Ch.148148. Should I Say It Feels Like Being Praised and Cursed at the Same Time?

“Wow! Is that the famous Forest of Death in Lake Territory over there?”

Kasia Spear, with a look of wonder, was hopping up and down like a child. I stared at Dennis with an expressionless face.

‘Wasn’t she supposed to be someone who only cares about people within her own circle?’

When I revealed this inner thought, he seemed to understand what I meant and gestured with both arms spread, as if feeling wronged. Shaking my head, I turned my gaze back to Kasia Spear.

“Yes. That is the Forest of Death.”

“Is that where the monster wave occurred?”

“Since recovery has been our priority, a thorough investigation hasn’t been conducted yet, but there’s a high probability the monster wave originated from the Forest of Death.”

“Then there shouldn’t be any monsters left in the Forest of Death now, right?”

“Well, some might still remain. We’re planning to completely eradicate the Forest of Death once the village stabilizes.”

It was fascinating how she had so many questions, how that small head of hers contained countless thoughts. Kasia Spear covered her mouth with a startled expression.

“Oh my, does that mean monsters could appear here too?”

“The monsters from the Forest of Death don’t venture outside. So, you can rest assured.”

“…What about regular monsters?”

“This area does have regular monster appearances.”

Of course, monsters appear in various places throughout Lake Territory. Though not in large numbers, most forests harbor monsters. Could she have come without doing any research?

As I tilted my head in confusion, Kasia Spear spoke up, even more startled.

“I-I had all the knights I brought stay at the inn…”

“What do you mean?”

“If Lord Selden Alphonse had told me in advance, I would have certainly brought the knights along!”

Perhaps there aren’t many monsters in Kasia Spear’s territory? I smiled gently at her frightened appearance.

“Haha, it’s fine. Dennis and I are accompanying you now, aren’t we?”

“What!? Can Dennis alone fend off all the monsters!? Are there knights from the Alphonse family waiting somewhere behind us?”

“No. It’s just Dennis and me.”

“If many monsters appear, Dennis alone might struggle…”

Wait, I clearly mentioned both Dennis and myself, so why does she keep leaving me out? I could visit the Forest of Death alone, so regular monsters are nothing to worry about. I looked at Kasia with a slight twitch of my eyebrow.

“There’s Dennis, but I’m here too.”

“You mean Lord Selden Alphonse?”

“Yes, can’t you see me?”

“Th-that’s not what I meant… Aren’t you more of a brain person, Lord Selden Alphonse?”

“A brain person?”

“Elina told me you’re more about strategy than actual combat…”

Is this both a compliment and an insult at the same time? Hiding my bewildered expression, I cleared my throat.

“Even so, I can handle basic monster extermination. Didn’t I mention I worked as a mercenary with Dennis?”

“Still, couldn’t we go back down…?”

As Kasia rolled her eyes anxiously, Dennis stepped forward and spoke.

“Lord Selden Alphonse is stronger than me.”

“Dennis, I know you’re trying to reassure me, but I’m not that foolish.”

“N-no, really, Lord Selden Alphonse is—”

“You’re an A-rank mercenary, Dennis, and you’d be a valuable asset to any knightly order. Of course, Lord Selden Alphonse is brilliant enough to stop a monster wave, but still.”

Since she was friends with Elina and had discussed me with her, it was understandable she might misunderstand. I winked at Dennis, closing one eye briefly.

“Haha! That’s right! Dennis is really talking me up.”

“That’s not to belittle you at all, Lord Selden Alphonse. Stopping a monster wave is historically significant.”

“I understand what you’re saying. As you suggested, Lady Kasia Spear, dangerous situations could arise, so shall we go back down?”

“Yes, please!”

She was like an innocent princess who knew nothing of the world. While most nobles maintain a certain dignity, Kasia Spear seemed to possess a free spirit. Since the market area was crowded with tourists and locals, we headed back to the mansion.

Sitting on the outdoor terrace and being served fragrant tea, Kasia Spear smiled brightly.

“I should explore the market with a few knights this evening.”

“Since the market is just being revitalized after the monster wave, it might not meet your expectations, Lady Kasia Spear.”

Kasia Spear hesitated for a moment, then looked straight into my eyes.

“By the way, I wanted to ask you yesterday, Lord Selden Alphonse, have we met somewhere before?”

Dennis, sitting beside me, spat out the tea he was drinking. I managed to hide my surprised expression and continued.

“How could that be…?”

“When I look into your eyes, they seem strangely familiar. And your way of speaking too…”

“I have a common face, so I hear that often.”

“A common face? You’re quite handsome, you know?”

“…Thank you for the compliment.”

“It’s not just a compliment; it’s sincere admiration. I guess rumors can’t be trusted.”

I held the teacup and curled up the corners of my mouth.

“You’re referring to the rogue from the eastern continent’s edge.”

“Well, that too, but I expected you to have a sort of gigolo vibe.”

“G-gigolo?”

“Well, you do have a bit of that look, but after talking with you, Lord Selden Alphonse, you seem quite manly.”

This woman…

Why does she keep giving compliments and insults simultaneously?

Is she doing this deliberately?

In my previous world, “gigolo” wasn’t necessarily a negative term. However, here, it was closer to a taunt, implying a man with poor swordsmanship who behaves demurely like a woman.

With a slightly artificial expression, I bowed my head.

“I’m grateful that Lady Kasia Spear thinks so highly of me.”

Kasia Spear then looked at me with a strange gaze.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Forgetting what?”

Did I leave something behind when we went to the forest? As I rummaged through my pockets and tilted my head, Kasia Spear sighed, crossing her arms.

“After receiving such compliments, shouldn’t there be something in return?”

Dennis, sitting beside me, once again squeezed his eyes shut. The situation had reached its breaking point. However, having become somewhat accustomed to Kasia Spear, I spoke without hesitation.

“Though I’ve come to know Lady Kasia Spear by chance, you seem much more free-spirited than other noble women I’ve encountered.”

“And?”

“…You also have a splendid appearance, and judging by your friendship with Lady Elina, you seem to be a perfect individual with good character as well.”

Have I ever complimented someone this much in my life? Still, I didn’t feel uncomfortable. It wasn’t exactly a lie, and I wanted to send Kasia Spear back to her family as soon as possible, even if it meant offering such flattery.

However.

Kasia Spear was much more perceptive than I had anticipated.

“For some reason, Lord Selden Alphonse’s compliments don’t reach my heart.”

“…Pardon?”

“I hate to say it myself, but I’ve received many compliments since childhood, so I can tell.”

“I was genuinely complimenting you.”

“Maybe. But, how should I put it… it feels like you find conversing with me bothersome?”

“That’s a misunderstanding.”

“…If it’s a misunderstanding, then I apologize. Now that we’ve had tea, would you show me around the territory again? Preferably somewhere without monsters.”

I gritted my teeth and looked at Dennis. He had gone from closing his eyes to hanging his head low.

Well.

You never know about people.

Perhaps this spirited person might be of help to me someday?

Creating enemies is foolish, after all.

“Then let’s head north.”

“Alright.”

Perhaps sensing my discomfort with Kasia Spear’s behavior, Dennis headed back to the mansion, claiming fatigue. With no choice, only Kasia Spear and I headed north.

“Lord Selden Alphonse, there’s nothing here.”

The northern area was a barren field, as construction had not yet begun. It was an undeveloped region of the land I had been granted, due to Lake Territory’s small population.

“This is where people migrating to Lake Territory will live. I’ve heard many are applying to move here, thanks to our success in stopping the monster wave.”

“But won’t separating the original residents from the newcomers create a potential conflict?”

“That’s an astute observation. We plan to properly address that issue once the houses are completed.”

“…You’re impressive.”

Just as we were having a conversation befitting nobles of a family, I sensed a sudden killing intent. Placing my hand on my sword hilt, I raised my voice.

“Lady Kasia Spear, you need to stay still from now on.”