“Why is that?”
Once again, during the time I was receiving information from Lindy for the next objective, I suddenly noticed an underling coming in and Lindy whispering to them, visible beyond the crystal ball.
Knowing that Lindy doesn’t let anyone into the room when communicating with me, unless it’s an extremely trusted employee, I asked her with concern.
After confirming the subordinate who made the report had left the room upon her orders, Lindy finally turned back to me and spoke.
“Um… Well, you see, there’s someone lately who keeps trying to gather information on our Alicia, so…”
“Our Alicia?”
I corrected Lindy who subtly referred to her as “our Alicia.” While it is a title friends can call each other, Lindy, a perverted lesbian, surely didn’t mean it that way.
“Oh, quit it. Isn’t it about time you started accepting my feelings?”
“Our relationship, what relationship?”
“Isn’t it the hardworking Alicia out there and me, working hard to support you from within?”
“…Let’s stop the jokes there. What do you mean by gathering information on me?”
“But it’s not a joke! Well, if Alicia wishes, we could let it slide. But there have actually been quite a few people who wanted information on Alicia. This has been going on for quite a while.”
“Is that so? This is the first I’m hearing of it.”
Contrary to Lindy’s claim that this had been happening for a long time, to me, who’s the actual party involved, this was the first I was hearing about it. It turns out Lindy had known for quite a while.
“Of course it’s the first you’re hearing of it! Considering all the efforts I’ve made for Alicia, do you have any idea how much effort I’ve put into altering the information to keep it from reaching Alicia’s ears?”
Yet, it turns out Lindy, who had the ability to inform me, had kept it secret instead. It’s no surprise that I didn’t know, given that my sole source of information was blocking my ears and eyes.
Of course, I could have gotten information through the Emperor, but due to my lingering commoner nature, it’s way too burdensome to just go asking for things. My communication with the Emperor is limited to rare occasions when they request it or when I submit reports about my own activities.
“So, why are you telling me all this now, after hiding it for so many years?”
Given that Lindy, who had kept this secret for several years, was now laying it all out, I suspected something really serious had happened. Perhaps the person who’s been gathering information on me is in league with demons, or maybe it’s someone so powerful, or from a noble family, that I wouldn’t dare to move against them easily. It’s possible the demons themselves had commissioned this.
It seemed to be serious business as Lindy leaned closer to the crystal ball, lowered her voice, and began speaking softly, even though her subordinate had already left, and the room was empty. She even looked around to ensure no one else was listening.
Following Lindy’s lead, I unknowingly leaned closer to the crystal ball too.
“Well…?”
“Yeah. Well, what?”
Speaking in a whisper, Lindy covered her mouth with one hand and continued softly. Her demeanor caused me to unconsciously tense up and swallow hard, trying not to miss a word she said.
“Well… Because if Alicia found out how hard I’ve been working behind the scenes without her knowing, wouldn’t she fall for me?”
“…You’ve been hiding all this just for that reason?”
“For that reason? It shows just how serious I am about Alicia! Anyway, a new rival has cropped up, so I feel it’s time to start stepping things up.”
“Rival?”
“Ugh… It’s bad enough dealing with Luna, but now there’s one more…”
Lindy clutched her head, muttering to herself. The new rival likely referred to Presia. However, it’s ridiculous to think Lindy’s assumption that all women are lesbians like her, including Luna and Presia, is correct. The idea that being a lesbian is the norm is Lindy’s delusion; after all, they are in the minority.
Of course, I don’t know the preferences of Luna or Presia in full detail. But the probability that they’re also lesbians like Lindy? It’s laughable even to consider. Might as well assume Celian and the other friends are all lesbians too, right?
I’m more concerned that Lindy might extend her reach to the boss and beyond after targeting Luna.
“Stop spreading nonsense and keep your hands off the boss.”
“Are you calling me a pervert who messes with just anyone? I do know better!”
“Yet when we first met, you didn’t act that way. You shoved an elf’s ear, a known erogenous zone, in my face as if I didn’t know, and even asked me to touch your butt…”
“T-T-that’s because Alicia was too…!”
Lindy began to say something but stopped, unable to justify that part of her behavior.
“So, who are the people gathering information on me?”
We were getting nowhere with this idle chatter, so I redirected the conversation to the main point. Warn her and tease her enough is enough.
“…It’s pretty hard to specify who, since there are so many people trying to hide their identities.”
“Are there really that many?”
“Alicia? Taking a close look, wouldn’t you say that’s kind of expected?”
“That’s true. I’ve killed a lot of demons, and quite a number of high-ranking nobles too, so there are bound to be a lot of grudges.”
“Are you really this clueless? You’re not pretending to be ignorant when you actually know everything, right? Just say so! Please!”
“What are you talking about? Stop with the cryptic nonsense and give me the next target already. I’ve delayed a day rescuing Luna, so we need to move more quickly.”
Ignoring Lindy’s shouting, I asked for the next target. I feel bad burdening Presia needlessly, but because of her joining us, we’re capable of doing much more.
The true value of a mage isn’t just about the increased firepower but also about the vast tactical options available now. Additionally, the worry of Presia getting left behind is minimal if she has to act apart from us.
When I think about the powers of the bear and Tokki who caught me and Luna last time, just the two of them would be enough to protect Presia.
“…I guarantee, Alicia is bound to face consequences someday.”
You, frighteningly making people anxious with such ominous words.
Of course, unlike the perverted Lindy, I’m the most aboveboard person in the world, so what consequences would I possibly face? Still, despite knowing I’m in the right, it’s inevitable to feel a bit uneasy.
*
After Lindy informed me of the next destination, I returned to our inn. Our conversation lasted longer than expected, and by the time I got back, it was past midnight.
The inn we’re staying at is not soundproof, so in consideration of the other guests, I walked in quietly and carefully opened the door to enter.
Apparently, waiting had tired them out, and Luna and Presia were already sleeping side by side on the bed.
Using the large plush toy Tokki as a pillow, they slept peacefully side by side, a sight that made anyone smile.
Of course, someone like the lesbian Lindy might interpret it differently, but there’s surely no way two people as pure as them would be lesbians like Lindy. Anyway, Lindy is a decent elf, but she ends up ruining her image each time she shows her annoying side.
Tokki, the plush toy, greeted me by flicking one of its ears as it lay squished between the two sleeping girls. Meanwhile, Bear, seemingly smarter, had escaped from where the girls were lying and sat in a corner of the empty bed in his small form, welcoming me.
Seeing no need to wake the sleepers, I quietly approached Bear’s bed. It felt a bit guilty to use the bed all to myself, but with both girls’ small sizes, the bed they shared wasn’t overcrowded either.
Finding excuses for my own selfishness, I closed my eyes early to prepare for the intense days ahead.
And the next morning. Certainly intending to sleep alone in the spacious bed with just Bear, I awoke feeling cramped, only to find Luna and Presia hugging me from both sides, Bear sitting on my stomach, and Tokki laying sprawled out over me.
Glancing to the side, the other bed was completely empty.
…Huh? Why are we all here when there’s a perfectly good bed over there?
Nevertheless, despite the confinement, since everyone was still asleep, it was impossible to extract myself even for me. So I ended up being stuck awake for quite some time.
