I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 70: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 10

Episode 70: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 10

We weren’t entirely sure how things had escalated to this point, but we decided to listen to Leyreina-san’s explanation.

“His Majesty has long been displeased with Shriden’s actions. So he was quite delighted to hear about the discovery of the teleportation magic circle.”

“Really? He didn’t seem that happy to me, though.”

“He believes it’s unseemly to show emotions in public.”

Leyreina-san, now speaking calmly, seemed like a very competent individual.  

…Could it be that this was a really lucky choice on our part?

“Moreover, there are many lords within Shriden who are dissatisfied with King Gozef’s rule. His Majesty has been working to gain their support.”

“So… what does that mean exactly?”

“It means that even if King Gozef is overthrown, it’s unlikely that Shriden will fall into major chaos.”

Madoka seemed genuinely happy with Leyreina-san’s words.  

But… is this really something we should be celebrating so easily?

“…Hey, Madoka, did you realize something?”

“Huh? Realize what?”

“You seem happy that you might be able to save your classmates. But have you considered the possibility that you could end up fighting them?”

“…….What?”

Ah, she didn’t think about it, did she?  

Yuria seemed to have caught on. But I wish she had explained it better to Madoka. Now I’m stuck with the hard part.

“Yuria mentioned that everyone seemed to be under some form of control. But what happens if we face them before we deal with the mastermind? They might attack you, right?”

“Well, if that happens, I’ll just escape and then deal with the source…”

“And who exactly is the source? Is it King Gozef? What if it’s not?”

“…Well, with your Appraisal skill…”

“Sure, I might be able to find the mastermind with my skill. But that doesn’t solve the problem. If you face your classmates, are you just going to run away? What if you can’t escape? What will you do then?”

“I… I don’t know…”

Yeah, no answer. Just as I thought.

“Um, Maki-sama? If we do plan to strike at the core, the kingdom will send powerful warriors from the capital. There’s no need for Madoka-sama to fight.”

“That’s not the point, Leyreina-san. Madoka wants to save our fellow otherworlders. It’s not enough to have someone else do the fighting for her.”

“Oh… I see.”

As Madoka said, I could probably use my Appraisal skill to find the mastermind behind Shriden’s control once we teleported there.  

But there’s no guarantee that we wouldn’t face our classmates before getting there.  

And some might even be aiding Shriden willingly, regardless of whether they’re being controlled.

In the worst case, someone we try to save could turn around and attack us as soon as we think they’re safe.  

Even though my skill would help us manage those situations, there’s no point if I’m attacked before I can use it.  

In war, you need to anticipate the worst-case scenario to survive.

“Madoka, you need to consider the worst possible outcomes. If the worst happens, you should already know how you’ll act and what decisions you’ll make.”

“……Excuse me for a moment.”

“Ah! Wait, Madoka!”

…Did I come down on her too hard?  

No, I had to say it. Otherwise, she wouldn’t stay level-headed. She’s the type who loses sight of everything else when she’s focused.  

I feel bad, but I’ll leave her to Yuria. She’s better at comforting her than I am.

“…Maki-san.”

“Sorry, Alicia. I didn’t mean to take over the conversation like that.”

“No, it’s fine.”

“I also apologize. I shared His Majesty’s words without considering your situation.”

“No need to apologize. The information you gave us was very helpful.”

The atmosphere in the reception room felt a lot heavier now.  

—Clap clap!

Suddenly, the sound of hands clapping broke the silence.

“Alright, everyone! Let’s perk up!”

“……Akigase-sensei?”

Now that I think about it, the teacher *was* here from the start, wasn’t she? I completely forgot since she hasn’t said a word!

“Hey, Mihiro-kun. You forgot I was here, didn’t you?”

“Ah—yeah… I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I was just watching to see how everyone handled the conversation.”

She smiled warmly as she said this. But I couldn’t help expecting that, since she’s our teacher, she might suggest something different.

“What about you, Sensei? What will you do?”

“Do you mean about helping everyone?”

“Yes.”

“Of course, I’ll help them!”

Well, that’s just like her.  

When we reunited in the Forest of Demons, she was full of determination, saying it was her duty as a teacher to protect her students.  

But even someone as strong-willed as her would have to make tough choices eventually.

“And if you end up having to face them directly? What would you do, Sensei?”

“Well, in that case—I’d probably be killed.”

“…Huh?”

She said “killed”, not “kill”?

“There’s no way I could bring myself to harm one of my students.”

“But that means you’ll end up dead.”

“Yeah, I suppose so. I did kind of want to get married at least once, though.”

“…Are you really okay with that?”

“Well, we’ve been brought to this world. If it’s to protect my students, I’ve already come to terms with it. But still, I’ll do everything I can.”

As Sensei gently patted my head, I couldn’t find any words to respond.