Chapter 185: A Dagger for the Nameless You, A Nameless Flower for You 2 (Bonus Track)
*
Margrave Makikomarkrow, Comsas Dortwil, greeted the Bishop and the Pope with a troubled expression.
The Majin attack had occurred just “yesterday.” Assessing the damage, restoring the city—there was a mountain of things to do.
Amidst all this, the visit from these two was, frankly speaking, nothing but a hindrance.
Things to do, things to consider, decisions to make—there wasn’t a moment to spare for even one of them.
He had to pull a budget from somewhere, and he had to order someone to do the impossible.
A particular problem was the fact that Majin had infiltrated the city.
More accurately, the fact that humans had become Majin was the major issue. Ordinary people couldn’t live in peace in an environment where their neighbors might suddenly turn into Majin.
Comsas thought, ignoring the exception (Longdagger) flickering at the edge of his mind.
The human controlling the Majin… an outlandish idea in itself, but that person had called himself Longdagger.
Whether that was truly related to the Longdaggers wasn’t particularly important, however. At the very least, that hated Solntsalri.
Perhaps Solntsalri had been the target.
If that was the case, then as the Margrave—
“Margrave-sama?”
Hearing his old friend unusually address him as ‘Margrave’, Comsas realized he had committed the discourtesy of becoming lost in thought before his guests.
“Ah, please excuse me.”
He gestured for the two to sit on the sofa with only a motion. This kind of practical gesture was probably why the nobles in the Royal Capital called him a country bumpkin, he thought, but he couldn’t be bothered with excessive formalities.
While Comsas was inwardly exasperated with his own nature, the Butler who had shown the Bishop and Pope in bowed and departed. Watching him go from his desk, Comsas sighed internally.
Well, there was no point getting exasperated with his own nature now.
I’m the kind of person who’s cowardly, gets easily flustered when unplanned things happen, and gets angry when caught off guard.
After inwardly consoling himself for a moment about not having a personality suited for the capital, Comsas spoke.
“I’m sure you’re aware, but I am extremely busy right now. I would appreciate it if this matter could be concluded quickly?”
Apparently, he was angrier about their surprise visit than he’d realized, as Comsas was surprised by the rather sarcastic words that came out of his mouth, unusual for him.
The words just slipped out honestly.
His nature, unsuitable for the capital, which he thought he had just consoled, began to ache again.
“Those are quite the direct words, aren’t they?”
Responding cheerfully to that was Pope Cal Ulmschmitt.
He was a man of the Church, but still a resident of the Royal Capital. He was probably mocking him as a country bumpkin inwardly.
“No, indeed, Margrave-sama must be terribly busy. It is we who have visited so inconsiderately.”
The Church is distant from worldly affairs, yet it’s said that even a Pope is inevitably forced into political maneuvering.
For Comsas, who disliked subtle negotiations and kept to his own territory, he couldn’t decipher the meaning behind the smile on the young Pope’s face.
If only everyone would just honestly say what they’re thinking.
“Therefore, allow us to also speak directly. Margrave-sama, we have come to alleviate one of the concerns you hold.”
Concerns? Comsas tilted his head, having far too many concerns that came to mind.
His most immediate concerns were: how to secure the funds needed to aid the affected residents? And settling things with Longdagger. There was also the repair of the Sewers. And definitely settling things with Longdagger.
“My apologies, even though I said we would be direct. Goodness, it seems I’ve grown accustomed to things in the Royal Capital I’d rather not have.”
Was his honest confusion amusing? Pope Cal offered words of apology with an obvious wry smile.
“I am saying that we shall clear away one of your concerns regarding Solntsalri.”
I see, Comsas exhaled through his nose in understanding.
“In other words, you’re asking me not to banish that young lady from Hecate, is that it?”
The Pope offered a vague smile as Comsas stated the conclusion. Comsas ignored it.
“Wouldn’t that be more convenient for your side?”
To the Church, the young lady in question was the attempted assassin of the Maiden of Light. Comsas didn’t know how seriously the Church actually believed that, but once an organization decided something, it wouldn’t easily change.
Comsas looked at the Pope with assessing eyes.
Despite that, they were trying to prevent the young lady from being further exiled from her place of banishment.
“Doesn’t that seem rather strange?”
The Pope opened his mouth, his vague smile still in place.
“Her being here, in Hecate, is what is important to us.”
For a moment, Comsas nearly flew into a rage.
Was it him!? Was it his fault that Longdagger came to my city!?
Is this guy the enemy of my stomach lining!? Death to the stomach-enemy! No mercy!
Maintaining the ironclad poker face he had learned in place of subtle negotiation, Comsas stared at the Pope.
But no further words came from the Pope. Did that mean he had no intention of saying more? Comsas breathed quietly.
“I see… So, how do you propose to dispel my concerns?”
The Pope nodded in response to the question posed.
“We shall ensure that Majin… including humans who become Majin… cannot enter this city.”
Comsas looked at the Pope as if viewing something highly suspicious.