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 268: The Hero, the Sword Saint, and the Appraiser 9

Episode 268: The Hero, the Sword Saint, and the Appraiser 9

“…Heh, seriously?”

“Seriously.”

Gies-san was still unable to hide his surprise. He muttered that. And Arata, having moved his right foot, extended his right hand while replying.

“…You’re strong.”

“I still have a long way to go.”

“Hah! So you’re still saying you’re not there yet?”

The surprised expression Gies-san had earlier was now gone. It was replaced by a cheerful smile as he took Arata’s right hand and stood up. He draped an arm over Arata’s shoulder.

“So, how about it? Want to join us as an adventurer? I’ll recommend you!”

“Sorry, but I have my own goals. And also, I’m not ‘you’, I’m Arata.”

“Eh, it’s basically the same thing!”

Anata, Arata… Yeah, I guess it’s just one character difference.

(Note: “You” in Japanese is “Anata”. So, you get the gist of it.)

“But well, that’s true! Arata, once you’ve achieved your goal, come back here! And when you do, I won’t lose to you!”

“…I’ll think about it.”

“Good! Please do!”

…….Well, it seems like they’ve hit it off. But what about us? Will we actually be allowed into Osdis?

“The mock battle was Arata-sama’s victory. Rugda-san, what do you think?”

“Huh? Ah, yes, that’s right.”

After Ride-san confirmed again, Rugda-san started to ponder with his arms crossed.

“…Considering Arata-sama’s abilities, it makes sense that he would have a magical beast as his familiar. But, whose familiar is that magical beast?”

“That would be Maki-sama’s… Well, the one standing next to the familiar.”

It seems there were no issues with Haku. But the next issue appears to be with Sunny.

However, another problem arose here.

If they asked me to fight in a mock battle, I didn’t feel like I could win against Gies-san.

While my Magic stats surpasses his, I can’t use magic myself—I’m reliant on magic tools.

My other stats are definitely weaker. And more importantly, my battle experience is lacking. I can already see myself being overwhelmed and losing.

“Hmm… I understand, it’s fine.”

“Thank you.”

…Wait, it’s okay? I don’t have to do anything?

“Arata-sama’s abilities are certain, and he seems capable. And above all, I feel reluctant to expel women and children.”

Women… and children?

“…Oh, you mean me.”

Ah, that’s right, Moriya does look like a child.

“For the others, Irina will explain things to them. So I’ll guide you inside.”

As Rugda-san spoke, he began walking. And we followed behind him. 

During this time, Gies-san continued to engage with Arata. Arata looked a bit uncomfortable, but he didn’t seem to try to force Gies-san off. They were talking enthusiastically.

Until now, Arata hadn’t had someone like Gies-san who approached him so energetically. So maybe he was actually enjoying it.

“…Guess it’s really like those in the light novels, huh?”

…Man, I’d like to enjoy things like that too! I’m definitely going to get stronger, no matter what!

“What’s wrong, Maki-kun?”

“Ah… Well, I was just thinking how envious I am of Arata.”

“Envious of Mitsurugi-kun?”

“I wanted to be like that, doing adventurer stuff and freely enjoying this world, you know?”

It’s not that I hate being an Appraiser. But in a light novel, there could easily be a strong protagonist who’s also an Appraiser! 

On the other hand, my Appraisal skill might be like a cheat, but my actual abilities aren’t all that great.

“Isn’t Mitsurugi-kun traveling freely right now?”

“Is that so? I’m heading to the Rodgrul Kingdom for a reason, you know?”

“But you’re going there because you decided to, right? Doesn’t that mean it’s just like being free?”

………..Now that you mention it, maybe that’s true.

“I’ve been stuck in one place, went into the Forest of Demons, got betrayed… I’ve been tied up to all sorts of things, so I envy all of you.”

“Ah… Sorry.”

Hearing Moriya say that, I instinctively apologized.

However, Moriya just smiled and didn’t seem angry at all.

“Don’t apologize. Thanks to all of you, I was finally able to become free. And more importantly, I chose to be here with you all.”

“………..So it’s something you can do because you’re free?”

“That’s right.”

…Yeah, you’re right. I see that now.

Instead of envying someone else, it’s important for me to fully enjoy the present and commit to the path I’ve chosen.

“I said something good, didn’t I?”

“……………..It would have been better if you hadn’t said that last part.”

“Haha! Well, it’s fine, right?”

As we were talking, we arrived in front of the gate to Osdis. And with Rugda-san’s permission, we stepped inside.