Chapter 172
A Guest Mansion is a facility primarily meant to host and accommodate state guests, and needless to say, everyone who works there has received first-rate training.
From attendants to those who manage the bedrooms, every type of maid boasts skill equal to those who serve in the royal castle. From the ingredients used in the dishes served during formal receptions to the alcohol provided, everything is selected from the very best within the Kingdom of Lendia.
And now, I have been invited to such a guest mansion. For no other reason than to meet the great noble who oversees this very place, Marquis Veil.
—————–
“It’s an impressive scale. It’s probably about half the size of the royal castle.” (Shizuma)
“That’s right. Originally, this island was said to be a sort of summer retreat meant to entertain nobles from overseas. But as the dungeon became more active and expanded in scale, the number of explorers increased, and a town gradually formed around the guest mansion. That’s the history of this island’s development.” (Shuris)
“I see… So that’s why there aren’t any town-related facilities around the guest mansion, and why trees are planted like a screen. It’s a facility deliberately cut off from its surroundings. There’s probably a dedicated port as well, right?” (Shizuma)
“Exactly. The concept is a land cut off from the mundane world. There’s only that narrow road we just passed leading from the city to the guest mansion, and even its gate is strictly managed. The port on the opposite side of the island is basically off-limits to ordinary people.” (Shuris)
In stark contrast to the chaotic atmosphere of Yasha Island -its lively energy vaguely reminiscent of a southern Caribbean island- the calm, high-grade ambience surrounding the guest mansion created a gap so great it was hard to believe they existed on the same island.
The carriage was swallowed into the grounds of the guest mansion. At the same time, I too was swallowed by tension.
I was told that Lord Veil, her father, had already arrived, so it wouldn’t be long before we met face to face.
—————–
“Alright… Seimu-san, you’ll wait in a separate room. I’ll speak with Father first, and when the time is right, I’ll say that ‘there’s someone I’d like to introduce.’ I’ll have someone come get you, so could you wait until then?” (Shuris)
“Understood. This is nerve-wracking…meeting someone like that when I’m just some nobody.” (Shizuma)
“No, Father likely knows a fair bit about you already. The auction of the Eyes of the Deep Sea, and during the New Year’s Core announcement there was talk of the Brigade’s vice-captain having cleared it. From that, it wouldn’t take long to infer that the person I’ve recently grown close to, and who was permitted to purchase a house previously managed by the royal family, was the one who provided that Dungeon Core.” (Shuris)
“…As expected of one of the greatest nobles among high nobles. The father of Shuris-san and Kres-san.” (Shizuma)
“Fufu, I’m glad to hear you say that. Then, I’ll be going on ahead.” (Shuris)
Shuris-san passed through the doors of the guest mansion first.
As the sun sank, the light gradually dimmed, replaced by artificial illumination.
Then, as the doors of the guest mansion opened once more in the night, I was guided inside to an interior room, almost as if being hidden away.
The interior decor of the guest mansion, furnished with items that were clearly masterpieces of art at a glance, made me straighten my back just by walking through the corridors.
Advancing along a long-pile carpet that completely swallowed footsteps, I was led to a reception room, and there…
—————–
“! …So you already saw through it.”
There was already a guest waiting… A man approaching middle age, with pale golden hair cut short, seated as though suppressing the oppressive presence that leaked from him.
I didn’t clearly remember his face. But I could tell by the atmosphere alone.
This man…is Lord Veil.
“Hm. You didn’t let your expression or attitude falter. You seem to have a fair amount of nerve.” (Veil)
“You flatter me. Inside, I feel like a fresh recruit who’s just been ambushed from behind.” (Shizuma)
“Fufu. A fresh recruit, you say. You also seem to possess the presence of mind to show consideration in the moment. Indeed, I too once belonged to the kingdom’s Knight Order. I won’t deny I have certain feelings about adventurers. A good analogy.” (Veil)
“So that’s how it is… In that case, I feel a bit sorry for Shuris-san, who was brought here while being slightly deceived.” (Shizuma)
“That was good medicine for her. Shuris has a tendency to underestimate her surroundings. She should learn more that ‘not everything goes according to one’s calculations.’ Don’t you think so, Seimu-kun?” (Veil)
“I see your point. Her composed manner can sometimes create enemies. You’re concerned about that, I take it. Personally, I find it admirable.” (Shizuma)
“Oh? You seem to observe my daughter well. Does that mean this isn’t entirely a falsehood, then?” (Veil)
“Fufu, I pay close attention to my friends.” (Shizuma)
It seemed this man had investigated me far more thoroughly than I imagined.
The exchange continued like a tightrope walk;
one moment of carelessness would be fatal.
“Speaking frankly, my first impression of Shuris-san…no, of the Glory Knights clan itself, was quite bad.” (Shizuma)
“Oh? That’s unexpected. I’d like to hear more. How did you meet, and how did things come to be as they are now?” (Veil)
“I don’t mind. It’ll be a rather long story, so we may need something to accompany the conversation.” (Shizuma)
“Fufu, you seem quite at ease yourself. Very well, I’ll have it arranged.” (Veil)
Alright…this looks like it’s going to be a long haul. I’ll need to approach this carefully.
I can’t do this on my own. Not as just an ordinary high schooler.
I’ll have to rely on Seimu’s knowledge and experience: the experience of a righteous thief who has dealt with countless people, from the underworld to noble society.
“Then shall I start with how I entered this country while secretly carrying a Dungeon Core?” (Shizuma)
“Oh? That’s quite an intriguing opening. Fufu, that certainly does make one want a drink.” (Veil)
The night is still long. Let us speak at length, Lord Veil…
—————–
“…And so, in my school of thought, there is a technique where verbal encouragement and intimidation of the opponent is used in conjunction with self-enhancement magic.” (Shizuma)
“Fuhaha, that’s quite dangerous-sounding. But it would be especially effective against Kres. Ever since childhood, she’s been extremely afraid of being scolded loudly… Fufu. So even now, as commander of the knight order, she still has those old habits, huh… No matter how old they get, one’s children are always dear…” (Veil)
“That may be true. I myself live with someone who’s become family, and seeing both her growth and the bit of childishness that still remains gives me a feeling that’s hard to put into words.” (Shizuma)
“Ah, you mean the white foxkin girl in question. I don’t fully understand the circumstances there, but…about this matter, have you properly explained things to that young lady as well?” (Veil)
“Of course. Even so, she’s probably still anxious. Just today she warned me, ‘No coming home in the morning.’” (Shizuma)
“Kukuku… Then I’ve done something wrong. I’ll have to give my daughter a bit of a warning as well.” (Veil)
After about an hour had passed, with our glasses emptied several times over and the clink of ice echoing through the room, Lord Veil and I had completely relaxed into friendly conversation.
“…I understand what kind of person you are. Regarding this matter, you likely tried to anticipate our thinking and gauge our intentions to some extent. That assumption would be correct. You also seem to be involved, to a degree, in the Alheus family incident. You appear to understand our family’s current position quite well.” (Veil)
“…Yes. As the kingdom’s only marquis house…there’s a need to strike a certain pose, I imagine. This country already has many houses with ties to foreign nobles.” (Shizuma)
“Precisely. Most likely, the intentions of other nations -pushing for Shuris to be sent into high society- are being mixed in with the dissatisfaction and pressure from lower-ranking nobles… Demands that could lead to a decline in national strength.” (Veil)
“Then, regarding Shuris-san’s plan of warding off men by hinting at the presence of a man… May I assume that no particular restrictions will be placed on that course of action?” (Shizuma)
“Of course. We had been considering something similar ourselves. But finding a man who could match her was no easy task. Your appearance was rather convenient. I’ve come to understand your character as well. If possible, I’d like to speak with you in the future not just as my daughter’s acquaintance, but as a drinking companion.” (Veil)
“I’m honored. In that case…someday, it might be nice to disguise ourselves and head into the city. I only landed today myself, but it was quite lively.” (Shizuma)
“Fufu, that may be a fine idea. And suddenly barging into the Glory Knights’ hangout to scare Shuris also sounds like it could be fun.” (Veil)
Lord Veil made such playful suggestions, perhaps due to the alcohol.
Good. Then for now…it’s safe to say the first hurdle has been cleared.
“Then I shouldn’t detain you any longer. Wouldn’t want to worry your companion. I plan to speak with my daughter a bit longer after this. I’ll arrange a carriage for your return.” (Veil)
“Thank you for your consideration, Lord Veil. I’m glad we were able to talk tonight. Until next time, then.” (Shizuma)
“Yes, let us promise that. Perhaps after the banquet. Farewell, Seimu-kun.” (Veil)
And so, Lord Veil stood and saw me off as I left the room.
…It seems he’s acknowledged me, at least to a minimal degree.
Shuris-san is probably fretting right about now…
—————–
I waited for the carriage at the front entrance of the guest mansion.
The sun had completely set, and lights installed throughout the garden illuminated the beautifully arranged hedges.
When I looked up at the sky, a sky full of stars stretched endlessly in every direction, perhaps because this was an island.
“…Lindblum’s downtown is pretty bright, after all.” (Shizuma)
As I was pondering the reason for the beauty of the starry sky, the door behind me opened, and Shuris-san slipped out through the gap.
Dressed in her gown, with a slightly flustered expression, she looked a bit different from her usual dignified self, and my heart skipped a beat despite myself.
“Seimu-san! Sorry, Father was one step ahead…! How did it go!? I was worried he might have said something rude to you!” (Shuris)
“No, please don’t worry. I thought he was a thoughtful, intelligent, and wonderful man -deeply devoted to both his daughter and his country. We talked for quite a while, and I even had drinks with him.” (Shizuma)
“I-Is that so…? In any case, I’m relieved things didn’t get complicated. You’re heading back now, right? I’ll be having a meeting with Father after this. Sorry about that…” (Shuris)
“Not at all. In any case, I received permission to accompany you at the banquet. I look forward to working with you then.” (Shizuma)
“I see, that’s good. Yes, then I’ll be counting on you, Seimu-san.” (Shuris)
Shuris-san smiled shyly, looking just a little embarrassed.
…Yeah, probably this is just a drop in the bucket.
Even if there’s a man around, there will definitely still be people who make advances.
I was firmly convinced of that as she smiled at me, looking about twenty percent more beautiful than usual in her dress.
—————–
“Melt, I’m home…?” (Shizuma)
“S-Seimu!? T-This isn’t what it looks like…! I didn’t think you’d be back this early…!” (Melt)
“Melt… You told me not to come home in the morning, and yet…” (Shizuma)
When I returned to the hotel room, there lay Melt on the bed in a state that could only be described as ‘completely disheveled.’
Truly a scene worthy of being called ‘devoured.’
“…Don’t tell me… You ordered it… Room service!” (Shizuma)
“B-But! They said they’d bring the food right to the room, you know!? Lying around on this amazing bed, eating delicious food and fruit…! I couldn’t resist…!” (Melt)
To clarify: when I came back to the room, Melt was lying on her back on the bed, munching on skewered fruit.
The plates and skewers were left on the floor. It was incredibly sloppy.
Melt, I thought this back during the bus ride too, but…when you’re left alone, you eat and laze around like an elementary school boy, you know!?
Who said anything about growth!? Just look at this mess!
“Melt, sit properly when you eat. And make sure to clean up the dishes after you’re done.” (Shizuma)
“Okaaay… ugh, it was so comfortable I let my guard down too much… I’m sorry.” (Melt)
“As long as you understand. Alright then, let’s eat the rest of the fruit together.” (Shizuma)
Being able to apologize properly. Good job!
And so the two of us ate skewered mangoes and banana-like fruit together, satisfied that they tasted just as we imagined, while thinking it might be nice to make smoothies with them next time.
…By the way, wasn’t room service pretty expensive?
Support my translations or commission me to translate a chapter of any series on Patreon!