Episode 48.13 (1/2)

A strong sense of rejection welled up from within Lecan.

He'd rather not go to the capital where Yacklubend is.

(Cool it.)

(Gotta calm myself.)

Lecan sipped the strong liquor and slowly washed it down his throat.

He yielded himself to the throat burning sensation.

Then he sighed out loud.

(Eda is practically their hostage now.)

(Abandoning her is never an option.)

(Yet taking her back by force from the capital should prove difficult.)

(Even if I could, we would lose our place in this country.)

(And Norma and Manfrey would be condemned.)

(I got to steel myself here.)

(Alright.)

(Come what may, to the capital I go.)

(That said, I'd better think up ways to reduce the risk.)

Lecan raised his face after a while.

Every single person in the room looked at Lecan, waiting for his reply.

”Okay. I'll go.”

The room's atmosphere instantly softened.

Knight Rigan wiped his sweat. He wouldn't be able to look at his master in the face had Lecan refused here.

”Norma. Make our stay at the capital as short as possible.”

”Yup. I understand. Lecan will be staying at Wazrof Mansion, he will only get into the palace in the day of the royal audience, after that he's to leave the capital right away, I'll make the arrangement for all that.”

”Do so. Also, can you make my coming to the royal palace confidential?”

”Lecan. That's a tall order. Or rather, it's impossible. We have no way to control how much the royal palace side intends to publicize this event. We have no idea how vast the information network Lord Tomato has under them either. On the contrary, we should go at it openly.”

”Hm?”

”I think you should be treated as a member of Wazrof surrounded by Wazrof guards as you go into the palace and as you go back to Mashajain. I'm sure not even lord Tomato can meddle in if we do that. Just make it so Lecan, me and Eda always be around our guards. Then we brazenly make our way to the audience chamber.”

”Brazenly huh. I see. If you think that's for the best, Norma.”

”Lecan-dono. I will be heading back to Mashajain to deliver this news to my master as well as prepare for Lecan-dono's coming.”

”You do that.”

”Norma-sama. Is there anything you would like to entrust me with.”

”Please tell Manfrey-sama to prepare guards who have as high standings as possible.”

”Acknowledged. If you would excuse me.”

Knight Rigan stood up, bowed and left the room.

(He's departing this late at night?)

Lecan enjoyed his meal afterward.

He went back to the annex near the pond once it was late. Along with Norma.

Jericho was there as he opened the door.

”Hey, Jericho. I'm back.”

”Uhohou.”

”Got a gift for you.”

”Hoo!”

”Here. Take it.”

Lecan produced a red round fruit and handed it over to Jericho. It's a rare fruit he found out from his consultation with Manfrey. He could only get one since it was sudden.

”What do you think. This is a fruit called Morgon from the south, said Longarm Apes would cry with tears of joy for one of these. That one's a bit small but should be enough for you... Ah.”

Lecan noticed Yurika standing behind Jericho. He completely forgot about her.

”Uhou.”

Yurika greeted him quietly.

”Y-yea. I'm back.”