1225 The day before (1) - Morning of the ancient castle

On the nineteenth day of the black moon, it was the first morning to be greeted with bananas.

When I woke up on a fluffy bed, I lost sight of the current situation for a moment, and I panicked with my sleeping head.

I've only woken up in these fine bedrooms since I was kidnapped by Refreire. The soft feel of the blanket that I thought was packed with Kimus' feathers might have brought me such memories of the past.

I wrapped myself up on the couch in a gray long coat that was prepared for night clothes. The banalum was slightly colder than Genos, so its nightwear was also made of solid fabric.

The bedroom I was given was a six-person room. An inorganic stone room is lined with three bunk beds. According to the explanation in advance, this is a room where noble servants and warlords sleep. I was very sorry for the little surname that guided me, but since we were in the position of civilians, it seemed that the accommodation in the castle was only allowed to be a special treatment.

Five people were in the same room with me: Rud-Lou, Ziza-Lou, Gazran-Rutim, Ji-Maam, and Dalí-Sauthi.

Wooden windows and doors are snugly closed, making the interior as dark as night. However, when I opened the window, the world was definitely illuminated by the white morning sun. As usual, I woke up at dawn.

(I've never traveled this long before, but I've only been swayed by cars, so I don't have enough exercise.)

While thinking like that, I changed into the underwear and leggings that I wore at the dinner party, but there was no sign that other people would wake up. Recently, the huntsmen were able to save up and wake up early, but I = Fa was the only person who could wake up at dawn. Moreover, they would have been more emotionally exhausted than I had been all day as a bodyguard.

(I'd like to go and breathe some air outside... but I'm definitely not going out alone, and Ai = Fa told me to do it)

Even so, I can't bear to wake up other faces without a firm business.

So as I was troubled, I gently opened the exit door - and there stood my beloved patriarch.

"... I thought you made it strict not to go out on your own, Asta?"

“Um, yeah. I just wanted to see what was going on out there, and I didn't want to go out there.”

But if you open the door like that, will you allow unauthorized humans to enter?

Ei = Fa came close to her angry face, and I apologized for saying, "I'm sorry."

Then, from the sleeping platform behind, I heard a "nnh" voice complaining.

"If you think of a voice, Asta and Ai = Fa." Have you already started your work? "

Ah, no, I'm not in such a hurry, so please leave Rudo-Ru to sleep.

Your voice is turning into a sleeping voice.

I took a breath of relief and sneaked out onto the corridor where Ei = Fa awaits.

There are no other people in the corridor, and the morning sun shines through the high cut window, softly illuminating the marble stone walls and floor. Even in the bright days, Banam Castle maintained a heavy and majestic atmosphere.

"Hmm. In the morning, the difference with Genos Castle is remarkable." Is this the difference in history? "

"We don't know the castle of Genos in the morning."

"Oh, I see. But I know the Earl of Turan in the morning." This heavy atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in Genos. ”

“Well, maybe the old building has some unique signs.”

Saying so, Ai-Fa placed her hand squarely on the gray stone wall.

Ei = Fa is also the figure of the underwear and leggings prepared with bananas, just like me. The sword and the hunter's clothes were kept, and Giba's necklace and the blue stone's necklace were just hanging around his neck, but there was no change in its beauty and beauty.

"Wooden houses cannot withstand 500 years. Only natural beings such as forests, mountains, and the earth will be able to maintain their unchanging appearance for such a long time. Thinking like that, it's true that the City of Stones may be a new world that humans have naturally set up."

"Are the people of the sanctuary refusing to live in their new world?" Ei = Fa has been thinking about a lot of difficult things since morning. "

"I've been stuck in a strange place since last night."

Didn't Banam Castle say it was cosy?

"Hmm. I wondered if the triumph of this castle, which is less decorative and does not want to push the darkness of the night more than necessary, would be familiar to the people around the forest." In fact, I felt more comfortable than the castles and palaces of Genos... but I thought maybe the oldness of this castle was reminiscent of the forest. ”

While staring at the old grey wall, Ai-Fa repeated his words in that way.

"But this is not born naturally; it is nothing but a being created by man by his own hand. I was wondering if it was the right thing to do to feel the same reliance as Mother Forest."

"Hmm. As a people of the kingdom, that might be the right feeling." For the people of the kingdom, the city of stones is the symbol of the Father God. "

When I was awake, I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut with the thoughts that came to my mind.

Eifa stared at the wall and said, "I see."

"Then I have doubts about it... because I don't have enough heart to be a people of the kingdom after all."

"Yeah, but I guess that's fine, right?" It may be the privilege of the people around the forest to accept the Stone City while not forgetting their doubts. "

Privilege?

"Look, Gemdo said it at the Sanctuary Council." The people on the edge of the forest and the free reclaimers live between the sanctuary and the kingdom. It seems like a precious position where you can experience both Mother Nature and Father Stone City. So when the day comes when this world will regain its magic power and the god Amsuhorn will wake up..... "

“Do you think we can be the bridge between the City of Stones and the Sanctuary?”

Ei = Fa turned towards me and gave me a very quiet smile.

You've been talking so big in the morning, haven't you?

"Yeah. It's mostly from Vermes." But even without such a big story, I think it would be a valuable experience just to be able to step into both the sanctuary and the banalum. ”

"That's right," Ei = Fa smiled, finally releasing her hand from the stone wall-and putting it on my left cheek.

"I'm happy that I can taste such a precious place with you."

We were supposed to spend the Banam morning quietly until everyone else got up.

◇

And it came to pass, after about half an hour, that other women rose up.

They should usually be awake at dawn, but they must have been tired from the long journey. Thinking about it, I might have been able to outnumber the women around the forest in time.

After about half an hour, the men began to wake up. Even if I was exhausted as an escort, I still had a lot of strength. Just taking two days off from the harsh Giba hunting work should have given the forest hunters extra strength.

"Well then, let's get down to work for tomorrow." If you start working early, you should be able to take the time to see the sights of the castle town. "

Then as we rushed through the corridor together, the martial arts officers who had acted as escorts at the other end of the curve roared with surprise. We had the time to start our work, but they didn't expect us to get up this early.

"Before you can enter the kitchen, you must first cleanse yourself." Could you give me a moment to prepare the bathing hall in half a minute? ”

So we went back to our bedroom and waited for another half an hour.

I'm sure that the samurai officers and the people who work there are starting their activities, but the noble people are sleeping well. It was said by Platica that it was a routine practice to hold down the morning bell until the third moment of the ascent, so as not to wake up the nobility in the castle town of Genos.

After we cleaned ourselves in the steam bath in the morning, we changed into white cooking clothes and went to the kitchen. This cooking suit was not prepared with bananas, it was brought from the castle town by Polarth and others. I was grateful for these breathable cooking clothes for my warm warm body, and it was even more important to think about handling the fire in the kitchen.

"This is the chef used by the people around the forest." Please feel free to use it as long as it takes for no one to enter until the feast begins. ”

That's what my niece told me.

It is also a splendid room made of gray stone. It is impeccably large enough for 10 people to work - on the contrary, the number of people in the kamado may have been decided according to the size of this kitchen.

"However, the guard person is too cramped, let's make it narrow." Only two people will be left inside, and the others will keep an eye on the front. "

Dali-Sauthi and the others consulted and made arrangements accordingly. The two names who stay in the kitchen are Ai Fa and Rudo Ruu. After that, the faces of the [Guardian] were still relaxing in the bedroom, but Pratica, who wanted to see it, had sharp purple eyes since morning.

And that's where the new guests come in. The usual ones are Princess Dershare and Nicolas. They wanted to see it too, so they were contacted by Banam's squire to start working on it. Rode, the martial artist who had stepped into the kitchen with Princess Dell Share, looked as grumpy as ever.

"Everyone, oh noo! Thank you for coming this morning! I'll take a closer look today!"

Princess Dell Share is laughing here and there without making her feel tired from her long journey. Well, she's traveling from the southern capital to Genos, and she's probably more used to long journeys than anyone else. And since we left Genos two days ago, this was the first time we've ever spoken to her face-to-face.

"Thank you, Princess Dell Share." I'm glad you allowed me to take a tour. ”

"Yes! Starting at noon, I will also be taking a look at the cook at Banam Castle!" I've come all the way to Banam, so I have to learn! "

While saying so, Princess Dershare looked around the kitchen with her eyes twinkling in emerald green.

"Nevertheless, you're quite a fine cook!" I heard Bananas aren't as rich as Genos, but there's nothing wrong with the cookware! ”

"Yes, this iron pan is new, maybe it was bought from Dial."

Dialle, who has been staying in the castle town for a long time, also does business with the Banam mission that occasionally visits Genos. Speaking of which, even at the first dinner where Vulcus and I kept the chef, Dialle was supposed to dive in as a guest.

"Ahh, Dial-sama's ironworks have all performed well!" If so, my father might be tempted! The next time my father comes to Genos, I promise to introduce Dial-sama! "

“Yeah, Dial told me that too. I think her business soul is a retreat.”

Ahaha. All the merchants in the south are fierce, but Dial-sama must be exceptional again!

Ai Fa, who was standing by the wall, spoke to Princess Dershare from herself unusually.

“Speaking of which, I would have said that Dell Share would be staying in Genos for six months. Counting from the blue moon, the purple moon is half a year... how is the Easter planned to be spent?"

"Yes! That's it!" The Easter festival is supposed to be spent with my family, so I was actually supposed to be back by then! When I decided to study abroad, Genos was caught up in Hida's commotion, right? After that, Genos was short of ingredients for a while, and I couldn't get to the edge of the forest as I thought, so it's still not enough! "

So, how?

"I wonder if that depends on my father!" Once you're back in the capital, you'll be back in Genos after Easter! Or maybe we can just stay here and enjoy Easter! Either way, you won't be leaving before Easter! ”

“Well, whatever it takes, I hope Del Share will settle down.”

In response to Ai Fa's words, Princess Dershare's eyes narrowed sharply.

Could it be that Lord Ai = Fa was worried about me?

"Hmm? Not to worry... but if we're going to be spending Easter in our hometown, we're going to have to leave Genos in a month." So I was worried that Dell Share would learn enough. ”

I see! After all, Ai = Fa-sama is kind!

When Princess Dershare laughed sinisterly, Ei = Fa smiled bitterly as if she had been attacked.

While listening to the exchange between the two names, we are all prepared for cooking. Then, Princess Dershare revived her curiosity and looked at us.

"Even so, you're in a good mood to be down from the day before the feast!" I can't wait to see how great the banquet is! ”

"No, we've been doing business at the stall since the day before." Moreover, this time, we have to prepare a large number of dishes for a limited number of people, so it was decided that there would be no bundle on the day alone. ”

"Whatever it is, it's nothing to look forward to!" I'm sure the Banams will get rid of you! "

Having said that, Princess Dell Share turned to her neighbor, Nicolas.

"By the way, is Master Nicola okay?" Looks like you've got a tired face. "

"No? No... please leave me alone"

Nicolas, who has a rude face, bows with a face near the top of the Buddha.

Then, Pratica, who was standing on the other side with Princess Dershea, looked at Nicolas worriedly.

"I had the same concerns. Have you traveled, tired, or exhausted in the last two days?"

"No. The maid style can't make a sound with this." I apologize if I disturbed your focus. ”

"I don't think I'm a maid." I think Nicola, like-minded, like-minded. ”

When Pratica shrugged a little, Nicolas sighed with a sigh of complacency.

"I'm not really tired of traveling." It's just... like Banam Castle, it might be squeezed. ”

"Banam Castle, how is it?...... is the air in the ancient capital atmospherically depressed?"

"Yes, I don't know if the word 'depressed' is correct... but at last night's dinner party, I thought it would make me feel tighter than usual. The darkness of the night made my feelings much easier... but I think I may still have some of the exhaustion from last night."

"I see!" said Princess Dell Share.

"Indeed, this Banam Castle is a style worthy of the name of the ancient capital!" I feel nostalgic on the other hand! "

"... you are the royal family of Jagal, so you should be living in the ancient capital of the kingdom."

"Yes! However, about half of the castle over there has been acquired in recent years!" But the chapel or shrine must have been the way it was since the founding of the country! I feel the same air in this castle! "

Then Ei = Fa spoke for herself.

"Since the founding of the country, it has been about 100 years more history than this castle." It certainly seems like a surprise story. ”

"I see. I've been living in such a place since I was born, so it's become a matter of course!"

"Hmm... Pratica. Isn't the Mansion of the Lord of Gel that much of a history?"

"Yes, I think it was 300 or 400 years ago that Gerd and that land, that hometown, were decided." Until then, the fertile lands of the south were supposed to be inhabited. "

"It was a story of being defeated by the Rao and Rim clans and fleeing to the north." So, the ancient capital of Sims exists in Rao and Rim. "

"Besides, Ji and Gi, deep in the meadow, the Stone City should exist." Also, since I should have built the Pharaoh's family, a new place, a new city, I don't think it deserves the name of the ancient capital. ”

"Oh, is the kingdom disintegrating in your Sims?" Then, there is a possibility that there is no ancient capital that has existed since 600 years ago. "

Ai = Fa's deeply emotional crush made Princess Dershare's eyes dazzle.

"Was Master Ai-Fa interested in that kind of story?" It might be a bit surprising! "

"Well, we must know the Stone City correctly, because we are in a position to do so."

"But isn't it just about Granny Ziba or Gazlan-Rutim who thinks about such a difficult story?" I was surprised that Ei = Fa was so enthusiastic about that. "

Rudo-Ruu said that, but it was not surprising to me that he said Ai-Fa in the morning as well. Perhaps we have strong feelings for the Tier of the Sanctuary's people, but we are also interested in the Stone City, which is the opposite pole.

(The king of Selva hates magic, so he doesn't seem to agree with us... but we still have to make peace and live as a people of the kingdom.)

When I thought like that, Ziza-Lou called out from the other side of the door, "Asta."

“A guest wants to say hello. Is it possible for you to come out here because you don't have time for people anymore?"

“What's a guest?” Ai = Fa retorted sharply.

However, Ziza-Lou's voice was extremely calm.

"Refreire, and his servants, and Alaout the brother of Wellheid."

Wellhead's younger brother--that's why he was at last night's dinner party. However, because I and Ei = Fa were different from each other, they hadn't exchanged words yet.

In the meantime, I asked Reina = Lou and the others to prepare the dishes, and I went to the kitchen exit with Ai = Fa. In addition to the eight hunters, the corridor became very busy with the gathering of Jagal's warlords, who were escorted by Princess Dershare.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your work. I just wanted to talk to the people around the forest."

And the two names of Sanjura and Chiffon-Cher were accompanied by Refreia, who spoke thus. The Bannerm was accompanied by Musl, but I'm sure you stayed with Tolsto.

And along with the refreirers, there was also a boy wearing a fine crimson costume. This is indeed the face I saw at the supper. He was 15 or 16 years old when he was a boy with the same dark hair and passionate gaze as his brother Wellheid.

“I'm sorry I couldn't say goodbye because I was away last night. I'm Wellhead's brother, and my name is Alaout."

"Thank you for your courtesy." My name is Asta from Fa's house, and my name is Ey = Fa, and I'm the head of the family. What can I do for you? "

"We were the ones who had an errand." It's like Lord Alaut ate his entourage. "

“No! I'm in charge of this case!”

It's really like making Wellheid even younger when we met. It seems straightforward, passionate, and still childish. He seemed like a very good boy to me. [M]

"When your work is done, will the Astors go to see the sights of the castle town?" I asked Lord Alaut if he could join me, Merrim and Odifia. "

Yes! It's my job to guide the people around the forest to the castle!

"But if the aristocrats get caught up in it, Asta and the others might get confused." That's why I came to plead on behalf of the nobility to see if the people around the forest would approve. "

While retaining her awkward face, Refreia stares at me with her pale eyes. She might look like a haughty princess in front of her, but in her gaze, she could see the light of a young child begging.

"I understand your story... but it's the elders who decide such a story, isn't it?" I have no discretion. "

"Yes, I will talk to Dalí-Sauthi and the others about it." However, if Lord Alaut wants to go to the people around the forest, he wants to say hello to you. "

In response to Refreire's words, Alaout let out a breath of blood on his white cheek.

"I'm truly sorry that I called you to piss you off." As for Asta-sama, I wanted to talk to you... so I've been waiting for you to say hello. "

"Do you want it from me? I'm just the number one guy, though."

"That's ridiculous!" Is it because of the efforts of Lord Asta that the Genos and Bannerm commerce have successfully concluded? Not only that, but I've heard that Lord Asta has also played a big role in trade with Gerd and the southern kingdom! ”

"Lord Alaut is assisting your brother in his work." So I'd like to hear from Asta about the future of commerce. ”

"Huh? I don't know anything about commerce." If that's the case, Por-Earth is better-- "

"Of course, eventually, I will consult with them." But first of all, Lord Alaut wants to talk about the ingredients of Gerd and the southern capital. ”

With a familiar face, Refreire said so.

“The Banams go to Genos regularly, so it's easy to bring back ingredients from Gerd and the Southern King's City, right? But Asta wants to know if the Banner Man can master those ingredients.”

"Oh, have the bananas been interested in the ingredients of the southern capital?"

And the voice of Princess Dell Share resounded behind me.

Looking back, Princess Dershare and Pratica peered at each other through the open door. In this figure, Alaout tries to lie on his knees with his back up.

"Princess Dellshare! This is very rude!"

"I haven't lost any courtesies, and I don't need a big hello." Please make yourself at home. "

While politely refreshing her tone, Princess Dell Share laughed innocently. Pratica stared at Alaut like a wary bobcat.

“If we relay Genos, it would be easier to bring back any ingredients. But that's the same thing so far, isn't it? And you didn't buy any Jaguar or Sim ingredients from Genos?”

"... yes, of course, we have traded several kinds of jaguar sugar, tau oil, and Sims' vanilla. However, because bananas are not as rich as Genos, we have had to carefully scrutinize the ingredients we buy and narrow them down.”

"You thought about incorporating the ingredients of my hometown and Gerd into it?" If so, I'd be honored. "

Speaking like that, Princess Dell Share's eyes glowed.

"Besides, we were also focused on banana black fuwano, white vinegar and fruit wine. My father would be delighted if we traded in the form of food exchanges.”

“Yes, Gerd, I think so.”

In the words of Princess Del Share and Platica, Alaout lowered his eyebrows. In her expression, Princess Dell Share smiled, "Oh."

"So, you were trying to ask Asta if this ingredient was worth it." Master Pratica, we've done a lot of courageous work. ”

"Yes, but I think our mood, what was conveyed, was useful." Please, consult and continue. "

When Pratica suddenly disappeared into the kitchen, Princess Dell Share smiled innocently for the last time before continuing.

Alaut wiped the sweat floating on his forehead, and Refreire grinned sneerily as he giggled.

"You should have assumed that the two of you were interested in touring the chef." Anyway, Asta is probably busy right now, so could you get in touch with Lord Alaut later? "

"Yes, of course.... but you two seem to have developed a lot of interaction."

"Yes, I was lucky to be on the same table at the dinner party." All you have to do is thank the Marquis of Banam for their generosity. ”

It was Refreire's father and uncle who killed Wellhead and Alaout's father. To make it known that the settlement had been made, the people of the Turan family had been woven into the invitation from the beginning.

"Of course, we thought more of my father's death than anyone else." But how the Turan family survived their ordeal, which resulted in such a treacherous human being, is beyond question. I hope that in the future, I will go beyond revenge and deepen the correct interaction with the Earls of Turan. ”

Refreire smiled, “Thank you,” in response to Alaute's warm words.

"I'm a little girl with no power, but I'm prepared to dedicate my life to redemption for the sins of my father and uncle." See with your own eyes whether or not I leave the path, Lord Alaout. "

Alaout blushed pure, and said, "Yes, yes!" I nodded heavily.

He doesn't know what he just met last night, but it's rare for a refrigerator to smile so honestly. After overcoming various hardships, the smile of refreire was extremely attractive, with an age-appropriate calm and an age-appropriate calm living together.

"Ah, yes, we're going to do the lunch ourselves, right?" I'm going to use some of the ingredients from the Southern King's City and Gerd, so if you'd like, let's prepare them for Alaut. "

When I told him that, Alaout turned to me.

"Well, that's a very nice offer... but are you sure you want to use this precious ingredient in such a way?"

“Yes, we bring our condiments quite loosely just in case. You don't have to add a penny.”

"Oh, I wonder if you have enough room for one person?"

And then, Refreire caught a charming smile and looked at me sideways. I snorted and laughed at her childish words like that.

"There is room for condiments, but there is a limit to the meat." If you mean the same seasoning with caron meat, there is no problem for 5 or 10 people. Would you like to prepare for the Turan family? ”

“Thank you. I would like to thank Asta for her generosity.”

Refreire laughed and thanked the lady.

As a result, we decided to share a snack with Alaout, Refreire, and Jomtien - and later, we decided to visit Banam's castle town together.