The rendezvous point with Curtis was at the west end of the city.

　No. ...... Strictly speaking, that's not quite right.
　In fact, the rendezvous was further west than the west end, outside the city.

　The reason for choosing the outside of the city as the meeting place rather than the inside of the city is that we decided it was not a good idea to gather in a place where you do not know who is listening, depending on what you are talking about.
　And because of the situation, it is better to be ready to leave right away, which is one of the reasons we decided that.

　Anyway, as soon as I stepped out of the city from the west, I could see it.
　A boy with hair similar in color to Henriette's, though a little darker than Henriette's, stands not far from the city.
　Nearby, a carriage and a figure in full body armor, perhaps as an escort, are talking about something.

　Allen and his team approached the boy, but he was more likely to notice them than to speak to us.
　As soon as he turns his head towards you, a bright smile will appear on his face.

I'm glad you all came to ......!

　Curtis probably said that because, although he said he was going to meet up with them, he was not supposed to come if they refused.
　If you didn't show up before sunset, it was a sign of refusal.
　That was the arrangement.

　Refusing is in a sense the same as abandoning Henriette.
　They dared to do so because they knew that if they told him, they would not make each other uncomfortable.

　However, Allen had intended to come from the beginning, so it didn't make much sense.

"That was fast, though, wasn't it?

　Curtis nodded his head in agreement, but it was a fair question.

　It was still before noon, after all.
　You might have expected Curtis to talk to you for a reasonable amount of time, as he had specified until sunset, but in fact, it hasn't been that long since you left him.

　It's understandable to feel doubtful, but Allen shrugged his shoulders and returned the question.

''Well, I pretty much had it all figured out from the beginning.
Yes, that's true. In fact, it was more like sorting through what I heard rather than worrying about what to do.
Thank you so much. It's very reassuring.
"It's nothing to be thanked for. We all have our reasons for doing this. More importantly, who's yours?
Ah, yes, he will be my ...... bodyguard and guru. He is very discreet and trustworthy, so there is no need to worry about him leaking this information to me.

　At those words, my eyes reflexively turn to the person who says it's a bodyguard.
　It is natural to have a bodyguard when you are a member of a marquis' family.

　You will be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

There are no other guards at ......?
Yes, he's alone. Of course it's impossible to do that, but ...... I'm here this time because I'm a burglar. I didn't tell anyone I was coming, so I didn't bring anyone but him with me. I knew this would happen. ...... If I had known it was going to be like this, I would have brought a few more with me, but ......
"...... burglar?　Why ......?
Well, it's ...... a little longer, so can I move on?　I can't wait to catch up.
Sure. Sure. That's why I chose this place to meet in the first place. Oh, just, are you okay with food and stuff?　In case you're wondering, I have a two-week supply available here: ......

　We've already talked about our plans from here on out to some extent.
　There is a high probability that Henriette was taken to the imperial capital, so we will be using Curtis' carriage for transportation.
　Fortunately, I was told that there was room for everyone, but it is indeed a big carriage to see.
　It looks like you won't have to worry about the ride quality either.

　But the food Allen and the others have prepared is only enough to get us to the next town.
　We were going to buy more if we didn't have enough, but--

Two weeks, huh? ...... that's probably just barely OK. We'll reach the imperial capital before the food runs out.
"What ...... is so close to the Imperial Capital?

　The Empire is a country that has expanded its territory through invasion.
　It's a good thing that you're able to get a good deal more time from the eastern end of the country. ...... Is the imperial capital located far to the east?

I'm sure it will take more than that. I'm sure you'll be able to find the best way to get the best out of it. I know that's a lot of work, but ......
"It's fine, but even if it's ......, I feel like it's too soon?
It would also be easier to talk on the move. It will be easier to understand.

　Apparently there's a reason for this: ...... Well, if you can get there early, there's no problem.
　It's a good idea to buy some food and even if you don't seem to have enough, you can buy it then if you stop in town on the way.

　The other thing that's bothering me is that I'm riding in the same carriage as someone I don't even know yet. ...... This is also something that can be done when the chips are down.
　It's a good idea to have a good escort, but it's only so much and he's less than that.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　This means that Curtis doesn't have the gift yet, and only his guards do.
　Even if you're thinking the wrong thing, you should be able to handle it.

　I'm not so sure about Curtis that I would believe such a thing.
　I'm not doubting that Henriette was captured, but I'm also thinking about my uncles.
　It's natural to be suspicious.

　Well, you can just apologize later if you were overthinking things.
　It's too late for that, but it's better to be on guard.

　Glancing at Leeds and the others, I received a small nod as if they understood.
　The girls aren't caught off guard, so we'll have no problems for now.

　So I walked to the carriage ...... and suddenly I felt a glance.

What's going on?


"...... No.

　Curtis asks you if you noticed that you have stopped walking, but as soon as you shake your head, you resume your steps.
　It's going to feel a bit self-conscious to say that you had a feeling that you were being watched by your guards.
　However, it is true that we did feel eyes on us and that it was probably from the person who guarded us.

　Nevertheless, just as we are wary, they are naturally wary.
　It's not something you should dare to say before you get too self-conscious.

　But even with that in mind, Allen turned his gaze towards the guard for a moment and tilted his head slightly because he did not feel as if it was the first time they had met.
　I'm not able to recognize his face because he's even wearing a helmet, but I'm sure he's somewhere .......

　And after thinking that far, Allen shook his head and brushed his thoughts aside.
　It is not something to think too much about when it comes to the person you will be taking care of.
　We just need to exercise the least amount of caution.

　Having concluded that, Allen quickened his pace a bit as he walked to the carriage.