Episode 25.4 (1/2)
”Hey there, Lecan. Thanks for coming.”
”Yea.”
Surprisingly, Vouka town lord Crimus Ulban didn't show any sign of anger or contempt toward Lecan.
You could even say that he looks to be in a very good mood if you see past his originally stern face. Though even that good mood face couldn't hide his visible fatigue.
”I've thought long and hard about what you told me the other day. I've come to the conclusion that I have to talk to Shira-sama directly and beg her to live at the guest house during guide Skalabel's stay.”
”Hou.”
Lecan was surprised.
The way he said it implies the town lord himself plans to visit Shira's house. He must be awfully busy, and a town lord going out of his way to visit a commoner's dilapidated house situated at a lower class district must require quite a courageous resolve.
”I will not be sure if she would agree to my plea until then, but we have to advance the preparations under the assumption of Shira-sama giving her approval regardless.”
”No surprise there.”
”That's where you come in.”
”What about me.”
”I'd like you to also stay at this mansion during Shira-sama's stay at the guest house and act as her bodyguard as well as chaperon.”
”What?”
”Ordinarily, we would like you to stay at the guest house as well, but even the first class priest coming from the royal capital won't be able to stay there.”
Only Guide Skalabel, Shira and their personal attendants can stay at the small hastily made guest house. It also partly serves as safety measures.
”Is there a need for me to stay here?
”Shira-sama might need someone to do something for her at midnight or early in the morning. On daytime too naturally. Maybe she would want to fetch something from this mansion, or maybe she would need an assistant during a talk between apothecaries, we have to take such possibilities into account. The only persons who could act as both Shira-sama's helper and bodyguard are Nike and you.”
”Sounds about right.”
As Shira won't be working as an apothecary, she won't be needing a helper this time around.
And that fearsome granny needs not guards. In fact, the bodyguard could be the one in danger instead if they stick some random oddball to her. But Lecan can't exactly tell that to the town lord.
”But I have no clue where Nike is.”
”Well, yes that's understandable.”
Lecan actually knows, but since it's impossible for Shira and Nike to be present at the same time in the same spot, Nike can't be her chaperon.
”That is why we need you to. Will you accept it?”
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”I got it.”
”Oohh. That's a great help.”
To be honest, it's a bother to Lecan.
Staying at the townlord's mansion means having to deal with the bothersome guide Skalabel, as well as a tiresome group of people from the royal capital.
That said, he planned to visit Shira once a day anyway, so this only made it into a stay instead.
Above all, he said some terrible things to Crimus. And yet, Crimus acted like he had accepted the fault lay on his side. Frankly, Lecan felt like it was his loss here.
It's not like it's an impossible request anyway. No choice but to accept it, thought Lecan. But it's a bit embarrassing to just give the OK so readily, thus he opted to say something slightly boneheaded.
”You're not gonna tell me I can't drink booze at night, are you?”
The town lord grinned.
”Ooh. We'll have the best liquor available. Drink as much as you want so long as it doesn't hinder your duty. I shall leave that to your own discretion. We will have snacks prepared as well.”
Lecan involuntarily grinned as well.
Crimus laughed at that.
This is completely Crimus's triumph.
Lecan lost, but it didn't feel bad.
His murky feelings have been blown away.
If this is the so-called town lord's magnanimosity, then Crimus is quite a capable town lord indeed.