The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet

Chapter 248 Whereabouts of the magic tools

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

I explained the current situation to Axe and Cell from the beginning once more.

That I am innocent.

That Lady Sarya helped me.

That the magical tool recording the scene of the murder is suspicious.

After explaining these, I told them that I want to somehow get my hands on the magical tool owned by Arios.

Axe and Cell had complicated expressions after hearing the story.

"That magical tool... it does seem suspicious," Axe said. "The Knights' request for it in the name of the investigation is being brushed aside as something valuable."

Even if it's valuable, if the case is resolved, it should be returned as it is. The Knights wouldn't make a mess of important evidence. And if Arios wants to frame me as the culprit, he would willingly lend the magical tool.

However, Arios refuses to part with the magical tool. He clings to it relentlessly, as if he has something to hide.

"If it's you two, can't you find out when the Knights will get their hands on the magical tool?" I asked.

"It's not impossible, but it will take time," Axe replied. "If it's a day or two from now, it might be too late."

"No, you don't need to worry about that," Cell said.

"What do you mean?"

"I know the exact date and time when the hero will lend the magical tool to the Knights."

"What?" Both Axe and I were surprised.

We couldn't help but wonder if she anticipated my arrival and acted in advance. However, it seemed unlikely, and Cell gave a wry smile.

"Let me make it clear, it's a coincidence. After that, I cooperated with the Knights in investigating the case. Axe did the same. Is Rain really the culprit? To find out, we took separate actions to investigate."

"It's not for Rain's sake! I have my own doubts about the case... So, I did it to satisfy myself!"

"Thank you."

"Hey, don't be so... Don't say thank you so easily. It's unsettling."

"Axe, even if you act tsundere, it's just creepy."

"Cell is nothing but tsun..."

Their exchange made me laugh, a welcome break.

"...We've gotten off track. Well, that's the situation. We're now often working together with the Knights."

"Rain's escape has caused quite a commotion. I've been tasked with searching for the princess."

"I continued my investigation into the case. Even within the Knights, there are people who have doubts about that incident, and a detailed examination is underway. However, the hero is getting in the way. He seems to be determined to convict Rain at all costs. He's been using his power to expedite the judgment. What a foolish man. He's only raising suspicions if he does that."

"Haha..."

Cell continued to be harsh, just as usual. It felt both familiar and hard to describe.

"Rain's escape has made the hero anxious, hasn't it? He wants to proceed with the investigation and reluctantly approved the loan of the magical tool he had been refusing for so long."

"When is that going to happen?"

"The day after tomorrow. The handover location is the Knights' headquarters. It seems he really doesn't want the magical tool to be tampered with by others. There will be an examination under the hero's supervision."

The day after tomorrow... It's a rather delicate time. I would like more time to prepare, but it's no use wishing for something that's not there.

"I appreciate it. Thanks to you, things should work out."

"Is this information enough, or can I help in some way?"

"Thank you, but it's enough. Besides, if our cooperation becomes known, your positions might be compromised."

"You fool... Are you really concerned about us?"

Axe had an angry expression, but he didn't say anything more.

"If you need help, please don't hesitate to ask. We won't hesitate to assist."

"I'll count on you when the time comes."

I gave a grateful smile to Axe and Cell and then left.

――――――――――

Axe and Cell, who were left in the room, had somewhat complicated expressions.

"Isn't he in quite a tough situation? And yet, he say he don't need our help anymore... Is it really okay?" Axe asked.

"It's probably not okay. In a situation like this, even one more pair of hands should be necessary," Cell replied.

"In that case..."

"He probably don't want to involve us," Cell continued.

"..."

"At the moment, even if things come to light, it won't affect us... so, let's keep it low-key. Honestly... you haven't changed, always being excessively kind."

"But, you see, that..."

"I understand. I'm not satisfied with it either. So... let's act on our own. Rain doesn't have the right to stop us from doing what we want."

"All right! That's my Cell for you! I believed you'd say that!" Axe exclaimed.

"Who said I'm yours?"

*Thud*

Just as if it were a tradition, Axe was punched by Cell.

――――――――――

In the limited time available, preparations for the acquisition of the magical tool were made.

At times, I consulted with Lady Sarya, seeking her wisdom.

Lady Sarya held the position of a princess. As someone in a higher position, she was well-informed about the Knights' information.

She even helped me create a blueprint from scratch and drew up a floor plan of the Knights' headquarters. It included details of secret passages and currently unused pathways. Her memory was truly remarkable, as she had constructed this plan from scratch.

In addition, I made all the preparations I could think of...

And then, the day arrived.

――――――――――

"Rain, please be careful... When the time comes, prioritize your own safety and don't hesitate to abandon the magical tool," Lady Sarya said.

"Yes, I understand."

I nodded firmly as I was being seen off. Somehow, she gave a bitter smile in response.

"Good grief... You're quite easy to read, aren't you? That was a lie, wasn't it?"

"Well..."

"If it's for the sake of your friends, a little recklessness is unavoidable... You have that look on your face."

"Am I really that easy to read, even for you?"

"Yes, very."

I'm at a loss here. I had thought of not causing any unnecessary worries, but it seemed that Lady Sarya could see through everything.

"Promise me you'll come back safely."

"Is that an order as a princess?"

"No. It's a request."

"Alright. I'll do my best."

"Yes, I'm counting on you. Rain, you're someone who's irreplaceable to this country... No, to this world, I believe. Please don't show me such a tragic ending where you disappear from here."

As exaggerated as it sounded...

But, I could sense Lady Sarya's genuine concern. I nodded firmly and then headed out into the town.

Just like two days ago, I made temporary contracts with wild birds and stray dogs for reconnaissance in the area.

Unlike before, it was daytime, so I couldn't afford to let my guard down for even a moment.

With many people around, just finding the way to the Knights' headquarters was a challenge.

However, I managed to reach the back of the Knights' headquarters without being spotted by anyone.

After patting the heads of the wild birds and stray dogs, I released the temporary contracts and entered through the back door.

This place was a storage room.

Only unused items were crammed in here, and as a result, no locks were placed on it.

There wasn't a path leading inside, but if there wasn't a path, I could create one.

"Show me the way," I said to a rat as I made a temporary contract with it. I asked it to investigate the room.

The rat, with its keen senses, moved to the edge of the room and disappeared into a small hole.

The walls here must have become thin due to years of aging.

Carefully and silently, I began to peel off the wall...

And there, a path leading to the Knights' headquarters emerged.

"Just a little more help, if you would," I requested from the rat.

Guided by the rat, I progressed through the narrow passageway.

It seemed to be a disused passage due to multiple renovations, and it was full of dust.

I felt like I might start coughing, so I covered my mouth with a handkerchief.

Dust got into my eyes, causing them to water, but that actually worked to my advantage because there was no one around.

Guided by the rat, I moved deeper inside...

And eventually, I heard voices.

"...See, this should be sufficient, right? As you requested, I've decided to lend the magical tool. However, it's a very important item, so please handle it with the utmost care."

The voice I heard was of Arios.

TL Note- The next chapter might get postponed as I have to give my exams from tomorrow....

Wish me luck, I need it.

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