Chapter 34
“Oh? Weren’t you supposed to be on gate duty today.”
“Ah, Captain! Yeah, I was just doing yard work, but I switched because someone needed to guide a guest.”
“A guest, huh… The one in charge while we’re away today was… Letty, wasn’t it. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
As the evening sun dyed the clan home, Shuris, its master, returned with her attendant Alice.
When she asked why someone else was handling gate duty, the answer she got wasn’t encouraging, and both their expressions darkened.
“When Letty’s in charge, I clearly told everyone not to let anyone through… We’re going to have to go apologize again, Captain…” (Alice)
“If something’s happened to the guest, I’ll have to properly punish the gatekeeper as well… So, who did you let in?” (Shuris)
“Well, it was a special guest… I think his name was Seimu-”
At that moment, Shuris dashed into the clan home before even hearing the end of the name.
It was a hunch -a bad one- born from the unknowable presence she’d felt from Seimu, and the ferocity he once showed toward Alice. “I’m back! Is Seimu-san here!?” (Shuri)
“Ah, Captain…”
The moment she stepped into the house, Shuris sensed something different in the air.
Sensing that something had happened, she headed straight toward the girl sitting in the lounge, the one most likely responsible.
“Letty…you did it again, didn’t you?” (Shuris)
“…Yes, but-” (Letty)
“No ‘but.’ I said there wouldn’t be a next time. I said I wouldn’t go easy on you anymore. I said clearly that if you unjustly turned away another guest, you’d be expelled.” (Shuris)
“B-But…” (Letty)
“You’re expelled. Pack your things and leave within two days.” (Shuris)
“No way!!” (Letty)
She already received multiple warnings. But that also meant she had been let off with warnings before.
This time, however, others supported Letty’s version of events.
“Please wait, Captain. Even if it was a special case… I knew Letty-san was in charge today and let the guest in myself. And…that guest is waiting in the reception room. He wasn’t turned away.”
“Hmm? If he wasn’t turned away…then that changes things. What’s going on?” (Shuris)
Indeed, no one had actually been turned away.
Seimu was, for some reason, neatly folding the scattered clothes and towels, organizing papers and lining them up on the desk; cleaning the room without being asked.
“The young lady had a match with the guest. That was her excuse.”
“Y-Yes! That guy said something like ‘I’ll make you regret this’ to me! The duel was totally justified!” (Letty)
“…But it’s also true that Letty-san provoked the guest first. Sorry Letty-san, but I have to report the facts. As a member of this clan, I swore loyalty to the Captain. I won’t lie to her.”
“Ugh…” (Letty)
The gatekeeper then gave an accurate account of the conversation and how it led to the duel.
“…You lost, didn’t you?” (Shuris)
“…”
Letty remained silent in response to Shuris’ question.
That alone was answer enough.
“…It wasn’t even a fight. That guy’s on a completely different level. Normally, we and the young lady would know to back down when facing someone clearly dangerous.”
“…He changed. Became someone else entirely. Even if we all went at him, we wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Seimu’s transformation mid-fight, his movements that couldn’t be tracked, his ruthless attacks, his brutality, and how quickly he returned to calm.
The onlookers were deeply shaken.
“…So my worst fear came true. At least there are no major injuries.” (Shuris)
“…I’m sorry. We had to use one of the clan’s healing potions from the vault.” (Letty)
“Hm? Something happen?” (Shuris)
Just then, one of the members who’d been with Seimu spoke up in a rush.
“Oh, that was something I found when I was organizing the vault the other day. I think it was a high-grade elixir given to us from above in an old mission? It was gathering dust, so I figured it had been forgotten, and we used it to treat the young lady’s injuries…”
“Honestly, the injury was really bad… If not for that potion, it would’ve left a permanent scar.”
“…I see. I won’t scold you for that. I’ve neglected the vault myself.” (Shuris)
Shuris had mixed feelings.
Rationally, the fault was theirs. But emotionally, she wanted to complain to Seimu for causing such an injury.
Still, the rule was clear: anyone who unjustly turned away a guest would be expelled. But because Seimu had won and hadn’t actually been turned away, the expulsion was retracted.
If so, perhaps she had no right to say anything.
“Alice, bring tea and sweets to the reception room, immediately.” (Shuris)
“Yes, right away-wait, what!? You put him in the reception room!?” (Alice)
The next moment, Alice raised her voice, and even Letty flinched in surprise.
“The reception room is practically the Captain’s bedroom! You let a guest in there!?” (Alice)
“Ah!!!!!! You didn’t clean it this morning!?” (Shuris)
“I was with you at the castle all morning!!” (Alice)
“Oh no… I really messed up…”
Alice rushed toward the reception room, and the person responsible, who had moments ago been radiating serious energy, was now blushing deeply, having exposed her sloppy side to both her comrades and the guest.
“Kuh… If I’d known, I wouldn’t have attended that meeting today…” (Shuris)
“You can’t just ignore a summon from the castle… Maybe go get changed and head to the reception room?”
“…Yeah, I’ll do that.” (Shuris)
—————-
“Alright, that should do it.” (Shizuma)
Back on Earth, I took turns with household chores, so I was used to cleaning.
This mess was nothing compared to my usual room.
“But if the reception room was in this state…something must’ve happened. This is a big clan home, so maybe they’re renovating?” (Shizuma)
Maybe they temporarily moved the changing room here.
Guests normally got turned away, so they probably didn’t expect anyone to use this room.
Just then, a knock echoed through the room. I snapped back to reality, suddenly aware of how absorbed I have been in cleaning.
Crap. I might get in trouble for touching stuff without permission.
“Excuse me, is Seimu-san here?”
“Yes, I’m Seimu.” (Shizuma)
“…Really… why did…put you in here…”
Hm? She mumbled something.
The person who entered was the same woman who had spoken to me at the public bath before, Alice, if I remember correctly.
She entered looking not so much apologetic as resigned.
“Long time no see, Alice-san.” (Shizuma)
“Uh… Seimu-san? Was this room like this when you got here?” (Alice)
For some reason, she asked with a face as if a person on the verge of despair had found hope.
“Ah, sorry. It was a bit messy, so I tidied it up a little. I guess it’s under renovation? The locker room?” (Shizuma)
“…………Ah! Yes! That’s right!!!! Actually, the locker room next to the training area was falling apart!!! So we’ve been temporarily using this room!! I’m terribly sorry! This room is supposed to be for guests, and it was such a mess!” (Alice)
“Haha… No, no, please don’t worry about it.” (Shizuma)
She must’ve been really embarrassed. She started speaking in a strangely loud voice as if to hide her embarrassment.
“Well then, please continue waiting here. I’ll bring tea shortly. The Captain will be with you as soon as she’s ready.” (Alice)
“Please, don’t trouble yourself.” (Shizuma)
If she was at the castle, it must’ve been a national event or meeting.
This clan must be quite elite and trusted by the government to be summoned there.
I planned to avoid deep involvement at first…but if they have ties to the government, I might want to form some connections.
…Oh, wait. I just beat up a member of theirs.
“Excuse me, I’ve brought tea.” (Alice)
I was lost in thought while standing, so I quickly sat on the sofa.
Acting shifty wouldn’t do. I must be feeling nervous. I caused a commotion and now have to make a bold request that’s likely to be rejected after all.
“The Captain will be with you now.” (Alice)
“Thank you, Alice-san.” (Shizuma)
The aroma of tea helped calm my nerves.
A little after Alice-san left, there was another knock.
I stood to greet the head of the clan.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Seimu-san.” (Shuris)
“No, I should be the one apologizing…for causing such a stir.” (Shizuma)
“No, let’s not dwell on that now. For now, let’s start fresh. I’d like to hear what you came for.” (Shuris)
“Thank you for your understanding.” (Shizuma)
Looking at her, she seemed perfectly composed…or perhaps very good at hiding her emotions.
Completely calm, she encouraged me to get to the point, as if we were just making small talk.
“Well then… the reason I’ve come to visit your clan home today is because I have a matter I’d like to discuss with you.” (Shizuma)
“Hmm, a matter for discussion… I take it this has something to do with adventuring, like you mentioned before?” (Shuris)
“Rather than adventuring, it’s more of a matter involving combat and security.” (Shizuma)
When I answered, Shuris-san placed a hand on her chin, as if pondering.
It was quite a picture. She truly embodied the grace and poise of a noble lady, or a knightly princess.
“Can I hear the details?” (Shuris)
“Yes. The truth is, a large-scale auction is scheduled to be held soon as a gathering of companies. However, I hear it’s a rather complex event and there’s a possibility of an attack.” (Shizuma)
“Ah, that auction. I know of it. Indeed, it’s something like a test for the companies. A way to judge whether they have the resolve and qualifications to deal with both the underworld and legitimate sides of this city.” (Shuris)
“So you already knew. At that auction, one of the companies will need security for their storage vault, and I was hoping to ask if your people could take that job.” (Shizuma)
It might be a disrespectful proposal.
But when it comes to people of proper status and trustworthy character, the only one who comes to mind right now is her.
“You want us to handle security for an auction that’s practically a black market? Don’t tell me the association in charge is Curseface?” (Shuris)
“No, it’s not. It’s a newer group in this city, called Pigeon Company.” (Shizuma)
“Hmm…that’s not a name I’ve heard much. So, why are you personally involved with this company and coming to negotiate on their behalf?” (Shuris)
“The truth is, I came to this city together with them. One of the items being auctioned this time is something I brought in myself. I’d like to assist with that.” (Shizuma)
I tried to speak as truthfully and sincerely as possible.
“Hmm… Wouldn’t it be simplest if you handled the security yourself?” (Shuris)
“Yes, that would be the natural choice. But I want to observe the auction venue and the bidding process up close for my own learning. Originally, they were planning to request help from the royal knights, but it seems some incident occurred, and it’s difficult to mobilize them right now. So they’re in need of reliable guards, but since the Pigeon Company is still new to the city, they don’t really know anyone they can count on.” (Shizuma)
“…I see. Your explanation holds water.” (Shuris)
It must be a difficult decision. Emotionally, too.
Even if I previously did something rude to her at the public bath, it doesn’t justify asking for this in return. It’s hardly a fair exchange.
That’s why, I’ll play this card to push things through even if it means being disliked by her.
“Actually, the sales revenue from the auction is supposed to come to me. If I don’t receive it, I might end up bankrupt. I recently spent nearly all my assets to purchase a rare potion. That potion was also supposed to be auctioned…but due to an ‘accident,’ it was lost just recently.” (Shizuma)
Now, let’s see.
Does she understand what this means? Why I told this story here and now?
“I see… Ah, so that’s how it is. We already owe you a significant debt…don’t we? In any case, I was hoping to see how the auction unfolds as well. We, the Glory Knights, will take on the job; both the storage vault and the venue security. Could you introduce me to someone at the Pigeon Company tomorrow?” (Shuris)
As expected, her insight and decision-making were quick.
…Honestly, I gave her the potion that could heal her face with self-interest in mind, not out of pure goodwill. Looking back, it really was a dirty move. But I guess I have Seimu’s experience and knowledge to thank for that.
“Understood. I’ll visit the Pigeon Company tomorrow, so it would help if you could select the personnel. I’ll come pick them up.” (Shizuma)
“Got it. I’ll decide by then. I’ll assign three skilled people to the vault, and for the venue… I’ll go personally.” (Shuris)
“That would…have an effect beyond just security, at least for the company.” (Shizuma)
“Fufu, perhaps so.” (Shuris)
She must have something in mind too.
It’ll lend prestige to the Pigeon Company, but with this kind of offer…it looks like she wants to be involved in the auction. Which means something shady must be happening in this city.
“…You really are quite formidable, you know. You wrapped up this negotiation masterfully. In a way, you nearly coerced us into it, in record time. There are very few people who can pull that off against us. Honestly, you’ve piqued my curiosity to the point that I almost want to ‘say something rude to you’ myself.” (Shuris)
“I’m mature enough to brush off insults or sarcasm that I know aren’t meant from the heart.” (Shizuma)
“Fufu, I figured as much.” (Shuris)
…If I were to fight Shuris, I wonder how that would turn out.
Honestly, I don’t know. But I do know it wouldn’t be easy. There’s no way I’d call it an easy win, and frankly, I don’t even want to imagine it.
That’s the kind of presence and aura she carries.
“That’s all I needed to discuss. If you have nothing further, I’ll take my leave.” (Shizuma)
“Oh? I was thinking we might have dinner together.” (Shuris)
“Haha… If I do that, my companion will sulk.” (Shizuma)
“Oh? You have someone with you?” (Shuris)
“You already know to some extent, don’t you?” (Shizuma)
“Fufu, who knows? Well then, let’s save that for another time.” (Shuris)
“Sorry for declining, even though you were kind enough to invite me.” (Shizuma)
Shuris-san stayed smiling until the end.
But I never did figure out what she was really thinking.
If there’s a skill for hiding one’s intentions, she’s about on par with the President.
“Then, if you’ll excuse me.” (Shizuma)
“Yes, take care. Give my regards to the fox girl.” (Shuris)
“…I will.” (Shizuma)
So she did know.
Really, can’t lower my guard with her.
—————-
“Haaaaaaaah! I’m so glad I managed to bluff my way through that!”
Left alone in the room after Seimu departed, Shuris let out a deep sigh while gripping her neatly folded change of clothes and towel.
—————-
(´・ω・｀) Messy-Room Lady
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