Chapter 9

"Gramps!"

While talking with Kennel, Ashley and Berline came out of the guild together.

"Milady Ashley...! Running like that...!"

As Ashley ran over, Kennel instinctively leaned forward and made a gesture to stop her. It seemed that Berline, standing next to her, was not paying attention.

This is probably how they've been getting along so far. If this is their daily routine, it's indeed a bit overprotective.

"No, Gramps. I feel really good right now. Actually, Lord Theodor—"

Ashley told Kennel about the circulation training I had done.

"Really... Is that true?"

"Yes, but it's temporary."

"Even so, it's a great improvement. I've never seen Milady Ashley in such good condition. I must thank you."

That was for my own satisfaction, probably not out of kindness. So I just gave an ambiguous response.

"Oh, Theodor."

Lucian also returned. ...It seems people are gathering.

Forestbird is well-liked, so his presence wouldn't tarnish the adventurers' impression of Kennel.

"Are we leaving soon?"

"No, I'm sorry, actually... The maintenance of our weapons and armor isn't finished yet."

"Is it because of the Killer Ants?"

"Yes. The clasps are loose, and the blades need sharpening. It might not be ready until tomorrow."

...We used our weapons quite heavily in the battle with the ants. Their hard exoskeletons tend to damage weapons. I wonder about the formic acid. If they weren't a higher species, it might not have been a problem.

In any case, since it's something we entrust our lives to, it has to be something we're familiar with. It's not something you can just replace.

"Then, we need to find a place to stay, I guess."

"Would you like to stay at my house?"

Ashley asked, but I didn't know how to respond.

"Is it not possible?"

"…It's not that, but there's no particular reason to do so."

"Reason?"

Ashley tilted her head in confusion. If it were Berline, she would understand the concept of give and take and the importance I place on it. But with Ashley, there's no such calculation, which makes it harder to deal with.

No... That's not it. I should admit it.

I'm projecting various things onto Ashley's situation. If her parents died five years ago, the reason is the same as my mother's.

So, to some extent, I want to support her without thinking about gains and losses or give and take.

It makes me want to get deeply involved in everything. I regret so much about my mother, wishing I had the power I have now back then.

As a trade-off, should I be especially kind to Ashley? ...It's futile.

I don't have the kindness to help everyone like my mother did, and it would be endless. That's why I want to ensure a convincing motive before doing anything.

In any case, Ashley... There's no reason for her to empathize with me to that extent. It seems she trusts me because I improved her condition, but even if I consider that, her offer to stay is probably just out of kindness.

"Can I ask you as well, Gramps?"

"...I should mention, I plan to leave early tomorrow."

"...I understand that."

Kennel nodded, looking a bit disappointed.

"Lord Theodor"

Ashley called my name, and I turned to face her. She said, a bit shyly,

"I just... I want to be friends with Lord Theodor."

"Huh?"

I was taken aback.

Friends?

Thinking about it... I haven't had anyone I could call a friend here.

In the earl's domain, I didn't have the time. With Byron and Daryl watching, no one would come near me.

I trust Grace, but she's more like a sister. She maintains her position as a servant most of the time.

Ashley is waiting for my response. I took a deep breath and answered.

"...I understand, Milady Ashley. Let's be friends."

So... it's fine. It's okay to have someone I respond to a bit differently. I mean, I'm kind of a loner.

"That's great..."

"I'm going to Termwillis. I'll write letters."

"Yes, I will too."

"Staying at a friend's house for a night is pretty normal, right?"

"Yes."

Well, teaching the basic recovery spell... that's something friends would do, right? I know Ashley has talent. I don't think I can teach everything before we leave, so I'll leave some notes on the basics of mana control and the incantation.

Next to us, Kennel and Berline were talking.

"Sir Kennel, actually, I have an idea."

Berline approached Kennel with a cheerful business smile. Kennel sighed, looking thoroughly annoyed.

"What is it, vixen?"

Berline seemed unfazed by the nickname.

"Sir Kennel, the reason your oversight didn't reach Oslo this time is because you were busy taking care of Milady Ashley, educating her, and managing the estate, right?"

"Hmm..."

"Here's my proposal. —May I have a moment of your ear?"

"Hmm..."

Berline whispered something into Kennel's ear, and his face turned red with anger.

"No, no. I want to hear you out—"

But Berline, showing no signs of panic, whispered something else. Kennel's expression quickly calmed down.

...Hmm. What did she say? Berline's smile was confident the whole time. As I knew, she's quite devious.

"What do you think? I can introduce a reliable doctor. Also, you must know that the current situation is overwhelming. As a noble, connections are important. This would be more beneficial for Milady Ashley's future. And—"

Kennel interrupted her with a hand.

"I get it! I get it! I'll talk to Milady Ashley later! Is that fine? I'm thinking about the future too!"

"Of course. Since I'm here to help, I'll do my best, even though I'm not very talented."

Berline's smile was one of victory.

"Really, everyone..."

"Then, we'll go look for a place to stay."

"No, you should come too. Vixen, you too."

Kennel stopped Lucian, who was about to leave.

When I looked at Berline, she shrugged.

"I thought it would be better for you two to judge the adventurers in person. I advised Sir Kennel accordingly. The Forestbird members are trustworthy and well-liked."

...I'm not sure if Forestbird is the best sample, but there aren't that many adventurers who tarnish the guild's reputation, so they might balance each other out in Kennel's mind.

"By the way, what did you say to Kennel?"

"Hmm. It might be more interesting to keep it a secret. You'll find out eventually, Lord Theodor."

"What does that mean?"

"I'm not planning anything bad. My principle is to strategize but not to do evil."

...What is she up to, exactly?

Regardless of Berline's intentions, I ended up making my first "friend" in this world.