My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's

For now, we handed the captured boss over to the Elf race. When the elves questioned him after we left, he didn’t say a thing.

No, he probably didn’t know anything. He only looked like a boss — his swordsmanship was sloppy — and I don’t know exactly what rank “blue-class” is, but the thefts were too poorly planned for a real brigand.

We split the elf squad in two. One group guided and escorted the returned hostages back; the other escorted us as we pushed deeper into the forest.

Maybe because of what happened earlier, elf knights flanked us so tightly there were no gaps in any direction, so all we had to do was walk. Amelia, tired, rode on top of the giant Night.

“Akira, are you really sure? If that thief was wanted by the guild, we could’ve gotten a reward.”

I nudged Amelia’s pouting face. She probably wanted to spend any reward on something delicious.

“We managed to get the kidnapped people back. That’s good enough. Besides, there’s a saying: He who chases two hares catches neither. The kings will handle the rest.”

“Chasing two hares?”

“What’s that?”

I explained the meaning to Amelia and Night, who tilted their heads.

“I see. The people of your world use amusing expressions, master.”

Night and Amelia folded their arms and nodded as if impressed. Their gestures were oddly like an old man’s, which made me smile a little.

“Now, we’ve arrived!”

William, who had been walking in front, called out and we came to a stop. The trees obscured our view, but a large ship was moored at a little-used pier.

Amelia and Night were absorbed by the blue sea spread out before them.

“Lord Akira, that ship is the ‘Ran’, which regularly travels between the Elf territory and the Beastmen territory. You’ll be taking it this time.”

William handed me a letter bearing the crest of the elf royal family. The king had given it to be used in Uruk, the Beastmen territory’s only port town. How dashing. The king probably thinks this repays a debt to me, but too bad — I’m the one who freed the hostages. I’m glad my kin are returning, but I’m a little annoyed I can’t enjoy the king’s frustration at owing me.

“This is as far as we go. Lord Akira, Lord Yoru, it’s probably inappropriate for us as a nation to say this to those who aren’t of the Elf race. But as William the individual, I beg you!”

William’s face contorted as if suppressing tears.

“Earlier, when Lord Akira and Lord Yoru were talking, I’m ashamed to say I secretly listened with wind magic. You mentioned seeing Uruk’s crest on the kidnappers. On that basis, please — my beloved wife and daughter! Bring them home, I beg you!!”

“Me too!”

“Please!”

The elves bowed deeply.

The Elf race generally doesn’t mingle with other races and has great pride. Lowering themselves to beg was tantamount to torture for them. Even knowing I’m strong, the elves were asking people from the Human race — who are far inferior in many ways though more numerous — for help. Their resolve was written plainly on their faces.

“Eavesdropping isn’t a nice hobby. …Sorry, but I left my sick mother and sister back home. We’re in a hurry.”

“Akira!!”

“But if what you call kin exists on my path, I might take them in.”

I said something I certainly wouldn’t have while still in the castle. I thought Amelia had changed a lot since we met, and apparently so had I.

The elves visibly brightened.

“Lord Akira, thank you!”

“Take care, Lady Amelia!”

“Please look after your health!!”

As we boarded the ship, the elves shouted those things. I moved to the center of the deck to hide and let Amelia handle things.

“Everyone, be careful.”

“Yes!!”

The ship set sail. Night, shrunk small, sat on my shoulder and reveled in the sea breeze.

“This feels nice, master.”

“Yeah.”

But I don’t much like the tacky feeling of sea breeze. I’ll have to wash Night thoroughly today.

“Akira, I need to talk a bit.”

“...Amelia.”

Amelia stood before me with no expression. I had a rough idea what she wanted to say.