"What is it?"
"Well~ yesterday I got an extra task from Sense," Looking at the boy who had let go of her and was now leaning against the wall of the alley, frowning as he waited for her to continue, Ubel didn't hide anything further. She smiled sweetly and said it plainly, "She wants us to sneak into a banquet hosted by an important imperial official and retrieve documents related to the assassination plan that Lineal hid in the mansion's warehouse beforehand."
"Us? Don't tell me you want me to help you complete this task?", Even though his face was full of black lines and he clearly didn't want to get involved in something that seemed rather pointless, Ubel grinned with admiration.
"Wow~ as expected of you, you guessed it right away!"
"Do you think I'm the kind of person who'll just follow you because you praise me a little? Besides, if she hid the documents herself, couldn't she just retrieve them on her own?"
"Can't be helped. I heard Lineal has been working as a spy in the Empire for over fifteen years. Her current identity is very sensitive. Even though she can access that level of confidential information, with National Day coming up, her special status means she can't move freely."
"Come to think of it, I've never seen her. What kind of spy can access information of that level?", At this point, he couldn't help but hesitate a little, and he was also somewhat curious.
"Ah~ I've seen her once," Ubel explained with a smile.
"After the once-every-three-years return to the northern branch to give a regular report to Serie, she sat in the garden under that glass dome, wearing a strange happy smile, and watched butterflies for an entire day. It really left an impression."
"Watched for a whole day?"
"To be honest, I think she's kind of strange."
"She's definitely strange, but the fact that you could watch her from the side for a whole day isn't exactly normal either."
"The only thing I'm good at is observing~"
———
Although he wasn't very willing, after chatting a bit, Ash still sighed and reluctantly chose to participate in this strange task she mentioned, for the sake of the information she had.
After all, if he did nothing at a time like this, causing the mission to fail, the documents to be discovered, and the spy to be exposed and killed, Serie would probably be very angry, and he might get dragged into it too.
Ubel's information was indeed important. Before dealing with the emperor, finding out what they intended to use against Serie would also make his own actions safer.
Otherwise, what if the thing meant to deal with Serie ended up being used on him first?
The banquet would be held the next day, so there was still some time to prepare.
Sense had also obtained an anonymous invitation from the spy, so there was no need to worry about that.
However, before going out, there was still the need for some disguise, to avoid conflict as much as possible. After all, they were infiltrating a banquet of high nobility, and alerting the enemy wouldn't be good.
But Frieren not only wanted to buy magical tools, she also planned to meet the emperor, so they had to find a reason to delay that. So... they went back for a bit and frankly said that based on current intelligence, the two countries wouldn't go to war immediately, and it would be better to wait until after National Day.
"Besides reliable information, we should at least find out what they're relying on to deal with Serie. That way, when we go to meet the emperor, it'll be safer."
Even though he didn't think the Empire could handle a mage of Serie's level, what if something unexpected happened. What if, inside the palace, before he could capture the emperor, he ended up being trapped instead? He didn't want things to turn from joy to disaster.
Frieren, who looked dejected, also felt what he said made sense. But even after hearing that war wouldn't break out immediately, she just waved it off and sighed, "You're right. Just do as you said. Arrange it however you want..."
"What's wrong with her? She was so tense before, and now she's like this?", Ash looked at the purple-haired girl beside him in confusion.
"Because the situation hasn't been good lately. Even the atmosphere in the capital is tense. We went out too late, and many stalls had already closed, most shops too... so... haha!", Fern gave an awkward smile, then couldn't help asking for help, "Lord Ash, could you comfort Lady Frieren a bit? Otherwise she might stay like this for who knows how long."
"She's already this old and still sulking over something like this, you're really hopeless," Fern had hoped he would comfort her, but Ash didn't even think about it. He just reached out, patted Frieren's head, and piled on instead, making Frieren suddenly raise her head.
"You!"
"Here, your allowance. Go buy some good magical tools," Before she could finish, Ash directly took out three gold coins from his pocket and placed them in her hand. Her angry expression gradually disappeared, and she gave a light cough.
"Ahem! Since we happen to be in the imperial capital and there should be quite a lot of magical tools to find, I'm in a good mood, so I'll forgive you for now. Be more careful next time."
Having finally come to the capital, her desire to go on a shopping spree for magical tools made Frieren give in to money. After putting on a show of lecturing him, she happily ran back to her room.
Frieren was easily handled, but Fern became unhappy instead.
"Lord Ash! Giving her allowance so casually is bad for Lady Frieren's upbringing. You know that, right?"
"Yes, yes... I'm reflecting."
"This isn't the first or second time something like this has happened. How many times do I have to repeat myself?"
"I'll definitely pay attention next time."
"So please be serious! I don't want you to just reflect verbally," Fern puffed out her cheeks and started lecturing him.
"Are those two Frieren's mom and dad?", Ubel stood to the side eating some roadside fried fish, then turned to look at Sense, who was quietly leaning against the wall reading a book.
"They're not."
"I was just joking. Why are you getting mad?"
"You're being rude."
"Am I? It's obviously a joke," Ubel tilted her head in confusion, not quite understanding what she was dissatisfied about, then casually took another piece of fried fish from the bag and offered it, "Want some?"
"Thanks." After hesitating, Sense silently took it and took a bite before looking back at Ash.
But in the moment she lowered and raised her head, he had already disappeared.
———
[The Next Day, Morning]
Ash hadn't returned yet, but Frieren, under Fern's supervision, happily went out shopping.
Ubel stepped out briefly and ran into Ash, who seemed to have been waiting for her.
And the one who said they needed to prepare beforehand ended up half-dragging him to... a restaurant.
Passing through a hall decorated with soft lighting and exquisite artworks, gentle music flowed through the air. Musicians played from a semi-open stage for the few morning guests.
Ubel and Ash were led to a window seat. Outside was the bustling morning cityscape, contrasting sharply with the warm atmosphere inside the restaurant. Somehow, it felt out of place.
After all, who goes to a place like this early in the morning?
But Ubel was thinking there would be good food at night, so she might as well eat her fill in the morning and skip lunch.
The table was already set with fine tableware and a special menu for the day. The gold-embossed lettering on the cover shimmered slightly under the light, giving off a sense of luxury.
"Looks like you're planning to really take advantage of me?", Ash idly played with his fork, looking slightly surprised.
"Of course. Rare chance like this, I have to pick somewhere nice," Ubel's eyes flashed with pride, "Besides, I've never had a chance to eat something like this before~"
"Is that so?"
"Don't feel bad about it later."
As they spoke, the waiter approached politely and introduced the signature dishes. Ubel excitedly began ordering, asking for his opinion from time to time.
"This foie gras looks good, what do you think? And this seafood platter looks really tempting! Mm! Looks expensive!"
Ash glanced at the menu, nodded, and with a smile reached out to pat her head.
"Whatever you want. As long as you're happy today."
"You're not treating me like some pitiful child, are you?", That strange gentleness made Ubel feel annoyed.
"I'm telling you first, I've never thought being poor is something pitiful."
"I don't think so either. I just think that if I can let you experience things you haven't before, it's part of my responsibility as someone older... and a bit of a sense of accomplishment too. After all, caring for juniors is part of being a senior."
"Hm~ well... whatever," Ubel stared at him for a while. Even though his flawless smile and warm gaze made her feel like she'd been countered instead, she muttered something and went back to ordering.
Soon, various dishes were served one after another. She began eating heartily, while Ash calmly accompanied her.
After they finished eating, Ubel took him to a clothing store. After visiting several shops, they picked out outfits for both of them. By then it was already noon, and the two of them went straight to... an inn.
Of course, it was just to change clothes. Nothing else, you pervert.
———
On the third floor of the inn—
Wearing a tailcoat suit, Ash stood by the window adjusting his tie. It felt like some kind of punishment game. No matter how he adjusted it, it felt constricting.
Below, in the square, he saw Frieren and Fern picking through various strange items at street stalls.
The two of them even took turns wearing cat-ear accessories. Without thinking, he opened the window slightly, took out a photography magic tool, and snapped two color photos.
"Nice. I'll show them when we get back~"
He didn't know why cat-ear accessories existed in this era, but since even things like black stockings existed, he didn't dwell on it. Looking at the instant photos, he was already looking forward to their reactions.
Just then, someone poked his lower back. When he turned around, he was stunned again.
The girl with the side ponytail had transformed, now wearing a classic yet slightly mysterious black sailor uniform, paired with a striking red scarf.
"Hey~ what do you think? This slightly strange outfit?"
Ubel, dressed in the black sailor uniform, revealed a mischievous smile and spun lightly, as if showing off her new outfit.
The uniform hugged her figure, emphasizing her full chest, while the bright red scarf stood out against the black, contrasting with the equally black pleated skirt.
Although pure black sailor uniforms weren't common, on her it looked uniquely fitting, giving off a distinct charm that caught the eye, but...
"Aren't we going to a banquet? Why are you wearing a sailor uniform? At least wear formal attire. And this is the surprise you mentioned?", Even though he should have praised her, he couldn't help but complain.
"So this is called a sailor uniform~ but! It's nice, right?", Ubel lifted her skirt slightly and looked at herself curiously, while Ash was speechless.
"Aren't you focusing on the wrong thing? We're going to a banquet. A noble banquet. What are you supposed to look like dressed like that?"
"As long as we have an invitation, we can get in. There shouldn't be a dress code."
"But this is a covert infiltration."
"It's fine~ with you around, even if we stand out a bit, nothing will happen."
"Is this revenge?", Ash suddenly thought of how she seemed unhappy earlier.
"Hehe~ what do you think?"
"Forget it. If you're not embarrassed, I don't care."
"How could I be~ ah, look, it's Frieren and Fern!", Ubel noticed the two below, then suddenly grinned and wrapped her arm around his waist.
"You know~ while they're shopping down there, we went to a fancy restaurant and then got a room together... doesn't that feel kind of like an affair?"
"Not at all."
"Oh come on, at least blush a little~ how boring. Right now I'm supposed to be the cheating cat or the temptress~"
"I can't be bothered with you."
Ash rubbed his temples and quietly moved away from the window.
He had originally planned to show Frieren and Fern the photos, but now... he completely dropped that idea and decided to keep them hidden.
After all, if they asked where he took them and he accidentally mentioned this place, things could get troublesome.
And renting a room at an inn, with a man in formal wear and a girl in a sailor uniform, even he felt it looked like an older man doing something inappropriate with a JK.
Even though he wasn't old, and Ubel only looked like a JK, the scene still felt like some kind of role-play.
———
Although Ubel did look surprisingly good in the sailor uniform, it felt completely out of place for a banquet.
But since he wasn't the one wearing it, Ash didn't bother commenting further.
To avoid her stirring up more trouble the more he engaged, he quietly found a spy from the Kingdom, had his appearance altered slightly with makeup, and then rented a carriage to head to the noble's banquet.
"You already look good, and you still deliberately made yourself uglier. You're no fun~"
As they got out of the carriage, Ubel smiled and wrapped her arm around his, acting like a couple while complaining softly.
"You think I want to? It's for safety."
"I didn't even put on makeup."
"Exactly because you're wearing that strange outfit, I need to disguise myself even more," He sighed while complaining, but Ubel just held her cheek and smiled excitedly.
"But this is nice too~ after an affair, putting on makeup to attend a banquet as the wife... this kind of shady development is kind of exciting~"
"I really can't understand your tastes, so please stay quiet, don't do anything weird, and after this is over, just tell me where those people are."
"It's fine, it's fine~ trust me~"
"I hope so."
He let out another quiet sigh.
As they spoke, after showing their invitation, they passed through the guards and entered the courtyard of the mansion, large enough to fit a football field despite being in the capital.
When the attendants opened the grand doors, he saw groups of nobles with their companions. And sure enough... everyone was in formal attire, except Ubel in her sailor uniform.
He instantly became the center of attention. Though no one stared directly out of courtesy, they kept glancing at them curiously.
Ubel, who had just been told to behave, immediately noticed the trays carried by the servants. Letting go of his arm, she walked over and grabbed two glasses of wine.
"You're taking two at once—"
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