CH 268

“I see, so that’s the situation. I was just about to submit a report on the current situation with regard to crops, so I don’t know if it can be of any help to you, but I’ll bring it to you.”

For a moment, I thought he looked scared, but Zanbia smiled and replied that he had some documents. Basleigh-sensei smiled back at him.

“I understand. I’ll take that for the crops, but what about the monsters? I’ve had a lot of battles with them on the way here, but have you taken any action?”

“Yes, it’s not even funny. In the past few months, the number of monsters has suddenly increased. Even if we try to get rid of them, a large number of Treants come from somewhere and run rampant. So we’ve been lagging behind in dealing with them.”

“What are the guilds doing about it?”

“The adventurers are doing their best. But, there are just not enough of them–“

When he said that, Basleigh said, narrowing her eyes.

“If that’s the case, why don’t you ask your country for help? If the situation is dire, you can send a letter and His Majesty will order us to deal with it. I think it would be easier if we had sent an Order of Knights or an Order of Wizards, right?”

Then his wife, Sonia, opens her mouth to told Basleigh-sensei, smiling with her hands spread in front of her chest.

“I understand what Basleigh-sama is saying. However, we also have the pride of watching over our territory, so we were wondering if we could solve the problem ourselves. The other day, we found a group of adventurers who could help us with that.”

“Adventurers that will solve it for you ……? But didn’t you say you were trying but having a hard time?”

When Makina interjected curiously, Varnish responded by leaning forward with a big smile on his face. 

“It’s true, my beautiful girl! My mother knows some adventurers who are in a clan, and they are going to help us.”

“I-I see.”

“Well, when is that scheduled to happen?”

“I think it will be soon. You can look forward to it, they’re going to kill those monsters! We’re going to turn that hateful Treant into firewood! WaHahahahaha!”

“!!”

Immediately afterwards, the cloth-covered cage on Makina’s lap shook, and she rushed to restrain it.

“What is it?”

“Ahaha, i-it’s nothing!”

“Is that so ……? How long do you plan to stay after this? I can get you a room if you’d like ……”

“Oh, no, they have lodgings prepared by the guard, so it’s fine!”

“What?”

The one who shouted this was Orff, who was standing beside us, and we, as well as Zanbia, rolled our eyes. When all eyes were on him, Orff’s face turned red, he shrunk, and continued.

“Oh, no, I didn’t mean to overstep …… Whatever you think is best, Basleigh-sama ……”

“Kuku, you’re so young. It’s not a problem. An inn with a stable is fine. Right, gentlemen?”

“Hmm. Old people don’t feel comfortable in big houses, after all.”

“That’s why I’m going to decline the room. Please save it for the inquisitors who will come later.”

“What? Inquisitor ……?”

Basleigh-sensei said, and Zanbia’s expression hardened. Then I told him the main reason why we were here today.

“I’d like to ask you a few questions. You have another brother and sister in this territory, right? I’m here to see my old school friend Lux, but where is he? How come he don’t show his face here?”

” ” “……!?” ” “

Immediately after I said that, I didn’t miss the quick change in the expressions of the three of them. I knew there was something about these guys.

“Just tell us where they are. You know since he’s the son of a lord, don’t you?”

“…… I don’t know” 

“Hmm?

“I don’t know the son of a bitch! I haven’t him and his sister Naja in over a year! …… Ah! I-, I’m sorry, I unintentionally raised my voice ……”

“I see, then we’ll search for them ourselves. Basleigh-sensei, we’re running out of time. Can Makina and I go into town?”

Before I could hear what Basleigh-sensei said, Varnish stood up and lashed out at me.

“You, just because you’re a little handsome, what’s with that attitude? Don’t you know how to talk as an adventurer who works for the minister!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m not as good as my brother. I’m late in introducing myself, but I’m Lars Irving. The son of Roen, the lord of Gust. I’m sure you know my brother, Dedite. Well, I’m an adventurer, so I guess it’s not wrong to say that I’m Basleigh-sensei’s escort?”

“……!”

“Dedite ……! His little brother, who recently got married before me, who’s older than him ……!”

I’m not sure why he’s surprised every time, but apparently, he understands. He stepped back, his stomach shaking.

“I-Is it true he’s the Irving family’s ……?”

“Yes, I can vouch for that, as the minister. He’s a top-notch adventurer, and he’s here to observe and see Lux, who was also my student!”

“Kuh …… I-Is that so …… I’m sorry, but I really don’t know where he is. I’d rather you tell me.”

“Yes, seriously! I may have indulged him a little too much, but I think Varnish is too good for him, and I think he’s getting a little sneaky? But even though he’s my stepson, he’s still my son, and if you find him, please contact me.”

Hmmm, this one doesn’t even plan to hide it.

“Then, we’ll leave now. May I have the documents, Zanbia-san. I want to check it at the inn, after all.”

“I, I understand ……”

In the end, we all decided to leave the mansion at Basleigh-sensei’s urging, and after receiving the documents, Orff led us back to the carriage.

–Is it just his mother and Varnish who are estranged from him, or is his father as well? From what I can tell, it’s all of them, but the father is supposed to be the son of his own blood. Would he be so shunned? …… No, I remember that there are some parents that’s like that. I remembered my own, and laughed in my heart.

Then Fath-san, who was sitting on the other side of the room, spoke up and I looked up.

“Hmm? What? I’m sure the inn wasn’t over here, though?”

“It’s true! Hey, Orff, what’s going on?”

As I leaned forward on the driver’s seat, Orff shrank back and opened his mouth.

“I’m sorry! There’s someone I want you to meet! Excuse me-!”

What the hell is this ……? Who is this person you want us to meet? Don’t tell me–

A disturbing atmosphere? What does Orff want?

Thank you for reading!

[Afterword Theater]

I think we’re ready now.

“Next is Retzel and Albatross, huh …… I wonder how far they are going to go.”