My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's

"Lady Amelia, would you like some water?"

"Lady Amelia, how are you feeling…?"

"Lady Amelia, …"

"Lady Amelia…"

"Amelia…"

"Arrrghhhh! Shut up! Scatter!!!"

I waved away the crowd of Elf race men gathered around Amelia with my hand. Then I raised my face to the heavens, wondering how it had come to this.

──

"We're leaving today!?"

"That’s… rather sudden."

The king and Kirika widened their eyes at my words.

The king stood up on the spot; the chair crashed down with a loud noise. Paying no mind to the luxurious chair, he grabbed me by the collar. Amelia, don't look at your father like you're about to shoot him… Uncharacteristically, the king ignored Amelia's gaze and shook me roughly. But to me it felt like nothing more than a poke.

"This is too sudden! You children might not understand, but there is an order to things!"

"I know."

I replied casually, and the king was speechless. He clutched his head this time. I felt a little sorry for him. Actually, I knew why he was so upset.

"I understand… but we had planned a full Elf race party since Amelia finally returned."

Right — I knew the king and Kirika had organized a large-scale party for Amelia. I knew, and I deliberately chose to leave immediately. Mostly as a way to annoy the king, who was still reluctant to let Amelia go outside.

"This is a perfect opportunity, right? Go experience what Amelia's life is like."

"M-Me, experience my sister? You don't mean for me to disguise myself as my sister and attend the party, do you?"

"What else is there?"

I frowned at Kirika’s exasperated face as if it were an outrage.

Indeed, Kirika and Amelia were trying to patch things up and let bygones be bygones, but I worried hatred might flare up again at some point. It's not that I don't trust Kirika. Ever since that duel, he's almost a siscon, but the Elf race lives a long time. Mutual understanding is important.

"I see, that's a good suggestion. Kirika may not realize it yet, but the first princess has her hardships. Without using 'Charm' to rule over people, you'll learn more about Amelia by standing above others the hard way."

"E-Even you, Father!"

"I haven't done anything that difficult. It's fine — Kirika can do it."

"Sister…"

Amelia patted his head lightly, and Kirika nodded, looking smitten. No one could ever win against Amelia's smile and head-patting combo. Even I have never beaten those pleading, glistening eyes. It's a mental attack that ignores differences in stats. Defense and counterattack are impossible. The theory that Amelia is invincible rises.

"Very well. I will disguise myself as my sister and attend the party!"

"Do your best, okay?"

"Yes!"

There — it's settled. Even Amelia smiled wryly at Kirika's enthusiasm. She looked happy.

"Are you all headed to the Demon King's Castle?"

"No. For now, I'm going to the Beastmen territory to have my sword serviced."

When I said that, the king frowned a little.

If I recall, the Elf race and Beastmen are on bad terms. Actually, Beastmen don't look down on other races and treat everyone roughly equally, so it's more accurate to say the Elf race dislikes them one-sidedly. The Elf race cares about tradition and pride, while the rough-and-ready Beastmen are naturally incompatible with them.

"Hmm. Then I'll escort you to the very edge of the continent."

"No need."

"Don't be modest."

"No, I just have a bad feeling. I'll pass."

"You're so stubborn."

Good — be stubborn. Even if it's not a land connection, the king offering to escort us all the way to the Beastmen border is suspicious. What is this doting father plotting?

"There are hardly any ships crossing to the Beastmen, and you can't go without royal permission. Well, I won't care what happens to you if you cross the continent without formalities—except for my daughter."

"...Tch."

"By the way, speaking of formalities, how did you enter the Elf territory?"

He remembered even though I thought he had forgotten. I clicked my tongue again. I didn't want to explain the awkward reason we came to Elf territory and have to reveal my identity.