Chapter 172 (1/2)

Territory Pioneering 2

[Sophia-chan’s point of view]

The meeting in the drawing room had now ended at the request of Fahren-sama. Nannuzzi-sama and the Elf-san had left the room leaving me alone with Fahren-sama and the Dragon-san. This wasn’t much of an improvement, however, as it was now just a disobedient commoner alone with a powerful noble.

Pangs of regret racked my body.

Why did I even say anything?

I’ve noticed recently that I’ve been speaking out of turn around people that are far superior to me. Someone with my upbringing should know better than to ever directly confront an aristocrat, but living with Tanaka-san has caused me to disregard everything I’ve learned as a commoner in this city.

How did I ever convince myself that I’d be able to do anything?

“I was a direct witness to the event, she had just given an amazing presentation on a subject that may very well increase the magic strength of our country exponentially, and not to mention the fact that you’re a commoner and she’s a noble. As the director of this academy, I can’t overlook this. I doubt you’ll be able to get out of this without receiving at least ten lashes.”

We were still in the same parlour.

“…yes.”

“But you are that man’s maid….”

This is worse than that time when Tanaka-san and Ester-sama helped me in the cafeteria. I think I might do more than just pee. And this woman isn’t a student. She’s a noblewoman and a respected researcher.

The pounding coming from my chest was so loud now I’m sure they can hear.

“Why did you even suggest she stole her research in the first place?”

“No, u-umm…t-that’s….”

He’s staring right at me.

Fahren-sama’s face is about eighty percent scarier than normal right now.

“Speak.”

“Y-Yesh!”

I’ll just have to tell him.

I’ll tell him everything I know.

“I-I-I-I was visiting the faculty building when I just h-happened to be passing by one of the offices reserved for the nobility and I n-noticed the door was open and I couldn’t help but overhear a woman talking inside and, umm…that voice belonged to the woman from before….” (TN: Sophia is supposed to be rambling here without really stopping to take a breath.)

“Are you telling the truth? You’re not trying to deceive me, are you?”

“I-I would never do that!’

I stood up from the sofa and bowed my head.

“I’m certain that the voice belonged to Nannuzzi-sama!”

“Do you have any evidence? Is there a possibility that you’ve mistaken another voice for hers? Did you even see her face?”

“N-No, well…I don’t really have any evidence, but umm….”

“That Nannuzzi woman won’t take this lightly. She was born a commoner and has worked her way up into the ranks of the nobility. She married into a merchant house and this research of hers, stolen or otherwise, stands to increase their wealth and power greatly.”

“….”

Ah, I can’t raise my head.

I’m too terrified to think about what he might say next. If I try to stand up straight I’m certain my legs will give out on me. I’m crying, sweating, my nose is running. There’s liquid coming out of almost every hole in my body.

I can’t see his face right now, but his voice didn’t sound angry or reproachful. What is he going to do?

Aaaaah

Aaaaaaahhh

How long have I been standing like this now?

“Well, nothing can be decided during his absence.”

“…are you talking about T-Tanaka-san?”

I raised my head slightly.

“That’s right.”

“….”

Of course, Tanaka-san.

It’s always Tanaka-san.

It’s not like I expected anything else.

Even without him being here he still matters more than me.

“But we need to find him quickly in order to get things resolved. We don’t even know what or where he is. Considering his level of flying magic he could be anywhere in this country at this point. He could already be on the Dark Continent at this point….”

Fahren-sama began a grumbling soliloquy.

“….”

I can’t do anything but sit here silently and listen to him.

If they can’t find Tanaka-san will my punishment be put on hold indefinitely? If that’s so, then please, please, Tanaka-san, enjoy your trip for as long as possible. It would make me so happy if you took an extra long vacation. As I was saying this silent prayer in my mind, there was a voice from outside the door.

“Fahren-sama, we’ve discovered Tanaka-sama’s location.”

So fast. How did they find him already?

“What? Enter!”

Fahren-sama commanded them to come in.

Following his words, two men came bursting into the room. The first man was a staff member from the school. He was of medium height and build. His simple uniform suggested that he was a commoner like me.

The other man was giant. He easily stood head and shoulders higher than the other man and he reminded me of Gonzalez-san but there was a difference in their overall builds. His attire made me think he must be an official of the country.

“This low-ranking official claims that Tanaka-sama left the city.”

“I-I’m deeply sorry for the sudden and rude introduction, F-Fahren-sama. I’ve heard so much about the many amazing things you’ve been doing for this academy, the city, and even our great country –”

“Stop with the frivolous pleasantries. Who are you?”

“Of course, I’m very sorry!”

The official bowed his head even lower than me.

“I-I’m working as an official in Tanaka-sama’s territory. My name is Neumann.

“Tanaka’s territory…?”

Fahren-sama looked confused when the official mentioned Tanaka-san’s territory.

“That’s right….”

“What does that mean?”

The official looked too scared to answer.

In fact, it was the staff member that brought him here that responded.

“Have you not heard, Fahren-sama? There’s been a rumour floating around recently that a commoner was granted the title of baron in the royal castle. His Majesty granted this commoner land in the kingdom. This new baron and Viscount FitzClarence have been all anyone can speak about.”

“…Richard’s daughter really did it.”

“H-Had you not heard?”