Kays Translations

Chapter 11

I am an adventurer skilled in archery.

With over three years of experience as an adventurer, I have gained enough strength to take on escort missions.

I recently completed the escort request for a parent and child to the city of Corinth in the east, which I received in Tiara, and just returned to report my success.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Oh, no… um, yes.”

Lily-chan is cute today too… seeing that smile is what keeps me going.

…Oops, can’t linger. Once the report is done, I need to hurry back.

As I leave, I gaze at her looking down at the documents.

Someday, I’ll make Lily-chan turn her attention toward me.

But that time hasn’t come yet. I’ll patiently wait for the right moment without rushing.

Suddenly, Lily-chan’s voice echoes through the shop.

“Um… I’m sorry about last night.”

My attention is immediately drawn—she seems flustered. I notice a man standing beside the guild staff—what’s going on!?

Last night… what happened last night!? Lily-chan did mention it.

Did that guy do something to Lily-chan? I’m curious…

I’ll pretend to shop and observe the situation.

He sits down and begins writing something. Ah, I see… probably registering as an adventurer.

Huh… he’s taking something out. Then Lana-san and Carol-chan both react excitedly.

What!? What’s so interesting!

Suddenly, he starts talking familiarly to Lily-chan, and what’s with that paper!

Drawing attention with that, huh.

Lana-san and Carol-chan seem captivated and happy… I don’t like this.

Three adventurers loiter near the wall close to the purchase area.

Upon closer inspection, they wear displeased expressions, glaring at him.

Those guys were definitely the three fools aiming for Carol-chan. It seems they don’t like him having fun with her.

Hmph… You guys are always throwing powder at Carol-chan, but she doesn’t pay any attention to you at all.

It’s about time you realized that you have no chance.

I’m different from you guys. I don’t rush things and throw powder at Lily-chan.

I carefully wait until I can make a move. After all, I’m an archer.

But damn it, it’s for sure that guy is giving Lily-chan the eye.

I can’t stand it at all.

The next day, after stuffing my face with food at the stall in the square, I drop by at Tiara’s.

Today, too, I’ll show off how I can complete requests for Lily-chan. I’m a guy who can earn.

Hmph… Lily-chan seemed interested in me too. Her smile yesterday was different from the usual…

The smiles and radiance she directs at others are different… The smile she directs at me is special.

Suddenly, I notice a guy behind Carol-chan.

Wha… Damn it, why is that guy a staff member? Why… isn’t he an adventurer!?

That guy, who knows where he came from… Hey, Lily-chan is getting close!

She needs to keep more distance from him.

Why are all three of them so concerned about what that guy is doing… What are they looking at!

There’s an adventurer here for the appraisal of items. Let’s observe the guy from behind the adventurer.

――What’s with that small box!?

Upon closer inspection, even the staff members are surprised.

――I-Is that some incredible tool!?

I overhear the accounting guy talking.

Apparently, it’s an unbelievably magical tool.

I see, so that’s what caught Lily-chan’s attention.

…No, he deliberately showed off to grab attention.

I don’t like it. Not at all.

I observed him for a few days, and it seems he’s good at accounting tasks.

He handles that amazing magical tool quite well, and he’s reasonably skilled. Even the reception girls seem to welcome him.

They show him a smile at every opportunity. Every time they do, it boils my insides.

During the lunch break, the three of them head outside together.

Hmm, can’t be helped… I guess I’ll keep an eye on them.

As they exit the purchase area, the usual three fools seem to follow them.

Hmph, they’re following too… even though they’re ignored.

Well, I can understand the feeling.

However, the moment they leave the guild, I witness a shocking scene—

What the! Lily-chan is sitting next to him!

Wha… Why is she sitting next to that guy, Lily-chan?

And even Carol-chan and Lana-san too!

This is ridiculous! They’re too close! Back off, Lily-chan! Lily-chan!

Grrrrrr!!!

I clench my fists tightly.

Moreover, they lean in close to look at something in his hands, showing smiles with upturned eyes.

Why are they smiling at him? That smile should be for me! Lily-chan, don’t mess around!

Arrghhh!!!

That guy! Anyone trying to charm Lily-chan like that is committing a serious crime—

I’ll kill him! I’ll definitely not forgive him!!

I notice the three fools near the food stall.

They’re also fuming with rage at that guy. You guys have never experienced what Carol-chan went through.

I want to sit next to Lily-chan too.

Damn it… damn it…

Pretending to look for requests, I return to the inside of the shop.

Oh… so he’s taking a day off tomorrow—shopping in the city, huh…

I notice the three fools inside the shop. And a good idea comes to mind.

This is a chance. I’ll make them see and teach them a lesson.

I approach the three fools.

“Hey, do you guys know? Seems like that guy has a thing for Carol-chan. Heard it from the accounting guy.”

“!?”

“He’s apparently using some mysterious magical tool to catch her attention.”

They glare at that guy.

“It pisses you off, right!? How about we give him a little taste of his own medicine?”

After exchanging glances, the three fools nod with sly grins.

They easily went along with it. Simple fools are easy to handle.

“Gather information first, then we’ll plan our strategy. Meet behind the guild tomorrow.”

I don’t know what kind of magical tool it is, but I’ll show him something that catches the attention of those girls.

In the early morning, we plan based on the gathered information.

“It seems he’s heading to the bookstore.”

I spread out the map and memorize the locations.

“There are three bookstores in this town, but the ones on the main streets are too conspicuous. Our target is this bookstore. Multiple alleys make it easy for an ambush. I’ll tail him from the rooftops and give you instructions. Stay away and follow discreetly.”

The three fools nod eagerly.

They seem delighted at the thought of getting back at him.

I spot him and begin tracking.

First place—there are too many people. Give up and move on.

Observe his actions after leaving the weapon shop—seems he’s heading to the bookstore in the north… he’s following the route.

Signal with hand signs.

(Entering the alley. Signal when I come out.)

(Came out of the alley—)

(Here he comes… hide!)

And the three fools grab him by the right sleeve, dragging him into the alley.

Alright, pulled him in! Take that!

Due to being on the rooftop of the building on the opposite side of the street, I can’t see the situation of the three fools attacking.

But it’s 3 against 1.

Moreover, he’s just a guild staff member, and the others are adventurers with weapons… the outcome is clear from the start.

Heh… things are looking good.

I told them to take his bag, and after that, they can do as they please.

I said not to kill him outright, but it would be convenient if they did go a bit too far and finished the job.

Well, I set the stage… it should go smoothly.

Once they bring the bag, we’ll meet outside, and I’ll get the magical tool. If they start blabbering, I’ll take care of it.

They’re the ones being seen. I’m out of the mosquito net… pretty clever, huh?

………….

No contact from the three fools.

But seriously, they haven’t come out. What are they doing… against that scrawny guy— 

Then he crawls out.

What… why!?! What happened to the three fools… were they beaten!?! I don’t understand!!

Damn it, he came out into the street… this is bad!

But looking at his condition, I feel relieved.

Hmm… he’s a mess. Looks like those guys did what they needed to.

Alright… luckily, there’s no one in the street—

Let’s just finish it here.

Quickly, I raise my bow and take a shot—

Thunk

Alright, hit him in the shoulder!

Certainly, killing him is too much— if an arrow is found, there’s no way to excuse the three fools…

—No, it should be fine if they can’t tell it’s me.

He’s still trying to escape.

Damn it… won’t stop. I’ll go around… there! Running while aiming.

Ready, and fire—

Thunk

Shot him in the leg! That should stop him from moving!

When I reach a spot where I can overlook the alley, I see the three fools lying on the ground.

Hey, what happened to them… they all got beaten. Seriously, what a bunch of weaklings.

Well, whatever… I need to quickly retrieve the bag and arrows!

Jumping down from the three-story rooftop.

Thud

He’s covering his face with his hands, appearing terrified, but he’s practically on his last breath.

Hmph, serves you right. You touched my Lily-chan.

Take this as a lesson and don’t ever do it again… unless you’re on your way to the afterlife, hehehe.

I kneel in front of him and utter some parting words toward his obscured face.

“You brought this on yourself.”

“Well, consider it a gift from me—”

For a moment, his hands drop, and through the gaps between his fingers, his eye locks onto me—

Thud!

“Gaaah!”

In an instant, a tremendous impact and noise, then everything in front of me goes pitch black.

And my consciousness fades away—

Huh… huh? Something… I can see in front… ah, ah, ah… aaaaaah—

The archer weakly topples over and breathes his last.

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