From RE0, Sato Kazuma decided to cheat on food and drink

"If someone could actually defeat the white whale, they would be regarded as a hero by the whole world, and they could have anything they wanted."

"Wait, you can have anything you want?"

Sato Kazuma's eyes lit up.

Chapter 88: I'm fighting a beluga whale? Really?

Kazuma Sato leaned forward, showing some interest in Russell's words.

Although the white whale was definitely not a match for the group of them, Kazuma Sato was still very curious about the extent to which this benefit could be achieved.

"Whether for Lugnica or other countries, the beluga whale is a scourge that cannot be ignored, and countless people have lost their lives at its hands."

Russell said slowly,

"You probably already know that Wilhelm, who originally belonged to the Sword Saint family and was known as the Sword Demon, chose to join Crusch's camp because his wife, who was the wife of the former Sword Saint, sacrificed herself in the battle against the White Whale."

Kazuma Sato frowned slightly.

Wilhelm?

Why does this name sound so familiar?

Wait, wait, wait, is that the old man who came to the mansion with that pervert—Phyllis?

I originally thought he was just an ordinary person, but it turns out he was some kind of sword demon.

That sounds really impressive.

But upon closer reflection, it is indeed true.

Generally speaking, the butler and maid characters in anime and novels are all hidden big shots, and it seems that's true so far.

So, does that mean Rem and Ram are also hiding their true strength?

"Furthermore, considering that our relationship has now progressed further, I'll also tell you something for free, Kazuma—Lord Crusch is currently collecting a large amount of ironware."

Russell said with a smile.

Why collect ironware?

Aqua, standing to the side, scratched her head, seemingly confused.

"Useless goddess, if you had just thought about what Russell said, you would have guessed it."

"Okay! I understand!"

Aqua nodded in sudden realization.

"It's for drinking from wine glasses, right? The wooden glasses might affect the taste of the wine, while metal glasses will give it a cool, refreshing feel. Isn't that right? This goddess is truly brilliant!"

Kazuma Sato snorted coldly.

As expected, the goddess of idiocy is still the same idiot she always was.

"Hahaha, Lady Aqua is really joking. I suppose Lady Aqua already knows that Lady Crusch is here to fight the White Whale. That's why Sword Demon chose to join them. If we're talking about who's most likely to fight the White Whale right now, it's only Lady Crusch."

In Russell's eyes, Aqua's current evasive answer was clearly a deliberate act of pretense.

Perhaps she's testing me? Or does she have ulterior motives?

However, Russell was certain that Kazuma Sato had his own purpose in suddenly bringing up the beluga whale.

At that moment, Russell's expression suddenly changed, revealing a meaningful look:

"Why did Lord Kazuma suddenly mention the white whale? Could it be that he also has some ideas?"

Upon hearing the other party's words, Kazuma Sato couldn't help but smile.

I'm going to fight a beluga whale? Really?

No normal person could beat that guy, right?

Kurshuna held a prominent position, so gathering troops would be a piece of cake for him.

But Aqua and I have almost nothing right now.

You can't exactly throw a figurine at someone, can you?

Even though the rewards for successfully defeating the white whale are very generous and tempting, the prerequisite is that you can succeed, right?

Just as Kazuma Sato was about to refuse, Aqua spoke up first:

"Of course! Our mission is to wipe out all the monsters that are plaguing the world!"

"?!"

Kazuma Sato was taken aback and quickly stood up, grabbing Aqua and pulling her aside.

"Useless goddess, have you gone mad?!"

"What are you saying! Our original intention was to defeat that monster! Defeating monsters is your mission as an adventurer!"

Aqua said with a serious expression.

"But how are we supposed to win against those guys? Can't they just take care of us with a breath?"

"I believe in you, Kazuma! When the time comes, we'll just shout about friendship, bonds, and dreams and charge in to wipe out the monsters! Besides, you have this goddess here to help you!"

"I'm worried because of you! Don't you have any self-awareness?"

Kazuma Sato was speechless at Aqua's behavior.

This guy's combat ability is completely negligible.

Her only purpose was to act as a wet nurse.

Even so, they couldn't find anyone with enough fighting power to fight the white whale.

If even Jus's powers couldn't cause effective damage, then there's no way anyone else could.

If Betty goes all out, she might have a chance...

However, for Kazuma Sato, the price was perhaps too high.

There's no way we can win this battle.

"Kazuma, didn't you tell Subaru earlier that you would find a way?"

"I am indeed trying to find a way! But I'm trying to get through the crisis, not to fight the white whale!"

Just as Kazuma Sato and Aqua were arguing quietly nearby, the mansion's gate was suddenly pushed open.

"Let's go, Kazuma! Let's figure out how to deal with the white whale!"

Natsuki Subaru walked into the house with a resolute expression.

Even though he resolutely chose to die in the previous playthrough, Subaru Natsuki is now full of energy.

He believed that with the help of Aqua and Kazuma Sato, who knew he possessed the ability to return from death, they would definitely be able to find a way to defeat the White Whale.

Of course, Kazuma Sato himself doesn't think so.

"Hey?"

Subaru Natsuki looked at Russell in a daze, having not seen him in the previous two playthroughs.

In the previous playthroughs, due to various circumstances (being splashed with hot tea repeatedly), Russell left Sato Kazuma's mansion early and did not run into Natsuki Subaru.

In this loop, Russell wasn't splashed with hot tea, and because of the topic of the white whale, he didn't leave early but stayed to discuss it with the other party. In addition, Natsuki Subaru sped up his arrival, which is why they bumped into each other.

"Oh? If I remember correctly, you're Emilia's... maid, right?"

"Ah, that's right. May I ask who you are?"

“My name is Russell Ferro, and I’m from the Kingdom’s Merchant Guild.”

As a representative of the Kingdom's Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Six Tongues, Russell was naturally aware of Subaru Natsuki's identity.

He also heard Subaru Natsuki say the word "white whale" just now, and his brain started working at lightning speed.

Does this person named Natsuki Subaru also know about the white whale?

Without a doubt, this is what Aqua and Kazuma Sato revealed.

It's likely that Aqua and Kazuma Sato have already approached Emilia's camp to discuss how to deal with the White Whale.

As a member of the Six Tongues, I was completely unaware.

What methods did they use to contact each other in advance?

Not only that, but Sato Kazuma's sudden mention of the beluga whale was definitely a test of his own abilities.

Even if he didn't say it, Sato Kazuma and the others probably already knew that he was representing the Kingdom's Chamber of Commerce and was cooperating with the Crusch camp in trade.

Those two are testing my attitude and stance.

What a terrible guy.

Are they trying to use their own hands to connect with Crusch's camp?

Normally, Crusch's camp would make all the necessary preparations to deal with the White Whale, and Russell could take this opportunity to sell them information about the White Whale's appearance in the surrounding area.

It seems that Kazuma Sato and Aqua are now preparing to cross paths.

After all, if Crusch really succeeds in defeating the White Whale, then she will likely be in a situation where victory is almost guaranteed in this royal selection.

That's why Aqua decided to forcefully intervene and take credit for Crusch's work, in order to prevent the situation from developing into one where she has the power to dominate.

Russell inwardly marveled at the methods of Kazuma Sato and Aqua.

Not only did they successfully control this cunning old fox in politics, but it also demonstrated their confidence in dealing with the White Whale.

This is the only explanation; otherwise, everything they just discussed would have been meaningless.

Russell would never have imagined that this seemingly impossible answer was the truth.

It's completely meaningless.

Kazuma Sato had no intention of attacking the White Whale, and Aqua was completely unaware of the seriousness of the matter.

"I understand what you two mean. I will act according to Kazuma-sama and Aqua-sama's ideas—after all, you are the ones I have the most faith in during this royal selection!"

Russell stood up, smiled at Kazuma Sato and Aqua, then said goodbye and left.

Kazuma Sato looked completely bewildered.

No, buddy?

What do you unserstand?

Kazuma Sato had absolutely no idea what Russell meant.

But in this situation, there's absolutely no way I could catch up with Russell and ask him for clarification.

"Kazuma, what were you talking about with this guy just now?"

Subaru asked, puzzled.

"They're discussing how to hunt down the beluga whale!"

Aqua immediately smiled and said.

"As expected! You're the most reliable person when it matters!"

Natsuki Subaru also smiled and said to Sato Kazuma,

"I'm sorry, if it were before, I would definitely have thought you were the kind of person who would run away halfway through!"

"Hahaha....."

Kazuma Sato gave an awkward laugh.

"Subaru, are you absolutely determined to defeat the White Whale? I mean, just how determined are you?"

"No matter what, we must defeat this monster!"

Subaru Natsuki's face revealed an extremely determined look.

"This monster has been wreaking havoc for so long, and so many people have suffered at its hands. We absolutely cannot stand idly by and watch more people fall into danger. Besides, even if we do nothing, the white whale might attack us again at any time!"

Listening to Natsuki Subaru's righteous and awe-inspiring speech, Sato Kazuma felt that a lot of sweat had seeped out of his forehead.

It seems that in this kind of situation, I simply can't give a negative answer.

What should I do?