Let This Grieving Soul Retire (嘆きの亡霊は引退したい)

Is that a flying carpet?

I heard you got it from His Majesty, but are you sure he didn't scam you?

No, it can actually fly.

Looks like it doesn't want to fly you, though.

Not bad, flying carpet.

Or rather...

From now on, I will address you as the rebellious rug, Carpy!

They must not be spoken.

They are the posthumous names of those who were cursed.

They must not be forgotten.

It's a sign that they will eventually be regarded as the most ominous.

"Carpy, the flying carpet."

This is the heroic tale of Krai Andrey,

the leader of the invincible party,

who fascinated both gods and demons

in a mundane tale overflowing with love and peace.

Or so it was supposed to be.

By the way, Leader.

Maybe you should start getting ready for your assignment?

Huh? Assignment?

Have you chosen who's accompanying you to protect His Majesty?

In order to keep things balanced with the Knight's Order,

there's a limit of five people.

Huh?

Ah, right, yup.

If that's the case, then maybe all the Grievers besides Eliza and myself could go.

Stop joking around.

His Majesty personally requested you for this job.

That wasn't supposed to be a joke...

- By the way— - By the way, Ark will be away for some time.

I thought as much.

Five of us, including me...

If I picked from my party, someone would have to sit it out.

Well, then...

Let us assemble...

the dream team.

Hm. That was a masterfully composed spell, Art.

Thank you. It's all about the algorithm.

EPISODE 21 I'D RATHER SKIP THE ESCORT QUEST "I'd Rather Skip the Escort Quest."

EPISODE 21 I'D RATHER SKIP THE ESCORT QUEST

LET THIS GRIEVING SOUL RETIRE

Stop screwing around!

We're talking about guarding His Majesty!

Why did my name even come up?!

You need to consider this carefully!

This request represents an extremely important mission

that will affect the standing of every treasure hunter in Zebrudia.

Failure is not an option.

I understand you're trying to be considerate,

but this is obviously not a job for a retired person like myself.

"Trying to be considerate,"

more like, if I drag you into this, you'll probably take responsibility.

Well then, Kaina, you'll do.

Come with me to guard His Majesty.

What?

M-Me?

Co-Co-Co-Co-Co...

Cock-a-doodle-do?

Come on, now! His Majesty is serious business!

I am giving this serious thought, though... Huh?

Sorry about that.

He's completely frazzled by the weight of this responsibility.

This is a list of high-level hunters.

Use it for reference.

Feel free to wait over there.

Huh? Krai?

Is there anyone good on here?

Ark is out, I can't use my party members,

and Arnold isn't an option.

Kaina, can you get in touch with this Kechakacha...

This Kechachakka person?

Kechacha?

K-Kechakecha?

Kechacha... Chakaka?

Chaka?

I was expecting you, Thousand Tricks.

I'm honored by your request,

but as you well know, the empire placed me under house arrest.

I am banned from leaving the capital.

I had no idea.

Though I guess it stands to reason after she blew up the castle like that.

And I'm still taking care of the aftermath of the battle with Akashic Tower.

Exhausting the fire elemental and lightning elemental we summoned

was your work as well, correct?

I'm sorry?

No need to play dumb.

Thanks to you, the capital avoided any serious damage.

I don't know how you did it, but you have my thanks.

I really don't know what she's talking about, but whatever.

If the fire granny can't do it, though...

- Master. - Hmm?

This is a very important mission.

Why don't you recommend another mage from Hidden Curse?

That would be a great help, Arty!

Um, Krai...

That's a nickname only Mary uses...

Everyone else calls her Art.

Oh, really?

Not a bad idea,

and while I don't mind leaving it to you for suggesting it,

there's no room for error when it comes to protecting His Majesty.

You called, Rosemary?

Let me introduce my vice clan master.

Telm Apoclys, "Counter Cascade." He's level 7.

I take it you have no objections?

Kechachakka and Telm, huh?

I know I kinda rushed the decision,

but guard duty with two people I don't know makes me want to puke.

I gotta make sure the other three aren't complete strangers.

Hello there, puny human.

You seem to be in good health, as usual.

Lapis, Kris.

I heard you caused quite the uproar at His Majesty's palace, honestly.

You must have some unholy luck, getting out of there unscathed, honestly.

What?

Is this some kind of joke, puny human?!

Why the hell do I have to protect His Majesty?!

Kris, manners.

Please! Thank you!

You see, I'm still looking for teammates.

You'd work too, Lapis.

You handle it, Kris.

What, honestly?

No harm in helping Lucia's older brother.

Just a m-m-m-minute!

Honestly... honestly...

Lapis?

A mission befitting us Nobles.

Don't say you're incapable.

You heard her, puny human.

Lapis has ordered me to go with you, honestly!

You better be grateful, honestly!

So now I've got three people...

Room for two more.

Maybe I should add Carpy the rebellious rug to the team...

I guess I can't do that.

If only I had some more candidates.

There's one right here.

Oh, Sitri.

Sorry, though.

If I put in someone from our party,

it'd mean excluding the others.

I know that.

It wouldn't be fair if I were the only one having a good time.

Which is why...

Meet Sir Killigan Version Alpha.

He's a friend I made recently.

Quite the unusual friend you've got there.

I prepared a controller as well.

He's an independently thinking model,

so he'll still move and act when left to his own devices.

Then what's the controller for?

Sure. Just push this button to start him up.

He's incapable of betraying you, so be sure to take him along.

You can also just throw him away once you're done.

Well, if you insist.

Thank you.

So now we've got four.

I just need to pick one more.

Aren't you the fifth person?

I completely forgot!

What is the meaning of this?

You didn't bring anyone from your own party.

Counter Cascade and the mage from Starlight are one thing,

but I've never heard of this Kechachakka.

And this Sir Killigan Version Alpha...

What does that even refer to?!

Not to mention, there are three mages!

Why did you choose this lineup?

Please calm down.

This was the best team I could come up with.

Very well.

But are they all trustworthy?

None of them secretly work for the Fox?

Of course they're trustworthy. I guarantee it.

That fox phantom was so utterly indifferent that even I could sense it.

I'd definitely notice an infiltrator.

There's no way Telm and the others are foxes.

I mean, they're so very clearly human!

How long are you going to keep flapping your gums, honestly?

Now that I'm involved,

there's no way anything could possibly go wrong!

Honestly.

We're talking about His Majesty's protection detail.

No amount of precaution is too much.

Make no mistake, honestly.

As a Noble, I don't give a damn about any human, emperor or not, honestly.

I'm only here on orders from Lapis!

Honestly!

Now, now, Kris. Let's simmer down.

– Now, now, Kris. Let's simmer down. – Hmph!

I plan on leaving her in charge of keeping the carpet charged.

Don't get full of yourself, puny human!

I could handle this entire protection mission on my own, honestly!

So, I don't have to go?

Cut it out already, honestly!

You think you can make me do your work while you sit around, honestly?!

If you really are a level 8, you should act accordingly!

– If you really are a level 8, you should act accordingly! – There, there, let me get you some tea.

This is a perfect lineup that I'm sure even His Majesty would be satisfied with.