54-Episode 54: Battle Preparation




 The knightly order is not working properly because of the members who are connected to the lord behind the scenes.
 If that's the case, the solution is simple.
 We can eliminate all the members who are dabbling in injustice.

''To put it simply, how do you do that?''

 Stella gave me a look of disbelief.
 I have the most questions.
 I'll explain them one by one, in order.

''First, we'll sort out the members of the group who are connected to the lord behind the scenes and those who aren't.
What are we going to do? Are you going to check each one of them out?
'There won't be enough time to do that, no matter how much time you have. It's going to be a rather sketchy method but I can scoop some of it up if that's what I'm thinking.
Meow?
Stella. Is there a member of the group that you trust that this person can handle it?
Well ... a few people.
'Then why don't you get those people to help you get these stories inside the Order?

 I told Stella the plan I had concocted in my head, as it was.

 As she listened to me, Stella's eyes rolled up in surprise... and then she made a look of admiration.
 Apparently, she understood what I was thinking.

''I see, that kind of move........''
'I think this will allow us to scoop up most, if not all, of those who are connected to the lords behind the scenes. What do you think?
Well, it's not bad or anything, but it sounds like the best move you could make right now.
Do you have anything to add?
'Well even if you manage to scoop them up, you're going to be dealing with most of the Order a few dozen people. What are you going to do about that?
I'll set a trap.

 I explained my ability and the contents of the 'trap' that I used it for to Stella.

''Well, you can do that...?''
'Yeah, no problem. I can't put it into practice, so all I can say is, trust me...
"...No, I'll believe you. Rain wouldn't be the kind of man to lie. But to be able to do such a thing......Rain must be a hell of a guy.
'Really? This is about as normal as it gets, I suppose...
Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

 What's wrong with you?
 It's like I'm crazy.

You know what I mean? Is there a hole?
No, not really. I don't think it's a problem.
Well, that's good to hear.
'To be able to think of something like this in an instant... it's amazing what Rain can do.
'Well, um ... it's Rayne! Phew.

 For some reason, Kanade seemed proud of me.
 Am I happy to be praised?
 It's not a bad thing that you feel that way, but....

 But Kanade doesn't seem to understand most of my plan.
 I'll have to make up for it later when I talk to Tania and the others.

When do you want to make the decision?
Let's do it tonight.
'Is that tonight? Isn't it too soon?
'No, the sooner the better. You can't give them time to think about these things. The more time you give them to think, the more likely they are to read your intentions behind the scenes. It's better not to give them time to think, but to push forward with it while they are confused.
I see. Yeah, you're right. You're thinking about the details.
It's Rain! Phew.

 For some reason, Kanade omitted the following.

'Then let's get right to work.
We need to get ready, so I'll go back to the inn. I'll meet you for the night.
Mm. We'll be ready and waiting for you.



----------



 After I left Stella, I went back to the inn and explained to everyone what had happened.
 I get them ready for the night.

 And then.....
 I was alone in Ganz's shop.

'Oh, it's Rain. What's going on?

 The door of the shop was opened and the bell that had been installed rang.
 In response to the sound, Ganz came out from the back of the store.
 It seems that he was working, and sweat is beaded on his forehead.

'I'm sorry. Did I interrupt you?
What? That's all right. I was just about to take a break.
'Then it's just as well. I'd like to ask you about the progress of the armor I asked for...

 Tonight, it could turn into a major battle.
 I'll prepare a certain trap, but I can't be sure it will succeed and...
 It's necessary to be prepared in case of an emergency.
 That's why I relied on Ganz's armor....

I'm not done yet, okay? I told you, it would take a week or so.
'I know...'
Well, the basket case is ready to go.
'Oh, really?'
Hmm. All we have to do now is make the final adjustments. The dagger will take a few more days.
'Was Kagome finished first? I ordered this and that, and I thought for sure it was going to be the last...
It's true that it's a pain in the ass, but it's not often that you get the chance to create such an interesting piece of armor. The opportunity to create such an interesting armor is rare. Hahaha!

 I'm sure I've ordered this and that nasty stuff, but I'm not sure that doing so will motivate me to do it...
 Apparently, Gantz is an armor craftsman to the core.
 Once again, I felt as if I had seen Gantz's pride and pride as a craftsman.

'How long will it take you to adjust your basket hand?'
Hm? It would take an hour or two, but... why?
I think I might need it. It's a long story.
Hmm. You got your foot in some kind of trouble, mister?
That's about it.
Mm, all right. Then let's get this over with, shall we?
Thank you.
But not with the dagger. It would take two days, no matter how fast you tried. The beast tamer uses the most powerful species available. It has to be worthy of that, and it has to be first class. Can't you understand that?
I know. I'll give up the dagger. Just give me something to replace it.
Oh, that's good. You got a lot of stuff in there. You can take it if you want. Yeah, yeah, we don't need the money.
Are you sure?
I owe Rayne a debt of gratitude. I owe Rayne a debt of gratitude for all the things I made in the past. I can't sell them. Take what you want.
Thank you.
Now I shall finish up my basket. Wait for me.

 With that, Ganz disappeared to the back of the store.
 Somewhat later, I hear the sound of banging metal with a bang.

 Well.
 Let's take advantage of Gantz's favor and pick out a dagger.

 I move to the shelves where the daggers are lined up and pick them up, one by one, to see how well they are doing.
 Gantz had said they were not for sale, but they were outrageous.
 They were all so well made that they could be called first class.
 How could I not be satisfied with this?
 In the future, Ganz might grow into a tremendous armor craftsman.

''........''

 For starters, I decided to get the dagger that felt the most comfortable.
 I prepare the belt and stow it behind my waist.

 Then we wait for a while...

Sorry to keep you waiting.

 Ganz appeared with a pair of baskets in his hands.

''This is........''

 You can tell at a glance.
 It's a first-class piece of artisanal armor that has the soul of a craftsman in it.

"It's a special armor made especially for Rayne. It's a special armor created for Rayne.
Narkami....
Come on, I'll show you how to use it.

 Wear a basket hand.
 Fingers, wrists, arms - they don't interfere with your movements.
 And yet, it feels like a snug fit.

 Once again, I understand that I've been given a wonderful basket of hands to wear.
 I can't believe they've provided me with something like this....
 It's simple, in my opinion, but I'm as excited as a child.

'Okay? First of all, the features Rain asked for...

 Then we had a lecture by Ganz for about half an hour.
 Then I thanked him and left the shop.

 Now we're all ready to go.



----------



 And then ... the night came.
 I take everyone and meet up with Stella.
 The place is on the outskirts of the city ... in front of a warehouse that is now unused by anyone.
 We lurk in the shadows and meet up with each other.

'You've kept me waiting,'
How about you three, Kanade and...
I'm with you.
I'm Tania. Nice to meet you.
'I'm Sora. It's nice to meet you.
Ha-ha-ha, this is my Luna. I'd be happy to oblige you.
I'm Stella Emplace. It's a pleasure to meet you.

 Stella bowed her head politely.
 At first glance, Tania and the others looked like normal girls...
 You can bow properly to such a person.
 I felt like Stella's personality was showing.

''Stella and the others........six?''

 In addition to Stella, there were five other knights.

'I'm sorry ... this was the limit when it came to someone I could trust with certainty.
No, I don't blame you. In fact, it's better if that's all you have. To put it bluntly, at first I thought it might be just Stella alone.
That's nice to hear.
Rain, Rain.

 With a chomp, Kanade tugs at his clothes.

'I heard your footsteps.

 I can't hear anything.
 But if Kanade, the cat spirit tribe, says it, I'm sure of it.
 It seems that our prey has been caught in a net.

''........''

 The sound of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz footsteps could be heard.
 Soon after, a large number of knights emerged from the darkness of the night.
 I don't know the exact number, but there must be dozens of them.

 The knights separated into two groups without noticing us.
 Part of them took up a guard to be on the lookout for their surroundings, while the rest rushed into the interior of the warehouse.

 From the side, it would appear that the knights are conducting some kind of maneuver.
 But we know that's not the case.
 We know that they've successfully fished out a couple of them.

'Now it's time to clean up.