New mission

Beatrice smiled up to her ears.

“I’m looking forward to our collaboration!” she exclaimed.

Olive smiled and they exchanged a high five.

Before going away, they chatted a bit with Princess Elizabeth, who turned out to be a big fan of Rockstar Isekai herself and she wanted to share her opinions about the album.

When the princess dismissed them, Beatrice said goodbye to her one last time and they left the Royal Castle together with the blonde girl.

Before going to the Anti-Silence Unit headquarters, they stopped at the garage, because Natsuo said that he wanted to try something.

When she saw the garage, Beatrice was in awe.

“You really practice here? Wow, it’s a bit strange, but I like its vibe!”

Natsuo asked the system to summon a keyboard.

“Beatrice, can you try it?” he asked.

Beatrice nodded and followed his instructions. Natsuo observed her while she was trying to copy his moves on the keys.

He nodded satisfied.

“As I thought, you have the perfect hands to play the keyboards and it seems that you have a certain disposition for music” he said.

Beatrice’s eyes sparkled. “Really?”

“Yeah, if you practice a bit you can become our fifth member” he replied. “I originally didn’t plan to have the keyboard in our band, but since you’re here, there’s nothing bad in it. We need another girl to keep Olive company.”

Olive smiled at Beatrice.

“Yes, I would like to have another girl to talk to.”

Gregory gave her a thumbs up and Tristan nodded in sign of approval.

Beatrice glanced at them, speechless. She was literally being invited by her idols to join their band. It felt like a dream.

If she accepted, she could have seen Natsuo everyday and admire Tristan’s beauty whenever she wanted. And, most of all, she would have become able to convey her feelings through music, as Rockstar Isekai did with their songs.

She thought about her on the stage. It was a bit strange, but she wanted to try it. She was happy with her life as the princess’ bodyguard, but Natsuo’s offer was too inviting: she wanted to change and now she knew that she could aim for something big.

She nodded. “I’ll do my best to become a member of Rockstar Isekai.”

Natsuo smiled. “Perfect, I’ll make you work hard.”

***

After that, the group went to the Anti-Silence Unit headquarters in Blossomhyl, where Richard More received them.

“Himura Natsuo, welcome back! You’re a star now, how does it feel?” said Richard.

Natsuo smirked. “Good.”

Richard laughed amusedly. “I knew it. My daughter bought your album and she says that you’re her favourite.”

“She has good taste” Natsuo replied.

“Indeed.” Richard turned serious. “Speaking of more important things, here is the plan for the next mission.”

He pointed to the map hanging on the wall.

“The next region to purify is the Duchy of Floridburg, which is attacked by the black silent monsters. We don’t know why, but the monsters seem to be more aggressive than before, so the situation is in their favour. Probably the death of the other two Vassals did something to them.” He paused. “Speaking of which, congratulations for defeating War. He’s said to be the most violent Vassal, you really succeeded in an heroic feat. I’m sorry about the fact that you were alone, but, from what I’ve been told, the Duke of Blueweald insisted on it and when the notice arrived here it was too late. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

Hearing those words, Tristan felt guilty. His father wouldn’t have insisted if he wasn’t on the mission.

Natsuo wrinkled his nose. That duke was very resolute on trying to see Tristan dead. Too bad for him that now his most hated son was the most successful of the family.

“Don’t worry, it wasn’t that much of a problem” he said.

“That’s good to know. This time we’ll proceed with a different strategy. The soldiers will be divided into groups that will purify the infected area on their own with the special version of Broken Bones. You will intervene only when the area is restricted and only the heart remains, so that you don’t waste time and energy, but you’re prepared for the decisive battle.”

Natsuo nodded. “Sounds good.”

“Now I’ll tell you about your enemy: Famine. Famine is the black Vassal of Silence. It’s said that he rides a black horse and that everything someone does in his presence has a price to pay. That’s the only things that are told about him, but no one knows what they mean. I’m sorry if I can’t give you further information or advice, but Famine is really mysterious.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll make it somehow” replied Natsuo.

“I really hope so” said Richard.

“Of course.” Natsuo smirked. “I always get the job done.”

“Well, then, you can rest in an accommodation I rented for you in Floridburg and wait until we call you. You’re allowed to use the Unit’s rails to move from one place to another” Richard said. “See you, Rockstar Isekai, and good luck, you will certainly need it.”

“Thank you, we’ll come back victorious” said Natsuo.

The band got out of the room and prepared to leave Blossomhyl.

“It’s the first time I leave Blossomhyl!” exclaimed Beatrice.

“You’ll have to get used to it, if not how will you do when we’ll go on our first world tour?” replied Natsuo.

“Don’t worry, I’m someone who adapts easily to any situation. That’s required if you want to be a good bodyguard!”

“Knowing that there’s someone capable reassures me” said Tristan.

Beatrice looked away, flattered.

“Because even if I’m useless, there’s someone who can substitute me” Tristan completed the sentence.

Beatrice glanced at him, confused. She thought he was giving her a compliment, instead he was just denigrating himself.

Olive patted her on her shoulder.

“You’ll get used to it, he always acts like this.”

“But…” she mumbled.

She glanced at Tristan, concerned. She didn’t imagine he was that type of person. Was it really fine to just get used to it without doing anything?