56. Just a Fight

Immediately after Saura-san vanished, a cheerful voice echoed from Gil-san’s little shadow bird.

『Well hello! Your idol, Sauradite, has arrived!』

It was probably… too cheerful for the situation… but what if Saura-san was actually afraid? What if she was deliberately acting cheerful to hide it, so no one would notice? I felt Saura-san’s strength. …Though she could just be that kind of person!

『Whoa, Saura! What are you doing here!?』

『You’re that halfling from Ortus! Whoa, I’ve never seen one before! They actually exist, you’re so small! How did you even get here?』

Juma-kun’s reaction was understandable. But Epink-san, you’re easily flustered, aren’t you…?

『My, my, what a chatty Kangaro. You must not be very popular with the ladies.』

『Shut up! I don’t care about being popular!』

He hit a nerve. Maybe this guy… is an idiot?

『Anyway, that’s not important. I heard what happened. We have a client, you know?』

What is she talking about!? Saura-san declared this, ignoring Epink’s indignant outburst. Eh, a client? I was curious too.

『Don’t be ridiculous!』

『It’s true. That elf child is a dear friend of mine. And a provisional member of Ortus.』

A friend… She thinks of me that way! I love Saura-san!

『I’m the client. I’ve requested that you investigate and resolve the mystery behind her past so she can live peacefully with us.』

『Wh-What the heck is that!?』

『There shouldn’t be any problem, right? There’s no rule against guild members requesting investigations on other members. Am I right?』

Epink seemed to be groaning in frustration at Saura-san’s explanation. He muttered, “But, but…” and then trailed off.

『And this is an official request for Ortus. I’ve already filled out the necessary paperwork. Understand? What you’re trying to do, Epink, is a violation of the World Guild Federation’s regulations. So if you understand, you’ll do as I say.』

A World Guild Federation… so something like that existed. It was a given, I guess, since there were so many guilds and even rankings. But Saura-san was so cool.

『…Tch. Fine. But you know, I’m not quite satisfied. I’m in the mood to… let off some steam.』

Epink said this sullenly, not even trying to hide his irritation. “Let off some steam,” what are you, a child?

『Why don’t we play a little game? It’s not a conflict between guilds, it’s just some… friendly rivalry.』

『…I dislike meaningless fights.』

Even though I could only hear his voice, I could practically see Epink’s mischievous grin. He was clearly trying to pick a fight… Will Saura-san be okay?

『And this has nothing to do with any of us, but… you know, unsavory individuals exist everywhere, right? …And they’d do anything for a commodity this… valuable. Just something to keep in mind.』

『…Thank you for the advice.』

“…He’s up to something.”

“You think so too, Gilnandio? That was a blatant provocation.”

Apparently, Nemo members were notorious for exploiting loopholes and doing anything they could get away with. I think Reki had mentioned it too. Whoa, this wasn’t the time to be careless, was it? I needed to be extra cautious. Not that being careful would do much, but at least I’d be mentally prepared!

『You bastard, you’re saying whatever you like!』

『Oh? Are you going to try and fight me, Oni? You know fighting between guilds is prohibited. And Ortus can’t pick a fight with me, can they?』

Ah, Juma-kun’s pissed. I understood how he felt! But he was the one who tried to pick a fight first. I’m angry too!

『Hah! Fight? This isn’t a fight. It’s just a little… playful banter. Right? Come on, let’s play! Pouched Rat!』

『…You bastard, Oni! Don’t call me that!!』

Juma-kun was also a hothead, it seemed. Or maybe it was because he was an oni, a race known for their fighting spirit. Now that I thought about it, maybe it was time to confirm something.

“Um, Juma-nii-cha… are you… an oni-shan?”

“Hmm, didn’t you know, Meg-chan? Yes, Juma is a Heaven Soaring Oni, an oni who can soar through the skies. They’re a rare breed.”

Heaven Soaring Oni. It sounded cool. To be able to fly… that’s even more amazing. And as expected, oni were a hot-headed race. But apparently, Juma-kun was relatively optimistic, even mellow for an oni. He emphasized the “for an oni” part, so I figured he was still quite aggressive by normal standards. Just how violent were oni?

『Haa… so we’re fighting after all?』

『What? Are you going to fight me too? You, a halfling?』

Epink said this mockingly to Saura-san, who’d let out a sigh. As if to say, “What can a halfling even do?” Don’t make fun of Saura-san! I was fuming, when Gil-san and Kei-san patted me on the head. Why?

『Oh my, did I offend you? Because I’m actually quite angry. Someone targeted my precious friend.』

『Hyahahaha! What can a fragile halfling even do on the frontlines? You’re angry? Ooh, how scary!』

Ugh, he was totally mocking her. This guy was infuriating! I was seething, “Gunu, gunu,” when I was patted on the head again. Again, why?

“…What an idiot.”

“I know, right? To anger Sauradite. He’s about to be scarred for life.”

Their tone was almost… sympathetic towards Epink, as if to say, “Good grief.” A chill ran down my spine. I felt like I’d just heard something I shouldn’t have. Saura-san, just what are you planning…?

『It’s true that halflings are weak. We have long lifespans and can use magic, but we can be killed by a simple tackle, weaker than humans, even. But I have my comrades. I believe that they’ll protect me, and I’m proud to be protected by them!』

Kyaa! Saura-san is so cool! You can’t say something like that without being confident in yourself! I couldn’t help but get excited. And I was patted on the head again, with both of them smiling warmly. Why!?

『So, Juma! 』

『Yeah?』

『Protect me with your life! Don’t let him lay a finger on me!』

『Uhaha! Roger that! Your wish is my command!』

Saura-san’s words were so inspiring! She was an advocate for all petite girls! And I was curious about her fighting style. Just how did she fight? It didn’t seem like she was good with close combat, judging from what she’d said. Maybe long-range magic attacks? As I was thinking this, the atmosphere turned tense, as if a battle was about to begin.

『Hah! A halfling is no fun at all! But I’m bored, and this is a good way to let off some steam! I’ll be your opponent, you fragile halfling!』

『Fragile, you say? I have my own way of fighting! Enjoy your battle with a halfling!』

And so began a fight disguised as friendly rivalry, spurred by hurt pride. …It’ll end with just a fight, right?