A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation (穏やか貴族の休暇のすすめ。)

Episode 11

"Welcome to the Party"

Ah, Mr. Lizel.

I never thought you'd ask to see me.

Forgive me. I know you're busy.

It's fine. I'm always glad to see you.

By the way, I see a new face.

It's related to the matter at hand.

If he offends you, I can have him wait outside.

If he's your friend, he's welcome.

Now then, I'd love to enjoy a leisurely chat,

but why don't we get business out of the way first?

I believe you have some questions for me.

I'd like to ask what you know about the Forky Gang.

Too formal.

My apologies.

If you know something about them, please tell me.

I wish I could, but I can't simply reveal

what we've learned through our investigation.

What shall I do, then?

Perhaps you'd accept this.

Marvelous! This is a strategy guide for the Crystal Ruins.

I genuinely respect your choice.

I'm glad you like it.

This is a bribe.

It's merely a gift.

I'll even throw in the scale of the subterranean dragon we defeated

in the hidden room we found through that book.

From the bottom of my heart, I love you!

I can hardly say no after receiving these lavish gifts.

We've discovered some information on the Forky Gang,

but they're secretive about their higher-ups. It's a nuisance.

Higher-ups?

Perhaps you'd call them original members.

In other words, those involved in the formation of the gang.

The elite members.

Exactly.

They're a large gang, but honestly, they're the only threats.

Aside from that, they're just rabble until someone needs them.

At least, that's what I believe.

Right on the money.

What do you know about their boss?

According to rumors, he's a redhead.

Is his red hair this beautiful?

I don't know the exact shade.

Do you know who he might be?

Actually, you could say I've found him.

You never disappoint, Mr. Lizel.

So, who is he?

Do you recall the commotion at the merchant's guild the other day?

Yes, the staff scandal.

I heard he was arrested. Where is he now?

He's being held here.

We're planning to discuss his punishment with the merchant's guild.

If he's in police custody, then we can rest easy.

Have you gone to see him in person?

His hair is a rather bright reddish brown.

What about the adventurers he was working with?

The adventurer's guild handed them over to us last night.

They're members of the Forky Gang.

That hasn't been reported to me yet.

I thought I recognized them, and I just recalled where.

I saw them when I was attacked by men claiming to belong to the Forky Gang.

He's telling lies to make the story fit.

Nobles operate according to their own rules.

When were you attacked?

I was attacked once on my way back from Marcade.

We fended them off, though.

They've snuck into the adventurers' cells

and re-educated them by now.

The guild staff is the boss, right?

Right.

Repeat after me. We are the Forky Gang.

We are the Forky Gang.

I see. Then we should keep that staff member in our custody.

But now I don't know what to do with the rest of the gang.

I'd like to strike preemptively and arrest them while they've lost their leadership.

Then you'll need him now.

He's one of the founding members of the Forky Gang you mentioned.

Hello!

I only care about this guy now, so the bandit gang is just a hindrance.

He even knows where their bases are.

He seems like a rather nasty fellow.

Honestly, I'd rather not mess with them if they're all like him.

Then I'll round them all up.

I have something to discuss regarding that.

I know. You want me to consider extenuating circumstances for him.

You see right through me.

Is this why your gifts were so lavish this time?

Did you think I'd say no to you?

Thank you.

Making an enemy of Mr. Lizel would hurt me more than antagonizing the bandits.

Let me ask you this.

Have I met your expectations?

So much that I'd say I love you from the bottom of my heart.

What an absolute honor.

You're merciless when others harm those close to you.

It's retribution. People should behave themselves.

You haven't said anything to the staff member, have you?

No, but I doubt it'll be a problem.

Want me to handle it?

No, let's let the viscount handle it.

I don't want you owing any favors because of me.

He won't see it that way.

Taking credit for arresting the bandits will satisfy him.

Now there are no problems standing in our way.

Welcome to the party, Eleven.

Looking forward to it, leader!

Shut up.

Ow!

Congrats to me on joining the party!

Is it too late to reconsider?

I wouldn't have invited him in the first place if I would.

That's my leader.

What? Who is whose what?

I dare you to say that again.

I said this person is my leader.

Know your place, you impudent stray dog.

I'm not scared of a pet dog who's had his fangs removed.

Rein it in.

You're free to fight, but try not to bother others.

I won't force you to be friends, but do try to reconcile.

Okay!

Very well.

Stop picking fights on purpose.

My blades aren't durable, you know. Be more careful with them.

You're normally so calm. This is unusual for you.

My apologies for the trouble.

It's no trouble at all.

Nobody gets along with everyone.

I'd rather have that, too.

Shut up.

I'm gonna go bother them.

You specifically have a problem with Eleven, don't you?

Yes.

You don't mind someone joining my party?

The more people to protect you, the better,

and I don't intend to object to your decisions.

Let's get him registered with your party.

Thank you.

Oh, Mr. Lizel.

Welcome to...

Hello.

I let him join our party.

Are you still upset about it?

Not that I'd leave him even if you were.

What? Oh...

These two will get along just fine.

This guy can be merciless sometimes.

Hey.

But, I mean...

You're just meeting our newest member. Hold your head high.

I-I can't!

But...

If that's Mr. Lizel's decision, I won't oppose it.

Then I look forward to seeing more of you.

Huh? Oh, um, sure.

You seem really scared of me for some reason.

What's that about? Do you know?

Know what?

Good, they're friends now.

Anyway, Judge, about our visit today...

Y-Yes?

I'm looking for a blade for him.

Just a blade?

Yes. I'm planning to have some equipment made for him after this.

Oh, really?

Gil said an adventurer prepares as much as they can.

Huh.

He's actually teaching him something.

I don't remember that.

In that case, what kind of blade are you looking for?

I don't know much about blades.

Whatever's easy for him to use.

I'd rather not compromise on that.

First, sharpness matters most.

I prefer a thin blade, too.

Oh, but nothing damaged.

With an arc like this and a grip this heavy.

Nothing ugly.

Not too flashy either.

But it should have some ornamentation.

Also, something matte would be perfect.

Got anything like that?

It'd be quicker to have something made.