I think you'll understand if you follow us.

　Celestia and Pheuel were as surprised as I was, but Neya was completely unfazed.
　I'm sure Neya has been in touch with you for some time.

"Neya, when did you contact me?

　Neya shook her head lightly.

I've been doing this regularly, but I didn't expect you to come. It's just that I wouldn't be surprised if Benetnash were to make a move.

　Considering the number of days it took to get here from the Kingdom of Eurasia, they should have been on their way by the time we got to the mountains.
　I looked at Benetnash and the others again and felt something strange.
　Something was missing compared to the usual group.

I don't see that curly-haired girl, Fekda, or whatever she is.

　Normally there would be five people in line behind Benetnash, but there were only four. Even so, no one seems to be bothered by this, so it's not as if there's a problem.

Walth, don't worry about the details. Walth, don't worry about the details. Benetnash wants you to follow him, so just shut up and go with him.

　Celestia pushed Neya and Pheuel to the back and opened the door of the Merchants' Guild with great force.

"Benetnash, have you had an audience with His Majesty?

Benetnash, have you had an audience with His Majesty? Yes, His Majesty gave me permission to be here.

Well, then you haven't had much time to relax.

Well, Neya-sama informed me that she thought we were going to the southern continent, but it seemed like we were headed for the mountains, so I thought we might have run into some problems. ----

　It was just a misunderstanding, but when Benetnash had said that much, Seretia called Benetnash's name from the front.

"----, continue where you left off.

　He bowed his head confidently and followed after Seretia.
　I decided to follow her, looking forward to what she had to show me.


　　　　　　　...


　Benetnash and the others brought us to a cave in a reef area far from the town. We could only get halfway there by carriage, and from there we had to go over a steep path that required us to split up into the horses that Benetnash and his friends had ridden.

What is there to see in here?

　Celestia stopped in her tracks in blatant rejection at the sight of the dimly lit cave.
　As far as the magic detection is concerned, there are several people inside, so in a way, Celestia's choice is the right one.

"I hear something. ......

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to use the site, you can call us at our own web site.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ...... Please ...... be mature ......, ...... please.

I can really hear something. ......

　Celestia's foot is pointed in the opposite direction of the cave.

"Hey, where are you going? I think Benetnash has something to do with this.

"Yes, I know. Then Walth will lead. That's an order.

I'm going to take the lead even if you don't say so.

　Most of the dimly lit cave was submerged in the sea, with only a small section at each end that was somehow passable. Natural light shone through the high ceilings like an illuminator, and I could see my feet just fine.

　As I walked along the path, I heard a voice that I had only heard faintly before, but now I could hear it clearly.

"So don't move!

"Ahhhh!

Why are you moving? Do you want to be beaten?

　In the deepest part of the cave, there was a vast space that was unimaginable from the entrance, and there were several ships moored there.
　The largest one had two masts and was of a certain size.
　The largest one had two masts and was a good size, and there were lights here and there and everything you could possibly need.

　What caught my attention the most was that there was a line of men with their hands tied behind their backs, and Fekda was beating them with his sword still in its sheath.

"Ah, Mr. Benetnash, Master Neya!　I see you've joined us.

　Fekda turned around and his sword shattered the man's jaw with its force, but the man fainted with laughter.

"Benetnash, what is this ship and these men?

"They are pirates who have been raiding this area.

　Benetnash replied to my question as if it was nothing at all.
　I'm not sure if you've heard of them, but I'm sure you've heard of them.
　You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier. ----, which means .......

I'm sure you'll be able to tell me what you think.

It's not that big of a deal. It was inexplicable that we hadn't heard from Neya-sama since we left for the mountains, but since we started heading back to Schlester while we were on the move, we knew we would definitely need them.

"I'm impressed with your handiwork, by the way. How did you know where the pirates were?

　Taking a pirate's ship was never an option for me.
　Whether it's a difference of birth or experience, Benetnash's point of view and ability to act is remarkable.

Benetnash is an ex-pirate, so he knows what pirates are thinking," Neyer interjected.

"Master Neya!

"That's fine. There's nothing to be ashamed of.

　Perhaps not wanting to be known as a former pirate, Benetnash showed more panic than ever.

"So that's it?

　You'll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in your company. Then Benetnash stared back.

My skin has nothing to do with being an ex-pirate," Benetnash hissed.

　Indeed, many of those who work at sea have tanned skin.
　Even when you see men tied up in ropes, their skin is darkened by the sun.
　If people knew that Benetnash was a former pirate, there would be more than a few people who would look at him that way.


　However, the skin of the tanned men is not only dark but also rough, not unlike the skin of Benetnash.

Benetnash's skin was probably born that way. You just have to keep your head up.

"Thank you, .......

I'm sorry you misunderstood me, but I was watching because I admired Benetnash's energy. The ex-pirate thing is of no concern to me.

　Benetnash didn't reply, but bowed and ran to Fekuda's side.
　I could only watch his back in silence.

"...... Did I say something that offended you? ......

I thought you were just being shy. Benettonas seemed to be concerned about that skin.

I don't think it's anything to be concerned about.

After all, Master Walth is not one to judge by appearances. When people found out that Benettonash was a former pirate, they initially associated his skin with piracy.

Is that why you used to wear that mask?

Not for that reason, but it is one of the reasons.

　As I approached the pirates, thinking that even the Benettonash had a complex about such a trivial matter, I was met with a glare from the pirates.
　I'm not sure why they're all staring at me when they're not looking at Pheuel or Seretia, who were already in front of the pirates.

"What did I do?

"You're the head of this group. What are you going to do with us?

　My eyes crossed with Celestia's.
　Apparently, these pirates think that I, the only man in the group, am leading them.
　I was about to correct them, but Celestia stopped me with a smile.
　She looks as if she's saying, "It's funny, just keep doing it.
　Perhaps she was asking me to do it because it was too much trouble.

Benetnash, when you learned about the pirates, you knew that they were the target of the attack, right?

Of course.

If you didn't turn them in to the guards, but kept them here, then you left the decision to use them to Celestia's advantage.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　I'm not sure what you're talking about.

What the hell are you talking about?

　The pirates looked at me and Benetnash suspiciously.
　I don't think they even know why they're being held.

"We're talking about turning you in to the guards or sending you on a voyage to the southern continent.

"What?　Who's going to the waters where demons are? Then I'd rather be turned in as soon as possible.

...... Well, I stand corrected. We don't need to turn you in. The only two choices are to kill you here and take the ship, or let you live and sail with us.

　If we're going to the continent, we'll need a ship as big as possible.
　If we want to go to the continent, we need a ship that is as big as possible. If we do that, we will need a certain number of sailors, and we can either let them work for free or hire new ones.
　It will take a lot of money and time, and we are inevitably going to have to use these guys, but forcing them to do it is not going to produce good results.
　I'd rather have them carry it out voluntarily than force them to comply with it. .......

That's good, right, Seretia?

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.

　Seretia's cold voice made the pirates' faces turn pale.
　This answer ignores the two options, and doesn't require them to begin with.

All right, we'll be happy to transport you to the southern continent!

　The lively voices of the pirates reverberated through the cave.

"You're lucky you're such an understanding pirate, Walth.

　Their carefree smiles sent a chill down my spine.