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 266: The Hero, the Sword Saint, and the Appraiser 7

Episode 266: The Hero, the Sword Saint, and the Appraiser 7

If things had gone as usual, we would have arrived at the next city by night. Instead, we reached it just after noon. 

During the journey, Haku ran tirelessly without stopping once. The people on the road seemed quite astonished as they watched us pass. 

Although we veered off the main road partway, adventurers and others who operated in those areas still appeared. Some even pointed their swords at Haku when he suddenly appeared. 

…Well, naturally, Haku wouldn’t attack anyone. Instead, they were left frozen with their mouths agape after witnessing the Ice Fenrir dash past them in an instant. 

“—…Huff, huff, huff… Huh? Where… are we?” 

Ride had clung to Haku desperately. He barely managed to speak with a pale face. 

“We’ve reached the next city.” 

“…Huh? But… it’s still midday, isn’t it? We’ve already arrived?” 

“Well, it’s Haku, after all.” 

“That’s right, it’s Haku.” 

“Exactly, because it’s Haku.” 

“…Haha, hahaha… Huh? Even Taiku-sama…?” 

Ride-san seemed most surprised that Moriya had managed to keep up with Haku’s pace, rather than Haku’s speed itself. 

Hearing the words spoken in a calm tone, much like Arata or Sensei, made Ride-san’s expression stiffen slightly. 

“Well… if we’ve made it here this quickly, perhaps we could aim for the next city—” 

“Please wait a moment! I won’t survive at this rate! I beg you, let’s take a break in this city! Please, I’m begging you!” 

Watching Ride-san plead desperately, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him. 

“I deeply regret holding everyone back, but please!” 

“O-okay! Yes, let’s rest! Arata, is that okay with you?” 

“Yeah, even though we were riding on Haku, we’re still tired.” 

“Since we’re here, how about we explore the city a bit?” 

“I agree! I’m also tired, so that helps a lot!” 

With everyone’s approval, Ride-san repeatedly bowed his head in gratitude. Tears were streaming down his face. 

That said, entering the city wasn’t going to be simple. 

Given our circumstances, we needed to explain to the gatekeepers that Haku and Sunny were safe tamed beasts. 

“Ah, please leave that to me.” 

“To you, Ride-san?” 

“Yes. I may not look like it, but I am an advisor to His Majesty.” 

…Oh, right. 

So, he planned to rely on his authority, then? 

As I pondered this, we approached the city. It was only to see the gatekeepers springing into action as expected. 

From inside the gates, adventurer-like individuals armed with weapons emerged. They were clearly ready for battle. 

“Everyone, please calm down!” 

It was Ride-san who raised his voice. 

“We are envoys of His Majesty Orvis! These individuals are collaborators with the Kingdom of Adelreed. And the magical beasts accompanying them are tamed under their control!” 

Ride-san’s declaration seemed to reach the gatekeepers and adventurers. They began murmuring among themselves, exchanging uncertain glances. 

Three individuals appeared to step forward as representatives and cautiously approached us. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Ride Fontagne, advisor to His Majesty Orvis.” 

As Ride-san introduced himself, the three people visibly displayed shock. 

“…May I ask for your names?” 

“Oh! Y-yes, of course. I’m Rugda, captain of the soldiers in Osdis.” 

“I’m Irina, the vice-captain.” 

“I’m Gies, an A-rank adventurer.” 

Once the introductions were complete, Ride-san began explaining our situation in detail. 

He reiterated that we were envoys of King Orvis, collaborators of Adelreed. And that the familiars posed no threat. 

Despite his explanation, the three kept casting wary glances between Ride-san and the beasts. It was evident that they remained cautious. 

“Hmm… Tamed beasts, you say…” 

“It’s hard to believe outright.” 

“Maybe we should just cut them down to be safe?” 

They didn’t believe us right away, and Gies-san even said something rather dangerous. 

“…No, I believe it would be in your best interest to trust us.” 

Ride-san lowered his voice slightly as he said this. 

“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you trying to throw your weight around just because you’re an advisor? Let me remind you, I’m an adventurer. There’s no reason I have to listen to you people.” 

“Of course, I’m aware of that. However… even from a practical standpoint, I think it would be unwise.” 

“Huh? You want me to cut you down first or what?” 

…Oh man, this is getting dangerously tense. 

As I was thinking that, Ride-san gave a small smile and turned his gaze—not toward me, but toward Arata. 

“In that case, how about this? This gentleman here, Arata-sama, is the master of the familiar. Why don’t we have a mock battle between Arata-sama and Gies-sama? If Arata-sama wins, you can trust us.” 

“…Huh? M-me!?” 

Arata exclaimed in shock at this sudden turn of events.