201 03 Huuta was a khys and a! (1/2)

You're here, Futa. --So.

Futa returned to Lilac from Richter's place.

She greeted him with a lingering smile, then sharpened her gaze slightly and muttered.

”Shall we go? To His Majesty the King.

She slowly tucked her chin.

With the lights of the ore lamp glittering in the world, there was no one to interrupt their progress.

That's right. Because the first princess of this country is heading straight for the far end.

If you're so socially inept that you don't know what you're doing, you're not invited here.

--An audience with the king.

Lilac's main purpose for bringing Futa here today.

Futa didn't say why. Just that the king himself wants to see Futa.

I have no idea what he's talking about.

Futa is used to having no idea what's going on.

Keep your head up and be proud.

What do I have to do to be polite?

As I taught you before. It's all right to be informal.

This isn't the throne room, and it's not the time for morning meetings.

When you're in the middle of a party in the hall, you're not expected to be so polite.

I pushed forward.

Only at the far end of the standing-room-only room was there an opulent chair, and the master was already there.

He had a loose beard as silver as his lilac hair.

The beard made him look a little older than he was, but apparently he was younger than I thought. No older than fifty, I guessed.

But that was only an analysis of his wrinkles and lines, his eyes were a little tired and downcast, and so was the corner of his mouth.

Father.

”Oh, Lilac. You're here.

Yes, sir. So...

After a beautiful bow, she turned and extended her hand to indicate Futa behind her.

”This is my guest, Futa.

”...... I see. My guest.

Yes.

He smiled at her, and she bowed to him.

The king nodded his head and smiled.

”This is Futa.

”Oh, .......

He was smiling.

But for some reason, it made him feel sad.

If the king had any dignity, it was in his luxurious chair and glittering gown.

But his expression, his mood, his voice. But his expression, his mood, his voice... all of them seemed weak.

--One day, when he was making a speech before the execution of the witch, he would have been a little more vigorous.

I heard that you used to be a bouncer for the Orba Trading Company.

”...... Yes. I came to King's Landing with a caravan of merchants.

”I see. ...... I see.

That's how it was supposed to be.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

”Oh, I'm sorry. Once again, I am the king of this land. I am Gilbert M. Fangini.

King Gilbert.

At the name, Huta curtsied once more, then glanced at Lilac.

Next to her, who gave him a slight look that said, ”No problem,” Huta waited silently for the king's words.

I've heard a lot about you from Lilac. You're not giving her any trouble, are you?

”Yes. Mr. Lilac has been a great help to me.

I see. That's good to know.

A loose smile.

Futa rolls his eyes slightly.

That was unexpected.

The man in front of him didn't seem like a king who cared about people, at least from what he'd heard.

Like the way he'd hunted down Lilac.

Or the way he abandoned Beatrix with his wife.

Or that he approved of Corona's public execution.

And yet, somehow.

And yet, he seems to be thinking of the one he just met, the one who ruined his intended friendship with the Tribunal as a bouncer for the Orba Chamber of Commerce.

”I heard the fighting competition was great. I'd like to see it myself next time.

I'd be honored.

He nodded his head in agreement with King Gilbert.

He held up one of his knobby fingers and looked at Lilac as if he were trying to see her face, then smiled loosely and opened his mouth.

”Oh, yes. Let's talk sometime. I've never seen my daughter so involved with anyone.

”Oh, Father!

Lilac's cheeks flushed, and Gilbert smiled at her with the same expression of a father teasing his daughter.

--Huta thought for a moment and nodded in affirmation.

At least the man in front of him is in a better position than Lilac.

So it would be strange to ask Lilac's permission.

And it's not like Lilac didn't see this coming.

Then it's all in the plan.

”Please contact me at any time.

”Oh, I see. ...... Do you drink?

I have a taste.

Mm-hmm. ...... So I'll see you soon.

Yes.

I didn't expect the king to invite me for a drink, but...

Now, should I consider poisoning him or something - I guess I'll have to ask Lilac about that later.

”Um, father. I'll be at .......

Could you please refrain from doing that?　I'm just a father who wants to hear his daughter's story from a young man her age.

”...... already.

You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

So, enjoy the party as much as you can.

The conversation here is over.

There was no reason for her to argue with that meaningful statement.

Huta nodded her head and was about to leave with Lilac when...

”Your Majesty?

The sound of footsteps echoing.

It sounded like metal scraping against metal, which was unsuitable for this place, and it seemed to be getting closer.

Before he could turn around, Futa looked at Lilac.

The fact that she didn't seem to be harboring any particular feelings indicated that there was no problem.

It was also unnatural for her to walk away so quickly.

If you're looking for the best way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time with your family and friends, then you're in the right place.

”Oh, Viciedo?

”Yes. ”Yes. This is for your highness--oh, Mister Futa.

Lilac responded with a formal bow.

Huta did the same, and then he realized that Lilac was not in the company.

He noticed that Lilac was unusually emotionless, not even smiling in a social manner.

”You know me?

”Yeah. You know me? ...... Can you give me some time later?

Viciedo, apparently.

I'm sure you've heard of him, and I'm sure you've heard of him.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

”Yeah.

On the balcony. I'd like to have a word with His Majesty. Have you finished your conversation with His Highness?

Yeah. I'll see you later.

Strong words, as if to say nothing.

You said you were a knight, but you're a soldier, and that's what you are.

”See you later, Futa.

”Yes.

Nodding at King Gilbert's last words, Futa turned away from them.

Lilac smiled lightly at King Gilbert and nodded to each other, and they parted smilingly like father and son.

It's been a pain in the ass, hasn't it?

That's the first thing you said?