The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
Chapter 250 Invitation
(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)
"It's a nice night, isn't it? The moon is beautiful... hehe, it's a perfect day for a walk."
She appeared unconcerned about my caution, and Monica smiled gently.
If you only focused on her words, it seemed like we had just crossed paths during a walk.
There was no sign of anyone lurking nearby...
Above all, Monica did not seem to harbor any hostility towards me.
But...
This woman is dangerous.
My instincts were telling me that.
Warning bells were ringing in my head.
Remaining prepared to move at any moment...
I decided to continue the conversation until I could find out more about this woman.
"You... if I'm not mistaken, you're one of Arios's associates, right?"
"Yes, that's right. Well, I wouldn't exactly call myself an associate... I'm more of a guardian, to be honest."
"A guardian?"
"Well, you know, Arios-sama can be a bit reckless, don't you think? That's why the king sent me as a guardian, to ensure he doesn't cause any more trouble and to determine if he's truly fit to be a hero."
"Is it okay to be talking about this so openly?"
"It's not advisable to share this with the general public, but... well, if it's with someone like you, who is close to Arios-sama, I don't see a problem."
"I'm not really that close."
"Hehe, I see."
Monica chuckled softly.
It was an innocent laughter befitting her age.
However...
I couldn't let my guard down at all.
If anything, I felt more vigilant.
What is it about this woman that's making me feel threatened?
Where is she harboring fear toward me?
"Why is a guardian like you here?"
"I wanted to have a chat with Rain-san first."
"With me...?"
"Yes, oh, but before that, I have one question... Did you successfully acquire the magical device?"
"What...!?"
She... she knows about my actions and my objective!?
I instinctively drew Kamui, but Monica didn't reach for her weapon and remained unguarded, keeping her body exposed.
She even raised both of her hands.
"Don't misunderstand. I have no intention of fighting, nor do I plan to hinder Rain-san."
"...Should I believe those words?"
"Yes."
With a smile, Monica nodded calmly.
There was still no sense of malevolence.
But that's why it's even more dangerous.
Even though she's a guardian of sorts for Arios, she shows no trace of guilt for betraying him. Her mind seems to operate in a completely different way from an ordinary person.
"Well, it's true that I harbor no hostility towards you, but... asking you to believe that outright might be a bit much. Yes, I'm aware of that. So, I'll get straight to the point and share what I want to talk about."
"Is there a specific purpose?"
"It's more of a question."
"A question?"
"Rain-san... are you satisfied with your current situation?"
The moment she asked that question...
A chill ran down my spine.
It felt like Monica's hidden malice had suddenly erupted, or that she had swapped places with a grim reaper...
Could it be that I'm dealing with something incredibly dangerous right now?
I couldn't help but shiver at the thought, but I couldn't show weakness here. If I revealed vulnerability, I felt like I'd be pounced on, like a weakened animal facing a monster.
Struggling to maintain a neutral expression, I slightly furrowed my brows.
"What do you mean by 'satisfied'?" I asked.
"Just as it sounds. I've done some research on you, Rain-san. You're a Beast Tamer, capable of controlling the strongest species, and yet, you remain just an ordinary adventurer. Don't you think it's a waste? Don't you want to use your power more freely? To do as you please without being tied to anyone, don't you want that?"
"...I don't. I believe that grand dreams and ambitions aren't suitable for me. Besides, even without such ambitions, I can find contentment. I have... important companions, and that's enough for me."
"Hmm, I see. Well, it's the answer I expected. It's so predictable that it makes me wonder if my thoughts are being read, it's that predictable."
I couldn't quite tell if I was being mocked or not.
"Now, let me make another proposal."
"Another...?"
"Don't you want to seek revenge against Arios-sama?"
"What...?"
Her invitation felt like a temptation straight from a demon.
"Rain-san, despite having the power, you were expelled from the party. Don't you have any feelings about that? You were insulted by Arios-san, who involved himself with you without your consent, right? And about the Horizon Lord's son... his transformation into a demon can be attributed to Arios-san."
"Is that true...?"
"Yes. There's no concrete evidence, but... well, I have some connections and I'm aware of it. That was orchestrated by Arios-sama as a petty act of revenge, to harass you. And... the incident with the demon. You have some understanding of Arios-sama's involvement, don't you?"
I had no concrete evidence, but I had suspected Arios before. The convenient acquisition of the magical device, the prepared footage of me killing someone... it made sense if Arios had plotted these things to frame me. However, I still couldn't fathom why he would do such things.
"Will you join forces with me?"
Monica extended her hand.
"If you cooperate with me, we can change your current situation. We can clear your false charges and save your companions."
It was a tempting offer that would be difficult to resist. While I was indifferent to my own fate...
If it meant saving my companions, I had to consider it.
"Not only that, but you can also seek revenge against Arios-sama. Arios-sama has been acting as a hero, indulging in his desires. The victim in all of this is you, Rain-san. You've suffered various harms due to Arios-sama. As a victim, you have the right to seek revenge."
"...That doesn't sound very knightly."
"Well, I have my reasons. So... what will you do? Will you join forces with me?"
Almost like a whisper from a demon...
Monica smiled gently, truly kindly, and gazed at me intently.
Faced with Monica's question, I...
TL Note- A devil's temptation.
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