Chapter 172: Scout (1)

「Well then, let’s scout the casino! 」

I was surprised to hear a young girl like Eich say that name so enthusiastically.

「Casino? Are you sure that’s the mayor’s house? 」

「The casino of this town is where Mayor Bunos lives. 」

「The mayor lives in a casino!? 」

Colt gave a wry smile when I got surprised by Eich’s words.

「In fact, Bunos’ main job is to manage the casino. He’s the town mayor in name only. 」

…Ah, I see. This town was something else. It was the first time I heard that a mayor ran a casino…

After being convinced somehow, I glanced at Seiya and saw him crossing his arms with a difficult look on his face. After Seiya sent Colt and Eich a glare…

「Scouting in advance is not a bad idea. But aren’t you guys aware that everyone already knows who you are?」

While saying that, Seiya showed them the newspaper in his hand. I thought it was amazing to see newspapers in this world, too. But my carefree thoughts quickly disappeared. The newspaper headline said the following, 『Wolf was murdered. Many civilians were also killed and injured. It was another terrorist act. 』

I looked intently at the newspaper Seiya was holding. The news ended with, 『There are rumors of the existence of a men and a women with Artema-level powers. 』

「This newspaper makes it seem like we’re the bad guys! But it was Wolf the one who killed the townspeople! 」

「This newspaper company is also under the influence of the Galvano Principality. They only write articles that are convenient for them. But we’re used to this kind of thing! You too should be aware and proud of being a terrorist! Or should I say, Terrorista! 」

「C’mon Eich, stop calling me that name! 」

「In any case, as Mister Seiya has said, we’re subject to a manhunt. That’s why we don’t want to expose ourselves to the public as much as possible. We have to be careful. Let’s go get the car. 」

While saying that, Colt turned his gaze to the steel-colored Celseus and winked.

「You’d probably be better if you go by car, too. 」

「Ah, that’s helpful! 」

Celseus bowed his head to Colt. Basically, Daunting Pose was always active. In order to serve as Seiya’s shield, Celseus’ body was hardened and unable to move.

「Ahhh, I can’t help but feel your kindness! Thank you so much! 」

It seemed that Celseus was quite happy with Colt’s suggestion, but his dignity as a male god was completely zero. No, it was like it never existed in the first place.

「Then, let’s go. Lista. Carry Celseus. 」

「Yes. 」

After nodding at Seiya’s words, I headed toward the loading platform, but Father Luke brought a wheelchair from the back of the room with a smile on his face.

「It will be difficult to carry it on a platform like that. Let me lend you a wheelchair. It’s the one I used when I broke my leg. 」

「Oh, look, Celseus! It’s a wheelchair! 」

「Yeah! With that, I can move on my own! It’s much better! 」

After we both excitedly bowed to Father Luke and thanked him, I realized once again that my dignity as a goddess had completely disappeared.

With Colt in the lead, we headed to the first floor of the hideout. The first floor was a garage that smelled of oil, and Seiya wrinkled his eyebrows when he saw the sedan-type* car that could fit five or six people. Eich noticed his interest and grinned.

「Is this the first time you’ve seen it? This is a car! It can carry luggage and it’s quite fast! 」

Seiya shook his head immediately at Eich’s boastful words.

「I know what it is. It’s an old model usually on display in museums, so I’m not sure if it will work properly.」

「What did you say! You’re such a rude person! 」

However, Seiya’s words made sense. The car that stood in front of me certainly looked like a classic car. It definitely didn’t have any safety equipment or air conditioning. It was no wonder that Celseus and I, who came from an advanced civilization in the Divine World, and Seiya, who lived in Japan, thought it was old-fashioned.

「Hey, Colt. Is this also powered by magic? 」

「Yeah, it is. We use a fuel that’s basically the combination of magical energy with a special liquid.」

「Hmm, I see. Is it like gasoline…Seiya? 」

While Colt and I were talking, Seiya was checking the tires and other mechanical things by touching them with his bare hands. Caron, the engineer, distorted his eyebrows.

「Hey, just in case, I checked everything beforehand, do you hear me? 」

「I refuse. I won’t feel safe unless I do it myself. 」

Seiya was looking under the car and opening the engine compartment like a mechanic. Eich said impatiently.

「That’s enough! Let’s go scouting! 」

「I’ve completed checking for dangerous objects such as bombs. However, now I need carry out a regular car inspection.」

「You are supposedly a hero! Why are you suddenly starting a car inspection? 」

Eich looked irritated. I approached Seiya and talked to him.

「Tha…That’s right, Seiya. We’re not in a car shop, so there’s no need for you to do any special inspections…」

「It would be dangerous to stop in the middle of the road, so…Oil check completed. 」

While Colt and the others looked stunned, the 15-minute regular inspection was over, and Seiya finally spoke.

「Okay. All good. Get in. 」

「…!? Don’t forget it’s our car!! 」

Eich, who had lost her patience, shouted in an extremely loud voice that even echoed throughout the garage.

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*A sedan is defined as a 4-door passenger car with a trunk that is separate from the passengers with a three-box configuration: the engine, the area for passengers, and the trunk.

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