1184 The Daoist at the End of the West ⑤ ~ Accompanying ~

The next day--I was to leave the castle town early in the morning with Ei = Fa.

And the families of the precious were left in the house of Fou, and rode in two gilles of crackle. Upon arriving at the village of Ruu, he was greeted by Ruud-Ruu, who rubbed his eyelids in his sleep.

"Really, Asta's here, too."... by the way, why is Ei = Fa wearing the outfit of the rainy season? "

"... even if it's my family, I shouldn't touch them with unpleasant skin."

Huh. Wasn't it just a little sticky back then?

When Ei = Fa, whose face was red, tried to clench her head with Gillu's beak, Rud = Ru laughed, "Nhihihi," and avoided it.

"Well, you're welcome to have more people to talk to, even if it's me." After all, those noble servants don't have a crush on love. "

"Hmm. I'm sure Ayatollah is wary of the hunters around the forest." With the addition of Kamatotaru Asta, it might be a little more reassuring. ”

Having said that, Sing-Lu turned to me with a straight look.

"No matter what the danger, let us defend Asta no matter the danger." You can do your job without worrying about Ei = Fa. "

"Hmm. I trust your ability." Please take care of Asta. "

That's how we lined up for the castle town.

The reason for not using the wagon is, of course, to shorten the time to and from work. Once Ei = Fa was asked to do so, he was trying to provide maximum convenience for the opponent.

Incidentally, in this case, there is no honorarium. After the discussion between Ai-Fa and the three patriarchs, this was an act to form a correct bond with the nobility of the capital, and they offered that the exchange of copper coins was unnecessary. However, I = Fa could not do the work in the morning, so he only demanded the firewood, the leaves of Pico and the copper equivalent of the leaves of Lilo, which should have been obtained.

Since it almost started at dawn, the streets of the station town are idle. But it shall not be permitted to transgress the law of the city: therefore he shall get off Toths, and leave the area of the camp city, and let Toths run again. So within half a minute of leaving the house of Pharaoh, he arrived at the gate.

This is also not very popular in the early morning. What awaits is a Totos car bearing the insignia of the Marquis of Genos. The man holding the reins was a familiar samurai officer.

Is Gardell still uncomfortable with the wound?

When I asked like that, the junior martial arts officer casually replied "Yes".

"Because the fever doesn't go down at all, I decided to open the wound and measure the muscles and bones again." It's like we started over from the beginning, so we'll need to rest for a while. ”

"I see... that's a pity."

During the Hida disturbance, Gardel went on a rampage against me, aggravating the old wounds on his shoulder. That's why I sincerely apologized, but the junior samurai replied "No" with a somewhat harsh face.

"He left his duties under false pretences and went out to the station town." Although he was not guilty of any previous deeds, this is probably the fault of the Western God. The evil deeds are punished. ”

Having said that, he did such an imitation for me, so it was my fault.

However, even if we discuss such a story with this martial artist, there is nothing wrong with it, so we decide to get into the Totos car quietly. As for Gardell, I had no choice but to secretly pray that his condition would stabilize sooner rather than later.

"I think we ran into him just before Easter." I wonder if that's how long it'll take to fall asleep again. "

Rudo-Lou, who seemed to be listening firmly, said so as he was swayed by the car.

Oh, I see. It was the ash moon that caused the [Hurricane Party] commotion, so Gardel was deeply injured about this time last year.

"Yeah. And even when I ran into the purple moon, he was still in pain." Well, if it was deeply life-threatening, that's probably natural, too. "

"Hmm. Dying maniacs exert unexpected powers." Siluel the villain had a lot of obsession, so the Gardel who took on the heavy burden and defeated him was a great swordsman. "

She seemed to be trying to calm me down by praising Gardell. Sin = Luu is such a gentle temper.

While I was grateful for that, the Totos stopped at a quarter of an hour.

Probably arrived in the area where the nobility lived. After the door was opened and the appearance of humans inside was confirmed, the Totos car began to move again.

Then, in a few minutes, you'll be told that you've arrived at your destination.

Ei = Fa told us in advance, but it was the Swan Palace that we were familiar with. It was said that one of the rooms was allocated to the working room of Tikatras.

"Oh, Ai = Fa!" I've been waiting for you! This half day feels like a year long! "

Then they passed through the entrance of the Swan Palace and were greeted by Tikatras and two of his servants.

The wind of the Tikatras is making me jerk off. He changed from a sarcastic outfit to a pure white long-sleeved coat - not only his long-sleeved coat, but also his face and fingertips had been colorfully dyed with paint all over.

"Come on! First, cleanse yourself and change into yesterday's outfit!" I'll be waiting in the room! "

Tikatras begins to walk enthusiastically without paying attention to anyone other than Ai-Fa. Later, as he followed, Rudo-Lou let out a wandering voice.

"Hey, did you sleep well?" You're looking a lot tired, aren't you? "

"It's tough? There's no annihilation!" I was facing the canvas all last night, but when I noticed it, I fell asleep on the floor! Well, I think I fell asleep for a moment or two! "

"If you sleep for an hour or two, can't you sleep enough?"

“I am now working on the noble act of painting the beauty of Ai-Fa on a canvas! If you're exhilarated like this, you can't fall asleep like this!"

Tikatras laughed and said, "Yes! And he turned to me."

"Asta of the House of Fa! It's about the dinner party, but I'd like to ask for it on the 8th day after tomorrow!"

"Ah, yes. I need the approval of the sheikh to set the date... can I tell you the date?"

"Yes! If you can come to Eifa by tomorrow, it will be completed by the morning of the day after tomorrow!" At that evening's dinner party, I want you to see the finished portrait of Ai-Fa! ”

In this case, Ai = Fa is already included in the invitees. I was having trouble replying, but Ei = Fa gave me a cold voice instead.

"We cannot allow ourselves to respond without the approval of the Forest Side Chieftain and the Genos nobility." Shouldn't you first speak to the nobility of Genos and then send an envoy to the Patriarch? ”

"If Eifa says so, then so be it!" Dégion! I'll talk to Lord Melfried later! ”

“Thank you,” Degion replied in a gloomy voice.

As usual, Degion and Vichezzo remained expressionless and quiet. The floating masters were contrasting servants.

When she arrived at the bathhouse, Sheila was waiting for her.

As Sheila bowed politely, Degion said, “Thank you!" and pushed through the corridor. Of course, the Servitors are following suit, so we and Sheila are the only ones left.

"Asta-sama is here today, isn't she?" Thank you for your hard work. "

“Yes, I hear Sheila helped me change the call yesterday.”

"Yes, I have been given the job by Lord Porarth."

Sheila, who was very motivated to dress Ai = Fa, looked very happy.

"Now, Master Ai = Fa, please come here."...... Ah, Asta. Luia is doing her job at the Mansion without any problems. By now, you must have learned to work from Nicolas. ”

“I see. Thank you very much.”

Then Ai-Fa disappeared with Sheila into the bathhouse.

While waiting for it, Rudo-Ruu gives me a supplementary explanation.

"I may have heard from Eifa, but yesterday, Polar Earth and Melfried were all there." But I didn't have any particular problems, so I guess I didn't come today. Just waiting outside the door is just boring. "

"I really appreciate Rudo-Lou and Sin-Lou."... but this Swan Palace is protected by Genos soldiers, right? "

"Yeah, I'm guarding the outside of the building." The aristocrat wanted us to avoid adding as many people as possible, so we took care of Ei = Fa's escort. "

"Hmm. I'm sorry about Por-Earth, but unless a new songwriter comes in from the outside, there's no danger." It should keep the entrance secure enough to empty the interior of the building. ”

"I see," I thought.

"But on the other hand... Tikatras completely trusts the people around the forest." Rudo = Ruu wouldn't have left those servants behind, would they? "

"That's right." It seemed like it would be tough to deal with them alone, but it would be easy to win with Xin = Luu.... but that aristocrat doesn't trust us, he just doesn't know what he's doing. I'm obsessed with painting Eifa. "

Hmmm, that means those servants are distracted.

So Tikatras is struggling with his servants. It seemed that he was a disturbing person.

After a while, Ei = Fa and Sheila return from the bathing hall.

I unexpectedly stuffed my breath with that figure. Ei = Fa also wore the banquet costume I'd seen for the first time.

As for the style, it's like a dress that we often see in Genos. It is a Western-style banquet costume with a very open collar and the hem of the skirt fluttering like a large ring. However, one by one of the frill folds was a very elaborate lace, and the embroidery on the sleeves and hem was very elaborate -- anyway, it was a luxury that was not seen at the castle feast.

Moreover, the basic dough is crimson, which is very scary depending on what you see. If I hadn't been as good-looking and proportionate as Ei = Fa, I would have lost the costume. So Ei = Fa was decorated in a more glamorous form than ever before.

I thought pale shades would suit brown skin better, but this intense crimson highlights the beauty of Eyes-Fa even more. And Ai Fa's golden brown hair and a lot of silverwork adds an extra sparkle to it. And Ei = Fa wore the hair ornaments and necklaces that I had given her.

"How about that? Isn't it wonderful beauty? We're the only ones who can see such a beautiful figure... it's kind of mouthy."

And, Sheila's eyes almost turned into a drunken look.

But I'm sure it was the same for me. Ei = Fa blushed silently and struck me gently on the head.

Well then, let's go. Asta shouldn't leave Rudo-Lou and the others.

"Um, yeah, got it."

Ei = Fa is a castle town that once learned from Sheila. I've lost my heart to that figure again.

Tikatras is corrupting to paint this beauty on canvas.

For the first time, I felt empathy for Tikatras' passion.

A little further down the corridor, you'll arrive in front of a large door.

Beyond that door lay six booths lined with statues of Degion and Vichezzo.

Ai = Fa finally nodded to me, and then went deeper on her own. When Degion silently opened the door, Ai Fa disappeared into it - and only two of the servants and three forest dwellers were left behind.

"Wow. I can't wait till one hour before Jomtien."

Since I said that, Rudo = Ru has kept his mouth in my ear.

"I looked for signs, but there were only two aristocrats in that room, Ai-Fa." Even if Ei = Fa doesn't, don't worry because he won't let those nobles get behind him. "

"All right, thank you."

Degion and Vichezzo stood in front of the door like gatekeepers. Ludo-Lou and Sin-Lou leaned against the wall facing the corridor, so I decided to line up next to it.

"Hey. It looks like your husband hasn't slept well, but have you eaten properly?" Thanks, it doesn't look like that, does it? "

"... what will happen when you hear such a story?"

Vichezzo asks in a voice that kills emotions. Floating in the black eyes is a vigilant look.

"I just asked because I'm concerned." If you neglect to eat or sleep, you will be struck by a disease. "

“… it's our job to figure it out, and I don't think it's relevant to you.”

"Huh? Whatever you ask, it's like this." If it's not worth talking about, then I guess it's not worth it. "

Having said that, Rud-Lou put his hands behind his head. Xin-Lu, who was all over the place, was staring at the two people in front of her with her arms crossed in front of her chest. It seemed to me that the fact that they both stood in a relaxed position - and did not want to take their gaze off at all - was evidence that they did not underestimate their strength.

"Degion, it was Vichezzo, wasn't it?" We haven't seen each other for four days... how was your stay in Genos? ”

When I spoke up like that, Degion looked down at me from a height of 190 centimeters.

"I think it's been... five days since I saw you."

"Oh, I see. The second night, you didn't face each other." I was only listening to the voices of the two of you..... "

"It's because your master had our master standing outdoors."

And then Vichezzo came out with a sharp words.

Ludo-Lou called out, "Hmm."

"You don't move your expression very much, but you must be a Westerner after all." If you were the people of the East, you wouldn't be able to thrust in and raise your voice like that. "

"... do you remember my origins with any concern?" Do I need to take the oath of the Western God? "

"No, I don't care if you're the people of the west or the people of the east." However, I just noticed that it's a lot different from the eastern people and mixed-race people we know. "

Then, Degion reacted to Rudo-Ruu's words.

"... do you know people of mixed blood in the West and East?" Is there still a mixing of East and West in Genos, close to Sims? ”

"There are only a couple of people I know." Vulcus, the cook's apprentice, the innkeeper... and Sanjura, who hangs on to the refrigerator. Didn't it say anything about her in the records written by Hermes and the people before her? "

"Reflair... oh, I see. Is that the person you thought was the wrong brother?" You have been gracious to the Lords of the House of Turan. ”

That's all, Degion grabbed his mouth. Rudo-Ruu bore himself with a yellowish brown head.

"You guys are just exploring our story, and you're not going to tell us anything about yourself." With this, we won't be able to deepen our bond. "

"... bond?"

“Yeah. We should be in a position to bond, right?”

Dégion leaned her slender neck silently. Vichezzo also looks to Rudo-Ruu to explore. That's why I decided to raise my voice.

"We strive to properly bond with the people of the royal capital." Hasn't Augg or Vermes told you anything like that? ”

"... we are just servants, so we are not in a position to speak directly with a noble diplomat."

"I see, but there's no reason to be shy about being a civilian." If you don't mind, I'd like to take this opportunity to deepen our bond. ”

“Why?” Vichezzo asks. Somehow, they had the impression that they were making up for the fuss.

“Because the people on the edge of the forest have been in a closed life for a long time, we are trying to find a way to live correctly by deepening our interaction with various people. It might be odd for me, who is just a family member of a small family, to talk like this--"

"It's not ominous, is it?" It was approved by the parents' council to properly connect with people from the outside world. "

Hmm. Asta was the only one who gave me that trigger.

Sin-Lou also spoke to Hiccup.

"That's why we want to bond with you both." After all, it's a great opportunity to face each other for so many moments. "

"...... That's for your convenience." We are not obliged to respond. ”

In response to Degion's impatient response, I persistently swallowed it.

"But that Tikatras is spending more than half of the year outside the Derm, right?" Is that how you are always distanced from the people of the outside world? ”

"... our role is to protect Lord Tikatras." There's no reason to be concerned about anything else. ”

"It's true that many servants of the nobility have no love for them." However, if you can deepen your bond and make sure that you're not a bad person, you'll have less trouble, won't you? You guys are going to be tired after all these hours of exhilaration. "

"... even if you are good people, you will not be allowed to distract us." Isn't that the same for you? "

"Sure enough," said Rudo-Lou, shrugging his shoulders dexterously, hands behind his head.

At the end of the day, there is silence in between. The quiet behind the door made my ears ache. So when I couldn't stand the silence and tried to call out to my neighbor Rudo-Ruu - the door leading to the corridor was knocked on more modestly.

"Excuse me, Princess Dellshare of Jagal royalty would like to see Asta."

Degion and Vichezzo are looking at me in silence. Without knowing why, I was able to swim my eyes.

"Excuse me, may I invite Princess Dell Share?"

"... the princess wants to see you, so she should come from you?"

"Well, that's it, I was strictly instructed by the parents to stay away from Rudo = Luu..."

Vichezzo approached us with a determined footsteps, lightly irritated. I was pulled by Rudo-Ruu to lean closer to the wall, and Vichezzo pulled open the door in a seamless manner.

"I'm sorry for the crushing." I heard that Asta-sama might be here today, so I came to say hello. "

With a clear voice, Princess Dell Share enters the room. It was followed by the two warlords and the servant of Vermes, Gemdo.

"...... Sir Gemdo, why are you with Princess Dell Share?"

"It seems that Master Gemdo was on orders from Master Vermes to check if there were any problems with our security." So I saw you, so I invited you. "

Vichezo bowed with a murderous smile as Princess Dell 'S innocent smile explained, and retreated to her place. After all, they can't complain about the actions of Princess Del Share, Jagal's royal family.

Gemmudo looked around at the people indoors with his usual gentle expressionlessness. When her eyes met, Rudo = Ruu shouted cheerfully, "Yeees."

"It's unusual for you to wander around on your own." But, well, I'd appreciate it if there were more people to talk to. "

“I'm sorry,” Gemd answers with a profound baritone voice. “We've only met five days ago, but it's been a long time since I heard Gemdo's beauty. He, too, is a man who, in the presence of his master, refrains from coming out like a shadow.

Tikatras is painting a portrait of Ai = Fa there, right? After all, it would be a nuisance to say hello. "

"... yes. This is a very rude offer to Princess Del Share, a royalty of Jagal, but please refrain from waiting until the person who will be Ai = Fa returns..."

"It doesn't matter." I would be very upset if I got in the way of cooking. "

No matter how gentle she may be, Dell Share's expression and voice are full of vitality. And his eyes were glittering and gleaming as he stared towards me.

Asta-sama, did you hear about the dinner party?

"Ah, yes. Tikatras wants to see you in two days."

"Yes, I was also invited to the dinner party." I look forward to Asta's cooking and Tikatras' portrait. "

So, Tikatras had already called out to the invitees before he got our approval. But now, I don't know what to do with my eyes.

"Three days ago, I was invited to a dinner party at the Count Satulas' house, and I had a meal with Master Reina-Lou, but it was a wonderful performance." Reina-Lou lamented that she could not use Aria or Tarapa, but that was a taste she didn't care about. I'm more and more excited about the study group in the castle town. ”

"Ah, about that--"

When I hurriedly tried to say my apologies, Princess Dell Share interrupted me by saying, "It's okay."

"Asta-sama is busy too, so thank you for your time." I can only imagine the study sessions held by the people around the forest and the people in the castle town. ”

Princess Dershare was also to be invited to the study meeting, and Jan asked her to postpone it on the Polar Earth route. But perhaps the reason for the postponement should not be heard by Tikatras' followers. So it seemed that Princess Dershare had also distracted me like this.

"I wonder if you and Tikatras have been enjoying delicious food in different lands together?" I sincerely envy you. "

And Princess Dershare switched the tip of her spear to the vicezzos.

Vichezo answers "Yes" with a tight expression. However, Princess Dershare repeated her words with a smile.

"But you said you weren't stretched to the southern kingdom." I wonder if Lord Tikatras is interested in Jagal's land? "

“No, I've been to the land of Jagal many times. However, the southern kingdom is too far away...."

"I see? We have to bypass the Grand Duchy of Zelad to reach Jagal by land, so it would be a lot of trouble." Isn't it easier to aim for the southern kingdom by sea? "

"...... Tikatra-sama doesn't like ships."

"Well," said Princess Dershare, happily widening her eyes.

“Tikatras is trading with his own fleet, but you don't like ships, do you? Somehow, it's a strange story."

…………

"Some of the ships that are trading with the southern kingdom belong to Lord Tikatras, right?" That's why I've heard rumors about Tikatras before. It seems that all the sailors are deeply in love with Tikatras. ”

Perhaps Princess Dershire went out of her way to give us information about Tikatras.

"It seems that you are serving Lord Tikatras with a very straightforward feeling... this is also the virtue of Lord Tikatras." When Tikatras is free, I would like to deepen my interaction. ”

"...... I would like to express my deep gratitude on behalf of my husband to Princess Del Share for her offer."

Degion bowed in a gloomy voice.

Then Gemdo, who was silently watching this exchange, spoke up.

“By the way, Tikatras has a lot of sons working as sailors in his fleet.”

Vichezo thrust a wild gaze, but Gemdo spun words in a calm voice.

“I've heard that other sons and daughters are also helping Lord Tikatras in various ways.... maybe you are too?"

I was truly amazed, but Degion didn't change his complexion, "What is that?” he retorted.

"Wait, wait a minute!" So are you Tikatras the children of the nobility? "

Rudo-Ruu raised his voice in amazement, and Vichezzo suddenly rose up in anger.

"Quiet, Tikatra-sama."

"Oh, I'm sorry.... so, what is it?"

"... if that's the case, you won't be involved."

"No, no, but from where do you see it, your interactions don't look like parents and children?"

"... while we're on guard duty, we're just Tikatras' squire." Behaving like a parent or child can only interfere with the mission. ”

That's all, Vichezzo turned to the side.

Princess Dershare was surprised that she could not beat Ludo-Lou, and Sin-Lou secretly opened her eyes wide. In the meantime, Gemdo nodded with satisfaction.