"Already, a letter has been sent to the Alrn family. Benedict should be finishing up his work soon, so he should check it right away, don't you think?"
"Ma’am, do you know what’s written in it?"
"Probably nothing important. Anyway, the one at fault in this matter is the First Queen. With a monster like Benedict standing behind her, the ones with a legitimate cause, like our employer, should be treated with respect."
What Grandpa said was right. I was so brazen in that situation that even that vicious First Queen couldn’t say anything.
<Even after so many years, the way things turn out in human affairs is always the same.>
The fool who could only laugh with a stupid grin when something good happened.
The magician who devoted his life to studying magic, losing all social skills.
The knight who could only think of seducing women wherever he went.
Luel’s political skills in negotiating with various factions, even after hundreds of years, had not dulled.
<Now, based on the various justifications you have, all you need to do is tie the First Queen’s hands and feet. Then you can get just about anything.>
‘I don’t want anything from that insane person.’
<It doesn’t have to be material. Promises. Contracts. Debts. Anything without a price. You can get that.>
It’s not that—I just don’t want to have a prolonged relationship with the First Queen.
I complained to Grandpa, who didn’t understand me, but he just smirked and licked his lips.
‘Watching you, Grandpa, I’m reminded of the saying “birds of a feather flock together.”’
<What do you mean by that?>
‘I mean you’re just as bad as your colleagues.’
<Utter nonsense! How much trouble did I go through looking after those brats? How dare you say that we’re the same!>
‘Does it sting?’
<It’s ridiculous! If I follow your logic, then you must be a pervert like Rina!>
‘...That’s not true!’
I may have some strange tendencies, but comparing me to that foolish fox is just outrageous!
As the lord of the forest, throwing away your dignity—being lumped into the same category as that garbage? It’s practically asking for a fight!
"Employer, what’s with the sudden outburst?"
As I was genuinely squabbling with Grandpa, Karia, looking puzzled, asked me a question.
"...Stop making that grating voice. I’m in the middle of something much more significant than some worn-out old woman can imagine!"
This insult, I won’t let it slide, Grandpa!
I’ll show you my sharp tongue honed by the Mesugaki skill!
"I don’t know what’s so important, but is it more important than meeting the two artisans?"
Hmm? It’s supposed to take some time to get to your hideout.
Huh? Why are we already there? Why did time just vanish halfway?
I must have gotten really heated from being compared to that foolish fox.
Remembering how that fox licked its tongue, I shuddered and told Grandpa we’d talk later, then entered the hideout.
"Huh. You’re younger than I imagined. Are you ten now?"
As soon as the blacksmith Inuki saw my face, he spat out a rude remark.
It was definitely an unpleasant comment, but on the other hand, I was happy. They provided me with a reason to throw my own insults back at them.
"Wow, this cranky old man is more decrepit than I imagined. Can you even hold a hammer with those feeble arms? I’d break your bones just by shaking your hand!"
Inuki, who was anything but kind, immediately blushed and tried to stand up, but the seamstress grandma next to him held him back.
"Why are you picking on someone young enough to be your granddaughter?"
"...Isn’t this just a greeting? A greeting."
"Well, I responded according to your level, didn’t I? Stop fooling around and stay quiet."
The gentle but powerful voice of the grandma had the force to suppress her opponent. Inuki grumbled and pulled his neck back as she smiled and bowed her head.
"It’s been a while, young lady. You’ve grown taller. You’ll need new clothes."
"Good eye? Guess you haven’t aged in vain?"
"If I didn’t have this good sense, I couldn’t have done this job for so long."
"You think I’ve grown? This?"
Amid our light-hearted conversation, Inuki sneaked in and, upon receiving a scornful look, clicked his tongue and turned his head. He’s old enough to know better, but acts like a teenage brat.
"Been in hiding for too long? Did you forget how to talk to people? Or maybe you just can’t get out of your past glory? If it’s the latter, go look in the mirror. You’ll get a sense of your place when you see your pathetic face."
"Not much different from the rumors! I’ve heard many say the rumors were exaggerated, but it doesn’t seem so!"
Inuki, his veins bulging in his neck, seemed like he might blow up, but he didn’t leave.
The old man, with his filthy temper, was still staying put.
Heh. Heh-heh.
I deliberately walked lightly in front of Inuki, like a fairy strolling over flowers, and with a sharp turn, I smiled right in front of his face.
"If you hate me so much, you could just leave, right? Why stay here, acting like you don’t want to?"
"...Tch."
"Did you fall for me at first sight? Hehe. I bet you can’t even get it up in the middle, so honest about your lust! Not a blacksmith, just a senile lolicon pervert..."
"Ah! Damn it! Fine! I admit it! I can’t beat you in this battle of wits! But I won’t let you live with that talent wearing some pathetic armor! I don’t know what kind of armor you want, but I’ll make it according to your wishes! Just shut that disaster of a mouth!"
Armor? Why is armor suddenly coming up? I was just messing with him to vent my frustration!
"Hehe. Just like the Apostle of the Art Guild said, you hide a lot beneath that cute face."
What? Me? What am I hiding, grandma?
Oh. Well. I’m not sure, but something seems to be going well, so I’ll just smile and stay quiet.
I’ll pretend to be cool with a playful grin, and it’ll all work out.
"Of course. Have I ever been wrong?"
At that moment, I couldn’t help but widen my eyes when I noticed the perverted Apostle, who had been hiding in the shadows, now fully revealed. Why is the person supposed to be watching Luca here!?
"Luca is currently detained by our guild. The Sword Saint and our guild members are keeping a close watch on him, so you don’t need to worry."
"That’s what you say, but didn’t one of your perverts sneak a psycho in last time?"
"Well, that’s a painful truth, but this time it’s different. We’ve set up several traps to ensure that no evil energy can spread."
...Several traps? Does the Art Guild have those kinds of things? I cautiously raised my doubts, and the perverted Apostle chuckled.
"Would you like to come see? If it’s you, young lady, I’d gladly show you our most secret place."
At that moment, my danger-sensing alarm went off.
I should never accept that offer. The moment I see what’s hidden, I could end up experiencing something terrifying.
Shivers ran down my spine, and I hastily shook my head. The Apostle showed clear disappointment.
"I see. Well, don’t worry. It’s safe enough that I could walk in worship of the goddess and you, young lady."
Although he’s a crazy pervert, at least his faith is intact. It seems like there really is something going on here.
Yeah. Let’s think that way and move on. I don’t want to get any more involved.
"I understand it’s safe, but why are you here then? Is your lust more important than the guild, perverted Apostle?"
"On my way back yesterday, I happened to meet Nikis. I was hoping to get some advice on the attire for the young lady and also ask where the best scenic spots at Soul Academy are."
That’s when I remembered the contract I made with the perverted Apostle.
I had to wear the clothes he made, pose in the way he wanted, and become the model for a picture among accessories and other items.
"Wouldn’t have been the case before, but now you’re telling me the Apostle needs my advice?"
"Of course. I still admire the clothes Nikis made. Please, I ask for your expert advice on the clothes I’ll make."
"Hehe. Well, it’s good that we’re in agreement. I also had something I wanted to ask you."
The two of them seriously discussing the attire to put on me was surprisingly cultured, but strangely, as I watched, cold sweat ran down my back.
Should I run now? No, that would just delay things. Maybe I should just grit my teeth and endure it.
Yeah, that’s right. I endured it when that foolish fox looked at my skin like it wanted to lick it. This isn’t any worse!
With my resolve solidified, I held my steps back from trying to leave and hoped their conversation would end soon.
Anyway, I needed to quickly finish this conversation and contact the Alrn family.
"...Hmm? No. Wait a minute."
At that moment, the perverted Apostle, who had been chatting away excitedly, suddenly raised his voice.
"Young lady of the Alrn family. Could you recreate the steps you took when you approached me just now?"
"Grumpy old man. Do you want to get closer and sniff my scent? You’re just as disgusting as I thought."
"Shut up and just answer me. Can you do it or not?"
I felt Inuki’s serious gaze and, though I didn’t know his intention, I recreated the steps of a fairy as he had asked.
"...Huh."
Inuki let out a short exclamation, folded his arms, and leaned forward, continuing to ponder, before letting out a heavy sigh.
"Where in the world did you learn the steps of a fairy?"
His question was far from what I had expected.
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