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 154: Granzawall 3

Episode 154: Granzawall 3

Since Maki and his group teleported away, Granzawall has been abuzz with activity.  

Initially, there was talk of forming a rescue team. But thanks to information provided via the Mail Bird, that idea was scrapped. Instead, the focus shifted to maintaining the settlement. However, due to insufficient manpower, there was concern that they might have to abandon the settlement altogether in the worst-case scenario.  

“—Are you talking about Haruka-san?”  

At Leyreina’s suggestion, Alicia mulled over the idea.  

With the loss of Maki, Madoka, and Arata, maintaining the settlement had become an uphill battle. Replacing their combat prowess was nearly impossible since their strength had been boosted by special fruits. And finding people with similar stats, even across the entire world, would be nearly unheard of.  

However, Haruka had the potential to fill the gap on her own. She could eat the fruit, was from another world, and had high levels. She alone could make up for the loss of the three.  

“…Understood. Leyreina-sama, could you head to the Transfer Shrine and travel to the Kingdom of Shriden?”  

“Yes!”  

Making the decision at the inn where they were staying, Leyreina quickly set off toward the Transfer Shrine.  

“…Please, Haruka-san. Help us.”  

Whether Haruka would heed the request depended entirely on her. However, it was also true that the new king of Shriden viewed people from other worlds as vital assets.  

Strictly speaking, people from other worlds could not be considered citizens unless they chose to be. Which meant they were free to act independently of any national directives. Nevertheless, many of them had been manipulated by the previous king of Shriden, Gozef, and some had since given up thinking for themselves.  

Haruka, on the other hand, was doing her best to care for those students. She was working tirelessly to help them return to their usual selves.  

Given that context, it seemed highly unlikely that she would leave her students behind to come here. But—  

“…Um, Alicia-sama?”  

“What is it, Leyreina-sama? Weren’t you heading to the Transfer Shrine?”  

“Well, that’s the thing… Actually—wah!”  

“Are Maki-kun and the others okay?!”  

“H-Haruka-san?!”  

Just as Leyreina returned, Haruka herself burst in behind her, visibly distressed.  

Clearly not expecting this, Alicia froze, mouth agape.  

“…A-Alicia-san?”  

“Ah! M-my apologies, Haruka-san. I was just so surprised…”  

According to the story, Haruka overheard knights discussing the matter while making her routine visit to the Kingdom of Shriden. She rushed to finalize the necessary procedures and teleported to the town as quickly as possible.  

“So, what about Maki-kun and the others? When are they coming back?!”  

“P-please calm down, Haruka-san! Here, this is a letter from Maki-san and the others.”  

“A… letter?”  

Reading the letter sent by the Mail Bird, Haruka immediately recognized the handwriting as that of Madoka and Arata. Relieved, she let out a deep sigh.  

“Thank goodness. This is Yachiyo-san and Mitsurugi-kun’s writing. No letter from Mihiro-kun, though… I guess he got lazy, huh?”  

Handing the letter back to Alicia with a wry smile, Haruka listened as Alicia made her official request for assistance.  

“Haruka-san!”  

“What is it, Alicia-san?”  

“The settlement Maki-san and the others established before their teleportation is becoming difficult to maintain. We were planning to ask you for reinforcements.”  

“Sure, let’s do it.”  

“I’m fully aware this is an unreasonable request, but could we ask for your… wait, really?”  

Alicia stumbled over her words, flustered by Haruka’s quick agreement.  

However, Haruka simply gave her a gentle smile and expressed her willingness to help.  

“Mihiro-kun and the others are my dear students. I wouldn’t be much of a teacher if I didn’t help them when they’re in trouble.”  

“But what about the students still in Shriden?”  

“I gave everyone a simple explanation of the situation. They all kindly sent me off with their blessings, so please don’t worry.”  

When Haruka concluded her words with a warm smile, Alicia felt the tension leave her shoulders. And suddenly, her tears began to flow.  

“…Th-thank you so much!”  

“You’ve been doing your best, haven’t you? It’s okay. I’ll do everything I can to help you, Alicia-san.”  

“…Yes… Yes, Haruka-san!”  

As Haruka gently embraced her, Alicia let herself cry for the first time in a long while.  

—Later, when the Mail Bird delivered the reply, it included a note that Haruka had come as reinforcements. However, the detail of Alicia breaking down into tears was conveniently left out.  

Additionally, Haruka couldn’t bring herself to admit that she had rushed over out of worry for the three of them. Instead, the letter was written as if Leyreina had called her to help.  

As they watched the Mail Bird fly off, Alicia and Haruka exchanged a glance and shared a small, knowing smile.