New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (3/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 145

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(POV switch – Mira)

We arrived at the now-familiar Toyota Embassy. We had just been here last Monday, yet every time I visited as a guest, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. Surrounded by familiar staff, I must be careful not to let anything slip. Moreover, this time, we were to receive VIP treatment. They were clearly intent on drawing out as much information as possible. It was a shame they could not rely on alcohol for that purpose. Otherwise, even the ambassador himself would not have attended.

Ordinarily, one intelligence officer would suffice. This only proved that our party’s accomplishments in the dungeon were recognized. It was a matter of pride and also of unease. We came fully armed. That was per Kouta’s instruction the day before, to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. After the recent terrorist attack at the guild, excessive caution could hardly be blamed. I agreed. Though Kouta was not officially Japan’s representative, he had become too well-known. If someone attacked him at the German Embassy, they could drive a wedge of suspicion between both nations.

I shifted my thoughts away from tests and toward today’s negotiation.

“I doubt it will happen, but everyone, stay alert for an ambush.” (Kouta)

So, he was wary of that as well. To my disbelief, several fully armed soldiers were stationed outside the embassy. The ambassador himself, along with embassy staff, came out to greet us. Naturally, I did not recognize every soldier, but I knew the uniforms well enough. Among them stood a woman in sunglasses beside the ambassador, someone unfamiliar. I had not heard of any new security detail being summoned.

As I looked at her suspiciously, Kouta moved. He knocked off the woman’s sunglasses, slammed her to the ground, and pinned her there with his sword. It happened in an instant. I had no idea when he drew his blade or how he brought her down. While pressing his foot on the subdued woman, Kouta drew a spare knife and held off the soldiers. Our comrades, except for Emilia, were all stunned. Only Emilia stood ready, scanning the surroundings.

“Unapproved appraisal is considered an act of hostility. I will execute her on the spot. Do I have your consent?” (Kouta)

“What are you doing? What is the meaning of this? What did he say?” (Ambassador)

“Do not shoot. The ambassador is in the line of fire. Do not provoke the enemy.” (Soldier)

What is happening? Why had Germany and Kouta suddenly entered combat?

Amidst the chaos, I alone felt left behind.

“Kouta, is that the only enemy?” (Emilia)

“I do not know, Emilia. Stay alert.” (Kouta)

Enemy? Who is the enemy here? Kouta mentioned unapproved appraisal. If that was true, then it was indeed an act of hostility.

At that moment, the woman’s eyes glowed yellow, no, golden. She had activated a skill. Those sunglasses were to conceal it.

“Otou-sama, what is the meaning of this?” (Mira)

“I do not know. It seems someone borrowed from the military activated a skill without permission.” (Ambassador)

So, it was not Father’s order. There should be no one here outranking him.

“Mira, I am going to kill her.” (Kouta)

“Wait, Kouta. I wish to extract some information first. Then, you may.” (Mira)

I knelt beside the fallen soldier and began to question her. I made sure to speak loud enough for those around to hear. I also discreetly switched on my hidden camera.

“You have disgraced the honor and trust of our nation. This is a clear act of treason. You shall be treated as an enemy of our homeland. Do you contest this?” (Mira)

The other soldiers looked tense. Perhaps they had not been informed of anything.

Could such negligence truly occur?

“No, I was only following orders. It’s true. I don’t want to die.” (Female Soldier)

Following orders? Someone of authority, then. Otou-sama, perhaps, or rogue elements within the military. Possible, but still unsatisfying.

“So, you admit to performing appraisal?” (Mira)

“That’s…” (Female Soldier)

“If you remain silent, they will make you the scapegoat and have you executed.” (Mira)

“No, please. Why must I suffer like this?” (Female Soldier)

Why, indeed? Because you did this yourself. Still, is our military truly fine employing such a person?

“Who ordered you? Did you verify a written command?” (Mira)

“The written order, no, but the one who ordered me was Chatman. I swear, it was not my decision.” (Female Soldier)

The soldiers lowered their rifles. It seemed they understood the fault lay on their side. Yet they still stood protectively before my father, admirable professionalism.

“That fool.” (Ambassador)

Otou-sama spat those words bitterly. Though he spoke in German and Kouta and the others could not understand, it was unwise to say that in front of the staff.

 

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