52 [VI] Team Up

Sitting across one of the tables inside the guild, Walter and the rest discusses the task they would take.

And as it turns out, Quinn already asked for Alicia's help before, obviously, she did not accept, but to not ruin her reputation, she told him that she would accept if he was able to convince anyone else, which she was sure would be impossible in the first place. Then, after just a few days, she has forgotten about him and her own promise - she just didn't expect he would actually find someone willing to take the task so she intentionally let his situation slip out of her mind.

Just from that story alone, Walter was able to grasp just what her personality is, which is an unpleasant one - and he's not wrong to think so, as of right, it is clearly being shown without any kind of restraints whatsoever.

[ I heard about you from Gerald... I heard you're the Brunhild's new guard dog. ] with a laid-back personality, she spoke what was on her mind. The two of them just met, yet the attitude she is showing is something only the closes of people would show to each other. It's not that Walter is uncomfortable with it, it's just that her words are also somehow adverse.

[ Please don't say it like that... ]

[ But it's true, isn't it? That bastard ran at me boasting about how you toasted that famous bandit... Even until now, I can still hear his voice telling me how strong you were... ]

[ Really...? So you know Gerald, huh? ] being reminded of the name 'Gerald', Walter's expression turned sour, the same as for Alicia who has told the name in the first place.

( That Gerald just couldn't help but boast about me to anyone, huh? ) Gerald's face pictured itself inside his mind as he was reminded of just how many times he had already caused him trouble.

[ Let's forget about him... Walter-san, it's been a while since I wanted to do it, but I really want to have a serious fight with you. ] suddenly turning serious, Alicia gave Walter an intense look.

[ I've seen your fight with Guro; you beat him while holding back... Why didn't you used your magic? ]

[ Tha-That's... ]

[ Back then, my intuition told me that you are supposed to have your magic; I can see it in the way you fight. Of course, it's not like I completely trust my intuition in everything, but after talking with Gerald, he confirmed it to me. ]

Hearing what she had revealed, Walter became hesitant.

Thinking of what he should say, he observes Alicia's appearance once more, and just like her personality, it is harsh and even quite aggressive. If he was back in his previous world, then he would call her "Gyaru" or a 'tomboy' base on how she treats him.

But unlike those kinds of people, she's neither tanned, slutty, nor defenseless, in fact, she's their most opposite -

Like an old fashioned-man, her hair felt like the style only a samurai would choose: thick, cross braided, and long; it almost reaches her backside. Her face is fierce and has only two expressions: carefree and serious. Then, perhaps the most important thing she misses to the 'Gyarus' Walter mostly compares her to, is that she seems to be independent - independent to the point of instead looking for a man, she acts as if she was one.

[ Tell me, why did you hold back? ] she urges him to answer, so with a sigh, he did so.

[ You're right. I didn't want to fight using any other means... I wanted to have a fair fight with Guro. ]

[ You wanted to have a fair fight with Guro...? ] Alicia repeated his words, and to it, a smirk suddenly appeared on her face, trying to contain the laugh that's trying to escape her.

[ Fufu...! That can't be it, right? I mean... You're the kind of guy who looks down on others, I'm sure you thought Guro just wasn't worthy enough so you didn't fight him in your full potential. That's really it, isn't it? ]

( This person... )

[ I mean, if I was in your position, then I will definitely do the same... ] laughing to herself, she continues.

[ You're amazing, Walter... We're the same kind of person so you can't really lie to me. ]

( Just what is this girl thinks of me!? ) Walter wanted to shout his inner thoughts, but because of his consideration to the others who are also there, listening to Alicia, he didn't. However, as he turns a glimpse towards them, he saw nothing but disgusted faces - it seems that he was not the only one who thinks Alicia is speaking nonsense.

[ A-Anyway... Walter-san... Let's talk about the task... ] finally having enough, one of Alicia's own teammate, Yuri, spoke and interrupt.

[ Un, it would be better. ] Quinn responds, and after him, the others also nodded in agreement, leaving Alicia alone to herself as she kept the smirk on her face.

[ Walter-san, I also agree that we should accept this task. ]

[ Un, if you didn't know, the town in this task isn't really under Brunhild-sama's territory, it's from a noble called Brandon. ] Francis, the only male on Alicia's party added.

[ That explains why Arthur isn't lending any help... If that really is the case, then a note about it wouldn't even reach him. ] Walter murmurs to himself, unintentionally letting everyone hear in the process.

But ignoring him, the conversation continues.

[ My guess is that noble doesn't have any plans to deal with the problem himself so the people were left on their own to find a solution, isn't that right, Quinn-san? ]

[ What you said is the truth. We already asked many times for his help, but he wouldn't lend us any. ]

( Hmm... I never heard of that name before... But I guess that noble is just like any other... ) as Walter listens, his thoughts ponder to any related things.

[ Then, if Quinn-san wasn't able to find anyone else to help them, I guess their town would be over. ]

[ And if these Orcs will not be dealt with immediately, their forces will increase and it would be much harder to deal with them later. ]

[ Umu, that would be the case... ]

( What they said was right... I guess they're not as bad as their leader. ) Walter thought as he nodded to Yuri and Francis's words. They clearly have common sense and it seems that the two of them are interested in helping too, so he thought that it wouldn't be bad if they would accept and help him deal with the task.

As for Alicia -

[ Then I guess it's settled, we'll deal with this task immediately and have our rewards. Of course, since our party has more members, I say we split it in our favor - I say 60-40. ]

( Well, her math isn't wrong but... I think it would be hard to form a team with her. )