kscans

Chapter 243 - Scouting Failure

It seems the King can no longer get an erection.

"That's a shame."

"It does not bother me. I have no wife, after all."

That makes it difficult to respond. Given the circumstances, it's hard to tease him.

"Well, I understand it's not possible. So, about Nanaka-san's Clairvoyance..."

"Is it not possible?"

"No, I want to ask you instead, are you sure? Her Clairvoyance can see through literally anything, you know?"

She once struck a cool pose, covering her eyes with her hand. When I snorted with laughter, she blushed and looked down.

"To be honest, I have nothing I would be troubled by being seen. Besides, at the point I have invited you here, it is too late for such concerns."

Well, that might be true. He's already dealing with someone who has the terrifying skill of Alchemy, which is worse than Clairvoyance.

"I can go too, right?"

"You must be concerned for your disciple, so that is fine. In fact, I would like to hire you as a bodyguard. I have heard you are quite skilled."

Heh heh!

"Swordsmanship Level 6!"

"Mm. I will grant you permission to carry a sword. I would like you to attend as well."

"Alright. I'm bored anyway. And for my disciple's sake, I will naturally lend a hand."

Eighty percent the former, twenty percent the latter.

"You have my thanks."

"But this is something I'll have to ask Nanaka-san about first."

It's Nanapon the King wants, more than me.

"I understand. Could you first ask her? I would like to decide on the schedule and other details after that."

It's because the scale of security will change depending on whether Nanapon is there or not.

"Got it. I'll ask her when I get back."

She'll probably say yes, though. She was eager to go.

"I am counting on you."

"If she's okay with it, can I bring Yoshino-san too? She's also an A-rank and quite strong."

"Of course. In fact, I would prefer to have two guards. Lydia will be there as well."

That's a good point. Even if I could cut down an attacker going for Arc, Lydia-chan and the King would be left vulnerable. The King might be able to escape with teleportation, but Lydia-chan would be in trouble.

"I'll ask her about that as well."

"Thank you. There are few people I can trust with this matter. When it comes to the succession to the throne, various interests become entangled and things get complicated."

Compared to that, we have no connection to any of it. There's no chance of us colluding with anyone. Plus, we're sincere.

"Alright. I'll ask them first and then report back. How should I report? Should I just tell Arc?"

"Please do so. I intend to call Arc and Lydia here to explain the situation to them."

So the tea party will be after that.

"Then send me back."

"Understood."

When the King nodded, my vision immediately returned to the dining hall. There, Arc and Kaede-chan were eating snacks and drinking tea.

"Oh, you're back."

"Arc, I need to speak with you. Bring Lydia and come to the study."

"Huh? Alright."

The two of them nodded to each other and vanished at the same time.

"He vanished, leaving his guest behind..."

What a terrible host.

"Eleanor-sama, please."

Mia pulled out the chair next to Kaede-chan for me.

"You are truly a capable person. I can say with certainty that you do not possess a unique skill."

I praised her as I took my seat.

"You are too kind."

Mia replied as she poured my tea.

"Mia, have a seat."

I pointed to the seat where Arc had been sitting.

"No, I couldn't possibly..."

"It's fine, sit down. It looks strange for you to be standing there while Kaede-chan and I are sitting side by side. Besides, I'd like you to chat with me for a bit. It's hard to talk there."

"Very well."

After finishing pouring the tea, Mia sat down across from us.

"You're incredibly competent, you know. Why don't you stop serving that natural delinquent and come work for me? I'll move into a mansion if you do."

I have the money, and I have been considering moving into a mansion, but the upkeep is always the sticking point. Even if I were to hire someone from that world, I couldn't trust them. In that respect, Mia is safe and reliable.

"I am sorry. While I am greatly honored by your offer, I will continue to serve Arc-sama."

Darn.

"She turned me down... The mansion plan is a failure."

"That's what I told you. There's no way you can poach a maid from the royal family. That apartment is fine, isn't it?"

Well, if Kaede-chan says so, I guess I'll give up.

"Mia, Arc is going to become king, but will you continue to serve him?"

"That is my intention. It may be disrespectful to say, but I have served Arc-sama since he was a child, so I feel as if he is a younger brother or sister to me."

I guess that's what happens when you're always together. Still, what a troublesome person, not knowing whether to call him a brother or a sister.

"I think they'll make a unique couple, but do your best."

"I am used to it."

Mia offered a wry smile.

Oh, so she does have some feelings about Arc. That guy is a natural delinquent with Provocation Level 7. He's definitely said something unnecessary.

"Mia, if you're ever having a hard time, just tell me. I'll beat him up for you."

"I will be fine..."

Beating him up is a bad idea, I guess. I don't raise my hand to children.

"Then I'll tattle on him to Lydia-chan."

"I will be even more fine..."

So Mia is scared of Lydia-chan too.

As we continued our conversation, the King, Arc, and Lydia-chan teleported in. Mia immediately stood up.

"I think this every time, but it's startling when you suddenly teleport in."

"My apologies. I will be more careful next time."

I've warned Arc about this before, but he never listened.

"Well, it's fine. Is your talk over?"

"Yes, I apologize for taking up your time."

"It's no problem. I'm seriously bored, so."

"I see. Well then, please enjoy your tea party. I must return to my work."

I wonder what kind of work a king does.

"Well then, Master, Kaede-sama, I invite you to my home. Arc."

"Okay. Let's go."

Arc nodded obediently, and my vision changed. Still, it's hard to tell which one of them is the princess.