48 Give me a present for the time being.

I thought I'd grown accustomed to his office since he became king. But since he's been in there, his absence has been rather lonely. The only one present, aside from his bodyguard, is Lord Raggedy. It's a familiar combination, but it feels empty.

"So, you're sending him to Garne?

"He'll go on his own, even if they say nothing happened. I've only given him time to prepare.

My personal opinion is that I don't want him to leave the country. His presence is still necessary for Taze. He's a coward in action, though. He'd be uncomfortable if he couldn't settle the score with Raheit himself.

The least we can do is to send him as a government official and let him stay for a period of time. That way, we can keep an eye on him as an escort.

"Ghanae, ...... is a strange country, even without waiting for the results of dark intelligence.

Yes, it is. In the last few years alone, it has undergone dramatic changes. I'm not sure if Lahayt's shadow has reached it, but I'm sure there are plenty of factors that would interest him.

Garne, a neighboring country of Taize, is a large country with a vast plain as its territory. In contrast to Taize, where knights are the mainstay, and Mejis, where the Yugoslavian clergy are the mainstay, in Garne, the military wields the power.

In contrast, the military wields power in Ghanae, where the king has the same power as in Taiz, but in Ghanae there is a conscription system. Young men of a certain age are trained as soldiers and then returned to civilian life. In the event of an emergency, the people are also trained to take up arms and fight.

This is a policy that can only be implemented in Ghana, a country with wide plains, one of the world's top food producers, and a large population. In terms of the quality of their troops, the Tarzans boast an unparalleled level of skill. In terms of numbers, however, there is a difference of several dozen times.

The adventurer's guild is large and includes many different races. He prefers tactics as a role rather than individual strength, and this country is a good match for him. In this light, Garn has many more attractive points than Taze.

The natural beauty of this country is superior to that of Taize, but the area where he lived was not a rural area but a civilized area. When I think about it, there are too few factors that would make him stay in this country. He should marry a woman from this country and build a strong foundation.

However, we cannot use the means of attacking him by numbers if he makes the first move. In the first place, if there is a woman worthy of him, I would like to be a candidate. I am slightly regretting that I agreed to the interesting proposal in a few words.

No, wait. If this game doesn't go on for too long, he won't leave the country too easily, will he?

"Your Majesty, that would be a problem for us.

Even if he were allowed to take such a desperate step, others would not. I don't want to send him to another country. If other countries knew who he was and who he was, they would want him.

He claims to be an ordinary man, but to our world, he is extraordinary. What ordinary man would go after a servant of the Mad King?

"Lord Raggedy, do you have a better idea?

"How do I get him to stay in the country? ...... If he's married, maybe. How about Lord Ratzel?

We've already had that conversation in front of him, and it was a failure.

"Hmm, it's hard to say without knowing his tastes.

"How can you possibly know the tastes of someone who changes his personality so rapidly? The only thing I can come up with is a beautiful woman who doesn't care about her personality.

In terms of good looks alone, the standards around him are very high. But since he's not attracted to you, his priority is the inside.

But if you're sincere with him, he won't ignore your feelings, will he?

"He hates over-interference. He doesn't want to be reminded too strongly.

I can't help but sigh at the fact that I was attracted to such a troublesome person. Why is that man a man? He's so troublesome. If it had been a woman, I would have taken her in a heartbeat.

But if you can't think of a way, then so be it. As a friend, I sincerely hope so.

All I can do is spare you the trouble of removing the threat of Raheit. If you take into account his hard-hearted nature, you should do him a favor.

--------------------------------------

Today, Ilias and I are taking a leisurely stroll through the castle. I visited Marito every other day, but he seemed to be busy today and I couldn't see him. Since they had come all the way to the castle, they were just wandering around.

Marito said he was going to send a secret agent to Garne to check on the changes in his condition, but I can't help but feel that he was just buying time. Marito, who wants to keep rare human resources in the country, may not want us to go to Garne, but he's not so heartless that he can't just cut ties with someone who has done him a favor.

It's not that difficult to just move here. But you have to find a place to eat that you like, like the Dog's Bones, or find a comfortable home, like the Iliad.

It's the same with relationships. It is not to say that you will completely lose the relationships you have built here, but if you change countries, you will naturally drift apart. It's hard for people who don't like to interact with other people to reset those relationships.

It takes a lot of courage and determination to throw away the attachment you have to this country in the first place. Even if Ghanae is a civilized city as good as Japan, I don't think I would be willing to abandon Taze and move there.

Well, you should change your mind and think about your course of action in Ghana. It will not be long before I go to Ghana. You will probably be there for about a month. We need to be effective in our search.

What's the matter? You look more worried than ever.

"Well. Actually, after discussing it with Marito, I've decided to go to Garne.

I don't know.

He grabbed me by the chest. I'm dying of nostalgia. You can get used to it mentally, but you can never shake the physical threat of a gorilla grabbing you by the chest and shaking you.

"Wait, stop questioning me so quickly and forcefully!

It's not your fault that you're so abrupt! At least take a few more steps!

I'm just trying to jump to conclusions. I want to jump to conclusions. I have a feeling we'll need to do some research in Garne to follow the Raheit trail.

I'll tell you the story of how I asked Marito to roughly investigate the current situation in Garnet first, and then decided to search for him myself.

I'm not sure if you need to hunt down Raheit yourself.　I'm sure His Majesty will do everything in his power to protect you.

"What can I say? If a centipede - a poisonous insect - is found in your house and you leave it untreated, you will not sleep well, will you?　If you don't take care of it yourself instead of leaving it to someone else, you won't feel safe, or something like that.

I understand how you feel, but how can you treat someone like a bug?

You're right. However, this is an easy case to understand in daily conversation.

"But you know, when you're suddenly told you're leaving the country, ......

"Let me correct a misunderstanding first. Either Marit will formally apply for a permit to stay as a Tarzan, or he will stay as an individual. If it's the former, he'll be here for about a month, and if it's the latter, he'll be here for six months at most.　I'll be back when I'm done.

"Oh, I see. But can't you explain it in a way that won't give the wrong impression?

If you could calmly ask for an explanation without being grabbed, there would be no misunderstanding.

Mugu: ......

I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm not sure what to do with it.

What I was wondering was who I should ask to take care of Wolfe and Lakra. It would be hard for the Iliad alone to take care of them, wouldn't it?

"That's true, but... no, you're not going alone?

Of course not. Ilias is a knight of this country and Wolfe is still learning. Pope Eupharo asked me to take care of Lakra, but I don't think I'll be able to take her with me to investigate Garne.　

"...... are you aware of your own weakness?

This is a terrible way of replying. A normal boy could be broken by this.

If you're staying as a member of the Tarzan nation, Marith will provide you with guards, so there's no problem. If not, you'll be on your own, but if you need an escort, I can hire an adventurer locally.

"I'm sure if I advise His Majesty, He'll make me an escort.

Ilias was at a loss for words. Because I can't say for sure. I know why.

I know why. "Now that you mention it, you finally realize. There is no guarantee that Marith will escort you any longer.

Ilias was given the task of guarding the dignitaries after the threat of Raheit was discovered. But she had failed. Even though it was a three-man team, she was so concerned about the safety of the people in the vicinity that her primary target was kidnapped and used as material for blackmail.

Even if he was lucky to have survived, his reputation would not be good. That is not to say that the Iliad's actions were a mistake. When Gilista was about to attack the people around him, we warned him and made him stop. At the very least, no one could have made the decision to leave the civilians to die in that situation.

If it had been Marito or Lord Raggedy, there would have been no hesitation, but we are young men with a swaying sense of justice. Incidentally, although he has not been relieved of his guard duties, he has not been given permission to enter Marito's room. I'm sure Ilias can see that he's upsetting Marito with that.

...... You're right. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

I'm sure you'll be glad to know that Ilias is coming with us. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

Persuading Marito is a difficult task. He is a man who shows a very friendly attitude towards us, but in reality, he is a man who only gives in when he has to.

Of course, from the Iliad's standpoint, the first refusal would be the end of the story. In the position of a king and a knight, there is no room for negotiation. The only possibility is that he treats me as a friend.

"Fortunately, Marito has asked for time to prepare. Fortunately, Marito has asked for time to prepare it, and I'll do what I can to help. But don't get your hopes up.

"...... Oh, okay.

Ilias's depression was intense. I've only ever worked as a patrolman, and I've never failed at a responsible job. If it was the frustration of being discriminated against as a woman, she would have known that her achievements were not justified. The shock of being responsible for your own failures, rather than others', must have been great.

If I could have an escort, I would naturally prefer the Iliad. He is capable, trustworthy, and familiar to us. It is true that he has shown poor judgment as an escort, but there are no Tarzans to protect in Ghane. There is no possibility of repeating the same mistake.

I can't just leave him like this and leave him depressed. I'd like to do something about it.

"Let's go see the garden.

That magnificent garden is a good place for a change of pace. The garden is a good place for a change of pace. Marito is so proud of it that just being there makes me feel at ease. The Iliad doesn't have a custom of admiring flowers, but it's still a good distraction. --That said, I'm hungry. I think I'll go get something light to eat first.

I go to the kitchen in the castle. There are many workers busily at work today. It's not just food for the king. They also have to prepare lunch for the knights, dignitaries, and guards who work at the castle.

When they come to the castle, they are served meals, but if they arrive at the halfway point of the day, they can go to the kitchen like this and get a simple meal. Because of this, I have become quite friendly with the old man in the kitchen.

"Hey, old man, here we are again.

"Oh, you're His Majesty's favorite brother. And isn't that Lord Ratzel next to him?

Oh, sorry to interrupt.

No, no, no. Are you hungry, Lord Ratzel?　I'm sure I can find something for you.

No, I...

No, I'm... - Come on, join us. It's not very nice to be stared at while you eat alone.

...... Okay, I'll have a light meal.

The food here is naturally delicious. The food here is naturally delicious, though it doesn't have much salt, so it doesn't pack much of a punch for me personally, but the cooking techniques are impressive.

I put a simple meal on a tray and walked around the backyard of the kitchen. This is a place where employees take a break, but at the moment it is quiet and unpopular. It is not a garden that is meant to be seen by the public, but the small but well-kept flowerbeds make you feel at home.

It's smaller than the garden in Marit, but it has its own charm.

...... I agree.

It's like I'm not here at all. If you take him to Marito's garden, it won't work.

If I were a warrior, I could go along with him to relieve my sorrows, but with Ilias, I don't think my body can take it. The only level of distraction for Ilias would be Sir Ragdoll and the other knight commanders, but it would be difficult to ask them to join us because of the situation.

If Ilias is a normal woman like Cyra, I can think of a way to entertain her. ...... Well, I'll ask Cyra to do it.

"Wassup, wassup, woof.

While I was thinking about it, one of the young serving maids came in carrying a bunch of vegetable garden tools. She seems to be the one who takes care of this backyard.

"Whoa!　Sir Ratzel!　And, um...

I'm a candidate for librarian.

I am, in fact, a candidate for the title of scribe. But it's too late now, but isn't the term "librarian" old-fashioned?　Even Lakra is familiar with that name. I knew it was used in China from reading about it when I was living in Japan.

Perhaps as a result of this, there are a few words in Maya's translation that you don't hear very often. It wouldn't be a problem if I could acquire the language of this world in earnest, but it's taking me a long time to do so.

If I'm going to Garne, I'll have to think about maintaining my possession skills in the meantime. If Marito points this out to you, it will be difficult to go to Garne.

"Well, you can call me Mr. Candidate...

"Then I'll call you the backyard maid. I don't have a position. Feel free to treat me as you like.

Haha, so you'll call me big brother then?

It's not bad, though it doesn't seem to fit the supply and demand. I'm sure you've heard of it, but I've never heard of it.

"Oh, and who's the maid in charge of the backyard?

My name is Luko. My name is Ruko. I'm a novice, but I serve the castle as a waiter.

I'm a little older than Ilias, I'd say about the same age as Lakra and Marith. However, it's been a while since I've encountered a feminine woman.

Let's forget about Ilias, Lakra, Gillista, and Lirisa, because Raheit was what they were.

You're a waiter and you're tending to the backyard?

This is a hobby I do during my breaks. I like gardening and I grow flowers at home. This place was so empty and lonely. ......

You can tell even to the untrained eye that the work is meticulous. I like it and I'm not bad at it. Why don't you work in her Majesty's gardens or something?

No way! No way! That garden is maintained by one of the best craftsmen in Tarz, who His Majesty loves very much!

I remember him saying something like that. Well, Marito is a gardening hobbyist, he wouldn't entrust his prized garden to someone just because he's a bit skilled.

But don't you long for a garden like that?

"Of course I do. I sometimes dream that I could be a part of it in the future.

It's not bad to see someone who is not as enthusiastic as Saira, but who still yearns to be a part of it. I can't imagine how many years it must have taken her to acquire all these skills in between her days. The choice of flowers and their positioning are also carefully chosen so that they look beautiful when viewed by those who are resting here. It must be difficult to maintain different kinds of flowers in the same flowerbed. It's not as nice as that gorgeous garden, but it's something to love.

It's perfect to look at when you take a break. Do you mind if I come back here again and again?

"Of course. Do you like gardening too?

I'm just an amateur gardener, not very good at it. He grows vegetables in a small planter at home.

That's nice! I'm mainly a flower gardener, but I also grow a few vegetables here and there.

I'll tell His Majesty to raise the salary of any maid who devotes herself to growing vegetables at that age.

"Haha, your brother is very brave.

I had a quick conversation with Luko, but Ilias was hardly on board. You're probably close to his age, but he doesn't seem to want to get to know you. ...... You can't blame him for being in a bad mood.

Luko is also aware of this and is not actively talking to Ilias. But I guess he's still curious. He asked me in a whispering voice.

"Sir, why is Lord Ratzel so depressed?

"I made a mistake and disappointed him, and that upset him, so he's depressed.

So, ......, you're a sensitive person.

In a way, yeah. Yes, do you have any idea what kind of flowers would be good to send to someone like that?

It's not much of a bribe, but if you're negotiating with Marito, it's not a bad idea to have some kind of gift. I'm sure he'll bite if we show him our permanent residency, but I'd rather not give him anything heavy like that.

Well, ...... hmm. If you give me some time, I'll get it ready for you. ...... What kind of person are you dealing with?

I wonder if I should mention Marito's name here, or if he'll reject me as being afraid. But since he's prepared it for me, I want to give him the proper information.

"He's a man like you. We also share a love of gardening.

Well, in that case, a potted plant might be a good idea.

Yeah, you said you wanted a plant in your room.

That's how I was able to prepare a gift in just the right way. I don't think a single gift will change her mind, but it will give her some relaxation.

"Oh, my God, it's late! Isn't the break time over?

I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time. I've just been bored. Let me help you.

Thank you, sir!

After the two of us finished the work, and took the tools to the warehouse, we parted ways with Luko. However, the usual Iliad would have at least helped, but he must have been in a lot of pain. I probably shouldn't have told him, but sooner or later I would have to prepare to go to Garne.

It would have been better if he had kept it all a secret and convinced Marito before the day, but Ilias doesn't like to be kept in the dark. But Ilias doesn't like to be kept in the dark. He wants to live a free and uninhibited life, like Lakra.