Chapter 64

Anne and Kraner's duel over the Qua Bestia ended with Anne's victory without any problems.

However, we are still in the capital. It seems that a sword-girding ceremony is scheduled, and Anne cannot leave the capital until it is over.

Since we can't leave Anne behind, we decided to stay a little longer.

For that purpose, we were summoned to the embassy by the man in charge of the event and came to a rather luxurious conference room.

"Then, Miss Anne, Mr. Soji, Miss Kuna. Since everyone is here, I will proceed with the discussion about the sword-girding ceremony in three days. I, Nerinera, am responsible for this matter and will be the point of contact for everything. Please let me know if you have any requests."

He looks like a thin-lined civil servant. However, there was a scent of the battlefield. Perhaps he has military experience?

I was a little surprised. Given that he was entrusted with such an important task, he should be quite powerful, yet there was no sign of him looking down on us commoners.

"Thank you. To be frank, I have a question. I heard that the sword-girding ceremony will be quite grand, but why are you going to such lengths for Anne's ceremony?"

The city is abuzz with talk of the sword-girding ceremony.

Merchants are setting up stalls and stocking up on goods, even developing products related to the Qua Bestia.

Furthermore, guests from various countries are visiting the inns.

"To be honest, the sword-girding ceremony itself was prepared on a grand scale by Duke Feilarte, who used his wealth and power, a month ago. He has invited influential people both within and outside the country. It's too late to cancel just because the winner has changed. ...Moreover, such events boost the economy. It's only natural to want to see it through, given that the Duke has invested his personal fortune in the preparations."

"That makes sense. But, is it really appropriate to honor Anne, who is considered the daughter of a criminal, in an official setting?"

I asked Nerinera.

He smiled thinly.

"It's fine. Miss Anne's father is considered the worst criminal. However, the father is the father, and Miss Anne is Miss Anne. The father's crimes were expiated by his execution and the dissolution of the family. The Kingdom of Coline has no intention of demanding more. If she has won the Qua Bestia through her own strength, she deserves to be honored. Besides, our king is known for his eccentricity. It will be acceptable to see him excited about finding a talented young person."

It seems to make sense on the surface.

But something feels off. If that were the case, it would be strange for no noble to step forward to protect Anne. The thoroughly hostile attitudes I've seen so far make it hard to believe his words.

However, I can sense that things are moving behind the scenes.

Newspapers portraying Anne in a positive light after her duel with Kraner are circulating throughout the city.

This is only possible in the Kingdom of Coline, known for its advanced printing techniques and the ability to produce large quantities of paper at low cost.

"Your skepticism is understandable. But there is no hidden agenda. It is only because Miss Anne defeated Sir Kraner Feilarte and left a strong impression on the audience that this is possible. If the ceremony were to proceed without showing any strength, it would likely lead to a riot."

Nerinera smiled wryly.

From a personal standpoint, he seems to be quite supportive of Anne. Moreover, he used the phrase "considered the worst criminal," suggesting he might know the truth. Perhaps that's why he was chosen as the person in charge of this matter.

"Miss Anne, may I give you one piece of advice?"

"Yes, go ahead."

"This time, during the sword-girding ceremony, all eyes will be on you. Whatever you do, do not proclaim your father's innocence. It would be meaningless to do so here. In fact, it would lead to your downfall. If you truly want to prove your father's innocence, you must wait for the right time and place. That is your battle."

"...Thank you for the advice."

Anne averted her eyes as she replied.

Perhaps she had been considering what she was advised against.

"I will cooperate with the sword-girding ceremony and promise not to cause any trouble. However, I have a concern."

Anne spoke with a serious face, seemingly finding it difficult to say.

"What is it?"

"I don't have any clothes to wear for the ceremony."

Anne said this with a straight face.

For a moment, silence enveloped the room.

Upon reflection, it makes sense. A fallen Anne would have no suitable clothes for such a ceremony.

It is a gathering of many influential people, including the king. It would be inappropriate to attend in everyday clothes or the uniform of the knight school.

"Ha ha, what a relief. It's just that. Don't worry, I'll have the best tailor in the country make the finest clothes for you in two days. As soon as this meeting is over, I'll have them start using the best materials."

"Can you really make the best clothes in two days?"

After all, in this world, there are no sewing machines. It would normally take a month to make clothes for such a grand event.

"Of course. The craftsmen will be made to postpone all other work and work tirelessly. ...It will be tough, but that's why they are the best tailors in the country."

Nerinera said with a sly smile.

"It's not just the tailors who will work hard, Miss Anne. You will also have to work hard. There's no time to make a pattern, so you'll have to spend the next two days with us. Additionally, we will drill you in the etiquette of the sword-girding ceremony. Therefore, may I have Miss Anne until the ceremony?"

Anne looked at me.

"It's up to Anne."

"Okay, then, Soji. I'll see you after the ceremony."

"Good luck."

Anne and I exchanged a silent cheer with our eyes.

In the midst of this, Nerinera spoke up.

"Miss Kuna, have we met somewhere before?"

Kuna's hat twitched. Her fox ears must have perked up under the hat.

Since entering the capital, Kuna has been hiding her fox ears and tail.

"N-no, I don't think so. I'm just a plain girl."

"Really? I feel like I've seen you somewhere. Well, never mind. Since we don't have much time, let's get started. Miss Anne, this way."

And Anne was led away by Nerinera.

"Let's go, then."

"Yes, Soji-kun."

Since there was no point in staying, we left the room.

There, a woman in a male butler's uniform was waiting. She had short hair and was tall and handsome, probably in her twenties.

"Are you Mr. Soji? I have been sent by the king to fetch you. This gold seal is proof that I am acting on his behalf."

The stern-faced woman took out a gold seal from her chest. At first glance, it looked genuine.

But more importantly...

"Can I say one thing?"

"Yes, please."

This cross-dressing beauty had a face that was annoyingly perfect.

"It's fine that it's a secret mission, but why announce it in front of the others?"

"Ah! N-no, aah, I messed up. I'll get scolded by the young lady again. If I get another pay cut, I won't be able to buy Elsie wine."

The handsome cross-dressing beauty, now a disappointing beauty, clutched her head and groaned.

"What are you doing here, old man?"

Kuna poked her head out from behind me and asked.

"Oh, the guest is Kuna-chan!? Why are you here? Darn, now I can't keep it a secret. If I do something to Kuna-chan, I'll definitely get in trouble with that overprotective father. Grrr."

Kuna, who is even more forgetful, sighed and said:

"Old man, don't talk about such dangerous things in front of the person involved. It's fine. I didn't see or hear anything. I'll pretend I didn't. Just take Soji-kun with you quickly."

"Really? You won't tell the young lady?"

"Yes, I won't tell Asur-san."

"Thank you, Kuna-chan!"

The cross-dressing beauty hugged Kuna, who sighed in exasperation.

I wondered if it was a good idea to go with someone even more forgetful than Kuna.

"It's fine, Soji-kun. I'll vouch for this person. You should go. Besides, if this person is here, they probably intend to take you by force if necessary. There's no choice but to go along."

"Do you know her?"

"Yes, unfortunately."

"Oh, that's harsh. This father complex! I'll tell everyone that you bathed with your father until you were twelve. Or, how about the time you dumped the most popular guy in Elsie because you were going to marry your father at thirteen? And the habit of sneaking into your father's bed when he stays over once a week, which led to a traumatic experience when you accidentally witnessed your parents. Pfft, hehe."

"Kuna, all of that is a lie. I'm not a father complex at all. And, I need to burn this trash."

Kuna's face trembled as she began to gather fire mana.

I lightly tapped Kuna's head.

"Ouch"

"Calm down, ...that person is probably well-meaning."

"Yes, it's hard to believe, but that's the kind of person she is."

"Then, give up. Besides, there's nothing to hide."

"You're right! This is normal, right!"

"Of course."

I smiled at Kuna, who was relieved and smiling.

If I said something about her extreme father complex, Kuna wouldn't talk to me for three days.

"I'll be going, then."

I waved to Kuna.

"Be careful."

"Sure, I will. Sorry to leave you alone. When I get back, let's sleep together. Since we left Elsie, you haven't been able to sleep with your father, so I'll fill in for you."

When I said this, Kuna smiled.

"When I get back, I'll burn you, Soji-kun!"

She said something ominous.

"Then, I'll take you to the king. The king and the young lady are quite demanding."

The woman, who had been called "old man" by Kuna, turned around as if remembering something.

"By the way, Kuna-chan. I sent an invitation to Elsie for the sword-girding ceremony, and it seems your father is coming. Isn't that great! And Yuki-chan too."

"Eh!? Father and Yuki-nee!?"

Kuna's face turned pale, and her tail, which she had been hiding under her skirt, poked out.

I sometimes wonder how she manages to hide such a voluminous tail under her skirt.

"Who is Yuki-nee?"

"She's my niece. But she's older than me, so I call her 'nee.' ...Soji-kun, if I'm not there when you return, don't look for me. I'll be back in the sealed city, pretending to be in the capital."

Kuna said something very ominous.

"Please don't disappear on your own. If something happens, I'll be back today. If you really want to run away before your father arrives, let's discuss it. Don't act rashly."

With that, I parted ways with Kuna.

I hope she doesn't go off on a tangent...

With these concerns, I was led away by the "old man."