Chapter 44
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What a ridiculous speculation. No, it can’t even be called speculation or conjecture – it’s just baseless gossip.
I bet Ryūgūin is the one who started this rumor. It’s just the kind of scummy tactic that suits him perfectly.
Besides, we have the Saint, a specialist in removing curses, in our party. If it was really a curse, she could have dispelled it right away.
「But if it’s a curse, can’t the Saint just remove it?」
Exactly! That’s precisely it! I knew someone sensible would understand!
「You’re absolutely right. However, according to the Hero, it’s not a curse originating from the magic or sorcery that exists in this world. Instead, it’s some kind of curse-like effect caused by a unique skill that manifested in the otherworlder who transferred here.」
What the heck? A 「curse-like effect」 caused by 「some kind of skill」? That’s way too vague! It’s as fluffy as cotton candy!
「This is ridiculous…」
Milan tilts her head, looking puzzled by my sudden comment.
After eavesdropping extensively, I realize that rumors are just rumors after all.
The thought of being saddled with false accusations like this in the future is disheartening, but I’ll just have to endure it.
Milan finishes her cookie and picks up the remaining crumbs from the plate, popping them into her mouth. She notices me watching and blushes. (So cute.)
Seeing that she’s done eating, I stand up to leave. At that moment…
「In the end, since it’s just a rumor, no matter how much we speculate, we won’t know the truth.」
「That’s true. But more importantly, I feel sorry for the other Holy Knights who got dragged into this because of that fugitive.」
「Indeed, especially the girl from Noble’s family.」
I had just stood up at the right timing.
Unable to sit back down, I turn to Milan.
「Let’s call it a day at the guild. Let’s go shopping instead.」
「Okay!」
Feeling unsettled, I decide to vent my frustration through some retail therapy.
───The other Holy Knights who got dragged into this.
───The girl from Noble’s family.
But no matter how much I splurge afterward, those words linger in my mind.
I regret not staying to hear more of the conversation. It’s too late now.
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Since I’m staying over at Milan’s place, I purchase a hefty amount of gifts to bring to her house.
I notice Milan staring intently at a hair ornament. She always wears a hat.
I swiftly grab the ornament and head to the cashier, but Milan vehemently refuses, shaking her head and insisting, 「I don’t need it!」 「Really, I don’t!」 Undeterred, I buy it anyway and give it to her.
Being the considerate guy I am, I also purchase hair ornaments for Marlo and Fio, not just Milan.
After thoroughly indulging in my shopping spree, I head to Milan’s house with the gifts in tow.
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The gifts consisted of dried meats, fish, and bread for long-term storage. However, both Fio and Marlo seemed more excited about the hair ornaments than the food when I presented them.
「I’ll treasure it forever!」 they exclaimed, which made me chuckle at their exaggeration.
They mentioned not having much experience cooking with dried fish, so to be safe, I prepared the meal for everyone.
As night fell, an impromptu game of adventurer make-believe began.
Surprisingly, Marlo was the one who suggested it this time.
I played the role of the Hero, Marlo was the Saint, while Milan and Fio were the rival party. The roles were determined by the winner of a rock-paper-scissors match, which Marlo won.
I found the role assignments a bit odd, but I was impressed by Marlo’s enthusiasm in initiating a game her children wanted to play. What an amazing mother she is!
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Milan, now in her pajamas, lets out a big yawn.
「Thanks for today.」
「No, Low. Thank you.」
「Don’t mention it!」
I tap my finger under my nose with a grin.
「By the way, I have a small favor to ask tomorrow.」 I add.
「What is it?」
「Do you know any informants, Milan? Someone who deals with information about adventurers and nobles?」
「Hmm, I might know a few.」
「Great, could you introduce me to them tomorrow? I’ve got money!」
「I know you have money! I wasn’t going to demand any!」
「But,」 she taps her cheek with her index finger, looking upward.
「I think it should be fine if it’s you, Low.」
「Alright, I’m counting on you tomorrow then.」
Having finished my business with Milan, I return to my room and crawl into bed.
I toss and turn, trying to fall asleep.
But no matter how much time passes, I can’t stop thinking about it.
───The other Holy Knights who got dragged into this.
───The girl from Noble’s family.
Even as I try to end the day, those words refuse to leave my mind.
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