Shouldn’t you be grateful that I checked your blind spot?
"Auber’s retreat seems too suspicious."
"If I was killed by his first strike, then I guess he would’ve pressed the attack without retreating."
"I know, but why didn’t you stop that guy from escaping?"
"......I could have stopped him if I used a large scale attack magic. But in that case, Sylphy and Eris would have been in my line of fire. Also, there's a possibility that he has some magic items to evade my magic attack."
"......Really?"
Hey.
Your tone sounds like I’ve joined hands with Auber.
...... Oh, is that so?
It was this sort of scenario?
I joined hands with Auber, and Darius and orchestrated that ambush. That's the first conclusion most people make.
You've got me.
If you just think a little bit you will surely see that I’m not allying with Auber and Darius....
"...... Luke-senpai. Didn’t I help Ariel-sama under your request?"
“I certainly did request your aid...... But your actions are strange. My father would not betray me. Father is..."
Luke’s behavior is suspicious.
So this is the the work of Hitogami.
Just what kind of advice did Hitogami give to Luke ...... ?
Wait, maybe Luke is not visible to Hitogami right now?
That should be the case with Orsted nearby.
The presence of Orsted acts as a jammer for Hitogami.
It’s possible that his advice for Luke has missed the target.
...... Or maybe that Hitogami has already discarded Luke.
"......What the heck are you saying now?"
Eris looks frustratedly at Luke.
Like she’s ready to beat him down anytime.
Sylphy looks alternatively between Luke and I with a sharp look.
Ghyslaine looks like someone with a huge [?] on her head.
"Ariel-sama."
With a stern face, Luke turned his face toward Ariel.
"I don’t agree. Rudeus’s recent actions have been strange."
"Is… that so?"
“Also, I worry about the credibility of the alleged band of thieves. Although I agree that we should avoid the checkpoint, but I think we should head back, and request help from Perugius-sama "
Asking for Perugius’s help, huh....
Indeed, you have a point.
To ask for one or two of Perugius’s familliars to act as escorts, this will enhance our strength and will enable us to force our way through.
Yeah, I also feel that this is quite a good idea.
I’m fine with anything as long as Ariel is safe.
But I must get in touch with Tris and her band of thieves.
Besides, I don’t always have to stay together with Ariel.
However....if I leave her there is the possibility that Ariel might die.
"......Elmore, Kleene, what do you think?"
"I support Luke-sama"
"Me too."
"Is that so?"
The two servants are likely to support Luke.
With this it’s 2 to 3?
But, this party is not a democracy.
The leader of this party is Ariel.
Everything was decided by Ariel.
Well, if it can’t be helped, I will try to contact Tris alone.
I’ll make the excuse that I want to do reconnaissance in the country beforehand or something.
But will it be suspicious if I go alone?
...... Maybe I should bring Eris or Sylphy.
"......"
Ariel did not consult with Ghyslaine or Eris.
A shadow covered her face while she takes her time to consider the situation.
She narrows her eyes, staring at the bonfire, indulging in deep thought.
"Okay."
After a while, she looked up.
Looking alternately between Luke and I.
After looking at us twice, she stopped her gaze at Luke.
"I will go with Rudeus-sama’s plan."
"What!"
Luke begins to get angry.
"Why?"
"Perugius-sama won’t be so generous as to lend a hand to the king that fled from her own kingdom. If it’s only at this level, I won’t rely on him."
Saying that, Ariel winks at me.
...... You mean, you intentionally sided with me?
I wonder why?
Perhaps Ariel wanted me to owe her a favor.
Although it was convenient for me.....
"But, that's putting the cart before the horse. Working with the likes of thieves! We won’t know what they’re plotting against Ariel-sama - "
"Luke."
Luke is blindsided by Ariel’s decision.
"What’s wrong with you all of the sudden? Suspecting Rudeus-sama suddenly?"
"But father is ......"
“Didn’t we already discuss the possibility that Philemon would betray us from before? Didn’t you say that if it’s father it may happen?"
"I certainly did think so before. However, I am certain that I’ve heard....."
And, Luke shut his mouth before he spoke.
Ariel also seem a little surprised by his reaction.
Luke was wide-eyed, and lips trembling.
"Luke, by chance ............ did you hear it from your brother?"