(Tasuku POV)

I had finally returned one sunny day, and instead of a greeting, I was promptly informed of Harolds visit instead. Probably because its quite unusual for Harold to visit without telling us in advance, it was that kind of situation.

Harold was wearing a yukata at the time because it was already getting late.

Its been a long time, Harold-kun. How was your day today?

Theres something I need to talk to you about urgently.

Harold wasnt a person for pleasantries and cut straight to the point.

I also changed my posture to one for listening.

Hmm, let me hear it.

One week from now the Knight Order will leave for an expedition to the Blitz Forest.

Thats quite far,

Blitz Forest was located near the border, itd take a month just to travel there.

At the very least, they could shorten the trip by taking an airship to a nearby area.

But isnt that too dangerous as your first assignment?

On the surface, its only a patriotic mission, but theres a chance that itll develop into a skirmish against the Star Aria Tribe.

Wha-!

I unintentionally let out a loud voice.

Harold just said that the Order and the Star Aria Tribe will fight, that theres a chance of his mission developing into an ethnic conflict.

It wouldve made a funny story if the person telling it was different.

Are you sure about this? Why is that?

Theres a traitor within the top brass, whos planning to guide the negotiations towards war.

It was hard to believe how he talked about such a topic so indifferently.

Well, the other party was Harold after all, he wouldnt say something like this without a reason why.

...how so?

Their objective is the capture of the Star Aria Tribe, apparently theyre the resources needed to conduct inhumane experiments and dissections. Basically, if one is captured, then that seals their fate to death.

If what youre telling me is true, then this is a problem that cant be looked by humanity itself.

But if theres no evidence to justify these claims, then I, no, the Sumeragi Family cant move.

Even just putting in a request for a search of this scale will put the people involved at high risk.

While it may be a despicable inhumane practice, you just have to close your eyes and pretend its not there sometimes.

I cant put out any evidence, its not possible, theres no written reports or anything physical for me to procure.

Then how did you learn about this secret, Harold-kun?

Its only natural to doubt him at this point, this shouldnt have been able to obtain this information in the first place.

Well, Harold always did have a mysterious information network, but is the information he received really credible?

In the end, my hypothesis was right on the mark.

Giffelt, have you heard of this name before?

For a moment, I couldnt understand what Harold had said, not because I havent heard the name Giffelt before, but rather the opposite.

When one speaks of Giffelt, theres nobody who wouldnt know this name.

Theres nothing in the world that he doesnt know, hes an information dealer who deals intel of all types.

However, that person is a fictional character.

The rumours say if youre willing to pay enough, you can get any information you want in the world... from the fairy Giffelt.

Harolds face turned downcast at my remark, but when I shook my head a couple times in apology, he reverted back.

Bastard, are you an idiot? To say you still believe in fairies, its no wonder youre a weirdo, I dont know why anyone would call that thing a fairy in the first place.

Wait one second there, Harold-kun... did you really meet,

that

Giffelt?

Giffelt was said to be an ugly being, similar to those talked about in urban legends. Theres no way I wouldnt ask why he could say that he was its acquaintance with such a straight face.

The thing is, this boy in front of me wasnt exactly ordinary either.

...hmm? What?

I really am an idiot, arent I? Actually believing his story, but how else am I supposed to explain his information network?

Just by talking to him like this, I can tell he has a tremendous network of connections.

Well, lets forget about that and move on to the main subject, Harold started again.

I could already feel my head throbbing due to how he just dumped all this amazing information on me and still hasnt reached the main issue.

(Harold POV)

Using the name Giffelt brought out a bigger reaction from Tasuku than I expected. Giffelt was only a character from a fairy tale after all.

I was somehow able to stop myself from laughing.

There are a lot of stories that pass through gossip, and Ill use Tasuku to help spread the gossip on how Giffelt is real.

Information broker Giffelt is a character that has little influence in the game and is only there to give explanations on the games mechanics, hints on how to obtain items, and other tidbits like that throughout the game.

Although it didnt bring out any important information about clearing the game, its a subtle character that can help you find rare high-level monsters in the forest dungeon, the hidden island in the middle of the sea, and the final area in the Last Boss dungeon, earlier than normal.

By the way, its real name, age, and gender are all unknown due to it mostly being covered by its androgynous appearance and its bulky hat.

Ive never actually met it in this life, but apparently Giffelt actually exists in this world. Ive already seen countless existences in the game, and I already know it somewhat personally, so it should be fine to tell one little lie, right?

Looking at Tasukus reaction, I should be able to get away with using original knowledge as long as I use Giffelt as an excuse.

I dont care if you believe me or not bastard, but you owe me so Ill give you this chance to pay me back.

Now its time to negotiate. From a third persons view this might look despicable, but weve already been doing this for so long that its become normal for us.

Though this might become a problem, right now I need to focus on proceeding the story.

While Im still here... prepare the Sarian Empires military uniform for me within three days.

The Empires? What do you need that for?

I just need to wear it under my armour during the expedition. Once the battle starts, showing a figure wearing the uniform to both sides might dampen their motivation to fight slightly.

If an officer of the Empire appears in the middle of the battle between the Order and the Star Aria Tribe, both sides will start to question who the real enemy is.

The Empires uniform is normally eye-catching by itself, but it should be even more conspicuous in the middle of a battlefield.

Thats too dangerous, in the worst case both sides will begin to concentrate their attacks on you instead.

Im aware of what Tasuku is saying. If it was possible, then not just the battle, I wouldve liked to stop the whole expedition itself.

However, the reality is that I dont have the time or the means to take such measures.

Dont make me laugh, as if they could put out attacks that could even scratch me.

As usual my mouth only lets out excessively arrogant responses, its only natural that Id feel fear and anxiety in such a situation.

But I cant back out now. I wont be able to obtain Tasukus cooperation in this matter unless I show him an absolute resolve that this is something that I can accomplish, or else hell never make a move.

With the circumstances as they are, rather than a proposal to a plan, doesnt it look like Im blackmailing him into accepting?

At worst, Tasuku wouldnt provide any support in this matter at all. Although I dont want to get into too much debt with the Sumeragi family, or else itll get harder for me to separate myself from them in the future.

...we still have time to think of alternative plans.

With a pensive look on his face, Tasuku gave an unclear answer. Perhaps he was only able to answer this way from speculating about what I said.

I nodded, it was impossible to expect an immediate reply, rather, it was good luck that Tasuku didnt refuse him right out.

Maybe he wasnt very suitable as a noble, but hes very likeable as an individual. Erika had probably inherited her gentleness from him.

Its fine if you cant answer me right away, you can ignore me or prepare alternative plans, but you absolutely must prepare the uniform in time so I can add the alteration I need.

I will arrange it immediately, but honestly Id rather not help send you to certain death.

If that really is how you think, then do as you wish as long as you dont disturb me, bastard.

Good grief... I guess I cant stop you, Harold-kun. You know I cant help but be amazed at how dazzling your youth is, but I also cant help but be worried about you as my future son.

What sly and embarrassing things is this old man saying?! Any bitter impressions I had left of him vanished the moment he referred to me as his son.

...are you insane? Dont you remember that Im going to annul my engagement with Erika?

That kind of matter is only possible if both parties agree, dont you think? Although if that is the final decision the two of you come too, I will respectfully accept your choice.

Thats surprising, I thought that he would eagerly annul it for Erikas sake, but apparently not.

Well, if hes going to respect Erikas intentions, then the engagement will naturally revoke itself in time, so I guess it doesnt matter.

Anyways, isnt it about time you started calling Erika by her name? Since the day you met, whenever you called her by name you would always used the -san suffix.

(No, no, I dont really need to... do I?)

The thing is, despite what he said, I cant recall a time I ever called Erika directly by her name at all. Id always refer to her as bastard or you

1

, and even when I was referring to her when she wasnt in the vicinity, Id always use that person

2

. Although I dont refer to others by name often, I dont think Ive ever referred to Erika by name at all.

Well, I guess thats what happens when you try to avoid someone.

Its been three years since weve first met, and I havent even called her by name once. Itd be too awkward to start doing now.

...thats idiotic.

Even though my mouth had said that, maybe it really would be better to start calling her by name.

Well, whether this idea will actually be put into practice is another story.