16 16. Baru asked to use.txt (2/2)

Kyle calls out loudly, and a small, tanned but well-framed man of about fifty, a small but well-built man with fair-eyed white hair, comes out of the room wetly.

'A guest?'

Stare, blue eyes turned to Val.

'Are you Invar? My sister Rita, who is married to a cook in the Imperial City, has asked me to come to you.'

Oh, is that him?

A glint of understanding tinted Inver's eyes, which looked dour at Val's words.

'You wanted to know what's going on with your family?

'Not sending a letter means no one is anything. Tell your sister that.

Imbar says bluntly and shuts the door with a snap.

'...... I can't blame you, Mr. Inver is like that,'

Kyle, who had been watching silently beside him, said soothingly.

'You're a made man for being so young. 'Thank you,'

How do you want to stay tonight?

Do you have any idea what a stable would be like, or a house you might rent?

Kyle answers Val's question immediately.

The village chief's place is safe. I'll tell him what's going on. Then they won't say no.

Thank you again. I should probably thank you for something.

The boy gives him a sly smile as Val begins to search his pockets.

”It's fine. I wouldn't accept a thank you from a lazy old man like Val.

That one looks like it's been taken.

Val chuckled.

'Tell me about the Imperial City instead.

Yeah, that's fine.

He does Kyle's boyish request.