Atelier Tanaka Volume 1 &2 Chapter 10 part1

Chapter 10 : Beginner Alchemist part 2  (part 1)

What does it take to defeat a dragon? When this question was asked—–

“It’s having companions that you can rely on I think?”

The little girl answered with a huge smile on her face.

Either a legendary sword that could cut through even steel or a shield that could repel even blazing flames. I had thought of killing two birds with one stone by asking the whereabouts of such superior items. I was depressed when she made a fool of me by conveying it indirectly that I have no friends in my situation.

“I see.”  [Tanaka]

But, an advice is an advice. I gave her three copper coins as a form of gratitude as usual. The little girl clutched onto it and ran off somewhere vigorously. I thought of fading away. If only I was as young as her, then I think I would be able to get myself accustomed to making friends or something.

“….Companion, companion is it.”  [Tanaka]

I wonder what should be done.

Even if I pondered over it, companions would not just turn up. If that is the case then this isn’t a situation that I should start grumbling. If there is anything that I could rely on then I should try relying on it. Since it has come to this, let’s try asking each of my acquaintance one by one.

With regards to reliability, that can be compromised. Compromise.

Once we started acting together, we will gradually draw closer to each other. I will just be expecting a development like this to occur.

Aa, that’s fine. I’ll decide with that.

“First of all, that fellow…”  [Tanaka]

There’s no time like the present. I started running with great momentum to the main street in the morning.

The place that I headed to is the residence of that noble mage.

It was supposed to be so but I encountered someone unexpected on the way.

“Y-You–!!”  (TL: A rude form of “you” = kisama)

“Ge–!”  [Tanaka]

It was a fairly dangerous opponent that caused me to utter “Ge–!” out loud.

It was the lady knight whom I had spent 4 days 3 nights in the town’s jail with. What was her name again? It was something that gave off a feeling similar to an automobile’s name. It really felt like it but I couldn’t recall it anyhow so let’s just leave it at that.

We were partners in escaping from the jail together some time ago but I was immediately betrayed. I started recalling that memory once again.

“Why are you here–!? This is not a place where a vulgar criminal like you can wander around. This is a place where only humans of certain class can stay!”

The private houses around here certainly do look luxurious and each of them comes with a garden as default.

There are a few that look quite similar to castle too.

There is a huge conspicuous one among them that belongs to that noble mage.

“No, I just thought of going to my acquaintance house to enquire about something…..”  [Tanaka]

“Acquaintance? Did you think I might fail to notice such an obvious lie like this!?”

“This is the part that I wish you will believe in.”  [Tanaka]

“How am I supposed to believe in something like this! I will send you back to jail with my own hands!”

She’s still the same neechan who never listens to someone’s side of the story.

Her hand reached the sword that was hung at her waist.

Unlike the previous time, she is properly dressed like a knight today.

She’s also someone who is perfectly equipped.

She was making a fuss on the false accusation thrown on her in the jail the last time so I guess the misunderstanding was cleared now.

“If that is the case, could you guide me to the house I’ve mentioned at the very least? If the other party really doesn’t know me then I don’t mind it even if you were to throw me back into jail.”  [Tanaka]

“Is this a scheme to gain some time? You’re a cunning man as usual.”

“……………….”  [Tanaka]

It feels so “refreshing” when I am not being trusted to that extent.

If there are mobile phones here, I would be able to exchange number with that noble mage. Then the current problem would’ve been solved instantly. I finally found a troublesome point about fantasy world.

“Just be obedient if you don’t want to be slashed here.”

“No way. I was mistakenly arrested too the other day…..”  [Tanaka]

It was an endless loop of question and answer.

Should I head back to the slum and go through the hardship of getting thoroughly beaten up again?

Just when that thought crossed my mind, a horse-drawn carriage passed by unexpectedly.

A familiar looking face peeked out through the window.

I was even more startled when he called out to me.

“Nn? What are you doing in a place like this?”  [Fouren]

“Oo–” [Tanaka]

That person was the fellow that I was looking for.

It’s the Noble Mage.

Judging from the current time, he should on his way to the school for work.

It’s a two horsepower carriage. What a rich thing.

“No, I thought of going to your place for a while….”  [Tanaka]

“Do you need something from me?”  [Fouren]

“It’s a slightly complicated story so may I have some of your time?”  [Tanaka]

For some reason, it will give me a strange feeling if I start using honorifics for this ossan. The reason might be due to our horrible encounter. Well, if I suddenly fix it now it might raise his suspicion so I should just remain as it is. The other party didn’t seem to mind it too.

“If that’s the case, aa, it’ll be good if you get up this carriage too then. I’ll enquire about it in my room once we reached the school. Or I don’t mind listening to it in the carriage too. Just ride it in any case.”  [Fouren]

“Thank you. I shall accept your kindness then….”  [Tanaka]

After we exchanged some words, the noble mage shifted his attention.

He averted his gaze to the lady knight beside me who was looking confused with her jaw partially hung open.

“Is that knight your attendant or something?”  [Fouren]

“Eh? Aa no. It appears that she has misunderstood various things…..”  [Tanaka]

“Misunderstanding?”  [Fouren]

Since the subject of conversation was shifted to her, she flustered and bowed to the noble mage.

“M-My deepest apologies. I’m a Royal Knight from the third division, Mercedes Aragon of the second squad. For your excellency, noble mage to grace your presence before me, today is also indeed a glorious day to me……”  [Mercedes]

“What is this? Are you somehow involved with the knights of this country?”  [Fouren]

The noble mage’s line of sight promptly returned here again.

Anyway is this ossan usually referred as noble mage too?

I’ll try making a slight appeal. From His Excellency.

“It appears that she wanted to arrest me with her own hands and said numerous things just now….”  [Tanaka]

“Have you done anything?”  [Fouren]

“I haven’t done anything. It was just the result of an accident and misunderstanding.”  [Tanaka]

“Misunderstanding? I don’t understand what the situation was. Then the woman should ride with us too. I will listen to the details in the carriage. It’s a waste of time to talk here as we stand.”  [Fouren]

“The feeling’s mutual.”  [Tanaka]

I nodded at the noble mage’s suggestion and faced the carriage.

The trader opened the door respectfully as well in accordance to the steps.

As expected of the noble mage’s vehicle.

The reception given felt rich too isn’t it? It put me in quite a good mood.

It gave one a feeling of being a small celebrity.

“ano I….”  [Mercedes]

As I advanced a few meters ahead, the lady knight behind me was shrinking back.

Although, it was merely a short distance away.

“Hurry up and get up quickly. We’re wasting time.”   [Fouren]

“Y-Yes!!”  [Mercedes]

The noble mage’s usually grim expression seemed to be telling her indirectly to hurry up.

She became extremely tense as she followed me into the carriage.

Chapter end