episode_0041

“It’s been a while, welcome back. Kyle Byron.”

“Meeting His Excellency the Duke.”

“There is no need to be so polite. Please come in with your companions.”

Perhaps because it was a much faster carriage than the one I rode last time, I thought it would take another half a day to reach the Duchy of Everts, but I was able to get there in about half that time.

The Duke of Everts Castle, the pride of the duchy, was as majestic as the last time I visited, but nothing had changed.

Unlike last time, this time Duke Nicholas himself came to meet me.

The fact that I was recognized by the Duke after the Lacia incident probably played a part, but I felt like Abracadabra in the Magic Tower was more of a shock.

That was all we talked about as we walked together to the living room.

“The Abracadabra trend is still thriving.”

“It’s been about two weeks since I and His Highness left.”

“Olpin Magic Tower owner said that reservations would gradually decrease over time, but Abracadabra’s impact went beyond that. In the west, all of the noble families are already heading to the Geass territory.”

“Wow.”

“If the rumor spreads further, people will flock from the south, east, and center. but… … … .”

“Are you saying that Kyle Galli has faded away?”

“… … You’re quick-witted. Two weeks ago it was almost like a craze, but right before I left there were hardly anyone doing it.”

Well, it has to be that way.

Unlike Abracadabra, which was backed by realistic fantasy and raw fun, the nobles gathered in Geass used Kyle Gali not as a ‘board game’ but for ‘show-off’ purposes.

Even though each set was kept as a souvenir, the trend could not last long.

To be honest, it was a shame, but thanks to that, I went to the imperial castle, and I got a lot of harvest there.

‘What is the 3rd prince doing now?’

At least I hope it’s Catan.

Sally, Water Tiger, and Adela followed the Duke and sat on the sofa in the living room.

“Water Spirit… … … Looks like you had a good time.”

[…] … … … .]

“It’s still cold to me. Is this the same for you?”

“Yes? Tiger?”

[Rung!]

“… … … .”

Duke Nicholas looked at the water tiger with somewhat complicated eyes, and despite the fact that the water tiger did not react at all, when I stretched out my hand, the water tiger immediately raised my hand.

I thought about it again, is this a tiger? It just looks like a big cat or dog?

Anyway, the duke, who looked at that scene with faint eyes, quickly shook his head and said.

“I need to relieve my travel fatigue first, but I have a favor to ask. First, please go see your daughter.”

“Has something happened to the princess?”

“Rather than that… … .”

Sigh.

The Duke pointed out the window.

[Whirl! Whirring!!]

[Dagdaddaddak!!]

[Meow!]

[Tweet!]

Only then was I able to perceive the scenery outside the window.

In front of the spire where Lacia stays, which can be seen from the reception room.

Numerous spirits were busily moving around.

“… … … Cleaning?”

“It got more intense after you guys came.”

cleaning… … While doing.

The spire seemed to have been kept clean originally, but the spirits were busy wiping it with a rag or sweeping it with a broom on the walls of the spire or inside it.

I immediately understood the duke’s feelings.

Suddenly, the spirits are cleaning up, so I need to send them over to check right away.

Since I was planning on going to see Lacia with the water tiger anyway, I nodded right away.

“So, Sally? Adela? The two are here───”

“I’m going!”

“I’ll go.”

“… … Your Excellency, is it okay?”

“That maid, I was here last time too, and the pupil of the top owner… … Although this is my first meeting, I believe in the Archmage. I guess he wouldn’t have chosen someone with a light mouth as his disciple.”

“Thank you.”

“What am I thankful for? Anyway, if the spirits are blocking you, you won’t be able to get in.”

Well, that’s true too. In the end, it is Lacia and the spirits who allow entry into the spire.

Since I was the only one who went into the spire, would Sally and Adela be able to go with me?

I was so worried that I came out of the living room and went to the spire of Lacia, where I could see the spirits even more intent on cleaning.

“Ah, the wind. It’s been a while.”

[Dag… … Shut up?]

“You remember me, right? Kyle Galli friend.”

[all… … All at once!!!]

“Huh?”

The only spirits I could understand were the water tiger and the wind horse. To communicate with a spirit, you have to be friendly with them, and in the end, out of the many spirits in Lacia, these two were the only ones that I was close with, so it was natural.

‘Why are you here already? … go?’

For a moment, I wondered if I had misunderstood what he said, or if my friendship with Windmal had disappeared due to being away for so long.

[Whirl!]

[bruise!]

[Shut up!]

Ok.

The spirits that were busy flying, running, and cleaning the spire suddenly lined up in front of me.

With the path leading to the spire gate open, stand in a line on both sides.

The sight of all kinds of spirits standing side by side was quite spectacular… … It was more absurd than that.

“Wind horse? Why are you doing this?”

[Shut up!]

“Uh… … I understand.”

Still, when they told me to go in, I had no choice but to go in.

Maybe this too is Lacia’s own illusion(?).

First of all, I was most fortunate not to have been rejected by Lacia. It was rewarding to exchange letters.

[Urrung… … … .]

[…] … Shut up.]

A water tiger and a wind horse say hello to each other for their hard work.

Before entering the spire, I first showed the group to Windmal.

“By the way, can Sally and Adela in the back come in together? Please tell Princess Lacia that I am asking for you.”

Lacia’s distrust of humans is at a severe level. Fortunately, I was able to get closer to Kyle Galli through spirit poker, but Lacia has not seen her father, Duke Nicholas, for several years.

Looking at the welcome, I think it will be okay for me and the water tiger, but what about Sally and Adella? Even Sally couldn’t enter the spire last time.

To be honest, I thought it was unlikely that he would give permission, but I made a earnest request through wind.

[Dag… … Shut up!]

“Really!?”

[Shut up!]

Permission was granted surprisingly quickly. There’s no way he could have lied about Lacia’s business, so it’s likely that Lacia herself gave her permission.

Perhaps her mistrust of humanity had subsided a little while she was away. Or maybe I decided to meet someone new?

Anyway, it was clear that it meant something good.

‘Still, the duke will be depressed.’

Outsiders Sally and Adela are also allowed, but their father, the Duke, is replaced.

Although he had a record of trying various methods to drag Lacia out of the spire, he seemed to truly love his daughter.

Well, all we can do is wait for Lacia, who is growing like this, to open her heart to the Duke someday.

I guess I got permission too. Without delay, I entered the spire receiving welcome(?) from the spirits.

“Where did you get the petals from? … … .”

“… … Unlike you, sand flew to me.”

“Well, to me too… … .”

“Really? Isn’t that a mistake? Of course, spirits are like that, and Princess Lacia is not the type of person to throw sand at others the first time they meet.”

“… … … … .”

“… … … … … .”

The spire that I entered after a long time was so clean that the spirits had cleaned it to the point that it was shiny.

It had originally been kept clean, but now there was not a single speck of dust visible on the marble floor or furniture.

‘There’s no way they would have cleaned up just because the water tiger and I came back.’

In the first place, Lacia probably never thought I would return today.

Just looking at it, it looks like the cleaning started a while ago, but it seemed to coincide with the general cleaning period.

“The inside of the spire is clean.”

[Dag… … All at once!!]

[Whirl!]

Just by looking at it, I could see that the spirits had worked hard, so I praised them, and Windhorse and the other spirits were a little overjoyed.

I slowly climbed the spire and almost reached the top floor.

“You look familiar. You.”

“I guess it’s a place I’ve been going in and out of for quite some time. Adella, isn’t it quite a beautiful spire?”

“That is correct. but… … .”

“Just?”

“… … No, no. I am really, really looking forward to meeting the princess for the first time.”

“He may be a bit picky, but he is a good person. Don’t worry.”

“… … … … … .”

When I first played spirit poker, I was a person who used spirits to steal cards.

After we got closer, we purely enjoyed playing board games, so it’s true that he’s a good person. Because there are no bad people who like board games.

As we climbed up while chatting, we were soon able to reach the top floor.

A visit that brings back quite familiar memories.

“Tiger, do you remember? You were talking about the wind and Kyle Galli in front of me.”

[Rung.]

[Shut up!]

“Have you practiced quite a bit since then? Now that we’ve met Windmal, let’s meet Kyle Gallina later for the first time in a while.”

[Growl!]

[Shut up!]

“So, Sally? Adela? Let’s get into it now. You may be a little reluctant, but please don’t be too offended.”

After making a plan to play a fun board game, I grab the doorknob.

Looking forward to seeing Lacia after a long time.

Squeak.

I opened the door.

“… … Welcome, Kyle.”

“… … … Princess?”

“Why? Can’t you recognize me?”

Yeah, I don’t recognize you.

Lacia, who greeted us sitting on the bed, was wearing makeup and different clothes than before.

… … The real problem was the messy makeup and terrible fashion sense.

oh my god. What is the combination of a yellow dress, black coat, and green belt? What are those wing-shaped decorations on the back?

Of course, I had no choice but to freeze for a moment. Although it was only for a moment, I felt reluctant to get close to Lacia.

And when it comes to Sally and Adela.

“… … Phew.”

“Hehe, hehe… … Kick!”

They were laughing or just laughing out loud.

At that moment, Lacia was taken aback by the reaction that was different from what she expected.

“Sally… … Adela and I will be out for a bit. Would you please help Princess Lacia?”

“Puhup. Oh, I understand!”

“Wait, Kyle? What is that.”

“Princess. just… … … Leave it to Sally.”

Now that I think about it, Lacia said she spent a long time alone with the spirit in this spire.

Meanwhile, there is no way I know how to apply makeup or wear clothes properly. There is no way the spirits would be knowledgeable in that regard.

Still, we couldn’t meet again looking like that.

I quietly turned my head and walked out of the room.

… … While desperately suppressing laughter.

*

So 10 minutes later.

We met again with Lacia, who had regained her human appearance thanks to Sally’s touch.

“It’s been a while, princess.”

“Keu, keuhm. Welcome, Kyle.”

Are you trying to treat what happened earlier as something that never happened? I sat down in front of Lacia, who managed to keep her composure even though her face was a little red.

The only problem was that there were only two chairs in the room, so Sally and Adela had to stand.

“Are there any chairs left in the spire?”

“Sorry, but these are the only two chairs. The two uninvited guests in the back… … Unfortunately, I have to stand and wait.”

“According to that man, I must have also come in with the princess’s permission.”

“Then what should I do? You can’t refuse when Kyle asks you so earnestly. You are, after all, uninvited guests. By the way, is there sand on your clothes? Dress well.”

“… … … … .”

Is that what you’re going to say── Adela was looking at Lacia with an expression.

They looked at each other rather harshly and opened their mouths.

“Anyway, this is my first time meeting you, Princess Lacia. This is Adella, a high-ranking mage of the Arche Mage Tower and a disciple of Lord Olphin Tower.”

“Lacia Everts.”

“I imagined it after hearing what that man said, but he looks different from what I expected.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I heard you are the owner of that water spirit… … … I thought you were a more affable person. The tiger spirit stayed with that man all day.”

“… … … … .”

“It’s my first time meeting you, so I’m very happy to meet you. When I see your face for the first time, I realize many things.”

uh… … This isn’t a good relationship, right?

I also tend to be perceptive. Now I know that Adella is not friendly to Lacia.

‘But Lacia was the one who said something first.’

I have a feeling that if I get involved too quickly, I might not be able to get my money back.

So while Lacia and Adela were glaring at each other, they just played with the hem of Sally’s maid uniform. It’s something I often do when I’m bored.

“Do, Master. Boo, I’m embarrassed.”

“Sorry, it’s just a habit now.”

When I first saw a maid when I was young, I was so amazed by the memories of my past life that it became a habit to roll or fold the hem of the maid’s clothes.

In particular, Sally came closer and gently handed me the hem of her maid uniform.

The only board game I can play is Kill the King, a chess knock-off, so I often play it when I’m bored, and now it’s something I do without thinking… … only.

“… … … … .”

“… … … … … .”

“Princess? Adela… … ?”

Before I knew it, Lacia and Adela were looking in my direction, as if they had heard Sally say she was embarrassed.

But why did I say that I was embarrassed now, even though it was a habit I always used to do? Is it because it’s in front of other people?

When the hem of Sally’s dress was placed in the eyes of the two, Lacia immediately opened her mouth.

“Kyle, why do you call me princess?”

“Yes?”

“We decided to talk last time. Don’t you remember?”

“At that time, I was afraid of the consequences, so I remember that he decided to let the princess go.”

“… … … You remembered it.”

“I remember every conversation I had with the princess.”

“Yes… … .”

I remember most of what I say when I play board games. It was because of my habit of remembering what the other person said when playing guessing or psychological board games.

By the way, Sally and Adela’s first impression of Lacia when they first meet is somewhat distorted, and now Adela does not like Lacia.

There is only one way for these three to become friends.

“Princess, would you like to play a game of spirit poker after a long time?”

“Uh, ah? Oh, of course! Just like last time, just the two of us───”

“Spirit Poker is the most fun game to play with four people! Unlike when two people play together, various strategies and rules have been added, so you can enjoy a much more thrilling psychological battle!”

“… … … … .”

“Sally, Adela. Isn’t this your first time playing spirit poker? Let me explain, so um, just sit on the floor! First of all, spirit poker is played with these 8 types of cards… … !”

“… … … … … .”

“… … … .”