The Branded Female Fencer

"It's narrow, isn't it? It's best for two people to get through. They used to be the same size as the street outside. With more people and more additions, this is what happened... not too surprised, you."

"I'm out of the same place. Not so far."

"Are you an orphan?

"Right."

My eyes softened a little when I saw Jake the boy in those words.

"Well... why is the orphan in the Temple Knight again?

"There was a lot going on. Especially if I'm lucky."

"I guess so. I envy you."

Jake couldn't say anything. Of course, I circle around, and even though there have been efforts, I find myself wondering how blessed I am now. Many orphans do not attach themselves to a decent profession, and sometimes die. The world is not kind to those who lost it once. I can't help but feel the sight of envy from there. Can we get rid of these mechanisms one day? But Jake couldn't even come up with a solution.

The boy speaks.

"Joining the Bandras Bandits here is the only way out of poverty. There is also rigorous sorting and training for it, but if we succeed, we can even get out of this city. The Bandits teach you a lot. The same goes for stealing, but for protection or even more combat training, how to appraise goods, and easy education. I've been entrusted with one of the city's caretakers, but if I serve another year, I'll be freed and clear to graduate from the Bandits. We're going to set up an orphanage based on the money we've saved."

"An orphanage?

"Oh. I have some easy medical experience, and the people out here are supposed to give me financial assistance. Almost there, I'd like to at least let a few of you live a decent life. Are you crazy?"

"No... I think it's more of a splendid thing. But Arnelia..."

"I know what you're trying to say. I also know that there is an organization called Arnelia. But it's not omnipresent. In fact, there are only so many stray children. I'm not accusing Arnelia. I can't leave it to people, that's all.

You've made me listen to boring things. This is the deepest part of the area. There's really nothing more. "

Listening to the boy's words, he had come sometime to a slightly open place. Still about 20 people can get together? The narrow place was covered by a slab ceiling and looked like it was sneaking eyes. Assembly Hall. That's what the boy was describing. Jake thought it was natural to open the assembly hall more and see the sky, but it's very dim here. If there were no candles even at noon, reading books would be irresistible.

And this is where bandit executives gather. Jake looked over this place for now, but his spine snapped. I don't know what it is, but it just didn't feel right.

"Um... Bandolas, is that it? Aren't the bandits' captains in the right place? I don't see a room or anything."

"The captain doesn't have a specific twist. I'm not always in Tarham, but when I'm in Tarham, I'm more or less disappearing behind this compartment. You always said you'd change where you sleep, so I've never seen you sleep."

"Isn't that strange?

"Where?

The boy didn't seem to grasp the meaning of Jake's words, but Jake was aware that his discomfort was gradually taking shape.

"If you were a bandit, you'd hide your money and treasures somewhere, wouldn't you? Isn't this a safe place for no one to step in, Tarram? Besides, even if it's based in another town, this is where it's based, right? Then there must be a place to store something important. But there's nothing here, is there? And there's no watch."

"That's true, too... but you just don't know anything but the captain. Besides, the captain is not so interested in hardware. I only take what I need and share it with the poor, but I don't usually live so flashy. We only eat crude meals like us."

"... it sounds splendid, but it's still weird, too. Not just bandits, but humans have one or two important things. I hide my treasures. I could put it in a box, hide it under my bunk, or maybe carry it with me. What a bandit, huh?

"What are you trying to say?

"I said it's odd that you're great enough to be entrusted with this place, but you haven't been informed of anything. Where are the other executives? What about the deputy chief, or the equivalent executive?

The boy was annoyed by Jake's allegations. Sure, I'm left to be away, but I haven't been informed of anything. I have been told that the Bandras Bandits' activities still go through this ghetto and that those who continue to bandits are the main constituents, but I didn't have an invitation. I told the orphanage after being worried for a while when they asked me if I wanted to do anything when I left here, but it would be a lie if I didn't admire the members of the Banderas Bandits. Yet the boy was slightly jealous that he didn't even accept the invitation.

And speaking of other executives besides Bandras, I had no name for it. I have spoken to executives who seem to be liaison officers in the absence of Bandras, but I have never seen the same face. I've been in the Banderas Bandits for nearly 10 years and have never seen a fixed executive outside of Banderas. The boy shook his head to the side and dispelled his unpleasant thoughts.

"... I'm sure, I just don't know. The Bandrass Bandits are bandits who will never get caught."

"... I'm sorry to interrupt, but do you know when the Banderas have been around?

The boy turned to the maple that had been silent until now.

"No, I don't. The captain is a fine grandfather, so it's been about 30 years?

"Actually, this may not be very well known - the Banderas bandits, when combined with their predecessors, are said to be bandits that last more than 200 years. Bandras Bandits is the name of the last 37 years or so, and before that it was another name. We consider ourselves the same bandits because we act the same way."

"200 years? Then Banderas..."

"Yeah, I'm not human. At least subhuman. That's what we think. And while it is true that they are known as prostitutes, and what they do is plagiarism and a sufficient crime, they are also famous for not causing human harm, except accidental murder in their actions. Plus sometimes you crush bandits and other bandits, or you get a request from your guild. You may simply be charitable, and therefore the Banderas Bandits are not subject to crusade from the Alliance or Arnelia.

But crime is crime. I've done full-scale tracking before. A man named Banderas is not easy to capture because his appearance changes depending on his age and he is probably seen to have the ability to transform. But if you're an executive close to him - that's what I thought. But I couldn't catch anyone. "

"Aren't we all simply good?

"A hundred years ago, it is on record that we even moved to the Sorcery Society. Do you still think there's someone you can't catch?

Jake's unpleasant hunch intensified. I know all about the Sorcery Society. Even now, I heard that if you have difficulty tracking when hunting demons, you may be asked to send personnel to the Magic Church. What do you mean they can't catch every human being?

"Maple, what do you mean"

"The sorcery association moved, which would mean using the sorcery of tracking. You know who can't catch one of them - you know what happens when the magic of tracking expires, right?

"magically disarmed, out of range of effects, or - if the subject dies"

"That's right. It should be noted that the magic of tracking used by the Sorcery Society is very precise and not very well known, but you can see its location anywhere on the continent. Of course, the farther you go, the less accurate you will be, but they always know which direction you are in. I don't even know the details of how far I've done it, but there won't be anything to do with the sorcery society. If that's the case..."

"... I see. That's not good."

"... I don't know, just tell me so I can figure it out"

"I mean - aren't the Banderas all murdered every time they work?"

Continued