Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~

…… What is His Majesty thinking?

　Franz Argman had served Radrick Atrum Zebrudia for a long time as the head of the honorable Zero Knight Order, but he had never been so unsure of his idea as he is right now.

　Originally, he knew that His Majesty Radrick had the temperament of a free-spirited man.
This is the reason why it is so important for Franz to have a good idea of what is going on in his life.
Up until now, he used to think that this was a natural quality of a born leader, and it was only natural for Franz, as a vassal, to obey, but he didn’t want him to say anything that would disrupt the escort schedules.

　I understand that he wants to rely on 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.
That man’s innocence has been proven by the Zebrudia’s treasure, and he has been certified at an incredibly high level such as Level 8.
　It doesn’t seem like he is hiding it from his appearance, but the Mana Material that he absorbed should be extraordinarily higher compared to Franz, who is constantly training.
　But apart from that, his character was terribly untrustworthy.

　Franz is confident in his ability to judge people, but he has never seen anyone as mischievous as Cry Andrich.
Hiding information, having a completely weak attitude and his flirtatious appearance isn’t an attitude that is allowed as an escort to His Majesty the Emperor.
　Compared to Kechakchakka, who was dressed very suspiciously normally, and the Spirit People, who looked down on humans as their natural disposition, they were still far better than him.
After all, they have been useful as escorts, but the only thing 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 did in front of everyone was to turn His Majesty, the Emperor and Her Highness, the Princess into frogs.
This is just outrageous.

　This will have to be seriously reported to the Explorers Association when everything is over.

’
　On the order of the Emperor, Franz had obtained information on 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 achievements before submitting a request to him.
At the time when he received the information, the Branch Manager said a general comment about him that he was 『A bit of a troublemaker』, but it wasn’t just a little.
He has the worst chemistry with escort missions.

　As for his personal feelings, he would like to use the power of his house to crush him, but since His Majesty, who had been turned  into a frog, has pardoned him, he cannot do it.
No, he might have acted in anticipation of the fact that His Majesty would forgive him.

　His resentment was only accumulating.
More than anything, the thing that grind his gear the most was that he made Franz crush the Emperor.
Just thinking about it makes Franz want to kill him.
　The fact that there was no other way to turn people back to normal was also doubtful.
It wouldn’t be surprising if he did that just for harassment.

　If he does anything else next time, I would absolutely not forgive him.
If he tries to harm His Majesty in any way in the future, I will throw him in jail.
　In the first place, if you are an unparalleled strategist, then do something before the trouble occurs!

　However, I don’t have the time to worry about 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 all the time.
Hunters are, in the end, the last resort, so protecting the Emperor is after all the Knight Order’s job.
　From now on, we will be traveling by air to our destination.
The airship had never fallen before, and it was said to be much safer than traveling on land, but if some subordinate of the Fox got inside, then there would be no way to run away.
And that is something we should absolutely avoid.

’

　In that sense, regardless of the circumstances, spending three days preparing was probably not a bad idea.
　On the other hand, if raiders succeed to enter even with all the preparations, Franz’s neck will fly at that time.

　When Franz was giving instructions with hardly any time to rest, one of his knights’ subordinates came rushing into Franz’s room.

“”Commander (Dancho)”, we have just received a message from 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 that he has something he wants to bring onto the airship.” (Knight)

“What……? What does he want to bring?” (Franz)

“Potions.” (Knight)

“I have already given permission for them to bring in any personal items they need for the escort.
Don’t ask me to confirm every single little thing!” (Franz)

’

“Yes.
That was what I told him, but apparently, the quantity being the quantities――” (Knight)

　Said the male subordinate with a confused expression to Franz, who involuntarily yelled at the man.

§

　For Treasure Hunters, the hunt begins with preparation.
　It is no exaggeration to say that gathering information, gathering supplies, making various adjustments, and so on, will determine the success or the failure of the request.
Top-class Party may even have their own suppliers.

　For 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》, it was the Alchemy Ghost that handled all that.
　It may also be because of her personality, but as an “Alchemist (Renkinjutsu-shi)”, she is always well-prepared.

　As I was nodding contentedly in front of the countless boxes, Franz-san, who had been called by his subordinate, came running up to me.

’

　Franz-san was momentarily stunned by the wooden boxes lined up, but he quickly glared at me.

　I feel like I have only seen Franz-san’s angry expression lately.

“O-Oi, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 what’s the meaning of this! Where did you get all those boxes! We have already prepared the basic Potions!” (Franz)

“…… Doesn’t the proverb say the more prepared you are, the better off you will be.” (Cry)

“Even so there are limits! Are you trying to run a business in Toizant!?” (Franz)

　I asked the Alchemy Ghost to prepare as many Potions as possible, but the number of boxes she prepared far exceeded my expectations.
　In total, there are maybe more than a hundred boxes.
For ordinary Treasure Hunters, this was definitely enough to make it last for a year.
This isn’t our hometown, but where did the Alchemy Ghost get all this? I don’t even know how much those costs.
She didn’t charge me. 

　However, there was no need to be upset when I went out of my way to restock.
It is not like I am trying to bill it to you, you know.