I can't say it. I can't bring myself to say it!

"The phantom thief Hermes is targeting the Divine Artifact, the Breaching Wall Hammer!"

"O-oh, is that so."

"The Breaching Wall Hammer is Tessin's national treasure! And it's the precious Divine Artifact that built the foundation of Akahagane!"

"I-is that right?"

"This town of mine, this country… they wouldn't exist without the Breaching Wall Hammer. You could call it the cornerstone of the dwarves' very souls. To think someone would target it…!"

"T-that's rough, huh."

Couldn't I just say the promise doesn't count since we were drinking…? Ah, yeah, no. That's not gonna fly.

This is the dwarven nation, after all. Drinking is the default here.

"Yes. That's why I absolutely have to protect it. I'm so happy to have Kari-chan's help!"

Mie-chan's face lit up with an adorable smile.

… Sorry, I can't say it. I can't bring myself to say that I'm also after that thing!

"A-Aishiaaa…"

"This is what happens when Master agrees to things so readily…"

Aishia let out a sigh. Sorry for being such a thoughtless master!

"What's wrong, Kari-chan? You look a little pale?"

"Ah, um, i-it's nothing! Leave it to me!"

"Kyaa! That's my Kari-chan, so reliable! I love you!"

Mie-chan hugged me while I broke out in a cold sweat.

Wahhh, what am I gonna do about thiiis…!!

"… Onee-san, perhaps we should hear more about the situation first?"

"Y-yeah, good idea, Dea-kun! What kind of person is Hermes? Tell me, Mie-chan!"

For now, I decided to listen a bit more.

"Hermes is a phantom thief who commits theft using various Magic Tools, spells, and skills. They always steal their target treasure. And they do it after sending an advance notice, too."

"… Huh. That's pretty cool, isn't it?"

"Sure, it's a popular subject for stories! But for those who receive the notice, it's unbearable! No matter how tight security is, they steal it anyway, as if mocking you!"

Mie-chan stomped her feet in an adorable little tantrum.

"Also, there's a rumor that Hermes only steals from evildoers."

"Oh? Wait, Mie-chan, are you an evildoer?"

"No way! Ah, well, I may have done some slightly shady things… But I follow the law properly, and I put real effort into public welfare here! Believe me, Kari-chan!"

Wow, that's a little hard to believe. But I'll believe it anyway. Because she's my cute wifey.

"So you're saying being targeted comes with that kind of scandal attached, making it even more troublesome."

"Exactly. If the Breaching Wall Hammer gets stolen on top of that… I'll be ruined in various ways…"

I see, I see.

…

No, but seriously, what do I do about this? If I take the Divine Artifact, the missus loses her position? Something like that?

Feels like I really can't take it now…

"If Kari-chan doesn't help me… I might be held responsible and executed."

"I will ABSOLUTELY protect it for you!"

"Really!? Yayyy!"

Wow, so cute. I want to protect that smile!

… Wait, I just ended up agreeing to guard the Breaching Wall Hammer.

What a fearsome girl. What a little devil!

"Vermilion-sama, even though you've rejuvenated considerably, this behavior…"

"Considering your age… isn't this a bit much? Don't push yourself, old hag."

"Ah, she's human so she doesn't understand dwarven ages. How pitiful."

Hey, you bearded lot! Sure, I don't get it! But I can tell you're badmouthing my wifey!

But before I could glare at them, Mie-chan turned a sweet smile toward the bearded bunch, and they flinched. Ha! Intimidated by a little girl's smile. Serves you right!

"Oh. Have you seen the Breaching Wall Hammer before, Kari-chan? You haven't? Then let's go see it together now!"

"Ah, okay."

"Ehehe, it's a date, Kari-chan!"

I let Mie-chan pull me by the arm and lead me deeper into the museum.

"… I feel like Onee-san is sinking deeper and deeper into the swamp."

"Yeah. Well, Anego probably has some deep plan… or maybe not?"

"It's Master, so it'll work out somehow. I mean, it's Master, you know?"

All three of you, just come with me already! I can't resist Mie-chan's devilish pushiness on my own!