all.
And, standing in front of the wide-open main gate is a member of the demon race.
They look almost identical to humans, but they have horns growing from both sides of their head. They’re supposed to be mortal enemies of humans.
But, probably only those living a comfortable life in the royal capital believe such words.
At least, there are hardly any in Gaillia.
After all, the economy of the Gaillia region is practically supported by the clandestine trade with the Masrur Kingdom, a country of the demon race.
Thanks to that benefit, we orphans were able to grow up.
It seems there’s a secret agreement between Count Doros and the demon race. They’re to provide sufficient support to orphanages and relief institutions. That’s the condition for exporting goods and food.
Because of that, the orphanage industry is thriving in Gaillia.
Healthy orphanages receive a lot of subsidies.
Of course, there are also orphanages that gather children just for the subsidies, neglecting to properly raise them and even abusing them.
Sadly, there are adults who think of evil things in every industry.
The Gold-lined Butterflies was created to somehow deal with such people and help the children.
But the dream has somehow become distorted.
Anyway, thanks to the orphanage teaching me reading, writing, arithmetic, and various other things necessary for living, I am who I am today.
The same goes for Asuka, Miliaria, and Meisha.
On the other hand, there are children like Meg who were picked up by the thieves’ guild, and there are street children who died without being picked up by either.
In other words, even if it’s enriched by clandestine trade with the demon race, Gaillia is not exactly a paradise or utopia.
But since we’re benefiting, there are few people who show an immediate rejection just because it’s the demon race.
“Halt! Who goes there!”
The gatekeeper guarding the entrance raises a voice of challenge.
“I’m a traveler! I’ve lost my way.”
The one who answered is me.
Oh, I’m not disguised or anything.
When I thought about what kind of person wouldn’t be suspicious in a place like this, the answer was an adventurer.
There’s no way a merchant would be in a place like this, mercenaries are suspicious, and the gender ratio is strange for refugees.
The demon race, who I glanced at, wave their hands grandly.
“That must have been tough! We can’t offer much hospitality, but you’re welcome to rest in our castle!”
They say something incredibly kind.
So far, everything is going according to plan.
“They let us in easily. If it weren’t for Mother Nel’s words, I definitely wouldn’t have believed it.”
Miliaria chuckles.
Before the operation began, I had said that it would be easy to get into the castle.
If the people using this castle are good people, they wouldn’t abandon someone in trouble. Conversely, if they’re occupying it with some evil purpose, they wouldn’t let anyone who has seen the castle go quietly.
Whether their purpose is to welcome or assassinate, they will let us into the castle either way.
“The problem starts here. Depending on the opponent’s move, we’ll have to adjust our response.”
We were shown to a guest room.
It’s not the kind used to entertain nobles, but more like the kind used by visiting merchants.
They’re going to provide us with a meal and a place to stay for the night.
It’s generous, but it’s not an unusual story.
For a noble with a castle, being thought of as stingy or poor is the greatest humiliation.
They would at least provide a meal and a bed to a lost traveler.
“Meg, I want you to pretend to use the bathroom and take a quick look around.”
“Got it.”
“Meisha, I want you to ask to see the chapel because you want to pray. Remember the route there. Asuka, go with her just in case.”
“Understood.”
“Leave it to me!”
The monk and the swordsman respond energetically.
“Miliaria, can you help me plan the operation here?”
“Understood.”
The faces of the scout and the wizard are slightly tense.
It’s only natural to keep Miliaria, who is weak in actual situations, close at hand, but there is a slight anxiety about letting Meg act alone, but there’s nothing we can do about that.
Even if she’s with someone else, they’ll end up holding her back.
At worst, if she hides, she can return without being found by anyone.
“There’s about half an hour until mealtime. No matter how late it gets, make sure to return within thirty minutes. Got it?”
Meg, Asuka, and Meisha, who nodded, leave the guest room.
Soon, voices saying “I want to use the bathroom.” and “I want to pray.” can be heard from the hallway, and the confused presence of the soldiers is also felt.
But, it seems they won’t be denied.
Whether they’re human or demon race, males are weak to the requests of beautiful girls.
Those three will surely deceive the soldiers in their own ways.
“So, I’m left behind because I have a childlike body. I understand.”
Miliaria turns her face away with a huff.
She’s sulking.
“No, no, no. I’m counting on Miliaria’s intelligence.”
“Who knows? After all, I’m a child, so I don’t have intelligence.”
“That’s not true. Miliaria is an adult.”
I try to persuade her while being flustered.
Perhaps, lovers and married couples in the world are always doing things like this.
While thinking about such pointless things.
“Do I have sex appeal?”
“Of course!”
“Do you want to sleep in the same bed?”
“Yeah. But only after you become an adult!”
“Fufu. I got your word.”
The wizard smiled broadly.
I wonder.
I feel like I’ve said something bad.
Anyway, this is the beginning of the infiltration mission.
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