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

Chapter 220 Traitor

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

Night.

In a specially designated sleeping area, Sarya was peacefully asleep, breathing gently.

Wrapped in soft futons and warm blankets, Sarya's sleeping form resembled that of a child, with the blanket pulled up to cover the head.

"..."

There was a figure silently entering the sleeping area.

Blending into the darkness, the figure slowly approached Sarya.

The figure slowly drew a sword.

Pointing the blade towards Sarya...

Bringing it down with force!

*Clang!*

"What...!?"

The blade tore through the blanket but didn't reach further. It seemed to hit something hard, causing it to bounce back.

The person's hand seemed numb, and they held it in pain.

"That's far enough."

In an instant, a ball of light appeared inside the tent.

The light illuminated the interior of the tent, revealing the figure of the knight, Alec.

――――――――――

Suddenly, it seemed like Alec was shaken.

Well, that's a natural reaction.

If someone was trying to assassinate the princess, it's no wonder they'd be surprised that I appeared.

"You, why are you here..."

"I thought it was suspicious, so I kept watch."

Hearing Sarya's story, there were things that seemed odd.

For high-security official duties, they traveled with minimal visible protection, which is understandable.

What's strange is the actual strength of the knights providing the protection.

Since they have to protect the princess with a small group, they should be highly skilled. However, Alec's group struggled against an ogre.

I thought maybe they lacked strength, but...

Despite that, they seemed unaffected by the intimidating aura from Kanade and Tania.

Judging that they had reasonable abilities wouldn't be a problem.

So, why did they struggle against an ogre?

What if they deliberately attracted monster attacks to target Sarya?

We don't know Alec's motives, but it makes sense when you consider it that way.

Of course, there's no proof.

Maybe I'm overthinking it.

After that, I asked Sarya-sama about the knights...

It seems similar things have happened a few times before.

The unease grew, turning into suspicion.

However, there's no evidence.

Even if I press them, they'd probably evade.

So, I decided to set a trap.

If my thoughts are correct...

Alec's group should be anxious with us as companions and act hastily.

They might try to frame us...

With that anticipation in mind, I decided to keep watch over Sarya-sama's sleeping area.

Of course, ensuring Sarya-sama doesn't come to harm...

"Hahaha, I have witnessed your misdeeds clearly and distinctly!"

Luna appeared, throwing off the blanket.

I had asked her to take Sarya-sama's place in the bed.

Since the sword was blocked by magic, she was completely unharmed.

"You...!"

"We were planning to set traps for the journey to the capital, but to catch something on the first day? Is that lucky or... Well, maybe I can't call a event where a knight aims for the princess's life lucky, so should I call it unlucky?"

"...Where is the Third Princess?"

"As if I'd tell you."

He must have been waiting for the numbness in his hand to subside.

Alec silently charged.

"Rain!"

Luna yelled in a panic, but it was a bit of an overreaction.

"Hah!"

Alec swung the sword.

Luna delivered a kick toward the hand holding the sword.

"What!?"

A sound of crushing finger bones could be heard when  the sole of her foot made contact with his hand.

Even so, as expected of a knight.

Despite the pain twisting his face, Alec didn't release the sword and forcefully held onto it, delivering a second strike.

The blade was slightly duller, but the speed hadn't diminished at all.

This must be Alec's true strength.

With this level of power, he could have easily scattered an ogre on his own.

However...

"Earth Bind!"

"Guh... W-What's this!?"

Luna's magic erupted, restraining Alec's movements.

It was Luna's magic as a spirit race member.

He wouldn't be able to resist this, and Alec gave up resisting.

――――――――――

"...Good job."

We captured the other two knights as well...

After ensuring safety through a thorough search of the surroundings, we headed back to the carriage we would be using.

From the carriage bed, Sarya-sama emerged.

While I was dealing with Alec, she had taken refuge here.

Of course, not alone; Kanade, Tania, and Nina were with her.

Tina had captured the other two knights.

Sora used magic to record the moment when Alec attacked Sarya-sama.

"How are the knights?"

"They've been placed somewhere they absolutely can't escape."

"Hmm... They can't escape, huh?"

Nina, who had been listening nearby, said that proudly.

Starting with Alec, we had placed the knights in Nina's pocket dimension.

Nina seems to have grown in various ways recently; she could easily accommodate three people.

There's no light, no sound, and you can't even perceive the passage of time.

Being confined in such a space might be cruel...

But our opponents are grave offenders attempting to assassinate the princess.

There's no need to worry about their safety.

"Do you want to ask them?"

"No, there's no need."

"Aren't you curious about why they did something like that?"

"I have a vague idea."

Sarya-sama said that and looked somewhat lonely.

She might have had an idea, but it's still shocking.

The words of envy for having reliable comrades...

Sarya-sama might not have people like that around her.

Perhaps that's why she made that statement.

Thinking that way makes me feel uneasy.

"To be honest, I had expected this to some extent. So I asked for help from you, Rain-san, and... I tried to protect myself in my own way."

That explanation made sense.

Even for someone we just met, it wouldn't be normal to ask for protection...

And she wouldn't reveal her own identity either.

Perhaps this action was due to harboring suspicions about Alec and the others from the beginning.

Sarya-sama seems to be smarter than I thought.

"What do we do now?"

"We need to return to the capital and report this to the king. I'm sorry to trouble you, but... Can I continue to rely on your protection?"

"Of course, that's no problem."

"Thank you."

She bowed her head, and I felt a bit awkward.

Being able to bow her head to me, a commoner even after being the princess...

Who would want to target such a kind and humble person? What kind of motives are involved?

It might not be something I should worry about, but...

I still couldn't help but think about it.

TL Note- The Royal capital arc begins

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