Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~

Chapter162，Part2: 2 - White Sword Gathering ②

Chapter 162 White Sword Gathering ②

Part 2

I have on me my ring-type Relics on every finger of my hands,? my pendant-type Relic around my neck, my chain-type Relic on my belt, and my earring-type Relic. On my arm, I have ―― 『Dancing Light』 the bracelet-type Relic, in addition, I have other ring-type Relics that I couldn’t wear in my pocket, and I also prepared the 『Over Greed』 but even with all that it didn’t make me feel any better.

The people who will go to the White Sword Gathering are ultra-high-level Hunters. In front of monsters like them, what could an ordinary person do with only a little bit of Relics equipped on him? If it has to come to this, I can only pray that Ark would do something about it when the time comes.

It’s gonna be alright, I have allies with me. Ark is here, and I also have Eva. There are no holes in either my offense or defense.

Moreover…… I have a trump card. I looked down at the 『Gift』 on my desk. It’s alright, it will be alright. I will be all nice and quiet. I am sure it is going to work. Since the big shots of the Empire will be gathering there, Hunters should also keep it nice and quiet as well.

At that moment, the door to the Clan Master’s office opened.

“Sorry to keep you waiting…… Why are you making that kind of face, Cry-san.” (Eva)

It was Eva who walked in. When I saw her appearance, I forgot about my *kirikiri* aching stomach and opened my eyes.

Eva was wearing a long dark blue dress.

When we are in the Imperial Capital, we would see each other every day. Even though Eva’s hairstyle and glasses hadn’t changed, she looked like a different person just because she wasn’t wearing her usual uniform.

Her dark dress wasn’t flashy, but it suited Eva, who is very mature, very well. She always wears her uniform neatly, but now her shoulders were exposed, giving her an indescribably sexy look.

Though not very fancy, she was wearing some accessories when she normally didn’t wear any, so I unintentionally found myself looking at her over and over again, from head to toes.

Sytry and Liz are my childhood friends, so I still look at them the same way I did when I was a kid, but Eva is different.

It is because I am not usually so conscious of her that I can’t help but admire her. She is only one year older than me, but she had a calmness and dignity about her that made me think otherwise.

I am troubled now…… If I was to stand next to Eva, I might stand out.

However, I had already asked her to go with me. So, I just have to brace myself.

“You look great, Eva. Just to have the chance to see you like this, I am glad I asked you out.” (Cry)

Eva’s cheeks didn’t blush and she stared at me.

“………… It is because Cry-san always leaves his Clan Master’s duties to me and doesn’t come with me to parties. If you would come with me, I could show it to you as much as you like.” (Eva)

“Ah………… Ahahahaha…………” (Cry)

“Come on, your bow tie, it is crooked…… Good grief.” (Eva)

Eva came closer and adjusted my tie.? I checked on the mirror, but it was obvious that I was not used to this.

Probably because she applied a little bit of perfume, she smelled very nice. After firmly tightening my necktie, Eva turned around with graceful motions.

I kind of want to take a commemorative photo. I kind of feel like I won the jackpot.

“Well, let’s go. The carriage is already here. …… By the way, shall we practice it a little bit. Please make sure to escort me properly.” (Eva)

“Haaaa, of course.” (Cry)

She was direct, but I was feeling a little better thanks to the nice things she had shown me. Carrying my gift, I go outside with Eva.

Parked outside the Clan House, a carriage with Zebrudia’s coat of arms was waiting for us. It really wasn’t the kind of carriage that you would provide to Hunters.

I was gathering a lot of stares. I took Eva’s hand and escorted her, while not being sure if I was doing it right or not.

When both of us climbed inside, the carriage began to move with almost no vibration felt. It was nerve-wracking, but since I was the Clan Master, I couldn’t afford to look pathetic in front of Eva, who was all dressed up.

As if it was in a rush, the carriage sped up.

Beyond the road was the center of Zebrudia, the most luxurious building in the Imperial Capital of Zebrudia ―― The Imperial Castle. The White Sword Gathering was held in the Imperial Castle, the place where the Emperor resides. Naturally, I have never been inside.

When I took a deep breath to ease my tension, Eva, who looked quite calm, asked me a question.

“Come to think of it…… Cry-san, what’s with that box?” (Eva)

“Aaah…… Remember, it was what you taught me, Eva, it’s a bribe. Even if it was just a little bit, I am just trying to make a good impression…… Because you know, my Party is quite infamous……” (Cry)

Just the other day, there was the mess with Gladys-kyo nomination request……

Eva opened her eyes in surprise as if she hadn’t really expected me to bring one.

“A bribe, you said…… Please don’t say that in the venue, okay? …… Is it something that comes from the 【Castle of a Myriad Demon】…… If you don’t mind me asking, what’s in it?” (Eva)

Of course, I don’t mind. I stroke the box and answered with a smile.

“Well…… It is a souvenir I bought during my vacation. Because, you know, I couldn’t find anything suitable from what they brought back from the 【Castle of a Myriad Demon】.” (Cry)

Well, it wasn’t something unusual, but it was still better than something like 『Sky Flowers』. Moreover, it is delicious, and I bought so many that I still have several to spare.

Also, it was probably better to give a gift rather than not.

Eva had a stunned expression on her face and then looked at me *majimaji* very, very seriously. If you look at me so intensely, I’m gonna be shy.

“…… What? …… Wait a minute, a souvenir from your vacation? Are you serious? By souvenir from your vacation are you telling me that there are………… Manju inside?” (Eva)

“No…… There are Onsen Eggs inside. It is Surus’ specialty and they are very tasty.” (Cry)

Besides, the 『Onsen Dragon Egg』 was a little more expensive than the 『Onsen Dragon Manju』.

With her cheeks tightening together, Eva said while staring at me.

“………… Cry-san, are you, really nervous?” (Eva)

……………… Eh?

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

Hahaha Onsen Egg as a bribe when he could take something from a high level Shrine, but nooooo Onsen Eggs are a better choice!

But well you know at least he took the more expensive choice between his Onsen Dragon Manju and Onsen Dragon Eggs XD

Tchao à plus!

Footnotes

Gladys-kyo: Suffix to say Lord