Vol 2 Chapter 49 – The Trading Company’s Dark Rumors【Vol 2 – The Condemned Knight Edition】

After about a week of continued patrols, we had become a little famous in the royal capital.

Unfortunately, I was already well-known as the “Altruistic Charity Hero,” but by helping people in the capital, my face had become even more recognizable.

My partner, Miriam, was in the same boat.

And Eleonora-san was also being received favorably.

That clunky, imposing armor of hers did frighten the citizens a bit, but it was only natural that they would get a good impression of her after seeing her dedicated work.

She rarely changed her expression and could be hard to approach, but it was clear that she was kind to the common folk.

As a result, I think we’ve built a very good relationship with them, even receiving fruit from the market vendors recently.

…Well, Eleonora-san, insisting that not paying proper money went against justice, stubbornly paid for it even after being told repeatedly that it was a gift.

She can be so inflexible…

“I’d heard the capital’s public order was poor… but it seems to have calmed down recently.”

“Yes, it has. This is all thanks to the efforts of Erik-san and Miriam-san.”

“Not at all, it’s because of your strength, Eleonora-san.”

The sun had climbed high into the sky, so we were having lunch.

I had been looking forward to this mission with all sorts of expectations, but the kind of hardship I was hoping for had yet to materialize.

At this rate, I’d rather be getting absurd orders from King Rei…

“…Really, if only all our orders were this peaceful…”

Miriam also muttered under her breath.

I gave a wry smile, but Eleonora-san’s expression changed slightly.

“No, while I too would be pleased as a knight if things remained this way, I’ve heard a rather shady rumor.”

“Shady, you say?”

As I asked, she leaned in close, her face suddenly near mine.

Swoosh

Is this the sort of thing she can’t speak about openly in public?

…Heh heh, this is getting exciting…

“I’ve received petitions about this before, but do you know a man by the name of Klet Laboy?”

“Let’s see…”

Klet Laboy… I’m afraid I don’t recall the name.

“…He’s the head of the Laboy Trading Company, isn’t he? The one that’s been turning quite a profit lately…”

Miriam answered for me.

As expected of my partner.

“That’s right. The Laboy Trading Company has rapidly expanded its power in recent years. Even in the fiercely competitive royal capital, its influence has become too great to ignore.”

I see… But I’m afraid I don’t know much about merchants. Now, if you were talking about tyrants or dictators, my knowledge is quite extensive.

I hear there are kings in this world even more ruthless than King Rei. I’d love to move there someday…

“And this Laboy Trading Company is the one that’s shady?”

Miriam asked Eleonora-san.

Oops… I should save my pleasant daydreams for later…

Eleonora-san nodded slightly, her expression serious.

“Yes. Dark rumors have been circulating for a while, given how rapidly it grew in such a short period. Of course, it’s possible that these are just false rumors spread by jealous rivals, but…”

“Do you have information that gives you some certainty?”

“I do. Previously, during a patrol, someone appealed to me directly about the problem. According to this person, Klet Laboy is paying bribes to public officials, and they fear that if they were to file a complaint rashly, they would be punished instead.”

My, my… now that is an injustice sufficient to capture my interest… If the very country that is supposed to help you is actually in league with a corrupt merchant… that person’s sense of despair must be endless.

“…So that’s why they came to us for help, since we’re out in the capital directly aiding the people.”

“Exactly. I found it hard to believe myself, but after investigating, I discovered that it was true.”

Eleonora-san said it matter-of-factly, but neither I nor Miriam could hide our surprise.

We had been on patrol from morning till night these past few days.

If she were to gather that kind of information, the only time she would have had is from late at night to the early morning.

Normally, after running around all day, one would be exhausted and fast asleep, yet Eleonora-san had been acting for the sake of the people.

I see. Just like a knight of justice.

“That’s truly impressive, Eleonora-san.”

“…That’s amazing.”

“Ah, no. It wasn’t much trouble at all.”

When Miriam and I praised her, Eleonora-san replied with a faint, wry smile.

Goodness… so humble.

“Now, about this Klet Laboy matter…”

“Shall I infiltrate alone and seize the definitive evidence?”

I suggested to Eleonora-san.

This statement is a classic ‘get captured’ flag!

Once I’m caught, they’ll torture me in all sorts of ways to find out who sent me… And once they realize I’m of no more use… heh heh, I’m getting excited now.

“No, Erik. You need to take better care of yourself.”

But Miriam sharply scolded me.

Even this gives me a little thrill. I pride myself on being quite the masochist.

Still, it was a mistake to suggest it in front of the kindhearted Miriam. It was obvious she would object.

“She’s right. We can’t have you, Erik-san, sneaking into Laboy’s inner circle alone. I will go as well.”

“Eh?”

That’s not very… desirable… If I were alone, I could deliberately let myself be taken prisoner…

The torture that surely awaits me…

“…I’m going too!”

“Miriam…”

Of course. If Eleonora-san is going, it’s only natural that Miriam would come along too. Drat… now how am I supposed to get myself captured and tortured…!

“Yes. In fact, I intended to ask you both to accompany me from the start.”

Eh…?

“I have already informed Klet Laboy that I wish to meet and speak with him. And that we are a knight and a hero. That way, Laboy’s side cannot rudely refuse.”

I see, she works fast. Indeed, if he were to refuse a meeting with us, who have recently become famous in the capital, strange rumors might start to spread about Klet Laboy himself.

A merchant’s reputation is everything, after all. He would want to avoid anything that might arouse the public’s suspicion.

“This is just a guess, mind you. Probably. But if Laboy is the man the dark rumors say he is, he will undoubtedly try something against us. Nine times out of ten, it will come to a fight. What’s more, the meeting place is their headquarters, the Laboy Trading Company. Knowing this, will you still come with me?”

Eleonora-san looked at us, as if trying to gauge our reaction.

Hmph… a foolish question.

“Of course. You were the one who gathered the information, Eleonora-san, so from here on, I’d like you to leave it to me. I’m somewhat accustomed to rough business, you see.”

“…Since Erik is saying so, and I now know you’re a proper knight, Eleonora-san, I’ll cooperate too.”

Did she really think I would refuse the chance to charge into the enemy’s headquarters, where hardship is clearly waiting? If I could, I would have Miriam and Eleonora-san wait here and go in for a direct strike all by myself.

“…Is that so? Thank you.”

Eleonora-san thanked us with a smile that seemed happy… yet somehow complex.

…Is something else going on? I’m getting excited.

“The appointed day is tomorrow night. Let’s take the day off from patrols tomorrow to rest and build up our strength.”

Miriam and I nodded at Eleonora-san’s words.

Hmph… I have a good feeling about this…