Chapter 54 (1/2)
Volume 1
Atelier Tanaka Chapter 25 Part 1
Conflict 3
I walked steadily from the forward base and arrived back at Tricklis after two days.
It was now the next day and some of the returning soldiers were instructed to report to the castle.
It’s the castle of the Lord of Tricklis located in the centre of the city.
After returning to the city, I spent the night at the inn the Guild provided for all of the adventurers. In the morning, an official sent from the castle came to get a few of us. Now that I think about it, we were kind of forced into a carriage and we weren’t really allowed to decline. The other people that are here besides me are Gonzalez and the Dark Elf.
We were told, once we entered the carriage, that we were to receive a reward for our efforts in the previous battle.
It’s actually quite a relief to hear that. After being somewhat forced into the carriage, I was fully expecting to be sent to the frontlines once more. I can tell just by the atmosphere in the carriage that the other two are just as relieved as me to hear that.
It kind of feels like we’re on our way to receive diplomas at graduation.
After riding along on the bumpy road for a short time we arrived at the castle.
The official guided us into the castle. We turned left after entering, before turning right and walking west for a while. Eventually, we arrived at our destination. A pair of grand double doors.
I can assume the person that summoned us here is waiting behind these doors.
“.”
This isn’t good. The Lord here should be Ester-chan.
Just, so much has happened in such a short amount of time that I had completely forgotten. I’m not sure I can even force myself through the door. I could feel my body tense up from the uneasiness I’m feeling.
Gonzalez spoke up as if he noticed the change in me.
“What’s wrong?”
“N-No, it’s.”
“It’s okay if you’re feeling nervous.”
“That’s, umm, how do I say it.”
How can I save face here?
But, I’m not even going to have time to think of anything.
The double doors opened slowly revealing the large empty hall before us. It’s a little narrower than the great hall in Kalis’ castle. However, the ceiling was just as high and the space was still impressive.
A lush, red carpet was spread out down the entire hall. It ended at the foot of a slightly raised platform where a splendid throne sat decorated with metal around the edges. In addition to this, there were many nobles, all wearing exquisite clothing, lined up on either side of the red carpet.
“.”
I scanned the room but didn’t see any sign of the blonde loli.
She doesn’t seem to be here.
“Enter.”
The official beside us spoke.
We slowly advanced, step by step, before arriving a few metres in front of the throne. Dueto the raised platform the throne is on, it gives the impression that whoever would be sitting there would be looming over us.
It’s similar to how the throne was set up in Kalis, so I’m not feeling too nervous about it. The person we’re meeting must be a high-ranking official in Ester-chan’s territory.
It’s like I’ve gone over to a friend’s place to play and I’m about to meet their mother.
It’s kind of scary when you go over on the weekend and the father’s gone to work.
“Thank you for coming, brave warriors.”
The throne remained vacant.
Instead, an ossan next to us spoke up.
This person must be in a similar position to Prime Minister. He’s slightly older than me. He’s balding terribly and is trying to cover it up with a horrendous comb-over. He has dark black hair but his eyes are light green. He looks either American or European.
This man’s belly is also inflated beyond belief. The fat from his face is starting to hang down and form jowls. This really gives him an evil and intense face.
“.”
This guy is working as the secretary of Ester-chan. It makes me imagine all of the erotic things he could do to her. I feel happy and also frustrated imagining that. It’s a very complicated feeling.
Ester-chan getting creampied repeatedly during her pregnancy training.
Then, that cute tsundere girl cherishing her child. I hate it and love it.
It’s so frustrating.
What can I do about this empty feeling?
This is the origin of all of the dark thoughts virgins feel. It’s a complicated feeling.
“Even though the forces of the Pussy Republic outnumbered our own soldiers ten-to-one, due to the valiant efforts of these three, we managed to completely crush the enemy and reestablish control over the area. The Viscount of the FitzClarence family and his daughter are extremely pleased with your efforts.”
Good. That means Ester-chan is safe.
That was my biggest concern.
I was really concerned about the throne being empty, but I guess Ester-chan has other matters to attend to. After all, she is the lord here now. I can understand her not having the time to reward a few soldiers for their efforts. Considering the country is at war, there’s probably much more important things for her to be doing.
“Therefore, to honour your efforts in this battle, as reserve fighters for the Penny Empire, we will increase your rank to Sergeant. On top of that, you will be allowed to have other adventurers fight under you. Of course, you will also earn even more rewards if you continue to perform as you have.”
“.”
“.”
I could hear the Dark Elf and Gonzalez gasp when the balding man spoke.
I’m not exactly sure what all of that meant. However, I was able to understand that it isn’t anything good based off of their reactions.
But I think that a promotion should be a good thing, right?
“There’s still no sign of the Republic of Pussy stopping their attacks on Tricklis. We are expecting more and more success from each of you. Once we’ve won this war, each of you will be given everything you need to live a life of luxury. Of course, we expect all of you to remain loyal to your duties.”
The balding man glanced at each of us, but his gaze seemed to linger on the Dark Elf.
I looked over at her to see her gritting her teeth. Today would not be the day to lose your temper. Perhaps she’s annoyed that she feels like she’s being looked down on. She really has a difficult personality to understand.
“This audience is over.”
This meeting was completely different than the one I had after the dragon extermination party. He was the only one to speak the entire time before dismissing us.
Not to mention how short this entire thing was, but I do feel like that was rather appropriate.