“...What?! Such a thing actually happened? I felt something was off. A wandering goblin squad is one thing, but how could an entire tribe appear on the road? So someone was behind this all along!”
“You guessed right.”
Alec looked at Shulim seriously.
“This is indeed a common trick of bandit groups.”
Hearing this news, the others in the party also wore serious expressions.
“...One trouble after another, huh?”
Steen said in a low voice, then turned to look at Alec.
“Alec, tell us. What do you want to do?”
Seeing everyone's gaze directed at him, Alec thought seriously for a moment. Then, he reached out, grabbed the almost fully roasted rabbit, tore off a hind leg with a hard tug, and handed it to Shulim.
“Let's eat first. There's no rush.”
...
Everyone was dumbfounded, looking at him in complete speechlessness.
“What are you looking at me for? Eat!”
Saying that, he also took out some food provided by the caravan and began roasting it.
Seeing everyone still staring at him, Alec began to explain.
“Based on what Shulim just said, we can deduce that tonight is safe. Besides, there are too many eyes and ears around right now. There's no way that spy would approach the caravan's water supply at this hour. If they want to make a move, it'll definitely have to be in the latter half of the night! So... eat first, and then we'll slowly find the caravan to discuss this matter.”
...
Although the others still had some reservations, once they thought about it, it made sense. So, they simply placed their food by the bonfire to roast as well.
Nibbling on her rabbit leg, Shulim watched Alec eating heartily and suddenly understood the reason behind his actions.
If, knowing there was a spy whose background was completely unknown, they refused to eat when everyone else was eating and instead ran off anxiously to discuss things with the caravan...
It would probably arouse the spy's suspicion, giving rise to unexpected complications...
“Shulim, try this!”
Alec handed a piece of roasted food to Shulim, then said:
“Shulim, we adventurers are very practical. Leaving tonight's intelligence aside, you saved my life during the day, and I must repay that debt. For this escort mission, I won't take my personal share of the reward. I'll give it all to you when the time comes!”
“Eh?”
Shulim was taken aback and quickly refused.
“Mr. Alec, you don't have to do that!”
Before Alec could reply, Ange beat him to it, laughing loudly.
“Hahaha! Little Shulim~, don't be so quick to refuse! This is how we adventurers do things, so just accept it with a peace of mind~! Speaking of which, by saving our leader, you indirectly saved our party too. We should thank you as well~. Come on, big sister toasts to you!”
As she spoke, she pushed a mug of foam beer in front of Shulim.
Shulim: “...”
Alec chuckled softly.
“It's just as Ange said; it's the rule. Shulim, you wouldn't want me to lose my reputation among adventurers, right?”
“Of course not, I didn't mean that at all—”
“Then that means you accept~! Great, it's settled then!”
“I... Alright then.”
Shulim was left speechless and could only choose to accept.
“Splendid!” Alec said with a smile, and then his gaze slowly shifted to Ange. “More importantly... Ange, what are you doing trying to get a kid to drink? And if I remember correctly, I definitely confiscated your beer. Where did this mug come from?”
“Eh—?”
Ange's tipsy smile instantly froze on her face.
...
Inside one of the caravan's pitched tents.
“Is this the entirety of the losses?”
Chandler looked at the list compiled by his assistant, a faint look of worry hanging on his face.
The assistant nodded and answered affirmatively, “Yes, Mr. Chandler.”
“Very well, I understand...” Chandler put down the report and rubbed his temples. “Go invite the leaders of the other merchant groups. I'd like to hold a meeting with them shortly.”
“Yes, sir! But... Mr. Chandler, are we really going to abandon a portion of our cargo?”
“I don't want to either, but there's no other way.”
Chandler shook his head, speaking helplessly.
Just then, the tent's curtain was lifted, and the members of the Hunting Fangs walked inside.
“Mr. Chandler, sorry for the sudden intrusion, but there is something we must tell you.”
“Ah, it's Mr. Alec! Please, come in!”
Chandler rose to greet them, casting a glance at his assistant at the same time.
“You may leave first.”
“Yes, sir!”
The assistant left the tent.
Chandler smiled and made a welcoming gesture with his hand.
“Please, have a seat. Would you like some tea?”
“Don't trouble yourself, Mr. Chandler.”
Alec waved his hand.
“Alright then. I wonder, Mr. Alec, what is it you wish to discuss?”
As Chandler asked, his gaze naturally fell upon Shulim.
He was familiar with the members of the Hunting Fangs, and this little girl was not among them. It seemed the matter likely had something to do with her.
“It's like this...”
Alec relayed what Shulim had overheard to Chandler.
...
“What?! Such a thing actually happened?!”
Chandler was utterly shocked, his face turning extremely grim. No one could remain indifferent upon hearing that their caravan was targeted by a group of bandits.
“My apologies, Mr. Alec. It's not that I don't trust you, but this is a very grave matter. Can we be sure that this young lady—”
“Shulim.”
Shulim spoke up.
“My name is Shulim. Shulim Hayeral.”
“Ah, excuse my rudeness, Miss Shulim! But does Miss Shulim have any convincing evidence?”
Hearing this, Ange immediately grew displeased.
“Hey! How are we supposed to produce evidence for this kind of thing? Besides, isn't it better to be safe than sorry?”
“Ange!”
Alec reprimanded Ange, then said apologetically to Chandler, “My apologies, Mr. Chandler. This member of our party speaks without thinking first. Please don't take it to heart.”
Chandler shook his head. “You worry too much, Mr. Alec. I won't take such a thing to heart.”
“That's good,” Alec's tone shifted as he continued. “However, just as our member said, you can trust Shulim's words, Mr. Chandler. Our Hunting Fangs will guarantee it!”
“Oh? Is that so...”
Chandler looked at Alec with some surprise.
“Mr. Chandler,”
Shulim spoke up.
“As for evidence, I have it.”
“Eh?! We do?!”
Ange was utterly taken aback.
And then she was met with silent stares from her teammates.
She quickly zipped her lips, gesturing for herself to be quiet.
“Oh, if there's evidence, then it's easy. I wonder if it's convenient for Miss Shulim to show me now?”
“Not right now,”
Shulim shook her head.
“The evidence won't present itself until the latter half of the night.”
“The latter half of the night?”
Chandler was confused.
The members of the Hunting Fangs, however, quickly realized what she meant after hearing her words.
Afterward, Shulim explained her plan to Chandler...
“Well, if that's the case, there's no harm in giving it a try...”
Chandler pondered for a moment and agreed to Shulim's plan.
“It just so happens that I've invited the other merchant leaders for a meeting shortly. I will inform them about this, and we will act together when the time comes.”
...
Rate on N.U.
