CH 74

On the first night, they stayed at a fancy place that felt more like a hotel than an inn. But they had to go easy on the wine, as they would be traveling again the next day. They would finally be arriving in the southern territory of Lowland. And the day after that, they would set off for the elf lands.

“Are there any customs that are very different in the south compared to Midland?’

Chiharu became worried and asked Nyran.

“Not really. But…”

“But?”

“Ahh. Well, I’m the fifth prince. Meiya is the youngest child and the fifth princess. No, the fourth? No, I have three older sisters and she’s the younger sister that is considerably…”

Nyran sounded confused.

“You have four older brothers. Three older sisters. Two younger sisters. There are ten of you in all. Only the youngest was born much later than the rest. Right?”

“Ah, yes. Thank you, Kaider. My younger sisters were born after I left, and I don’t even know which of my older sisters are married.”

“It gets even more confusing when you add your cousins.”

Kaider said sympathetically. Chiharu said,

“Weren’t you going to say something?”

“Ah, right. Yes, there are many of them. And they are very friendly. Perhaps too much so.”

“Ah, so it’s just like the dwarf castle?”

“Yes. So, be prepared for that.”

While it was a lot, it was nice to know that the south lands were warm and friendly. Chiharu was quite happy about this information.

“I’m looking forward to meeting Meiya.”

“You know her?”

“Yes. It was Meiya who defended us from the inlanders during the unveiling.”

“But isn’t she like 8 years-old?”

“I think so. But she was very brave.”

Chiharu said as she remembered that moment.

“None of the adults would say anything. But she remonstrated the inland princess.”

“I see. She’s grown up since I last met her.”

Nyran looked happy.

“The first prince is the future king. The second will assist him. The third was sent to the beastlands…”

He said. Hmm. Hmm…

“The fourth was sent to the elf lands…well, he might have already returned.”

“Returned?”

“They wouldn’t keep him there forever. Those who are sent to the three territories will eventually need to get married.”

“I see. What about you, Nyran?”

“It’s too early for me. I will wait for things to settle down first. I think I should like to marry someone who will come with me to the dwarf lands.”

That was no surprise.

“Well, maybe you should search for someone in Midland.”

“People in the south are on friendly terms with the elves, but don’t know much about dwarves. So that may be a good idea.”

While Nyran and Chiharu talked, Edwy and Kaider listened behind them.

“I thought Nyran preferred Chiharu.”

“What are you talking about? Still… It’s true that he thinks a lot about her. Maybe that is why he keeps his distance. I don’t know. But I don’t think it’s right to assume he has romantic feelings just because of his age.”

“That’s a strangely decent opinion coming form you, Kaider.”

“Wait a minute. What is that supposed to mean.”

Edwy said the rude line and then turned his head away.

“Now, it’s time to rest for the day. Maki and Chiharu, I hope you won’t go out into the balcony secretly anymore. Kaider and Nyran will do it with you.”

He said. If they were going to do it anyway, then they should do it while being protected. Of course, he wished he could be the one to stay with them, but it was obvious that guards should be stronger.

“Hey! Oh, well. Yes. Maki and Chiharu, what will you do? Will you be ready in about an hour?”

Maki and Chiharu had not expected the others to accept this nightly duty so easily, and so they were surprised.

“Yes. Thank you.”

They said.

“Sorry, but would you mind if I went too?”

Van asked hesitantly. He had made such a bad first impression and had yet to make up for it. And so he kept a low profile most of the time. However, if there was a chance to see the Saintesses doing their job, he could not stay quiet.

Maki and Chiharu looked at one another. And then they looked at Aeris. Aeris chuckled.

“He’s much more proper back at home. I could stay with you if you are worried, but wouldn’t it better if there weren’t too many people there?”

He said. If that was what Aeris thought… And so Maki said,

“You can come with Kaider and Nyran. But there is no guarantee that any monsters will come. Also, you must be quiet.”

And so she gave her permission.

One hour later. As it was summertime, Maki and Chiharu wore thin pajamas.

“You should be wearing robes!”

Kaider had scolded them at first. But they ignored him and went out onto the balcony. It was already dark outside.

“There is no tunnel her connecting to the dwarf lands, so there may be no gazers here.”

“They’ll have to cross the sea if they want to go to the elf lands.”

They talked leisurely and ignored the guards that stood behind them. This was the first time that Kaider and Nyran had guarded them while being this close. They looked up at the sky anxiously. However, before they were able to see anything…

“There.”

“Above.”

Maki and Chiharu pointed. One, two, three, and four…

“Hey, how many of them are going to come!”

Kaider hissed. Van took in a deep breath. Nyran crouched a little and touched the pommel of his sword.

“It looks like there are seven of them. What a surprise. So many. What’s wrong?”

Chiharu said calmly.

“What’s wrong… What is she saying.”

“Be quiet, Van.”

“From the mountain? Not the sea? Did you float all the way here because no one noticed you when you came out?”

Chiharu was talking a lot.

“I see. You’re tired. Then, I’ll return you to a magic stone.”

The gazer trembled a little and then approached Chiharu and Maki. Van was about to jump forward, but Nyran stopped him. Van turned to Nyran as if he could not believe what was happening. But he quickly turned back to Maki and Chiharu.

The gazer rubbed against Maki and Chiharu’s hands. Yes, like it was being coddled. Then it glowed faintly before shrinking. There was a clink as the small stone fell to the floor. In just a brief moment, all seven of the gazers disappeared.

Chiharu and Maki leaned out over the balcony.

“I guess that’s all for tonight.”

“Yes.”

And then they quietly picked up the stones.

“I don’t think there will be anymore tonight.”

“Thank you.”

They said to their guards. Then they returned to the room and turned up the lights a little.

“You…the monsters…are you alright…”

“Van. Calm down.”

Chiharu hadn’t smiled towards Van once since they met, but she now turned to face him. This was because for once, he was more concerned about them as friends than as a researcher who was interested in monsters.

Chiharu glanced over to Nyran. This was because it seemed like Van would be worried no matter what they said to him.

“Van, calm down. They’ve done this before. And as of now, there have been no negative side-effects.”

“But…”

“It’s fine.”

Nyran turned to face Van and then grabbed him by the shoulders.

“It’s alright. Don’t worry.”

“Ah. Yes…”

We saw them do this nearly every day, so we’re used to it. But maybe we were like this the first time. Nyran thought.

“Nyran. Van. Can I talk to you?”

“Ah, he seems fine now.”

“Alright, can you sit down then?”

Chiharu made everyone sit on the sofa.

“What? Shouldn’t you two get some rest?”

“Kaider. Nyran. Do you mind?”

“Hmm?”

Chiharu and Maki were so serious that it was almost scary.

“The gazers. They said that they went over many mountains.”

“Mountains? Not the sea?”

Chiharu nodded. Nyran stood up suddenly.

“Do you mean, they crossed the border?”

“Probably.”

Impossible. There was no dungeon there.