Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 238

 "Umm... Is that alright?"

Eisen, who had been silently listening up until now, spoke up during a brief pause. He raised his hand politely as he did so.

"Will there be any changes in the organization due to this incident? After graduation, I had the opportunity to study with the Knights in the capital, but even considering this incident, I didn't see any significant deficiencies."

"Oh? You did such a thing?"

Seriana looked surprised.

"...Yes. I thought it would be necessary for the territory eventually."

Eisen answered, his face slightly stiff.

Come on, sister, show a little more interest in your brother...

"Hmm... To get to the point, there will be no changes. The vice-captains and I will return part of our salaries, though."

He stopped speaking and turned towards me.

"I'm sorry. You might be dissatisfied, but this cannot be changed."

"...I'm not particularly dissatisfied, but is there a reason for it?"

When I think about it, the only thing I know is that he's a friend of my grandfather and a high-ranking knight.

"My faction and I mainly act with the western region in mind. Like Arios, we have participated in the defense of the borders and in joint efforts with the entire alliance against conflicts with the west. While it's not exactly a rivalry, another faction is focused on battling monsters."

"Oh."

So, the factions have different stances. I'm starting to get it.

"If this incident is viewed as an attempt to assassinate Lady Seriana rather than a robbery for money, it would escalate matters, ultimately leading to me being held accountable. While that's unavoidable, it would weaken my faction, allowing the other faction to gain power."

"So, it would shift the focus to monster subjugation?"

"Exactly. While that's not a bad thing, it might lead to lax checks on adventurers and mercenaries who can fight monsters. If that happens, it could increase the forces involved in the attacks on Lutoru. We must avoid that situation."

"Even though they didn't carry it out this time, my assassination and the attack on the detached palace... Whether they succeeded or failed, they might have intended to alter the national defense system. Honestly... they think up such troublesome plans."

It's quite devious to think two or three moves ahead like that...

"...I guess you get along well? Alright, I understand. It's more convenient for Yuzeph-sama to remain as the commander, right?"

Seriana nodded in agreement. Originally, I didn't want any penalties, so there's nothing more for me to say.

"You'll receive a suitable share from the Knights, so look forward to it."

I really have nothing to add.

◇

After roughly discussing everything, it was tea time, even though no one had explicitly suggested it. The atmosphere was quiet, possibly due to the complex relationships and hierarchies involved.

"By the way, Sera... How did you subdue the attackers when you were captured? I heard they were knocked out without a scratch. Were you really that skillful?"

"I was curious about that too. But, I couldn't ask directly as you're from another family..."

"Hmm... It's not easy to knock someone out without any injuries, especially if there's a size difference. How did you do it?"

Breaking the silence, Seriana brought up the topic, and my grandfather and the others joined in. Even those who remained silent seemed interested, judging by their glances.

"What do you think, Alec?"

"He probably drained their magic with Akame or Shirojita... But I'm not sure how he managed to hit them."

Alec whispered to Elena, and he was spot on.

When I looked at Seriana, she nodded as if telling me to show them.

"Curious? Heh heh... Can't be helped."

She moved to a spot where everyone could see her and covered her mouth with both hands. Then...

"Boo!"

She suddenly removed her hands and opened her mouth wide. A black shadow shot out from her open mouth and quickly slipped under her skirt.

"!?"

"Hahaha! Surprised?"

I could tell from everyone's faces that they were indeed surprised without even having to check.

"Ah, I see. If it's inside the body, it can hide in the shadows."

The first to recover from the surprise was Alec.

"Yes. I considered hiding it in my hair, but this way, I can act at my own timing."

Hearing her words, the men, in particular, seemed quite impressed.

Let's keep it a secret that this idea came to me on the day of the incident. No need to lower my rising stock.