Chapter 16 (2/2)

“As for this bird, it was first pickled in horse milk wine for a night before it was roasted. Isn’t it just so soft?”

As I bite into the slightly sweet and sour drumstick, an impressive amount of meat juices squirt into my mouth. But my capacity is just a little……

“Nii-san, pressing too insistently is bad manners. Can’t you see that you’re troubling Wizard-dono?” (Lioria)

“Shut up! You keep your mouth shut! I’m having an important conversation here!” (Gillion)

Which part of what we were talking about was important…… But still, I guess I’m kind of like their sponsor now. I can put up with this much. But rather than that, how about I have him show me a hidden talent or two……

“?!”

In such a way, I naturally slipped into ‘salaryman mode,’ but Sedam and Claura’s cold, painful stares quickly brings me back.

“Gillion, please get around to that ‘important talk’ that you spoke of. Margils-dono appears to be a bit bored already.” (Sedam)

“Margils-dono’s time is too precious to be wasted on meaningless banter, understood?” (Claura)

“What did you two say, you mere adventurers?!” (Gillion)

“Aniki! Knock it off already!” (Lioria)

“Buh!?” (Gillion)

As Gillion got up slamming both hands on the table and grinding his teeth, Lioria’s fist smashes into his face from the side. It was no open-handed slap. The sharp sound of bone colliding with bone is testament that it was a serious straight punch.

What is up with this pair of siblings. Seeing how Sedam and Claura are not reacting in any way, does that mean that this is how things usually are?

“...... Please accept my sincerest apologies, Great Wizard Margils-dono. I beg of you to lend an ear to what my brother has to say.” (Lioria)

Lioria straightens her back, places her right hand on her chest, then lowers her head deeply. Gillion, on the other hand, is sulking with his head turned to the side, and is gulping down wine without minding his swollen cheek at all.

“...... Very well. But only if he jumps straight to it. Now.” (Gio)

I really want to scold Gillion about turning his head this way or not making his little sister apologize on his behalf, but Lioria’s earnesty overwhelms all such thoughts, causing me to nod before I know it.

Gillion, after draining his gla.s.s, finally looks at me again.

“The talk is simple. Wizard-dono, please take me in as your subordinate!” (Gillion)

“......” (Gio)

Well, there are guys like this every once in a while…… is the thought that absentmindedly floated into my head. When I steal a glance at Sedam and Claura without moving my head, I see Sedam clicking his tongue and looking away irritably, while Claura’s veins are standing out as a dangerous smile comes over her face.

“Ah, sorry. No thanks.” (Gio)

I don’t think anyone can blame me for accidentally replying in casual speech.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?! THE GREAT ME! DID YOU JUST TURN DOWN AN INVITATION FROM THE HEIR OF THE CARBANERA HOUSE?!” (Gillion)

Sweeping all of the dishes off the table with a log-like arm, Gillion roars in anger.

“...... Presently, I have no intention of taking anyone in.” (Gio)

…… If it was the me back in j.a.pan, there is no way that I would have been able to stay calm while being yelled at like this right in my face. After merely two nights, how greatly I have changed.

“But I’m a Carbanera!” (Gillion)

“Aniki!” (Lioria)

“Ouch! Ow ow ow ow!” (Gillion)

Gillion had raised a fist and was flinging it around, but Lioria grabbed that fist. She grabbed it, then she twisted it, until the pain forced Gillion to stand on tiptoes. Then she begins to easily drag him out of the room by keeping him in that position.

“Ow! Lio! You’re just my little sister and…… ow ow ow!” (Gillion)

“I’m very sorry, Wizard-dono, and Sedam, and Claura. To think that he would say something like that…… I’ll definitely make sure that he apologizes later on!” (Lioria)

The two of them leave the dining hall, with him still yelling abuse and her bobbing her head up and down in apology (all while still dragging him along).

“I knew the topic would be something stupid.” (Sedam)

So muttered Sedam as he pours first-cla.s.s wine into his gla.s.s.

“...... Are the Grand Cross and his son more decent and normal?” (Gio)

My question somehow came out sounding more like a wish.

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