Chapter 53 The Swindler

Chapter 53 The Swindler

[ How shameless. ]

The naive-faced Kraush was judged briefly by Crimson Garden. He felt sorry, though he, too, struggled to adjust to pretending that someone he used to joke around with was now a complete stranger. It was suffocating.

However, he had no choice.

She didnt recognize him at all. Kraush knew well that the memories in his head no longer existed in reality. So, despite feeling odd about it, sometimes he was actually relieved. At least, considering his current relationship with Lirina, he preferred it this way.

Her face is the same as it was back then.

It was fine when he saw her at the store, but now that she was right in front of him, he felt strangely unsettled. He couldnt help it; they had been entangled in many ways.

Lirina, having received a question, closed and then opened her eyes again. She then realized belatedly that she had appeared out of the blue. Her usually half-shut eyes now showed a glimpse of embarrassment.

Ah, Im sorry. My name is Lirina, and Im in charge of the maid duties for the Igrit family. Ive been feeding Kami recently.

Upon hearing the name Kami, Kraush looked back at Crimson Garden. His look suggested, Kami, huh? That suits her well, nearly causing Crimson Garden to squint her eyes at him.

So thats what it was. I wondered where Crimson always disappeared to. I didnt realize she was being fed elsewhere. I thought I was taking good care of her. Was it not enough?

Please dont scold me. I fed her on my own volition.

Shes a clever bird. If she overate, she wouldve restrained herself, so its fine. Instead, Im grateful to you for taking care of her.

Rumble

Just then, a rumbling sound came from Kraushs stomach. Lirina covered her mouth slightly, trying to hide an inadvertent laugh.

Seeing Kraushs embarrassed reaction, Lirina showed him the basket.

I havent touched the dessert at all. Would you like some? Its going to waste anyway.

Today, Aslan hadnt touched the desserts at all, so they were still in the basket untouched. Kraush gave a wry smile upon seeing Lirinas offer.

It might be rude for me to feed off you after Crimson.

Its disrespectful to nature to waste food. On the contrary, its a good deed. To Kami, ah, I mean, to Crimson, and to Crimsons owner too.

As always, she spoke eloquently. Yet, Kraush smiled apologetically.

May I ask for a favor, then?

If those who knew Kraush had seen him now, they would have been astonished.

[ Good grief, youve really got a nerve. Seeing you purposely skipping meals since morning, I thought maybe you were planning to starve to death before taking my immortality. Were you actually looking to charm a lady? ]Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com

And sure enough, Crimson Gardens taunts jabbed at him mentally.

She already knew everything, yet why was she so anxious as if she couldnt bear not to eat him alive? Pondering over it, Kraush soon realized. It must be because he had been using the crow as a messenger in the last few days. But what could he do? In order for Kraush to grow stronger, even Crimson Garden had to assistthat was the reality.

Ill sit next to you, if thats alright.

And shamelessness was Lirinas trademark, not Kraushs. Even at their first meeting, Lirina had sat down beside him without much concern. She had felt refreshed after her encounters with Crimson Garden in the past few days. Therefore, she naturally had a favorable impression of Kraush, Crimsons owner. After all, it is said there are no bad people among those cherished by animals.

Lirina opened the basket and took out the leftover cheesecake and tea for dessert.

This is from Alinas store.

Recognizing the food, Kraush commented as if he knew the place.

Youre familiar with this store?

Yes, its a store I often visit.

Even though it was a modest place, Kraush added that the food tasted good, and Lirina nodded in agreement.

Thats why students from the magic academy frequent it. Its great because they operate late.

A hint of bitterness crossed Lirinas expression, reminiscent of someone from her past. She then composed herself and passed the cake on a plate to Kraush.

If its a taste you know, Im glad youll enjoy it. Here you go.

Thank you. I wont refuse and will help myself.

Kraush took a fork from Lirina and cut into the cheesecake.

Observing him, Lirina fell into thought.

He looked to be in his mid-teens. Knowing about Alinas shop, which was only known to certain people, was he perhaps a student at the magic academy? He ate with a certain grace. With that alone, Lirina could tell he must be from a well-to-do household. It was impossible for her, who worked as a maid in a noble house, not to notice such a thing.

Come to think of it, I forgot to introduce myself.

Meanwhile, having taken a bite of the cheesecake, Kraush belatedly spoke up. Indeed, Lirina had introduced herself, but he hadnt.

My name is Kraush Balheim, and Im affiliated with the Blue Sea Knights.

Lirina fiddled with her hair for a while, a gesture she made when contemplating something. After a pause, she eventually turned back to Kraush.

Thats true. I suppose you might have heard about it recently.

Are you talking about the direct descendant of the Igrit family attempting suicide?

Lirina nodded up and down. It was a story that couldnt be missed by anyone living in Halgram.

Im that Mr. Aslans attendant. The food Ive been bringing to you was untouched by Mr. Aslan. He usually eats well when it comes to this stores food. He has memories associated with it.

Lirina slowly handled the basket. She missed the days when Aslan used to enjoy meals from this place with someone.

I see. That was it.

Sorry. I ended up talking about a depressing subject.

No, its fine. But I heard that Mr. Aslan wasnt always like this.

Kraush had almost choked on his words when he tried to attach Mr. to Aslans name but managed to speak.

Yes, thats correct. He was originally a bright person. Even in difficult times, he was someone who endured and overcame.

Once Lirina started talking, it was hard to control her lips. It seemed that the stories she had been keeping inside were indeed too heavy, just as Kraush had said.

But after a friend of Mr. Aslans stopped visiting, he fell apart.

It was after the disappearance of someone who might have been Aslans only friend.

Stopped visiting means

She disappeared. I tried to search and even told the vice house head, but she instead told me to give up on looking. So

She started to pour out her words but then caught herself and lifted her head. She had absentmindedly blurted out everything.

Please pretend you didnt hear any of that.

It wasnt a conversation to have with an outsider. So as she requested, Kraush shrugged his shoulders.

I dont have anywhere else to talk anyway.

Seeing Kraushs casual response, Lirina gave a wry smile.

Strangely, I talk a lot when Im with you, Mr. Kraush. Im usually quite reserved.

Really? I never thought of you as reserved.

Actually, Lirina in Kraushs memories was always talkative.

Well, I had my own intentions this time.

Kraush had his own diplomatic skills to learn, but Lirina was someone he knew. Hence, every time they met, he shared various stories so she would become familiar with him faster. Unintentionally, it made her feel comfortable around him.

Almost there.

Kraush got up lightly from his seat.

Then lets resolve your worries.

What?

Lirina looked at him with a puzzled expression, and Kraush smiled.

Ultimately, if we find Mr. Aslans friend, your worries will be resolved, right?

But Ive tried to search quite a bit.

I am a Balheim.

At his declaration, Lirina jolted. As he said, despite being considered a halfwit, he was still a Balheim. He might have access to much more information than Lirina, a mere attendant of the Igrit family.

Its hard to trust someone who gets fed every day because theyre hungry and is from Balheim.

Thats a serious problem. How can I build trust, then?

Im joking. I believe you.

At this point, what could she lose, having already blurted out everything? Feeling slightly relieved, Lirina smiled.

Then, I have a small request, Mr. Kraush.

With a formal gesture of her hands together, she asked him.

Please compensate for the meals.

And in her typical fashion, she couldnt resist adding a little jest.