* * *
“So after he gets the dirt on Count Covington, the opposing faction leader, and finds a witness, you’ll step forward?”
Aimone summarized.
“Exactly.”
I left out the risky part about my name being on the documents, about him likely calling for me first.
That much is enough to convince friends who don’t know the whole picture.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Causing a scene? Easy.”
“When else will I get to throw a fit at a luxury inn without caring about the consequences?”
I really do love how simple-minded adventurers can be sometimes!
“We’re only doing this because it’s you. Got that? If you hadn’t saved my life, I’d be out.”
“Oh my, Vasco. You’re getting all shy.”
Well, I guess that means everyone’s on board.
They may have joked about it, but just like Vasco said, this is dangerous.
There’s a real chance they could all get arrested—not Bati, but my friends.
I mean, they’re commoners about to make a scene where nobles stay.
“Thanks, everyone. Really. I’ll make sure to repay you.”
But still, everyone believes in me and helps me.
They’re certain I’ll come through if something goes wrong—or they think that even if the worst happens, whatever disadvantages come from being part of this are worth enduring…
It’s impossible not to be moved.
“Just make sure it actually succeeds.”
“If you get close to a central noble, milk them for all they’ve got.”
“If you get caught and there’s a fine, you’re the one paying, right?”
These guys…
“Everyone’s embarrassed because I’m genuinely thanking them.”
Naike just laughed softly.
Honestly, I agree—that’s exactly it.
They really can’t handle serious emotions.
“Alright, then today’s meeting is adjourned! Vasco, just contact Artur and see if you can find out where he’s staying.”
“If it costs anything, I’m billing you.”
“Yeah, yeah, fine.”
We probably won’t need anything anyway.
So, the meeting ended for the day.
Not like we could do anything else without knowing where he was staying.
The deadline was just around the corner, so once we had that information, we’d have to get out of Bati and Swindlin fast.
If we took a secluded forest path, even if an investigation started, they wouldn’t catch up easily.
“Is it over already?”
Bati, who rarely spoke, opened his mouth.
“Why? Something bothering you?”
“How do you plan on getting the corruption documents the plan hinges on?”
Ah.
That part felt so obvious I didn’t even bother saying it.
So obvious that none of my friends even brought it up.
“…Does Zerbin not know what you’re capable of?”
“You were trying to look good and played coy, huh.”
No, that’s not—
But seriously, who would say something like ‘I’m really good at breaking into other people’s houses!’ in front of someone they want to impress?
What kind of petty thief line is that?
And besides, there wasn’t really a good time to bring it up…
“W-Well, you don’t have to worry about that. That’s kind of my specialty.”
“Specialty?”
I wanted to brush it off, but Bati, ever meticulous, didn’t let it go.
“Breaking into noble estates… even Viscount Rosie used to call me for stuff like that. If I told him I had a chance to get close to a central noble, he’d probably lend me artifacts he normally only lets me use on jobs.”
“…”
“W-Why are you looking at me like that?”
…Does it make me seem shady?
I swear I’ve never done anything truly evil!
Sure, I’ve slipped into places under the cover of darkness, but it’s not like I was going around assassinating people or anything.
I just… stole what the client asked for sometimes…
Wait. Am I… actually a petty thief?
“You’ve broken into noble estates? And never been caught?”
“Well… yeah. Oh, but I’ve never done anything like assassination! Just stealing documents or leaving things behind, that kind of stuff…”
Bati let out a sigh.
“You really do need to have your head examined.”
His voice was full of disappointment.
Did I say something wrong?
I glanced desperately at my friends, but they all shot me looks that said ‘Don’t drag me into this’ and walked out of the room.
Naike hesitated like he wanted to say something, but then got dragged off by Aimone.
Fair enough.
Nobody wants to get caught up in someone else’s messy love life during an already complicated situation.
Totally understandable!
“Are you mad?”
I asked cautiously.
I mean, being an adventurer isn’t exactly a clean profession, but it’s not like going around stealing is something to be proud of either.
It’s not like the last time when I needed quick cash to pay that cancellation penalty.
Maybe kind-hearted Bati’s disappointed in me.
“That’s not it.”
He slowly shook his head and gently placed a hand on top of mine.
His hand was warm.
“I’m saying, I think you’re amazing.”
…Huh?
“You’re praising me?”
After looking at me like I was the biggest idiot!
Bati slowly stroked my head.
“Because you don’t seem to realize how incredible you actually are.”
“But compared to you, I’m really nothing special…”
“I don’t even consider doing stealth or infiltration, and I couldn’t do it if I tried.”
“But even so, I was no help at all when we fought the demons, and—ouch.”
Ow.
The hand that had been gently stroking my head suddenly flicked my forehead.
“Didn’t I say I’d get you artifacts for that? Stop forgetting.”
“…Bati.”
Really?
The more Bati tells me how amazing I am… the more I start to believe it.
Like maybe I’m someone better than I thought.
Like I’m actually someone capable of making a difference, even after the demon invasion.
It makes my chest feel tight.
“Do you think… I’m really helping you?”
“What kind of question is that?”
His soft voice fell close to my ear.
“You’re helping me right now.”
…Right!
I was helping Bati, wasn’t I?
I suddenly remembered.
It was weird to even ask if I was helping—I’d literally judged it was worth getting involved because I wanted to be of help.
Sure, I haven’t gotten any major results yet, but I’ve made plans, gathered information.
If that’s not being helpful, it’s at least trusting my own judgment.
So yes—I am helping Bati.
Holding meetings with my friends, strategizing, running around to gather intel…
I’ve been working hard for his sake.
“If we succeed at this…”
Then maybe I’ll really be seen as someone who’s useful to Bati.
Someone worthy of standing beside a hero.
Maybe I can finally say I belong in the hero’s party.
Just like Bati said.
“Yeah…!”
There’s no reason to doubt it, really.
Clearing his name is objectively a way to help.
And if this all works out, maybe I can start seeing myself in a better light too.
“Yeah. I’ll do my best!”
I feel energized.
Honestly, whenever I have a moment to think, I start doubting whether someone like me is even worthy of dating Bati… but I push that aside.
Not because I want to ignore the anxiety, but because that’s not the important thing right now.
What I need to do now is clear Bati’s name—I can’t waste time brooding.
I’ll think about it properly later.
For now, I’ve just shoved that question into a corner of my heart.
It still lingers uncomfortably, but there’s no helping that.
“You gonna stop worrying about useless stuff now?”
But Bati soothes me better than I can soothe myself.
He praises me more than I ever could.
Just like he’s always believed in me more than I believed in myself.
“…I’ll try.”
Bati.
The hero I admire and love.
The brave, noble man I trust more than anyone else… chose me.
That alone is an honor.
* * *
