Chapter 147.1

Chapter 147.1 \n<h1>Chapter 147 End of the Vacation ②</h1>\n\n　While trying not to make a mess of my yukata, I quickly walked down the wide corridor.　I have been in this Ryokan for over a week now, so I already know the structure of this Ryokan. I also knew most of the staff here.

　It was very difficult to run in a yukata as its length was up to my feet, but I decided to think of this as training.

　I can’t imagine what kind of benefit you can have by *gorogoro* laying down on the tatami mats, eating snacks, and drinking tea together (Of course, other than it 『Being a blessing』), but I will leave that question aside for now.　Tino is just a Level 4 Hunter. There was no way she could understand Master’s true thoughts, so all she could do was to faithfully follow his instructions.I have always done so and will continue to do so. Tino didn’t quite understand Master’s words, but she believes in Master.

　I walked through the empty wooden hallway and went to the front desk. While in the corner of my head, I kept counting the time.　I was told that I have to be back within ten minutes, so I must be back within ten minutes. I am sure Master wouldn’t scold me for going over time, but that is a matter of pride for Tino.

　Just as I reached the lobby, a staff member in yukata was coming out from behind the reception counter.　It was a female staff member wearing a specially designed gray yukata. She had short hair and wore heavy makeup. Tino’s eyes widened for a moment at the unfamiliar face and appearance of the woman.　Maybe the staff member was also surprised by Tino showing up, her well-trimmed eyebrows twitched slightly.

　There were no other guests in the lobby. There was no sign of the guards who was always standing guard at the entrance, and none of the familiar staff who was looking up to Tino with respect after she became a Dragon Slayer.　The surrounding itself was peaceful, but for some reason, Tino felt something suspicious about the current situation.\n

　The female staff member facing me approached me with a smile on her face.

“Well…… Guest-sama. How may I help you?” (Female staff member)

“…… I want you to prepare snacks and tea. Sweet snacks.” (Tino)

“Understood. I will bring it to your room right away.” (Female staff member)

“Thank you.” (Tino)

　It is a high-class Ryokan so the quality of service is certain. It will probably be delivered soon.　I breathed a sigh of relief and turned around.

　―― And then, without stopping, I checked behind me in a fluid motion.

　Maybe she didn’t expect my movement, the smiling face of the female staff member stiffened. In her right hand, she was holding a small knife that hadn’t been there before.

“Tsk!” (Female staff member)

　The knife was swung straight down, but Tino was not slow enough to take the blade that was slashing down in front of her.\n　I took a step back and easily avoided the ten centimeters knife. The blade was painted black and the handle was short, so there was almost no reach for the knife. 

　Her weapon was clearly not intended to be used in close-range combat. It wasn’t intended to be used against Phantoms or Monsters, but against Hunters like Tino, it was a knife that has a small blade, was highly portable, and not used for throwing, Hunters called those knives 『Assassin Knife』.It was a weapon for assassination, for taking humans by surprise, not for defeating Monsters or Phantoms.

 

　The woman’s face contorts in astonishment.　I wasn’t agitated. As I always did in training, I unconsciously strengthened my mind and released my energy, and unleashed a punch at the same time as I stepped in.The staff’s eyebrows twisted for a moment as she received her punch in her chest. Tino bit her lips at her own immaturity. 

　Too shallow. I failed.

　The 『Enemy』, who took a step back to cushion the impact, took a new stance while holding her chest.　She took almost no damage. The yukata, which made it difficult for me to move, made it difficult for me to step in. If I was dressed as usual, I would have been able to inflict some damage. However, if it wasn’t Tino but  Onee-sama, then she would have been able to neutralize her opponent in the span of a breath, even if she was in the same position and wear the same outfit as me.

　The figure of the enemy in front of me had not changed since the beginning. There was no sign of killing intent or will to fight on her friendly face, but her demeanor was far more polished than that of a normal person.

\n　Maybe the reason why their abilities weren’t that high was to deceive people’s judgment. The amount of Mana Material they reveal was low, but that amount of Mana Material was shown to trick you. Otherwise, they wouldn’t show their low level so clearly. But I don’t think that the people in front of me have the same level of camouflage as 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.

　They were…… No amateur. They were able to gather so many people who can blend in with their surroundings without alerting others. However, from the way she mistook Tino for one of 《Strange Grief (Senpen Banka)》, it showed that their information gathering was incomplete.