Agate rudely shoved open the door and strode in from outside the Bracer Guild. His shock of red hair was so eye-catching that it quickly stunned everyone before him.
Tita, especially, was so frightened that she hid behind Estelle. With a fearful yet expectant expression, she secretly poked out her little head to look toward Agate.
"Is that big brother a bracer too?" Tita asked.
"Yeah, he's a bracer too. And unlike the two of us, who are only junior bracers, he's a genuine full-fledged bracer." Estelle smiled. "He's really strong. If he joins the effort to rescue your grandfather, then there'll be hope for him."
"Really?" Tita smiled. Her sunshine-like smile warmed everyone around her. But Agate said irritably, "Estelle, Joshua, are you planning to take this kid along to rescue old Professor Russell?"
Estelle looked confused. "But that's her grandfather."
"No!" Agate said firmly. "No matter what, the Bracer Guild cannot let a child like this take such a risk. She's a civilian! What have you been using your brains for? Have you memorized the Bracer Handbook or not?"
Agate set his Heavy Sword down on the Bracer Guild counter. "Kilika, this incident is closely connected to the case I've been investigating. I, Agate, am taking charge of it. So, when a full bracer is available, doesn't the job take priority with the full bracer?"
Kilika smiled in a way that gave nothing away. "That is the rule, but as the person in charge of the Zeiss branch, my recommendation is that the three of you go together."
Agate picked up his Heavy Sword. "Listen up. Since Kilika says so, I'll take you with me. Since you two are junior bracers, you'll follow the instructions of a full bracer! Don't do anything reckless, understand?"
Just as Estelle was