Chapter 58 (1/2)
Jiiteias Castle, about 6 days after Gio and the rest had left on that domain inspection tour.
This happened several hours before Sasara reached Gio’s group in the forest.
Claura Andel was enjoying a cup of tea in her own room in the castle. The eldest of the 4 dark elf sisters, Aruga, was reverently waiting on her.
“...... But still, to restore that amount of collapse in that short period of time. It truly ill.u.s.trates how frightening the dwarves’ abilities are……”
It was yesterday that the 20 members of the Daroun clan had completed the task of restoring the mountain road that had been destroyed by a [Meteor].
Acting as the proxy of the castle lord, Gio, Claura had already cleared all the paperwork with Valbo and paid all costs in full.
However, letting them go back just like that would reflect badly on the castle’s reputation, so she also hosted a banquet for them at night.
It was quite a challenge entertaining 20 dwarves with enormous appet.i.tes for both wine and food, but she somehow managed to overcome it with the help of Mora and all the servants and dark elf sisters. Claura herself also successfully carried out her role as a hostess without any problems.
“Indeed. But Okugata-sama, I was more surprised at their voracious appet.i.tes.”
As usual, the dark elves are still calling Claura ‘Okugata-sama.’ Though Gio had given up and Claura never did proactively reject the t.i.tle, it is clear for all to see that she and Gio are not in a marriage, both in the legal sense as well as the emotional sense. The dark elves are aware of this. However, they simply could not think of any other t.i.tle more appropriate to express their reverence for this woman who can confidently speak on the same level with, and also represent, their lord Oluri, he whose very existence they can do nothing but bow down to.
“Okugata-sama!”
A voice that approached a shriek heralded the end of this refined moment.
The youngest of the dark elves, Sasara, flew into the room.
“What is it that has happened?”
“I was on watch! Then I saw a large group of armed people coming our way!”
“ “......?!” ”
Gio’s authority over this castle and its surrounding land was acknowledged by both of the 2 representative forces in the area, the Carbanera Knight Order and the city of Lelis. The fact that an unknown group the scale of a troop is approaching such a castle without any prior communication is clearly unnatural. They could very well be coming here to a.s.sault the castle.
The elegant smile of a n.o.ble disappeared from Claura’s face, immediately replaced with the cool-headed eyes of a magician.
“Give me more details.”
“N-, they number around 30, and were carrying a flag with a bird that I’d never seen before as a crest. Also, they will reach us in about 30 minutes!”
The most childish of the 4 sisters is Sasara. However, she is a dark elf, and thus is capable of delivering a succinct report that covers only the most important facts.
Claura mentally confirmed all the forces present in the castle.
Mora. Sam and Anna. Zek the carpenter. The four dark elf sisters. The three former magic soldier trainee young boys and girl.
“...... Aruga, call everyone to gather in the central courtyard. Sasara, take Ras.h.i.+l and continue keeping an eye on them…… you’ve done well, but I’m entrusting you with this also, alright?”
“ “Understood, Okugata-sama!” ”
♥♦♣♠
“We still do not know who they are. There is still a possibility that they are a friendly force. However, in antic.i.p.ation of the worst case, Mora, take the dwarves and everyone else and standby inside the main tower.”
Claura rapidly gave out instructions to everyone who was gathered in the central courtyard.
“I will personally speak with them to confirm their intention. Gilma, stay with me as protection.”
“Roger.”
The dark elf sisters reverently accepted those instructions, but there were some present who were dissatisfied.
“I, I’m sure I can help in some way!” (Mora)
“We can also fight!” (Log)
“We’d be more than happy to a.s.sist you!” (Valbo)
Mora, the former magic soldier trainee Log, and the dwarf Valbo all spoke up. However, Claura shook her head.
“The other side is a group of 30 fully armored soldiers. But with that said, it doesn’t look like they have any siege weapons, so they can’t easily infiltrate either. First of all, I will negotiate with them. After that, if we really have to fight…… I will need to borrow everyone’s strength.”
“...... U-, understood.”
“To think that the road we’d restored would bring such calamity……”
The young man and dwarf nod, then began moving towards the hall in the tower.
Claura then turned towards the defense tower above the main gate, with Gilma following behind. But at that moment……
“...... Claura-san.”
“Y-, yes?”
Her hand was strongly grabbed from behind. It was Mora.
She knew that the female magician’s hand was shaking. As if hoping to quell that shaking, she clasps Claura’s hands with both of her own and brings it to her own chest.
“It, it’s going to be fine! There was surely just some misunderstanding…… And even if they are bad people…… Gio-san is surely going to return very soon!”
“...... You’re right, of course.”
So said Claura gently while placing her free hand on top of Mora’s head.