The Ugly Orc Strikes Back ~ Reincarnated as the Cruel Crown Prince of a Twisted Doujin Eroge with No Happy Endings, But as an Inexperienced Guy, Cruel Play is a Hopeless Challenge, So I'll Give My Best to Break the Flags and Strive for Survival ~ - Chapter 32: Exposed Identity

Chapter 32: Exposed Identity

“Just to confirm, um… you’re not here at our shop for a date, right?” 

The lady asked, staring at me suspiciously.

Oh… this joke again? The food stall uncle from earlier was more than enough with that.

“No, of course not! We have something we want to ask the Information Guild, so we came here for that!”

Upon careful thought, I realized I must have upset Ilse by giving a vague answer to the food stall uncle earlier. So, to avoid making the same mistake, I should clearly state our purpose.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy, so I cautiously observed Ilse’s reaction.

“Fufu…”

Ah… She’s smiling happily, her lips loosening just now. 

Feeling relieved that my response to the lady was correct, I became fixated on her expression.

..Any man who falls in love with Ilse would undoubtedly be a fortunate person.

She’s kind, beautiful, has an impeccable figure, and excels in everything she does. And… to be able to always witness such a lovely smile by her side.

Moreover, that smile is directed exclusively towards me, for my sake alone.

Even though I know deep down that it’s something that could never happen to a perpetually single guy like me, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy…

If a man whom Ilse loves were to appear, I would undoubtedly curse while shedding tears of bitterness and jealousy.

“So, wearing the Imperial Academy uniform means you’re a noble, right? What kind of business brings you to a place like this Information Guild?”

“Ah, yes.”

Oops, now is not the time to be mesmerized by Ilse.

While concealing our true identities, I asked this lady to investigate Eleonora’s background. Specifically, anyone she had contact with outside of the academy.

“…Is this Eleonora the daughter of the Schwarzenberg Duke’s family? Are you asking the guild to cross a dangerous bridge?”

“I’m not asking you to get deeply involved. I just want to know who Eleonora had contact with when she left the Imperial Academy. And if you could also look into the backgrounds of those individuals, I will increase the reward, of course.”

“I see…”

The lady then looked back and forth between me and Ilse.

“I can’t believe you’re stalking someone when you have such a beautiful girl by your side.”

“Ha!?”

No, no, why are you suddenly saying that? It’s not like I have such intentions just because I’m an “ugly orc” or anything.

Besides, a lonely guy like me doesn’t actively make moves. People like us are always in a waiting position.

“I have no romantic interest in Eleonora.”

“I see… That’s what it seems like!”

For some reason, she’s grinning while looking at Ilse.  Wait, why is Ilse facing the opposite direction as if lost in thought?

Well, never mind.

“Let’s get back to the topic. So… will you take our request?”

“Hmm… I can’t decide on my own, so for now, it’s on hold.”

I see… Perhaps this lady has a role similar to a receptionist at the Information Guild. She might be checking with the guild leader or executives to see if they will accept the request.

Well, to ensure we’re not underestimated, we purposely wore our uniforms. It would be troublesome if we were completely dismissed, but at least she agreed to take our request, so there’s a reasonable chance they will accept it.

“Understood, that’s fine.”

“Heh, you’re quite obedient.”

“Ahaha, yes.”

Well, we presented ourselves as noble children, so my reaction might have been surprising since, in that position, I should throw a tantrum or two when the request is put on hold.

“So, should we come back in three days?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

Alright, negotiation concluded for now.

Before coming here, I thought we would be turned away without even being heard or treated with suspicion and attacked. So, it’s unexpectedly good that we were listened to.

“Well then, excuse us.”

“Excuse us.”

As we passed by the lady who opened the door for us, at that moment…

“Nfufu… See you later, ‘Ugly Orc’-san.”

“!?”

A whisper reached only my ears, making me instinctively gaze at her.

This person… Did she know about me from the beginning… Wait!?

“Louie-sama, let’s go.”

“Y-Yeah…”

“Thank you very much… Oh, right.”

As Ilse, her brows slightly furrowed, pulled me while leaving the shop, we were called back by the lady.

W-What else could it be…?

“Here’s your ‘Seasonal Fruit Frappuccino’ in tall size.”

“”…””

What was handed to us was a large paper cup with two straws sticking out, filled to the brim with strawberry frappe.

I can’t believe it’s actually real…