Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter's Hero Dream - Chapter 242 p2

Chapter 242 Help
Part 2
　Think. Think. Think.

　Think about what he means. What is the purpose of creating her? A body double? It would be too inhumane. In the first place, if she was a body double, Cry wouldn’t say that it was bad.
　No, to begin with, who made it? There is no way that Zebrudia would create someone who looks exactly like the Princess. There is no way they would allow it. There is no way that the Emperor would allow it. There is no way that a public research institute could do it. Technically and ethically.

　I felt a chill. I smelled a conspiracy.
　If there is anyone who can create the Princess herself, it would be――One of the largest organizations even among underground organizations.
　Would it be Akasha, the one who just caused a big incident the other day, or that one organization that Cry is said to have fought off in the last escort mission――.

　That’s when all the dots connected.
　A Level 8. There is no such thing as an entity that can make Cry impatient when he is unperturbed in any kind of situation.

　Fearfully, I uttered those words.

“Don’t tell me this is 『Nine-Tails Shadow Fox (Kyubi no Kage Kitsune)』――The 『Fox’s (Kitsune)』 plot?” (Eva)

“Huh” (Cry)

　His eyes widened and Cry made a startled expression on his face.
　Was it so surprising that I was able to correctly guess it with so little information? I have not been with him for such a long time just for show.
　As I had exceeded this Clan Master’s expectations for the first time, I was a little happy, but now was not the time to be happy.

　A fake Princess. We must act faster than usual.

“I understand the general situation. You have rescued her from the clutches of the “Fox (Kitsune)”, haven’t you?” (Eva)

“…………………………………… Un.” (Cry)

　After all, that is exactly what I assumed.
　I heard that the “Fox (Kitsune)” were plotting to assassinate the Emperor. The plot was thwarted by Cry and the perpetrators were apparently identified, but the “Fox (Kitsune)” is a large organization.
　It would not be surprising if the organization that failed to assassinate the Emperor would target Her Imperial Princess as their next target.

　Cry must have found out that the “Fox (Kitsune)” was making a fake Imperial Princess and rescued her.

　As expected in this situation, even Cry cannot keep his composure, and sweat was *daradara* pouring down his cheeks.

　I also felt like covering my ears, but it is precisely when the Clan Master is in a pinch that the Vice-Clan Master must remain calm.

“Please, calm down. Is there, only one fake?” (Eva)

“………… Th-There were, three failures. But, the only successful one, is her. Right, Sytry?” (Cry)

“………… Yes, that is right. Damn you, “Fox (Kitsune)”.” (Sytry)

　Cry complexion was deep blue, probably because of the horrific scene he witnessed. Cry was supported by Sytry who was behind him when he was getting wobbly.

　Apparently, even Cry who seemed to be manipulating this whole situation was also human. My fighting spirit was being ignited.
　I say as I raised my head and firmly look at Cry.

“His Majesty the Emperor should also be here to observe the Supreme Martial Arts Festival. Let us contact him.” (Eva)

“Eh……!?” (Cry)

　I knew it, you were planning to solve this problem by yourself.

“Cry-san, we cannot solve this problem by ourselves. Even if you could――The presence of an impostor is a danger to Her Imperial Princess. We should contact them. If it is coming from a Level 8, they won’t ignore it.” (Eva)

“…………………… You are absolutely right. This is all the “Fox’s (Kitsune)” fault, as expected, you can count on Eva.” (Sytry)

　We can’t stay like this. I placed the cloth that Cry stripped off over the fake Imperial Princess again.
　Fortunately, members of 《First Step (Hajimari no Ashiato)》 are gathering at Cleat. We should have enough escorts with us.

　The fake Imperial Princess card is too powerful. The other side will definitely try to take her back.
　It is too dangerous to leave her with Cry, who is directly fighting the “Fox (Kitsune)”.

　No, I am sure that Cry brought her to me in order for me to keep her. And there was no way I could refuse that request.

“I will take care of her. Sven-san is here, so I will ask him to escort us. Cry-san will keep fighting the “Fox (Kitsune)”――” (Eva)

“Ah, un…………” (Cry)

　Maybe going around and destroying criminal organizations in Cleat was just one part of the plan?
　It is useless…… No matter how much I think about it, I have no idea what the big picture is. First, I have to do what I can do perfectly.

　And there, Cry *butsubutsu* mumbled something.

“I have to fight with the fox, huh. With the bad foxes――” (Cry)

“? Is there such a thing as a good fox?” (Eva)

　Could it be that he has a collaborator inside the organization? Inside that “Fox (Kitsune)”?

　The Clan Master said with a look that was, as always, so unreliable.

“………… Well, just a little bit.” (Cry)