Chapter 21: As the Rain Hammered against the Ground

As the rain hammered against the ground, two shadows walked through the city of Bordeaux. At the lead was a boy in a hood, with a white-haired girl hurrying to keep up. Despite the rain, neither was the least bit wet—it was as if an invisible membrane stretched over them.

The girl was grousing, apparently quite irritated. “Hey! Are you listening, Byaku?! Shouldn’t you show at least a little respect for your master?!” she hollered, gesticulating with her hands. All of a sudden, the membrane vanished over only her.

“Quiet down...”

“Yikes!” the girl cried as she clung to the boy. “Stupid! What do you think you’re doing?!”

“This is all because you were so obstinate about eating those blasted anchovies... You should have just relented and eaten dinner at the manor.”

“What are you talking about? Nothing bad came of it.”

“Hmm... The one who beat Ba’al was at the pub.”

The girl’s face suddenly stiffened. “Y-You can’t be serious. Shouldn’t she be in Orphen...?”

“She was there, what do you want me to say? It’s actually good that we know in advance... Perhaps we should put the plan on hold.”

The girl furrowed her brow, but eventually relaxed her scrunched-up expression with a huff. “We don’t have to be scared of her. Not as long as we have Samigina’s ring.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. You sure you’ve recovered enough strength for that?”

“Naturally. We’ll wipe the Vienna cult clean off the continent... Heh heh...heh... I can’t wait. I’ll color those damn priests’ faces in fear! I’ll slaughter every last one of them...” The girl’s eyes burned in resentment.

The boy sighed. “Let’s get back already. We’d have a hell of an easier time if you weren’t so out of it.”

“What rudeness! You must revere me, I say! Hey! Don’t rush ahead! Byaku!”

They swiftly crossed the street.

○

It was a large estate. Constructed of tightly packed stone, it had a rustic majesty to it, as if the building had been kept perfectly the same as the days the settlers first cultivated the land. A step inside, however, revealed a tidy interior. The walls were lined with vases, paintings, and other such ornaments, just barely enough that the place did not come off as crude. On the contrary, it emphasized the quality of each individual item.

The front garden was beautifully landscaped with rocks and trees. The backyard, visible from a window in the hall, seemed to have a shed and a stable, which was presumably where the horse they rode in on would be tended to.

There was a field and a well, and buildings where the servants probably lived. Here and there around the manor, soldiers stood on guard.

We’re not really suited for such a dazzling estate. Belgrieve sighed. He was admitted as a commoner, so he likely didn’t have to worry about that, but he couldn’t help but feel out of place. He was sorry for sullying the halls with his dampness.

Sasha accompanied them for the most part until an elderly maid dragged her off somewhere. The maid had said something about her being slovenly, so she was most likely changing clothes. Perhaps the servants were at a loss over her tomboyish personality. In her place, a young maid took over as their guide.

It was around that time that someone raced from down the hall and clung onto Angeline. It was Seren, her expression brimming with joy.

“Angeline! You really came!”

“Oh, Seren... Have you been well?”

“I have! You seem in good health too, my lady...” she purred as Angeline stroked her head. Evidently, she had become quite attached to her since the incident with the bandits.

“I believe you’ve already met my father,” said Angeline. “This is Anne, and this is Merry—my party members and friends.”

With a start, Seren corrected her posture and put a hand to her glasses. “Ahem... Pardon me. Thank you all for making the long trek out here. We welcome you.” She bowed her head, and Anessa and Miriam politely returned the gesture.

Belgrieve grinned. “I’m glad you look well, Seren. I’m sorry for barging in so late at night.”

“What are you saying, Belgrieve? Please, come anytime you want.” She softly smiled back at him.

It then occurred to Belgrieve that he was better off concluding his business before anything else, and so he produced Hoffman’s letter from his bag.

“I’ve brought a letter from the chief about the roads. I’d like to get this to Helvetica...”

“I see, so that’s what you’re here for... But please, settle in first. We’ll prepare something for you to wear.”

It certainly wasn’t appropriate to meet the countess in drenched, grimy clothing. Regardless of whether or not Helvetica cared, they could not be too disrespectful. Belgrieve nodded and urged the girls to follow the maid. Seren, meanwhile, took the letter and rushed off to deliver it.

The room was small but tidy and high-class. Belgrieve and Angeline got a room for the two of them, while Anessa and Miriam were led to the one next door. They set down their bags and hung up their damp coats.

“Phew... What a splendid manor,” said Belgrieve.

“Yes, it hasn’t changed, from the last time I came here...”

“Oh, right, you came here with Seren. Did you stop by again on the way to Turnera?”

“If I did, I would have been stuck here for a while. I snuck by—I wanted to get home quickly...”

She didn’t seem to have the slightest bit of respect towards the nobility. Not knowing whether this made his daughter unaffected or unfathomably high-minded, Belgrieve opted to laugh. That was her good point, after all.

There was a knock on the door, and a maid came in. “I have brought something to wear,” she said.

“Oh, thank you.”

The clothes she brought were simple: a shirt and trousers for Belgrieve, and an unornamented dress for Angeline. Still, Angeline was not used to wearing dresses, and she began to pace around a bit.

“It’s...unsettling, how it flaps around.”

“Ha ha, you’re just not used to it. It looks good on you.”

“Really? If you say so, dad...”

She was suddenly in a good mood, lifting up the hem of her dress, and trying out various poses. There’s no way a girl her age has absolutely no interest in fashion, thought Belgrieve. She’s just not used to it.

He had the maid put a tie on him—which he had never worn before—and looked at his daughter. “I have to meet with Lady Helvetica. What do you want to do, Ange?”

“Helvetica... Seren and Sasha’s sister...” The warm expression vanished from Angeline’s face, and Belgrieve suddenly had a terrible feeling.

“On second thought, I’ll go alone. Stay in the room.”

“I’m going too.”

“We’re just going to talk about the roads.”

“I’m going too.”

She had an intensity to her that would brook no refusal. Unable to muster any rebuttal, Belgrieve sighed.

The maid led them to what seemed to be a study. When the door opened, there was Helvetica, seated behind the desk, her eyes scanning the letter. Seren was to her side, as well as a young man in his early twenties with olive-brown hair and glasses.

Once she noticed Belgrieve, Helvetica stood and pranced over. “Sir Belgrieve, how nice of you to join us. I’m relieved you look as dignified as ever.”

“It...is my honor. Clothes do maketh the man, as they say. You look well... Oh, this is my daughter, Angeline.”

“Angeline, right! I cannot thank you enough for saving Seren... Truly, thank you.” Helvetica smiled, bowing her head to Angeline.

However, Angeline did not smile; she stared at Helvetica with harsh, appraising eyes. “Are you the one who is trying to become my mother?”

“H-Hey, Ange. What do you think you’re saying?”

“Please be quiet, dad.” Angeline glared at him. There was a fearsome glint in her eye, and Belgrieve inadvertently swallowed his breath. She looked at Helvetica once more. “I cannot forgive you for trying to snatch my father when I wasn’t around. However, that does not mean I am against my father having a wonderful person by his side... The problem is, I do not know if you are worthy.”

“Oh my, does that mean there is a chance of you recognizing our relationship, Ms. Angeline?” Helvetica spoke softly, with composure, as if Angeline’s provocations meant nothing. Yet still, she said the strangest things. She’s incredible, thought Belgrieve, equal parts impressed and jaded.

“Hmph,” Angeline huffed. “With all the migraines you’ve given me...your favorability rating is far from positive. Don’t think it will be easy to win me over...”

That was when the young man in glasses angrily intruded on the conversation. “Hey, what’s with your attitude? I don’t know about saving Seren and whatnot, but what right does a mere adventurer have to speak to Lady Helvetica like—”

“Ashe,” Helvetica said in a cold and clear voice. “You’re being disrespectful. Stand down.”

“B-But Helvetica...”

“Are you unable to hear me?”

“Grr... My apologies.” The young man called Ashe reluctantly backed off.

Belgrieve placed a hand on Ange’s shoulder. “Ange, you were pretty rude too. Your father doesn’t intend to do anything with Lady Helvetica here, so please don’t be so wary of her.”

“Eh... Sir Belgrieve, you were just toying with me...”

Helvetica attempted to cling to Belgrieve, only for Seren to grab her by the scruff of the neck. “Sis, give it a rest already. Didn’t you say you gave up on him?”

“I mean... Seren, it’s such a waste. He’s so mild-mannered, magnanimous, and incredibly skilled to boot...”

“Sis...” Seren glared.

Frustrated, Helvetica pursed her lips. “Fine... I get it. Seren, you meanie...”

“Please don’t make this my fault!”

“Umm... Can I talk yet?” Belgrieve timidly interjected.

Snapping to her senses, Seren’s cheeks turned red. Helvetica grinned at her, triumphantly. Though it seemed Seren wanted to say something, perhaps she believed another word would mean her loss, as she quietly stepped back.

What close sisters. Belgrieve found this strangely heartwarming—though Angeline continued to glower at Helvetica with a sour look.

Helvetica took up the letter again and smiled. “I’ve given it a read. I’m delighted that we have Turnera’s cooperation in the matter.”

“Much obliged. I’d also like to talk about the specifics. There are other villages between Bordeaux and Turnera, and quite a few of our youngsters want to help out with the construction work—though some of them can’t leave during the farming season.”

“Right, about that... Can we wait a bit? Truth be told, a little trouble has come up.”

“Hmm?”

According to Helvetica, there was someone objecting to the plan: Count Malta, who governed the small town of Hazel on the edge of the ancient forest in western Bordeaux. Maintenance was still being carried out on the road to Hazel, and he was strongly opposed to sending this workforce off in a completely different direction.

“Hmm... That makes sense to me...”

“Yes, but the thing is, the work on that road is ninety percent complete. They do not need nearly as many on-site managers at this point—in fact, I’ve spoken with those very managers, and they said there was absolutely no problem with starting a new project.”

“It’s harassment, plain and simple,” Seren piped up, sounding quite troubled. “Estogal’s central powers originally sent Count Malta here as a form of demotion. He lost a power dispute, from what I’ve heard. He looks down on Bordeaux as some ignorant backwater and finds fault with everything we do. He wasn’t so bad when our father was alive, but I’m assuming having a female head has caused his actions to escalate.”

“I have my own inadequacies to blame. I’ve taken many skilled talents under Bordeaux’s wing, but a few nobles are unsatisfied with me as the lord of the territory... There are signs that Count Malta is instigating them, but we don’t have any definitive leads to investigate.”

As Helvetica sighed, the young man next to her furrowed his brow. “Hmph, that vulgar man should just be punished already. He’s like an old rug—you’ll get all sorts of dirt out if you beat him a bit. A somewhat forceful investigation would easily lead to his downfall. Then, we can punish the nobles supporting him one after the next.”

“We cannot. Even if we have a reason, we will lose trust with a political purge like that.”

“But Lady Helvetica—it is the people who will suffer the most if you let him run free. Please do not forget.”

“I understand, Ashe. That is the last resort.”

“Sis, we can’t fall behind in gathering information... It wouldn’t hurt to have more cards to play, whenever the time comes.”

“Right. At the very least, I’ll make sure he can’t make any large moves.”

Belgrieve scratched his cheek. “Looks like you’re talking about difficult things... I believe outsiders like us shouldn’t interfere in these matters.”

“Ah... My apologies,” Helvetica’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

It was then that the door burst open and Sasha entered. She wasn’t in her usual adventurer attire, instead wearing a pretty dress befitting a noble. However, with one step, and one word from her mouth, it was the same old Sasha, entering with a chuckle and a vigorous stride.

“Oh, finally found you! Good grief, these clothes are hard to move around in...”

As Sasha waved around her skirt’s hem, Seren sighed. “Sash... I know it’s useless to tell you, but have a bit of modesty...”

“Ha ha ha, what are you saying, Seren? It’s all about having the right person in the right place. You and big sis both have things I don’t, but I possess what neither of you has. House Bordeaux would have no future if all three of us were identical—progress comes precisely because we are three souls compensating for one another! Isn’t that what father said?”

Seeing her not even attempt to correct her posture, Ashe looked rather fed up with her. “There should still be a limit to that... Lady Sasha, why not develop some awareness of yourself as a—”

“Oh, that’s right,” Sasha said, the moment she saw Ashe. She grabbed him by the hand and dragged him out in front of Belgrieve. “Sir Belgrieve, perhaps he has already introduced himself, but this is Ashcroft. He’s still young, but he serves as the steward of our house. He’s also a swordsman, albeit inexperienced, so please, won’t you show him some of your...”

“Please, don’t. I have no need of it,” Ashcroft sullenly waved her off.

Sasha pursed her lips. “Good grief, what a hardhead.”

“You came at just the right time, Sasha,” Helvetica suddenly said. “Please tend to Angeline and Belgrieve. I don’t want to drag them into a battle of nobles.”

She nodded, her eyes glimmering. “Of course! Understood, sis!”

“Anyways, you heard the story, Belgrieve. Please wait a little longer for an answer. And take it easy here until then.”

“This way, please!” Sasha urged them, and Belgrieve left with a bow.

Angeline followed behind him. Belgrieve could feel a chill, seeing as he had just glimpsed the unseen underbelly of the relationship between nobles. Maybe Helvetica trusted them enough to speak of such things with them present. Or perhaps she purposely let them hear so they would share the same lot.

“I want to think that she isn’t like that, but...”

“What’s wrong, dad?”

“No...it’s nothing. Talking to myself. By the way, Ange, how long are you planning on staying here?”

“I’ll stay until you return to Turnera...”

Sasha looked back at them. “Come to think of it, what happened to Anessa and Miriam?” she asked. “Weren’t they with you?”

“They are in the next room.”

“Oh, I see. It’s a tad late for dinner, but how about it? I’d love to drink with all of you.”

“Hmm... Sounds good. That’s fine, right dad?”

“I don’t mind. But daddy has to tuck in early. My body hurts...”

“Aww... Really?”

“I’m sorry. It will be a bit hard for me.”

“Unfortunate... Sleep well.”

“Hmm... I wanted to talk about all sorts of things with you, Master, but there’s not much we can do.”

“I’m sorry, Sasha. It will have to be another time... Don’t drink too much, Ange.”

“Got it.”

Angeline and Sasha reluctantly went off to the adjacent room while Belgrieve returned to his own guest room alone. He loosened his tie and sat on the bed, removing and propping his leg against the wall.

His joints hurt. There was a creaking in his bones. He could ignore it while he was still moving, but once he took it easy, the pain descended upon him at once. This never happened before, he thought with a bitter smile.

“Well I’ll be... I’ll need to rethink how I use my body...”

It would be impossible to retire as long as he lived in Turnera. This body would need to be with him until his last day. In that case, he needed to forge a good bond with it.

He stroked his aching joints and muttered, “I shouldn’t bend my core that far... I won’t do anything that crazy again.”

He took a deep breath, then lay down. The bed—not the straw he was accustomed to—softly accepted his body. It was terribly comfortable. Unaware of when exactly he dozed off, he was breathing peacefully before he knew it.

○

There was a clatter as glass cups were thunked on the table. What meager amount remained of the wine contained within them rippled in waves around the bottom.

Her cheeks a little red, Angeline propped one of her feet up onto her chair, attempting to affect a domineering aura. “The way Ol’ Angeline here sees it, Helvetica’s not got enough of that motherly stuff.”

“You think sooo?”

“High-handed today, are we... In the first place, what is this motherliness you’re talking about?”

Angeline pouted at Anessa’s question.

“It’s this all-encompassing thing, you know... I want to be wrapped up in love. Thing is, I don’t feel like having Helvetica dote on me, it just doesn’t feel right... In the first place, a couple’s gotta be equal in marriage. She just doesn’t match up to dad’s fatherliness. Not even close.”

“Oh, you can’t say for sure, Ange! Despite how she looks, my sister is very reliable,” Sasha mustered.

“Reliable re-shmiable. Look at Anne over there. She’s reliable...but she’s got no motherliness to her.”

“Erk, that may be true, but...”

“Oi, did you just implicitly insult me?”

Sasha sputtered, “N-No, not exactly!”

“But it’s true...” Angeline flatly stated. “Anne already lost to dad’s fatherliness a while back.”

“Grr...” Anessa held her tongue. She couldn’t muster any rebuttal.

Sasha filled her cup to the brim and then immediately downed half of it. “However, if my sister does marry Master, then Master will be my brother-in-law... H-How invigorating!”

“Oh, that means you’d be Ange’s aunt,” Miriam chuckled.

Angeline violently grabbed the bottle by the neck, pouring some for herself. A bit of it splashed onto the table and pooled. “I don’t want such a young aunt!”

“S-So cruel!”

“Why do you look so shocked?” Anessa propped up her head with a hand, staring into Sasha’s teary eyes.

Uncorking a new bottle, Angeline said, “In any case, her motherliness just doesn’t cut it.”

“But what about Mr. Bell? There’s no telling if your tastes are the same as his, Ange,” Miriam said, tossing a roasted bean into her mouth.

Angeline folded her arms. “What sort of women do men like...?”

“No, don’t ask me... Maybe kind, home-oriented, something like that?” Anessa suggested.

Miriam shook her head. The wine was clearly getting to her, and her face was red. “Not. Even. Close! Those men don’t care what’s on the inside.”

“A-Aren’t you being a bit extreme?”

“Not at all, my dear Sasha. The first thing a man looks at is the chest, then the legs, then the face, in that order. This is the iron rule! See, don’t you start feeling stares when you dress light in the summer?”

“I see... You have a point. When I spar at the guild, I end up taking the top layer off when I get too hot. Then the men get a little weaker. I didn’t know until now, but they must have been looking at my chest! Surely! How pathetic, to lose concentration over something like that!”

“Come to think of it, I sometimes feel gazes...”

“Right? Especially around the—” Miriam looked at Angeline’s chest. “I’m sorry, Ange...”

“Why are you apologizing?”

A beat passed. “I’m sorry.”

“Hey, explain yourself.”

“Now, now, Ange. Have another.” Sasha poured another glass of wine.

Angeline didn’t look very convinced, but said, “Well, whatever... You’re saying the chest is important?”

“That’s right! And a large chest is filled with motherliness! They’ve taken down many a man.”

“Hmm...” Angeline looked at Miriam with dubious eyes. The light dress she borrowed had been filled out rather impressively.

Sasha looked at the magician’s face with deep intrigue. “Then is Merry overflowing with motherliness?”

“Nope, she’s got none.”

“Nada.”

Ange and Anessa immediately refuted this.

Miriam stuck out her lips. “This and that are separate issues!”

“You’re the one who started going off on breasts, Merry...”

“Merry here doesn’t plan on becoming a mother yet!”

“But even if Merry is a special case, I definitely do feel something motherly from large breasts,” said Sasha.

“Ah! You just insulted me, didn’t you!”

Sasha stammered, “N-No, not exactly...”

“Sasha, you’re a natural at this... Though I admit, I do understand where you’re coming from.”

“Does motherliness have to do with softness...?” Angeline tilted her head.

Sasha held a glass out to her. “If that’s the case, my sister is pretty soft all around! She’s got size too!”

“Really?”

“Hmm, is Mr. Bell going to lose to the breasts?”

“Of course he won’t... My dad is a gentleman! Surely he understands that size is inconsequential.”

“How did we get here?”

“I think it was something about motherliness...?”

“That’s right! Why are we talking about breasts then?!”

“Umm... Oh, it’s empty. Let me get a new one.”

Before they knew it, there were already four, then five empty bottles rolling about. Because of how much alcohol was already in them at that point, they hardly noticed the bottles of distilled liquor mixed among the wines. Gradually, they began quarreling in inarticulate tongues as they emptied one glass after another.