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?"
Ariel stops abruptly.
Then, in a different tone, she asked Luke.
"Luke Notus Greyrat, who are you?"
Luke looked at Ariel with an understanding look.
Then he shifted his gaze to Sylphy, me, and rest of the party.
After seeing the anxiousness in our eyes, he looks back at Ariel.
Kneeling without diverting his gaze, Luke said looking up.
"I am your knight."
"And I am your princess."
Luke looks down, Ariel nodded.
Like a shadow has been casted off, those two share a satisfied smile.
All that needs to be said has been said.
That was all that was necessary.
With such satisfied smiles on them, Sylphy and the others looked relieved as well.
"Let's depart. Rudeus-sama please lead the way."
"Yes."
Anyways, with this we’re contacting the bandits.
I will not betray Luke.
But anxiety remained.
With this conversation, there’s no doubt that Luke is an apostle of Hitogami.
Part 2[แก้ไข]
Returning to the highway then entering the forest again.
I already knew the location of the band of thieves.
Enter the forest from a certain mark on a rock, then head straight to the East.
The band of thieves in question is located in the East side of the forest.
Apparently under a cliff at the foot of a mountain.
However, our pace is slow.
Since our horse-drawn carriage was disassembled.
Ariel tried to ride a horse at first, but after seeing how high up it was she came down immediately.
Since there is a risk of falling from the horse.