Late that night.
After Charlotte had gone to sleep, Allen, Lu, and Gousetsu gathered in the living room.
The only source of light was a single lantern. Darkness engulfed most of the room, and even the sound of insects was nearly absent. It was a deeply quiet night.
In that silence, Allen tossed a stack of papers onto the low table.
With a sigh, he wrote out the name of the enemy he had seen at the Adventurer's Guild that day.
“That beastkin’s name is Ricardo Uber. He’s a bounty hunter.”
『Bounty hunter? 』
『Simply put, they're the kind of people who make money by catching criminals. 』
Gosetsu spoke calmly to Ruu, who tilted her head.
He then opened his narrow eyes just a little and fixed his gaze on Allen.
『In other words, this Ricardo fellow is targeting Lady Charlotte. That is your conclusion, yes』
“That's the most reasonable assumption…”
Allen slumped onto the sofa with another sigh.
He had quickly looked up Ricardo’s name at the Adventurers’ Guild.
The man was a seasoned hunter who took down wanted targets without regard for the means.
But honestly, Allen had anticipated something like this ever since the day he decided to keep Charlotte at his side.
The reward for her was quite high, and even if the reports in the newspapers had died down, it didn't matter to the bounty hunters.
(Still… for him to show up now of all times… isn't that just too well-timed?)
They had finally become a couple. He had even managed to secure a date with her.
And now, of all moments, an enemy appeared.
From heaven to hell in a single step.
Allen clutched his head, but Lu spoke up lightly
『Hmph, in that case, it’s simple.』
She licked her lips and bared her fangs with a feral grin.
『Just eat him.』
“It’s… not that simple.”
Allen slowly shook his head.
“He apparently commands a private unit. They always hunt in groups. But I couldn’t determine how many there are. If even one of them slips away, Charlotte’s location could be leaked.”
『So, we have to wipe them all out at once, then.』
“Exactly. And this is the most important part.”
Allen looked between Lu and Gousetsu as he raised one finger.
The most important thing is...
“Under no circumstances are we to kill them. That’s it.”
『Oh…? Now that’s a curious thing to say. 』
Gousetsu chuckled quietly.
『I didn't think you were that humane... so what reason could you have for showing mercy to your enemies? 』
“I’ve seen my share of battlefields. I’m not going to claim I’ve never taken a life.”
Allen wasn’t the type to hold back against someone coming at him with the intent to kill.
If it weren’t for a good reason, he’d have no qualms about eradicating every last one of them.
"But this is Charlotte's problem. If she knew that someone had lost their life because of her... she would definitely suffer."
Even if it remained a secret from her, Allen didn’t want a shadow cast over her life.
If possible, he wanted her to go on smiling like always, untouched by blood or guilt. That alone was what Allen wished for.
“So we lure out every last one of them and capture them alive. Then I’ll use brainwashing magic on them and erase any memory of Charlotte. That’ll tie up the loose ends.”
『You make it sound so easy…』
"You're against it, Luu?"
『...Not at all.』
Luu shook her head and looked at Allen with sharp eyes.
『If it’ll make Mama happy, I won’t eat anyone. Catching them alive is easy for Luu.』
"Yes, I'll be grateful."
『It’s not for you. It’s for Mama.』
Luu turned away with a pout.
Her tone was rough, but her concern for Charlotte was undoubtedly genuine. Allen gently patted her enthusiastic head and turned to Gousetsu.
“And you?”
『Of course, I’ll help.』
Gousetsu bowed deeply.
Then, with a faint sigh, he confessed.
『The other day, I acted rashly, thinking only of Lady Charlotte’s happiness… I’m now overwhelmed with shame. Truly, there is no one more suited to care for her than you.』
“Hmph. Took you long enough.”
Still reclining on the sofa, Allen leaned back smugly.
“Obviously. After all, I’m Charlotte’s… Charlotte’s… uh… yeah.”
『Are you unsure whether to call yourself her guardian or her lover?』
『See? That’s exactly your problem.』
"Oh, shut up! The problem is the bandits!"