Chapter 91

Zayid Village is the closest village to the wetlands.

While its location is perilously close to the dangerous, unexplored territories, it now thrives as the only inn town on the road to Golden Dawn, thanks to the well-maintained streets.

At first, when I heard that Zayid would be in charge, I thought the place would be razed to the ground, but it has developed more than I expected.

It has grown to a size that could be called a town, but it is still referred to as a village.

Could it be that Zayid is actually quite competent?

While thinking about this, I followed Kail.

Together with Alphard and me, we visited the former Kail residence, now the Zayid residence.

Meeting Zayid... I need to be more careful this time.

I do regret, to some extent, starting a fight on our first meeting, mainly because of my attitude.

This time, I'll use polite language. Depending on the situation, there might still be a chance for a polite fight.

"Huh? Lord Zayid isn't here?"

The butler, who was explaining the situation, looked extremely flustered.

It didn't seem to be just because a noble (or rather, the son of a noble) like Kail had suddenly visited.

"Kail... sir. Is there a problem?"

I quietly approached Kail to check the situation.

Kail immediately signaled to Alphard with his eyes.

"Butler, I understand you are confused by our sudden visit, but Lord Zayid is not refusing to see us, right? He is just not here?"

Alphard asked the butler without losing his dignity. This was the kind of presence Kail couldn't muster.

"Y-Yes. Lord Zayid is currently on an expedition to the wetlands."

"Huh?"

Kail's expression stiffened.

...Huh?

Zayid on an expedition? I must have heard wrong.

Alphard's expression tightened.

"Butler, tell us more."

The butler's story left us in a state of shock.

"I never thought Lord Zayid would consider developing the wetlands."

Kail's face turned pale.

According to the butler, Zayid had a force of about three hundred men, and they had already passed their expected return date but had not returned yet.

Alphard turned to us.

"Craft, what do you think about the situation?"

"Frankly, it's absurd. I heard from Mr. Jabeel that the soldiers here don't even have stamina potions."

"...Hmm."

Alphard swallowed his words. He was probably thinking, "Is Lord Zayid that incompetent?"

Zayid had sold stamina potions to passing merchants and even established an inn guild.

Hmm. I'm starting to wonder if Zayid is competent or not.

As I was pondering this, Kail lifted his head.

"Brother Craft."

Ah, Kail. I know what you're going to say next.

Kail's words were as expected.

"Lord Zayid might be in danger. I want to go and help him."

His eyes were serious.

Despite being so disliked by Zayid, Kail genuinely meant these words.

I should put aside my feelings towards Zayid and understand Kail's intentions.

"Alright. Leave it to me."

We were originally planning to fight monsters in the wetlands anyway.

"However..."

"Hmm?"

"What about Mina..."

"Oh."

Alphard let out a surprised sound.

I hadn't told him about the plan to leave Mina with Mr. Jabeel.

"It's fine. We'll ask Mr. Jabeel."

"Ah, that's a good idea. Mr. Jabeel should have guards arranged for her."

Kail sighed in relief.

"By the way, Kail, you know Mr. Jabeel, right?"

"Yes, but we haven't talked much."

On the way to the mansion, I heard a rather important story from Kail.

"My birth mother was Lady Illumina, who was the main wife at the time. She fell ill and passed away after giving birth to twins, Mina and me."

Kail's face fell.

It would be easy to say, "It's not your fault," but that wouldn't change Kail's feelings. I just listened silently.

"Both Mina and I were born with weak constitutions, as you know. I heard that Father gathered doctors from all over the country to examine us."

The Count of Orthros is one of the most powerful figures in the country, arguably even more influential than a duke.

I've learned this since starting to act with Kail, so I understand a bit.

Even with all the power of Orthros, the illness couldn't be cured. That's why we needed the elixir.

"The most trusted doctor was Mr. Jabeel."

"Of course, of course."

When the teacher was praised, I felt a bit proud, but Alphard frowned. Why?

"At the time, Mr. Jabeel was the personal doctor of Lady Bella, the second wife, but Father insisted that he treat us."

That's when I noticed something odd.

"Huh? Why was he Lady Bella's personal doctor? With his skills, he should have been the personal doctor of the Count, right?"

Even now, it's strange that he's attached to Zayid.

"Originally, Lady Bella was from the Dubatten Empire."

"Huh? The Empire?"

I've heard that the Empire occasionally has minor conflicts with our country, but it never escalates into a full-scale war due to effective diplomatic strategies and geographical issues. I don't know much about it, though.

"Yes. Lady Bella is the daughter of a duke from the Dubatten Empire. It was a political marriage."

"..."

I see. So that's what the diplomatic strategy was about. It makes sense that there would be fewer wars for a while.

Especially with the threat of monsters, it's ridiculous to even think about war.

"The marriage was quite special, and only Lady Bella and one attendant were allowed to come."

That's harsh. I don't know if it was the kingdom's or the empire's plan.

"No, it was a more physical issue."

"Physical?"

"...I'm sorry. This is..."

Kail hesitated.

"Is it something you can't say? Just skip it and continue."

"Yes, thank you. ...Mr. Jabeel came with Lady Bella."

Given the context, that makes sense.

I organized the information in my head.

"So, Mr. Jabeel was Lady Bella's personal doctor and wasn't directly under the command of the Count of Orthros. Father had to plead for Mr. Jabeel to treat us... Is that right?"

"Yes."

I see. So, Mr. Jabeel was attached to the growing Zayid, and Father had no choice but to agree.

"Wow. Father Orthros is a good guy."

"Of course!"

I remember Kail never complaining about Father Orthros.

"Later, Mr. Jabeel cured Mina's illness."

"Right, Mina's illness was cured just before we came to the frontier."

"Yes. I also received a medicine to alleviate my symptoms, which allowed me to become the leader of the frontier development."

"I see."

Mina's illness was cured, and Kail's symptoms were alleviated by the medicine Mr. Jabeel created.

Immediately after, the two of us were sent to the frontier. Zayid, you sly dog!

As I was inwardly fuming, we arrived at Mr. Jabeel's residence, and we could hear his voice.

"---It's impossible!"

"Hahaha! You're as cautious as ever!"

"Sir Van, you're always so reckless!!"

In the alchemist's garden, filled with herbs, Mr. Jabeel and an unfamiliar man were arguing.

The man had a neatly trimmed beard and a rugged appearance. His chest muscles were visible through his open collar, and his short, reddish-brown hair was tousled.

He looked to be in his late thirties.

His boisterous laughter echoed around.

He was dressed in flashy but well-tailored clothes, which would stand out if worn by a regular person, but somehow suited him.

...He's definitely not an acquaintance of the alchemist.

I tried to see his coat of arms on his left hand, but he was wearing a decorative glove that hid it.

A noble... maybe?

But he's way too carefree for that.

My first impression was that this man was incredibly lively, and I was confident that my intuition was right.

"Mr. Jabeel's acquaintance... He's a different type of handsome guy from Raidock and Kail."

That's a charming older man!

I can tell!

"Craft, can I shoot him?"

"Jitaro!? Where did you come from!?"

I understand your feelings, but House! Jitaro!

This is going to be a hassle!

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