Chapter 426: Village of Secrets

　It seemed that the way Tauro and his friends were treated in the hidden village had changed.

　Initially, the village chief wanted to hire Tauro and his friends to serve as Haku’s bodyguards in the village and as martial arts instructors to the villagers, but things changed when Cross, Haku’s (fake) father, recovered from his serious injuries.

　Tauro didn’t know what the village chief’s intentions were.

　What is this village in the first place?

　And who is Haku?

　I don’t understand why he hired Cross to protect Haku for thirteen years in the first place.

　One theory that came to mind was that he was the illegitimate child of the previous Count Graunewald, but since Haku is a black-haired boy and the previous Count Graunewald died 14 years ago, that’s probably not the case.

　If that’s the case, then it’s possible that he’s of someone else’s noble bloodline, and that this village is protecting him, but that opens up so many possibilities that it’s hard to imagine.

　Besides,  it’s also puzzling that up until now the villagers had left Haku’s guardianship to Cross alone.

　Did Cross’s recent serious injury make the village chief feel threatened and decide to have the villagers learn martial arts as well?

　Tauro feels that he is missing something, but so far he is unable to make a decision based on the limited information he has.

　At any rate, since Cross’ injuries have healed, things can be maintained as they are, and Haku will likely not be in any danger.

　However, that danger is also something to be concerned about.

　It seems that Haku is being chased by someone, or that someone is trying to kill him.

　Cross is a former knight of the kingdom who excelled in martial arts. But there is a person or organization that has sent an assassin capable of seriously injuring him.

　If I knew the details, we might be able to help, but the village chief is reluctant to reveal the details.

　It seems Cross hasn’t been given any details either.

　In the meantime, Tauro and his friends were at the village chief’s house.

“With Cross returning, about what I asked you all to do, it’s no longer needed…”

　The village chief spoke to Tauro and the others with a sense of awkwardness.

“It can’t be helped. But it’s good to see Cross-san recovering from his injuries.”

　Tauro replied with a nonchalant smile.

“So, I’d like to offer you another job……”

“Another job, ……?”

　Tauro was impressed, in a way, by the village chief who came up with one request after another.

　Looks like the village chief is quite fond of us.

“Yes. Simply put, it’s more of a surveillance or reconnaissance ……”

　The village head mumbled again, as if he was having trouble saying it.

“If you ask through the Adventurers’ Guild, we will consider your request and give you our reply.”

　Tauro had no idea what they would be asked to do, so he chose his words carefully.

“…If possible, I’d like to ask you directly, without going through the guild. The reward will be much bigger.”

　The village chief made the shape of money with his fingers and looked at Tauro with a smile.

“… Village Chief. We are adventurers. You understand that we cannot accept a job without going through the guild. Besides, we cannot accept a job without first hearing what it is.”

　Tauro suspected that the village chief was up to something sinister and decided to find out.

“Are you all …… so tight-lipped? It’ll be bothersome if what we talked about got around elsewhere.”

　The village chief was cautious, but he did confirm that he thought Tauro and the others seemed to be good people.

“If it’s something you want to keep secret, we’ll keep it secret too. Of course, whether or not we accept the job is another matter, but depending on what it is, we don’t mind putting in a good word for other adventurers.”

“No, if you go that far there’s a risk that our information will be leaked, so I just want you to keep it a secret.”

“What is the nature of this job, then?”

“…It seems that a certain party will be held in the capital in a few weeks, and I would like you to investigate the details and security arrangements for it.”

　A party in the capital in a few weeks?

　Tauro had a hunch and wondered, “Could it be?”

“Where is it taking place?”

　Thinking it might just be his imagination, Tauro asked for more information.

“…… the lord’s castle hall.”

　That means it’s the party where I’m supposed to be unveiled!

“…Why are you investigating that party again?”

　Tauro is the person in question, so he can find out and pass on as much information as he wants about the relationship, but he doesn’t understand why the village chief wants to know about the party related to him.

“I can’t tell you that ……. But if you can find out, I will pay you three, no, five times what you would be paid if you went through the Adventurers’ Guild. This is a request in recognition of your skills. Will you accept?”

　The village chief’s eyes were serious, but the matter at hand was what he was saying.

　Besides, the fact that they’re checking the security system means they’re definitely up to something.

　Tauro had no recollection of incurring any grudge from this village.

　I mean,  the people involved are right in front of me, and if they had a grudge, they would probably know my face and attack me.

　So, was it some kind of resentment towards my father, Count Graunewald?

“I understand……. Let me consider it. I’ll have an answer for you by the end of the day.”

　Tauro decided to show the possibilities for now.

　Then, Tauro and his group left the village chief’s house.

“Leader, this is really suspicious. And Grau――”

　Ankh wanted to point out that Tauro was the lord’s son, but Tauro stopped him.

　This was because there were villagers in the village who were skilled at eavesdropping.

　To let him know, Tauro put his index finger up to his mouth and then pointed to his ear.

　Ankh noticed it immediately.

　Ragune also noticed and nodded silently.

“?”

　Zion still didn’t get it, but judging from the serious expressions on Tauro and the others’ faces, she judged  it was best to keep quiet, so she kept his mouth shut and didn’t say anything .

“…That’s why, let’s just think about it for a bit.”

　Tauro made an ostensible proposal to everyone and then returned to their remote lodging.

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