Chapter 282.1

Chapter 282.1. Let’s Go Find Tamamo-chan

-Miu’s POV-

“Tamamo-chan is nowhere to be found! Actually, there’s no one from Aburage Viscounty here!”

Sitting on top of her futon, Mii-chan was extremely anxious. It might have been the first time she felt this anxious since coming to this world.

After all, when she woke up in the morning, Tamamo, who should have been sleeping next to her, was nowhere to be found.

At first, she thought Tamamo must have woken up early. Yamiyo had been sleeping with her, her face nuzzled into Mii-chan’s chest, happily drooling in her sleep. So, Mii-chan decided to go back to sleep.

I noticed something was wrong when Nimue came to wake me up and said it was almost morning.

When I asked her if Tamamo-chan had gone out for breakfast, she looked at me quizzically and replied that no one had left the room.

Nimue’s could use her water magic for detection. She had set up a large water-based protective barrier that could detect magics and humans.

But it wasn’t just Nimue’s magic. The inn was secretly covered in Matsu’s signs, and there were also defensive magical tools from Lug.

It was an impregnable fortress that even an army couldn’t easily breach, and assassins couldn’t infiltrate.

Takano County and Aburage Viscounty were staying here, of course. Except for Yamiyo, Teijou Marquisate was also staying in the same hotel as the Emperor and other Royal Family.

“Haru-kun is also missing… And Tamamo-chan’s parents either, right?”

I noticed something was seriously wrong and immediately had Nimue check who was currently in the inn, and only Aburage Viscounty was missing.

“Yes, my master. No one has entered or left.”

Nimue answered seriously, indicating that it wasn’t a lie or a misunderstanding.

“I see…”

It was probably magic, but I had no idea what kind of magic was used. Not knowing was the problem.

Damn it, who took Tamamo and the others?

“Mii-sama, this is bad. The finals tournament is about to start.”

Yamiyo called out with a troubled expression. Indeed, considering the time required to put on magical armor and prepare various magical tools, they were running out of time.

“Yamiyo-chan… Should you forfeit?”

Tamamo wouldn’t make it in time. It was a painful decision, but there seemed to be no other choice.

“No, fortunately, in Dungeon Attack, as long as the names of the participants are listed with consideration for injured players, participation or non-participation is optional before the race begins. There are a few cases where teammates are saved for the finals.”

“That means… Yamiyo-chan will participate alone? The next dungeons are probably maze types, right?”

Was she going to fight alone? It was reckless.

Maze-type dungeons had traps, and the level of hidden monsters was higher, making it dangerous.

However, Yamiyo nodded confidently and smiled back.

“It’s okay. Except for the finals, the dungeons are simple. There are no serious traps or monsters. I’ll cut through everything and push forward.”

“Mmm… It’s dangerous, you know?”

“If I got disqualified because of my mistakes, Tamamo-chan will be disappointed. As long as I make it to the finals, it’ll be fine.”

With a hand on Mii-chan’s shoulder, Yamiyo made eye contact with her.

“Mii-sama is going to help. I also have to show some effort.”

Those eyes were telling Mii-chan that she believed in her. If she looked at her with such eyes, there was no way she could refuse.

“Leave it to me! The races are held one day at a time, and the finals are 5 days away. I’ll definitely bring them back!”

With a determined look in her ice-blue eyes, Mii-chan held Yamiyo’s hand, which was resting on her shoulder, tightly and made her declaration.

“Takano Miu will never abandon her friends! So wait for us on a luxurious cruise ship!”

“Yes! Well then, I shall be on my way. Please take care, Mii-sama! I’ll explain to Tamamo-chan when the time comes.”

Waving her hand, Yamiyo left the room. Mii-chan also waved with a smile as she watched Yamiyo leave the room.

Once Yamiyo had left, Mii-chan changed her smile to a serious expression and sent a telepathic message.

“Odin. Emergency situation. Can you come quickly?”

[Hmm? I understand I’ll head over right away.]

Without asking for the reason, Odin immediately closed the communication. As expected of Odin, he understood quickly.

“Frigg, Freya, there’s an emergency situation, so can you wait at the cafe?”

[Oh? Hmm… Understood, young lady.]

[O… Okay, right away.]

Without asking any questions, both agreed when they saw Mi-chan’s face.

The cafe referred to a secret hideout we had prepared for the tournament. They’d wait there, and I also gave instructions to Nimue.

“Nimue, tell Ranko-san that Tamamo-chan went to learn the secret technique of Aburage Viscounty in preparation for the finals.”

A secret special training, that’s quite a novel development, isn’t it? I was planning to use that as a cover.

“I’ll explain that I went with her as a support role.”

“Master, won’t people find it strange?”

“There’s no other option. We can’t honestly explain that Tamamo-chan had gone missing.”

I sighed and calmed my heart. My agitated emotions were hindering my rational judgment. In times like these, I needed to act calmly.

“For those who find it strange, remember their names. If someone asks, use a memo pad that displays the title ‘Important Figure’ and show it to them.”

“I understand, my lord. I will handle those who doubt Countess Takano’s statement with utmost respect.”

Nimue nodded and agreed. Yes, this should resolve any issues. If someone asks for their names, it would be best to answer with a smile without showing any hesitation.

“This is such a dangerous situation.”

“You’re fast, Odin?”

Odin opened the door with a clattering sound, having just contacted them moments ago. Mii-chan was a bit surprised.

As usual, he was wearing his wizard hat and tattered cloak. He had his white beard extending all the way to his waist, making him a reliable old magician.

He stared at Mii-chan with his single eye, as if piercing through her, noticing her surprised expression.

“The young lady only gets agitated when it concerns her family. I used [Teleport] to transfer here.”

With that, he looked around the room, seeing the messy futon and disheveled blankets, and Mii-chan still in her Moo Moo Cow pajamas. He sighed lightly.