Yulina-san and Nina seemed to have managed to get back on their feet.


    Well, it''s only natural to be surprised if they came to the party out of the blue and had an incident like that.


    Yulina-san would have been prepared to be looked at like that, but Nina might have done a little more damage because she hadn''t.


    However, if the operation was ruined because of that, it would be all for naught.


    There are several reasons why I came as an escort for this mission.


    Firstly, it would be conspicuous if I brought a woman as my bodyguard.


    Normally, guards in such a situation are men, but if only Yulina and the others were to be female guards, it would make them look bad.


    Considering our mission, it would be inefficient to stand out that much.


    Secondly, if it was simply escorting, I''d be better than Tina, because I''m better than her.


    Tina''s magic is excellent and near-universal, but it''s a bit unsuitable for this kind of escort.


    The scale of attack and defense is too big.


    If that''s the case, I''m more experienced in escorting Christo, and I''m probably more suitable for the job.


    And finally, the third one.


    This is the biggest reason why I decided that it would be better if Tina wasn''t an escort.


    That is..........


    ''''--All three of you, can you hear me?''''


    Suddenly a voice reached my ears, or rather our ears.


    The little voice, which the people around us would never hear, was firmly audible to us.


    ''Yeah, I hear you,''


    I said it as quietly as possible, almost without moving my mouth.


    The two people in front of me probably didn''t hear me either.


    And the two in front of me probably muttered as much as I did.


    ''Yeah, they all seem to be able to hear you,''


    Tina, who was breaking in somewhere in this party, reported that she had been able to communicate with everyone.


    The biggest reason is that Tina is the most qualified for the role of intruder.


    She can use her wind magic to move without making any sound of her own footsteps at all, and she''s good at killing the signs.


    Even I can break in easily, but I can''t contact my friends afterwards.


    If it was Tina, I could talk to them like this, using wind magic.


    But it''s really useful, this magic.


    Tina''s magic is so good that only someone as skilled as Viviana-san can detect this magic.


    There''s no way such a skilled person can do that, so there''s almost no chance of being detected.


    ''''There are people talking about the Lindow Empire at four o''clock from where the three of you are.


    Tina has heard almost every conversation in the hall and told us so.


    Yulina and Nina glance at me.


    I nod, and they walk in that direction.


    There were four men and women in the place Tina had mentioned.


    There were three women and one man.


    It''s like there are women surrounding the men.


    The women were very beautiful, but the men were fat and unflattering.


    I don''t know if there''s anything else attractive about them, or if they''re putting their money where their mouth is... well, that part is fine for now.


    As we approach, a man notices us.


    ''''Oh, you are a very good looking couple. It''s a pleasure to meet you for the first time, I''m Fermo Sadino.


    A man named Fermo, who smiles and treats me favorably.


    The other ladies bail beautifully, too.


    He seems like a very nice guy, but we know.


    ''Earlier that man said something like, ''Which woman would you like to see next? Be careful.''


    That''s what Tina has told me.


    So perhaps this attitude and expression is an act.


    If I hadn''t been told, I might not have noticed it.


    ''Nice to meet you, Lady Fermo. I am Shuna Millwood. This is my wife, Nina. Behind me is my bodyguard.


    Oh, you have a beautiful name, too. So, what can I do for you?


    A slightly sharp atmosphere appears in the smile that people like to see.


    He seems to be a little wary of us.


    Yulina-san also speaks as if she''s used to it with an ostensible smile.


    ''''No, I don''t really have anything important to do. I was invited for the first time, so I''m just making the rounds of greetings.''''


    ''I see. Who invited you to join us?


    Master Rogelio.


    Oh I see.


    Apparently, he was convinced.


    It''s an unpleasant way to be convinced, but it''s a good thing, because they''ve let their guard down.


    ''''There are many people in this party, aren''t there? Excuse me, but what kind of business do you have, Fermo-dono?


    I am... a slave trader.


    -Oh!


    With a good smile and a regal, articulate, Fermo said.