Chapter: 520
“Letters have already set off to the Allen Family. Benedict should be wrapping things up soon, so won’t he check right away?”
“Auntie, do you know what’s written inside?”
“Nothing much, I suppose? Anyway, the one at fault this time is the First Queen. Benedict, that monster, is right there in the background, so you better be respectful to your employer with a valid reason.”
Grandpa was right. I was acting openly shamelessly, and even that wicked First Queen couldn’t say a word.
[Even after long years, human affairs seem to move in similar ways.]
The Hero, who could only wear a foolish grin, thinking that good was good.
The Wizard, whose social skills were shattered due to a lifetime dedicated to studying magic.
The Knight, who had only one thought in mind: charming the women wherever he went.
Ruel’s political power, leading these useless humans and negotiating with various groups, has not faded even after hundreds of years.
[Now, all you need to do is bind the First Queen’s arms and legs based on your various reasons. Then you can probably get almost anything you want.]
‘I really don’t want anything from that crazy person.’
[It doesn’t have to be material. Promises. Contracts. Debts. You just need to obtain something of no value.]
No, I just don’t want to keep a long relationship with the First Queen.
I was sulking from grandpa, who didn’t understand my words, but he just licked his lips with a dark smile.
‘Looking at grandpa makes me think of the saying, “birds of a feather flock together.”’
[What do you mean by that?]
‘It means you and your colleagues are on the same level.’
[Nonsense! How could I say I had a hard time dragging those brats around and then say "birds of a feather"?]
‘Feeling a bit hit there?’
[I’m just shocked! According to your logic, you must also be a pervert similar to Lina!]
‘…No way!’
I might have a somewhat gloomy side, but being compared to that sloppy fox is just not it!
To be in the same category as that trash who threw away his dignity while being the master of the forest is like throwing down the gauntlet!
“Employer, why the heck are you angry?”
While I was genuinely bickering with grandpa, Karia looked genuinely puzzled and asked.
“…Stop making pointless noise. I’m currently engaged in a critical mutual matter that an old auntie like you can’t even imagine!”
This time, I can’t just let this insult slide, old man!
I’ll show off my sharp tongue honed by the Mesugaki skill!
“I don’t know what’s so important, but is it that more critical than meeting those two artisans?”
Huh? It’s still quite a time to reach your hideout.
Oh wait, why are we already here? Where did all the time go?
I must’ve gotten really heated from being compared to that sloppy fox.
Remembering the sloppy fox flicking its tongue made me shudder, so I told grandpa we’d talk about it later and stepped into the hideout.
“Wow. You’re younger than I imagined. Are you already 10?”
Smith Inuki immediately shot out a rude comment upon seeing my face.
It was definitely an unpleasant comment, but on the other hand, I was happy. They provided the perfect pretext, so now I can insult him as I please.
“You’ve become grumpier than I imagined, old man. With those frail arms, do you think you can hold a hammer? Just shaking my hand would probably break a bone, you know?♡”
Inuki, far from being gentle, immediately blushed and tried to stand up, but the tailoress grandma beside him held him down.
“Why bother picking a fight with someone young enough to be your granddaughter?”
“…At this point, it’s just a greeting. A greeting.”
“Then I responded in accordance with your level, didn’t I? Stop messing around and sit still.”
The grandma’s voice was soft but carried the weight of pressing down on the opponent. As Inuki grumbled and leaned back, the grandma smiled and bowed her head.
“It’s been a while, Young Lady. You’ve grown taller since we last met. You’ll need to get new clothes.”
“You’re perceptive, huh? I guess I haven’t aged for nothing?”
“If I lacked such perception, I wouldn’t have been able to continue this tailoring business.”
“Did you say I was tall? What’s up with that?”
Inuki, who had sneaked into our warm conversation, received glares and clicked his tongue before looking away, acting like a sulky teenager, despite obviously being old enough.
“Have you been secluded for so long that you forgot how to talk to people?♡”
“…”
“Or can’t you get out of your past glory?♡ If it’s the latter, go look in a mirror, old pervert! Seeing your pathetic form should make you realize your status!♡”
“You’re not saying anything different from the rumors! I’ve heard the tales were exaggerated, but it doesn’t seem like it!”
Inuki’s face turned red as he felt properly insulted, but he didn’t leave his place.
That cranky old man was sticking around despite grumbling.
Hehe. Hehe.
I approached Inuki with light steps, like a fairy dancing on flowers, and suddenly flashed a smile right in front of his turned face.
“If you hate me that much, you could just disappear, right?♡ Why stick around, complaining like that?♡”
“…Tch.”
“Did you fall in love at first sight?♡ Puhuhuhu♡ Bet you’re too weak in the middle to handle those feelings, being so honest about your lust♡ Not a blacksmith, but a senile perverted old man!♡…”
“Ah! Damn it! Fine! I admit it! I can’t win against you in this power struggle! But I can’t let someone as talented as you live wearing such flimsy armor! I don’t know what kind of armor you’re hoping for, but I’ll make it to fit your desires! So shut that disaster of yours!”
Armor? Why are we suddenly talking about armor? I was only pestering you to let off some steam!
“Hoho. As expected. The Apostle of the Arts Church said you hide many things behind that cute face.”
Huh? Me? What do I hide, grandma?
Uh, hm. I don’t know much, but something seems to be going well, so I’ll just keep smiling.
If I act like it’s all good, it’ll turn out fine, right?
“Of course. Have I ever been wrong in my judgments?”
When I caught sight of the Perverted Apostle, who crept out from under the shadows, my eyes widened. Why the heck is the guy supposed to be monitoring Luca here!?
“Professor Luca is currently detained in our church. Don’t worry, since the Sword Saint and our members are keeping watch over him.”
“You say that, but last time one of your perverts had a psycho mixing in.”
“Well, it’s a painful truth, but this time is different. We’ve set several traps to ensure that the evil energy does not flourish.”
…Various traps? Does the Arts Church have such things? When I carefully voiced my skepticism, the Perverted Apostle smiled.
“Would you like to come see? If it’s the Young Lady, I could gladly show you our most secret places.”
As soon as I heard that question, my sense of crisis went DING.
I must not accept that offer. Once I see what’s hidden, who knows what terrible things I’ll end up experiencing.
Feeling a chill run down my spine, I hurriedly shook my head, and the Perverted Apostle showed blatant disappointment.
“Really? Well, no need to worry. I can assure you it’s safe enough for me to pledge my devotion to the Goddess and Young Lady.”
Even though he’s a crazy pervert, if he’s saying that sincerely, then there must be something to it.
Okay. I’ll just brush it off. I don’t want to get involved any further.
“I understand it’s safe, but why are you here? Is the pleasure of a perverted Apostle more important than the church?”
“I happened to run into Nikis on my way back yesterday. I was also gathering advice for some attire to offer to the Young Lady, and I wanted to ask where the most scenic spot in this Soul Academy is.”
That’s when I recalled the contract I had given to the Perverted Apostle.
Wearing the outfit he makes, striking the desired pose, I was to become the model for the painting, along with several other items.
“Maybe back in the day it wasn’t like this, but does the Apostle really need my advice now?”
“Of course. I’m still in awe of the clothing crafted by Nikis. Please, I request your guidance for the clothing I’m about to make.”
“Oh ho. What a coincidence. I actually had something to ask the Apostle, too.”
The sight of the two having a serious conversation about the outfit to wear was very cultured, but oddly enough, beads of cold sweat kept rolling down my spine.
Should I run away now? Or would that just delay the matter? Maybe it’s better to grit my teeth and endure?
Yeah. That’s the way. I survived that gaze from the sloppy fox, looking like it wanted to lick up my skin. This is nothing! Hm!
Steeling my resolve, I tried to hold back the steps that wanted to flee, hoping their conversation would end quickly.
Anyway, I need to wrap up the conversation here and contact the Allen Family.
“…Huh? Wait a second.”
At that moment, Inuki, who had been watching them prattling on with a discontented look, suddenly raised his voice.
“Allen Family Young Lady, can you reenact the steps you were taking when you approached me just now?”
“You crummy old man, do you want to smell my scent a little closer? You’re surprisingly disgusting.”
“Shut it! Can you do it or not? Just answer that.”
Feeling the seriousness in Inuki’s gaze, I didn’t know what he intended, but for now, I mimicked the fairy-like steps.
“…Huh.”
Inuki let out a short sound of amazement, then crossed his arms and leaned forward in thought, eventually letting out a deep sigh.
“Where on earth did you learn those fairy-like steps?”
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