クロエの発言で場に驚きが広がる中、ベラトラムが非常に厳しい視線をクロエに向ける。
「代表の御意向とはどういう意味だ? その言葉に虚偽があれば、壁の外で干からびる程度の末路では済まんぞ?」
リオンズテイル社の者にとって、その最高権力者の意向を
だがクロエは全くたじろがず、逆に笑って返した。
「どういう意味も何も、その言葉通りの意味ですよ。私はアリス代表の御意向に沿って非才を尽くしているまでです。ですので、釈明など
な様子を強めていく。ベラトラムも表情を敵意から懐疑に戻した。
「ほう。では、釈明ではなく説明を求めよう。何を
「どういう意味だ」
「その問いが何らかの誘導尋問の類いでないのであれば、リオンズテイル社の発展の
沈黙が続く。クロエとベラトラムがどちらも退かずに視線をぶつけ合い、場の緊迫感を高めていく。その空気に他の者達は冷や汗すら流している。そこで、ベラトラムが急に雰囲気を緩めた。
「良いだろう。では、ここは私が代表して頭を垂れて御教授願おうじゃないか。代表のご意向はそれだけ重要だ。我々の浅学非才の
そしてクロエが自身の考えを述べていく。話が進むにつれて他の幹部達の表情に驚きと困惑と懐疑が生まれ、半信半疑の様子が強くなっていく。つまり、荒唐無稽な内容だと鼻で笑うことは出来なかった。幹部の一人が思わず口を挟む。
「それはお前の願望ではないのか? あれほどの失態を犯したのだ。それを覆すにはそう考えるしかないという妄想ではないとなぜ言える」
「そうであってほしいという願望を抱いていることは否定致しませんよ。私もより適した地位で社に貢献したいという望みは持っております。しかしどう考えてもそうなるのです。私の考えを否定する根拠に、私の願望や妄想を持ち出している時点で、そちらも否定できる理由が無いと言っているのと同じでは?」
「付け加えれば、皆様も存じているはずですが、アリス代表はこう言っておられます。私が到着するまで、現地の者で対応するように、と」
そしてクロエがその言葉の解釈を続けて説明する。それを聞いた者達に動揺が走った。
「更に私はオリビア様と通信越しに話しております。そちらについては皆様もご存じのはず。そしてその時に私はオリビア様から、次は無いと
クロエはその忠告の解釈についても続けて説明した。それを聞いた他の幹部達に迷いが生まれ、その一人が非常に険しい顔で指摘する。
クロエが表向きはどこか残念そうに、だが微妙に馬鹿にしたように
場の者達の視線がベラトラムに集まる。その上でクロエが続ける。
「まあ、私なら出来てもしませんけれど。代表から、その程度の意図も
迷いと葛藤が幹部達から言葉を奪い、険しい表情での沈黙を続けさせた。
アリスはオリビアの件で近い内に現地であるクガマヤマ都市周辺に来る。そのような時期に大きな騒ぎを起こしたクロエを糾弾する場のはずであった会議は、当初の目的を完全に失い、既にクロエの言葉を信じるかどうかの場へと変わっていた。
アリスの意向に従っていたのか、逆らっていたのかで、リオンズテイル東部三区支店を含めた現地の者は当然として、他支店の立場まで良くも悪くも激変する確率が高い。慎重かつ大胆な、そしてどちらにしろ取り返しの付かない決断が必要だった。
そしてその決断を、ベラトラムもこの場では下せなかった。
「本日の会議はここまでとする。続きは後日だ。私から連絡する」
ベラトラムがウダジマに視線を向ける。
「ウダジマさん......でしたね」
明確に格上の大企業の幹部上位層の視線を受けて、ウダジマが思わずたじろぐ。
そのベラトラムの発言を受けて、他の幹部達もウダジマに連絡先を渡していく。クロエを介さずに情報を流せ、という意図ではあるが、間違いなくリオンズテイル社との伝であり、クガマヤマ都市でのウダジマの立場を強めるものだった。
「では、これで失礼」
通信を切ったベラトラムが仮想空間から姿を消す。他の幹部達も次々に消えていき、最後にクロエとウダジマが残った。
クロエが笑ってウダジマに告げる。
「私達も退出すると、会議の終了がクガマヤマ都市にも伝わります。その時点で、恐らく部屋の外でお待ちの方々が入ってくるでしょう。ですので、その前にここで少しお話を。まず、私に協力していただければ、私もそちらに協力できるという話、これで信じて頂けましたか?」
「......ああ、信じよう。それで、そちらは私に何を望む?」
「いろいろあるのですが、まずはラティス達との合流の許可を御願い致します。実は部屋で自分で紅茶を入れたのですが、どうも、慣れていない
「......、良いだろう」
「ありがとう御座います。そちらからも何か御座いますか? 内緒話は今の内に済ませておきましょう」
「そうだな......、まずは......」
クロエの軟禁部屋の外では都市の保安部員達がリオンズテイル社の会議の終了を待っていた。終了の通知が来た時点で、改めてウダジマに出頭を求めた後、それを無視された場合には拘束に動く。その準備を進めていた。
そこで部屋の扉が開いてウダジマが出てくる。そして少し驚いている保安部員達に向けて軽く笑う。
「いや、待たせてしまったな。悪かった。会議が予想外に長引いてしまってね」
「いえ、それは......、仕方が無いことです。ウダジマ様。イナベ様の要望でご同行願います。申し訳ございませんが、抵抗なさるとこちらとしてもウダジマ様を拘束しなければなりません」
「ああ。分かっている。別に逃げたりはせんよ。同行しよう。不安なら拘束するかね?」
ウダジマは笑って両手を前に出した。保安部の者が慌てて首を横に振る。
「そうか。では行こう」
ウダジマの堂々とした態度に、保安部の者達は戸惑いながらも職務を遂行した。
アキラがキバヤシからモンスター認定に関する説明の続きを聞いて嫌そうな顔を浮かべている。
「俺のモンスター認定の解除が、クガマヤマ都市内部のゴタゴタで解除されないかもしれないって何なんだよ......」
軽い呆れまで見せているアキラとは対照的に、キバヤシはよくあることだと笑っていた。
「都市も絶対唯一の権力者によって運営されている訳じゃないんだ。内部の
クガマヤマ都市そのものはアキラと敵対している訳ではない。そしてイナベはどちらかといえばアキラの味方だ。しかしそこから反イナベの派閥がイナベの足を引っ張る目的でアキラのモンスター認定解除の妨害に動くことは十分に考えられる。
更にクガマヤマ都市とリオンズテイル社の力関係や、ハンターオフィスに対して一度通った申請を即座に取り消すのは難しいことなどを、キバヤシはあくまでも自分の個人的な意見であると前置きした上でアキラに教えていた。
自分とは全く関わり合いの無いところで面倒なことになっており、その
自分にとっても重要な話なだけに、アキラが気を引き締めて真面目な顔になる。だが非常に上機嫌な様子で楽しげに笑うキバヤシを見て軽く引き気味になった。
「最大戦力と言っても、個人か集団か、何をどこまで巻き込むかとかで変わってくるし、その辺はお前の感覚とかにも関わってくる。だがいずれにしろお前個人の戦闘能力の向上が重要だ。だから今はリオンズテイル社を襲撃するのは
「......あれって、賞金首になっても有効なのか?」
もうあれは駄目になったと半分ぐらいは思っていたアキラが少し意外そうな顔を浮かべると、キバヤシがアキラの不安を払拭する意味も兼ねて意気込んだ。
「当たり前だ。たかが一地方都市からモンスター認定を受けて、リオンズテイル社の支店から賞金を懸けられた程度のことで、坂下重工がハンター相手に報酬の支払いを破棄なんてする訳が無い。そんなことをしたら坂下重工の信用は地に落ちる。下手をすると最前線で坂下と契約しているハンターが一斉に他の五大企業に乗り換えて、五大企業としての地位そのものが危うくなるな」
「ああ。契約ってのはそれだけ重い。まあ、統企連そのものを敵に回せば
「あの時は来年届くかどうかも分からないって言ってたのに、早ければ1週間なのか?」
「輸送の遅れの原因は坂下重工による広域流通規制の
「だから、それまでは大人しく待ってろ。あのクロエってやつがクガマヤマ都市にいるからって、防壁も防衛隊も知ったことかと突っ込むのは、最前線の装備を手に入れた後にしろ。ちょっと待つだけで、ド派手に存分に今とは桁違いにぶっ飛んだ戦力で戦えるんだ。それまでは、言っちゃ悪いが逃げ回れ」
キバヤシが更に身を乗り出し、その分だけアキラが体を後ろに引いていく。
な顔を浮かべたアキラに向けて、キバヤシが車のハンターオフィスのマークを指差しながら笑う。
「だが今、俺はハンターオフィスの職員としてここに来ている。だから全く問題ないな」
キバヤシはクガマヤマ都市の職員であると同時にハンターオフィスの職員でもあり、その立場の使い分けも
出ることはない。だが500億、しかも中堅の統治企業からモンスター認定されるほどの大物なら、東部に余計な被害を
「そうなのか? 本当に? 500億だぞ?」
「額は関係無い。ハンターオフィスが交渉している最中にその交渉相手を賞金首だからって攻撃した時点で、ハンターオフィス、つまりは統企連への敵対行為となる。仮にお前を殺せても、賞金なんか支払われない。ハンターの身分も消滅。口座も凍結。東部全域でモンスター認定を受けるだけだからな」
俺が着くまで、そいつらはお前の護衛になったとでも思っておけ。キバヤシがアキラにそう言ったのはそのような意味が有り、グートル達は実際にアキラを守っていた。
防衛隊の仕事は都市の防衛であり賞金首討伐ではない。アキラが都市に近付かない限り、たとえ賞金首であっても、都市からモンスター認定を受けていても、討伐対象にはならないのだ。付け加えれば、キバヤシがグートル達をハンターオフィスの職員という身分も使ってそう説得したからでもあった。
それらの説明を興味深く聞いていたアキラの前で、キバヤシが時間を気にし始める。
いことをさっさと話しておく。お前はこれから装備の到着まで逃げ回ることになるが、出来れば、余り都市から離れるな。装備は一度クガマヤマ都市に到着してからお前に渡されるが、この情報は絶対に知れ渡る。だから到着後に可能な限り早く手に入れられるように近場にいた方が良い。遠方から戻ってくる途中を襲われないようにな」
「いや、そう言われても、都市の近くにいた方が襲われる確率が上がるだろうし、クガマヤマ都市に入れない以上、他の都市まで行かないと食料や弾薬も手に入らないし......」
「その辺は近場にいるなら俺が手を回してやる」
の時間を優先した。交渉が不調に終わって起爆してしまったとしても、その被害は仕方無い、という口実だ。当然だが、キバヤシ自身は大爆発を望んでいる。アキラもそれは相手の表情から良く分かっており、少し引いていた。
その後、キバヤシは制限時間までアキラにいろいろ話して車両に戻った。既にバイクに
「ああ。やっておく。何かあれば連絡しろ。こっちからも適宜連絡を入れるから、教えた秘匿回線にはちゃんと出ろ。じゃあアキラ、頑張りな」
アキラはその逆方向にバイクを走らせる。都市にも家にも戻れないアキラの、賞金首生活1日目が始まった。
クガマヤマ都市の防壁内にある自室でレイナが失礼の無い表情を一応保っている。しかし愛想は無い。その視線は大型ディスプレイに映っているベラトラムに向けられていた。
そのベラトラムが画面の中で
ベラトラムの視線がレイナの背後、シオリとカナエに向けられる。一応は上司への態度を保っているレイナとは異なり、シオリはきつい表情を隠しておらず、カナエもどこか敵対的に笑っていた。
「そちらのメイド達も、自社の幹部に対する態度とは思えないが? 社に対する忠誠はどうした?」
「私の主はお嬢っすから、社への忠誠はお嬢への貢献で示してるっす。
「ベラトラム様はリオンズテイル東部三区支店の支店長として各派閥に中立の立場を取られています。その上で、クロエ様がお嬢様を襲った件でも中立的に無干渉であり、お嬢様を中立的に見殺しにされるのであれば、最低限の礼儀で十分でしょう」
シオリ達の態度を再確認したベラトラムが視線をレイナに戻す。シオリの態度は当然としても、カナエの態度からこの問題児まで
壁の外に出た理由は異なるが、レイナとクロエはどちらも壁の外で今回の騒ぎの起因となった。自分にとってはどちらも取るに足らない者であるはずだった者達が、状況をこれだけ大きく動かそうとしていることに、ベラトラムは軽い称賛と警戒を覚えた。
「君もクロエ嬢も壁の外で随分と成長したようで何よりだ」
ベラトラムが視線をシオリに移す。
「ところで、私をいろいろ非難しているようだが、君は代表から直々に御指示を受けたのにも
騒ぎの責は、クロエを含めた現地の者、つまり東部三区支店の者達を抑えきれない支店長にある。シオリはそう分かりやすく皮肉を込めて答えた。ベラトラムも一応は自身の上司であり、かなり失礼なことを言っている自覚はあった。だがレイナからカードを奪ったクロエの行動を容認するかのように、クロエに何の処罰も下さないベラトラムへ、その怒りを隠しきれなかった。
相応の反応が返ってくるだろう。シオリはそう思っており、覚悟の上だった。だがベラトラムの反応はシオリの予想とは大分異なっていた。画面の中で非常に難しい顔を浮かべると、半信半疑から信の割合を少々高めた口調で
「支店長。そちらも私達とたわいもない話を続けるほどお暇ではないでしょう。そろそろ本題に入って頂けませんか?」
「......そうだな。本題に入ろう。その前に前提情報の共有を兼ねて少し弁解しておく。私は支店長として各派閥に中立的な立場を取っている。考慮を重ね、社の利益を優先した結果、まるで特定の派閥を優遇しているように思われることもあるが、全ては社の
レイナはシオリの代わりにそう答えた。リオンズテイル社のメイドが言うよりも一族の者が言った方が問題が少なく、シオリの立場も悪化しないと考えていた。加えて、自分が言うからシオリは黙っていてという意味でもあった。
そのシオリ達の様子に気付いたレイナは、無意識に笑ってしまわないように注意した。そして今まではシオリに任せきりだった折衝も、シオリの主として今後は自分が主体で進めようと、気を引き締めてベラトラムの返答を待つ。
そこでベラトラムが再びレイナ達の予想とは異なる態度を見せた。非常に真剣な表情で、多くの権限と責任を背負った支店長の雰囲気を強く
「重要なのは、そこなのだ。クロエ嬢の行動を問題視する必要があるかどうか。我々は三区支店の者として、非常に難しい判断を迫られている」
「......どういう意味です?」
「実は私も少し前まではクロエ嬢の行動を問題視し、会議の場で処分を下すつもりだった。会議の内容の詳細までは話せないが、議題となったクロエ嬢の状況は話しておこう」
クロエがアキラの襲撃に失敗したこと。リオンズテイル東部三区支店の名で500億オーラムの賞金を懸けたこと。クガマヤマ都市からモンスター認定までさせたこと。クロエは都市襲撃犯としてクガマヤマ都市に軟禁されていること。それらの話を聞いたレイナ達が、昨日の今日で状況が余りも動いたことに驚きを
Chloe's statement sent ripples through the meeting. Beltrame stared at her with ferocious intensity.
"What do you mean by that? If that statement is false, exiling you out from the inner wall will not be enough, you know?"
As someone from the Lion Steel company, crime done using the name of its highest authority was severe. Those who did not believe her words already looked at her with hostile eyes.
However, Chloe did not waver at all, instead, she smiled and explained.
"I believe that it's already pretty clear. It is exactly as I said. I am just doing my best to obey representative Alice's order. As such, I don't see any need to explain my actions."
Chloe's straightforward declaration, stating that she was completely innocent, caused them to be confused. Beltram's gaze changed from a hostile one to a questioning one.
"I see. In that case, instead of an excuse, we demand an explanation. Why do you think it is the will of representative Alice? I bet you did not receive such an order straight from her, right?"
"What do you mean?"
"If that question is nothing more than your main question and not a leading question, for the sake of the Lion Steel's future, I recommend you relinquish your seat, Branch Manager."
The silence continued. Chloe and Beltram were looking straight at each other without looking away. The mood started to get tense. As the other officers started to get anxious, Beltram suddenly loosened up and said.
"Very well. In that case, as the representative of everyone here, I shall ask for your guidance. After all, that's just how important representative Alice's will is. If there's a chance that the situation is due to our ignorance, even if slim, there's still a need to completely eliminate such a possibility. As such, I ask for you to explain it in detail, for someone as clueless as me... I won't let you wiggle your way out of this one."
Chloe then told the participants of the meeting her thoughts. As the meeting progressed, the participants had troubled and shocked expressions on their faces. It seems like half of them believed her while the other half did not. In other words, Chloe's explanation did make sense. It was something they could not laugh off. One of the officers then interjected.
"Isn't this nothing more than your personal wish? You have made so many blunders. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to state that due to your desire, you're currently trying to find a way to make up for your mistakes."
"I don't deny that some of it are my subjective interpretation. After all, I do want to find enough leverage to raise my rank in this company. But that's the same for all of us. Either way, you are denying my explanation by stating it to be out of my personal interest. You have no other reason nor evidence to state that my opinion is incorrect, right?"
"If I might add something else, I'm sure that everyone already knows that representative Alice told us to take care of this matter until she arrives."
Chloe then continued to explain her interpretation of Alice's order. The officers who heard her interpretation started to get agitated.
"After that, I managed to contact Olivia-sama. I'm sure that everyone has been well informed about this. And at that time, Olivia-sama said that there won't be a next time."
From there, Chloe explained how she interpreted that warning. This time, it caused confusion between the officers. Thus, one of them questioned Chloe with a stern expression.
Chloe looked pitifully and slightly mockingly at the officer.
Everyone turned toward Beltram. After that, Chloe continued.
"Well, even if I could, I still won't do it though. After all, I don't want representative Alice to think that I'm incompetent. Asking her for such a simple thing."
Hesitation and confusion caused the officers to lose words. They frowned with a stern expression without saying anything.
Alice was going to come to Kugamayama city soon to deal with the matter regarding Olivia. Because of that, this meeting, which was originally meant to question Chloe's action, was now in an uproar. It had already lost sight of its original goal and leaned toward whether to believe Chloe's words or not.
Whether it was to go against Alice's will or to obey it. This affected not only the fate of the Lion Steel Eastern District Third Ward Branch, but it might also affect the other branches as well. For the better or for the worse. Whether to proceed carefully or boldly. Either way, they would have to make a decision, one that they would never be able to take back.
Beltram eventually made the decision.
"I will end this meeting here today. Let's resume this tomorrow. I will contact the rest of you later."
Beltram's gaze then shifted to Udajima.
"Udajima-san, was it?"
Udajima flinched back from that gaze, one cast by someone of a high position from a large corporation.
After Beltram said so, the other officers also proceeded to give their contact to Udajima. It was their covert way of hinting Udajima to send them information without going through Chloe. Nonetheless, it did not change the fact that it gave Udajima a direct connection to Lion Steel's officers, which would strengthen his position as a city officer.
"Now then, please let me excuse myself."
Beltram turned off the connection and disappeared from the meeting. The other officers also followed suit, leaving Chloe and Udajima alone.
Chloe smiled at Udajima and said.
"Once we leave, City Management would take notice that the meeting has ended. At that time, I bet there will be men stationed outside the room waiting to get in. So, let's talk for a bit first. With this, I hope that you will believe me when I declared I would help you if you help me."
"...Alright, I'll believe you for now. So then, what do you want?"
"Well, there are a lot of things that I want. But first of all, I want to be able to contact Latis and my other servants. I actually tried to make tea by myself, but it just won't come out right. I'm just not used to it."
"...Very well."
"Thank you very much. Now then, do you need anything from me? Let's discuss about everything we need to keep confidential while we're still here."
"You have a point... Well, first thing first..."
Outside the room, where Chloe was detained, those from the city public safety department were waiting for the meeting to end. They were preparing themselves. The moment they received the notice that it had ended, they would first send another warning. If Udajima continues to not comply, they would arrest him.
The door opened and Udajima stepped out. He then lightly smiled at the surprised city public safety department and said to them.
"Well, sorry to make you wait. The meeting took longer than I expected."
"Well, that is... completely fine. Udajima-sama, we hope you will cooperate and let us take you to Inabe-sama. We apologize but we're allowed to arrest you if necessary."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I won't run away. I will come with you. Or if you prefer, you can arrest me, just to be safe."
Udajima smiled and offered both of his arms, but the guy just shook his head and said.
"I see. Let's go then."
Udajima then went with them while showing no remorse. Although those from the public safety department were confused, they still followed through with their duty.
After listening to the explanation about his monster designation from Kibayashi, Akira pouted and said.
"What do you mean? Infighting within City Management has disallowed the decision to be revoked?"
Unlike Akira, who was even showing slight exasperation, Kibayashi laughed and replied.
"It's not like City Management is ruled by a single person after all. There are times when a conflict of interest prevents them from taking quick action. Though, I bet it's a huge inconvenience for you."
Kugamayama city itself had no wish to be hostile to him. Moreover, Inabe was something akin to his ally. However, from that point of view, it is not completely unthinkable that the anti-Inabe faction would retaliate. They would preserve the decision in order to sabotage Inabe.
Furthermore, considering the power relationship between Kugamayama city and the Lion Steel company, it was not easy for the Hunter Office to revoke an application it had already approved. At the very least, that was what Kibayashi had guessed.
Somewhere away from him, where he had nothing to do with, there was trouble brewing. Trouble, which directly impedes him. However, Akira understood that he could not do anything about it. Thus, he could only sigh as he said.
Since it was an important subject for Akira, he changed gears and became solemn. However, seeing how Kibayashi was grinning like a Cheshire cat, he could not help but frown.
"Even if I say the best firepower, in the end, it depends on whether you would do this alone or in a team. Either way, it's important to increase your own firepower. That's why I recommend you hold back from attacking Lion Steel for the time being. Wait for the equipment from Sakashita Heavy Industry."
"...Is that route still viable? I have become a bounty target, you know?"
Akira was already half-certain that was out of the question. Thus, he did not expect to still receive his equipment. However, Kibayashi replied with such firmness that it completely eliminated his worries.
"Of course. There's no way Sakashita Heavy Industry would retract their reward. Not just because the Hunter had received a monster designation in one particular place. Furthermore, that bounty designation only came from the Lion Steel company's branch. If they did that, it would affect their reputation. In the worst-case scenario, some of the Hunters who are contracted with Sakashita Heavy Industry might even cancel their contract. They might instead form a contract with the other 5 biggest companies. This would endanger Sakashita Heavy Industry's position as one of the big 5."
"That's just how powerful the binding power of a contract is. Well, although, it wouldn't go that well had you picked a fight against the Corporate Government. Just because you got into a fight against a company because of a single relic, that won't make Sakashita waver. That's why there's nothing for you to worry about. Especially if it is related to Sakashita."
"I'm pretty sure you said that it might even come next year though? Are you sure they can even arrive in a week?"
"The reason for the delayed transport was because of the limited transport routes that Sakashita had decided on. Recently, they've been lifting up most of those limitations. Without those limitations, I can give you a good approximation as to when they would arrive. And as expected, even I don't have enough information about Sakashita Heavy Industry's transportation routes to be able to make a more precise prediction. So, my guess is between 1 week to 3 months. If they are already somewhere nearby, it'll only take about a week to transfer ownership to you. If they have to withdraw enroute before trying another route, at most, it will take 3 months to get here."
"That's why just wait and don't do anything stupid. Chloe is inside Kugamayama at the moment. So, I recommend you force your way into the city once you have your front-line equipment. You just need to wait for a bit before receiving equipment far better than what you had before. So, until then, although it sounds awful, I hope you can just keep avoiding trouble for now."
Kibayashi then leaned further. He was so close that Akira pulled himself away from him.
Seeing Akira looking at him with confused eyes, Kibayashi then pointed at the Hunter Office mark on his vehicle.
"But right now, I am here as a Hunter Office's staff member. That's why it won't be trouble at all."
Although Kibayashi was a Kugamayama city officer, at the same time, he was also a Hunter Office staff member. He was well accustomed to partitioning his two positions, as well as using them when necessary. Thanks to that, he was able to avoid having to face repercussions, which might have led to his bad reputation.
Naturally, there was no guarantee that no one would attack them considering that the bounty was 50 billion Aurum. Furthermore, they could gain a connection with the Lion Steel company. That was why Goutol and his men were vigilantly watching the surroundings.
"Is that so? Are you sure? It's 50 billion Aurum, you know?"
"It has nothing to do with the amount. Trying to attack someone who is in the middle of negotiations with the Hunter Office is the same as picking a fight with the Hunter Office. This also means picking a fight with the Corporate Government too. Even if they manage to kill you, they won't be able to claim the bounty. To top it off, their Hunter data will get expunged. Their account would be frozen and the whole eastern district will recognize them as monsters."
Kibayashi told Akira to think of Goutol and his men as his bodyguards since, in reality, they were indeed protecting him.
The city defence squad's duty was to protect the city, not to hunt a bounty target. So, as long as Akira kept away from the city, even if he was a bounty target recognized as a monster, they would not attack him. Moreover, Kibayashi had already informed Goutol, using his position as staff from the Hunter Office.
Akira was closely listening to Kibayashi's explanation, full of interest. However, he also started to worry about the time as he said.
"Now then, let's get back to the main subject. It's not like I can keep this up for long as well. I guess I'll convey the things that I need to convey to you here. Although you will be just running around until your new equipment arrives, if possible, don't go too far from Kugamayama city. We will hand over your equipment once they arrive in Kugamayama city. However, there will certainly be information leaks somewhere. That's why, if it's possible, I want to give them to you as soon as possible once they arrive. It would be easier and faster if you were nearby. It's also safer since it'll reduce the chance of you getting attacked on your way back to collect it."
"Even if you say so, I'm sure there will be more people coming after me if I roam around Kugamayama city. As long as I can't get into Kugamayama city, I would have to find another city to get my food and ammo..."
"If you're staying somewhere close, I will help you with that as well."
It was a good excuse for Kibayashi. Even if it meant making Akira stronger in exchange for buying more time for peaceful negotiations. Even if negotiations fail and Akira ends up attacking the city with his greater firepower, Kibayashi could simply claim that he did all he could. Though, in reality, Kibayashi was hoping that would happen. Akira understood that very well as he looked at Kibayashi's wide unsettling smile.
Afterwards, Kibayashi told Akira all kinds of things until their time was up. He then returned back to his vehicle and lightly warned Akira, who was already back on his bike.
"Yeah. Don't worry about that. You can count on me. Do tell me if something happens. I will contact you if something comes up. Make sure to answer calls coming from the secret line that I just told you about. Well then, until next time, Akira. Good luck!"
Meanwhile, Akira accelerated his bike in the opposite direction. It was his first day being a bounty target, one who could not return back to his home in Kugamayama city.
Inside a personal room located in the inner wall of Kugamayama city, Reina seemed calm. Though, she hardly appeared to be friendly. In front of her was a large display with Beltram in it.
That image of Beltram heaved a sigh.
Beltram's gaze shifted toward Kanae and Shiori, who were standing behind her. Reina was at least showing a respectful attitude toward him, someone who held a higher position. However, Shiori was not even trying to hide her stern gaze and Kanae was even displaying hostility in her smile.
"Those maids too. That's not how you address an officer from the same company, you know? Where is your loyalty toward the company you belong to?"
"My master is Milady after all. Milady is already showing her loyalty to the company. Of course, that includes Milady's attitude toward you, you know?"
"Beltram-sama is taking a neutral stance as the head manager of Lion Steel Eastern District Third Ward Branch, regarding the infighting between the factions. Moreover, Beltram-sama is also taking a neutral stance regarding the attack on Milady, which might also be interpreted as abandoning Milady. As such, the barest of respect would be enough."
After Beltram confirmed the maids' stance, his gaze returned back to Reina. There was a slight change in his expression. It was indicating how impressed he was with Reina. Not only was she able to hold onto Shiori's loyalty, but she could also tame a problematic maid like Kanae.
Although they were driven outside the wall for different reasons, both Chloe and Reina were the source of the ongoing incident. Beltram could not help but feel impressed as well as cautious toward these two, who were both, from his point of view, still lacking.
"I'm glad to see that both you and Lady Chloe had grown so much outside the wall."
Beltram then looked at Shiori.
"By the way, it seems like you are blaming me. Despite the fact that you have received an order directly from the representative. It does not change the fact that your actions have aided or even caused this incident to spread. I don't see your handling as something wise for a maid affiliated with the Lion Steel company."
Shiori replied with obvious sarcasm. It was clear that she was indicating that the source of this incident, including Reina and Chloe's actions, was all due to the incompetent control the head of the Lion Steel Eastern District Third Ward branch had over his people. Shiori understood that it was a rude remark toward Beltram, who was her superior. However, Beltram's decision to not punish Chloe, even after robbing that card from Reina, could be interpreted as approval of her actions. Therefore, Shiori could not possibly hide her anger.
As Shiori prepared herself, expecting reproach from Beltram, he replied with something unexpected. Beltram made a troubled expression as he mumbled.
"Branch manager. I believe that you are busy as well, so can we please get onto the main subject?"
"...You're right, let's get into the main subject. But before that, let me inform you of this. As the branch manager, I'm taking a neutral stance regarding the factions. With that in mind, there might be times when it seems like I'm siding with a certain faction. However, I will only do so for the sake of the company in mind. I am not doing so because I'm siding with any particular faction. That's why it's not like I'm abandoning your side or siding on Lady Chloe's side. I'm just dealing with matters with my position and ability in mind."
This time it was not from Shiori but from Reina. After all, it was safer for her to speak up instead of a maid from the company. She did not want Shiori to worsen her standing. Furthermore, it was her covert way of hinting Shiori to keep her mouth shut.
Although Reina noticed the two's reaction behind her, she was being careful so as to not smile. Up until now, Reina had been leaving the negotiations to Shiori. However, from now on, she made her resolve to act as Shiori's master and waited for Beltram's reply.
However, Beltram once again reacted with something that they did not expect. He knitted his eyebrows, which made him look like someone with a lot of power and responsibility. Someone fitting for his position as the branch manager.
"That is exactly the crucial part. We, officers from the third ward branch, are debating whether to see Lady Chloe's action as problematic or not."
"...What do you mean?"
"Actually, we originally saw Lady Chloe's action as problematic. We had a meeting just now to discuss how to deal with the aftermath. Although I can't really say what went on during the meeting, I will at least inform you of Lady Chloe's current situation."
Chloe attacked Akira and failed. She then placed a 50 billion bounty on his head. Furthermore, she had Kugamayama city designate Akira as a monster. And for the crime of endangering the city, she got detained. After hearing all of that, Reina could not hold back her surprise as to how the situation had greatly escalated in just one day.
Rebuild World (WN)
リビルドワールド
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/rebuild-world/
Action Adventure Drama Harem Mecha Mystery Sci-fi Seinen
Abandoned Children Adapted to Manga Adventurers Alternate World Anti-social Protagonist Apocalypse Artificial Intelligence Beautiful Female Lead Cautious Protagonist Child Protagonist Dense Protagonist Determined Protagonist Distrustful Protagonist Futuristic Setting Gangs Gunfighters Harsh Training Lack of Common Sense Male Protagonist Manipulative Characters Monsters Near-Death Experience Older Love Interests Poor Protagonist Poor to Rich Ruthless Protagonist Shota Sudden Strength Gain Survival Twisted Personality Unlucky Protagonist Weak to Strong
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9736dt/
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