Volume 6 Chapter 25 Chinatsu-chan Becomes a Body Double
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Hey, Takumi-kun. Do you think it suits me?” Chinatsu-chan asks, twirling slightly in her princess outfit.
I glance at her and reply, “Yeah, if you stay quiet, it’s perfect.”
She giggles, “Ehehe… I feel like a princess.”
Hikari-chan teases, “Well, you are a princess. And besides, Chinatsu-chan, haven’t you noticed you hardly ever get compliments?”
Despite the jab, Chinatsu-chan beams. She’s serving as Princess Nyx’s body double, dressed identically to the princess. Their facial features are nearly identical, the only noticeable difference being her bust size. No one would easily spot the substitution.
The real Nyx has disguised herself as a maid, altering her appearance with Shiori-chan’s hair dye to avoid recognition. Why go to such lengths? Because the Quvarian Empire is untrustworthy.
The meeting is set in a neutral buffer zone: the southeastern part of the former Seron Duchy, a town also claimed by the Quvarian Empire.
Right hand offers a handshake, left hand strikes. And they never reflect on their actions. That’s the kind of nation Nyx warned me about. Chinatsu-chan, with her exceptional combat skills and sharp instincts, is perfect as the body double in such a dangerous situation.
”But… Takumi-kun. If we get attacked, is it okay to… kill them?” Chinatsu-chan asks nervously.
I reassure her, “Yeah. Ideally, we’d take them alive, but your safety comes first.”
She carries only Chisame in a tiny magic pouch. Normally, retrieving a weapon would take multiple steps, but her mastery of iaijutsu makes it effortless.
”Sorry, Chinatsu-san,” someone murmurs.
”Umu. Do as you see fit. And I’m happy too, wearing princess clothes… so it’s win-win,” she replies with a bright smile.
Only I, Princess Nyx (Chinatsu-chan), and our respective maids are allowed into the negotiation space. Clarice is chosen as the second maid, appearing as nothing more than a gluttonous servant, completely concealing her status as the formidable ‘Witch of Plenty.’
Aria, skilled in martial arts, had pleaded with watery eyes, “Tak-kun, I want to come with you. If this might be deadly, please take me. I can shield you without hesitation, just like Hikari.” I comforted her with a warm embrace, letting her patience hold.
Honestly, Aria’s martial arts skills aren’t enough for a frontline guard. Given the high assassination risk, I accepted Weed-san’s advice to assign capable bodyguards even during intimate moments. That’s why Chinatsu-chan had been assigned as a guard during the previous slave auction.
Chinatsu-chan also possesses a rare Skill randomly granted as a Takumi-special bonus: ‘Enemy Detection.’ A slightly overpowered asset for our current mission.
”Ja, ittekuru ne, futari tomo,” she says cheerfully.
”Yeah, take care, Takumi,” Nyx replies.
”Leave McGaref’s security to us,” Gandolf adds.
Before leaving, I grab a quick bite of udon from Yawashi-kun and exchange nods with Yoshizuka-kun and Suenaga-kun. Sometimes, it’s nice to have male companionship without the class girls around, I think, feeling a faint pang of nostalgia as my classmates mature.
Thus, we embark on our first serious diplomatic mission, carrying the weight of hidden schemes.
* * *
In the carriage, Councilor Gandolf and I discuss the upcoming negotiations. “Councilor Nasu, I can’t attend the meeting. If it seems difficult, don’t respond hastily… though, there’s rarely a situation where instant answers help,” Gandolf says.
”Do not give Quvarian Empire any leverage,” I remind him.
”Understood. I’ll be extremely careful,” he replies.
It amazes me that McGaref managed to maintain autonomy while dealing with such a monstrous nation. Gandolf explains it relies on manipulating opposing organizations’ interests: the enemy of my enemy is my friend played to their advantage.
”Well… Councilor Nasu became the ripple, though,” I note.
I don’t want to trivialize my presence, but it’s true I’ve made a significant impact.
”Still, that nation has made too many enemies. Historically, their power is waning,” Gandolf observes.
”Indeed… they couldn’t respond to Lesta’s invasion, half-abandoning McGaref,” I add.
”Exactly. So, we can afford to be somewhat assertive,” he says.
”What do you think about the territory Quvarian is requesting?” I ask.
”That belongs to Seron… it’s not my place to intervene,” he replies.
Gandolf’s gaze falls on the disguised Princess Nyx.
”Remarkably similar. I wouldn’t even notice the difference,” he comments.
”Yes… They are identical. Regarding your previous question, I have sold the nation’s rights to Takumi-sama,” Chinatsu-chan says.
”Your personal opinion is fine too,” Gandolf prompts.
”Then… I would recommend granting the territory. Personal feelings aside, it buys time,” I suggest.
”True. A war now would be mutual destruction. It’s better to strengthen our nation via Gonan trade,” he agrees.
”Hard decisions… what about wiping them all out during negotiation?” Chinatsu-chan asks casually, holding my hand and smiling.
”Assassination… rough, but not impossible,” Gandolf mutters, realizing the threat potential.
Clarice, munching on a snack, chimes in, “Don’t worry. Takumi-sama will protect us with my barrier magic.”
After successfully defending against ‘Karteira the Eternal Witch’ in the Depths of the Labyrinth, Clarice has gained newfound confidence. Her defense might now be among the strongest ever recorded, even if her offensive power is minimal.
”I’ll extend the barrier to Councilor Gandolf too,” she adds.
”Ah. The little lady’s blessing is excellent,” he thanks her.
Finally, the carriage arrives in the southeastern Seron town where negotiations will commence. The headache-inducing diplomacy has officially begun.
Notes:
• Chinatsu-chan – Hikari’s party. Frustrated, jokes about prostitution.
• Chinatsu – Hikari’s party. Frustrated, jokes about prostitution.
• Hikari-chan – 4th Division leader. Stressed, relies on Takumi.
• Hikari – 4th Division leader. Stressed, relies on Takumi.
• Nyx – The First Princess of Celon Dukedom, who escapes to McGaref; next in line to the throne after the Queen’s expected death.
• Quvarian Empire – Ruling kingdom. Harsh world, restricted freedom.
• Clarice – The ‘Witch of Abundance’ from Lesta Kingdom.
• Weed – He is a retired knight and martial arts master, appeared as a sword seller, known for his bloodthirsty grin and elite ‘Sword Master’ skill.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Suenaga-kun – Classmate, Kahoru’s customer.
• Suenaga – Classmate, Kahoru’s customer.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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