Chapter 17: Strategy Meeting
「Father, are you all right?」 (Regis)
「That condition doesn’t look fine at all! 」 (Regis)
The next day.
Walkins and I assembled in Shadiverga’s bedroom.
He ran a high fever last night.
I heaved a huge sigh, feeling relieved for the time being.
Although, it doesn’t seem like he will be able to move around for a while due to the severe numbness in his body.
「The enemy has done a pretty elaborated thing too, hasn’t he? 」
「He’s one of the Stalin brothers, isn’t he? I have heard of them before. Their existences have been exposed to the public numerous times but, they possess abilities that made them invincible. 」
「I see. So they are celebrities in that world. 」
Edgar seemed to know them too.
She might be currently sleeping in that area unexpectedly.
Since I wouldn’t know what she would end up doing once she got drunk.
「….Sorry. 」 (Shadiverga)
Shadiverga murmured while I was being immersed in my thoughts.
He clasped his hands together and forced the words out of his mouth.
「This is all my fault. I was the one who got carried away by the provocation. We wouldn’t have come to the Imperial City in the first place if it weren’t for me. It would be fine if I were the only one who ended up in this predicament but, I have caused so much trouble for Regis and Walkins too. 」 (Shadiverga)
「That’s right. We don’t really mind it. 」 (Walkins)
Walkins and I followed up immediately.
Tears welled up in his eyes.
「……Moreover, the knife I received from Sefina was also stolen. I don’t have the courage to face her anymore after this. 」 (Shadiverga)
「Exactly. It’s too late to regret it now. 」 (Regis)
It’s important to look back to the past but, if you don’t look at the things before your eyes now, you’ll never be able to advance.
Although, we were stumped now because we still couldn’t figure out that specific method to do so.
It couldn’t be helped that Shadiverga was overwhelmed with a sense of helplessness.
Just as I was thinking so, Walkins tapped my shoulder.
「Regis-sama, just a moment–」 (Walkins)
「Aa」 (Regis)
It seems that Walkins wanted me to go outside the room.
Would it be bad if Shadiverga happened to overhear this conversation?
「What’s wrong? 」 (Regis)
「…..What do you mean by that? 」 (Regis)
「Rejected. 」 (Regis)
I shook my head instantaneously.
My immediate reply was probably unexpected to her. Her hair swayed as she asked.
「Why is that? 」 (Walkins)
「You’re too soft. 」 (Walkins)
「Yes I’m soft. If a soft person can end a conflict without killing people, then I’m fine with being a softie.」 (Regis)
But, that was nothing more than just a disagreement swayed by my emotions.
That was the reason why I should reveal my trump card here.
I gazed into Walkins’ eyes.
「Besides, I will be troubled if you were to do so. I was planning to crush that house fair and square. 」 (Regis)
「What I meant was that we will be participating in the duel as planned and obtain victory. 」 (Regis)
「I would like to enquire more deeply into something with regard to that so let’s get back to where father is. 」 (Regis)
I ended the conversation and made my way back to Shadiverga’s room.
However, Walkins grabbed my shoulder to restrain me.
「What is it? 」 (Regis)
「No」 (Regis)
「I don’t want Walkins to go to a dangerous place. That’s all. 」 (Regis)
I gave just a brief reply to Walkins who persisted in it.
「It’s an employer’s duty to make use of his servant. 」 (Walkins)
「…………」 (Walkins)
「Are you convinced now? Then let’s go. 」 (Regis)
I placed my hand on the door this time to open it.
At that moment, a resigned voice could be heard from behind.
「………..Regis-sama, you’re kind, aren’t you? 」 (Walkins)
「That’s only because of Walkins. 」 (Regis)
I answered instantly.
The inside felt warmer than the hallway. As I thought, it was more comfortable in here.
Shadiverga was drinking the tea that I brewed.
Well, I do know of a big alcoholic idiot though.
So if I have to compare between the two of them, I’d say that drinking tea is a much cuter pastime.
「What were you two talking about?」 (Shadiverga)
「WHAT WERE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT!? 」 (Shadiverga)
Shadiverga demanded for the answer this time in a tearful voice.
It was unexpected for him to take me so seriously.
「I’m just kidding. 」 (Regis)
「Yeah. The type that father likes is the one with sisters isn’t it? 」 (Regis)
「AM I STILL IN MY NIGHTMARE!? 」 (Shadiverga)
I cut to the chase while Shediverga was on the verge of fainting in agony.
I explained it one by one by indicating it with my fingers.
「Father, the situation has become really bad. First of all, we should confirm the current state. 」 (Regis)
「Firstly, the condition of father, the person who was supposed to take part in the duel. There’s no doubt that you will not be able to defeat the enemy. 」 (Regis)
「Uuu……」 (Shadiverga)
Shadiverga’s voice appeared choked.
I felt bad for doing this when he was in a depressed state but, there are more bad news to come.
「Next would be about the stolen family heirloom that you have been treasuring more than your life. It is evident that they are planning to use it to threaten us, doubling our disadvantageous at this point. 」 (Regis)
「…….This is hopeless. 」 (Shadiverga)
Oh, the light gradually faded from his eyes.
Walkins was listening to my speech in silence.
「Moreover, considering that Walkins is not allowed to make her appearance in the duel, there are no other candidates with fighting capabilities. Even if you were to consider bringing in a private soldier from home, we wouldn’t be able to make it since the duel will be held tomorrow. 」 (Regis)
「So then father, I have a request. Could you lend me your ear? 」 (Regis)
「What is it? 」 (Shadiverga)
Shadiverga leaned closer to listen to what I have to say.
Let’s just say it lightly. Lightly.
「Actually—-」 (Regis)
When I whispered it to him, Shadiverga’s eyes widened in shock.
His mouth opened and closed repeatedly like a goldfish for a brief moment before he raised a hysteric cry.
「Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhh!!! T-That’s not allowed! 」 (Shadiverga)
「We’ll end up being laughed at and criticized by the other nobles! 」 (Shadiverga)
「We have been fallen nobles for a long time now so what have we got to lose?」 (Regis)
I questioned him seriously without a hint of joke in my words.
Shadiverga looked baffled due to my sudden change of attitude.
「…..T-That is. 」 (Shadiverga)
「T-That’s is certainly true but…. 」 (Shadiverga)
Shadiverga seemed to be at his wit’s end on what he should do.
However, there will be no meaning to it if I don’t urge him here.
「Regis-sama. Please explain it to Walkins too. 」 (Walkins)
Oh, will she be lending the help here?
You’ve done well Walkins. I’ll have to convey my gratitude politely later.
「It’s this kind of strategy—-」 (Regis)
「Hahaha, praise me more. 」 (Regis)
Nobles are people who take importance of trust and pride more than anything else?
Since we were originally fallen nobles who were already disliked by the neighbouring places.
I would make use of any tricks in hand to win by all means.
「I highly propose going through with this plan. 」 (Regis)
「Father, it’s two against one now. 」 (Regis)
「The responsibility will be divided equally. 」 (Regis)
「Now, now. Just believe in me. I will make sure that it’ll be successful. 」 (Regis)
We held back Shadiverga who was still against it and gained the approval to the opinion.
I did it! Maybe I should build a bronze statue in the garden the next time.
As I was pondering, Walkins flashed me a smile that could give one a sense of security.
「If you need any help in this, just let me know.」 (Walkins)
「That person? 」 (Walkins)
Walkins tilted her head.
She didn’t get the hint?
「That ex-mercenary. Haven’t we talk about this before? 」 (Regis)
「Yeah. She really wants to meet you so just have a tea with her or something. 」 (Regis)
「I understand. 」 (Walkins)
All right. Let’s summon Edgar using this as bait.
It’s my personal thanks to her then.
「Then Walkins, we shall complete the usual magic practice by tonight. 」 (Regis)
「Yes. I think you should probably be able to achieve it by tonight. 」 (Walkins)
With this, all the preparations would be complete.
I would be using an underhanded method this time but I was already well-prepared for the consequences.
Maybe just in the range of massive bleeding or being burnt to death.
My whole body was moving like a wild beast.
The increasing desire to pin down the woman in front of me went ablaze.
「Damn, you’re just running around! 」 (Regis)
This is the basement of the mansion.
Even though she was just toying around with me, it was still fine.
It would double my excitement once I catch her.
At the moment, I was just chasing after her back.
I was breathing heavily and my body was drenched in sweat.
That was the reason why I was wielding my knife like this but—–
「I missssseeedddddd!!!! 」 (Regis)
「Are? Are you done already? I have not even broken a sweat yet. 」 (Walkins)
Walkins was just evading me.
Even when I was attacking her with a knife used for training, she has parried all the attacks.
「Your swing is too wide. Your ability to grasp the movements is better than last year but your stance is still rigid. 」 (Walkins)
I fixed my posture as soon as she pointed it out.
Fighting with a knife has a considerably high level difficulty.
「Your movements are rough. Let’s pause for a short while so you can catch your breath. 」 (Walkins)
I took a deep breath obediently.
In order to utilize that magic to the best of my ability, I was training my knife skill.
「Walkins’ movements were just way too fast. 」 (Regis)
「…..I know that.」 (Regis)
The training itself has actually started several years ago.
How are those two related?
The reason is obvious.
You need to protect yourself during your incantation.
In addition, mastering this skill would enable me to take on a group of people with just a knife.
But, it didn’t work out since the sword was too big for my build.
Rapier on the other hand, didn’t suit my nature at all.
As a result, I ended up with an easy to handle knife.
Walkins took her stance without any weapon in her hands as she breathed out.
「Then, I will be attacking too from now. Please strike back accordingly as you defend against my attack. 」 (Walkins)
At that very moment, Walkins’ body disappeared from my sight.
She drew closer to me at the same astonishing speed until now.
「…….Gu–!」 (Regis)
I thrust the knife.
A sharp sound resounded and before I knew it, the knife flew up into the air.
Walkins has repelled the knife with her bare hands.
「What the heck, that’s absurd…..tte, uwaa–!!」 (Regis)
Walkins decided to aim for my vital point.
I wasn’t able to endure that attack so I ended up slipping and fell right on my back on the ground.
「….Guwaa–!」 (Regis)
It hurts. The back of my body received the full impact of that fall.
She was much faster than just a while ago.
I tried forcing myself to get to my feet one way or another but, she pinned me down, sealing my movements.
Walkins looked at my face and laughed teasingly.
「Gotcha. 」 (Walkins)
「……………..」 (Regis)
When I raised both my hands up to surrender, a gentle smile bloomed across her lips.
Her sleek silver hair ended up touching my hand lightly.
The moment my hand came in contact with her silky smooth hair, my heart pounded rapidly.
「Your hair, it’s beautiful. 」 (Regis)
「Thank you. I have been doing my best to maintain my hair. 」 (Walkins)
I guess that’s a given.
Running her fingers through the hair on my head, she combed them back slowly.
「Regis-sama, please be careful, okay? 」 (Walkins)
「I’m talking about tomorrow. I have not expected you to come up with something reckless like that. 」 (Walkins)
「I guess so. 」 (Regis)
Even Shadiverga was paralysed with fear upon hearing that plan.
She peered at me with her clear eyes.
「I am blessed to be able to serve Regis-sama. 」 (Walkins)
She guided my hand to her chest and hugged me.
She must have been seeing things in a different perspective.
However, the anxiety that one feels is a common and a natural thing.
And, I will show it by protecting her.
「I’m blessed to have Walkins as a servant too. 」 (Regis)
I caressed Walkins’ cheek with my other free hand.
I am really glad to have you by my side.
「I should go to sleep soon. 」 (Regis)
「What about father? 」 (Regis)
「I see. That guy can be quite obstinate too. 」 (Regis)
I have to respect his spirit.
Besides, I could start my strategy only after Shadiverga goes to that place.
「Just watch me, Walkins. 」 (Regis)
I stood up and said it proudly.
Thereupon, Walkins smiled as well and nodded deeply.
「Yes. Walkins here will do her best to watch over Regis-sama. 」 (Walkins)
Walkins and I got out of the basement and returned to our own respective bedroom after that.
I relieved my fatigue in the bathroom then stretched out on the bed.
The duel will be taking place tomorrow.
You’re making a huge mistake if you think this will end after attempting that assassination.
I’ll show you that I can definitely protect them.
I reminded myself of the counterattack tomorrow as I closed my eyelids.
A wave of drowsiness swept over me as soon as I turned off the light.
The desire to sleep lingered on as is until I fell into a deep slumber, allowing my body to get its much needed rest—-