The Strongest Villain Sets Out: Reincarnated into a Merit-Based Clan, I Become the World's Strongest Swordsman - Chapter 90: Confrontation

The day after I saved Ana, the daughter of a Zora Federation councilor.

“Luka~, are you really going alone?”

As I left our inn room, Cornelia called out to me in the hallway.

“Cornelia, huh. Yeah. You’d all just be bored if I brought you along. Take your time and rest.”

“Okay. But if anything happens, call me anytime, alright? I’ll hear the commotion and come running.”

“That’s fine if you can manage it… but please don’t go around cutting people down randomly, okay?”

“I’ll restrain myself!”

Is that really something you need to restrain yourself from…?

As always, Cornelia’s screws had completely come loose. In the original story, she was supposed to be a more intellectual and gentle character, but how did she end up like this? I don’t want to think it’s the result of my education.

“Well, I’m off.”

“Have a safe trip~”

I parted ways with Cornelia as she waved her hand and left the inn. I headed toward the central plaza where I was meeting Ana.

▼△▼

Many demi-humans had gathered in the central plaza of the Zora Federation capital.

Some chatted with friends. Others ran stalls. People bought food and drinks from those stalls. Some ran around energetically. Street performers entertained crowds of onlookers. Just counting them all would be quite a task.

Among all this, I spotted Ana standing alone in a corner of the plaza.

“Punctual as expected, rabbit beastwoman.”

Even though I’d arrived earlier than our promised time, she was already here before me. She wasn’t looking forward to meeting me… obviously not, given yesterday’s situation.

Moreover, I was about to meet with the rabbit beastwoman councilor—Ana’s father—with her as my guide. Having half-threatened her, I knew full well that her impression of me was poor.

I walked slowly and stood before Ana. She noticed me as well.

“You’re… Luka-sama, aren’t you?”

“It’s the same mask as yesterday, so you should be able to tell, right?”

“I never expected you to come wearing a mask.”

“I have circumstances that prevent me from showing my face. I’d appreciate your understanding.”

“I see.”

Ana answered with a tone that suggested she didn’t really understand. She didn’t seem particularly interested in my identity. That worked for me too—unnecessary prying would be troublesome.

“Well then, let’s go to my estate. Please refrain from doing anything flashy. It would cause unnecessary commotion.”

“Don’t worry. If push comes to shove, I’ll just kill everyone who gets in the way. Simple, right?”

“…!”

Ana’s shoulders jumped with a start. Her complexion was poor, whether from tension or anxiety.

“Just kidding, just kidding. I was trying to lighten the mood.”

“Luka-sama doesn’t seem to have much sense for jokes… *sigh*”

Ana let out an exasperated sigh and started walking. I followed her back.

“Harsh.”

I thought I had pretty good sense, but Ana wasn’t amused. Disappointing.

Without exchanging further words, we left the plaza and entered a district lined with mansions.

“…There are quite a few large buildings around here.”

“Many councilors have built estates here. Wealthy intellectuals and others live here as well.”

“Kind of like a noble district in human terms?”

“Is that so? I’ve never been to human cities, so I wouldn’t know.”

“It’s similar. People really are the same everywhere.”

“………”

For some reason, Ana fell silent. She seemed to be pondering my words.

After walking for a while, she stopped in front of one estate.

“This is my estate.”

“Ooh… pretty impressive.”

Fitting for a councilor’s residence.

We opened the gate of the estate surrounded by black fencing and went inside. Two soldiers stood guard at the gate, but Ana said “This person is our guest,” and we passed through without issue.

The garden was well-maintained too, and quite a lot of money had clearly been spent here. The Salvatore duchy is constantly being torn up by family members, so it’s quite a mess. The servants are always lamenting about it.

“Please come this way. Father should be in his study.”

Opening the door and going inside. The interior was decorated quite lavishly, befitting wealthy people. Antiques were displayed as well.

“You didn’t tell your father anything?”

“I did inform him. However, father is busy, so…”

“He is a councilor, after all.”

“Yes.”

I went with Ana toward the back of the first floor.

Even facing a councilor, I wouldn’t be intimidated. Even if I was taking up his precious time, my business was more important. I’d be that bold about it.

After a short while, we arrived in front of a room. The door was knocked with modest force.

“Father, are you in?”

“Yes. It seems the guest you mentioned has arrived. Please come in.”

“Excuse me.”

“Pardon the intrusion~”

I answered casually and entered.

It was exactly what you’d expect from a study. Bookshelves lined the room, packed with countless books.

“So you’re Luka-kun, who saved my daughter.”

“That’s right… ah, sorry, but let’s skip the formal speech. I’m not good with it.”

“That’s perfectly fine. According to my daughter, you’re quite skilled.”

“Is it okay for a rabbit beastman to determine hierarchy by strength?”

“In the end, strength is everything. That’s why Ana nearly died.”

“Smart.”

This was helpful—he got straight to the point.

I sat across from Ana’s father. The sofa was soft.

Ana sat down beside her father, and our discussion began.