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 250: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 48

Episode 250: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 48

As I placed my hands on my knees and exhaled deeply, Akagi stood before me. Her greatsword was resting on her shoulder as she looked down at me. 

When I raised my head to gauge her expression, it was unmistakably one of exasperation. It was as if she were staring at something utterly baffling. 

“…What?” 

“I’m amazed, that’s all~. How could you possibly trust someone like me—a delinquent~?” 

“Well… that’s a secret for now.” 

“Figured as much~. Even if I didn’t kill you all, I’m still on Maria’s side, aren’t I~?” 

Akagi’s words instantly put Arata and the others back on edge. 

“Ahh, but relax. I have no intention of returning to Maria’s side anymore~.” 

“……….Are you saying we should believe you, Akagi?” 

“Believe it or not, that’s up to you all~.” 

“I believe you, Akagi.” 

Arata asked with a dubious expression. But I immediately declared my trust in her. 

At my quick response, Akagi once again gave me a look of utter disbelief. 

“…Hey, Yachiyo. Is this guy okay~? Did he hit his head in the Forest of Demons or something~?” 

“Ahaha—um, well, it’s just because he’s Maki-kun, I guess?” 

“Hmm… well, whatever~. If it means I’m trusted, I’ll take it~.” 

Although Akagi briefly turned her gaze toward Arata, he chose to trust my judgment and sheathed his sword. 

Yuria also let out a small breath and lowered her fists. Now, Sensei stepped forward slowly. 

“…Akagi-san.” 

“Ahh… sorry about earlier, Sensei.” 

“No, it’s fine. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters.” 

“…Unbelievable. Mihiro’s odd, but Sensei is even weirder~.” 

“What!? There’s no way I’m weirder than Mahiro-kun!” 

“Hey, Sensei! Isn’t that a bit harsh!?” 

As I protested, everyone there burst into laughter. 

………….I don’t really get it. But if it lightened the mood, I couldn’t complain. 

“Wait a second.” 

“You’re contacting Alicia-san, right?” 

“Huh? Alicia?” 

“She’s the lord of this area who’s protecting us. She even agreed to oversee our fight with Akagi.” 

“…I see~.” 

As I replied, I sent out a Mail Bird. And not long after, Alicia and her group arrived. 

Since Akagi was still a potential threat, Alicia was also accompanied by Ryan-san and Vil-san. 

“Thank you for your efforts, everyone.” 

“Thanks for watching over us, Alicia.” 

“It was your decision to make. I didn’t do anything at all.” 

Alicia replied with a gentle smile, while Akagi watched her warily. 

Beside her, Ryan-san and Vil-san also directed tense gazes at Akagi. They were heightening the atmosphere further. 

“So, you’re the one protecting Sensei and the others~?” 

“Yes. You must be Akagi Ena-san? Nice to meet you, I’m Alicia Yamato.” 

“…Yamato?” 

“My ancestors were from another world, so Yamato is my family name from there.” 

“…….I see~. So that’s why you’re kind to otherworlders~.” 

“Kind is an understatement! Alicia-sama always provides maximum—” 

“Vil-san.” 

Vil-san’s raised voice, provoked by Akagi’s tone. But he was quickly silenced by Alicia. 

She likely understood that opposing Akagi here would be too dangerous and had no intention of antagonizing her. 

“If you’d like, Akagi-san, you’re welcome to stay here with Maki-san and the others—” 

“I refuse.” 

But Akagi cut off Alicia’s offer without hesitation. 

Vil-san’s face darkened with irritation. But this time Ryan-san stopped him. 

“…Why not?” 

“You probably have an idea of the path I’ve walked, don’t you? Then you should understand why I’d refuse.” 

“…War, is it?” 

“Exactly. I’ve killed many people with these hands—people of this world~. I don’t believe you’d accept someone like me without any strings attached.” 

As she said this, Akagi gripped her greatsword tightly. 

Perhaps because of that, Vil-san instinctively reached for the sword at his waist. 

“You scum!” 

“Calm yourself, Vil!” 

“—!? …My apologies, Alicia-sama.” 

……….That was the first time I saw Alicia call Vil-san by name so sharply. 

Then, without hesitation, Alicia stepped forward. Her gaze was locked firmly on Akagi.