My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's (暗殺者である俺のステータスが勇者よりも明らかに強いのだが)

It was the king's personal assassins, the Night Ravens.

The king hired that squad from Gram.

So Saran would still be alive if it weren't for Gram.

That's perfect. You're after the same person I requested a hit on.

I have a job request for the assassin Akira Oda.

The target is my sister's killer, Gram Cluster.

I had a feeling that was the case.

So you had a hunch but didn't care to confirm it?

Take back your request.

Why? He can just turn it down.

That said,

I will only guide you through the demon realm if my request is fulfilled.

I'm also willing to waive the fee for crafting and servicing your weapons.

You can even keep the Guiding Ring I lent you.

And you don't have to repay me for saving your lives in the labyrinth.

That's enough!

Akira?

Sorry to make you worry.

But this is my decision to make.

Still...

If what Crow just said is true, Commander Saran's death is on Gram's head too.

Plus, he's now coming for you.

Killing him off would be the smart choice.

MY STATUS AS AN ASSASSIN OBVIOUSLY EXCEEDS THE HERO'S

Allow me to reiterate.

I did not fabricate what I said about the squad the king hired from Gram.

That doesn't matter.

Amelia.

Just hear me out.

Do you remember how I said Gram has powerful private guards at all times?

I do.

He has drugs to thank for that.

I suppose you could call them boosters.

They forcibly buff one's combat skills to be on par with those of demons,

while simultaneously taking away their ego.

He can mass-produce an obedient and all-powerful personal army at will.

I thought it was strange someone took the commander out, even in an ambush.

Not even Saran could hold off boosted soldiers with numbers on their side.

Gram needs to be dealt with before this becomes an even bigger problem.

As you're aware, he's involved in trafficking.

His clients? Demons.

In return, he gets materials that can only be found in the demon realm.

Materials he needs to produce even more boosted troops.

So the sooner he's killed, the better.

Akira?

Whatever you decide, there will be pain.

Because you and I... We cannot avert our eyes from reality.

Did you get any sleep?

A little.

Who's there?

It's me, Lia.

Come in.

Sir Akira, Lady Amelia, I'm truly sorry for yesterday!

You did nothing wrong.

Yeah.

No...

I mean, I did get annoyed at the king.

I'm sorry I couldn't stop him from asking you to do his dirty work for him.

What, did he ask you to assassinate Gram?

Yes, but I turned him down.

The crown will lose all face if Gram's misdeeds come to light.

But if they try to kill him and fail, Gram will have the upper hand.

Hence why the king wants a disposable pawn to do it.

It's utterly unacceptable.

He even insulted Lady Amelia.

What did he say?

I forgot.

I don't think this will make up for it, but let me show you around town again!

Why not let her? She isn't going to back down.

Yeah, you've got a point.

Would you do that for us, Lia?

Thank you! Let's be off, then!

Would you like to join us as well, Sir Crow?

Uruk has historically been a tourism hot spot. There's so much to see.

To start us off, I'll take you to the art museum.

After lunch,

we can enjoy some shopping down the main avenue.

And tonight, we'll see a play at the theater!

What's for lunch, you think?

I think we can expect good things. She seems pumped.

Thank you for backing me up earlier.

I didn't want to see you standing there with your head bowed for hours.

That's really why I did it.

It made me happy all the same.

I get it now.

Lia, one moment.

Yes? What is it?

Why don't we split up for a while?

I'll go with Akira, and you can take Crow.

Um, did I perhaps do something to upset you?

Not at all. I just want some alone time with Akira.

They must have things they want to discuss privately.

We can still make the play together if we meet at the central fountain plaza after sunset.

You're right.

Is that acceptable?

Thanks a bunch. We'll see you later.

Please wait, Sir Crow!

Why'd you do that?

Haven't you noticed?

Lia likes Crow.

I mean she loves him, of course.

That's a problematic age gap. I heard Crow was her godfather, too.

Beastfolk don't visibly age, so it's normal for couples to be far apart in age.

You're saying you did this for them?

Yep. Also, Crow wasn't wrong.

I want to talk to you in private.

You don't need to accept Crow's request.

We can go to the demon realm without him. I'm sure we'll figure it out.

Money won't be a problem either.

Latty said something to me.

All people, even villains, have their own stories.

And no one gets to end that for them.

Don't you feel the same way?

I thought you'd soon lose interest. You're still coming with me?

I don't really have anywhere to go.

I just didn't want to be around Dad anymore.

I'd heard that you two didn't get along.

Not even the king of demons gets to break the laws of this world.

Of course we don't see eye to eye.

Huh? What do you mean by that, Lady Latticenail?

Bad kitty-cat! Call me Latty, not Latticenail.

That's easier said than done.

Hey, I came up with the nickname myself.

It's short and sweet, not to mention totally charming!

Huh? What's that establishment doing there?

It's a small inn.

Adventurers and merchants use it when traveling between cities.

The ground floor is probably a tavern.

Look at all those horses.

When traveling by carriage in a hurry,

you can swap them out midway to save time.

That's why they're here.

Wow. You sure know a lot, Night.

The food's not ready yet. Only the bread. Drinks are good to go, though.

If you want to stay, take the stairs up to the second floor.

Bread's fine by me.

Thanks.

You an adventurer out to make some coin?

Something like that.

I want to hit it big in the capital.

Uruk City? You'd best be careful.

The high-paying jobs the guild master puts up there are crazy dangerous.

Rumors say there are even demons involved.

Not a problem for me.

There are jobs to transport goods to the human nation of Retice.

They pay less, but stick with those.

What's up with that?

Instead of hiring shipping companies, the guild master gets adventurers to do it.

Probably goods he wants to keep quiet.

Oh yeah?

Well? Whaddya make of my information-gathering skills?

Most impressive.

We got some very useful intel about the guild master, Gram.

Had you not concluded the way you did, it would've been flawless.

A woman of the people's gotta leave her autograph at every establishment she visits.

LATTY

That was the most important part.

Wise words from Latticenail there.

If you think so, then turn down Crow's request.