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

Chapter 251 Arios' move

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

"No"

Although he had given it some thought...

In the end, he brushed away his hesitation and spoke firmly.

"Oh my. Did I get rejected?"

Even though she had just turned down his invitation, Monica's demeanor remained unchanged.

It felt like they were having a casual conversation, and she showed no signs of anger or hostility.

I don't understand... What does this woman really want?

"Alright, I understand. I'll gracefully accept your refusal."

"You're quite obedient, aren't you?"

"Well... I originally thought it would be difficult, so I didn't expect to be surprised if you declined. I won't cling to something meaningless."

She was oddly obedient.

"But, if you don't mind, could you tell me for reference? Why did you refuse my invitation? Is it because you find me suspicious, or because you don't intend to seek revenge?"

"I have various reasons, but if I had to give one, it's because you seem fishy."

"Fishy?"

"You're not just an ordinary knight. You're something more... a precarious presence. Joining hands with someone like that is insane. I'm content with my current life, and I'm not inclined towards thoughts of destruction."

"...I see, I see."

Monica chuckled with a mischievous smile.

Her smile didn't seem to belong to the same person.

It was a terribly distorted smile, condensed with malice, and it sent a shiver down his spine.

"It seems that you might become our enemy after all."

"Our...?"

Was she referring to Arios as well?

Or were there other collaborators besides Arios?

He tensed up again.

This woman was dangerous.

She was an unmistakable enemy, with or without hostility or anger. It was clear.

Sooner or later, he would cross blades with this woman.

...Or perhaps, it could be right now.

He glared at Monica with Kamui in hand, ready to move at any moment.

And then...

"Hehe."

Monica laughed again.

"Don't make such a scary face. Just because I turned down your invitation doesn't mean I'm thinking of doing anything here."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it is. Didn't I mention it earlier? I anticipated being turned down from the start. So, this development is also within my expectations. There's no need to do anything about it."

"...Then, what do you plan to do about this magical artifact?"

The magical artifact they had taken from Arios.

Leaving it unattended wasn't an option.

But this was his lifeline.

It couldn't be taken back.

He considered various options... but once again, an unexpected response came.

"Oh, feel free to do as you wish."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you see, I'm actually against giving the magical artifact to Mr. Rain. I advised that it would be better to deal with Mr. Rain right here... I suggested that."

Monica used the word "deal with" casually. Her nonchalant attitude was, in fact, quite frightening.

"However... well, I have various reasons of my own. Yes, I have really quite a few reasons. And as a result of various things, I decided not to take any particular action and leave it to fate. Regardless of how things turn out, we'll be able to achieve our goals."

The way she phrased it suggested that Monica had more than one goal. Whether he proved his innocence or became a criminal without evidence, it didn't matter to her. What kind of hidden agenda could she possibly have?

He wanted to expose it, but getting deeper into this situation was dangerous. His instincts were telling him that this woman was dangerous. If possible, he wanted to retreat from here immediately.

"Is that statement true?"

"Yes, it's true. If you doubt it, should I leave from here on my own? I've already accomplished what I came here for."

Saying that, Monica turned on her heel and turned her back to him. She appeared defenseless. He felt that he could take her down with a single blow right now. However, at the same time, he sensed danger. Exposing her vulnerability could be a trap, and it seemed like she was waiting for her prey to strike.

"Hehe... Well then, farewell. Let's meet again."

"If I had a choice, I wouldn't want to see you again."

"You're so cold."

She lightly turned back, showing a petulant expression, and then Monica walked off and disappeared somewhere.

Even after Monica's figure disappeared, he remained vigilant for a while, but nothing happened. She had kept her word and done nothing.

"Monica... huh. Another troublesome person has shown up."

He had a foreboding of a storm.

――――――――――

Monica walked through the dark alleyways, shrouded in darkness...

After a while, she stopped in her tracks.

She kneeled and bowed her head.

In response, the shadow further ahead swelled and gradually took on a human form.

The being that emerged from the shadow was a demon known as Reez, who was the one Monica truly served.

"Thank you for your efforts."

Reez offered words of appreciation to Monica in a gentle tone.

"Unfortunately, we couldn't recruit Rain Shroud. As instructed in advance, the magical artifact remains untouched..."

"Oh, you don't need to report. I saw it all myself."

"Is that so? My apologies."

"However... he rejected Monica's invitation, didn't he? Hmm, that's a shame. I thought we could bring back a nice gift for Iris."

"As I mentioned earlier, unlike a hero, that man has little in the way of desires. It's challenging to lure someone like him in..."

"Oh, I'm not blaming you. Don't misunderstand."

Reez smiled as they gazed at the moonlit night.

"Whether Rain Shroud rises again or falls completely, my goals will be achieved either way. If Rain Shroud falls, I can eliminate any bothersome humans. If not... well, who will fall in his place? Haha, I'm looking forward to it."

In the deep darkness of the night, Reez's laughter echoed.

――――――――――

I was able to obtain the magical artifact and return safely to Lady Sarya.

While I'm not well-versed in magical artifacts, Lady Sarya seemed to have some expertise as she had temporarily studied the subject, making it possible for her to conduct an investigation. However, she told me it would take some time. The magical artifact seemed to have a complex mechanism that required in-depth analysis.

Three days.

That's how long the investigation of the magical artifact would take.

Every second counts, and yet I had to set aside three days for this. It's frustrating, but there's no other choice. I can only endure it.

The only thing I can do is assist Lady Sarya and try to expedite the work in any way I can.

And so... two days passed.

Only one more day remained until the magical artifact would be fully analyzed and everything would become clear.

At that moment, the situation took a sudden turn.

"Lord Rain, something terrible has happened!"

As I returned to our hideout after finishing reconnaissance in the city at the same time as buying dinner, Lady Sarya had a look of urgency on her face. Upon seeing me, she rushed over.

"W-What's the matter? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"Just a while ago, knights passed by nearby and were distributing this."

I received a flyer from Lady Sarya.

This is what was written on it:

"Executing the strongest races that stand against the nation."

TL Note- It's  a race against time. 

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