kscans

Chapter 168 - The Naive Tactic and the Reunion with Mo

As Famu approached the gate, a guard holding a long spear blocked her path.

"Who goes there!"

As the guard shouted, soldiers who had been on standby behind the gate came running out with weapons drawn. In an instant, she was surrounded by ten soldiers. She took a step back. It seemed she had finally realized the predicament she was in.

"Looks like the naive tactic was a failure..."

I muttered.

"What part of that was a tactic?!"

Mizuki shot back.

"I-I'm Famu. I've come to see... Mo."

"Do you have an appointment? Or perhaps a letter of introduction or an invitation?"

Famu shook her head at the guard's words. Meanwhile, one of the guards was calling for more soldiers from inside the mansion. The number of soldiers surrounding her increased by another ten.

"You're an adventurer, aren't you? Unfortunately, Lady Mo is busy. We cannot allow you to see her."

One of the guards glared menacingly at Famu.

"B-but... I have a promise with Mo..."

Famu stammered, then turned around and looked at me with sad eyes. She seemed to be asking for help.

"Hey, is this okay? It looks like they'll let her into the mansion, alright, but straight into a jail cell..."

said Mizuki, who was watching Famu's situation with me.

"But what can I do, even if I go over there?"

"Couldn't you just summon Laciel?"

Mizuki said it so casually, but I didn't want to stand out. I came to this city seeking a peaceful life. If I caused a commotion, word would get out to the other otherworlder heroes. The chances of an enemy appearing were higher than that of an ally.

"Anyway, let's all go help her."

I took a step forward, but neither Mizuki, Cecily, nor Aira made a move to follow. I couldn't help but look back.

"W-we'll go back to the trading company and wait for you..."

"You guys are horrible!"

Wasn't it Cecily and Aira who had business with Mo? Why were they acting like this had nothing to do with them? With that thought, I headed towards Famu. Just then, one of the guards stepped out from the circle and stood before Famu. He was wearing a mask, but from the muscles on his unarmored arms, I could tell he was a man. Come to think of it, since this was an elven mansion, I had assumed everyone would be an elf, but the guards were all humans and beastmen.

"You said your name is Famu?"

"Yes..."

Famu nodded in response to the masked guard's question.

"Indeed, I was told that if a person by that name came, they were to be allowed inside."

At those words, Famu's expression brightened instantly. If that was the arrangement, I wished they'd just let her in sooner. I let out a sigh of relief.

"Then please, let me see Mo."

At Famu's words, the guard shook his head.

"No. Her Ladyship stated that there is a secret greeting between her and a girl named Famu. Show it to us, will you?"

the guard said. He said it was a secret greeting, but who other than Mo could possibly confirm it? I felt the urge to point that out, but since things seemed likely to resolve if Famu just performed the greeting, I kept my mouth shut.

"Eh, here?"

The guard nodded at the taken-aback Famu.

"I-in front of everyone..."

The guard nodded again at her words. Famu looked around. The guards were still surrounding her, applying pressure. Their number had now grown to thirty. They had gathered from out of nowhere, swarming around Famu.

"...Understood."

Famu's face turned beet red as she shyly raised her hands just a little.

"...Moo..."

she whispered, then immediately lowered her hands.

"What was that..."

"...Like a mosquito buzzing."

"What kind of weak, spiritless greeting is that?"

"She raised her hands. Don't tell me she's cursing Lady Mo..."

The guards were whispering amongst themselves. Famu, as if ignoring their chatter, looked down and waited for the guards to let her through.

"Sorry, but we can't let you see Her Ladyship with that."

the masked guard said. Famu's eyes welled with tears, but she nodded as if she had made up her mind.

"I-I understand! I'll do it properly this time."

This time, she raised her hands high.

"Moooooo!"

she let out a loud voice, almost like a howl born of desperation.

"Moo."

A girl's voice came from behind the guard.

"Eh?"

As Famu looked on in surprise, the male guard moved to the side. From behind him, an elven girl with her hands raised appeared. White skin, long silver hair, and a small chest full of potential for growth. It was Marmi Mume Mo Star Union.

"...Famu, I've been waiting."

She spread her arms and hugged Famu. Beside them, the guard removed his mask. It was Wake, who had been Mo's bodyguard during our journey.

"I'm glad you came. Lady Mo is delighted by your visit."

He said, extending a hand to me. Was he always this friendly? I searched my memory as I shook his hand.

Flowers of purple and white bloomed in profusion in the garden's flowerbeds.

"Are those roses?"

"Not even close. These are geraniums, I think,"

Mizuki answered my question, which had been more of a thought to myself. She had pretended this was none of her business while Famu was in trouble, yet here she was, having sneakily tagged along. Cecily and Aira were with her, too. In front of us were Famu and Mo. Behind us followed Wake and the guards, aside from the gatekeepers. It turned out they had received information the moment we entered the city and had gathered the guards at the gate specifically to intimidate us. What a bunch of idle people. And at some point, Claire had joined us as well.

"Is something wrong?"

"Yes, I've secured the inn. Also, a group from the Earth Dragon race came to the trading company looking for you, Mash. I've arranged their lodging as well. They're speaking with Mercedes right now."

"..."

"Is something the matter?"

"No."

I was just a little taken aback by the aura of a capable woman emanating from Claire. I had thought of her as a sheltered and timid girl, but she had been raised in the Mateo Trading Company and received a proper education. It was likely she just hadn't had confidence in her own intellect until now. She was also highly curious, and if given the opportunity, she would demonstrate her abilities just like this. In any case, it seemed we had just missed Yanan and the others. I had wanted to introduce the Earth Dragon race to Mo, but it looked like that would have to wait for another time. As Famu and Mo, who were walking at the front, approached the building, the door opened on its own. I thought it was magic, but it was just a servant opening it from the inside. Among them was the Flower Folk girl who had served as Mo's attendant, Patricia. She smiled upon seeing Famu and Mo, then bowed her head deeply. The entrance hall was a vast space. It was an open atrium, with a grand double staircase leading to the second floor. Something like a chandelier with numerous candlesticks hung from the ceiling, but the candles were unlit. Large windows were set on either side of the entrance door, allowing sunlight to stream in. A stone statue of the goddess Laciel was placed where the sunlight shone. The silhouette was beautiful, but the facial features weren't very well-carved. I wanted to show it to her someday. Following Famu and the others, we ascended the grand staircase. At the top of the stairs stood a pair of elves. Both the man and the woman looked young, and the silver-haired woman in particular had the same translucent, beautiful white skin as Mo, reminiscent of porcelain. Come to think of it, her features bore a slight resemblance to Mo as well.

"...Mash, this is my father, Augustus Star Union. And my mother, Marina Marini Marine Star Union."

Mo introduced the two of them. The father's name was normal, but the mother had a strange name just like Mo. Well, unlike Mo's, each part was a normal name, but putting them all together made it strange. As I was thinking such silly thoughts, the two of them knelt on one knee.

"Lord Mash, Lady Aira, we have been expecting you. We are honored beyond measure that you have come to our home first, rather than the church or any of the other Four Regent Families, upon your arrival in Miglutt. Welcome to the House of Star Union."

"..."

Whether it was because they'd gotten their information from the King of Heilon and thought Aira and I were the otherworlder heroes, or because visiting Mo's house first had taken on such a meaning, or because I didn't want people living in such a mansion to kneel before me, I didn't know where to even begin with my retorts. In fact, I wasn't even sure if I was allowed to retort. Aira was receiving kisses on the back of her hand from the two of them. She shot a desperate look at me and Mizuki, but there was nothing we could do either. At times like this, I wished from the bottom of my heart that Myra were here to take charge of the situation, but she was at the church.

"Ah, um, I..."

As the two stood up, Aira tried to say something in her confusion, but the words wouldn't seem to come out.

"It's alright, we know the truth. And that you, Mash-san, are not fond of such greetings,"

Marina said with a mischievous smile, winking at Mizuki. I wondered if Mo's mother was a prankster. The whole incident at the gate might have been her doing as well.

We were shown to a room with a massive long table. It was a dining hall that felt more like a great hall. Down the center of the long table, white, lustrous vases were arranged in a regular pattern, and the beautifully arranged flowers within them colored the space. Similar vases were placed on side tables, lending an elegant atmosphere to the entire room. This room had several large windows, and the calculated lighting brought in soft natural light, brightly illuminating the entire space. Like the entrance hall, it seemed to have been built with no consideration for the possibility of an enemy attack. At the head of the table sat a dignified chair with a high back, but the seat remained empty. Presumably, the master of the house, Augustus, usually sat there. In the seats opposite, Augustus, Marina, Mo, and Famu were seated in a row, while in the row where I sat, it was me, Mizuki, Cecily, Aira, and Claire, in that order. And then, servants were pouring coffee and tea into ceramic cups. Among them was Patricia.

"It's been a while. Though it hasn't even been ten days since we parted in Heilon,"

she said as she poured coffee into my cup.

"Does Patricia handle all the housework in this mansion?"

"Only when Lady Mo has guests. Normally, I attend to Lady Mo's personal needs. Today, I'll be standing by behind you, Mash-san, so please let me know if you need anything."

Is that so? I'd have to be careful not to say anything lewd and get punched. The coffee drinkers were me, Mizuki, and Famu. The others had ordered tea. Famu, prompted by Mo, was munching on a scone.

"It's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It leaves a buttery flavor and a hint of sweetness. This goes well with tea... no, with coffee."

Was food reporting her new hobby? She was at it again. Then she took a sip of coffee and grimaced, hastily adding sugar and milk. It seemed she had only copied me and actually wanted tea. She had drunk it a few times on the way to Heilon, and she always loaded it with sugar. Shifting my gaze, I noticed a portrait hanging behind the head of the table. It looked somewhat like Marina, and also like Mo.

"That is the First Head of the family,"

Patricia said.

"Does she also have a weird... I mean, a strange... ah, a name like Mo and the others?"

"Her official name is Mama Marmi Mam Star Union. It's not so much the case for elven boys, but when a girl is born, she is especially doted upon, and everyone wants to give her a name. To avoid fights, they say she is bestowed with all the names."

"Do they all start with 'Ma'?"

"No, that's only for the Star Union family. It might be a coincidence, but no male heirs are born into the Star Union family. Lord Augustus married into the family."

I glanced sideways at Augustus. He looked youthful, younger than me, but he was much older. So, he had married in. The fact that no sons were born meant the Star Union family was a matrilineal line, just like the nomads. However, in Mo's case, they had said she would marry into another family, and her child would be adopted into the Star Union family. Whether it was due to the power of their lineage or something else, elven society seemed to have its own complex circumstances.

"Well then,"

Augustus said.

"First, allow me to express my gratitude for saving my daughter from her predicament."

He said, bowing his head. I had a bad feeling about what would come next, so I wished he'd stop kneeling and bowing, but I nodded for the time being.

"Our interests just happened to align, so there's no need to worry about it... sir."

Since he was being so humble, I couldn't help but tack on a polite word. Augustus smiled at my words.

"You may speak to me as you do to my daughter."

"In that case, I'd appreciate it if you'd stop bowing and being so humble. And just use my name, please."

He returned a smile at my words. He was more graceful than any noble I had met so far.

"I heard you all plan to live in Miglutt. What do you say? I was thinking of giving you a house."

At his words, Claire's eyebrow twitched.

"Is that a gesture of gratitude? Or is it simply a way to keep us within the Star Union family's district and under your watch?"

"And you are?"

Augustus's eyebrow twitched as well. Seeing this, Claire realized she had spoken out of turn and hastily covered her mouth.

"This is Claire, the branch manager of the Mateo Trading Company. I've asked her to find a property with a bath for us."

I introduced her and explained that we were in her company's care. The Mateo Trading Company, which primarily did business in the Imperial Capital, had little influence in Miglutt.

"I see. In that case, I shall introduce a property to the Mateo Trading Company. Miss Claire, you can then present that property to Mash."

"...Is that acceptable?"

Augustus nodded at Claire's words.

"However, that means I must think of a new way to thank you."

"There's no need for thanks. Mo is Famu's friend. Besides, Mo was the one who worked the hardest in defeating the pirates, and I'm already asking for her help in arranging for Cecily and Aira here to enroll in the magic academy."

She had continuously blocked the enemy's special skill cannonballs with her magic barrier.

"...About the magic academy,"

Mo said. All eyes turned to her.

"...School starts in September. The two of them haven't taken the entrance exam, nor have they studied the fundamentals required for admission. And today is August 20th. There are only about ten days left, so they'll have to start studying today."

"What!"

I couldn't help but shout. I had thought we still had time together until the very last minute before they had to enroll.

"...Mash, it's better for them to build up a certain level of academic ability so they don't stumble after enrolling and so they can become excellent mages. And we have one of the world's best mages right here."

Mo glanced at her mother, Marina.

"Cecily might be fine, but Aira is studying theology, right?"

I still didn't want to let them go. I pressed her.

"Mash-san, I'm telling you this because it's you. In this world, the only one who can connect with a god is you, and you alone. You've already suspected that the miracles of the gods are not actually granted by the gods, haven't you?"

Marina said.

"The church's miracles are a type of magic..."

She nodded at my words. It was true, I couldn't imagine Laciel granting power based on people's faith. I looked at Aira. She didn't seem particularly perturbed upon hearing this fact. Still, I was glad Myra wasn't here. Faith isn't about logic.

"...Also, they'll have to stay in the dormitory until they can keep up with the classes."

We were going to be separated so soon? I couldn't hide my dismay at Mo's words.

"It's okay. We get one day off every seven. I'll come see you,"

Cecily said. I was the one who should have been encouraging her, but instead, she was encouraging me.

"I'll be back for the days when we do it all together,"

Aira added. It seemed she'd be back for our orgies. Hearing that was both reassuring and unsettling. She didn't have the same ambition as Cecily; she was only going to the magic academy because Cecily was. I wondered if she would become a delinquent and start sniffing glue in a corner of the hallway. Come to think of it, the hem of her priestess robes was quite long.

"I feel like I'm being made fun of somehow..."

Aira activated a sharp sense worthy of Famu.

"...Also, there's something I need to tell Famu,"

Mo said.

"What is it?"

Famu asked her.

"...Samu is here. Sameim Okita, of the dog-eared race, is in this city."

Famu shot up from her seat.

"Samu... Samu is in this city! Where is she? I have to go see her!"

Sameim had lived in the same village as Famu. She had gone missing after the Crimson Brigade attacked their village. Hearing this, Famu looked like she was about to cry.

"...Wait, this information came from the One-Land family. The One-Lands are trying to buy back the people from Famu's village who were enslaved. Samu is among them..."

"Master!"

Famu looked at me. She probably intended to buy her back before the One-Land family could.

"...Famu, I'm not finished. Samu was bought by an adventurer, and negotiations have stalled. That's all the information I was given. They asked for Famu to come to the One-Land family for more details."

"They have business with me?"

Famu tilted her head. She had said she'd never been beyond the surrounding villages until hers was attacked. She shouldn't have any connection to the One-Land family.

"...They said you should come with Mash."

"With my Master... I can't do that..."

Famu clenched her fists in frustration and hung her head.

"Famu, I'm going,"

I said. She remained silent for a long time after hearing my words.

"...Thank you, Master,"

Famu said.

"...That's how it is, so stay the night today,"

Mo said.

"Huh? But..."

I exchanged a look with Claire. She had just arranged our lodging for the day. She fluttered her wings as if to say not to worry about her. The words of a commoner were powerless before those of a noble.

"...There's a bath, too."

"A bath!"

Mizuki cried out in joy at Mo's words. Did she want to take a bath that badly? Mo nodded, and Mizuki turned a joyful gaze to me.

"A bath! They have a bath!"

Mizuki had become a broken record, only capable of saying 'bath'.

"...We'll all get in together."

"What! Me too?!"

Unable to hide my excitement at Mo's words, I was struck on the head by a fist from Patricia, who was behind me.

"That doesn't include you, does it, Mash-san?"

Patricia smiled sweetly, a deep furrow in her brow. Under her intimidating gaze, I had no choice but to nod, but just as I was about to, Mo raised her hand to stop Patricia.

"...It does include him,"

Mo said. Then, she turned back to face Augustus and Marina.

"...Father, Mother. I am going on a journey with Mash. And I am going to marry him."