Combatants Will Be Dispatched - Volume 2 - Chapter 2.2

2 

On the outskirts of the city there’s a largish house with a sign labeled THE KISARAGI CORPORATION. 

This is the temporary hideout Alice and I are renting. 

For now, it’s the location of the Kisaragi Corporation Grace Kingdom branch. 

“—So basically, there’s an unexplored ruin in that kingdom. They haven’t been able to figure out the ancient technology used to seal it, so they haven’t been inside. We can always worry about that when we get there.” 

I’m discussing the details of the job with Alice. 

“Ancient technology—like that anomalous artifact in the castle courtyard—if it’s just locked with an electronic key, you can leave it to me. The problem is the other job from Tillis.” 

“…Hmm? The other assignment?” I dangle my legs while sitting on the edge of the table. 

“You’re being asked to escort Snow on a diplomatic mission, right? I’m going to say this now—try to avoid doing anything stupid this time, will you? I may have high specs, but there’s a limit to what I can bail you out of.” 

Kind of an odd thing for Alice to say. Is she worried about me? 

“Oh, about that. I can handle it. I’m good at making friends over drinks.” 

“I wish you’d stop dragging random geezers home when you go out drinking. One of the homeless guys tried to set up a camp in the hideout’s backyard. Getting rid of him was a chore and a half.” 

Oh, so that’s why they were never around in the morning. I always thought it was weird that my new buddies would be missing the next day. 

“Well, I’m impressed Miss Android. Not an ounce of compassion in your heart for bunnies being sacrificed or homeless drunks, mm?” 

“I’ve told you before, but I don’t have a heart. Anyway, remember that Astaroth ordered us to expand our territory. Not to repeat myself, but don’t do anything stupid. We need to produce results by the end of this month.” 

Alice hammers her warning home. 

“I don’t know what those Supreme Leaders told you, but you’ve got the wrong idea about me. Just watch. The longest-serving Combat Agent is also an able diplomat. You’ll see for yourself!” 

“Get it through your head. Don’t do anything you don’t have to do.”