285 Annes story (1/2)

Knocked on the door. My family has never visited my room at this hour before.

It is possible that they came for the first time today, but it is unlikely.

In other words, it was someone other than my family who came to my room. Then, there is only one answer.

Wait a minute.

I said, quickly changing my nightgown and unbolting it with a knife behind my waist, just in case. I don't do it from the front, but gently from the side of the door.

At any rate, the door was not opened with a bang from the other side, so I opened it myself and found Anne standing there, as I had expected.

Her large body was standing in the dark. A magic lantern, which she had left on in the living room in case she needed to use the bathroom at night, was illuminating her body from behind, so I couldn't see her face clearly due to the backlighting.

”What's wrong?

I whispered so as not to wake the rest of the family. The answer came back in a whisper.

”I just wanted to talk to you. ......

If it was a family member, I would have let them in, but I'm not comfortable letting guests in my room. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm not sure what to do. ...... It's extremely annoying to be suspected of all sorts of things after the fact.

I'll see you over there.

I urged him toward the living room. I didn't feel like killing her, but I remembered to let her go first. In the end, nothing happened. I sat Anne down on a chair at the dining table, and I lit a fire in the fireplace.

In this kind of situation, it's nice to have a magic fireplace that can be turned on quickly. I fill a small pot with water and encourage her to talk while waiting for the water to boil.

”So, what's the story?

Anne hesitated, looking at me and looking away, but then she opened her mouth.

”Would you like to come to the ...... empire?

The only sound was the quiet sound of the water beginning to boil.

I can't do that.

I replied quietly. It's not because I'm a kingdom person or anything. Without the magic of this forest, my life as a blacksmith would not be possible. I might be able to cover it to some extent, but without the magic I can't produce custom-made models.

In response to my reply, Anne sighs.

”Well, I knew you would.

Once again, silence reigned in the room, and the boiling water made a koppo-koppo sound. I turn off the stove, pour hot water into two cups, and add a little hot sake.

Here you go.

Thank you.

I sit down on a chair at the table. I sipped the very thin cup of hot water. Anne did the same, and there was such silence that I thought I could hear her swallow.