Disappointing Teleportation Magic ~ Even Though The Movement Distance Is Only 1 Millimeter, I Will Rise Through Ingenuity ~ - Chapter 53.3

“Could it be Tariq?”

“That’s right. What will you do?”

“I was really indebted to him when I was working as an attendant, so I’d like to thank him as well.”

“Then, shall I arrange a meeting?”

“Yes, I’d appreciate it.”

After consulting with Alberic, we decided to meet the next day at noon at the dormitory. I hadn’t even properly thanked Tariq for saving my life from the assassin.

Since it was a sudden arrangement, I wasn’t sure what kind of gift to prepare, so I had Araseli get some cash ready.

I thought giving money as a thank-you might seem a bit crude, but it’s the most reliable and versatile option. In Yurefelt, it’s also common to give cash as a gift for weddings or new houses.

On the day of the meeting, I had a slightly more luxurious lunch prepared and waited. From down the corridor, I saw Tariq appearing with Ekkels, looking nervous.

“Tariq!”

“Oh, Yoo…”

I waved and called out to him, and Tariq tried to wave back, but Ekkels stopped him.

Ekkels also shook his head at me.

The guards stationed in front of the dormitory were watching closely, probably indicating that we couldn’t behave the way we did before.

Furthermore, Tariq was subjected to a body search by the guards.

I said it was unnecessary since he was my guest, but I couldn’t stop them when they said it was under Prince Alberic’s orders.

Ekkels urged me to wait upstairs, and I welcomed Tariq in the dormitory’s living room.

When Tariq, accompanied by Ekkels, entered the living room and saw me, he immediately knelt.

“Sir Yuto Kirikaze…”

“Stop it, Tariq. Don’t be so formal here!”

“Yuto…”

“Please stand… I’m begging you!”

Ekkels seemed about to say something, but he swallowed his words and took a few steps back to give us space.

“Yuto, it’s been a while.”

“I’m sorry!”

As soon as Tariq stood up, I bowed deeply to him.

“H-Hey…”

“Since I came to this world, I’ve always relied on you, Tariq. You even saved my life, and yet I never even thanked you. Even if I had reasons for not visiting, I’ve been too neglectful. I’m sorry, and thank you. The reason I’m still here today is because of you, Tariq.”

“Yuto…”

“I understand this country has a strict class system, but today… no, whenever we’re alone, I want you to treat me as a friend, just like before.”

When I asked this while looking directly into his eyes, Tariq scrunched up his face and shook his head.

“I can’t, Yuto…”

“Why? Why can’t you?”

“I’m not worthy.”

“Even if it’s impossible outside, when it’s just us—”

“No… It’s not that…”

“Tariq?”

Tariq covered his eyes with his right hand and, with a bitter expression, let out a curse.

“Damn it, that bastard, lying to me all along…”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m sorry, Yuto… Kill me.”

“What?”

“No, that’s not right… I should—”

The moment Tariq moved his right hand toward his waist, Araseli, who had been sneaking up like a shadow, struck him in the solar plexus.

She twisted his right hand and pinned him to the floor.

“Araseli!”

“Please stay back, Lord Yuto! He’s likely hiding a concealed weapon!”

“But he just underwent a body search downstairs.”

“It’s fine, Yuto… I won’t resist. The weapon is hidden in the belt. The blade is coated with poison, so don’t touch it.”

“Tariq…”

Inside the belt wrapped around Tariq’s waist was a thin, flexible knife with a blade about ten centimeters long.

The blade was smeared with a poison so potent that even a scratch could render someone a vegetable if untreated.