Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 176

Chapter 176. Guard Duty 1

We ended up living in a warehouse behind the Lameron Trading Company.

I had no intention of meeting Miranda and the others until the request was completed. Cliff seemed dissatisfied, but there was a chance of failure, and if an anomaly occurred in the labyrinth, we'd have to abandon the mission and return. It was better not to raise false hopes.

Ruben seemed to understand my feelings and prepared a warehouse where no one usually came near.

Miranda remained holed up in the kitchen, and Tess never approached anywhere except the passage between the kitchen and the brothel. As long as we were careful, we wouldn't run into them.

The warehouse was fairly spacious, but most of it was piled with unused items, leaving little open space.

After moving the dust-covered junk to create some room, Cliff and I split up to clean.

Then, we lined up wooden crates to serve as a table, chairs, and makeshift beds.

Ideally, I'd have used wind magic to finish up—but most beastmen struggle with magic. We'd just have to tolerate a bit of dust.

After the work, I washed my face and quenched my thirst with water from a pitcher provided by the employees.

Lying down on the makeshift bed—really just a wooden crate—I heard Cliff's soft snores within minutes.

Since leaving Verene Village, we'd only had one proper day of rest.

The fatigue must have built up, and perhaps he felt relieved now that we had a way to help the two of them.

Well, starting now, we'd be living a week of昼夜逆转 (day-night reversal). I'd intended to suggest taking naps anyway, so this worked out.

Not wanting to disturb his sleep, I moved a little away and unrolled a sheet of parchment.

Phil would arrive within a few days. I planned to entrust him with a letter then.

After jotting down what had happened and tucking it into my pocket, I lay back down on the crate.

Once the contract was settled, we discussed the guard duties.

During the day, the trading company saw many passersby and visitors, making an attack unlikely.

Thus, we were assigned night shifts, but the regular guards would handle patrols—our job was simply to wait in the reception room until morning.

Moreover, from dawn until dusk was free time, and we were even allowed short outings.

Whether the attackers were exceptionally bold or there was something else at play remained unclear for now.

Also, Cliff had joined us as a matter of course, but it was at his own insistence.

I understood his feelings, and if this was what it took for him to accept things, so be it.

In case of an attack, I'd strictly ordered him to barricade himself in the reception room, so he'd be safe. And if he ignored my orders and something happened, I couldn't take responsibility for that.

I shifted positions, trying to get some sleep.

Then, my hand brushed against the small pouch I used as a wallet.

I currently had about eleven gold coins. I'd asked Dudley for cheaper magic stones, but there was a chance only high-value ones were available.

If I wasn't picky about quality, I could mix potions even without alchemy tools.

I could increase my funds, but I decided against it.

Dudley had mentioned a friend who knew an alchemist.

There was a difference between being found out and revealing things myself, and like magic, beastmen generally lacked talent for alchemy. I shouldn't break my initial cover.

If I stood out using beastman-like abilities, that was fine—but—

Mid-thought, I glanced around.

No signs of surveillance.

Verrott knew my personality well. The tragedy that befell Ronny and the others might have been coincidental, but he could have considered it as one possible trap.

Even if so, the assassination's success should have halted things, but Verrott might have stationed someone for information gathering.

Under his orders, Ruben could have stalled us until reinforcements arrived for an ambush.

After some thought, I shook my head.

No, even if possible, the likelihood was low.

After the snow melted, Ronny and the others had been taken away. My departure from Seren wasn't much later. There wouldn't have been time to plan a trap.

Besides, Derrick, the head of security, had mentioned asking the guards to search for the attackers.

Even if they coordinated their stories, I'd only arrived in town yesterday. The timing of the guards' search could be checked, and if I were them, I'd forbid daytime outings to control information. Whether Verrott or Ruben, their planning seemed sloppy.

Just in case, I stayed alert, gripping a slash-enhanced knife as I fell asleep.

◇◇◇◇

By dusk, I woke to the presence of an employee.

It was time for watch duty.

The employee informed us that a meal had been prepared in the reception room and handed us two sets of clothes, instructing us to change. Even if we weren't meeting anyone, wandering around in grubby attire would harm the company's dignity.

Dignity again? In this case, it made sense.

After changing, we entered the reception room to find dinner and drinks laid out.

Though it was simple staff food, one bite told me who'd made it. Cliff noticed too, chewing with an indescribable expression.

Not long after that subdued dinner, while the Lameron Trading Company grew quiet, the neighboring brothel grew noisy.

We weren't asked to patrol, but there were things we could do without moving.

While exchanging trivial chatter with Cliff, I kept watch with [Presence Detection].

Occasionally, I focused, probing for presences around the trading company, the brothel, the building's perimeter, and the main street.

Given the location, I detected several suspicious movements, but couldn't identify them. Of course not—I didn't even know what the attackers or our protectees looked like.

Moreover, since the reception room didn't face the main street, I couldn't use [Appraisal] or attach [Reference Points].

The vague tension dragged on until Cliff, lulled by the soft sofa, eventually dozed off.

The silent hours passed, and morning arrived without incident.

Cliff woke to the sound of a carriage and apologized for falling asleep.

I didn't mind, but we couldn't linger. Hurrying Cliff back to the warehouse, we changed into our original clothes, ending the first day of guard duty.

After sleeping on the crate and waking near noon, an employee brought a late breakfast.

Unlike yesterday, this wasn't Miranda's cooking.

Not wanting to wake Cliff, I ate quietly before stepping outside to stretch, partly to clear my head.

Soon, sounds from the warehouse signaled Cliff was up. After finishing his meal, he emerged and silently watched me train until I paused.

"Hey, can you train me?"

I glanced sideways—he was holding a sword.

"Fine by me, but why?"

"When those bastards did as they pleased, I couldn't do anything. I want to get stronger."

For a moment, Ted's image overlapped, and I almost smiled before suppressing it.

Their situations were too different.

Ted had lost much and picked up a sword to protect what remained—Lily.

But Miranda and Tess's suffering had no end in sight.

Worse, noble authority was a different kind of foe. To defy it, ordinary strength wouldn't suffice. At least C-rank—maybe A-rank—was needed to stand equal. Even if Cliff honed his swordsmanship, he'd likely end up like Ronny.

"Fine."

Still, I agreed.

Even if nobles were out of reach, monsters weren't. Whatever lay ahead, this wouldn't be wasted.

Lacking wooden swords, Cliff used his own blade while I kept Simitar of the Swift Wind sheathed for sparring.

Had he been training regularly?

Cliff didn't let the sword control him, delivering decent strikes.

But they were still amateurish.

I dodged his telegraphed swings and parried the better ones, letting him learn the feel.

Once he adjusted, I countered, sweeping his feet when he overcommitted.

Covered in dirt, Cliff kept coming.

Gritty, but he still had stamina. The real test would come after exhaustion.

Just then, I sensed a presence approaching.

Stopping Cliff, I turned to see Gino—the silent observer from negotiations and meetings—walking over.

As I wondered why he was here, Gino suddenly smirked.

"Kids play-fighting? That ain't how you get stronger."

An outright taunt?

Unlikely he came just to mock.

While I pondered, Gino drew his sword—still sheathed.

"I'll show you real combat."

"Much appreciated. Teach him well."

"W-wait, hold on—!?"

Ignoring Cliff's confusion, Gino lunged.

Cliff barely raised his sword in time, but the impact sent the sheath crashing into his head.

What followed was one-sided.

Though Cliff fought with spirit, Gino's sheathed strikes left him battered in moments.

Good experience? No—maybe I misjudged.

Most monsters and bandits fought sloppily.

I'd thought Gino's rough style would suit that better, but despite his words, his swordsmanship was refined.

Trained, even. Maybe he came from a decent family?

In the end, after relentless beating, Cliff collapsed, exhausted.

Gino snorted, looking down at him.

"Get it now? Yours was just—"

"Why stop? He can still move."

Gino's smirk vanished, replaced by bewilderment.

Had I misread him? He lacked real combat experience.

Sighing lightly, I met his gaze.

"Do monsters leave when you're tired? Do bandits spare you if you beg? Losing will to fight means death. That's reality."

Gino froze, but at my nod, his eyes hardened.

With a roar, he charged. Cliff, face twitching, rolled aside just in time.

See? He could still move.

From then on, it was desperate.

Cliff lost his sword, curling up as blows rained down.

Oddly, Gino's expression twisted too.

But Cliff had been near his limit.

Soon, he crumpled, unresponsive even to Gino's taunts.

[Appraisal] showed his stamina wasn't that low. A good training session, then.

As I nodded, Gino shot me a disapproving look.

"He's the employer. And an amateur. Was this necessary?"

"He asked for it."

Besides, Ted and the others endured worse without being forced. Even rookie adventurers often faced real combat—far harsher than this.

Well, if it was too much, he could quit. I hadn't suggested it.

Cutting off the thought, I turned to Gino.

"My turn next."

"Hell no. He's done. How's he supposed to work like this?"

Sheathing his sword, Gino gulped from a waterskin and wiped his sweat.

I pretended to rest while subtly observing.

Had he come to check on me?

Mocking to gauge my reaction, then offering training to test my skills. If Cliff had held out, he might've fought me. His goal was unclear, but I'd learned something.

Cliff's minor injuries meant Gino had held back. Even when I egged him on, he'd roared to signal his attacks. Not a good person, but not evil either.

Perhaps this man was relied on more for his character and wits than combat.

That would explain his presence in meetings. He likely knew the request's details.

Testing the waters, I broached the subject—only to be swiftly rejected.

"Can't talk. Wouldn't change what you do anyway."

"Fair."

"Though…"

Suddenly thoughtful, Gino beckoned me to follow.

We crossed the main street, stopping opposite the trading company.

Picking up a pebble, he tossed it in an arc—hitting the fourth-floor window.

A reaction inside. The window opened.

A lovely-faced woman peered out.

Spotting Gino and me, she smiled faintly before closing the window.

Our protectee? No—though disguised, her presence was unmistakably Orianna's.

Beastmen excelled in scouting, and [Farce Image] had already been seen through.

She'd shown herself deliberately. Orianna must be the decoy.

"We're protecting her?"

"Yeah."

"Understood. I'll guard her with everything I've got."

I agreed, emphasizing my commitment.

The real target's location didn't matter. If Orianna was the decoy, I'd protect her.

◇◇◇◇

Back at the warehouse, Cliff soon stirred.

After hearing his thoughts on the training, I asked what he wanted to do. He requested more sparring tomorrow. Most would've quit after such a beating. Say what you will, the kid had grit.

The night passed uneventfully, and we began guard duty.

From the reception room, [Presence Detection] revealed Orianna still on the top floor, with Derrick's team on the third.

Likely, the stairs near Derrick were blocked, securing the area.

Piece by piece, information emerged.

The request remained baffling, but the chance of a trap dwindled further.

Orianna disguising herself as the protectee was unnecessary. Overly complex plans collapsed easier when exposed. If stalling me was the goal, staying hidden sufficed.

Caution was wise, but excessive suspicion wasn't needed.

So—this request was likely genuine.

Where would attackers strike? The fourth-floor window was just wide enough for a person. Scaling the roof was possible, but hauling someone out and back up would be tough.

The bridge connecting to the brothel was likelier—disguised as guests, they could get close.

Both were plausible, but it depended on the attackers' strength.

With the third floor's layout unknown, adaptability was key.

Cutting off my thoughts, I reached for tea.

As I sipped, I noticed Cliff in my periphery—gripping his sword, trembling slightly.

Rest had only left room for overthinking.

"Don't stress. If attacked, the guards and I will fight. Just shout to alert everyone. That's contribution enough."

Cliff nodded, still shaking.

Silence returned to the reception room.

Only the brothel's murmur, distant carriages, and footsteps outside remained.

Tension couldn't last forever. Cliff's fear gradually eased, leaving him fidgeting with his sword and asking trivial questions.

Answering absently, I stayed busy.

Like yesterday, I extended [Presence Detection], monitoring suspicious movements.

As midnight passed without incident, the brothel's noise faded, and the streets grew still.

The deepening quiet lulled Cliff into drowsiness—until I sensed a presence.

"Stepping out for a bit."

"Huh—? Oh, got it. That way?"

"Close. Call if anything happens."

Leaving a nervous Cliff behind, I slipped out.

In a dim alley near the warehouse, a sudden presence brushed my shoulder.

"You're earlier than I thought."

A soft tail tapped my head in reply.

Then, sniffing around—likely checking for injuries. No panic meant the labyrinth was fine.

Explaining the situation, I offered a letter.

"Deliver this, please."

But Phil refused, pawing my cheek repeatedly before turning in circles.

Ah—the duration.

"Five days, starting tomorrow. If attacked, we might leave the day after."

Phil stopped pawing but still seemed unsatisfied.

Pacing my shoulders in protest, he flicked his tail toward the fourth floor.

"Noticed her, huh? Tricky, like her presence. But she's an ally."

Still, Phil kept pacing. Overprotective as ever—maybe due to childhood experiences?

When we reunited, I'd been a wreck.

Might he associate me with an injured sibling, explaining his protectiveness now?

As I pondered persuasion, movement caught my eye.

A passerby neared the alley.

Suppressing my presence, I melded into shadows.

Ordinary clothes, light steps.

The man glanced briefly at the trading company, then casually scanned the alley.

No eye contact—just intuition. I attached a [Reference Point].

His presence felt familiar, but—hard to say.

Known individuals or distinct auras were identifiable, but this man was average, with no suspicious behavior. Just another passerby.

The marker moved from the main street into alleys, gradually speeding up.

Seemed like a brisk walk, but his movements were fluid.

Tricky. If this weren't a slaver's den, I'd dismiss it. But grudges here ran deep, and shady types frequented the area.

"Let's take a walk."

Phil understood instantly, leaping down.

Activating [Stealth], we trailed the man discreetly.

If an attack happened now, it'd be trouble—but wherever he was headed, it couldn't be far.

Just in case, I marked the brothel's doorman. Any incident would trigger noticeable movement.

We raced through dark streets, slowing once the man was in sight.

[Appraisal] revealed high agility (14) but average or lower elsewhere. Low combat power, yet he had [Stealth], [Presence Detection], and [Tracking]—scout essentials.

Skill ranks 3-4, unlikely acquired in ordinary life.

Though he checked his surroundings, he didn't activate [Stealth].

Combined with his frailty, he seemed utterly unremarkable. A scout leveraging weakness? They existed, it seemed.

Following him west to the city center's residential area, then north to a rougher district, he eventually entered an apartment building.

The marker stopped on the third floor.

Multiple presences gathered there, including a strong one—likely blurred by scout-type skills.

My [Stealth 7] should evade detection, but—best not risk it.

[Appraisal] wouldn't confirm if they were attackers, and the request itself was too vague. Better not pry.

Dispelling the marker, I noted the other one before heading back.

After humoring Phil with a perimeter check, I returned to the reception room.

"Finally back. Took your time."

"Scouted the area. Nothing suspicious."

"Good. Hope the week stays quiet."

Sitting across from Cliff, I reached for cold tea.

If nothing happened, we could buy Miranda and Tess at the agreed price.

But peace seemed unlikely.

Staring into the tea, I recalled the earlier presence.