Chapter 62: Noble Citadel
The political turmoil and various troubles in the Royal Capital…
Having settled everything, it was a day in early summer.
This place is like northern Europe, with its cold climate.
Even in summer, the sunlight is strong, but there’s not much humidity, and the temperature rarely exceeds 30°C.
In return, the winters are very cold, and it snows.
For now, the sun is a bit strong today, and the temperature is warm.
It feels like it’s about time to take out the short-sleeved shirts from the chest of drawers.
On such a morning, I had breakfast with Tris and came to the garden in front of the house…
“Now, Tris? Have you been keeping up with your training while I was away?”
“Yes! Of course, Andrews-sama!”
It’s been a while since I’ve given Tris some practice.
It would be best if I could protect her at all times… but the world is a dangerous place.
Besides, Tris is a Mazoku who has been persecuted.
I have to teach her at least some self-defense.
I take up a wooden sword.
“Alright, come at me!”
“Yes!”
Tris also takes up a wooden sword, about the size of a short sword, and comes at me.
Clang, clang, clang.
We clash wooden swords for a little over five minutes.
“…Hmm, not bad.”
I muttered.
It’s not like she’s particularly amazing or overflowing with talent.
But Tris now has the kind of skill that would allow her to defeat ordinary street thugs.
It’s enough for self-defense.
“Tris, you’ve done well! There’s no particular need to get any stronger than this… but still, keep practicing your wooden sword swings and forms, okay? Exercise is good for you.”
“Yes!”
Besides, in the worst-case scenario, I’ve also taught her the ‘Sleep Cloud’ magic that I use as anesthesia during surgery… In other words, the “Sleep Cloud” thing. If she uses this, she can even subdue the city guards.
Knights, well, they’d probably sense the magical power and avoid it… but it’s not normal to be attacked by that class of people. No need to think about it.
Anyway, I’ve given her enough skill to beat thieves and thugs, so there’s no point in making her any stronger.
Besides, I’d be scared if she got too strong…
“Hoho, not bad, Mazoku lass.”
Hmm…?
Turning around, I see a lone figure in front of the house.
An old man with white hair and a white beard, leaning on a cane.
His attire is a robe and a pointed hat…
“…Gaspard-jii-san, out for a walk?”
“Indeed, a walk is important. Health starts from the legs and hips, you see. Ho, ho, ho…”
Gaspard-jii-san.
The Mage known as the ‘Noble Citadel’…
He’s a veteran Mage who works as a retainer for Count Missgancia.
Although he’s a retainer, his vast knowledge, magical power, gentle personality, and thoughtfulness have made him practically Count Missgancia’s advisor.
Incidentally, his combat ability is also considerable, and he apparently serves as Count Missgancia’s bodyguard.
I’ve never seen him use magic, but I’ve heard that he manipulates earth and stone? It’s suited for defensive battles, so it’s perfect for a bodyguard.
…In other words, he’s an amazing old man.
“Is it okay for you to be away from Count Missgancia?”
“Roxanne-chan is there now. Besides, if Count Missgancia has that much skill, he doesn’t need a bodyguard.”
So saying, the old man sits down on the bench under the eaves in front of my house.
“Ah, I’ll bring you some tea.”
“No, no, you don’t have to, Mazoku lass. I just stopped by for a bit. I’ll be leaving soon.”
He politely declines Tris with a smile.
He doesn’t discriminate, what a man of character.
“So? Is there something you need?”
“Well, I heard that you married Rosalinde-sama. I just thought I’d offer a word of congratulations.”
Ah, okay.
So normal.
I’m quite happy to see this kind of normal person move, regardless of politics.
The Striders don’t have any prejudices, so it might seem like I can get along with them on the surface.
But in reality, I’m surprisingly bound by Earth’s knowledge and manners, so I’m often put off by the Striders’ lack of refinement and reserve.
Well, of course, pointing out someone’s bad manners in front of them is the ultimate breach of etiquette. I don’t directly criticize them.
“Ah, thank you?”
“As you know, Rosalinde-sama is physically weak… Please take good care of her, okay?”
“Yes…”
Hah, normal…!
“Ho, ho, ho… But isn’t this like ‘teaching a Fire Dragon how to make a fire’? If you’re a great Archmage like you, protecting and healing Rosalinde-sama should be easy.”
Ah, a saying from this world. Dru loves sayings from this world.
Even if I’m reincarnated into another world, I don’t have a cheat that allows me to translate languages! I worked hard to learn the language, but I still find these unique expressions from this world interesting and enjoyable.
As I was chatting with the old man for a while…
“Gaspard-sensei! So, you were here!”
A young man in his mid-teens came…
Blond hair, blue eyes, an intelligent face, a refined boy. A white shirt, khaki trousers held up by suspenders, and a vest, a typical well-bred child.
His hair is short, shiny, and smooth.
Baths and haircuts are expensive, but especially clothing is ridiculously expensive. There are no factories, so everything is custom-made in this world.
Therefore, being able to spend this much money on grooming is equivalent to showing off one’s good upbringing.
And this guy is…
“Oh, Trevor-kun. What’s wrong? I told you to take a day off today…?”
Trevor-shonen.
Gaspard’s apprentice Mage.
“No way! Please let me take care of Sensei!”
Eyes sparkling.
Trevor-shonen respects Gaspard from the bottom of his heart and follows him everywhere.
Is he a homo?
“T-Trevor-kun? Taking a rest is also part of training…?”
“If that’s the case, then the greatest rest for me is to burn Sensei’s achievements into my eyes!”
Ooh…
“You’re still amazing, old man. Did you brainwash him or something?”
“I didn’t… He’s like this naturally.”
“Y-you! Andrews! What’s with that way of speaking to Sensei?!”
…And Trevor-shonen’s evaluation of me is low.
Because I don’t respect Gaspard…
“Stop it, Trevor-kun. Andrews-kun is my friend, you know?”
“B-but! Such a frivolous, womanizing villain being a friend…! It’s not appropriate!!!”
Well, that’s true.
“First of all, isn’t it strange to let a dangerous Mazoku into the castle walls, even if she is a girl?! The Mazoku, led by the ‘Demon King Azathothran’ during the ‘Great Human-Demon War’ five hundred years ago, killed hundreds of thousands of people! They are a hateful existence!”
That’s also true.
“You’ve made that Mazoku your concubine, seduced the Lord’s daughter, and are having orgies with female Striders of unknown origin, aren’t you?! Someone like Sensei shouldn’t be involved with someone like you! You!”
That’s right.
“Hmm… well, that’s true…”
Even the wise old sage Gaspard couldn’t say anything in response to Trevor-shonen’s passionate, serious reply.
“Anyway, let’s go home! Sensei! You shouldn’t be in a place like this!”
And so, Gaspard-jii-san was dragged home by his disciple.
I felt a bit bad, so I gave him some steamed buns made from the leftover beef from the other day as a souvenir. Please eat them later…