CH 29

Still, as they tasted the local vegetables and grilled pheasant, they eventually stopped caring about the looks they were getting. And the mildly sweet and strong apple wine that the waiter had recommended went very well with their meat.

Dessert was a hearth-baked souffle.

“Please eat it quickly.”

The waiter had said, and so they ate the souffle, which was so spongy and soft, and melted hotly in their mouths. They sighed with contentment before remembering that they were being watched.

“Chiharu, do you think that they’re thinking that we eat too fast?”

“I hope so. They may become annoyed at us and look away.”

“Oh, yeah. Maybe I should start burping.”

“Rejected!”

Maki-chan, that’s crossing the line.

“Mister Edmond requests that you two drink with him after you are finished eating.”

Said a waiter who had noticed that they were finished.

“Mister Edmond is a regular here. The kindest man.”

The waiter assured them. Maki and Chiharu were relieved and followed the waiter to where Edmond was sitting.

“Thank you for accepting my invitation.”

“No, thank you for having us.”

“Well then, let’s choose a drink, shall we? I am guessing that you’ve tasted their special apple wine already?”

“Yes, we have. I do enjoy good sweet wine, but I feel that this one really enhances the flavor of the food.”

“Hm, then what about this apple wine here? It is also a mildly sweet apple wine that has had dried pieces of apple peels inside it for two hours. The smell is divine.”

“Yes, please.”

They said with beaming faces.

“Very good. Allow me to introduce you to this man while we wait. This is my son, Kreis.”

“I am Kreis. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I am Anne.”

“And I am Mary.”

They could obviously not say Maki and Chiharu.

“The Edmond Company mainly handle leather goods. Do you know those bags that use levitation stone?”

Edmond said.

“Oh, is that so. Of course, we know about them. They are very important for us in our travels.”

“Ho ho, indeed.”

Edmond smiled. The son asked:

“I am very curious about new things. Tell me, how are the human territories lately?”

The son looked to be about the same age as Kaider. His curly red hair flowed naturally to the back, and he looked sharp and handsome.

“Well, we did stop by a Midland port town on our way here.”

Maki and Chiharu assumed that he would want to hear something that would benefit his business, and so they talked about the clothes, bags, and food they saw there, and also the noble ladies they saw in the castle.

Edmond watched the two as they keenly detected what he wanted to hear and chose subjects that he was interested in. He had instinctively approached them out of concern but ended up enjoying their time together.

“I see. By the way, are you two here to sightsee?”

Maki glanced at Chiharu. Yes.

“Our father is in Gromble.”

“Gromble! Ahh, they sell magic stones.”

“Something like that.”

“Which companies carriage did you use?”

“Uh, a public one.”

“But that is so dangerous!”

Kreis clearly wanted to question them further, but Chiharu looked at Edmond with pleading eyes. Help.

“Now, Kreis, the girls don’t want to talk about that.”

Kreis closed his mouth with a discontented expression.

“Anne, Mary, I am sure you are quite confident, as you made it all the way here safely. But there will be more ruffians on the way to Gromble. You seem a little oblivious to the way people look at you, but humans and especially young women would draw a lot of attention here. My son is just worried about that.”

“Exactly. If you would like, we can provide a carriage and guard for you.”

“Oh.”

Chiharu looked a little uncomfortable.

“We are very grateful, but… We can’t ask you to do that…”

She said and looked down. Kreis practically stood up.

“No. It is only normal for us to help a troubled person from a foreign land. Please, rely on us!”

He said with conviction. What a cute person. I sometimes visit the human territories, but it’s not often that you see someone this small. She is still bigger than many dwarves, but smaller than me. And that delicate neck and shoulders. She looked fragile. Chiharu had no idea that such thoughts were running through Kreis’ head. Well, it was likely that many of the other dwarves watching them were thinking the same thing.

“Thank you. We intend to stay here in the capital for a while, so we might just take you up on the offer when the time comes.”

Maki said. Right then, they heard a door opening, and the room seemed to fall quiet. Edmond looked and said:

“Well, this is unusual. It’s the third son and his chaperone from the castle.”

“Third son?”

Chiharu wondered.

“Did you see two human children around here? A brother of 14 and a younger sister that is 12. They had dark blond hair.”

They knew that voice. Uhuh. No, no one could tell.

“I am very sorry, Kaider. But we do not give out information about our customers unless it is important.”

The owner said politely. Kaider seemed annoyed by this and continued.

“Important? Two children alone in the dwarf lands? I am just worried about them, but I suppose that is not important to you.”

Kreis chuckled.

“Two humans traveling together, that does sound familiar.”

“Oh, yes. Some people really are generous. But perhaps they felt suffocated and had to get away.”

Maki said with a meaningful voice.

“Oh, indeed. But do not worry, we will not allow you to feel suffocated.”

As they talked, they continued to listen in on Kaider.

“I suppose I have no choice.”

Yes, you do! You’re going to tell him? Really?

“Two humans that fit your description did come for lunch yesterday.”

“Two children?”

“Yes. But their manners were so good, that I thought they must be nobles. They even enjoyed some wine.”

You’re going to tell him that too?

“There is no doubt about it. It’s Norfe and Chouze.”

At what point was he sure of it? Chiharu quipped internally.

“But I have not seen those two since.”

“Damn it. I told them to wait for a few days! Could they not wait for three days!”

Sorry. We waited for two days. After that conversation, his footsteps approached them.

“Edmond, Kreis!”

“It has been a while.”

“It’s rare to find you in the capital.”

“Well, my father called me.”

They were acquaintances! Kaider was now at their table. It’s fine, it’s fine. We’re wearing makeup after all.

“I see you have company. Please excuse me.”

Kaider said politely.

“Huh? Have I met you two before?”

You have. We were even traveling together. Though, I will never say that.