第１２２１堀：バスの旅で何をした？ (Part2)
"To top it all off, he even threatened to use his connections as a Viscount to put pressure on my father and the others."
"Wait a second, Mikos. Is that really going to be okay?" Dressa asked, her voice laced with alarm.
Well, it was a nobleman of higher rank making the threats. If this were a legitimate protest, it would be one thing, but people who casually resort to such idiotic behavior are hardly the type to lodge a reasonable grievance. I had been worried they might try to pull something outrageous against Mikos’s family or their territory.
"That part is fine. I’ve made sure to record everything clearly, and I’ve already sent that evidence to Princess Carrie. We’re also planning to tighten surveillance from Weed’s side."
"And, of course, the Haire Church will cooperate with the monitoring. Well, even if they aren't directly linked to the Mad God cult, they’re opposing the royal faction, so it’s only natural for the Church to keep a close eye on them."
I see. If Enora is pulling strings in addition to Yuki-san, I suppose it’ll be alright. Still, it must be painful for Mikos to have to break this news to her family. It’s not that she did anything wrong, but it’s still a situation where she might be bringing trouble to their doorstep.
As we were discussing this, a group of people led by soldiers emerged from the town gate. Codorissi-san was with them, of course.
"Thank you for waiting. Yuki-sama, Kagura-sama, this is Viscount Kinao Aoku, who governs this area, centered around Aoku Town in the Zufuia Kingdom."
"A pleasure to meet you, Prince Consort Yuki of Weed, and his wife, Kagura-sama. I am grateful that you chose my town for your stay and as a hub for your journey toward the Goblin Village. Please, feel free to address me simply as Kinao."
"Thank you for the courteous greeting. However, it would be against etiquette to address a Viscount so informally, so I shall call you Viscount Kinao. Or perhaps, would you prefer the house name, Viscount Aoku?"
"No, Viscount Kinao is perfectly fine. I must sincerely apologize for the delay in our reception, despite having been informed of your visit in advance."
"Please, do not concern yourself. Our journey progressed faster than anticipated, so the fault is not yours. On the contrary, I am grateful for your willingness to accommodate such a sudden visit."
We exchanged polite bows. Hmm, at a glance, Viscount Kinao doesn't seem like a bad person.
"Thank you. Now, while it may not fully make up for the delay, I intend to provide you with the finest hospitality. Please, this way."
With that, Viscount Kinao took the lead, his guards marching in perfect formation as they guided us into the town. We followed behind them—well, behind the horses, that is. Since we were traveling in a bus rather than a carriage, the townspeople were staring with wide, astonished eyes. A cart that moves without horses is a strange sight, after all.
"The town is surprisingly clean, isn't it?"
"Yeah. The people look happy, too. Oh, yoo-hoo!"
"Yoo-hoo, indeed!"
As Shera said, this town was surprisingly clean, even by our standards. Well, if you wandered into the back alleys, you might catch the pungent scent of waste, but as far as the public areas went, the sanitation seemed perfectly fine. The children waving at Aslin and Firia were dressed in worn-out, frayed clothes, but you could tell they were kept clean.
"Why are you waving back?"
"Geez, Dre-onee. It’s only natural to try and get along with the townspeople."
"That’s right. It reflects on Brother’s reputation, too. Come on, Dressa, you too."
"Yes, yes. Yoo-hoo! We’ll be in your care starting today, so be nice to us!"
Dressa, who had been stiff at first, was now waving with a smile. I had been wondering what to do, but a child looking out of a window with their mother was waving at us so earnestly that I couldn't help but wave back. They smiled, so I suppose it was the right thing to do.
"…For now, I don't sense any malice."
"Indeed. The town as a whole seems to be welcoming us, and I haven't felt any ill intent from anyone yet."
"I agree with that assessment, but we must not let our guard down. Do not leave Yuki’s side until we have embedded the cores and secured a safe zone."
"Yes!" we replied in unison to Jessica’s command.
That’s right. We are Yuki-san’s guards. We will protect him, no matter what. Though, of course, it would be best if nothing happened at all.
As I was thinking this, the vehicle arrived safely at the lord’s mansion.