Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter's Hero Dream - Chapter 244 p2

Chapter 244 Great Sinner ②
Part 2
　When I look away, I see that I was looking eye to eye with Sytry.
　Sytry nodded her head as if to say that she knew what I was talking about, and then said somewhat proudly to Franz-san.

“Please calm down, Franz-san. This is 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 divine strategy that sees the future through his knowledge of all things!” (Sytry)

　Sytry…… What do you know about me? When did I see the future! I can’t even see much of what is in front of me……
　After I *kuchakucha* ruffled Sytry’s hair in retaliation, she says it out loud and proudly.

“Aaah, that’s right. He can see it――The appearance of the “Fox (Kitsune)” and the way he goes past the limit of his destructive power!!!” (Sytry)

“……………… Tsk. Well, fine. Either way, a battle is inevitable! They are an enemy that threatens not only Zebuldia but all nations!” (Franz)

“No, of course, I am not saying we won’t fight! But people have compatibility. For me――I need Ark!” (Cry)

　I say while pinching at Sytry’s *mochimochi* gummy cheeks.

　Is it this mouth? Is it this mouth that is to blame? I trusted you, Sytry! Stop fooling around! Stop *niconico* smiling! Take this, take this!

“Tsk…… Be serious for a second!” (Franz)

“I am serious!” (Cry)

“That’s even worse!” (Franz)

　What do you want me to do……?

§

　After a dozen minutes of following him, feeling like a sinner just before his execution, we arrived at a large mansion located a little off the main street of Cleat.
　There were not many pedestrians on the street, but the streets were being patrolled by fully armed soldiers, which was clearly not usual. The front of the mansion was similarly guarded by strong soldiers.

　When Franz *zukazuka* walked briskly, the soldiers saluted him with a uniform motion.

“I have heard rumors, but they really have a strict security.” (Sytry)

“Un, un, that’s right. I have only heard rumors about it, tho’.” (Cry)

　Franz-san returned when I completely became a person who just nods his head without thinking.

　Weren’t we going to have a strategy meeting? Where are we going?
　As I filled my head with questions without showing it on my face, Franz-san said something unbelievable.

“His Majesty will see you.” (Franz)

“!???” (Cry)

　Eeeeeh………… Emperor, my dude, are ya bored?1
　Sure, Eva said something about having to tell His Majesty the Emperor, but I didn’t think we were going to have to meet with him…… I seriously…… Don’t want to meet him.

“Her Highness Princess Murina is here too. You have already been disrespectful to me a lot already, but don’t be rude!” (Franz)

“…… Just now, I had a really rude thought but I didn’t say it out loud you know?” (Cry)

“……………… Are you testing my tolerance? Hmm?” (Franz)

　I don’t want to meet him, I don’t want to meet him, I don’t want to meet him, I don’t want to meet him.
　I wonder if His Majesty the Emperor will not have a stomach ache and lose his will to see me visit.

　For some reason, Sytry’s eyes were shining, but I am really not good at meeting great people like him.
　Let me tell you, I know nothing about politeness. I have always lived a *fuwafuwa* fluffy life. It’s to the point where Lucia, who couldn’t bear to watch me, asked me to not talk and keep quiet.

　I know…… Wouldn’t it be fine if I don’t say anything? I will leave everything to Sytry――No, I can’t. I can’t leave anything to Sytry right now.

　We walk through the mansion, which has a lot of security, and stop in front of a magnificent double door.
　Not long after Franz-san spoke to the knight guarding the door, a voice came from inside the door.

“Come in.” (Radrick)

　Feeling like I’m about to puke, I follow Franz-san.

　I prayed desperately with a “Don’t be there, don’t be there, don’t be there”, but fact is, the Emperor who had given me the ticket was waiting calmly inside. Princess Murina, who was standing next to him, looked at me with a tense and a *pukuri* twitching face, but then stopped as if she had stopped thinking.

　Compared to that time on the airship, there were far more guards in the room, and the air was terribly stuffy and tense.
　As expected of the Emperor of a great country, the room has no windows and he has thick security. But in any case, if the “Fox (Kitsune)” attacked, you would be helplessly defeated anyway, no?

　What do they want me to do? I know, first――I have to get on my knees.

“We are in a state of emergency, no need to be extra polite, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.” (Radrick)

　Even though I could have bought some time if we needed to be polite…… But my body…… My body wants to bow down.

“I have already been told by Franz that you rescued the fake Murina from the “Fox’s (Kitsune)” hand. Well done.” (Radrick)

“………… I-It was not a big deal.” (Cry)

　It was really not a big deal. And it is Sytry that has created that big deal.
　Then Sytry stepped forward, made firm eye contact with the Emperor, and firmly stated.

“We are hunters in Zebrudia, and it is only natural that we should serve Zebrudia, to which we owe so much.” (Sytry)

　I want to pull out this tongue.
　The Emperor’s gaze shifts to Sytry as he speaks in a serious voice that is pleasant to the ear.

“I see………… So, you are Sytry Smart. From what I hear, you are quite a skilled Alchemist.” (Radrick)

“I am honored, Your Majesty. However, my skills are nothing to boast of compared to 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 skills.” (Sytry)

　I’m gonna puke. Hey, stop.
　Maybe you are thinking about me, but you really need to stop praising for no particular reason, seriously, stop.

“Fumu…… By the way, what is the relationship between you and 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.” (Radrick)

“I am his wife.” (Sytry)

　I half reflexively *spaaan* smacked the back of Sytry’s head.
　Franz-san, the guards, Her Imperial Princess Murina, and even His Majesty the Emperor look at us as if they were startled.

　Oh shit…… No, no, but, you know. She has done nothing but lie since the beginning, didn’t you!

　I made the coolest face I could and changed the subject.

“Enough joking, let’s get into the main subject, Your Majesty.” (Cry)

“………… Aaaah, right. Franz” (Radrick)

　At the Emperor’s instruction, Franz-san stepped forward. After being hit on the head, Sytry was back on her feet with a serious face, as if nothing happened.
　Franz-san cleared his throat and glared at me.

“*Gohon* Ahem. Come to think of it, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, you are a Relic collector, right? Have you ever heard of a Relic called 『Key of the Earth』?” (Franz)

“Hm? Aaah, I have it, you know.” (Cry)

“Oh, great, so you have it……………… Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?” (Franz)

“!? W-Well, I just happened to get it recently due to various reasons. Only one, tho’.” (Cry)

　Oh shit…… Was hiding it the correct answer?