Chapter 473: Before Catching the Empire’s Dogs

"I’m sorry for making you come all this way. I thought there was no fault on your side, but because the security force members said so. Anyway, a guarantor was necessary. I am Garcia, the security force department head in charge of this town’s security. Pleased to meet you."

Department Head Garcia says in a low posture. My head isn’t turning on what I should do, and I end up thinking that I’ll just have to leave it to the flow of events.

Then from Dee’s side, he talks about how while wandering the town last night he found that guy walking the streets acting outrageously, and when I happened to look at that punk with "Appraisal" I learned he was an Empire dog, and when we followed him it turned into that commotion. Therefore, he wants to assault the house where those punks are gathered and capture the Empire dogs.

I was watching Department Head Garcia’s face the whole time. When the matter of my "Appraisal" came up, Department Head Garcia’s cheek twitched. Other than that, he listens to Dee’s story without any particular change.

When Dee’s explanation ends, Department Head Garcia puts a finger to his temple,

"That, if it is fact, is a serious matter. Thank you very much for reporting it. If we delay, the Empire dogs might learn of it. Let’s capture everyone and expose the connections of the Empire dogs. Captain Alun, after dusk we will raid the house that the baron mentioned. Arrange it immediately!"

He gives instructions.

"Ah, excuse me!"

I stop Captain Alun as he tries to leave the room.

"The one named Nguyen who treated us as criminals last night, that one has become a pawn of the punks. If we mobilize that man, it will be conveyed to the punks in advance. Therefore, I think it is better to exclude that man."

At my words, Department Head Garcia and Captain Alun exchange glances.

"Surely not such a thing..."

Captain Alun is surprised, but Department Head Garcia,

"Captain Alun, then say that the target for preparation is the opposing organization of those guys, and form the unit. Since Nguyen is connected, there are probably others who are connected as well. Do it carefully, I’m counting on you."

Gives instructions. Listening to this, I’m made to think how capable this department head is.

When Captain Alun leaves the room, Department Head Garcia,

"I hear that everyone is accompanying as escorts for the Hero-sama and the others, but I believe I heard that the Hero-sama’s party has already departed from Seged? Due to our blunder, we have caused you trouble. I am truly sorry!"

He apologizes. When it becomes that, we have no choice but to say the reason it took time for Bill to come here. When we talk about how because of this and that unnecessary things Bill did, we were left behind, he makes a face as if he did something bad for the time being, and then,

"If it is alright, could we ask for your cooperation in our capture operation? Even one more person with skill is helpful, and Marie-sama and Dee-sama possess ’Appraisal,’ I hear. If so, I would also like to ask for the selection of Empire dogs. I think you must catch up to the Hero-sama and the others, but please, by all means, cooperate. I will contact the Hero-sama and the others from my side."

He asks. Dee and Bill end up making faces of "It can’t be helped." Even looking at Department Head Garcia they don’t seem to think anything, so this means they don’t think Department Head Garcia is tied to the Empire.

Anyway, we need to get out of here and have a meeting once at the inn. However, Department Head Garcia doesn’t easily let us go. Is he thinking of monitoring us, he won’t easily let us return, saying things like take a meal.

In the end,

"As an apology as well, it’s a bit late, but I would like to invite you to lunch. How about it? There are no good shops in this town, so it’s home cooking and a bit embarrassing, but I would like you to eat my wife’s home cooking?"

He asks. Dee and Bill, without even confirming with me,

"Then we will gladly accept the invitation."

Easily go along with the talk. What if that’s a trap? I think. Us three casually going, and the moment we enter the house being surrounded and killed, is something that can be sufficiently anticipated, right?

"Please have a meal at my home, and after that come here again, wait until the time comes, and head to those guys. Since it’s a rare guest, I have to leave a message for my wife."

Department Head Garcia makes a happy face and hands paper to a subordinate. Is this smile acting or not? Did Dee know and go along with the talk? What about Bill? These two have exposed Empire spy bases even in the Royal Capital, so when it comes to anti-spy matters they can be called experts more than me.

I thought it would be unnatural for me to refuse here, so,

"Thank you for the invitation. Then I would like to return to the inn once and prepare, is that alright? It would help if you could see us off."

I tried saying. What kind of reaction will Department Head Garcia show?

Department Head Garcia shows a color of tension around his eyes for an instant, but immediately with a smile,

"Understood. I will arrange it."

He readily agrees. But after that,

"I would like to ask Marie-sama, what kind of thing is ’Appraisal’? This is the first time I have met someone who can use ’Appraisal,’ so could you teach me about that ability?"

He asks while still smiling. His face is calm, but his eyes are not smiling.

"No, I also understood, but Baron May also possesses the ’Appraisal’ ability."

Rather than me saying it, I thought Dee has experienced scenes like this more, so I turned the talk to Dee, but,

"Rather than me talking, Marie-sama’s ability is higher, and I think you can explain it well."

He returns something like that. Even though I went out of my way to respect the superior Dee and turn the talk to him, why is he making a kid like me talk? Oh well, oh well.

However, since it was turned to me I have to answer.

"Even saying ’Appraisal,’ individual abilities seem to have quite a difference. In my case, if the other party is not wary at all and is in a defenseless state, and at that time if I strain my eyes and look, I can understand the name and age and plus alpha (I wonder if this way of saying it gets across?). Last night, that punk was completely defenseless, and I think he didn’t even know that an ability called ’Appraisal’ exists in the first place. Therefore, it was like he was standing naked in front of me. So the fact that I understood that guy was an Empire dog was good fortune. If he had been even a little wary, I think I wouldn’t have known."

I don’t know if this will convince him, but I spoke. Department Head Garcia doesn’t change his expression,

"That means, if the other party possessed wariness, there is a possibility it wouldn’t be visible, you say?"

"Yes, that may be so. This depends on the time and situation."

"If that is the case, even if Marie-sama looks at me, my true nature might not be known?"

Finally he touches the core.

"That’s right. I think I wouldn’t know. In the first place, I was told that ’Appraisal’ must not be used carelessly. If I use ’Appraisal’ on anyone without distinction, depending on the person they might realize they are being ’Appraised’ and feel unpleasant. Sometimes they might hold malice, I was taught. Therefore, I was told that I must rarely use that ability."

"Hmm, is that so. It’s unexpectedly useless."

He shows a posture of being convinced for the time being.

"I also hear that one can ’Appraise’ old artworks and judge authenticity?"

Department Head Garcia changes the subject. I thought he might say "Please look at me," but he changed it from his side and I’m saved. Appraisal of artworks and such seems to interest Dee and Bill as well, and the talk is getting lively.

I broke out in a very bad sweat on the side.