Me, a priest? How could that be!

Chapter 96 Scott

"good!"

Charlotte grabbed Mikasa Hibiki's shoulder and said, "You're a gigolo now, go find Mrs. Scott and latch onto this rich woman!"

"Why!?"

Mikami Hibiki slapped the hand off his shoulder, rolling his eyes in annoyance. He seemed to harbor great hostility towards the gigolo profession, which might be related to his experiences before reincarnation. After all, he lived a life similar to that of an anime protagonist every day.

but--

"Don't worry, as your comrade, would I ever harm you? You're a natural at this. Haven't you discovered your greatest strength yet? Sigh, this world is so unfair. You could rely on your looks, but you still choose to be an adventurer..."

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

"Don't you understand? You're the 'Mingming,' and I'm the 'Pianpian'!"

"……are you serious?"

Mikami Hibiki looked at him strangely, and Charlotte felt offended by his expression and gaze.

"What?"

"Charlotte...you may not realize it yourself, but you are actually quite popular."

"Haha, of course."

"The premise is to avoid doing anything incomprehensible."

"Hello!"

Could he be implying that he, like Aqua, is a static handsome guy?

"In short, you need to get in touch with Mrs. Scott; this is also Alice's request."

"...Princess Alice?"

Mikage Hibiki's expression turned serious.

Charlotte then told him that Viscount Scott might be hiding an artifact, and that the task she was tasked with was to find the artifact and the evidence.

Yujian Xiangye nodded in realization.

"I see... Viscount Scott might have embezzled funds, but it's unlikely that Viscount Scott would have embezzled funds."

"...What are you talking about?"

Charlotte thought his head was pointy.

You probably don't pay attention to these things—

Viscount Scott's territory was actually located in the western part of the kingdom, a very barren and remote area. Normally, it should have been an extremely impoverished region, given the lack of agriculture and tourism development, but the kingdom's largest mineral deposit was discovered there.

Thanks to the efforts of the previous Viscounts Scott, the mine was finally opened up for mining. Many merchants and blacksmiths gradually gathered there, and over time it became the kingdom's armory, supplying them with equipment.

No wonder he looks like a nouveau riche; he's a mine owner.

Mikami Hibiki couldn't help but confirm again, "Is this information true? Did Viscount Scott really embezzle funds meant for governing the kingdom and helping refugees?"

"I don't know. Anyway, Claire told me the information."

"Really... then it seems to be true."

"What's wrong? You don't believe me?"

"Viscount Scott is a very nice man, and as far as I know, he's not short of money..."

"What does the mine owner's wealth have to do with the workers?"

"Hmm!"

That cannot be refuted.

Yujian Xiangye wasn't an idiot; he naturally understood the logic behind it. Perhaps Viscount Scott had made a fortune himself but complained to the royal family that his territory couldn't be cultivated and that many people were starving, thus obtaining relief funds.

However, the money was used for something else.

"...Phew, I understand. I'll help." Mikami Hibiki finally relented. "If it can help those in need, I'm willing to make sacrifices!"

I didn't ask you to go to that extent.

Considering that Mikami Hibiki's two henchmen might cause trouble, Charlotte didn't bring them along, which naturally made the two complain. However, under Mikami Hibiki's comforting words, they had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

Even Youyou didn't want to bring her along, but the next leader of the Crimson Demon Clan said he would definitely make up for his past mistakes. Seeing her insistence, he knew he might get hurt if he didn't agree, so he had no choice but to take her with him.

The next day, the three of them arrived at Viscount Scott's mansion in the capital.

It doesn't look very luxurious on the outside.

Compared to the luxurious estate of the evil lord Aldap, Viscount Scott's mansion appeared rather modest, much like their mansion outside Axel.

Although it was good, it was far inferior to other noble families, and it didn't have the feel of a nouveau riche at all.

Charlotte kept this unusual feeling in mind.

Mikasa Hibiki stepped forward and spoke with the two guards at the gate. Thanks to the reputation of the Demon Sword Hero, the guards did not drive them away, but asked them to wait for the time being. Then one of the guards went in to report.

Soon, a heavily armored tank came charging menacingly. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Mrs. Scott.

"Mr. Yujian, it's a pleasure to have you here! Please come in with me!!"

She seemed quite enthusiastic.

Yu Jianxiangye forced a smile, feeling rather awkward, and reluctantly followed them inside, with Xia Luo and Youyou following closely behind.

Viscount Scott's mansion was not large, nor was it a gilded exterior concealing a luxurious interior. Although it looked old, it was kept very clean and tidy.

In addition, there were only three or four servants, plus the gatekeepers, making a total of six people. Compared to other nobles in the capital, this was a small number.

Isn't Viscount Scott a mine owner? Why does he seem so frugal? But if he's frugal, then what's up with his wife?

There are more and more suspicious points.

We arrived at the main house.

Mrs. Scott pushed open the door—

"Hehehe, Lord Mikami Hibiki! Welcome!"

What came into view was a short and sharp-looking middle-aged man. He was wearing a simple black suit, a beret on his head, and a kind smile on his face. He had two curled mustaches at the corners of his mouth, making him look like a medieval English gentleman.

However, he was too thin and small, forming a stark contrast with Mrs. Scott, who was as tall as a tank.

Yu Jianxiang bowed slightly.

"It's been a long time, Viscount Scott."

"Hehehe, no need to be so polite, Lord Miken Hibiki. You are a renowned adventurer in the kingdom, and as someone who was once an adventurer myself, I greatly admire your glorious deeds. Moreover, I am deeply grateful for your contributions to the kingdom."

……Um?

Viscount Scott's attitude was very good.

Although Charlotte had little contact with nobles, he subconsciously believed that all nobles were similar to the evil lord Eldap, looking down on adventurers and condescending to commoners. Not to mention, he was also the prime suspect Claire had mentioned for embezzling public funds.

Their appearances and attitudes are vastly different.

Just then, Viscount Scott saw Charlotte and Youyou again, and Yujian Xiangye quickly said, "Ah, allow me to introduce them, they are—"

"High Priestess Charlotte and Archmage Yoyo, right!? I know, I know! The heroes who repelled the Demon King's army and the Demon King's daughter!"

He stepped forward enthusiastically, grasped Charlotte's hand and shook it repeatedly, his expression full of gratitude towards the two of them.

Involuntarily.

Charlotte began to have some doubts about what Claire had said.