On the Paths of a New World

Chapter 3 - Bath, Breakfast, and a Baffling Dream: Enter the Crimson Zone!

01

Man, what a creepy silence... 

I don't know why the hell I blurted out that last name. It was the first thing that came to mind. But really, what's the big deal? Sure, the guy might have a bit of a reputation, but it can't be so bad that even his surname is cursed. Unless...
Oh no.
Shit!!

"Eh, ye-yes, sir! But I promise I have nothing to do with that Kazuma! I'm not a sexual harasser, nor do I steal anyone's panties!! I swear!!!"

Stephane pondered for a few seconds, gently stroking his beard, and then... 

"Hahaha, you're quite a character, young man," Stephane laughed, clearly entertained by my flustered response.

"Yeah, that Kazuma guy is pretty notorious for his nuisances. He stirred up quite a commotion in one of the towns where I have a shop, Axel. His group caused quite an uproar there."

He paused, his gaze becoming slightly more serious.

"However, from what I've been told, the problem is far more severe than simple theft. He's wanted for terrorism and conspiracy against the kingdom...."

A bad feeling overwhelmed me.

"Re-really, sir? I swear I have nothing to do with him or these crazy accusations! It's just a terrifying coincidence!" I exclaimed, even more alarmed.

"Don't worry, my friend! If you're not involved, there's no need to fret. Just... don't go around flaunting your last name, okay? Not everyone is as understanding as we are. By the way, it's a pleasure to meet you, Vitor!"

"Anyway, I've spent too much of your time. I'll head to the front of the carriage to keep the coachman from napping on the job, hehe!"

With that, he exited through the door, the carriage still in motion, his smile appearing somewhat forced.

Thinking about it, Kazuma was accused of terrorism in the Light Novel too, but why was that again...?
Eh.....
... 

I forgot.
Whatever the reason was, I remember he got away with it. Could the basis for the accusation in this world be the same? This probably isn't a good time to ask.

I just waved goodbye to Stephane, leaving only me and the two sisters in the carriage. I noticed they had been staring at me since I mentioned the last name; the younger one seemed scared, while the older one looked at me like I was a pile of garbage. That definitely wasn't a good thing...

"You perverted bum," the older sister blurted out, dryly.

"What? Where did that come from?" I reacted. "I already told you I have nothing to do with that guy."

"I think you have everything to do with 'that guy.' It would explain the situation we found you in. How long until you try to steal our panties?"

"HEH? He's going to steal our panties?!" The younger one got alarmed, moving away from me.

"Please, try. It would be a pleasure to kill you very slowly, cutting you piece by piece." threatened the older sister.

It seemed like Stephane had left just in time to dodge a bullet.

02

Damn it, Kazuma, you really are the greatest enemy of the female gender in this world. In the midst of all that drama, I discovered that the name of the grumpy sister was Melissa, and the younger one was Anne. I spent ages explaining and begging those two not to throw me out of the carriage. What a disgrace... and I'm not even guilty of anything!