episode_0096

The thing you loved the most is targeting you.

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After finishing my conversation with the priest Muse, I left the church and took a carriage to a magnificently built mansion. This was where the ruler of the territory resided.

Originally, I wanted to stay quietly, but since I have medals and status tied to me, if I don’t meet the people in power when I visit an area, there are more scandals than I thought.

Therefore, in order to prevent such an incident in advance, he came to the manor’s mansion on purpose. There are other things I want to share with the lord…

–Squeak…

As soon as I entered the mansion, I followed the guidance of the maid who was waiting as if I had been waiting, entered the mansion, opened the classically decorated door, and looked at the man inside.

“Are you here? Mr. Eustis.”

“. It’s better not to use such stiff honorifics. Isn’t there a need to treat an old man with no position? Mr. Edward.”

“Even if that were the case. How can we ignore the countless blessings that Eustis has brought to the kingdom? This is out of my own respect, so please be lenient.”

As if he had anticipated my arrival, tea for two people was already prepared in the lord’s office.

Of course, it would also be rude to refuse a seat like this, so I sat down, raised my teacup, and started a conversation. First, let’s briefly talk about the current situation.

“Okay. How are you these days?”

“I am not much different from usual.”

“I see… ”

“Yes.”

With only dry conversations and meaningless stories being exchanged. A topic was hinted at.

“But it was a little strange. It seems like the entry procedures into the territory have become quite strict, but is it really that nothing happened?”

The black tea in the teacup, which had been quiet, begins to tremble slightly. Oh my, did I mess with the wolf’s fangs?

“Making the process more complicated was something that had to be done. It was strange that access to the territory had been so loose during that time.”

Willingness to clearly avoid talking and change the subject. It was definitely a sensitive matter. When I first met him, there was a wildness in his eyes, but now there is a noticeable humanity in them.

Still, if we were to guess roughly, this measure would have been taken because an incident occurred that made the entry and exit procedures more stringent.

For example, a kidnapping or disappearance incident by an outsider occurred… Well, only they know the truth, but this is usually the reason why most security procedures become complicated. There was a time when I was a superior and person in charge, so I know Edward’s feelings well, so let’s not ask him any more questions.

“Then, let me ask you one question. Eustis, why did you come to this squalid place? From what I have heard, there is still some time left before Eustis visits this territory for the purpose of giving a lecture.”

“I was going to talk about that too. I just received a letter from the Muse priest. Since the priest who was supposed to come as an escort collapsed and couldn’t come, you couldn’t help but have doubts, right? In addition, I also came to see Clarice, a former orphan from our orphanage, who is working as an adventurer here for the first time in a while.”

“Clarice… Is it.”

When Clarisse’s name is mentioned, the eyebrows and mouth tremble slightly. It was clear that he was agitated. But somehow… A nursery rhyme in Clarice’s name?

“Eustis. I have one question. Have you ever heard of a magic that changes gender?”

“Hmm… Something out of the blue. It’s not like this question has anything to do with Clarice, right? Moreover, the magic of changing gender… ”

“… It is not related to Miss Clarice. I sincerely ask you to answer rather than just ask why.”

Edward bows his head and asks for an answer. I felt an uncharacteristic nervousness. However, deep down, I felt that it was not true that I had anything to do with Clarisse. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been agitated upon hearing Clarice’s name and then asked the strange question about gender-changing magic.

“Unfortunately, I have never heard of such strange magic. If there was one, it would have a ripple effect that could reduce power in an instant. But even though I’ve been active countless times on the battlefield, I don’t know anything about that.”

“Is that so… It’s a pity.”

Edward sips tea with a regretful expression. this… There’s clearly something unpleasant lurking behind the scenes. I’m sorry Edward, but I guess I’ll have to stay here for a while and find out about the events surrounding the territory.

For Clarice’s sake, and for Edward, who still seems like a child.

After making that promise, we went back to our daily, fruitless conversation as if it had never happened before.

“Eustis. If you haven’t found a place to stay yet, why not stay here? I promise you the best treatment, so please accept it without hesitation.”

“Hehe, thank you, but I’ll decline. If I stay here, I’m sure there will be another strange scandal. I don’t want to get caught up in such annoying rumors. Above all, I don’t want to feed your vassals chosen by the King, who are always eager to covet the position of lord and frame people.”

“You don’t have to worry about them. I’m just a little more greedy than others. They are definitely skilled. They also know that hasty slander is poisonous to them.”

“Still, I politely decline because I might scratch it and make a rash. Okay, since that’s all I’m asking for, please just let me keep the carriage here. Mr. Edward.”

He flatly refused, citing superficial reasons. Of course, the real reason is… During my stay here, I will be wandering around this estate, so in order to act a little more freely, it is best to get away from the eyes of the lord or lord’s wife.

“I guess I’ll just go. Edward County. See you next time.”

“Please take a look. Mr. Eustis.”

I quickly put down the teacup and left, but Edward didn’t stop with me. I quietly closed my eyes, put down the teacup, and left the mansion.

Oh, that’s right. Before I find a place to stay, I think I should take out at least one self-defense weapon from the carriage. There seems to be a threat lurking in the territory that has not yet been put to rest, so I need to be able to at least do my best to keep an eye on it.

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After taking the hammer and some security from the parked carriage, I was about to leave the main gate of the mansion.

“… !?”

[Oh my goodness. Director… Hehehe♥ See you again♥]

A shadow appeared before my eyes. The identity of the person who spoke in a very familiar voice was…

–Tadat… !!

“K, Clarice? Why are you here… ? No, when did it appear… ?”

In what felt like a split second, he leaned back, pointed his hammer forward, and took a fighting stance. This was a type of defense mechanism tempered by the demons’ vicious surprise attack.

No matter how old I was, I was very embarrassed that I didn’t even notice Clarice, who was still a novice adventurer, approaching right in front of me.

Also, although I am embarrassed to say it with my own mouth, one thing I am proud of, having experienced all kinds of hardships and boasting of my exorcism skills, is my ability to sense. However, the accident came to a halt, albeit briefly, with the appearance of Clarice, who seemed as if all that experience had gone to waste in an instant.

The thing that moved me as I stood still, unable to speak due to the writhing discomfort, was Clarice, who was smiling carefree.

[I really looked for it. Director♥]

“You’re looking for a car. What does that mean? Clarisse… No, how did you come here in the first place… ”

[That’s it, smell it… No, no! People around me asked me the direction the carriage was going♥]

“Ha, haha… okay. I see I’m sorry for pointing the hammer at you. I was quite surprised. Then, for what reason did our Clarice come to visit?”

It was Clarisse as usual, but she still couldn’t shake off the deep-seated feeling of discomfort, so she lowered the hammer and finally spoke to her. I smiled brightly and tried to hide my embarrassment.

[Because I was too crazy to say hello earlier. I came to say hello ♥ How are you these days, Director? Are you feeling unwell, or… ]

“I’m fine. Clarisse. Where did you leave the other children and why did you come alone?”

Now that I think about it, it was strange. Mel and Alex. Precious companions who opened the heart of Clarice, who lost her parents to a monster. Among them, I knew that I had romantic feelings for Alex that went beyond just liking him. I can’t believe you left such close friends behind. This was quite unusual.

[ah… Mel has some work to do, so she’s acting separately for a while. And Blair… No, I’m planning to go on a mission with Alex a little later ♥]

“Hehe. It seems like progress is going well with Alex.”

While I was chatting with Clarisse, smiling happily, Clarisse seemed to realize something and took out something from her pocket and held it out in front of me.

[yes! I have something to give to the director I haven’t seen in a while ♥ Now, this!]

It was a pill bottle containing a red liquid that appeared to be a potion, and a cigarette. Even with the potion… Cigarettes? Clarice doesn’t smoke.

[This is a vitality potion. If you eat it when you are tired, you will feel much better. Alex also felt energized as if he had become a completely different person after drinking this♥]

“Ahaha… If Clarisse says so, then take it. But this cigarette… ?”

[This is it. I got it as a mission reward because my party doesn’t smoke. Director… I don’t smoke in front of the children at the orphanage, but I know they smoke one cigarette at a time in the back.]

“I deliberately hid it because I was afraid it would have a negative influence on these children, but I can’t stand it from Clarisse. haha. I feel sorry just receiving this.”

[Hehe. On the contrary, don’t you think it would be more difficult for me to just refuse?]

Clarisse raised the corners of her mouth and forced a potion and cigarette into my arms. Yes, since I’m planning to stay here for a while, it might be nice to take a breather and have a smoke every now and then. What better time to light up a cigarette than now, but…

Since it was given to me by Clarisse, I didn’t mention it out loud, but is this a trustworthy product? I’ll have to find out about that later.

[Come to think of it. Director… Have you yet found a place to stay for lodging?]

“Um… ? Hehe, did I look like that in Clarisse’s eyes.”

[Of course♥ If you were going to stay in the first place, you wouldn’t have come out of the lord’s mansion… Wouldn’t it be necessary for anyone to know that you are carrying a self-defense weapon when you come out? [I won’t be staying in this mansion]

Hoo. Clarice’s eyes are quite sharp.

“But what does it mean to suddenly bring up that story? Clarice.”

[That’s right… This is to inform you about the accommodations where our precious director will stay♥]

“Hahaha. I even received a meaningful gift, but I can’t get any help that far. Thank you for your concern, but I will find the accommodation myself.”

[no! please! I am! I have to let you know! I see! Because the director is the one who took care of me after losing my parents, I hope you can help me at least a little to repay me. Why not… ?]

I don’t know when I took it out, but Clarice was holding a small medicine map in her hand and her eyes were shining… This old man can’t handle it. Moreover, it seems like only yesterday that I was a little kid, but I’m touched that I’m already thinking such wonderful thoughts.

“Originally, I should have helped you as you were still a novice adventurer, but I really feel disrespected. So, is the accommodation I need to go to written on the map?”

[yes! If you tell me my name, the owner will give you a discount♥]

“Oh my. Have you already reached the point where you are trusted by your master?”

[That’s how I made it ♥ I hope you have a good experience. ah! Don’t forget to drink the vitality potion I gave you♥ I hope you have a happy night, and I’ll be leaving now. see you next time. Director!]

I felt like I was being more pushy than usual, but thanks to that, I was able to resolve many issues when I met Clarisse.

It seems that Goddess Hecate gave us good guidance. It’s an unexpected journey, but I hope you shine more light of hope on my path ahead…

“Okay then, let’s go. Accommodation recommended by Clarisse. Hmm… Is it this way?”

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