Manuke FPS

Chapter 72

Hiii!

Lapitricia-sama, as I took my mask off, let out a small shriek. I had become an adventurer right after I reached adulthood, and she only saw me when we reached the deepest part of the labyrinth as a C-ranked adventurer. Looking at my face now across the table, she couldnt help but raise her voice.

The face beneath the mask obviously wasnt Schwartzs face. Taking into account their way of thinking, I definitely had to show my face. Without any preparation, I wouldnt have met with the Duke. Until the heat is off, I shouldnt take any actions yet as Shaft. And my face right now was systematically changed by customizing the avatar. This didnt mean I could just freely change Schwarts face.

It wasnt possible for me to change the bone structure, shape of the eyes, and the nose. However, moles, scars, tattoos, face paint, and other things could be set as facial accessories.

I applied the face paint I got during a limited-time event in VMB a zombies face. There was a balance with the mans bat mask. Only the upper half of the face had been processed, but I changed the skins color to red. And made the eyes a cloudy white, painting the skin around it inflamed. The eyeballs were pushing out from the skin. There was no outer skin on the right side, and the facial muscles were exposed. The forehead looked burnt, and I had no hair.

Is this alright?

A-ah, its alright for you to wear the mask.

Just as I was about to put it back on, I caught sight of Malta-sans surprised expression.  No, no, havent I told him about this before? Heres the thing, arent there magic or magical tools that cast illusion magic that can change ones face? Since such things exist, I would be able to carry on using this method.

Shaft-kun, lets start our conversation over, shall we?

The man who sat beside Lapitricia-sama spoke after I put the mask back on.

Yes, I have no doubt that youre his lordship, Duke Franklin Barga, right?

Thats right, I am Franklin Barga. The knight beside me is Steed Barga, Leader of the Western Barga Knights, And then this girl, the once I request for you to escort, is Lapitrica Barga.

So this Knight is the leader of the knights, huh. Theres no doubt he must also be escorting Lapitrica

Im Shaft.

While sitting on the sofa, I lowered my head respectfully. Ive asked Malta-san about some simple courtesy before, but Im honestly not sure to what extent I could do it correctly. Well, I could only hope that there wasnt a problem since Ive shown sincerity.

Ive heard rumors of you from my subordinates.

Rumors?

Yes, something like a mercenary wearing a black mask, who completely destroyed the Royal Capitals rising company, Yagoche Company. Also single-handedly crushing the bandit group Onibasu. And wouldnt hesitate to destroy the Royal Capital for the sake of protecting their client. The underground in the Royal Capital is saying one shouldnt get involved with the Black-Masked Mercenarys client.

What the hell is that Theyre completely exaggerating

It sounds like an overly dramatic rumor.

Is that so? But I want to be rumored like that too.

With that said, If I escort Lapitrica-sama, I could suppress the development of those who believed in the rumors?

Thats right. And of course, Ill be looking forward to witnessing your own power. There are only two escorts allowed to be brought into the Royal Castle and the banquet; a man and a woman, so I wanted to request someone stronger who could influence the surroundings there.

Your lordship, Id be the one to explain the matters in detail.

Is that so? Then, please do.

As he finished saying so, Leader Steed looked to me.

Shaft, our request for you as an escort would last for about a month. Lari and his Lordship are going to the Royal Capital in a few days. Theyre going to stay there for a few days. Then, theyll visit a few other cities before returning to the Royal Capital again. Afterward, the request would last until they come back to Barga again.

Is the important point of the request escorting on the highway?

The highway is important, but you must always stay by Laris side. When they arrive in the Royal Capital, and the other cites, they will attend scheduled events. You have to participate as well.

I understand Your Lordship, is Lapritrica-sama being targeted by someone? If any dangers arise, and the reason was because of me, dont you think its necessary to make a request to the Adventurers Guild since the Lapritica-sama was in Sasanqua?

Its certainly like that. But the Knights of Barga cannot leave Sasanqua is certainly a trustworthy clan, but there are a lot of noble daughters like Lari who were apart of Sansaqua. These girls would never go into high society life unless theyre successful.

Mitche-san certainly said that But would it be alright for an ordinary mercenary like me to go? As I thought so, I tried not to care too much about it. However, it seemed the Duke had reasons to express.

Moreover, Shaft-kun, I didnt intend to leave Lari just for anyone to escort. Im resolute about that, so I searched for an escort who is more powerful than normal people, and it could be no one other than you.

Duke Bargas thin, sharp eyes continued to catch my cloudy eyes behind the mask. This person was the type to judge people by their eyes, and he kept searching mine.

Im not the only mercenary out there.

Naturally, my eyes lock onto his and were unable to part. Contrary to his soft demeanor and tone, I could see his man had strong beliefs and confidence. He didnt seem to be the type whod simply give up.

No, youre different. I know from Marida Company that your social status is guaranteed. Its hard to think about an ordinary adventurer who also works as a mercenary just by Maltas description. I thought that at first. But now that I see you, I know that youre a suitable candidate for this request.

This is Making it difficult to refuse. To start with, I had no precise reason to refuse. There were, of course, other jobs for me to apply. However, were there any other jobs that took priority over a Dukes request? Since I came unprepared now, it should be fine for me to accept the request.

Whats more, if I refuse this request, I would stain Marida Companys reputation. Needless to say, itd also ruin my reputation if I refuse.

Alright. Ill accept becoming Lapitrica-samas escort.

Is that so? Then, Ill ask for your favor, Shaft-jun.

Haa, but again, what should I protect Lapitrica-sama from?

I asked this some time ago, but I needed to confirm it. I needed the information since I decided to escort her. Steed answered my question.

From everyone.

Everyone?

Protect her from all the nobles, along with their daughters of adult age; living in society life who use sorcery.