Chapter 171
“For now, there’s still some time before your father arrives, right? During that time, I’d like to buy some souvenirs for Melt and properly change into my ceremonial attire.” (Shizuma)
Due to unexpected circumstances, a meeting with Shuris-san’s father, Lord Veil, had suddenly been scheduled for tonight.
Fortunately, I had previously ordered and purchased ceremonial clothes from the Pigeon Company, so I wasn’t troubled about what to wear.
“Melt-kun, come to think of it…is she staying behind?” (Shuris)
“Yes. She didn’t seem used to ships, and it looks like the motion sickness medicine had some side effects.” (Shizuma)
“Oh? They even have medicine for seasickness, huh. I see… Then let’s go buy the souvenirs first.” (Shuris)
She stood out less than she did back in Lindblum since she isn’t wearing armor.
Even so, she still drew plenty of attention as she strode briskly down the road with her beautiful blonde hair fluttering.
Together, we headed toward the pier and made our way to the fruit stall Melt had been interested in.
It seemed that she was already widely known as the one leading Glory Knights to maintain order on Yasha Island. Not only did people look her way, but they also stepped aside with a hint of fear. “As expected, you’re held in high regard even here.” (Shizuma)
“Yeah. When we first arrived, the number of people had increased quite a bit, and there were a lot of conflicts. Small skirmishes were breaking out everywhere.” (Shuris)
“And then they were suppressed one after another with force?” (Shizuma)
“It wasn’t my directive, though. I was heading to Izbel, so I only came here recently. The other members had already been here for over a month, and it seems they carried out quite a flashy crackdown.” (Shuris)
“I see. I heard about it, but it sounds like there was quite an uproar in Izbel too.” (Shizuma)
“That’s right. Though, for me personally… The greatest gain was getting to see the work of the Brigade’s blacksmith, Shijima-san. Have you already seen Melt-kun’s new daggers?” (Shuris)
“Of course. They were incredible blades. I doubt I’ll encounter many swords that surpass it.” (Shizuma)
“Exactly. If it were possible… I’d love to have him make my longsword as well.” (Shuris)
Shuris-san rested her hand on the slightly long-bladed sword at her waist as she said that.
Come to think of it…this might be the first time I’ve seen her wearing a sword.
“You’re a swordswoman, Shuris-san.” (Shizuma)
“Now that you mention it, this might be the first time I’ve worn anything other than a ceremonial sword in front of you, Seimu-san. That’s right, I specialize in two-handed swords, especially long, slender blades. This one was made after calculating the absolute maximum length I can handle.” (Shuris)
Even from the scabbard alone, it was clear that it was a fine blade.
Housed in a beautifully ornamented sheath was a sword whose blade alone looked to be over a meter long.
“Alright, I’ll go ahead and buy the fruit.” (Shizuma)
I purchased several fruits that vaguely resembled mangoes and papayas, along with some fruit that looked almost exactly like bananas.
On top of that, I bought a large fruit similar to a watermelon, except instead of vertical stripes, it had horizontal ones.
They were probably transported while still unripe, there was still a hint of green to them.
“That bunch of fruit there is quite good. It has a texture similar to boiled potatoes and is pretty filling. Many explorers eat it as portable food.” (Shuris)
“Oh, that sounds nice. It’d be great if it could be cultivated in this country too.” (Shizuma)
“Indeed. With the Core’s power, the nation’s fertility has increased. I’ve also heard that new glass greenhouses are planned for the lower levels of Lindblum. I’d like them to actively try cultivating excellent foods like these.” (Shuris)
“I see… With the influx of refugees increasing, and more visitors from overseas likely to come, it’s best to do what we can.” (Shizuma)
After buying the fruit, we returned to the hotel.
Shuris-san waited in the hotel lobby since she wasn’t a guest.
As expected, even management like this seemed thorough.
—————–
“Melt, I’m back. I bought some fruit.” (Shizuma)
“Welcome back…” (Melt)
Bad news: the fox girl has melted.
This time Melt was lying face-down, limbs sprawled limply, completely slack and flattened.
S-She looks so comfortable, even her tail is totally limp.
“They’re probably not fully ripe yet.” (Shizuma)
“It’s fine… I’ll just advance the ripening a little with magic…” (Melt)
“S-So convenient… That really is amazing magic.” (Shizuma)
Come to think of it, if she can manipulate grass and tree roots, then fruits would naturally fall within that range as well.
“Melt, I need to meet Shuris-san’s father, so I think I’ll be coming back late. Can you eat dinner on your own?” (Shizuma)
“Huh? This hotel is probably expensive, right? What should I do…” (Melt)
“I’ll leave you some money. It looks like there are places to eat outside the hotel too, but Melt, you’re cute, so…if you’re alone, weird people might approach you.” (Shizuma)
“Really? I’m cute?” (Melt)
“Yeah, you’re cute.” (Shizuma)
“I see… Then I’ll eat at the hotel tonight… I think the money will probably be enough…” (Melt)
She really looks sleepy… That motion sickness medicine probably shouldn’t be used too often…
Even though Melt said she didn’t need it, I put three large gold coins into her pocket just in case.
The moment I put my hand into her pocket, it got grabbed.
“Got you…” (Melt)
“Caught. Alright, I’m putting the money in just in case.” (Shizuma)
“This bed is unfair… It’s slightly cool, and it makes me not want to move…” (Melt)
“Haha, I’m looking forward to sleeping here tonight.” (Shizuma)
“You’ll come back properly, right? You can’t do a mating ceremony with Bubbly-san… I know, you see… if you do a mating ceremony, it turns into that thing called ‘coming home in the morning’…” (Melt)
“Just where did you learn that…” (Shizuma)
“I read it in a book… A book called: [The Leisurely Madam and the Earl of Eastfield]…” (Melt)
“I-I see…” (Shizuma)
It might be some kind of erotic novel.
Well, as part of her education, I suppose… I think it’s probably a book without explicit depictions.
“Alright, I’ll be back tonight. Melt, if you sleep too early, you won’t be able to sleep at night, so be careful.” (Shizuma)
“Okay… I’ll take care of my daggers in a bit…” (Melt)
Leaving those final words, Melt once again stopped moving on the bed.
She’s incredibly cute.
Being cute even while not moving might actually be a talent in its own right.
What is this fox!?
…Anyway, I changed into my ceremonial clothes and returned to the hotel lobby.
—————–
“Welcome back, Seimu-san. …It suits you, that kind of outfit.” (Shuris)
“Thank you. It feels kind of strange;
me dressed like this while you’re in adventurer-style clothing, Shuris-san.” (Shizuma)
“Oh, this? It’s pretty warm around here, so that outfit would be rough. Of course, if I were going into a dungeon, I’d wear my usual gear. But for patrolling the city, this is more than enough.” (Shuris)
“I see. Then…what should we do until tonight?” (Shizuma)
“Let’s see. I think I’ll head back to the clan house on this island once. I’ll change into formal wear there and kill some time.” (Shuris)
“Oh, so it is considered a clan house too. I’d like to know where it is, so I’ll come with you.” (Shizuma)
“Of course. Apparently this clan house used to be a tavern. There’s a game room that should be good for passing the time. Let’s spend some time there together.” (Shuris)
I see. So the clan’s dispatch really was decided on short notice.
If it’s a former tavern’s game room, there might be billiards, darts, and card tables.
…Seimu’s experiences and memories also include plenty related to games like that.
And more than anything, while billiards is one thing, I myself am actually good at darts!
I headed together with her toward Glory Knights’ temporary clan house with a bit of anticipation.
—————–
Just as I heard beforehand, the clan house wasn’t a luxurious mansion like the one in Lindblum, but a slightly larger building that stood somewhat abruptly on a street lined with actively operating taverns and restaurants.
The old tavern sign had been removed, and in its place was a small sign reading [Glory Knights Clan House].
It almost felt like it might serve as a small police organization or sheriff’s office.
“I’m back. I finished the morning patrol around the pier.” (Shuris)
“Oh, welcome back, Captain. Earlier, a messenger came from the guest mansion. They want to discuss the banquet schedule and asked that you come the night after tomorrow.”
One of the members immediately gave a report upon returning to the clan house.
I see, they’re being roped into banquet preparations as well.
Shuris-san really is busy.
“Oh, Seimu-san! With that outfit, I almost thought you were some noble.”
“Haha, clothes make the man, they say.” (Shizuma)
“Don’t be modest. You really look the part, like the young master of some noble house.”
“Hahaha, maybe so.” (Shizuma)
Technically speaking, my background is that of a former noble.
…Though in the story that unfolds all the way through with the [Thief/Swordsman] job, you never return to nobility, instead acting as a righteous thief whose deeds are recognized.
It’s one of the rare combinations that reaches a [not bad ending].
That game has way too many jobs that end in bad ending flavored conclusions…
“I’m going to go change, so Seimu-san, feel free to play around. Could you show him to the game room?” (Shuris)
“Roger. Alright then, Seimu-san, this way. There are some folks free at this hour, so let’s play together.”
“Sounds good. I’m looking forward to seeing what there is.” (Shizuma)
—————–
“Alright! That makes my remaining score exactly zero.” (Shizuma)
“No way! Again!? You’re seriously strong… Next is 1001!”
There it was: darts! Strictly speaking, the scoring layout was a bit different, and game types other than Zero-One didn’t seem as popular, but it was unmistakably darts.
Since it’s one of my few talents outside of online games, I’m maintaining an enthusiastic, overwhelming streak.
Honestly, Seimu’s knowledge, experience, or physical ability hardly matter here.
“It looks pretty lively. Well? Are you enjoying yourself, Seimu-san?” (Shuris)
“Enjoying isn’t even the word… No one can beat Seimu-san…”
“We’re totally wiped out-ssu yo. We’ve been playing every day since moving here…”
“Sorry about that. There was a similar game in my hometown, and I was good at it. It’s just experience…years of it.” (Shizuma)
I even had a needle-less soft dart set in my own room back home…
Being able to throw authentic darts with real metal tips again has me a little excited.
“Oh? You’re good at this, Seimu-san? Then how about a match with me next?” (Shuris)
“Sure. We were about to do another 1001.” (Shizuma)
“That’s quite a high score to start with. Sounds like it will take a lot of concentration…” (Shuris)
Man… if it’s this fun, I really should’ve brought Melt along too.
I’ll see if I can ask to let her play here tomorrow or something.
And so, Shuris-san and I engaged in a heated darts battle until the promised time arrived.
She’s strong. Really strong. I almost lost.
“Ugh… if I weren’t wearing a dress, I might’ve done even better.” (Shuris)
“Challenge me anytime. So…is it about time?” (Shizuma)
“Yeah. My father should be arriving on tonight’s scheduled ship. He’ll likely head to the guest mansion, so let’s go there ahead of him.” (Shuris)
Alright…it’s finally time to meet her father while pretending to be her lover.
“Seimu-san, I’ve heard the situation from the Captain. The Vice-Captain who stayed in Lindblum and Letty-jochan know too. Depending on how this goes, it could be the kind of matter where the Captain hands the clan over to someone else and retires. So…we’re counting on you.”
“Yeah. That’s a heavy responsibility. Got it, I’ll do my best.” (Shizuma)
Lord Veil probably isn’t insisting on absolutely marrying her off to a foreign noble.
From the standpoint of his daughter’s position and national defense, he should understand that she’s not a power he’d want to let slip outside.
But due to noble obligations, he likely has no choice but to put her in situations like this, at least in form.
…At today’s greeting, he’ll probably see through the fact that I’m a fake lover right away.
The real problem is the actual banquet… How I should act there… That’s the question.
As the carriage swayed along, all I could think about was what to do next…and how I should greet her father.
…Why do I have to think about something like a marriage greeting when my mental age is still that of a high schooler!? What if her father takes some stereotypical stance like “I won’t give you my daughter!”…!?
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