Black Iron Magician

「Ah, Shishō! These people here said that they want to thank us.」

I see, that’s a good attitude. Volunteering and free work are the words I hate the most. I want you to show your sincerity by all means. Now, give me the reward. Come on!

「Are you the masters of these girls? You are a lifesaver, thank you! We owe you!」

「No, we just let them do things that have to be done. Rather than that, we are sorry that we arrived late. If we had arrived a little earlier, those three would not have been sacrificed….」

「What are you talking about!? You guys saved our lives, you know? That’s more than enough!」

「Thank you… It seems that your friend is hurt. Chinatsu, please heal his wounds.」

「…… Eh? Ah, yes!」

That said, there is no need to reveal such a lowly thought. It’s said that your image is decided within the first few seconds when meeting people. For starters, I need to make a good impression on these adventurers and guards. Then, I will have them act as a good bridge between the lady, which I heard from their conversation before. In addition to the rewards, if I can build a friendly relationship with a powerful person, it can often lead to more favorable results.

Also, Chinatsu, don’t look at me with a face that’s as if saying ‘Deris-san, did you hit your head?’. You should ignore me like Nell and Lily who are accustomed to my change of attitude.

「U-Ugh…」

「Heal Glare.」

When Chinatsu chant 『Heal Glare』, which is to the highest rank of light magic, the wounds of the seriously injured adventurer shined and closed in a flash. The rough breathing has gradually become more peaceful, and the complexion has improved.

「Ohh… Ojou-chan, you can use such high-ranking magic even though you are a swordsman, huh?」

「No, even if I look like this, I’m a priest. Alright, the treatment is complete. Just get enough sleep and you’ll be fine.」

「Thank you for everything. Hans is our old friend. I’ll be sure to return this favor.」

「Please don’t mind about it. It’s a matter of course to help people in trouble (glance).」

Chinatsu makes eye contact, asking whether is this okay. Okay, it saves the trouble that she’s a smart girl and good at guessing. Now that Chinatsu is steadily increasing the likability, let’s help those at the carriage side.

「Gu-gugugu …!」

「Can you open it?」

「No, the damage is worse than I thought.」

「Kuh… Milady, please endure it a bit more!」

The door of the overturned carriage seems to have been broken. The surviving guards are now trying to open it by force.

Haru, it’s your turn. I signaled so with my eyes. Haru, who received my intention, nodded reassurringly and ran to the carriage.

「Should I help you open the door?」

「You are the one who… Sorry, but can you help us?」

「Please leave it to me!」

Riding on the side of the overturned carriage, Haru grabs the door handle with both hands. After that, she opens the door vigorously. And then, guess what?

――――Bakin!

「Whoa!?」

The door came off with the metal fittings, and Haru, who had used more force than necessary, fell on her backside. I’m sure half of that force would have been enough.

「Ouch… I’m sorry, it’s more fragile than I thought.」

「N-No, it’s fine. That door you are holding, it wasn’t budging at all even with the three of us…」

「I’m sure it was about to break!」

「…… Did it feel like that?」

「No, even if you ask me… Ah! More importantly, Milady! Milady, are you alright!?」

The guards were momentarily distracted by Haru’s great physical power. But even so, they immediately remembered the lady and went to her rescue. Like Haru, a guard climbed onto the side of the carriage and extends his hand through the opening.

「Please take my hand.」

「Yes, thank you. Is everyone safe?」

「Unfortunately, three people, including Gratz, are…」

「I see…」

Being pulled by the extended hand, a lady in a gorgeous outfit appeared from the carriage. I think she’s the lady the adventurers are referring to.

「But, these people have exterminated the griffon. I was surprised at the momentary happening. But, I understand this, the griffon couldn’t be exterminated without them.」

「Oh my! Do they have that much power?」

「I’m ashamed to admit it, but it’s the truth that we hired adventurers didn’t stand a chance.」

「What are you saying? It was only because you guys risked your lives as shields for everyone that we managed to make it in time. We were just passing through, you know?」

「………」

This time, Nell seems to has mixed feelings. What? It’s not that unusual for you―― ahh, you see, she sure is a beautiful woman for her age, but she is more than ten years older than me, so you don’t have to worry. She’s outside the strike zone.

「You’re a humble person… I’m sorry for the late introduction. My name is May Batten. I’m the wife of Ortho Batten, the one who governs the land a little further east.」

「Speaking of Ortho Batten, you mean that lord of the area around the academy?」

「Yes, that Ortho. I would like to thank you, so I would be very happy if you could accompany us to the mansion…」

To the mansion of Duke Ortho at this timing, huh. For the time being, we are planning to defeat the rumored golem earlier than the noble daughter, who probably has gone to the Gibeon Ruins with complete ignorance, but… it would be troublesome if they told us not to go to the Gibeon Ruins. However, it would be foolish not to get the reward money. I also want to gain her favor as much as possible. Hmm…

「Ara? Um, could it be that you are the Magic Knight Order’s――」

The moment she turned her gaze at Nell said so, Nell got closer in a flash and then put her index finger on the lips of Lady May.

「I’m in private right now. If possible, I’d appreciate it if you don’t mention me too much, either to your subordinates or to Duke Ortho.」

「Ah, I see…! I understand. I’ll keep this matter secret from my husband.」

I wonder why is she awfully glancing at me? Still, this may be convenient. If it’s the request of Nell, who is at the top of the military in the country, even Lady May can’t ignore it. This way, we can finish our business without meeting Duke Ortho.

「Still, please allow me to thank you. Fortunately, my husband will be out for the rest of the day.」

See? Just like this. Then, we decided to accompany her on her way home as temporary guards and as guests, and we head to our destination on the safe road.