Volume 3 Chapter 47: The one assigned the task of assassinating the troublesome Master is this Myadanya【Assassination Organization Arc】

I—I can’t believe it!

I could only stare blankly at Artemis’s face.

Artemis tilted her head slightly.

Nanashi, expressionless.

…No, Nanashi’s small shoulders were trembling with rapid, little shakes.

T-This one is laughing at me right now…!?

C-coup!

They’ve taken over my territory while I was away…!

Ashvin!

Are you planning to repay all the favors I’ve done for you with betrayal?!

What a scoundrel.

How did I end up taking someone like her in?

It was a mistake to leave my territory, trusting that Ashvin could handle it.

It was a request from the noble council, so there was no way I could refuse!

However, for Ashvin to betray me…

This is the worst.

I swear, this is exactly why foreigners…

『You said you didn’t care about foreigners at all, yet now you spout outrageous parting words.』

Saying such carefree things…!

In fact, there was a hint of delight in Nanashi’s telepathy.

『It suits me well that my greatest enemy, Master, is being exiled from Apophis territory. Thank you for everything. I will now enjoy life with the fortune you amassed, Master.』

Do you think I’ll forgive you, you idiot!

I always wonder, how can you say that so casually to me?

Isn’t it pretty dangerous to openly declare that you’re going to snatch my fortune?

Normally, that would be a death sentence.

…Or rather, can you even manage to seize Ashvin’s fortune?

Mess it up, and you’ll get killed, you know.

I couldn’t imagine any future where Nanashi could beat Ashvin.

You’d probably just get killed without a fuss.

『…I am your maid. Please, somehow reclaim Apophis territory, Master.』

Hmm, this ability to transform…

It’s as if we were one entity, drawing near together.

If that were to happen with Nanashi, my sanity would be at risk. I really don’t want that.

“Heh heh heh. And the one who got assigned the mission to assassinate the meddlesome Master is this Myadanya.”

“Eek!”

“Nyah-hahaha! Just kidding, just kidding.”

I can’t laugh at that.

I was seething with anger at Artemis’s carefree laughter.

A former assassin like you has no right to make jokes.

If she were really inclined, I’d be dead before I even knew it.

…Why did I ever make such a dangerous person my maid?

Don’t I have any decent maids?

“Somehow, she mentioned something about acceptance preparations, nya. I don’t know what preparations they’re referring to, though.”

She conveyed Ashvin’s true intentions.

No preparations.

I really don’t understand.

What preparations? What exactly are you preparing for?

It’s frightening. Utterly frightening.

I’ve been told not to come back, but I suppose it’s best if I do.

If I come back and I’m told it’s preparation for a civil war, that would be hell.

No doubt, I’d be sent straight to the executioner’s block.

I absolutely cannot permit that.

“But, Master—”

Just as I had resolutely decided to return, Artemis quietly appeared behind me.

Before I even noticed.

“Hey, stop. Don’t stand behind me.”

I don’t trust you one bit; it makes my heart tighten.

Then, she pressed her fresh, luscious lips close to my ear…

“You can slack off plenty, nya.”

――――――!

At Artemis’s devilish whisper, a jolt of electricity shot through my body.

This one… is a genius…?

I couldn’t help but shudder.

I suppressed it and smiled at Artemis.

“Hey, hey. You can’t boldly announce to your employer that you’re slacking off, can you?”

“Ugh…”

At this point, I couldn’t simply be happy about Artemis’s temptation.

That is entirely at odds with the image I had constructed of Balor Apophis.

So, while maintaining a tone of admonishment…

“But surely Ashvin had her reasons. In that case, I’ll take you at your word and take it easy in the royal capital.”

“Nyafufu! As expected of you, Master. Unlike boobs, you actually understand, nya.”

I didn’t contradict Artemis’s words, even as I admonished her.

I could slack off without shattering the image of Balor Apophis.

Truly, it’s a case of killing two birds with one stone.

Perfect.

My mind is terrifying…

Honestly, I hate having to remain in the royal capital, especially with assassins targeting me…

Yet, it should be safe for now. After all, having been attacked once, it’s unlikely I’d be ambushed again.

No matter how relentless the attackers are, they must be on high alert after that first strike. Besides, Kelphine only came at me because of that cursed one called Izun—there’s no one else who holds a personal grudge against me.

The court nobles in Kelphine’s faction are somewhat dangerous, but it’s hard to imagine those traitors—who already switched to another faction—would attack me on Kelphine’s behalf.

Court nobles are filthy.

“Lord Balor!”
“Ugh!”

While I was thinking that, a powerful impact hit my stomach. When I looked down, there was Izun, pressing her head against me with a grinding force.

Her hair and skin were pure white.
And her eyes, as red as blood.

With the distinctive features of a cursed one and her halting speech, she fit right into the role of a pet in the Apophis household.

Having a pet is one thing, but does she hold a grudge against my stomach? Seriously, I’m going to send her back.

I’m gonna be puking in the royal capital.

“W-What is it, Izun? And hey, stop flinging your entire weight all over the place.”

I’m gonna die, seriously!
Even as I glared at her with anger-filled eyes, Izun just smiled sweetly.

That carefree expression…

“Yeah, sorry about that. But, Izun, there’s something you need to tell Lord Balor.”

“Hmm?”

I have a bad feeling about this.
Izun, are you suddenly at a loss for words?

I’ll at least contribute a visit fee.
As if my thoughts meant anything, she opened her mouth.

“She wants to have a word with Lord Balor—someone like Silthia!”

That old hag again!

◆

My legs feel unbearably heavy…
I slowly walk through the royal capital.

I was summoned by Silthia, one of the four major nobles.

Given her tremendous power—and the fact she helped crush Kelphine—I can’t easily refuse.
Well, if I really didn’t want to go, I’d come up with some excuse.

Either way, I’ll eventually return to Apophis territory, and when that happens, I never plan on setting foot in this crappy town again. I intend this meeting to be the final one.

“Ahh… It’s been so long since I went out during the day. Bathed in sunlight, I’m getting all sleepy… Master, give me a piggyback ride.”
“Hahaha!”

I’m gonna kill you.
As Artemis leans against me, I feel an intense murderous intent.

My legs are already dragging, and now you’re making them even heavier—what are you doing?
Could you please handle chatting with Silthia for me?

I have zero interest in her; wasting time on her is torture.

“If you had your chest pressed against you, you’d get all excited, wouldn’t you?”

Nanashi’s telepathy delivers that absurd remark.
Chest…?

Sure, if someone were clinging to my back, I might feel something—but rest assured.

You and Artemis’s “naught-naught duo” are not something I need to worry about at all.
In fact, even if I were to witness your naked bodies up close, I promise I wouldn’t react in the slightest.

“If you don’t use it, I won’t need it. Should I tear it apart for you?”

Are you stupid?
I won’t say where, because if I did, you’d really get torn apart—imagine being ripped to shreds with a cold, emotionless stare.

“By the way, Master, have you noticed?”
“Huh? Uh, oh… yeah.”

What the heck are you talking about, you damn cat?
With you whispering in my ear, I can’t help but feel tickled.

Noticed what?
But honestly, I can’t be bothered to ask directly, so I reply with something extremely vague.

Apparently, Artemis is satisfied with that, and she rubs her cheek against mine, looking pleased.

“Oh, as expected. That one, and that one, and that one.”

Artemis extends her slender finger.
In the direction she points, there are ordinary men and women.

…So, what?

“They’re all after an amazing Master. Scary, isn’t it?”

Artemis laughs sweetly, clearly enjoying herself.
I grimace with fear, my cheeks drawn tight.

Huh?
Those seemingly ordinary people are targeting me?

I—completely missed it.
I mean, they look so normal, yet they’re after my life?

If I observe carefully, I can see them glancing at me!
Ugh! Don’t look this way, pervert!

If you already know it, then go ahead and kill me already!
My hands are still clean, but you’re already stained with blood—killing one or two wouldn’t make a difference.

“You’re letting them off the hook. Bold of you, Master.”

While I’m frozen with fear, Artemis nods as if she’s misunderstood something.
She’s telling me to kill them!!

I can’t just say that outright, so while glaring at Artemis, I continue walking toward Silthia’s mansion.