"Alright, I believe we've walked far enough to establish this as an official inspection. Let’s head back. I doubt Big Brother Girai expects the same trick to work twice, and if we re-enter the noble district through the fourth gate, which is often the one with heavy foot traffic, we should be relatively safe—”

Just as we had walked down a huge park, devoid of any colors—despite all the signs of how it was meant for 'public to enjoy,' Arichi-san announced the plan for departure. I hurriedly interrupted.

“W–wait! Since we’re here, could we go see the Giant Steps of Cordoba and the Fountain of Dios? They’re listed as must-see spots in guidebooks about the Imperial Capital! Oh, and I am sure it should be around here, so how about a quick stop at Abramas Department Store to buy some souvenirs?”

The Giant Steps was a staircase, with each of its steps towering over a meter high, a construction of a famous castle architect of the past. The Fountain of Dios was installed with history's largest mana technology. And the Abramas Department Store was the Empire's leading commercial outlet. They're the star spots of the commercial district, and highlighted in the guidebook. 

I only had limited time in the capital, so I wanted to make the most out of it. Grayfia looked at me in exasperation when I proposed my suggestion. 

"Sightseeing, seriously? The city's already swarming with people due to the Rising Dragon Cup, so why would you want to jump into messy, chaotic places littered with commoners? Besides, are you even sane? Just a while ago, someone, literally, tried to kill you, for damn sake. And a place teeming with people would just make you a perfect sitting duck to be targeted."

"Obviously, I am here for sightseeing. And chill, my master has trained me to blend into the crowd. All I need is to treat every passerby as my energy, and keep my senses active."

Though I had meant Master Dew, Arichi-san had an entirely different misunderstanding on her own.

"It sure does sound like something «Unceasing Prudence» would teach you. It's incredible how you can switch to your average day mood, just after experiencing a deadly assault. ...As much as I would like to give the way, I wouldn't feel safe in allowing that. Of course, you've been merely enrolled into our messy situation, but I am your escort, and it's my duty to make sure you two reach the guest house in all sound condition."

What the heck, «Unceasing Prudence»? ......I had never imagined I would hear our ordinary family tutor's name rolling out from the princess of a foreign rival nation.

Anyway, so it’s a negative, huh. 

And given the determination I could feel from her eyes, it doesn't seem like she would budge from her decision, no matter how I tried to persuade her. 

Unfortunately for her, It was something I would never yield to, either. Believe me, I wasn't Mr. Brave. I fear for my life, truly. However, it was precisely this situation that filled me with the desire to stick to my plan. I mean, they do say, "one must live their life to the fullest, so when death arrives, you can have no regret."

As I stood there, frowning, searching for the right words to convince her, Arichi-san doubled down.

“The very idea of assassinating foreign students attending the Rising Dragon Cup is absurd. That’s how I truly feel. If anything like that were to happen, our Empire’s pride and influence would crumble overnight. Now that Big Brother Girai has made a move, I must ask that both of you—especially you, Allen-sama—to refrain from leaving the premises unless absolutely necessary, such as for official tournament viewing.”

So, she's basically saying I must become a hermit and shut myself in because their forces suddenly decided to go after my life? Or else, she would find some twisted means to put me into house arrest, as soon as we hit the reception place, was it? 

Honestly, the proposal was so absurd from my perspective that I nearly mistook it for a threat.

"...W-well, I believe we can coordinate security more effectively if you promise to stay within the noble district. As the noble district is out of reach for commoners, your guidebook shouldn't have mentioned it, but there are many beautiful and historically significant sites there as well. If you’re willing to give us a little time, I’ll arrange for the appropriate guards and have you escorted for a proper tour.”

As I had remained silent, with a pale smile on my face, she mustered a compromise. 

Alas, her idea was completely parallel to my wish. I wasn't prompted for a tour because I was interested in some marvelous architecture. No, I had zero interest in that soulless noble district, devoid of any bustling. 

My heart had longed to experience the history weaved by the Empire's people, and the modern culture of its people.

"Hmph, I admit your boldness here. But you're bound to be disappointed; Arichi's unconcealed presence would only make your tour troublesome, and we aren't carrying any disguise for her. I believe this short stroll should've already caused a ruckus."

"...I, too, wouldn't like to rain on your parade, Allen, but I am obliged to report my mission imminently, unlike you. So, whatever we decide on would have to wait after that."

And just like that, the three of them had gently but firmly tried to talk me out of it. I kept my smile in place.

“I understand… You each have your responsibilities. It can’t be helped! Alright, let's make our way to the noble district then.”

There was no way I could have ask them to shake their responsibility for me. So I decided to honor their   status, while I would walk on my path myself.

◆◆◆

She felt the changes in the boy's demeanour the moment she declined the request for sightseeing, a stark contrast to his indifferent profile when she described they'd been in other's target because of her. 

It wasn't his anger, per se. It felt like his emotions had run dry, causing her to shed cold sweat. This moment unearthed the conversation Grayfia once had with her in tears; it was the difference between their determination that gave her cold feet in her confrontation against Allen. 

Had he another plan, beside mere sightseeing? ...But it was sheer coincidence they'd ran into commercial district, there's no he would have another plan for this place—

“I understand… You each have your responsibilities. It can’t be helped! Alright, let's make our way to the noble district then.”

Finally, when his expression loosen did Arichi could breathe a sigh of relief. 

"...I really appreciate your understanding. Well then, let's not linger here anymore."

Concluding their little planning, the four took their feet in the direction of the noble district. 

Allen didn't say anything, just followed the three from behind, a smile sticking to his face. 

A strange, heavy silence settled over the group. And just then, one of the two shabby-looking young men who had been lingering nearby, the type of people one typically wouldn't see in a commercial district, began to approach, his cap pulled low.

With their wits, it was clear the four wouldn't miss the disquieting presence. They'd have long perceived them. 

They must be pickpockets or something. What awful timing... 

Airchi clicked her tongue under her breath, pressing her annoyance from showing up, and glanced  fleetingly at Grayfia. They required no words to speak, and Grayfia returned with a nod.

"Iyaaa! A praying mantis, Princess!"

However, before they could take any action, Allen slipped out a strange squeal, and moved out of the route, distancing himself from them. The sudden act like a damsel, while there couldn't have been anyone superior than him in detection skill, caught the three off-guard. 

Though, for the young man, Allen just made his work easier on him and set his target on him. He crept from behind, and bumped into him with force, dramatically shouting "Oi, watch out... you almost smashed my nose!"

"O-oh, yeah, my bad."

Meanwhile, Grayfia's gears finally start to spin again, bringing her out of daze. 

"....Hey, you! Where do you think you're—|

"Watch out!"

Though, she had just stepped forward to stop that young man when Allen suddenly gave her a full-body tackle, almost like he hadn't had any sleep last night. 

"W-w-w-what the hell are you doing, you pervert!"

Grayfia flailed around, trying to escape from the bind almost reflexively, however Allen had completely pinned her down. 

"Calm down! I heard a knife rustling against his sleeve! He can be another assassin, and you're just playing in his hand!|

"M-me, and calm down? You're the one who needs to cut your nonsense! You're an idiot if you think  that dull knife could scratch me!"

"Carelessness is the greatest sin, Grayfia-san! Have you forgotten the earlier assassination attempt?!"

Arichi's expression was a sight to behold, her facial muscles jumping wildly when the two had begun a full-on wrestling match in broad daylight, right in the middle of a public street. 

“Wha, what in the world are you two doing out here in plain sight?! Actually, no, more importantly, Allen-sama, are you sure nothing was stolen from you?”

Allen continued to grapple furiously with Grayfia until the pickpocket vanished around the corner, then suddenly paused, as if finally realising something important, and murmured.

"............No, no way... Not my cherished wallet my big brother gave me..."

To that later part, it was actually true; he had still been using a hand-me-down wallet from his brother. 

Perhaps, the absurdity of the situation had overloaded their brains, Arichi and bright-red-face Grayfia's mouth moved like a goldfish. 

"...Damn that thief! I am going to retrieve my cherished wallet right away. But since you three have heavy responsibility on your shoulders, you should return back."

Before anyone could stop him, Allen took off like a shot. Justin raised his hand in a surrendering gesture, and called him out. 

"...So that's how you're going to play out, huh... Just be careful to not lose your way!"

Without turning back, Allen threw a confident thumbs-up over his shoulder.

"Ah, I actually struggle with sense of direction, so thanks for the reminder!"

"...Uh-huh, Dew-san is definitely going to chew me out for this."

Justin sighed, scratching his head as Arichi and Grayfia continued standing there, mouths still flapping silently.

◆

“—And that’s how it went. If Allen went to such extreme lengths, then he must have had a reason. Something he needs to accomplish, even if it means taking a risk.”

Justin concluded his report, and King Patrick turned a sharp gaze toward Randy.

"I am completely clueless either. And I doubt the Knight Order would assign a secret mission while the tension is drawn like sharp wires. Frankly, if he had even mentioned the idea to me, I would have stopped him without hesitation.”

Randy shook his head firmly, prompting a deep sigh from King Patrick.

“I thought as much. Given everything, the attempted assassination tied to the imperial succession crisis, his actions seem entirely spontaneous. We’ll stick to the ‘lost student’ story. This should earn less attention from others… Still, I have to say, the boy works tirelessly. He’s beginning to remind me of old man Godorfun in his prime.”

“Indeed… I thought I could finally lecture him to take care of himself more, and yet, here he vanished on me again. What a handful.”

“My apologies. It’s a failure of my supervision.”

Justin bowed low, but Patrick waved him off with a shake of the head.

"Mad Hound, huh. It truly pictures him perfectly. I fear not even Dew can put him on a leash. They might not buy our excuse if we send a search party for him without raising suspicion. Justin, you'll have to search for him yourself. ...This news should be quickly making rounds among every nation's attendees. The more attention it earns, the better. The Empire will be locked away from making any move."

" "As you command!" "