263-235 Meeting and handed (1)

Thank you for your assistance.

This is ....... Wait a moment.

One of the gatekeepers went into the house and returned a few minutes later with the butler he had met during the previous negotiations.

He returned a few minutes later with the steward he had met during the previous negotiations.　Please come in.

""Excuse me."

The butler led me to a small room with only one table.

The only other thing that stood out was a number of wooden boxes on the table.

The room was a little plain, but it was appropriate considering that it was not for entertaining guests, but for the delivery of goods.

On this side, please.

Yes, sir.

I took out a bottle of Red Strike Ox milk from my magic bag and laid it out on the table. The butler carefully checked the seals one by one and put 100 bottles into the wooden box on the table.

When he was done, he closed the lid tightly and put the bottles into his own magic bag.

After checking that all the bottles were intact and the seals were not broken, the butler nodded.

"One hundred and fifteen bottles. I did receive them.

He then smoothly signed the document I presented to him.

Thank you, sir.

"No, thank you. No, thank you. I'm grateful to you for accepting my request for escort. Diora-sama is very confident in her recommendation. Especially since female adventurers of high rank are hard to come by.

Is that a deciding factor for you?

It is a major factor. Unfortunately, we don't have any female knights who can escort us right now. --The two of you weren't here last time, were you?

I'm not sure if it's because of the trend of female adventurers, but the two people I was looking at were Mary and Mitya.

All of us are young, but Mary and Mitya stand out from the rest.

And, not surprisingly, she remembered that they hadn't been here the last time we negotiated for the sword.

"We had them stay at the inn last time. These two can also fight to a certain extent, but their role in the party is more like support.

"I see. At that age, ....... I'm sure you're close in age to your daughter,.......

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You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

Therefore, the decision was probably made that there was no problem. Perhaps.

By the way, you will be staying in Pining until your departure, right?　Have you found a place to stay at ......?

"No, I came here as soon as I arrived.

In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to find out by yourself.

The butler smiled a little happily at my response, opened his hands and made a rather unexpected proposal. I'll get you a room.

No, I don't want to be bothered. ......

I positively refuse.

I don't think I can settle down in a nobleman's house.

The "Niban-dori Ichiban" pavilion, where I stayed last time, was surprisingly good, and the accommodation fee was not a big burden.

No, I'd rather you stay there. And if possible, we would like you to participate in the training of our soldiers. Of course, I'll think of something to occupy your time.

We looked at each other when he said that.

We had thought that the soldiers would take care of the basic guarding, and we would just be kicking out the approaching demons and bandits, but training together was a bit unexpected.

I'm not sure what to do," said Natsuki on behalf of the rest of us.

"Why is that?

The first purpose is to train together, so that we can work together easily in case of emergency.

That's ...... a good point. If it was a demon, we could probably handle it on our own, but we don't want any confusion in that case.

That's right. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to do it.

We nodded our heads in agreement, but the butler added with a slightly bitter expression.

In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a great deal more information on the web. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

I can't say no to that.

You can't say no to .......

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

I understand. If that's the case, we'll stay with you until we leave.

Thank you. Thank you very much. We will prepare a room for you, so please wait here for a while.

The butler bowed slightly as if he was relieved, and then left us in the room.

I'm sure you'll agree.

Without much of a wait, we were given three rooms to choose from.

The room assignments were me and Toya, Yuki and Natsuki, and Haruka and Mary.

I don't think Mary and the others were on their schedule, and maybe the reason we had to wait so long was to get an extra room.

And of course, we were offered not only a place to stay, but also a meal at Viscount Nenus' house, which tasted neither good nor bad.

The food was not bad, but it was a little delicate because the food that Haruka and his friends prepared was better.

However, there was no way to complain about it. .......

After a safe lunch, we met our escort targets.

Just before the sun went down, we were called into another room and introduced to three women.

"My name is Ilias, the eldest daughter of Viscount Nenus. It's a pleasure to meet you.

I am Arline, Master Ilias's handmaiden.

I'm Keturah, Master Ilias's handmaiden.

Ilias-sama has fluffy blond hair and is about 130 centimeters tall. She looks a little more mature than the nine years old that I was told beforehand, but considering that she is the same age as Mary, I can't help but wonder if that's about right. But when you consider that she is the same age as Mary, you can't help but think, "Is this what she looks like?

She is very different from the nine-year-olds I know in Japan.

Arline is a little older (around 40 years old?). Arlin-san is a slightly older (around 40 years old?) maidservant with a rather stern expression, and Keturah-san is a younger maidservant, less than 30 years old.

Ketola is a younger maidservant, less than 30 years old. She has a more gentle smile than Arlin.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Nao, of the clear mirror.

I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that.

Ilias looks a little surprised and curious at Mary and Mitya, but he doesn't complain about anything and finishes his introduction.

I've never told you my name either, by the way. My name is Biesel, and I'm the butler of Viscount Nenus.

The old butler added his name, and we now knew his name.

I've never had any trouble with "butler" before, so I didn't mind, but if we're going to be staying in this house, it's better to know, right? I'll keep that in mind.

The people who will be escorting you at this time are Ilias-sama and these two maids.

Are these the only three who will be accompanying you?

Yes. The rest are soldiers to protect you. You don't need to protect the soldiers. Also, if abandoning the maidservants will increase Ilias-sama's chance of survival, then you may do so. We've both agreed to that.

I looked at them and they nodded with a serious expression.

Ilias looked at them with a pained expression on his face for a moment, but without saying a word, he lowered his eyes.

"Of course, you two are my most important subordinates. I want you to help them as much as you can.

"Of course, sir. I will do my best.

However, there was only one child present in the Viscount's place, and he was still very young.

Normally, there would be an adult to support him, but either Ilias-sama is too good, or he is too short of talent to be able to afford it.

Or perhaps the maidservant is taking on that role as well?

I know it's not our place to say, but I'm a little curious.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm curious.

I'm sure you'll understand.　Do you two also fight?

The two people she was looking at were Mary and Mitya.

It's a good thing that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

Yes. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

Well, ...... you're still small, but ......

Mary is the same age as Ilias-sama. Mitya is two years younger than her.

When I introduced her, Ilias's face lit up.

"Well, well, well!　In that case, Mary and Mitya, why don't you become my friends?

"Let's see, .......

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. I don't want to be your friend!" There was no way we could say that in this situation, so we had to ask the two of them to do their best.

We nodded lightly, and Mary and Mitya bowed their heads with a subtle smile on their faces.

"Yo, please take care of us.

Yes, it's nice to meet you too. --I'd like to ask you a few questions.　I've never met a beastman before!

This is the first time I've ever known a beastman," he said, smiling.

I know how you feel.

When they were first picked up by us, Mary and Mitya's hair was coarse and their ears and tails lacked luster.

But since they came to live with us, their nutrition and hygiene have improved, which must have had an effect.

Now their cuticles are completely restored.

He now has fluffy fur that makes you want to pet him forever.

However, it is said that it is a little uncomfortable for beasts to have their ears touched by people who are not very close to them.

If you compare it to our senses, it's like having your buttocks touched.

If you are a close friend of the same s*x or a sibling, you probably don't mind it too much, but if you meet someone for the first time and they ask you to touch their butt, even if you are the same s*x, you would be very wary.

No, in the case of buttocks, I would be more afraid of the same s*x.

If it were me, I would choose to dash away or be annihilated.

But it's difficult to deal with a nobleman.

If it's a child like Mitya, they don't seem to care much, but if it's Mary, they seem to care a lot, and their eyes dart between us and Iliad as if they are troubled.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the site, you can contact us at .......

It's not polite, young lady. Would you suddenly ask a friend to touch your hair?　Oh, no, if you don't have any friends, you might not know. You don't usually ask for such things, you know.

--Hey, hey, hey. Isn't half of the dialogue unnecessary?

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get the best out of this.

"That's terrible, Keturah. But you're right. I'm sorry, both of you. When we get to know each other better, please let me know then, okay?

"Oh, no, I mean, yes.

Mary's words were vague as she puzzled over what to say.

But this escort would take about six days each way.

Whether or not Ilias-sama would be able to get along with Mary and the others during the twelve-day round trip and the five days before departure would be up to her.

Even if Mitya is more fearless than a normal child, she wouldn't approach a nobleman on her own.

If you talk to her in your spare time and gradually close the distance between you, by the end of the trip...

Then, let's go out and play!

"What?

Master Ilias was much more active than I expected!

Ilias-sama grabbed Mary and Mitya's hands tightly and tried to leave the room.

"Please wait.

But the maidservant trapped Ilias.

But the maidservant trapped him. It was Keturah.

"My Master. There is still work to be done today. You can play later.

"...... That's right. As a nobleman, you can't afford to neglect. What a pity.

"You will stay here until our departure. There's still time.

As if to follow up on Ilias-sama's regretful withdrawal of her hand, Biesel-san said such a thing, but I would like you to follow up on the feelings of Mary and the others, who were suddenly grabbed by a nobleman's hand and stiffened.

Because of their position, they can't refuse the invitation.

"Tomorrow!　We'll definitely have fun tomorrow!

"Yes, yes. Let's study hard so that we can have time to play!

"I'll be back! Ilias-sama, as if to say "Aisle B Bark!", was pushed out by Ketola, and Arlin-san bowed to him and followed.

And then, with a happy smile on her face, Ms. Biesel looks after the back of Mr. Ilias.

As there is a difference in age between the two of them, he might be feeling the same way.

"Hohoho, excuse me. I'm sorry, but your daughter has never been around people her own age before, so she doesn't really know how to respond.

No, I'm just relieved that ...... you seem to be easier to get along with than I thought.

Yes. Mr. Ilias is a good man. If you don't mind, Mary and Mitya, when you have time, would you like to accompany the young lady?　If the young lady has any problems, please tell Ketra and she will take care of it.

"Yes, yes. If it's all right with you.

"Yes?

It seems that Mary and the others couldn't say no after being told so calmly, and they nodded while looking a little nervous.

I'm not sure what we're going to do, but Mary and the others don't usually seem to be playing around much, so maybe that's a good thing.

A nobleman, even at that age, is very busy.

In this world, there is a difference between the nobility and the common people, but there is a difference between studying and literally working. They don't have time to play normally.

Ilias-sama is currently studying in order to act as the lord's representative, although he doesn't usually go that far.

He seems to have received a certain amount of education on a regular basis, but he is only nine years old.

It seems that he is receiving a refresher course for this departure.

I see. However, did Viscount Nenus have anyone else who could serve as his representative?

The only other member of the family besides the Iliad is the eldest son, who is still a baby. Considering the relationship with Baron Daias, a mere vassal is not prestigious enough. I have no choice.

Mr. Biesel gave a small sigh with a melancholy look on his face.

It seems that this time it is not so difficult, because all you have to do is to congratulate him on his marriage and give him a congratulatory gift, but even so, having a child of that age as his representative must be a lot of work.

It's tough being a noble. We're just easygoing adventurers.

"Adventurers must have their own difficulties. At the very least, they have to deal with demons that their own soldiers cannot defeat. I've heard that the higher your rank, the more work you have to do in exchange for more rewards. ......

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

He smiled, looked around at us, and said, "If you don't mind, why don't you all join the study session?　It's knowledge that won't go to waste if you want to advance in the ranks of adventurers.

"No, sir, I don't want to disturb Master Ilias.

I've been given a job because it's not a problem if I don't know the etiquette of the nobility, but it's too much trouble to learn.

Besides, if the number of students suddenly increased, it would be a problem for the teacher.

I think it's more of a plus than a hindrance. Just by having someone to study with, we may be able to bring out the motivation and independence of Master Ilias.

Biesel's gaze turned to Mary.

It's true that having someone her own age around may have a positive influence, but even though Mary has a good sense of fighting, she's not much of a student.

For her age, she says and does things well, but her academic ability is average.

It's not a good idea to be a brainiac, so Haruka and the others are giving lessons to her. ...... She's doing her best.

On the other hand, Mitya is a good absorber and is probably the best in her class in elementary school, but that's about it.

If she were to suddenly join the studies of a noble, she would be confused and unsure of what to expect.

And those studies are unlikely to be useful as an adventurer.

...... You're right. I'll consider it when the time is right.

Yes. Please consider it.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that," he said, smiling mildly.