episode_0033

Why did I forget it?

Speaking of hot springs, of course there are these guys.

He was probably too excited about going on a date with Luna.

My head was pounding at the consequences of my lax judgment.

“Boss?”

“Boss?!”

“Boss!!”

The bald one who spotted me first, followed by the two idiots and the soon-to-be idiot one, shouted out variations on the boss.

This side is desperate to destroy the image of being a bastard, but they can’t help but rather hinder.

If I had known it would be like this, I would have just called him ‘boy’ instead of ‘boss’.

The guys who ran in front of me stood side by side at an angle.

What about their expressions? They are so solemn that it makes you think they are going to war rather than selling hot springs.

I understand why they act like this. Since he was with Luna, he probably wanted to show her something.

I agree that a superior who is respected by subordinates is cool.

There was a time when I thought I wanted to become a dignified person who would be polite just by showing up.

However, it is worse than not doing anything at all. This is even more counterproductive as the title that calls me is ‘boss.’

‘Luna… .’

I turned my head to avoid their serious gaze.

Luna just stood next to me as if nothing was wrong, as usual.

However, that was actually why I was worried. Because I couldn’t read what kind of emotion was underlying the expressionless expression.

It made me dizzy to think that she might be disappointed.

By the way, why is Gaius acting like them? Should I say that I was hit in the foot by an ax I trusted?

I had a hint of it last time, but I sighed at the fact that it was really a fool who moved it.

“That… You two get along very well! Although there may be difficulties in conversation… .”

Galen opened his mouth as if trying to somehow make up for the ruined atmosphere.

However, it actually became poisonous. No matter how true it may be, it was something that should not be said.

The air becomes heavy, and a cold silence comes.

Galen’s face turned pale as he realized his mistake.

“Ah, that’s it! I made a mistake for a moment… .”

He belatedly tried to make an excuse, but Gaius’ fist flew in before he could finish his words.

It was a fairly useful fist, considering that he had devoted his entire life to making magic tools.

“Queu-!”

The fist landed squarely in the face, and Galen fell to the floor.

It wasn’t that surprising to me. Because it was something I used to see in my days when I was a fool.

However, it seemed to be a bit provocative for Luna, so she pulled the hem of my clothes and hid herself behind.

At her actions, it seemed as if my extremely uncomfortable feelings just before were melting away.

“Confucius, I’m sorry.”

Gaius adjusted his attire and bowed his head.

Should I say that I am very perceptive?

From hitting the player before I punished him to changing his name to Confucius, it was absolutely perfect.

On the contrary, it gives me goosebumps a little.

“Okay, the atmosphere is getting bad for no reason, so let’s stop.”

“Yes, I understand.”

There were some incidents, but for now, they are my followers.

Since we might run into each other often in the future, it would be a good idea to introduce ourselves.

Maybe it could be helpful to Luna in an emergency.

I held Luna’s hand, which was still holding the hem of her dress.

Then he turned around to face her and smiled.

I hope this gives you some peace of mind.

“Luna, these are my followers. I would like to apologize on your behalf for being rude earlier.”

When I tried to lower my head, Luna shook her head left and right.

Am I saying it’s okay to save face, or am I just so used to saying things like that that it doesn’t hurt me?

Looking at Luna’s actions up to now, I felt my heart sink as she put a lot of emphasis on the latter.

“Then would you like to say hello for a moment? If it’s uncomfortable, there’s no need to bother.”

Luna took out a pen from her arms. It probably means it’s okay to say hello.

So, I called them over and had them say hello to Luna.

Vine and Garan, Richard.

The three who had followed me since I was a bastard greeted me first, and Luna politely accepted them.

And Garen’s previous rudeness was also overlooked.

Next, it was Gaius’ turn to say hello for the last time.

He approached Luna and bowed his head politely.

“Prince Albert’s faithful confidant Gaius meets Princess Luna.”

When did you prepare to say these words? It’s funny, yet so embarrassing that it makes you want to hide somewhere.

Luna, who accepted his greeting with a slight bow of her head, moved her pen.

A blue line is embroidered in the air.

[Nice to meet you.]

“It is an honor to meet you. But, as expected, my prediction was correct.”

[What kind of prediction are you talking about?]

“The pen you are using. Since Prince Albert put so much effort into it, I dared to guess that he might want to give it to the princess as a gift. It was just right.”

[This is Confucius… ?]

“Yes, you have trouble sleeping every night… .”

I hastily covered Gaius’ mouth.

What on earth is this guy trying to say?

I hid it because I thought Luna would feel burdened, but wouldn’t this make it all useless?

However, the water had already spilled and it was too late to clean it up.

Luna, who was staring at the pen, turned her head and made eye contact with me.

“Well, that’s… .”

[Really? It was created through Confucius’ efforts.]

“Yes… .”

Her dull expression seemed more unsettling than ever.

It is said that reading the thoughts of the person you are talking to is a basic skill that a noble should have, but it was impossible with that expression on his face.

So, she continued to talk without confidence, but Luna simply bowed her head and expressed her gratitude.

[I will treasure it.]

“No. I made it with the hope of using it, not just to keep it. So, if you use it comfortably, I will be satisfied.”

[If so, I will use it as Confucius wishes.]

“Yes, that’s fine.”

I glared at Gaius, feeling shocked that the conversation had ended smoothly.

However, isn’t he giving me a light greeting with a subtle smile? As if he had expected this whole situation.

The more you know about him, the more you can’t understand him.

Anyway, I’ve finished greeting everyone. Now it was time to continue with the original plan.

“Then, shall we go?”

We started looking around a place where hot spring development was in full swing.

As the original plan was to conduct an inspection, the person in charge, Count Arus, was informed of the progress and gave some simple advice.

To give an overall opinion, yes. Overall, I could say it was excellent.

Normally, when working hard, the mood can easily become clouded, but no matter where I looked, I didn’t get that feeling.

However, the progress was not slow, so it was perfect.

“Thanks to the Count’s efforts, I think we will see good results.”

“Thank you for your kind words, it is truly an honor. But all I did was follow what you told me. The advice Confucius gave me was really helpful.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

It was truly a great fortune for the family to have such a great vassal.

If it weren’t for him, the family would have definitely fallen long ago.

I hope you live long and healthy and remain as a vassal of our family.

Until Luna and I, as well as our children, grow up.

I think it was a bit of a long time, but we couldn’t easily let go of good talent.

Count Arus, who was talking to me like that, turned his gaze to Luna.

“I wonder how the princess was feeling. Could you please give me your opinion?”

[I’m offended, but since I don’t know anything about this, I don’t think I can give you a satisfactory answer.]

“It’s okay. How many people in the empire know anything about hot springs? Prince Albert is something special. Also, people who visit hot springs are definitely no different from the princess. That’s why I’d like to hear your opinions even more.”

[then… .]

Afterwards, there was a constructive conversation between Count Arus, me, and Luna.

I probably said I didn’t know anything about hot springs, but Luna accurately pointed out the parts I had missed.

I must say that the sight is truly amazing. It reminded me of old times and I looked at it with a nostalgic gaze.

The conversation was almost coming to an end.

“Do you have any plans for later?”

“Nothing is set in stone.”

“If you say so, why not enjoy it for a while?”

What are you enjoying?

As I tilted my head with that thought in mind, Count Arus continued speaking with a smile of remorse.

“We have provided a space where you can lightly soak your feet. The princess seems to really like the hot springs, so it might not be a bad thing.”

Soak your feet… ?

Looking at Luna’s bare feet… ?

Just thinking about it made me dizzy.