Episode 45: When the Sun Sets
“Alright, let’s set up camp!”
Looks like that’s it for today.
This world is like a Narnian Europe, but unfortunately, inns aren’t always available everywhere.
Well, in the north, which is controlled by the Mercantilist Faction, there’s a trend of creating post towns to increase traffic, but at least in the center, it’s different.
That’s why even nobles sometimes have to bivouac like this.
Of course, a noble’s bivouac is extravagant.
They pitch tents, prepare beds, and have lavish meals. It’s wasteful, but that’s just how things are.
Meanwhile, I…
“Heave-ho.”
…relentlessly use a camping set with performance close to modern camping gear, made in advance with my Magic Cheat.
Why?
Because I want a comfortable life, that’s why.
I don’t want to stand out, but I want a comfortable life. It can’t be helped, it can’t be helped.
With that in mind, I use a fire starter to light some paper and get the charcoal burning.
“Wow, so skillful…”
Rosalinde-sama gives me weak applause. Is she still here?
“Rosalinde-sama, in terms of noble decorum, you shouldn’t be bivouacking with a boorish adventurer.”
I said deliberately politely.
“But, Sensei, Count Missgancia has requested that you prepare Rosalinde-sama’s meal,”
said the attendant duo from the side.
“You gotta be kidding me, right?”
“Sensei, you have earned that much trust.”
Well… I guess… it’s fine…
So, what’s for dinner tonight…?
Hmm… Tempura!
“Oh, a fritter. It’s a southern dish, you’re quite knowledgeable?”
…somehow, Count Missgancia popped up when I was frying tempura.
“What’s up? What’s up?”
I immediately transform into a Zunda fairy to counter.
“No, no ulterior motive. I’m just saying I saw something rare.”
“What’s uuuup?!”
“Hehe, Dru? Forgive him? Father, because he’s been taken advantage of by Dru so much, when there’s a chance to retaliate, he can’t help but want to stab you, you know?”
That’s hilarious.
“Oh, is that so?”
“D-don’t say such lies, Rosa!”
“Hehe, Father thinks it’s funny how Dru is desperately trying to hide that he’s a Magician.”
Instantly, the air dies.
“…Ah, it was a secret, wasn’t it? Hehehe.”
She’s laughing, but it’s no laughing matter.
Well, yeah.
I know that it’s been found out.
Think about it, someone who suddenly starts frying tempura while bivouacking isn’t normal, right? Of course, they must be a Magician or something.
But I deliberately didn’t say anything about it and blurred it out to keep it ambiguous, because that’s more convenient in many ways.
Rosalinde, who doesn’t understand politics or anything, has said it clearly…
…No, that’s not it.
Probably, Rosalinde understands. She said it knowing full well.
She’s seriously planning to jump into my arms this time.
She’s suddenly rushed to the front of the heroine race… interesting.
“Rosa… Andrews is my important, especially important, subject. Do you understand?”
“Hehe, Father, scary face… Dru probably knew it was found out, too, you know?”
“…Even so, there was an unspoken agreement not to say it out loud.”
“Then, you’ll always be ‘distant’ from Dru, right?”
“Mu…”
Oh…?
“Father doesn’t want to let go of Dru, who brings in money, right? I understand… but if he’s going to become family, you have to talk properly.”
Hmm…?
After all, it’s “blood.”
Rosalinde, who shouldn’t have been taught much about being a noble, is acting like one.
Indeed, nobility isn’t something that can be acquired through education alone.
“Rosa…”
“Father? I’m serious. I really love Dru. Even if I’m no longer a noble, I want to be with Dru…!”
“Such feelings… It seems I was underestimating your feelings. I apologize…”
“No? I also don’t want to be unable to see Father if possible? But… if the ‘time to choose’ comes, I’ll go with Dru.”
“…I understand.”
Alright, done.
“The tempura’s ready, want some?”
“Andrews, I ask you again. Take care of my daughter.”
“I don’t know, I don’t know! I’ll take care of food and clothing for those who run away, but I don’t know about anything else! It’s out of my jurisdiction!”
“For now, that’s fine. However, I’m giving you my daughter. I’ll have her take on some kind of position, even if it’s just in name…”
“In reality, she’ll be the ‘Chief Medical Officer,’ right?! I don’t want any more titles!
Sage of the Frontier, Heretic, the only doctor in the Slums, there are too many hidden titles!
“However,”
“I just want to use my knowledge and skills to Cheat and be awesome! Make some money and be popular with girls! And live a life of leisure! Why do you do such terrible things as imposing obligations on me!!!”
“…Hmm, I’ve changed my mind. It seems like it would be better to tie you down to some kind of position. You’re not an existence that can be controlled, but if I don’t try to control you, you’ll really become unstoppable.”
Hmm, that’s a very valid point.