The Strongest Onmyoji and the Shikigami With AI are Unparalleled in Another World ~ A Second Life Properly Enjoyed Using Artificial Intelligence ~ - Chapter 76

Pamela and Byron approached me.

Meanwhile, I used magic detection and discovered several individuals with faint magical presence around the corner where they had come from. They were likely Byron’s companions.

“Yuuma-san, what are you doing here?”

As they came closer, Pamela asked.

“I came to welcome the guests. Ten people is quite a bit.”

Pamela, Byron, and the eight people beyond the corner.

“What are you talking about?”

Byron feigned ignorance, but his displeased expression when I mentioned ten people confirmed it.

“If they’re not guests, fine. So, who is this guy?”

I asked, pointing at Byron.

“This is Byron, an A-rank adventurer and the clan leader of Hush.”

“I see. Is this about that matter?”

“Yes. He has business with the clan leader of Wind’s Wing. Is Layla here?”

“Yeah. Come on in.”

I opened the door and invited them inside.

“Huh? Layla isn’t here. Is she still making tea?”

Upon entering the clan dormitory, AI-chan looked around the entrance.

I looked around too, but Layla was nowhere to be seen.

“Come to think of it, can she even make tea?”

“I’ll go check.”

AI-chan quickly headed towards the stairs.

“Sorry about that. Our leader is a bit clumsy. Please, come this way.”

I led the two of them to the communal area and had them sit on the sofa.

“I’ll bring drinks right away, so please wait a moment.”

“Are you Yuuma?”

Byron confirmed.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Yuuma, a C-rank adventurer who’s been with this clan since the other day. Nice to meet you.”

“Ah…”

Byron slowly nodded.

Then, Byron’s gaze shifted to the left. When I looked, I saw AI-chan and Layla coming with a tray carrying cups.

The two placed the cups on the table and sat down on either side of me.

There were five cups on the table. The cups in front of Pamela, Layla, and AI-chan contained tea, while the liquids in front of Byron and me were clear and transparent.

Byron stared intently at each cup.

“Sorry. He said men are fine with just water.”

Layla pointed at me.

“I didn’t say that. I said Pamela gets tea, and he gets water.”

“That’s what it means.”

Whatever…

Water tastes good too.

…See, it’s cold.

“Sorry for the sudden visit.”

Byron took a sip of the cold water and bowed slightly.

“I understand the matter, and I expected you’d come. It’s about Cyrus, right?”

“Yes, it’s about the trouble with him.”

“Hmm. Pamela, are you here as the mediator?”

Layla confirmed with Pamela.

“Yes. I’ll be the witness to your discussion.”

The guild must handle such roles as well.

If clans discuss things among themselves, it can lead to disputes over what was said later.

“Well then, let’s hear your side.”

Layla said, looking at Byron again.

“Ah. First, you reported to the guild in the western district that Cyrus and his group attacked you. The western district guild then informed the soldiers and the guild in the southern district. Naturally, this reached my ears, so I questioned Cyrus and his group.”

“Of course. And what did Cyrus say?”

“He admitted to an altercation but claimed he didn’t remember attacking anyone. Instead, he complained that Yuuma overreacted.”

I expected that. How pathetic.

“I see. That differs from what our people reported.”

“Indeed. That’s why we’re here to discuss it.”

“And what do you think?”

Layla asked, wanting to hear Byron’s thoughts or his prepared rebuttal.

“Of course, I believe Cyrus. But I also know that Cyrus has been involved with your people before and that there was an incident in the southern forest recently. While I want to defend my clan member, I don’t think he’s a quiet, earnest person. So, I believe he might have provoked you a bit.”

“But you don’t think he attacked us?”

“That’s right. He wouldn’t go that far. On the contrary, Pat and Rick claim they were attacked by your summoned beasts in the southern forest the day before yesterday.”

His tone suggests he thinks we’re at fault. No apology.

He’s trying to make us the bad guys and claim innocence.

It feels like he’s suggesting that if we don’t press charges, they won’t either.

“Interesting. What do you think?”

Layla asked, looking at me.

“It doesn’t matter. We’ve told you and the guild the truth, and there are no lies in that. I have no intention of explaining it twice.”

“Hmm… Pamela?”

“The guild’s role is just to confirm both sides’ opinions. If we remain at an impasse, a soldier’s investigation team will look into it.”

Officially, the guild remains neutral. The southern district guild supports Hush, and the western district guild supports us. So, it’s a completely even situation.

“Layla, to be honest, I don’t want to waste time on such a trivial matter. Quarrels between adventurers happen all the time, and this is a pointless argument. I’d prefer to settle this by acknowledging mutual fault.”

They’re completely underestimating us. Layla must have backed down at this point every time.

“…What do you want to do?”

Layla asked me.

“You decide. You’re the leader. I’ll follow your lead.”

“Are you sure?”

“I don’t mind. It’s you they’re underestimating. Whether you back down or not, the result won’t change.”

“Hmm? What do you mean by that?”

What the hell happened to this wimp?

“Let’s say we let this slide. Cyrus and his crew will come back to us, possibly with more people. To protect my comrades, I’ll kill every last one of them. When that happens, these guys will lose their minds over their dead comrades, leading to a full-blown conflict. They’ll meet their end. I’m kind and forgiving, but I won’t show mercy to my enemies.”

“I see… Ah… Why is everyone so stupid? Why is everyone so incompetent?”

Layla held her head in her hands and looked down.

“La-Layla…?”

Pamela timidly called out to the suddenly changed Layla.

“Everyone is incompetent. You who harass my comrades, you who claim neutrality but waver, and you who failed to deal with them promptly… all of you are incompetent… you worthless trash.”

Layla raised her head. Her eyes had turned red, and a terrifying amount of spiritual power began to emanate from her.