1183 The Daoist at the End of the West ④ ~ Unwilling Work ~

The next morning, the forestside settlement was quite noisy.

Well, to be precise, there has been a lot of commotion since last night. Ei = Fa, who had made a fervent wish from Tikatras, drove them back with a hold on his reply, and with his feet he went to the Luw family to tell them the details.

After understanding the situation, Donda-Roux promised to send messengers to the castle town and Zaza and Souti the next morning. When Rudo-Ruu, who had assumed that role, tried to head for the castle town first thing in the morning, he ran into an envoy from Melfried along the way and soon came back.

“Last night, Tikatras sneaked out of Genos Castle and sent the guards down the bridge to the forest village. Then, I was told by Lord Eifa to speak to the noble people of Genos first, so it was up to Lord Melfried to tell them about the situation."

That's what the messengers from the castle town used to say.

"Therefore, I have received your order to listen to what decisions the people around the forest will make." Tikatras wants to paint a portrait of Ei = Fa... what do you think? "

In order to answer that, we must first hear the words of Ai = Fa herself and the other chiefs.

As a result, Ei = Fa was summoned to the House of Ruu in the morning.

After all, it must have been anxious to leave me alone. According to Ei-Fa, it is impossible to leave Deguion and Vichezzo without a family who are not members of the Fa family. So Eifa bowed his head to Bardou-Fou, rented a guard hunter, and then left for Luu's village.

I was left at Fa's house, ready for business at the stall, and I was already in a terrible fight. The story unfolded too rapidly, and I had to use all my spiritual power to keep my work going.

"But I don't know." I mean, is this a picture? Why would a nobleman who was refused by Ai-Fa want to paint a picture of Ai-Fa? "

It was Lyellpham-Sudra, who heard the story from Bardou-Fou, who came to Fa's house.

Joe Lang, who ran from Lan's house in the same way, answered me before I was dull.

"For us, the painting is nothing but a picture of a young child drawing on the ground. But in castle towns, there are paintings that are as if they had cut the world as it is.”

"Hmm? No matter how skillful, is the painting a painting?" Even if I paint with a brush instead of on the ground, I don't think it makes that much difference. ”

“No, that's the big difference. See, Rico and his wagon also had paintings of large bird bones, right? The paintings of the castle town are painted not only with lines, but also with colors.... well, the approximate picture seems to be drawn by overlapping colors rather than lines."

"Hmm. The more I hear, the more I don't know." Well, even if the painting of the castle town is splendid... so why would I want to paint Ai = Fa? "

"If I could get a fine picture of Yumi, I would be truly happy. Isn't that what the nobility wants?... what do you think of Asta?"

"Yeah, well, I'm sure that's what it is." Originally, he said he was good at drawing. "

When I answered that, Lyerfam-Sudra stood up with a worrying look on her face.

"Asta seems very upset." After all, does Asta not want to be painted by Ei = Fa? "

"No, no... I don't hate being painted, but I'm worried about the process... Anyway, I'm not worried that Ai = Fa is obsessed with the nobility of the capital."

Well then, that's the same mood that Ai = Fa usually has.

“Yes, that's what I've been thinking since yesterday.”

"I see," Lyellpham-Sudra laughed with a child apes-like face.

"Asta has been obsessed with many humans." Jagal's royalty, Gerd's nobility, and the diplomat's Vermes... even the most noble of humans. Ei = Fa would have thought deeply of Asta each time, but she would have broken her heart to get on the right path somehow. I think Asta should keep an eye on her precious family, just like Ai-Fa. "

"Yes, I mean it, but... I'm not as good a person as Ai-Fa, so I can't help but be disturbed."

"People are more disturbed by the misery of their important opponents than they are by themselves." However, Ei = Fa is a tough person, so don't worry about it. "

At that time, Jilbe, who was waiting in front of him, said, "Whoa!” he exclaimed cheerfully.

As soon as I let my eyes swim, Yun-Sudra, who was working across the street, laughed.

"Even if you can do it, it will be over soon." I'll take care of the rest, so Asta, please talk to Ei = Fa. "

Yeah! Thank you so much!

As I rushed out to the front, Ei = Fa bent over and stroked their heads.

"Ei = Fa, welcome back!" That was a long time ago! "

“Hmm. I told Zaza and Sutti that I shouldn't be joining the Luu family anytime soon. Me, Donda-Lou and the people of the castle town talked about it, and the official reply was that it would be after tomorrow.”

Well, what kind of story did that really lead to?

"First, calm down," Ai = Fa narrowed her eyes with a gentle gesture.

“We first questioned the intentions of the nobles of Genos. They still hope that we will accept the offer of the nobility of Tikatras.”

"Well, that's what the nobles would think..."

“So we asked Tikatra to confirm how much effort and time it would take to paint a portrait. I hope you'll respond soon."

Well, then, when the time is up, do you mean accept this offer?

"If I can do my job of gibberish hunting without delay, I will not accept it." It's not like you're making a lawless offer. "

And Ai-Fa made his mouth a letter to the head.

"Of course, as far as I'm concerned, it's not unpleasant just to face someone like that... but I'm not going to treat the nobility of the King's City like that." Even though we were unquestioned by the king of Selva. "

"Oh, I'm the one with the suspicion, right?" It has nothing to do with Ai = Fa, doesn't it? "

"If the suspicions you've put on me are none of my business, will you let them go?"

Ei = Fa's angry face was squeezing my temples with her fists.

"In any case, one of my deeds may even cause a shake in the relationship between Genos and the King's City." We should be careful here. "

”Yeah, I see... if Ei = Fa so decides, I won't say anything either...”

"Don't look anxious like that," Ei = Fa recovered her gentle glance.

"I'm learning from you." You've been obsessed with a lot of people, but you've got it all covered. Like you, I'm here to help you through this terrible ordeal. ”

"Yeah, I got it." But please be careful. If I can summon you to the castle town, can I have a guard hunter? What did Donda = Luu say? "

"That's why you shouldn't look so anxious."

And Ei = Fa smiled gently, and this time, she gently clapped my head.

◇

On that day, without being affected by the disturbances caused by Tikatras, Reina-Lou fulfilled her major role of keeping the chef of the Satulas' dinner party - at dawn, on the fourth day of the ash month, a conclusion on the matter was to be drawn.

Tikatras told me how much time and effort it would take to complete the portrait, and Ei = Fa and the Three Patriarchs reviewed the content - and accepted their offer.

It takes three days to make a portrait. During that time, Ai-Fa would only go to the castle town in the morning.

Of course, the chiefs arranged for Ei-Fa to be escorted, but there were only two of them. With such an impressive number of people, I became suspicious of the truth about Tikatras, and so I was told by Genos to keep it to a minimum.

“Of course, the nobles of Genos also said that they would keep their eyes open so that something would not go wrong. So, you don't have to worry about it that way."

The morning of the fifth day of the ash month, when the creation of the portrait begins. Leaving such words, Ai-Fa went to the castle town.

The rest of me, of course, is anxiety and impatience. In any case, the other party was a person who had publicly said that he wanted to receive Ei = Fa as his wife, so it was not easy to reassure her.

(But I'm sure Ei = Fa also watched over me in such a pleasant way.)

One thing is different between me and Ei = Fa. At this time, Eifa never gave up her role as an escort and accompanied me. However, I had no reason to accompany him, so I had to wait for Ei = Fa's return in anxiety and impatience.

"Somehow, the conversation rolled in a strange direction." But it seems that the rough is gone, so I feel safe as well. "

It was Zashma who appeared in the stall in a frivolous manner.

"In the last few days, I've come to understand that Tikatras is a nobleman, but it seems that he cares about women anyway." They hate people who bully women and children more than anything else. "

"... is that reliable information?"

"Yes, the source is probably a diplomat from the capital." Lord Polarth told me exactly what the diplomats told me. Unless that diplomat has the guts to trick the nobles of Genos, I guess he can be trusted. ”

Zashma said that with a cheerful smile.

"That Tikatras is a nobleman who loves freedom more than anything else, right?" And since I don't want to be interfered with by others, I try not to do it myself. In that sense, it might be a person with a muscle. "

But did Zashma recognize that person as a nuisance?

"Yeah. I used to stop by Derm all the time." Durham is the western end of the capital and faces the West Dragon Sea. It's a vibrant port town that can't beat Genosity today, and that landmass might have raised people like that. "

With a nostalgic look, Zashma repeated her words.

"So, I was immersed in a tavern in a harbor town, but there was always a rumor of that daoist there." Even though the nobility is raiding the whorehouse at the end of the day, it's only rumored that they took the liquor store girl as their wife... yes, they had a fight with the people from the past. "

"The people who came? Are you including people from outside the continent?"

“Yeah, I've seen it a couple of times. He was just a big guy with the people of the North, and he was just about to stand up for himself. In the first place, the West Dragon Sea was their territory, and they had been trading with the Dermans for a long time."

Speaking of which, the people who came here are also called the people of the Dragon God. That might be why their territory was named West Dragon Sea.

"So, I was worried that if I was a stranger who would sell quarrels to other people, I wouldn't be afraid of the people around the forest." If I could hire a man with a strong arm as a guard, I'd be in a big mood.... but, as the diplomat put it, she seems to be very sweet. Even if she struggles to help a woman in need, she will never imitate herself to attack her. "

"I see... if that's true, I can be a little relieved, though..."

"Don't worry. What have you done to raise up the nobility like this? How can you treat Ei = Fa?" Today, Rud-Lou and Sin-Lou are hooked up to each other. "

Oh, did you see Ei = Fa in the castle town?

"From a distance, secretly." The palace was well guarded by the soldiers of Genos, and the nobility was accompanied by only two guards. We've seen the soldiers clinging to the city and relaxing in the barracks. ”

Zashma is also very keen on exploring Tikatras' trends. I was feeling much weaker, and I felt deeper than ever before and thanked Zashma.

Then came Roy, who was a bit cracky, and Siri = Rowe. Siri = Rowe, who looked a little scared, asked me the most.

"Asta, I have received a request from Lord Yang to postpone the study meeting in the castle town tomorrow because of the noble lord who came from the King's capital." What kind of insight is that? "

"Oh, I'm sorry. This is a bit of a complicated story..."

"What's so confusing? He's got a portrait of Ai-Fa, but isn't there a struggle?"

"Well, calm down," Roy said, limping with a bitter smile.

"The day before yesterday, Reina-Lou accepted a dinner party for the Count Satulas, right?" That's why I was relieved that I didn't get into trouble either. But I didn't think so, did I? "

"No, well, I can't go so far as to struggle... but right now, I'm a little stuck..."

When I confessed, Roy sighed, "I see."

"It's not Asta who can't move, but Ei = Fa." Well then, I guess I'll have to. "

“What can you do? Even if Ai = Fa is not present, it will not hinder you from holding a study session, right?"

"I'm sorry, but Ei = Fa is taking a day off from work tomorrow to accompany her to the study group." However, the noble people of Genos have asked me to stop it..... "

"Why are the noble people so noble?" "When Sirie-Rowe stepped forward," That's right, "Roy explained with a bitter smile.

"Ai = Fa said that he had a hunting job, so that he could only be associated with the nobleman's fun, right?" So if you accept this guard role, you might find it difficult to value the gathering of cooks over the nobleman's dorado. "

"But... then if Ai = Fa fulfills the job of hunting Gibba as promised, and if you take on the role of escort to another person....."

"With such a troublesome nobleman in Genos Castle, it doesn't seem that Ai-Fa wants only Asta to go to the castle town." Even when Turan's princess kidnapped Asta, she said she was targeted in her absence. "

That said, Roy turned to me.

"Normally, Asta doesn't feel like going to a study group on a reckless note, right?" It looks like you don't even look pale. "

"... I'm sorry. I don't think I can concentrate at all, even if I could ask someone else to be my escort."

When I honestly smashed the weak sound, Cily-Rowe lifted his eyebrows again and said something - on the way, he dropped his shoulder.

"That's right... I don't think it's a study group, even if I'm in the same position." I tried to push my feelings all the way, so I'm very sorry. "

"Oh, isn't it unusually nice to take it in?" Did you imagine that a loved one would be taken by an aristocrat? "

"I, I don't even have a thinker!"... no, because I was originally concerned about something similar to Asta... "

"What kind of concern is that similar to Asta?" If you don't have a lover, you wouldn't have to worry about taking them away, would you? "

“So it's not about the thinker, it's about Vulcus. It was said that this time the noble lord was not only a gastronomer, but also a very liberating personality... so what if he said that he wanted to bring Vulcus back to the King's City... he had such worries."

That's a lot of imagination, isn't it?

Roy had a bitter smile on his face, but it felt like his tone was full of feelings of sincerity.

That led me to have a suspicion.

"Um, are you two familiar with how Ei = Fa became a portrait?"

"Hmm? The story is that the nobleman said that he wanted to welcome Ei = Fa as his wife?" If that's the case, it'll be all over the castle. "

"Oh, is that so?" All the time, we were told not to say anything unpleasantly... "

"In the castle town, you're the one who keeps talking." Well, that nobleman seemed to be soliciting people everywhere to become servants and maids, so I wasn't even surprised. "

That said, Roy laughed at me like he was easing me out.

"It's just that I'm probably the only one who was told not to be his wife." It's a joke around here, but it's a big deal to us. I'm sorry I didn't understand. "

"Yes, so am I." He told me that he was satisfied just by drawing a portrait, so he wondered if it was a big deal. I'm so sorry. ”

“I'm terribly sorry I had to postpone my study session just because I didn't have a clue who I was.”

"It's okay. It's just... Vulcus is looking forward to Asta's visit." Please schedule a study session as soon as your problem is settled. "

Siri = Rowe said that with an unusual look, so I replied, "Of course."

"I was also looking forward to a study group with you." The story of the portrait is due to end in three days, so please wait a little longer. ”

“Yes, I hope Asta's concerns will continue to be addressed.”

Then Roy and Siri = Rowe walked off to the Blue Sky Cafeteria to buy some food.

I manage to concentrate on my work while stilling my wavy heart. But even now, when I wondered if Ei = Fa was facing Tikatras, I couldn't help but make a scene.

It was not until Jomtien was less than a quarter of an hour that such a dreadful time came to an end.

Ai Fa, Ludo-Roux, and Sin-Roux, who were accompanying Totos, walked from the north.

"Ei = Fa! It was a long time ago!"

When I shouted unexpectedly, Ei = Fa nodded "Umu" exhaustedly.

"Now let's get past Jomtien before we get to Run's house." Since I don't have time, I will tell you the details at the end of the dinner. I didn't have any problems, so you don't have to worry about it. "

"Yeah, I got it."...... be careful with the Gibba hunting. "

"Umu," Ei-Fa said, leaving a gentle glance and leaving early.

Rudo = Lou smiled relaxedly, and Sin = Lou looked sharp, each nodding to me, then following Ai = Fa. From that state of affairs, I'm sure there was no problem. As for me, I just took a breath of relief.

(This day is going to last for two more days.....)

But the stalls are closed tomorrow. That is why we planned a study session in the castle town.

With one resolve in mind, I decided to work on a stall that was getting busier and busier towards the rush of Jomtien.

◇

“The job of being able to paint a portrait doesn't have to be boring anyway.”

At the threshold of the Supper, Ai-Fa said so.

"I was sitting in a chair for three seconds. You're not even allowed to open your mouth, just like a doll. Of course, even exchanging words with such a man would be unpleasant...... but it would be the first time I've ever faced such a miserable act."

"That was tough."... but Ei = Fa headed for the castle first thing in the morning, didn't he? Even though it takes only two moments to get back and forth, what were you doing for another hour? "

"After he was cleansed in the bathing hall, he was forced to wear the banquet costume of the castle town. Every time I put on a suit, I was taken out in front of Tikatras, and I was forced to dress up in a new outfit when I complained... that time was also painful."

Ei = Fa sighed eloquently.

"However, the clothes to be wrapped have been decided, so I will sit in a chair for that time from tomorrow." I just imagined it, and I'm going to be depressed. ”

"It's really hard to just stay still without moving." Was there anything else out of your mind? "

"If it had added more pain, I wouldn't have been able to bear it either."

Having said that, Ei = Fa felt somewhat uncomfortable.

"But... unexpectedly, his very existence didn't make him suffer." Even though he was such a floating person, only while he was taking something called a paintbrush, the huntsman was also very eager. "

"Huh? That's kind of... hard to imagine."

"Hmm. I was not surprised either. There is no doubt that he is a frivolous person, but he will be sincerely confronted with the act of painting. So I could understand, but he's probably one of the Niya types."

"Ahh... Niya is light as hell, but she looks like someone else only while she's singing."

"Hmm. I think Azha is really similar, including the usual unpleasant behavior."

Speaking of which, Niya was obsessed with Ai = Fa as well.

In my words, Ei = Fa cutely rubbed her lips.

"There are many good people who are obsessed with Asta, but there are many people who are obsessed with me." Well, whoever is obsessed with me will be that person. "

Huh? I wonder if I'm that floating?

Ei = Fa instantly turned red and silently shook my head.

I laugh "I'm sorry" with a warm smile.

"But Ai-Fa has been obsessed with many other fine people, right?" That's why you don't despise yourself. "

"... it looks like you haven't done enough yet."

"No, no, I'm sorry."... so, what about the story? "

Ei = Fa, who was putting her hand on my head, caught me in a difficult face.

"Tomorrow, you want to accompany me to the castle town because the stall business is closed." I've been able to get approval from Tikatras even before today..... "

Will you forgive Ei = Fa?

"I was also thinking of judging it based on what it looks like today. That Tikatras... he really wants to paint a portrait out of sincerity. Therefore, it seems that there is no danger if you accompany me."

"I see. If that's the case..."

"But there's nothing to gain." I stayed in the room with Tikatras, and Rud-Lou and his squire only waited outside the room. We don't have that much time to waste. "

"But I can't stand waiting at home alone."

Ai = Fa narrowed her eyes and smiled, now placing her hand on my head.

"I'm sure I feel the same way about you."... I understand. However, you will never leave Rudo = Ruu and the others. "

“All right. Thank you. I'm praying outside the door that Eifa's boring time will pass soon.”

"Hmm.... I can feel your presence beyond one of the doors, and my pain will be relieved a lot."

Having said that, Ei = Fa gently stroked my head like a child's forgiveness.