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 251: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 49

Episode 251: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 49

For precaution, I had also provided Alicia with a defensive magical device.  

Still, stepping out in front of someone whose allegiance was uncertain was risky.  

Even if Akagi had shown no hostility toward us, that didn’t guarantee she wouldn’t oppose Alicia and her group.  

While the effectiveness of the defensive device had been proven in the earlier fight, Akagi’s ability to counteract it—like tearing up the ground—meant it wasn’t absolute. 

“Akagi-san. I am prepared to accept you.”  

“What’s this? You’re going to accept a killer? That’s beyond naïve~.”  

“I’m not just naïve, you know. I have my calculations.”  

“…Oh~? So, you’re planning to use me, is that it?”  

For a brief moment, Akagi exuded a faint killing intent.  

Vil-san looked as though he was about to speak up. But Ryan-san raised a hand to stop him.  

That said, Ryan-san was clearly ready to act at any moment. The tension in the air was palpable.  

I wanted to use my Appraisal skill here, but the heavy atmosphere kept me from speaking.  

……….Should I just trust Alicia in this situation?  

“I want information about the Kingdom of Rodgrul under Princess Maria’s control.”  

“You think I’d just hand that over~?”  

“That… I don’t know.”  

“…What did you say?”  

“I’m simply asking. If Akagi-san decides not to tell us, I’ll accept that as your choice.”  

“Then we can forget about the idea of accepting me~?”  

“No, that’s a separate matter. I still intend to welcome you.”  

“……..Do you even understand what you’re saying?”  

“Of course. It’s just a calculation. If it’s impossible, then it can’t be helped, right?”  

Even I couldn’t help but feel astonished at her response. So it must have seemed utterly absurd to Akagi.  

She stood there, frozen, her mouth slightly open. I don’t think I’d ever seen her like that before—even back in Japan.  

…….Or maybe I just never paid attention.  

“Is it hard to believe?”  

“Of course~. Accepting a killer without any compensation is just… unbelievable~.”  

“…Akagi-san? You’ve been using the term ‘killer’ since earlier. But, what exactly is wrong with that?”  

Alicia’s words didn’t just shock Akagi. All of us otherworlders were stunned as well.  

But as Alicia continued, her reasoning made sense.  

“Taking a life without reason—that is wrong. However, in the context of war, killing to protect one’s own life is a form of self defense, is it not?”  

“…Who knows~?”  

“If the Kingdom of Adelreed were drawn into a war, and we had to fight, I would kill enemy soldiers without hesitation. Isn’t that the nature of war?”  

“……….”  

“Since entering Adelreed, have you killed anyone without reason, Akagi-san?”  

“………..”  

At this, Akagi fell silent.  

That alone was enough to reveal that she hadn’t killed anyone out of malice. But she had done so only as a means to survive.  

Perhaps our prior knowledge of Akagi Ena had led us to carry false assumptions about her.  

The real Akagi Ena might have been someone who agonized over her actions. She was struggling desperately to survive in this world.  

If that’s the case……. she must have endured far more hardship, alone, than any of us.  

“No one here will blame you, nor will they exploit you unfairly. If you’re willing to cooperate, that would simply be appreciated.”  

Perhaps to lighten the mood, Alicia spoke with a slight brightness toward the end, almost jokingly.  

“…Haha. You really are something else. Fine, I’ll stay out of your way. And I guess… I can share a little information.”  

Akagi was slightly embarrassed. She averted her gaze as she spoke.