Volume 10 Chapter 5 An Impossible Demand
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Synopsis of the Previous Chapter
Because Henriette would not admit to her crime, I was pressing her for answers when Inquisitor Haida arrived.
- Grete: A bright girl with high social communication skills.
- Dietlinde: A cool older-sister type.
- Randolph: Bluebeard.
- Henriette: She was playing innocent, but her true colors have been stripped away.
- Roswitha: Has a frightening aura.
- Haida: An Inquisitor. Reasonably up there in years.
- Karl: A background guard.
- Thomas: Woah, mama.
===
Haida-san had looked after me back when I had a dispute with Gerta over Camilla.
She is just as serious as Roswitha-san, but her aura is a little softer than hers.
An Inquisitor is an official who possesses Insight Skills¹, functioning essentially as a combination of a prosecutor and a judge.
Lying to them is a severe crime, and doing so immediately triggers Divine Punishment².
As an aside, I also had Grete call over Karl from the guard station, since he had looked after me regarding that exact same matter as well.
”Sorry to keep you waiting, Daisuke-san♪ Were you alright?” Grete said.
”Thank you, Grete. I made it in time without any problems,” I replied.
”Then I’ll be looking forward to my reward, okay♪” Grete said.
”…Yes,” I replied.
(A reward, huh… I should have a proper talk with her once this matter is completely settled.)
”Since Haida-dono has gone through the trouble of coming here, let us have her verify the situation on the spot. The issue in question this time is—” Roswitha said.
Roswitha explained the incident to Haida.
Even Randolph could not dismiss the Inquisitor as an outsider, so he wore a bitter expression, while Henriette turned completely pale.
”I see. I have grasped the circumstances. Well then, I shall question you regarding the fraud committed against the Adventurer Daisuke. Henriette, did you intentionally falsify the documents in order to reduce the Reward that should have originally been paid to Daisuke?” Haida asked.
”……”
”Henriette, if you didn’t do it, say you didn’t do it! I believe in you!” Randolph shouted.
”…No. I, I didn’t do it!” Henriette cried.
”That is a ‘Lie.’ As an Inquisitor, I officially certify that she did this intentionally,” Haida stated.
”No way… That can’t be…” Henriette muttered.
Henriette slumped her shoulders in utter defeat, and Randolph stood there completely dumbfounded.
As expected, neither of them could claim that the Inquisitor’s certification was nonsense or untrustworthy.
”Since the culprit has been determined, we shall ask for details later. We must also have Daisuke submit a formal damage report,” Haida said.
”Indeed. Haida-san, Karl-san, thank you very much for taking the trouble to come out here,” I said.
”No, it is our job,” Haida replied.
”Same here,” Karl added.
Since the culprit was locked down, I thanked Haida and, as an afterthought, Karl.
I should bring them some sweets next time as a thank-you gift.
By the way, if the sweets are too delicious, it will actually cause trouble for Haida and the others.
Apparently, prioritizing my requests just because they want delicious sweets would be judged as bribery, meaning they would receive Divine Punishment.
”Henriette, I am disappointed in you. But a crime is a crime. From now on, you must mend your ways and make amends,” Randolph said.
”Eh? Randolph… san?” Henriette muttered.
Talk about turning on a dime.
The man switched gears way too fast.
Predictably, even Roswitha and the others now had looks of sheer exasperation on their faces.
In contrast, Henriette looked utterly aghast.
”Department Head Randolph, didn’t you say you would take responsibility if she turned out to be the culprit?” Roswitha asked.
”You certainly did say something like that,” Dietlinde added.
”I said ‘I wouldn’t mind taking responsibility,’ but I never said ‘I will take responsibility.’ Thinking about it again, I believe her crime is something she herself should atone for. Now, Karl or whatever your name is, hurry up and take Henriette away,” Randolph barked.
”…Hah,” Karl sighed.
Karl also had a face that said, “This guy is completely hopeless,” but since there was no mistake that Henriette was the culprit and taking her away was his job, he gave a noncommittal reply, unable to refuse.
Henriette, who had been looking down with her body trembling violently, suddenly snapped her head up, her face twisted into the expression of a raging demon.
”YOU PIECE-OF-SHIT OLD GEEZER! ASSOCIATING WITH YOU HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A DISASTER! SHUT UP! EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE A DISGUSTING, CREEPY OLD GEEZER, YOU DARED TO HIT ON A YOUNG WOMAN! THINK ABOUT YOUR AGE, WE’RE COMPLETELY MISMATCHED! I ONLY ENDURED IT AND GAVE YOU MY BODY BECAUSE I THOUGHT I’D GET TO SEE SOME BENEFITS IF I GOT INTO THE GOOD GRACES OF THE DEPARTMENT HEAD! EVEN THOUGH YOU BRAGGED ABOUT HAVING A FAMILY NAME, YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO REAL POWER! AND DESPITE BEING AN ACADEMY GRADUATE, YOU’RE DIM-WITTED AND COMPLETELY TACTLESS! BECAUSE YOU DON’T DO ANY WORK, IT’S SO EMBARRASSING TO BE AROUND THE GUILD! YOU’RE CHEAP AND NEVER GIVE ME ANY PRESENTS AT ALL! WHEN YOU SAID ‘IT’S HOT OUTSIDE, SO LET’S HAVE A DATE AT HOME,’ I NOTICED IT WAS JUST BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T WANT TO SPEND A SINGLE CENT! TO SKIMP ON HOTEL FEES AND DO IT RIGHT AT THE WORKPLACE, YOU MUST BE OUT OF YOUR MIND! WHILE WHINING ABOUT HOW ‘I’M LONELY BEING AWAY FROM MY WIFE AND KIDS,’ THE MOMENT YOU DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, YOU JUST GO STRAIGHT TO SLEEP—YOU’RE NOTHING BUT RAW SEXUAL DESIRE! WE EVEN SPLIT THE BILL FOR MEALS, AND ALL YOU DID WAS SHOW ME MINOR FAVORITISM INSIDE THE GUILD—JUST HOW MUCH ARE YOU LOOKING DOWN ON WOMEN?! EVEN WHEN I TALKED ABOUT GETTING MARRIED, YOU JUST EVADED THE QUESTION AND KEPT ME AS NOTHING MORE THAN A MISTRESS, THOROUGHLY AVOIDING ANYTHING THAT COSTS MONEY! THAT’S EXACTLY WHY YOUR WIFE RAN AWAY FROM YOU!” Henriette screamed.
Henriette completely snapped at Randolph’s utterly pathetic attitude, venting all the various pent-up grievances she had been hoarding.
Even if it was just the messy unraveling of a scandalous affair, this was honestly past the point of being funny.
Karl’s eyes turned into blank dots, and Roswitha and the others wore completely indescribable expressions.
”Henriette, calm down!” Randolph yelled.
”SHUT UP, YOU PIECE OF TRASH! IN THE FIRST PLACE, YOU—” Henriette shot back.
The exposure courtesy of Henriette continued for quite a while until she finally calmed down.
Listening to the stories she laid bare, it seems there was also an aspect where Randolph had instigated the harassment against Dietlinde.
Apparently, he had been saying things like how Dietlinde lacked charm, and that he would turn a blind eye to a little bit of mischief.
However, whether he can be arrested for a crime is a delicate matter.
Since his indirect involvement was exposed by Henriette’s outburst, I don’t think he’ll get off scot-free, but I’ll make sure to personally punish him later.
Furthermore, it seems that Haida’s detailed interrogation of Henriette will be moved to a different venue, but according to regulatory provisions and precedents, there is a high probability she will become a criminal slave.
Being a criminal slave is seriously brutal, so things will likely be tough for her from here on out.
Though she brought it entirely upon herself.
”A slave… and a criminal slave at that, I hate it, I can’t bear it… Daisuke-san, won’t you please withdraw the charges? I’ll never do it again,” Henriette pleaded.
”Before asking to withdraw the charges, shouldn’t apologizing to Dietlinde-san come first?” I asked.
”If I apologize to Dietlinde-senpai, you’ll forgive me, right?!” Henriette cried.
I didn’t say I would forgive her if she apologized to Dietlinde, but a misunderstanding Henriette vigorously bowed her head.
”Dietlinde-senpai, even though I was tricked by Randolph, I am sorry for harassing you,” Henriette said.
”…For someone who claims she was tricked, you seemed to be doing it with great relish, though,” Dietlinde noted.
”Uhm, that’s… I am sorry. I also apologize for hitting and kicking you,” Henriette mumbled.
”Hm? Hitting and kicking?” Dietlinde asked.
”Ah… no, this is… yes…” Henriette stammered.
Since lying in front of an Inquisitor was completely pointless, Henriette gave up and admitted to it.
Normally she probably would have been able to hide it, but whether it was due to her agitation or because she lost her composure, she accidentally let it slip.
Her attempt to frame Dietlinde went unfinished, so there was room for consideration (not that I would necessarily forgive her), but if she assaulted her, then actual harm has been done to Dietlinde.
Come to think of it, there were times when she was dragging her leg or holding her stomach; so that was entirely because of Henriette.
”If it were only the fraud against me, there might have been room to consider it, but I absolutely cannot forgive the assault on Dietlinde-san,” I stated.
”No way, please! I don’t want to become a criminal slave!” Henriette wailed.
”No. I think it will be difficult for you from now on, but you should atone for your crimes. Besides, you also believe that ‘criminals should be severely punished,’ right, Henriette-san?” I asked.
”That was different, I wasn’t thinking about myself being judged!” Henriette screamed.
Wow, that actually makes it worse…
Just like Randolph, because she was shouting at the top of her lungs, she drew the attention of the Adventurers inside the Guild.
Unusually, Rutger and Ursula were also present, but they didn’t seem particularly interested.
”Oooh? What’s the matter, Henrietteee? You look like you’re in troubleee?” Thomas bellowed.
”Ah, Thomas-san! Please help me!” Henriette cried.
Having caught wind of the commotion, Thomas, a gorilla-type Beastman and B-Rank Adventurer, called out to her.
Because he had taken a liking to Henriette, he would probably try to lend a hand, but having reached this point, there was likely nothing he can do.
”Helping is fine, but what should I dooo?” Thomas asked.
”If Daisuke-san withdraws the charges, I’ll be saved!” Henriette explained.
”Alriiight, I’ll manage it somehow for youuu!” Thomas declared.
”Don’t you go saying such irresponsible things!” his wife barked.
”Ouch!” Thomas yelped.
He has formed a harem party with his wives, but as usual, he is completely under their thumbs…
However, Thomas didn’t back down, and it seems he somehow managed to persuade his wives.
”Daisukeee, won’t you withdraw the… charges?” Thomas asked.
”No~ as expected, that’s a bit…” I replied.
”I’m begging youoo, is it absolutely no good?” Thomas pleaded.
”I am terribly sorry, but…” I said.
”If it can’t be resolved with words, then it’s a duel!” Thomas roared.
A duel, he says.
The people around here sure are hot-blooded.
Does he like Henriette that much?
I don’t really understand Thomas’s tastes.
His other wives are good people, though.
However, there was no benefit for me in accepting Thomas’s duel.
It’s not like I wanted money either.
Since it didn’t look like he’d listen if I refused normally, I’ll put forth a condition that will make him give up.
I don’t actually want it, but if I demand his Wind Spear Rindvurm as the Reward, he should give up.
It’s rumored to be the partner that supports his success, so I can’t imagine he would actually accept.
”If you go that far, then I will demand Thomas-san’s Wind Spear Rindvurm as the Reward,” I declared.
”If that’s fine with you, alright, let’s do it with that! The condition will be a ‘Guild Style Individual Rules match,’ sound goodoo?!” Thomas shouted.
”Eh? It is an individual match, sure, but are you serious?” I asked.
”Hold on! You absolutely cannot do that!” his wife screamed.
”That’s right, if you happen to lose, it’ll be disastrous,” another added.
”It’s fine, I will definitely wiiin! I’ll win and save Henrietteee!” Thomas roared.
In spite of his wives’ persuasion, Thomas was raring to go.
I thought he normally wouldn’t accept, but I was naive.
Assuming Henriette were to be sold as a slave, because she is likely a non-combat Class, she would probably be worth around twenty to thirty Gold Coins.
On the other hand, the Wind Spear Rindvurm easily goes for no less than three hundred Gold Coins.
It’s obvious that the Rewards don’t balance out, but since he agreed to it, the deal is finalized.
Now that Thomas has accepted, I can’t back down either.
I’ve completely done it now…
===
’Meta Tsedes:’ “Henriette’s exposure feels like an unfaithful partner whose breakup talks turned sour, crashing the workplace and self-destructing.”
’Narrator:’ “In this world, there is almost no taboo regarding infidelity, but Randolph’s behavior is predictably terrible.”
’Meta Tsedes:’ “Which one is worse, him or Meta-san’s ex-husband?”
’Narrator:’ “The ex-husband.”
—
Recap:
Inquisitor Haida exposes Henriette’s falsifications via systematic Insight verification. This confirmation triggers an aggressive, scorched-earth verbal breakdown directed at Department Head Randolph. The public scandal shifts dramatically into a dangerous martial dispute as the beastman Thomas forces an asymmetric wager over a high-tier artifact.
—
Trivia:
- The exact legal mechanism of Divine Punishment within administrative investigations
- The underlying historical grievances regarding Dietlinde’s unmentioned physical signs of assault
- The economic valuation ratio discrepancy between an office worker slave and legendary tier equipment
—
Character Insights:
Henriette completely drops her submissive, victimized act the moment her administrative protection turns on her, showing deep-seated material greed and personal resentment toward older bureaucrats.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Henriette – A petite, high-spirited dog-like beastman guild clerk (~160 cm) with drooping eyes, floppy ears, and bouncing chestnut curls in a frilly blouse and vest. Deeply money-loving and manipulative, she used a flirtatious facade to offload tasks onto her boss, Randolph, who favored her until cutting her loose. Now facing criminal enslavement for document forgery, client fraud, assault, and defamation, her loyalty wavered under pressure. She rejects Thomas’s advances and likes Daisuke.
• Haida – An Inquisitor who looks like an ordinary, middle-aged woman, arriving at the Guild to settle a dispute over a fraudulent act. Responsible for conducting formal interrogations and evaluating criminal intentionality, she possesses the unique ‘Insight’ ability to verify the truth of statements, defining her authoritative and investigative relationship with the suspects involved.
• Grete – Grete is a freckled, auburn-haired junior clerk and D-rank spear tank with a playful, diabolical smile. As the bright, affectionate PR specialist for the ‘Lovers’ party, she wins everyone over and lives in Daisuke’s household as an aspiring lover. She acts as his highly well-informed companion, gathering information daily and monitoring the ability scores and tier statuses of surrounding combatants.
• Dietlinde – A tall, broad-shouldered sheep-beastwoman with elegantly curved horns, straight platinum hair in a severe bun, pale gray eyes, and faint woolly patches at her collar. Stoic yet professional despite ailments, this Royal Capital guild receptionist cleared her name of a past forgery frame-up and forgave Henriette’s assault. She uses Water Magic and secretly loves Daisuke for his fatigue magic.
• Randolph – A short, burly bear-type Beastman with a thick fur ruff, blue beard, and permanent scowl, this middle-aged Department Head of the Guild’s Quest Mediation Division wears a tailored coat with gold epaulettes and carries a ceremonial mace. Authoritarian and arrogant toward Daisuke and subordinates, the lazy old guy refuses to work and is blackmailed by Henriette, who exploits his weaknesses.
• Roswitha – A stately, sharp-eyed woman in her sixties with iron-gray hair in a crown bun, the Guild Master (Royal Capital Branch Manager) commands absolute authority. Wearing high-collared, silver-embroidered crimson robes, her terrifying, strict presence silences arguments. She enforces rigid regulations against misconduct to preserve guild credibility, compromising only to avoid brawls and brooking no nonsense.
• Karl – A young, low-profile City Guard responsible for witnessing legal procedures and duels to certify the victor. Operating under the direction of Guild authorities, they also handle restraining and escorting criminals, maintaining a modest yet official presence during critical legal and disciplinary matters.
• Thomas – A mid‑30s, 2m tall gorilla‑type beastman with thick fur, a tail, and sharp canines. Officially a B-rank adventurer with A-rank power, he wields the Wind Spear Rindvurm. Though crude and lecherous—often skipping duties to flirt with guild staff—he forms a party with his four wives. When fighting to save a woman he loves, he turns fiercely protective and chivalrous, even resorting to dogeza.
• Camilla – A statuesque, obsidian-skinned fox beastwoman with silver-streaked braids and a fast-wagging tail, she wears a high-slit black dress and gem choker. An aloof, energetic illusionist, fire mage, and debuffer in the First Blood and Lovers parties, this “Black Gyaru Trio” member fears wolves but craves promotion. She is doted on by allies and serves as Daisuke’s affectionate, marking-obsessed slave.
• Gerta – Gerta is a 190cm lion-type beastman and B-Rank adventurer with golden-brown hair, jagged teeth, and a predatory aura. A battle-maniac and masochist, she leads Beast Fang operations alongside Elisa. Formerly the group’s leader and Daisuke’s intense rival, her rough bond with him shaped his martial legacy. Her scent often bothers Camilla as the party progresses through the dungeon floors.
• Daisuke – Daisuke, a lean, cynical late-twenties Japanese reincarnate and Level 85 B-Rank adventurer, has tousled dark hair, amber eyes, and practical leather armor. Seeking to avoid standing out despite having 3,500 base ability scores, he uses Wind Magic, an Item Box, a spear, and modern forensic skills to hunt monsters and expose Guild corruption. Pragmatic yet affectionate, the former NEET manages a harem including Gerta, Elisa, Regina, Cassandra, and Dietlinde through expert cooking and care.
• Rutger – A high-profile demonkin and A-Rank adventurer known as the “Flame Sword,” he is a Sword Saint of the Five Saints party. Characterized by pale skin, white-and-blue hair, and an arrogant, theatrically formal demeanor, he serves as an official duel arbiter, expecting a performance worthy of B-Rank status from the participants.
• Ursula – An A-Rank adventurer known as the ‘Great Shield’ and a quiet, reserved Shield Saint of the Five Saints party. She is a dragonewt with brown scales and incredibly high defensive growth rates. Speaking very little, she accompanies Rutger to monitor matches, occasionally offering short, deadpan critiques.
• Rin – A tall, long-haired B-rank adventurer and brilliant ice-magic healer, she hides a passionate heart behind a stoic, blunt façade. As the assertive leader of Yamato Nadeshiko, she dominates Daisuke’s group and is fiercely protective of the beast-man Camilla. She shares a flirtatious, evolving bond with Daisuke and intends to move in with him to remain close to Camilla.
• 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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