Volume 10 Chapter 3 Counterattack
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Here, this is it,” Henriette said.
”Hmm… The creator of the request mediation documents is Dietlinde. The creator of the monster butchering documents is that eccentric… ahem, that Department Head over there. The creator of the material sales documents is the same. And the quantities differ from the request mediation documents. It is exactly as Henriette says,” Department Head Randolph said.
Randolph said this while flipping through the documents Henriette brought. Certainly, the cover of the request mediation had her handwriting, which I had seen before.
”May I, as a concerned party, see those?” I asked.
”Mmu… well, very well,” Randolph said.
”Thank you very much,” I replied.
He had a reluctant face, but by emphasizing being a “concerned party,” it seemed he couldn’t refuse. (Well, I emphasized it for that exact purpose, though.)
Since the creators of the monster butchering and material sales documents are different people, there is little room for Dietlinde-san to be involved. If that is the case, the documents that should be investigated are the request mediation ones. I scrutinized them thoroughly, one page at a time. …I see, it is as I expected.
However, it is too weak for a major turnaround. When I check the parts that are invisible to normal people… Bingo! With this, I can clear Dietlinde-san’s suspicion. First, let’s prepare the setup. It’s irritating, but I must act humble… for now.
”While you are checking, would you like a drink? I have some good tea leaves, and I will also serve sweets made with honey,” I offered.
”Wow, I’m so happy! As expected of Daisuke-san! ♡” Henriette chirped.
”How about you too, Department Head Randolph?” I asked.
”I don’t ne—… no, I will have some,” Randolph said.
”Here you go. There is some for Dietlinde-san as well,” I said.
”Thank you very much,” Dietlinde-san said.
”It’s delicious~” Henriette said.
”It’s so-so,” Randolph muttered.
I poured the drinks into cups I took out from my Item Box¹ and served them. Since I was keeping the sweets to just a “normally delicious” level, it shouldn’t end up like the situation with Vera-san.
Because the atmosphere relaxed a bit and their vigilance dropped, I decided to perform one more setup. “By the way, Department Head Randolph, I recently found something rare. It’s called a ‘ballpoint pen,’ and it is something completely different from the brushes or quill pens used until now,” I said.
”What about it?” Randolph asked.
(Hmm, he’s not taking the bait. It can’t be helped since I am basically disliked by him.)
”Since ink is contained inside this pen shaft, there is no need to grind ink or dip the pen tip into an inkwell every time,” I explained.
”…Continue,” Randolph said.
”Furthermore, the writing feel is smooth, and it won’t poke holes in the paper,” I added.
”I see,” Randolph said.
”It is also resistant to drying, so you can start writing at any time,” I said.
”Interesting,” Randolph admitted.
”Since we are here, why not try using it? If you try signing, I think you will understand how easy it is to use,” I suggested.
”Very well,” Randolph said.
”May I as well?” Henriette asked.
”Of course, please go ahead,” I replied.
While also using skills like Negotiation² to sell it, they finally joined in. Needless to say, it is a self-made ballpoint pen. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible to manufacture at the technology level of this world, but it would take a lot of effort to try and make it. Since I have never seen one in circulation to begin with, it must be rare. Just as intended, Randolph received the ballpoint pen and wrote his signature.
”Dietlinde-san, you too,” I said.
”Haa… it certainly is a good writing feel, but…” Dietlinde-san trailed off.
(Perhaps she is anxious about the upcoming developments, as her reaction is dull. Since the path to saving her is visible, I want her to wait just a little longer.)
”This is wonderful~♪” Henriette sang.
”I see, it’s not bad,” Randolph said.
”Oh, Randolph-san, you’re so blunt! ♡” Henriette teased.
”Hahaha, I am no match for Henriette,” Randolph laughed.
(I haven’t said I would give them that pen, though.)
As usual, it’s an irritating exchange, but it’s just a little more patience. While I was “checking” the documents—really just pretending to check to buy time—the two of them were chatting happily.
”Since the cups are my personal property, I will have them back,” I said.
”Ah,” Randolph grunted.
”Now then, there is something I noticed after checking the documents,” I stated.
”What do you say you noticed?” Randolph asked.
”Only this page has different handwriting compared to the other pages,” I said.
”What?” Randolph exclaimed.
It was disguised, but it was not Dietlinde-san’s handwriting. It was written by someone who possesses Disguise³ skills. My Insight⁴ skills were telling me so.
Disguise skills, which I also use to fake my own Status, are frequently used for crimes. In fact, that is more common, so it is a skill that makes people wary if they know you possess it.
”It doesn’t look that way to me. It’s probably your imagination,” Randolph said.
”That’s right, isn’t it the same as the other pages?” Henriette chimed in.
”Please look closely. This character and this character—even though they are the same letter, the way they are written is different. On the other pages including the cover, the stroke stops with a blunt edge, but on only this page, it sweeps into a flourish,” I pointed out.
”…Mmu, certainly,” Randolph muttered.
”Since the signature you wrote earlier and almost all the pages including the cover share the same characteristics, they were likely written by Dietlinde-san. On the other hand, it can be considered that this page was written by a different person,” I explained.
”That is one way to think about it, I suppose,” Randolph said.
”Wasn’t it just written in a hurry?” Henriette argued.
”There are no particular blurs, so it’s unthinkable that only this page was written in a hurry,” I countered.
When I thrust the evidence forward, Randolph made a sour face and Henriette also argued back. If Dietlinde-san is removed from the list of suspects, Henriette becomes the prime suspect, after all.
”By the way, Henriette-san’s signature and the characters in question share the same characteristics,” I noted.
”It might look that way, but… isn’t it just a coincidence?” Henriette asked.
”It’s just as Henriette says. Don’t say such irresponsible things. There’s no way Henriette would do such a thing,” Randolph snapped.
”…I see. Department Head Randolph seems to trust her very much,” I said.
”Naturally. If Henriette were the culprit, I wouldn’t mind taking the responsibility myself,” Randolph declared.
”Randolph-san, thank you for believing in me! ♡” Henriette gushed.
”Hahaha, because I trust Henriette,” Randolph said.
(This is no good. He is completely captivated. Is it okay to have a Department Head like this? It’s not okay, which is why problems are occurring in the first place….)
”The conversation has strayed, but Dietlinde’s suspicion hasn’t been cleared just by something like handwriting characteristics. There’s even the possibility she did it on purpose,” Randolph said.
”That is exactly as you say,” I admitted.
”Hmph, I see right through such shallow thoughts,” Randolph scoffed.
Handwriting appraisal⁵ is not common here, and unfortunately, it is certainly not evidence that could be called “decisive.”
”Then the culprit is decided as Dietlinde-senpai, right? ♪” Henriette asked.
”That’s right. Being fired is a given, and since I will hand her over to the guards, it would be good if she were imprisoned,” Randolph said.
”Oh, Randolph-san, it’s pitiful to fire Dietlinde-senpai. I might be able to forgive her if she apologizes to me! ♪” Henriette said.
”Henriette is kind. However, criminals must be strictly punished,” Randolph insisted.
”That is also true,” Henriette agreed.
”Kh…” Dietlinde-san groaned.
The two of them talked in high spirits as if the culprit had already been decided. As expected, it was impossible to flip the situation with handwriting alone. Whether she had given up, Dietlinde-san was looking down. But it isn’t over yet. I patted the knee of Dietlinde-san sitting next to me to encourage her, and fired the next counterattack.
”It’s still too early to confirm Dietlinde-san as the culprit,” I said.
”Making a desperate struggle is unsightly,” Randolph sneered.
”That’s right. Even Daisuke-san admitted that handwriting wouldn’t be certain evidence, didn’t you?” Henriette asked.
”No, it’s different—certain evidence. By the way, this page has one more characteristic,” I said.
”What?” Randolph asked.
”Since you probably can’t see it, I will use a special chemical. When I spray this… fingerprints will emerge,” I said.
”Fingerprints?” Randolph asked.
”What is that?” Henriette asked.
Since fingerprints also don’t seem common here, I explained briefly. Just to the extent that each person has a unique pattern on their fingers. Strictly speaking, fingerprints aren’t “one and only” and there’s a low probability they can match.
Well, in this case, it’s only a few people, so there’s no need to consider that. Furthermore, the chemical to make fingerprints emerge was something I had made as a joke. I didn’t think I would really end up using it, though.
”I see, so this pattern is what you call a fingerprint. What about it?” Randolph asked.
”The cup from earlier only has the fingerprints of myself and the person who drank from it. When I check the fingerprints on Dietlinde-san’s cup… these are her fingerprints,” I said.
”Hmm,” Randolph grunted.
”There are fingerprints belonging to Dietlinde-san on the cover and the other pages,” I continued.
”That is only natural,” Randolph replied.
”On the other hand, those same fingerprints are not present on this page,” I pointed out.
”So what? You are being roundabout. Just get to the conclusion,” Randolph growled.
Randolph’s mental processing seems a bit slow; he apparently cannot understand even after I have said this much.
”It means that Dietlinde-san has never touched this page,” I explained.
”What? Then that would mean…” Randolph stammered.
”It is impossible for her to have created this page. In short, Dietlinde-san is not the culprit,” I declared.
It would not be impossible if she were wearing gloves, but someone who does not even recognize the concept of fingerprints would never do something so tedious and conspicuous.
”Now then, if I similarly examine the fingerprints on both of your cups… oh, I have seen these fingerprints before,” I remarked.
”No way…” Henriette gasped.
”The fingerprints on this page match the fingerprints of Henriette-san¹,” I stated.
Having been confronted with decisive evidence, Henriette turned pale with an expression of shock.
She probably never imagined her crime would be exposed through something like this.
”Randolph-san, I didn’t do it! It’s some kind of mistake! Just because Daisuke-san hates me, he is fabricating evidence to make me the culprit!” Henriette cried out.
Talk about a self-own!
By the way, I know she is lying because of my Insight Skills².
”I know. I was overlooking it because it was Henriette’s request, but don’t let an outsider interfere! Get lost already!” Randolph shouted.
”Oh my, so I am treated as an outsider the moment things become inconvenient?” I asked.
”Shut up! If you speak any more than that, you are expelled from the Adventurer’s Guild!” Randolph barked.
Whoa, he’s really talking a big game now.
There are ‘dark’ adventurers³ who do not belong to the Guild, but usually they can only take dangerous jobs that are on the verge of being criminal.
However, I am already B-Rank and have a decent number of acquaintances, so it wouldn’t be a particular problem if I deal with clients individually.
There is Elmer-san, the merchant who took Ilse in for a while; Clemens, the sexual-harassment Alchemist; and Ralph-san, the blacksmith.
At worst, I can manage somehow if I go to another country.
Since I want my intimacy to come with me, I would have to have Clarissa-san quit her job, but that should work out too.
(Anyway, does this guy even have that kind of authority?)
”That would be somewhat troubling… but does Department Head Randolph actually have the authority to carry out the expulsion of a B-Rank?” I questioned.
”Of course I do!” Randolph bellowed.
”There is no way that is true,” a voice interjected.
The enraged Ra-j… no, Randolph was howling, but a quiet voice that commanded rigor echoed out.
It is the appearance of that person.
===
Meta Tsedes: “Is Randolph going to fire a beam from his mouth?”
Narrator: “He can’t do that. He’s a bear, so he’s more like an Arzu-ros.”
Meta Tsedes: “He seems to like honey, too.”
Narrator: “He’s a monster for beginners with holes in all his resistances.”
Meta Tsedes: “Looks like he could be sleep-bombed.”
—
Summary:
Daisuke confronts Department Head Randolph and Henriette over the documents used to frame Dietlinde. He successfully tricks them into providing their signatures using a newly invented ballpoint pen. Daisuke transitions from simple handwriting analysis to a more advanced forensic method involving fingerprint detection. The effectiveness of this modern chemical technique remains to be seen in a world unfamiliar with forensic science
Daisuke utilizes fingerprint evidence to exonerate Dietlinde while framing Henriette as the true culprit. Randolph attempts to suppress the investigation by threatening Daisuke with Guild expulsion. A mysterious third party arrives to challenge the Department Head’s authority over the B-Rank adventurer
—
Trivia:
- Daisuke intentionally acts humble to lower his opponents’ guard
- Daisuke implies his own Disguise skills are high-level since he fakes his own Status
- The ballpoint pen is described as revolutionary because it eliminates the need for inkwells
- The mention of Elmer-san reveals a prior connection to Ilse
- Daisuke considers leaving the country as a viable fallback pla
—
Character Insight:
Randolph shows complete romantic or lust-driven bias toward Henriette, even offering to take responsibility for her potential crimes. Henriette’s cruelty is masked by a hyper-feminine, ‘cutesy’ persona.
Daisuke demonstrates strategic calm under pressure, valuing his social network over guild membership, while Randolph shows administrative desperation.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Henriette – A petite, cheerful dog-like beastman guild clerk (~160 cm) with drooping eyes, floppy ears, and bouncing chestnut curls. Wearing frilly blouses and a guild vest, she has a dual, flirtatious personality used to manipulate Department Head Randolph—her boss who favors her and lets her offload tasks, though her loyalty wavers under pressure. She rejects Thomas’s advances and likes Daisuke.
• Dietlinde – A tall, broad-shouldered sheep-beastwoman with straight platinum hair in a severe bun, pale gray eyes, and faint woolly patches at her collar. This stoic Maultasche Royal Capital guild receptionist hides a sweet tooth and a despondent past of being framed for forgery. Professional despite ailments, she uses Water Magic and harbors a secret affection for Daisuke, drawn to his fatigue magic.
• Randolph – A bear-type Beastman with a blue beard who serves as a Department Head. He is easily swayed by Henriette’s charms and maintains a stubborn, arrogant attitude toward Daisuke. A burly man with a bear-type Beastman’s thick fur ruff and a permanent scowl. He wears a tailored Guild coat with gold epaulettes and carries a ceremonial mace. Department Head of the Guild’s Quest Mediation Division, known for his authoritarian style and disdain for subordinates.
• Daisuke – A lean Japanese reincarnate in his late twenties, Daisuke is a B-Rank adventurer with tousled dark hair, amber eyes, and practical leather armor. Once a NEET, the story’s narrator now uses Wind Magic, an Item Box, and a Mental Memory skill to dominate monster hunting. Pragmatic yet sincerely affectionate, he manages a harem of partners—including Gerta, Elisa, Regina, Cassandra, and Dietlinde—while balancing domestic care, expert cooking, and efficient resource farming.
• Vera – Vera, an elegant, slender brown-haired maid with a sharp gaze and glasses, wears a long-skirted uniform. The illegitimate daughter of a Marquis, she serves as Martina’s personal shadow and assistant. Trained in martial arts, she appears cool and professional but has a funny inner personality. She frequently visits the protagonist to discuss high-end sweets and political factions.
• Clemens – An elderly gnome man with a bushy beard and eyebrows who is a master Alchemist. Known for having wandering hands and a penchant for groping his apprentices, he is nevertheless highly respected for his top-tier crafting skills.
• Elmer – Portly merchant in his 40s, head of the Beunemünde guild and holder of Intuition, once owned Ilse and now her master; he grants her rewards, employs slaves, and serves as Daisuke’s master. Friendly, observant, and sunny‑dispositioned, he travels often for trade.
• Ralph – Ralph-san, a dwarf blacksmith and shop owner, runs his workshop with pride, values rest days, and holds the rank of Captain. He is Milliam’s father and Miryam’s employer/associate.
• Ilse – Ilse is a 17-year-old tiger-kin archer with a petite, boyish frame, gold-and-black hair, and an expressive tail. A level-18 member of Daisuke’s party and the Beunemünde Guild, this former slave-bandit masks deep devotion to her found family with blunt humor. Serving as the group’s witty, straight-man counterpoint to eccentric members, she playfully requested a sexual reward upon her return.
• Clarissa – Clarissa, a young, composed librarian at the Royal Library, is a beautiful, curvy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, plump lips, and a rose-scented aura, her elegant attire accentuating her supple, well-endowed figure. Ten centimeters shorter than her lover Daisuke, she hides insecurities about her age and appearance behind bashful smiles and tender hugs, radiating a soft, fluffy, healing presence. Though serious and innocent, she’s deeply attached to Daisuke, who gently eases her vulnerabilities; they share weekly Blue Day dates. Skilled in Fire Magic and illusions as a D-rank Adventurer, she speaks carefully, reveals emotion sparingly, and anchors others with humble grace—quietly devoted, easily swayed, yet profoundly loving.
• Meta Tsedes – A statuesque knight with raven hair, amber eyes, and polished armor, she serves as a dramatic commentator who analyzes and reacts to events involving Daisuke-sama. Her voice is honeyed yet venomous. Driven by an unshakable, highly flexible loyalty to the Order’s code, she frequently prompts conversations and questions the actions of others, filtering narrative events through her sharp perspective.
• Meta – 160 cm curvy mid‑20s priestess, straight blonde hair, warm pink aura, high‑waisted robes highlighting large breasts. Former man‑hating duchess turned divorcee, now radiates borderline‑religious devotion to Daisuke, knows his preferences, stays cold toward other men, and speaks in long, manic praise of his might. Eloquent adventurer who became his lover after he saved her and mediates the party. Meta, normally obedient, follows Daisuke’s orders, offers factual commentary on his deeds, notes Clarissa‑san’s popularity and likens her to Mercedes‑chan, enjoys intimate service like shaving play, having moved past her former husband.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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