kscans

Chapter 490 - The General

We'd been chatting for about thirty minutes. After a quick and casual farewell with the seventh-ranked member of the Northern Faction, who had apparently contacted me on a whim, I was left wondering what to do next.

But before I had time to wander aimlessly, the next summons came. I immediately replied 'Yes' and answered the call.

I was transported to the Eastern Round Table, the gathering place for the 'Ten Seats'—or rather, the current 'Nine Seats.' The one who had summoned me was—

"Sorry to bother ya this early in the mornin'."

"You don't need to worry about calling over someone who's already logged into a game on a Sunday morning and is just wandering around."

Not some temporary, event-only mock general, but our true General Commander.

Unlike me, who was still dragging around heavy fatigue from going full-throttle the entire time, this stalwart man with a mane of golden hair was, as always, brimming with energy.

"From the looks of ya, I'd say you went on another wild rampage, didn't ya?"

"I'll leave that to your imagination."

Thinking that I'd probably be told similar things by everyone I met from now on, I gave a vague reply, which was met with a hearty 'Kakkakka!' laugh.

It suited him so perfectly that I hadn't really thought about it since I first met him, but now that I think about it, it's a remarkably bold and distinctive laugh.

It kind of grows on you. I don't dislike it.

"So, what did you need?"

"Ah, it ain't nothin' difficult, so just relax. It's just a heads-up that we'll be doin' the 'this and that' about the event in two or three days."

"That's even more laid-back than usual."

"The Princess probably already told ya, right? We're just gonna enjoy the downtime for a bit."

I see. So he's already been in contact with Alicia. He may seem laid-back, magnanimous, and easygoing, but as the faction leader, he's quick to act and has things firmly under control.

He made no mention of the Northern Faction's 'free spirit' or the Western Faction's leader, whom I haven't met. Then again, I have my doubts as to whether Vestol, which is more focused on seasonal rankings, even has a 'leader'—

…I keep thinking I should look into that stuff, but one event after another keeps popping up, and it always slips my mind.

"Well, understood. So I should just wait for another summons, correct?"

"Correct. For now, you can do as you please. Though in your case, that 'freedom' is what's most likely to attract trouble."

"…Yeah, I don't think I'll ever be able to shake that image, will I?"

Isn't that what everyone I've gotten to know has said to me? I don't even have the energy to deny it anymore, but I just want them to understand that I'm not actively trying to stand out in a bad way.

—Anyway.

"In that case, let's hear the main topic."

If that was all he had to say, he wouldn't have bothered summoning me.

Even if it's true that there's 'nothing difficult,' there must be something he wanted to discuss face-to-face. With that assumption, I prompted him, and it seems I hit the mark.

"Ah, well, yeah. About that…"

It's a habit of his when he's thinking something over or hesitating to speak. He closes his eyes and strokes his chin. Seeing him like this… it's not a difficult matter, but perhaps one that's hard to bring up?

That said, my trust in Goldow is quite high. He's done a lot for me, so I have no intention of making a sour face even if he asks for something a bit troublesome or out of the blue.

So, I braced myself with a 'bring it on' attitude—

"The Princess—Alicia—she's invited ya on a trip, right?"

"Wha—huh? Um, eh, what?"

His troubled voice, coming from such an unexpected angle, completely froze my train of thought.

The fact that he intentionally used her real name, Alicia, only emphasized that this was about the real world, which just added to my confusion. I had a feeling they were fairly close, but…

"And, well… what can I say? To put it bluntly, I know her in the real world too, through my daughter, Helena. And I've been invited to that thing for the past two years."

"'That thing' being?"

"The 'trip' around this time of year."

"Ahhh… Right, right, right, right."

I pretty much understood what he was trying to say and where this was going. In short, I don't know if it was before or after me, but Alicia invited him again this year.

And from there, the fact that Goldow is now talking to me about it probably means he wants to confirm something, or maybe leave the decision up to me. As in, whether I'm okay with meeting him in the real world.

Ah. And that means Helena-san will definitely be there, too.

"This is one of those, ya know. A delicate issue."

"That it is. But if you don't mind me saying so, it's a little late for that now."

I made sure to dispose of it as instructed, so I don't have it anymore, but I still remember that string of numbers clearly, and I haven't forgotten the kindness that saved me.

Therefore, my answer is this.

"I've been feeling a little uneasy being the only one with your contact info this whole time. If we can meet in person, I'd be happy to pour you a drink to thank you for everything."

"…Is that so? Heh, well, I'm honestly lookin' forward to it."

His shy smile held a certain charm that seemed at odds with his rugged physique. But the image of the General Commander that had long been fixed in my mind remained unshaken.

This man, our General, who had coolly handed me that 'slip of paper' when I was at my lowest—he was so damn cool. I'll probably never forget the sight of his back on that day for the rest of my life.

It's too embarrassing, so I doubt I'll ever be able to say it to his face, though.

"—By the way, I'm a minor. So I'll pour you a drink, but unfortunately, I can't join you."

"Wait, seriously? I don't suppose… you don't actually look exactly the same in real life, do you…?"

"Hahahaha."

"Ah… I'm not sure if I should be lookin' forward to this or not."

Well, I am. I wonder if a fantasy like the real Goldow being even bigger than his virtual self could possibly come true.