She Becomes The Hero In Another World 137 She Meets The Strategis

"It appears we've been invited to a welcoming party." Robin smiled slyly, patting Skye, who was sitting on her shoulder. "But, even though he's probably prepared quite the surprise, I believe that we're bringing an even bigger surprise with us."

"A party!? I love parties!" Elise exclaimedjoyously a bit too closely to Skye's ears.

"No one asked you." Skye scowled, annoyed at how many decibels this tiny person could make.

"What was that!?" Elise started chasing Skye furiously around the room again.

"Dirk, how important are your relatives?" Robin asked, ignoring their quarrel. Dirk had stayed in the inn to prevent himself from being tricked again.

"Um, I dunno. But they were always given a grand reception at every place we stopped, so they otta be important. Why?" Dirk asked.

"It's highly likely that we might find your relatives at the party." Robin explained. "So I was wondering if you wanted to come along as well."

Dirk's ears quivered happily. "Do I ever! The best place to pick up gossip is parties, it is! But we were never the kind as would be allowed to join."

Robin winked. "Well, I'm pretty sure that as long as you can pick up the n.o.ble way of speaking, you'll be allowed to attend any banquet hosted by King Zephron. Information gatherers Are best placed where they are most useful."

"You mean it!?" Dirk's face lit up in happiness.

"I don't see why not." Robin replied. "I'll speak to foster father about it when I get back-come to think of it, Christian might have the better opportunity. Would you speak to him for me?" Robin asked Christian. She didn't know if she would be able to return after seeing the demon king. Perhaps she would leave right away.

In a rare moment of princely comportment, Christian placed his hand over his heart and nodded his head in a respectful salute.

"You have my word."

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Robin blinked in surprise. When Christian acted like this, it almost seemed like he was someone different.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Christian?" Robin asked half-seriously.

"What!? How did you get to that conclusion!? I'm one hundred percent real live Christian!" Christian exclaimed in dismay.

"But, you were acting strange." Robin said, jokingly. "For a second, I thought I rescued the wrong man."

"Just what kind of person do you see me as?" Christian asked, frazzled.

"Didn't I say it before?" Robin asked, turning to Jasmine.

"Right, I remember!" Jasmine and Robin smiled at each other.

"He's-"

"You're-"

""The comic relief."" They both spoke at the same time.

"Urk!" Christian leaned against a nearby wall. "Reduced to a mere court jester!"

"A fitting punishment for one so troublesome." Keith nodded in agreement.

"Your beer funds seem to need some reductions." Christian said, glaring at Keith, who coughed.

"But, still, I think perhaps as a Prince, we shouldn't go too far with such jokes." Keith added seriously.

Robin chuckled as she took the letter back from Keith, and read it over once more. What could the Strategist be trying to accomplish?

-------

"I a.s.sure you, if you can help us with this small problem, I will do all I can to search for your little elf-kin." A gentlemanly fox rea.s.sured a group of five elves.

"Let me tell you: if you are cheating us in any way, there will be harsh consequences." A stern-faced elf a.s.serted. "That boy is the grandson of the Great Elder. If you cannot find him, I cannot guarantee what the Great Elder will do."

"Of course, there's not a doubt in my mind. If he's still in this city, then we can definitely find him! Even though I have my mischief, even a rogue would think twice before trying to trick or cheat the great elder." The strategist nodded, brus.h.i.+ng its whiskers with its paw.

He hadn't checked the tower of meetings since he had left, but according to his captain's report, there had been no human females or even males seen attempting to enter the tower. His plan was going along swimmingly.

Of course, what happened next might not have flopped so badly if he had only gone and checked the situation with his own eyes. But, it seems that this time, the strategist was truly doomed to become a victim of his own schemes.

---

Robin arrived just around the time that the sun was beginning to set. As usual, she wore her Hero mask. Aside from her, every member of her party also wore an ornate silver mask that obscured the top part of their faces.

The group made their way into the ornate palace after showing their invitation to the guards, who reluctantly let them pa.s.s through.

The ceilings and walls were draped with fine near-transparent red silk curtains, which drifted about gently in the breeze. At this point, Robin wouldn't be surprised if smoke started drifting across the ground. Curtains separated the rooms instead of doors, creating a layer of inviting intrigue. The light came from the warm glow of cylindrical paper lanterns. Large potted plants were also tastefully arranged throughout the palace.

Many fox-people, which looked like people if not for the fox ears and tail showing, formed small groups and circles. They chattered, laughed, joked, and traded tricks back and forth. But the venue fell silent when they noticed Robin's group. Hushed whispers were traded back and forth as they saw the Hero's mask.

It was quite obvious to everyone that the Hero had been invited by the Strategist. If not, then they wouldn't be allowed into the palace. Many were eagerly looking forward to how badly the Strategist was going to trick the Hero.

15 years ago, this city had been bustling with lots of humans. However, due to the Strategist's tricks, they had all gratefully left the city. The only humans that came now were merchants trading for specialties, and the occasional travelling tourist. Each one had been terribly tricked their entire stay.

Dirk, Gerard, and Ponzu were feeling a bit uncomfortable with all the attention they were getting. Elise was silently fuming at the words she overheard about fairies being worth a lot. Robin paid them no mind. A bunch of grinning fools like these had no need for her to pay attention.

The fox-people crowds followed behind them, eager to see the show.

As she pa.s.sed through yet another curtained doorway, she came into the largest room of the palace: the throne room. Christian stiffened slightly when he saw the gentleman seated on the throne.

It was this person who had cheated him! True, he came to no real bodily harm, but the fact that he had malicious plans on Christian remained. He clenched his fist, yet held his tongue. Right now, the best thing he could do was to remain silent.

"Greetings, Demon Protectorate strategist. I am Hero Robin. Thank you very much for your delightful invitation!" Robin said with a small bow.

'You will regret ever attempting to lay hands upon my companions.' She thought, her expression calm. She even had a faint smile upon her face.

'Oho? Pretending everything is fine, are you?' The Strategist thought, a gleam in his eyes. 'I wonder just how long you will be able to keep that fake grin on your face.'

"Hero Robin. It is indeed a pleasure to see you." The Strategist nodded. "I called you here to apologize for the immense blunder that took place earlier today. It was entirely our oversight on the matter. I hope you don't hold it against us."

'Indeed, I oversaw everything from start to finish. Even should you actually hold it against me, there's nothing you can do about it.' He snickered in his heart.

Robin nodded her head. "Not at all. With such a rare circ.u.mstance, you wouldn't have the ability to help the situation unless you were fully prepared beforehand."

Robin's wit was sharp, she had already picked up on the Strategist's mocking tone. Her eyes narrowed, slightly. 'Even should you have had the opportunity to help, I would be more grateful that you did not involve yourself any more than you have. Otherwise, the results may have been even more disastrous. It is a good thing I made it in time.'

"I am glad you are so understanding." The Strategist smiled, smugly.