Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 142 – I accepted a nominated request

“You’ve got to be kidding me!”  [Youki]

I grabbed the now motionless shikigami and headed straight for the guild.

I’ve got enough going on with Cecilia, and now this… Can’t people be a bit more considerate?

As soon as I reached the guild, I went straight to the reception where Clayman was.

“Oh, you’re here.”  [Clayman]

“You’re here, my ass! If you’re going to call me, at least give me some more information!”  [Youki]

“For now, let’s go to the back entrance.” [Clayman]

It seemed like this was something that couldn’t be discussed in public, so I followed him to the back entrance.

“Currently, Youki is in the middle of one of the top two most chaotic moments of his life.”  [Clayman]

“What’s that supposed to mean? Is it related to this?”  [Youki]

Clayman raised his pinky finger, making me see red. I felt like breaking that finger in the opposite direction. He was acting smug because he could be affectionate with his wife all he wanted.

“Hey, hey, I was just joking. What’s that look on your face?”  [Clayman]

“…Yeah, sorry.”  [Youki]

“Nah, I’m cool, but anyway… About the request, the client is none other than the captain of the knight order.”  [Clayman]

“What!?”  [Youki]

So it was Raven who specifically requested the Magic Knight of Black Lightning.

“You’re acquainted with the captain, right? If he’s going out of his way to make it an official guild request, he must have some serious trouble on his hands. Also, weren’t you trying to keep your identity hidden?”  [Clayman]

“Some stuff happened, and I got found out! So, what’s the reason he’s going through the guild for this?”  [Youki]

I was willing to assist Raven with his request personally, so I was curious as to why he did it through the guild. I took the request form from Clayman and checked the contents.

“Let’s see… ‘Assist with patrolling the royal capital. Details will be explained in person’. What’s this?”  [Youki]

“For A-rank missions, sometimes the details are only discussed in person to prevent information leaks. Well, once you hear them, it’s usually hard to turn them down.”  [Clayman]

“Huh, is that so?”  [Youki]

“If you’re willing to accept it, go hear him out. And of course, in that outfit.”  [Clayman]

With that, Clayman returned to the guild, leaving me behind with the request form. At the moment, I didn’t have time to be taking on any mission. Cecilia would be going on a date with her matchmaking partner, and the mentioned partner would be staying in Minerva.

“…But if Raven specifically made this request, it must be something only I can do.”  [Youki]

It was too soon to decline him. I was worried about Cecilia, and the entire situation was really bothering me, but if I were to cause a fuss, it would just be a nuisance for her.

I have to go about my life as usual. Making her angry again would be worse.

I remembered the time I had to sit in seiza while Cecilia stood towering over me, and for some reason, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“All right, let’s go see Raven.”  [Youki]

I steeled myself and made my way towards the knight’s headquarters, but of course, not before a costume change.

♦♦♦

“I’m Magic Knight of Black Lightning. I’ve heard that Captain Raven has personally requested my services.”  [Youki]

As soon as I arrived there, I grabbed a nearby knight and showed him the request form.

“A request? I’m sorry, but I’ll need to verify this. Could you wait here for a moment?” 

“Understood.”  [Youki]

“I’ll be right back.”

The knight took the form and disappeared into the building. I was left waiting, but just standing in front of the gate wouldn’t do. I moved to a spot where I wouldn’t be in the way and waited for the knight to return.

“Hey, you there. Do you have business with the knight order?”

Two knights approached me as I leaned against the wall of the building.

“I am Magic Knight of Black Lightning, an adventurer. I’ve already informed another knight of my business, and now I’m waiting.”  [Youki]

I made sure to show them my guild card to prove my identity. It should prevent any unnecessary trouble.

“I see, my apologies.”

I watched as the knights walked away, and just as they did, the earlier knight who went to verify the request returned. He conveyed that he would lead me to Raven’s room, so I quietly followed him. The other knights gave me a few curious looks as we walked past, but I ignored them. Magic Knight of Black Lightning would not let other people’s gazes affect him. With a confident stride, I entered Raven’s room.

“Pardon the intrusion. I came after accepting the request form. I am Magic Knight of Black Lightning.”  [Youki]

“…I am Captain Raven. I appreciate you coming in person.”  [Raven]

We both pretended as if it was our first time meeting. The conversation began as soon as Raven dismissed the knight who had escorted me to the room.

“All right, let’s get to the point. What kind of request involves directly summoning me?”  [Youki]

“…So, even with just the two of us, you’re sticking to that persona?”  [Raven]

“I am currently Magic Knight of Black Lightning. I’d appreciate it if you don’t question that.”  [Youki]

“…Got it. As long as you listen to what I have to say.”  [Raven]

“Leave it to me. I’ll execute the request flawlessly.”  [Youki]

Raven seemed to be making a slightly perplexed face, but I didn’t pay it any mind. He was just having a hard time keeping up because of the difference from my usual self. Just like with Cecilia, he would get used to it eventually.

“…Very well. Then let’s get to business. The reason I called you, Magic Knight of Black Lightning, is because I need your help in restoring the order in Minerva after the chaos caused by the Steel Arms of Azure Flame.”  [Raven]

I was wondering what serious task Raven would ask me to do, but it turned out to be cleaning up the mess caused by the Steel Arms of Azure Flame. I could probably fathom a guess as to why, though.

“I see. Having someone with a similar appearance take the lead in the cleanup efforts could erase the image the public has of the Steel Arms of Azure Flame.”  [Youki]

“…Yes. Although he hasn’t shown up lately, some of the knights are still on edge. I’ve heard from citizens while on patrol… the rumours haven’t died down yet.”  [Raven]

“So that’s where I come in. Magic Knight of Black Lightning neither stirs up trouble nor engages in half-hearted work or fake benevolence. I’ll take what I’m owed and execute the request perfectly in return.”  [Youki]

I stated this coolly, causing Raven to chuckle wryly. It seemed that he was still having trouble keeping up with me. If it were Cecilia, not only would she keep up, but she’d probably stop me firmly as well. It was probably his first time dealing with my other persona, so it couldn’t be helped.

“Y-Yeah. For this mission, I actually want you to stand out, in a good way. Of course, considering the possibility of you going rogue, I’ll be accompanying you…”  [Raven]

“Standing out, huh… Cecilia did tell me not to draw too much attention, though.”  [Youki]

“…I’ve heard enough of the circumstances. That’s why I put in a request through the guild. If I had personally asked Magic Knight of Black Lightning for help, it would raise suspicions. By doing it as a direct request through the guild, no one would question the connection between Youki and Magic Knight of Black Lightning.”  [Raven]

“The problem would be drawing too much attention… but at this point, it can’t be helped. Besides, not giving it my all would be unforgivable as Magic Knight of Black Lightning.”  [Youki]

“…So, you’ll take on the job?”  [Raven]

“Heh, of course. I may be Magic Knight of Black Lightning now, but the real me is a friend of Raven. What kind of friend would I be if I turned down your request?”  [Youki]

“…Youki.”  [Raven]

“…Well, I do have a reason, if you want to know.”  [Youki]

“By the way, isn’t Cecilia in the middle of her matchmaking session? Are you really okay with taking on this request? Wouldn’t you rather stay by her side until her suitor leaves?”  [Raven]

If I did that even though I wasn’t in a relationship with her, I would look like an obsessed person, wouldn’t I?

“Heh, well, I wouldn’t deny it.”  [Youki]

“…So, you’re not denying it, huh?”  [Raven]

I wouldn’t actually do it, but deep down, I’m desperate enough to want to.

Raven gave me an exasperated look, but he was in no position to talk.

“Then let me ask you this. What would you do if your beloved was forcibly grabbed by a man? The answer is obvious, right?”  [Youki]

“…Of course. I’d cut the guy’s arm off.”  [Raven]

“Would you really go that far!?”  [Youki]

His answer was far more extreme than I expected, so I ended up raising my voice.

“…It’s just that I’d feel that way.”  [Raven]

“You can’t exactly criticize me, then… I admit I’m worried, but sticking around more than necessary wouldn’t be right. It’s not like Cecilia and I have that kind of relationship.”  [Youki]

Saying it out loud made me feel a bit empty. It was a good thing I was dressed as Magic Knight of Black Lightning at that moment. With the helmet on, Raven couldn’t see my face. I probably had an expression that didn’t suit me.

“…I see.”  [Raven]

“So, don’t worry. I accept the request. Breaking up fights, catching pickpockets, finding lost children… I will resolve everything swiftly and surely!”  [Youki]

As Magic Knight of Black Lightning, I was pumped up. I could tell by the look in Raven’s eyes that he was wondering where all the anxiety I had shown earlier had gone. I decided to continue on my own path – to live my life as myself. It seemed to be the best way to go. Although, if I go too far, Cecilia will definitely come flying in.

“So, how long will the contract be for?”  [Youki]

“…Right. For now, let’s spend three days together on patrol. If it’s effective, I’d like to extend the duration.”  [Raven]

“All right, deal settled. The sooner, the better. Let’s start patrolling hard from tomorrow.”  [Youki]

It would be better to take action quickly. All that was left was to return to the guild to inform Clayman that I had accepted the job. Not much preparation was required either.

“Ah, starting tomorrow, huh? Got it. Then, please come to the knight’s headquarters first thing in the morning.”  [Raven]

“Heh, things are going to get busy from tomorrow.”  [Youki]

“Yeah, Happiness feels so far away…”  [Raven]

I heard Raven’s sigh mixed with his complaints loud and clear, but I chose to ignore it.

After bidding farewell to the lovesick commander of the knights, I returned to the guild and reported to Clayman about the job. When I told him I’d take it, he simply said, “Understood”, and the conversation ended. With nothing else to do, I went back to the inn and ended my day.

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