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 221: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 21

Episode 221: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 21  

Legerico’s words were unmistakable: anyone who heard them would understand he had essentially said, “I had no choice to comply since it was a royal decree. But since it was a remote area, I sent my foolish daughter instead.”  

And who should have overheard that but—  

“Oh! Uh, no, that is to say. W-What I meant by that, Your Majesty…”  

“Are you telling me that you disregarded my command to send someone fully capable and instead dispatched the daughter you referred to as a fool?”  

“N-No, not at all! Haha, when I said ‘foolish’, it was a mere slip of the tongue. She is certainly competent, so it’s not a matter of inadequacy…”  

“Of course, Legerico-sama. That’s exactly what I’ve been saying from the start.”  

“…W-What?”  

Alicia suddenly stepped in, offering an unexpected lifeline. Legerico stared at her. He was clearly unnerved.  

“Leyreina-sama is an indispensable member of our group. She’s someone who cannot simply be replaced by anyone else.”  

“Oh, is that so? I see, I see. If that’s the case, Legerico, no matter what authority you claim, it would be unreasonable to send your son in her place. After all, this deployment was mandated by royal decree!”  

“…O-Of course, Your Majesty! Haha, hahaha… ugh!”  

Alicia skillfully turned Legerico’s blunder into a situation that ensured Leyreina-san could stay. 

……As expected of a true leader. Even with my Appraisal skill, I wouldn’t have been able to pull that off—I just don’t have the nerve.  

On top of that, Alicia casually wrapped an arm around Leyreina-san’s shoulder at the end. She was subtly showing their close bond to everyone present. Such attention to detail..…  

Still, could Legerico stop glaring at me? I swear, I had nothing to do with this one.  

“Now then, His Majesty will be accompanied by Dietrich-sama, the Knight Commander, and… Legerico-sama?”  

“Of course! I shall personally protect His Majesty!”  

“…Understood. On our side, Alicia, Ryan-san, and Leyreina-san will come along.”  

“Wha—? M-Me?”  

When I informed Leyreina-san she would be joining us, she looked at me in shock.  

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Legerico smirking. Well, I couldn’t wait to see that smug grin turn into a grimace of surprise soon enough.  

“You’ll be fine, Leyreina-san. Alicia will be with you, and I’ll be there too. Besides, everyone here knows how much stronger you’ve become by training in the Forest of Demons.”  

“…I-I understand!”  

Seeing Leyreina-san clench her fists in determination, I exchanged a nod with Alicia.  

“Let’s set out. Everyone else, please coordinate with the escort knights. Of course, our soldiers will accompany you as well.”  

The knights trusted us, which helped keep things smooth.  

While the ministers and other dignitaries hesitated, our soldiers coordinated the escort arrangements. With Vil-san, Ricott-san, Arata, Madoka, and Yuria among the other guards, we probably had more than enough firepower—possibly too much.  

………Wait, does that mean our group is the weakest? No, no, with the Knight Commander, we’re fine.  

Legerico, though….. He’s a liability. Maybe that’s a problem.  

“Let’s move, Maki!”  

“Huh? Oh, yes, understood.”  

“You there! Such insolence in addressing His Majesty—have you no respect?!”  

“Shall we, Alicia-sama? Maki-sama?”  

“Yes, let’s, Dietrich-sama.”  

“Y-You lot! Stop ignoring me! Stop ignoring me!”  

Haha, what a lively group. If only we could leave Legerico behind…  

Such thoughts lingered as we prepared to set out.