Chapter 411: The People Working on the Island
“So, I was thinking of hiring a Knight as a front,” Soleil said, lifting his gaze.
“Huh?” He said ‘so,’ but what does that even mean? A front? I kind of get it, but still…
“Many people tend to view Changelings with suspicion,” Auro chimed in with a smile.
“Considering how many are involved in the assassination business,” Kiel added with a huff.
Please, stop saying that. Our employees are as shady as they come.
“Blue Spirit Island is fine, but I’ve heard whispers of it being called ‘Assassin’s Island’ as well,” Soleil said, resting his chin on his hand and tilting his head slightly.
“That’s a problem,” I thought. I mean, aside from the sweet wars in the castle, has anyone witnessed the vegetable wars in the fields?
—Right now, we’re on our best behavior, right?
“Yes. So, about hiring Knights. When we bring them in, we’ll need to set the stage to some extent. Knights tend to have a flair for the dramatic,” Soleil explained. I recalled a similar conversation when Chris’s little brother was involved. But still—
“Set the stage?” There’s no way they actually mean a stage, right? I mean, there was a theater built, but…
“That depends on the Knight’s personality. Some desire applause in front of a crowd, others prefer a solemn atmosphere, and some want to spar with their lord. —We’re on an island, so I have no intention of hiring overly aggressive Knights,” Soleil shrugged, noting that the guests who visit are merchants.
“Even if they aren’t much now, it would be just right to have someone who was once renowned,” Auro said. “It’s good that they’re aware of their current limitations. I don’t want to deal with someone who thinks too highly of themselves,” Kiel added.
They really seem serious about finding a decorative Knight.
“Regardless, for the Knight’s appointment, the lord who will receive the sword is essential, so keep that in mind,” Soleil said with a bright smile.
“Sounds like a hassle. Can’t we just have Lord Soleil do it?”
“My lord?” Auro’s gaze suddenly felt heavy.
“Don’t say something unreasonable,” Soleil replied, looking exasperated.
“Give it up,” Kiel added.
Rejected. As all three of them shot me strange looks, I decided to make my exit. For now, I wandered through the plaza on the fortress side and headed toward the town square.
It seems like the main street is nearly complete? There are many people passing by carrying materials, so the alleys still seem to be under construction.
I noticed some sections of the cobblestones had a different color, and it turned out that Spirits were clinging to them like a membrane. Is there a Magic Circle drawn on the underside of the stones?
Is Grandfather overdoing it?
I thought as I approached the center of the town square, where the Spirit’s Branch stood. Water flowed into a green corner through a waterway, tended by Charles, the gardener, in a lush area.
And on the short staircase of five or six steps at the entrance, a membrane-like Spirit was clinging.
Is it okay to step on this? Is it like a welcome mat?
On either side of the entrance stood guards. They wore the same design as the guards at the fortress, but the color of the cloth they wore as an apron or sash was different. The fortress guards had blue as their base color, while these were green. It wasn’t exactly vibrant, but it was a beautiful mossy green.
“Oh, Nii-sama!” A voice called from a small reception area, and a girl came running out.
“Hello!”
“Hey, hello!”
This girl was one of the children who gathered around me, expecting a small reward when I came by.
I vaguely remembered her since I had let the smaller kids go ahead, but I hadn’t seen her in a while. She must have been the oldest, and I thought she had outgrown the age of mingling with the younger ones.
“Are you here to see Lord Paorul?” she asked, her cheerful demeanor suddenly shifting to a poised smile.
“Yeah. Is he around?”
“Yes! I’ll show you!” She beamed, her smile returning.
“Is your work okay?”
“Showing people around is part of my job. The Spirit’s Garden is open during the day, and I guide either castle personnel or those who offer a lot of donations to Lord Paorul or Lord Orlando,” she said, glancing back as she walked.
“Watch your step; it’s dangerous,” I reminded her.
“Okay!” she replied cheerfully, stepping onto the staircase covered in Spirits.
Thump
Got it. I won’t step on it!
I jumped before the stairs, landing on the top step and waving at the guard, who looked surprised. He must be one of the two guards I’ve spoken to before, but when was that?
“Dad, if a guest comes, please take care of them!” the girl called to the guard on the right.
The guard gave me a slightly awkward smile. I see, if he’s from the island originally, he probably knows who I am. When we first gathered and talked, he looked quite worn out, but now he seems rejuvenated and well-groomed.
I can’t remember him because of the different clothes! It seems I tend to remember people by their features, like glasses or facial hair.
Still, what kind of effect does Grandfather expect from the staircase, and what kind of Spirit did he attach? —Oh right, Grandfather can’t see Spirits.
Am I the only one who can hear the thump thump sounds from this staircase? Ugh…