Author: Suisei
Translated by: Rinkage
Special thanks to: Solistia for contributing the Light Novel

Character page: here

A new chapter for volume 3. Have a great weekend, guys!

– Rinkage

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Chapter 06: I carried out an investigation with a friend and former subordinate (part 1)

“Alright everyone… I mean, it’s just the three of us, but since all of us are here, I’ll start explaining about this mission.”  [Youki]

The two of them nodded when I tried to get the ball rolling.

…Due to their reticent nature, I would probably be the only one talking most of the time.

“Our client this time is the mayor of Frimaire. The mission is to resolve the cases of theft from merchant ships which have occurred frequently recently.”  [Youki]

“…Merchant ships? This is a mission available only in a port town. It is possible that the pirates are the ones plundering these ships. When I was travelling, I received similar missions several times. For now, we should go ask around for clues, and search for the pirate’s hideout…”  [Raven]

“No, wait. Hold on. I’m not done explaining yet.”  [Youki]

“Hm? Is that so? Sorry.”  [Raven]

I was a little startled when I saw Raven, who was mumbling with his hand placed below his chin. Come to think of it, Raven was not a reticent person by nature. As he has a complex about his voice, he probably did not want to speak much in public. I wondered if he was nervous because Happiness was beside him. He was so indescribably focussed and serious about the mission. I was initially worried if this mission would go smoothly, but judging from Raven’s appearance, my concern seemed to be unfounded.

“I’ll continue my explanation then. First of all, it’s about the pirates that Raven mentioned earlier… they don’t seem to know if the pirates were involved in this either.”  [Youki]

“It seems to be a pretty mysterious case again. They must’ve been attacked as well if things were plundered from them, right? Don’t tell me that the goods were stolen when all the crew members were sleeping?”  [Raven]

“…Is that possible?”  [Happiness]

“…Yes. Normally, there should be a few people on lookout. Besides, even if all of them were sleeping, the crew members would have noticed if their ships were being invaded regardless of how many thieves there were.”   [Youki]

“…uh-huh.”

The one who had given me a listless reply after I answered her question was Happiness.

“It shouldn’t be possible, but this is precisely the issue. That’s because the ‘impossible’ has indeed happened.”  [Youki]

“…What do you mean?”  [Raven]

“All the goods disappeared when the crew members were sleeping. And that’s all the ships that were victimized.”  [Youki]

“…Incomprehensible.”  [Happiness]

It seemed that Happiness did not quite follow our conversation. Well, it was her first mission, so it wasn’t surprising that our discussion threw her off.

Hey Raven, if you are able to back her up a time like this, you might leave a good impression.

“…We’re still in the middle of the discussion. So, I don’t think there’s a need to t-think too hard about it…”  [Raven]

“…Understand.”  [Happiness]

He ended up stuttering at the end, but considering his effort, it was passable. Happiness seemed to regain her composure as well.

“I’ll continue, then. There is no evidence of any scuffle since only the goods were stolen. So, the suspicions fell on not the pirates, but the crew members themselves.”  [Youki]

“…In other words, all the crew members could have been conspiring together?”  [Raven]

“Yeah, that’s just one of the possibility. That’s all the information that was provided on the mission form. There’s no other option but to do the rest of the legwork ourselves.”  [Youki]

“…Legwork?”  [Happiness]

Happiness tilted her head as she looked at me.

It was her first mission, so she must have not done it before.

At that moment, an idea flashed into my mind.

“Ah, Raven is better at legwork jobs. You’ve done this before many times when you’re working as a knight, right?”  [Youki]

I grasped Raven’s shoulder, trying to get his affirmation.

“…No, I…”  [Raven]

“You’re good at it, RIGHT?”  [Youki]

At this point, the only acceptable answer was ‘yes’. I was trying to do my best, so I hoped he could perceive my intention a little.

“…A-Ah, y-yes.”  [Raven]

“Alright, so let’s split up into teams. I’ll head to the client’s merchant guild to get more information from the guildmaster while the two of you get the stories from the ship’s crew members.”  [Youki]

After saying so, I got out of the room and left the inn.

The two of them would investigate this together, so even though it was a job, it would be likened to a date to them.

With Raven around, and Happiness, who is able to focus on the task at hand when needed – I think, it should be all right.

“I have a feeling that I’ve forgotten a fundamental issue, though. …Oh well. If something does happen, Raven should be able to handle it.”  [Youki]

There is no point worrying too much about it. I have to go to the client for information as well. Not to mention, Raven should be more accustomed to this kind of work than I am, so it follows that I should have more faith in him.

“For the time being, we should find out as much as we can and meet up soon.“  [Youki]

After making the plan, I asked a passerby for direction before heading to the guild.

As I was walking, I realized that the sea breeze was quite pleasant, as this was a port town. There were many shops around, and the street was busy as well – albeit not as busy as Minerva.

This is not a bad place for a date. If we could get the mission done fast, they would be able to go on a date by going shopping together before we return.

As my mind was drawing up a plan for the mission and also their date, I reached the guild.

After speaking with the receptionist, I was then guided to the guildmaster. Although, it appeared that the receptionist and all the other staffs were tensed. Since the goods had mysteriously disappeared, it probably wasn’t a surprising sight. Seeing as even a merchant guild was thrown into this state, the conditions of the stores in town should be more or less the same.

I have to complete this mission fast so they can have a great dating environment.

“Nice meeting you. Are you the one who has accepted the mission?”  [guildmaster]

The instant I entered the room, I was greeted by the sight of a dandified man with beard, sitting on a chair. I had intruded upon Raven in his workplace before, and the ambience felt similar. Piles of documents were stacked high on his huge desk, a clear indication that he had been busy with his work just a moment ago. It was most likely due to the missing goods case.

“I’m sorry for intruding upon you when you’re busy. I’m Youki from the guild in Minerva.”  [Youki]

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony. We’re the ones who have entrusted you this mission. Are you here to know more about it?”  [guildmaster]

“Yes, please.”  [Youki]

“Hmm… well then, as I’m short of time, I’ll explain this to you briefly.”  [guildmaster]

It seemed that he had to cut to the chase as he was swapped with work. Since I had accepted this mission, it was my duty to take this investigation seriously.

After acquiring the information about the stolen goods and confirming the mission with the guildmaster, I then left the place. Seeing as the two of them might still gathering information, I made my way to the port to join them.

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