Chapter 42: Astonishing Wisdom
A Worthy Gift
Even unfamiliar with swords, Rita could feel the heft of the blade in her hands. The quality of the leather-wrapped grip told her this weapon far surpassed the one Momoka snapped in the arena.
As for its cost, the shop’s decor and sparse, exquisite swords on display suggested it rivaled the generous reward Cecilia once gave her.
A gift brought joy, but Cecilia’s words warmed Rita’s heart most.
Last night was Cecilia’s oversight.
Rita, no expert in social graces, knew most would brush off a mistake with a casual “dinner’s ready.” Yet Cecilia, a royal princess, openly admitted her error.
Unheard of, unthinkable.
Having intended to visit the brothel, Rita felt a twinge of guilt hearing Cecilia’s admission.
Her mood lifted, but Kross, the bunny girl watching from the shadows, grew uneasy.
A Suspicious Itinerary
Cecilia and Rita seemed to be enjoying the city, yet lingered long in the central square—where Cecilia nearly died days ago—whispering who-knows-what. Then, they visited a weapon shop, utterly out of place for Cecilia.
Kross refused to believe they hadn’t uncovered something.
Whether Cecilia suspected anything wasn’t Kross’s concern. Her focus was eliminating Rita, the dutiful knight, without a trace.
Unarmed before, Rita was daunting; now, with a sword, she was untouchable.
Wait—knight…
If Rita was such an upright knight, why not use underhanded tactics against her?
A Sinister Plan
Evening, in a side alley.
“I’ll say it once more: every night, Rita passes this way. When she does, you signal,” Kross instructed a plainly dressed girl, then turned to the others.
“When you see the signal, act like thugs harassing me. Make a big scene. This alley’s usually empty, so no worry about witnesses. Just draw Rita’s attention.”
A man frowned. “The Lady sent us to help, but is this necessary? Can’t we just take her together?”
Kross glared, annoyed. These lackeys, sent to assist, clearly didn’t grasp their target’s strength.
No surprise—fewer people knowing Rita was the princess’s confidante, the better. Loose lips could ruin everything.
“Don’t underestimate her. She’s a master. We’d all be fodder.”
“Then harassing you works?” another man asked.
“You don’t get it. People let their guard down most not when all’s calm, but right after a crisis. As a Holy Knight hopeful, she won’t ignore me in distress.”
Kross shook her sleeve, revealing a dagger’s glint under the lamplight.
“Rough me up and run. When she’s least prepared, I’ll drive this dagger into her chest. Then, you handle the body.”
“Will it work? What if she ignores you?”
“Trust me. I’m no match for you in a fight, but I know minds. You’re no match there. Hurry, get ready—she’s almost here.”
An Unwary Stroll
Outside the alley, Rita ambled along, savoring the day’s memories.
She’d enjoyed a girly crepe, received Cecilia’s grand sword and an apology, and spent a rare carefree day. Her mood couldn’t be better.
Maybe outings with the boss weren’t so bad.
Alright! She’d give her all in the second exam round!
What would it involve? Maybe Valphis could dig up some info.
Speaking of Valphis, Momoka said she could track the succubus. Her brothel tip led to a real succubus—coincidence or not?
Cecilia warned against rash moves. Rita debated sharing the intel with the succubus-hunting squad.
Did anyone actually agree to hunt it, though?
Lost in thought, a scream and clattering erupted from a nearby alley.
Peering in, Rita saw only darkness, no signs of movement.
If trouble was brewing, it’d be deeper inside.
Curiosity overriding caution—ignoring gossip was a sin against her nosy soul—Rita stepped into the alley.
A Staged Ambush
A lookout signaled. Inside, Kross kicked a man. “She’s here, get ready!”
The men swarmed, pinning Kross against the wall as she thrashed.
Rita burst in, catching the chaotic scene.
Wow, straight out of a steamy comic—wild!
Comics were one thing, reality another. Seeing a helpless girl in danger, Rita couldn’t stand by.
Maybe she’d trigger a classic hero-saves-damsel plot, with the girl pledging devotion!
Resolved, Rita shouted, “Stop! Let her go!”
“Who’s this?” The lead man, knowing Rita was the target, feigned surprise, glaring. “Mind your business!”
Classic small-fry villain lines!
Time for a cool comeback.
Words at her lips, Rita blanked on something heroic, blurting after a pause.
“I’m here to save her!”
“Save her? Boys, show her who’s boss!” The man rallied his cronies, who charged with convincing villainy, earning Kross’s silent praise.
Almost there! No sword in Rita’s hands meant no bloodshed—perfect setup!
As they closed in, Rita spun and bolted out of the alley, vanishing.