Oran Knight is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Peerless Rita-san
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“Rita-san! Why are you here!?” (Lux)
“I just arrived, and when I visited the Bell Household, I heard you went to the lake to play, so I came here right away. So, what’s the situation?” (Rita)
Prompted by Rita-san, I explained the series of events from being attacked by bandits at the mountain pass.
“What is the basis for being certain they are remnants of those bandits?” (Rita)
“It seems they are demanding the release of their captured comrades. From that situation, we thought so.” (Lux)
The atmosphere started to feel somewhat like a class, so I conveyed it a bit more formally.
“I see. Then, it means there’s little chance they will immediately harm the hostages.” (Rita)
“What do you mean?” (Lux)
“For them, the hostages are an important bargaining chip. If they have a bit of sense, they’ll probably release the servants after securing their own safe escape and money through the release of the captives, and then flee after freeing the daughter of that household. If either side dies, they lose a card for negotiation and only end up at a disadvantage. Of course, this is assuming they’re not desperate fools.” (Rita)
After saying that much, Rita-san called over Sebas-san, who had been observing from a distance, and gave him a few instructions. To summarize, she asked the current negotiator to prolong the situation until dark. If that was not possible, she wanted Sebas-san to take over the negotiations. She also instructed to hand over food or such, to make it seemed like we were somewhat willing to meet their demands.
“Also, in this vacation area, there might be households with hunting rifles. Could you borrow one?” (Rita)
“If so, our household’s villa has one.” (Sebas)
Sebas-san replied.
“Then, give it to him.” (Rita)
Rita-san said, pointing at me.
“Ye… yes. Please go get the hunting rifle.” (Sebas)
Sebas-san instructed another servant.
“Lux, you can shoot even with a gun you’re not used to using, right?” (Rita)
“I think I’ll be fine.” (Lux)
I replied clearly.
“And Hana. If I recall correctly, you were among the top in your class at erasing your presence. I’d like a bit of help.” (Rita)
“Y… yes!” (Hana)
Hana straightened her back, forgetting to add “gozaru.”
“Rita-san, me too!” (Sonia)
Rita shook her head slightly at Sonia, who conveyed that, and placed a hand on her head.
“Sonia, I know very well that you’re working hard, and I appreciate your spirit. However, though it’s harsh to say, knowing your own abilities and choosing not to act is also a form of ‘courage.’ Even if you’re worried, I guarantee that in three years, you will become an excellent scout.” (Rita)
“…I understand.” (Sonia)
Sonia replied with a slightly frustrated expression but didn’t ask to accompany any further.
“Then Hana, I want you to take on the role of messenger. Lux, wait at this spot for Hana to return. Everyone else, promise not to move on your own. Got it?” (Rita)
“Yes.” (Heinz/Maria)
Heinz and Maria responded.
“Rita-san, be careful.” (Noris)
Noris said.
“Let’s finish this quickly and have dinner. Actually, I haven’t had lunch yet.” (Rita)
She smiled and then disappeared into the mountain slope.
—
After a while, when the servant brought the hunting rifle, I received it and tried to take aim. The scope was decent. Of course, I couldn’t test fire it.
Suddenly, I noticed Sonia, who was watching the annex where the remnants were holed up.
“Um… Sonia.” (Lux)
“Lux. Don’t say anything. I’m fine, and I understand that Rita-san is right.” (Sonia)
Then, after a brief pause, she added.
“Before I graduate, I’ll make sure Rita-san acknowledges me… I’ll do my best.” (Sonia)
“Yeah. I’ll support you.” (Lux)
I also looked toward the annex.
The sun was setting.
—
The sun set, and lights came on in each villa. A light also appeared in the room where the remnants were barricaded.
“Is there still no word from Rita-sama?” (Sebas)
Sebas-san anxiously looked in the direction where Rita-san had disappeared. The bandits had been provided with food, and we told them we were currently processing the release of their comrades, so for the moment, the situation was stable, but it could explode at any time.
That tense atmosphere continued for a while. Just as Sebas-san was about to say something again, there was a rustling sound, and a figure emerged from the darkness. It was Hana.
“Sorry! I got delayed because I’m not used to this area. Lux, I have a message from Rita-san. ‘When you see a brief flash of light, aim at the light in the annex where they’re holed up.’ That’s all!” (Hana)
Hana pointed toward the area where Rita-san was hiding. I nodded silently and readied the hunting rifle.
Soon after, a small light briefly flashed in the area Hana had indicated. I aimed the gun and looked through the scope. Exhaling, I stilled the movement of my lungs.
*Bang*
A light, higher-pitched sound than my beloved Counter echoed across the lake.
The light in the annex went out.
—
After that, everything happened in an instant. For just a moment, angry shouts came from the annex, then it quickly became quiet.
Silence.
Silence.
Silence.
And then…
From the lakeshore, where the family of the hostages and the onlookers were watching the situation with bated breath, Rita-san appeared with the two hostages, and a cheer erupted.
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