Chapter 230 Strange Freak

Part 1

“Their abilities are quite good.
Their ability to gather information is especially excellent.
We defeated 3 groups yesterday.
The atmosphere around them is a little disconcerting…… But where did you find talented people like them?” (Touka)

　Apparently, Touka and her group decided to stay at the inn next to ours.
It is likely that they are taking into consideration Sytry, who is their Client and seems to be supplying them with some kind of supplies.
　When I asked her how she felt about working with the (Temp) Fox Mask Fan Club, she turned toward me with probing eyes and said that.

　Her crimson armor, which was their symbolic color, was dazzling.  The assessment Touka made was, as always, cool-headed.  She is one of the few friends I have who had the temperament not to take my Level 8 reputation at face value.
　If something bad had happened, Touka would have mercilessly admonished me, so I guess that means that nothing happened.

　The Fox Masks Fan Club.
Even though we have a relationship that began with a misunderstanding that I quite don’t understand, they seem like they are, after all, a group of very strong people.

“Well, a lot of things happened, you know.
I am glad that you seem to be getting along.” (Cry)

’

“The enemy you fight today may become your friend tomorrow.
The reverse is also true.
Sometimes we use people who look like criminals――But, you have to tell us in advance or it might become problematic.” (Touka)

　What a terrible thing to say.
It is true that the suspiciousness of those people was unusual, but what does she see in them that makes her assume they are criminals or the like?

　In the end, Sora didn’t go with my suggestion to confess honestly.
Apparently, she decided that she would keep going with what she did.

　Therefore, the misunderstanding with the (Temp) Fox Mask Fan Club hasn’t been cleared up yet.
I feel very close with her thanks to her improvising response――But as someone older than her, I will have to do something about it.

　Sytry interrupted Touka who was having a keen eye.
Then squinted her eyes and said with a thin smile.

“Well, well, Touka-san.
It is as I have already told you in advance.
Cry-san can manipulate criminals at will.
You will not say anything about it, and you will have to act on that assumption――This is all written in our contract.” (Sytry)

“Muh…………” (Touka)

　Touka stifled and went silent.
What kind of contract did she make with Sytry? At least the way 《Torch Knights (Touka Kish-Dan)》 and their friends look at Sytry is not purely client-driven.

’

　And which Cry-san is a Cry-san that can control criminals at will, you are talking about?

　Rather, I think I am more of being the one who will be manipulated.
It is just because Eva or Sytry are there that it is not happening――.

“Well, fine.
We will do anything if you give us money.
Our motto is to use what we can use, though we wouldn’t do a mock battle with 《Thousand Swords (Senken)》 no matter how much money you offer us.” (Touka)

　Luke…… You are hated, aren’t you.
No, I should say that you are feared rather than hated.
　The more skilled his opponent is, the hotter he gets and the harder he is to hold back, that is why Luke is a man who is feared by the Clan Members as much as they fear Liz.

　By the way, he was bored of me being all quiet right now, so he went out to the city with Liz and Anthem.
　They probably went out to look for someone to punch.
I don’t think they are going to get arrested this time as Anthem is with them.

　And then, as if to switch the subject, Sytry clasped her hands and then *pachin* snapped her fingers.

’

“So, Touka-san.
Did you find out any information?” (Sytry)

“Information……?” (Cry)

“I asked them to look into the Supreme Martial Arts Festival contestants.
I had to do everything I can if I wanted to win.” (Sytry)

　As expected of Sytry.
Luke and Lucia are also competing, and I think it might be difficult for an “Alchemist (Renkinjutsu-shi)” to win, but it seems for her that it is not a reason to cut corners.
　Touka smiled with a rare wry smile as if all the spite was drained out of her face.

“Seriously.
You do know that I am a contestant too, right――” (Touka)

“That and our business together are two different stories.” (Sytry)

’

“You are perfectly right.
A well-paying client is more valuable than anything else.” (Touka)

　They really get along………… I would like for them to share their sociability with the rest of the group.
Liz and Luke would be impossible, but even if she looks like this Lucia is unexpectedly shy.

　Touka straightened her posture and had one of her companions bring a file to her.
Spreading it out on the table, she says in a hushed voice, as if she was talking about a secret.

“First of all, right…… Let’s start with the most interesting one of them.
Boss――Your impostor is going to participate.” (Touka)

“………… No, he is not an impostor, he is the real me.” (Cry)

“!?” (Touka)

　Touka stared at me in amazement and exchanged a wondering look with her companions.