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 166: An Unexpected Survival Life 34

Episode 166: An Unexpected Survival Life 34  

With tomorrow’s plans decided, we returned to Granzawall.  

Apparently, Alicia and the others had been living in the inn-town for most of their time since the teleportation incident. So they were looking forward to a rare chance to relax. Hearing that made me realize that relying on the Mail Bird alone wasn’t enough after all.  

“Ahhh, I’m exhausted…”  

Although the fatigue was more mental than physical, after all the discussions we’d been having since returning, my brain was completely fried. Even during lunch, I’d been bombarded with questions. At the very least, I wanted to take it easy in my room.  

Knock, knock.  

………Guess that’s not happening. Seems like a quiet day isn’t in the cards for me.  

Resigned, I got up from my bed and dragged myself to the door.  

“What is it, Sensei?”  

Standing there was Akigase-sensei.  

“Sorry to bother you when you’re tired. Could we talk for a bit?”  

“Of course.”  

Sensei had helped us a lot while we were away dealing with Moriya, so I couldn’t say no. I welcomed her into the room, offering her a chair.  

“Thank you.”  

“No problem. So, what’s this about?”  

“Well, it’s about the students still in the Kingdom of Shriden.”  

Ah, that topic.  

To be honest, I haven’t really been involved with that group, so I don’t know much. If it were something I could solve with Appraisal, I’d gladly help. But anything else sounded like a headache waiting to happen.  

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m not asking you to do anything specific. It’s more like a regular progress report.”  

“I don’t really need that, do I? I’ve barely interacted with them.”  

“Don’t be like that.”  

Ignoring my attempt to brush it off, Sensei began updating me on how our classmates were doing.  

Apparently, most of them had been employed at the castle, working as soldiers or in supporting roles. Some had become adventurers, but none of them had the courage to venture beyond Shriden’s royal capital. Occasionally, they’d return to the castle to show their faces.  

Honestly, it made me wonder why they bothered becoming adventurers in the first place. Then again, this isn’t a game. So I suppose it’s understandable.  

…….…Not that it stops me from wanting to explore the outside world myself.  

“Wow, sounds like everyone’s working hard.”  

“…..Could you stop with the halfhearted responses?”  

…Busted.  

But honestly, I didn’t care much, so what’s the harm?  

“And about Kaminuki-kun and the six other missing students…”  

“They’re still unaccounted for?”  

“Yes…”  

Well, this one’s pretty much a no-brainer, even without using Appraisal.  

They’re almost certainly still in the fallen Kingdom of Rodgrul, the place Maria Shriden’s army destroyed. From what I’ve heard, Maria has already stabilized the situation there and begun establishing her own kingdom. It’s highly likely this was her plan all along.  

Even if I were to relocate to Shriden, the distance alone makes it unclear if Appraisal would work effectively with something like a banana. As for Maria’s intentions, all I can do is speculate.  

“They’re probably in Rodgrul, aren’t they?”  

“I think so too, but we’ve received no information.”  

“Nothing at all? Doesn’t Shriden have spies?”  

Even Adelreed had been able to gather intelligence on Shriden’s affairs, which we used to launch our assault with the teleportation magic circle.  

“They do, but… according to His Majesty, none of the spies sent in have returned.”  

“Yikes, that’s bad.”  

“Right? It’s a serious problem.”  

“Yeah. If Rodgrul is on high alert against Shriden, it’s likely those spies were either killed or turned into double agents leaking information back to Rodgrul.”  

If Maria realized her teleportation circle had been exploited, she’d be livid. She’d likely launch an exhaustive investigation to find out who was behind it.  

If my name came up during her digging… that would be a nightmare.  

“…Ugh, sounds like a mess is brewing.”  

“Do you think so?”  

“Just thinking out loud.”  

Sensei didn’t seem to pick up on my concerns, so I decided to keep quiet for now. There was no need to worry her unnecessarily. Especially since she already had her hands full with the other students.  

“Well, as long as Maria is there, they’re not coming back anytime soon.”  

“That’s so disheartening…”  

“After all, it was Maria who put the status ailments on them. And if she’s nearby, that means they’re still in that condition, right? Sensei, you should focus on the students in front of you right now.”

Though the words were cold, they were also the truth—there wasn’t really any other option.  

Sensei nodded weakly, then slowly stood up from the chair.  

“I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, Sensei.”  

“No, it’s fine. I’m the one who should be sorry.”  

I watched as Sensei left the room.  

…Well, to be honest, if I really pushed it, I could find a way to handle it now.  

“…Pikyaa?”  

“No, it’s nothing.”  

I petted Sunny as it gave me a puzzled look with its head tilted to one side. I then lay back down on the bed.