Chapter 8

With Berline gone, Grace kindly made the tea for me.

"Thank you. Uh..."

"I am called Grace."

"Nice to meet you, Grace."

"Yes, Master Ashley."

The two exchanged smiles. After taking a sip of tea and letting out a breath, Ashley, who was sitting opposite, spoke with a somewhat relieved expression.

"I feel a bit relieved. That you forgave me..."

He must have been worried about the matter with the noble family, even though I told him I was a bastard. Ashley is also dealing with the difficult issue of deciding Oslo's treatment, and even if Ashley tries to show mercy, Kennel will likely be furious with Oslo. I don't think the treatment will be lenient.

"Don't worry too much about me."

"Master Theodore... You seem to be about the same age as me, but you seem more mature and independent."

"...It's because of the environment, I guess."

Father gave me the same education as my other siblings... but it was like a forced union due to Katsuhisa's memories and my relationship with the Catherines. It's a bit complicated to hear this from Ashley, who is trying hard to be a lord.

"By the way, you don't seem to be feeling well?"

Upon looking at Ashley again, I noticed his breathing had become slightly rough, and sweat was starting to appear on his forehead. It was clear that he was physically weak.

"I'm fine. I'm used to it."

"..."

I have a feeling. My mother used to say the same thing.

...Talking to Ashley brings back a lot of things that reflect on myself. It's frustrating and annoying, reminding me of my former powerless self and my mother when she was alive. I can't help but remember.

"Master Theodore?"

Ashley's voice, filled with curiosity.

...Whatever. I'm leaving the town soon, so this much is fine.

There's also Berline's lecture after this. If this causes him to fall seriously ill, Kennel's impression will definitely worsen. But if I delay, I don't know when the next opportunity will come.

"Excuse me."

I probably had a stern look on my face. I then took Ashley's hands.

"Uh? A, ah?"

"Stay like that. Try to relax."

I used a skill called Circulatory Qi Refinement, derived from the magic circulation technique used by battle mages. Battle mages enhance their magic quality, output, and physical abilities by circulating and refining their internal magic and qi. Applying this to someone else is Circulatory Qi Refinement.

In the game, it continuously restores the target's vitality and accelerates the recovery from status ailments while in contact. The principle is to use the circulation properties through the exchange of magic to regulate the flow of qi. It's not suitable for use during combat due to the need for continuous contact, but it was a handy way to heal allies in BFO.

I activated the circulation while holding hands, guiding the magic flowing through her body like a river into a cycle, and simultaneously using my magic to normalize the abnormalities in her qi meridians. It's more like symptomatic treatment, but it replenishes her stamina and boosts her resistance and natural healing ability. It might be just right for Ashley.

While regulating the flow, I increased the total amount of circulated magic and directed it towards her. When the circulation is released, the unified magic will separate and convert into her life energy.

...Is this enough?

I stopped at an appropriate point and let go of her hands. Ashley's face, which had been pale, now had a rosy hue, and her lips looked healthier.

"How do you feel?"

"...It feels like a lie. My body feels so light. Was that magic?"

"Strictly speaking, it's not magic but a form of magic manipulation. You might have a talent for magic, Ashley."

"Me? Magic talent?"

"Your internal magic quality seems good. If you have the opportunity, you might want to learn some magic to improve your health."

Health is the foundation of everything. Her health also affects the state of the territory. Kennel is overprotective because she is frail.

I received the gold and letter and left the room as Berline's lecture began. I declined when asked to join.

"Master Theodore."

Grace called my name as the door closed behind me.

"Did you think of Lisa?"

"Uh, yeah."

Grace also seemed to have thoughts after seeing Ashley.

We understood each other's feelings without saying more. We walked down the corridor and returned to the guild counter.

All I had to do was wait for the Forest Bird here. I could pass the time by looking at some job postings or go to the adjacent tavern for a light meal. Waiting at the stables would be more boring, so I decided to wait here. Lucian said it would be terrible to make Theo wait at the stables, so I ended up waiting here. He's quite a peculiar kid. He seems to respect nobles, but his way of addressing people is quite casual.

Well, he has my permission to call me that, and it's not bad that we've become more familiar.

Looking at the posters on the wall and comparing the prices in BFO with those here was quite interesting. I'm not an adventurer, so it's just a casual observation, but since it's not crowded, it's fine.

After passing some time, a loud voice echoed from the guild counter.

"Just bring that person here! It's extremely rude to keep someone in such a rough place!"

Turning around, I saw a well-dressed, white-haired man arguing with the guild staff at the entrance.

"Sir, they are in the middle of an important conversation."

"You're not worth talking to! Call that woman Berline!"

...I have a feeling I know who this is.

It's probably the servant from Ashley's house, who was sent on a fast horse. The door was open, and I could see a saddled horse outside. If he came back on a single horse, it would take about this long. He looks quite energetic for his age. Upon closer inspection, his hair and clothes, which should be neatly set, were slightly disheveled.

...Hmm. Since I set this up, I don't like it when someone interferes.

"Excuse me, are you Lord Kennel?"

"Ah!? What? What important talk...?"

Kennel quickly scanned me from head to toe and furrowed his brow in confusion.

"My name is Theodore Gartner. I'm one of the parties involved in today's incident."

"Hmm..."

Hearing my name, Kennel's expression stiffened. The initial approach seemed to work.

It's understandable that he's a bit wary. I need to get him to listen to me first.

"Shall we talk over there? It's important for Ashley as well."

I pointed to a table in the tavern and said.

"...That's how it is."

"Is that so. That fool Oslo... Truly... lamentable... truly."

After explaining today's situation and Ashley's current state, Kennel sighed and shook his head.

"Let me ask you again. Is this woman Berline trustworthy?"

"In a professional capacity, yes. Personally, I don't know her. She's not the type to resort to rash actions. I advised Ashley to listen to her with a critical ear. I believe Ashley, being intelligent, understood this."

"...That's only natural."

I explained the current situation, emphasizing that Ashley was not in danger, with the understanding that she would come out immediately. I then asked him to calm down and said:

"Have you had any conflicts with adventurers in the past?"

"..."

Kennel didn't answer. He looked into the distance for a moment and frowned.

He has to accept the use of adventurers. The more capable they are, the more compromises he has to make. Once his anger subsides, he will have to face this reality.

"Monsters won't wait while the guard is being reorganized. Their morale is at an all-time low, and the consequences of negligence are significant. Injuries and deaths will occur with poor training. I think the help of adventurers is necessary, even as a temporary measure."

This will bring up issues like compensation for the bereaved and dissatisfaction among the citizens.

"...Talking to you, Theodore, feels like talking to an adult."

Kennel smiled wryly and narrowed his eyes.

"That's impolite. My father also said I talk too much."

"Hmm... I envy the noble family. You are a remarkable talent."

Kennel slumped deeply into his chair, looking tired, and his shoulders drooped. The confident demeanor from earlier had faded, and he looked like an elderly gentleman.

"I have no right to inheritance. I don't get along with my stepmother. Ashley, on the other hand, seems to have a promising future."

"I just... I wanted her to have a proper happiness as a noble's child. How many times I wished that Lord Elliot would return safely from his studies."

"Lord Elliot?"

"The rightful heir. Five years ago, when the previous head and his wife passed away, he was supposed to return from his studies... but he was involved in a ship accident and didn't make it."

Five years ago... Indeed, Ashley has a lot to think about.