c46 (2/2)

「I don't particularly hate it. It's just, hearing that from you is entirely unpleasant.」 (Izayoi)

Turning around, I provoked him. Grey turned to me with a sharp glance, and opened his mouth.

「You are a benefactor. There's no reason for you to act that way toward the king though.」 (Grey)

「That may be so, I know. But it can't be helped can it? I had to say it because he looked so confused that it's unbelievable he's the king.」 (Izayoi)

「I will say it again. Anything further will be an insult to the king.」 (Grey)

「Th, that's right Izayoi. Saying that to Zenesys-sama is no good.」 (Tsuyuha)

「No good, you say. I only said what I thought. Isn't he the one at fault though? Even if he gave thanks, there's that way of speaking. Isn't he full of himself since he's the strongest one in the world? Were those really words of thanks? Try putting your head to the ground and say it again.」 (Izayoi)

At that moment, I felt murderous intent.

Looking sideways, Grey had his spear pointed at me.

「This is the final warning. Apologize for insulting the king this instant.」 (Grey)

「Why must I apologize? That you would turn your blade on someone with just this much, is the subordinate as incompetent as the king? That doesn't even make me want to laugh.」 (Izayoi)

「Cease!」 (Grey)

「W, wait a moment! That's dangerous! Stop pointing your weapon at Izayoi, we can solve this without violence, Grey! Let's talk it out!」 (Tsuyuha)

「Do you know what you're saying? Then why did you beat up my knights?」 (Grey)

「Th, that, that was, it couldn't be helped! They attacked me first! They didn't listen to me!」 (Tsuyuha)

Tsuyuha put herself between me and the tip of Grey's spear. She stood with arms spread wide, as if protecting me from Grey.

「That's right. If you speak, they will understand. Well, they might not understand if you try because you're so incompetent.」 (Izayoi)

Tsuyuha suddenly looked over her shoulder, and Grey shuddered with anger.

「Izayoi is the wrong one here! Don't say unnecessary things.」 (Tsuyuha)

Though she gave me a terribly angry warning, something like that doesn't scare me.

「Tsuyuha. Could you get out of the way? He is a guest no longer.」 (Grey)

「I said to put down your weapon! I'm going to have to pull out my sword at this rate!」 (Tsuyuha)

「So it's back to settling everything by power after all. You said it before, but you still can't beat me. You would still fight me? The king is before you. Traitors are not given mercy.」 (Grey)

「I'm not a terrorist or a traitor! Aren't Grey and the knights the same!?」 (Tsuyuha)

「—Desist.」 (Zenesys)

Zenesys, previously silent, opened his mouth.

At that, the two of them quieted down.

「Grey. Lower your weapon.」 (Zenesys)

But,」 (Grey)

「Lower it.」 (Zenesys)

「...Yes.」 (Grey)

With a complicated expression, Grey stopped pointing his spear tip at us.

That's a good expression. I want it to make it worse, but Tsuyuha warned me not to say anything.

It can't be helped, since Tsuyuha is looking at me with a serious expression.

「.....」 (Grey)

Grey ground his teeth in mortification.

「...Izayoi.」 (Zenesys)

「What?」 (Izayoi)

「Somehow, I have displeased you.」 (Zenesys)

「Yeah, that's right. I don't like anything about you.」 (Izayoi)

「Is that so. Then I cannot bear to displease you further. Return.」 (Zenesys)

「I don't want to be here forever, so let's accept the king's offer and leave.」 (Izayoi)

Though it became a bit noisy, it seems to have gone well. Now then, shall we return?

「...I am thankful for the king's generosity.」 (Tsuyuha)

「Hmph, that's the least the king could do, you—」 (Grey)

「Alright! We're going already!」 (Tsuyuha)

「Wait you, I, I haven't said—」 (Grey)

「Whatever, we're going already!」 (Tsuyuha)

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