Chapter 45

"Diana"

"Yes?"

"The 'certain person' my brother mentioned is probably me."

"What!?"

Diana looked puzzled. Yeah, it makes sense. It’s not like such a convenient story where the person who saved you turns out to be the one you were looking for would happen so easily. I wouldn’t believe it either if someone told me that in the same situation. But it’s almost certainly true, so there’s nothing I can do about it.

"Our home is in the Black Forest. It’s a place that’s hard to reach, so if you’re running and need a place to hide, it might be the best spot."

"My brother said that to meet this person, I should first seek out a merchant named Camilo."

"Then it’s definitely you. I only supply goods to Camilo, and only Camilo and one other person know where our place is."

Actually, Helen came directly to our place and knows the exact location, so if it leaked from her, it would be a different story. But I don’t think she’s the type to spill the beans, so it’s safe to assume it’s just the two of us.

"May I ask your name?"

Diana said, looking at me intently. Come to think of it, I didn’t introduce myself.

"Ah, sorry. I’m Eizou. The beastman here is Sarmia, and this dwarf is Rike."

Sarmia and Rike gave a slight bow. Tanya isn’t introducing herself for now.

"Eizou..."

Diana repeated my name. I wonder if she’s thinking of something or if she’s just confused. It’s hard to tell just by looking.

"Anyway, we’ve probably bought some time by defeating the pursuers for a couple of days. If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to come to our place for the day?"

I suggested to Diana. We can’t dilly-dally here. If the patrol comes while we’re in this situation, it’s not impossible to explain, but it would be a hassle, and if something slips, it could lead to a dire situation.

"...Understood. I’ll be in your care for today."

"Great. Sarmia, keep watch around the area. Rike and I will pull the cart. Diana, if you could, please help Sarmia with the watch."

"Understood. Please, Sarmia."

"Sure."

With that, we started moving. We couldn’t just enter the forest from here, so we walked for about 15 more minutes before entering. After about half an hour in the forest, I called out to everyone.

"Let’s take a break."

"Sure."

"Okay."

"Got it."

Three different responses came back. I handed Diana some water and called Sarmia over.

"Sarmia, a moment."

"Hm? What is it?"

I asked Sarmia in a low voice.

"Can you tell if we’re being followed? I haven’t sensed anything."

"Hmm... No, doesn’t seem like it. No scent or presence."

Sarmia sniffed the air for a moment and then answered.

"Good, then that’s a relief."

I was worried about someone watching us from a distance or following us, but it seems that’s not the case. Even with our group size and the cart, it would be quite difficult to follow us in the forest where visibility is poor, but better safe than sorry.

We continued cautiously, taking about 1.5 times longer than usual to reach our home.

"Diana, sorry, but could you help us unload the supplies first?"

"Of course, I don’t mind. Should I help?"

"Hmm..."

Well, she’s a guest, but not really a guest, so it’s fine to ask her to help. I can’t have her do the blacksmith work, but the principle is that those who don’t work shouldn’t eat.

"Sure, I’ll ask you to help. I’ll show you where to put everything."

"Okay."

With Diana’s help, we moved the iron ore and coal into the workshop and the salt and other items into the house. Thanks to her help, it was done a bit faster than usual. We then arranged the bedding on the beds that still lacked it, making all the beds usable. Sarmia and Rike moved their belongings to their rooms so I could move into the bedroom and put Diana in the guest room. Watching this, I said to Diana,

"It’s a small house, but please bear with it for a while."

Diana replied, impressed,

"No, I didn’t know such a place existed in the Black Forest..."

"Well, as my brother said, we’ve only been living here for a relatively short time. ...Now that everything is settled, let me show you to the guest room."

"Okay."

I led her to the guest room (former study). The bed has a canopy, which makes it look quite nice. I’m glad I put it up.

"It’s not a luxurious room, but we didn’t expect many guests. I’d appreciate it if you think it’s luxurious for a blacksmith’s house."

"No, it’s a very nice room, I think."

"For now, take off your equipment and freshen up. I’ll have Sarmia or Rike bring you some hot water later."

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

I waved my hand and left the room.

Now, what should I do next? I need to hear more details from Diana, but once I do, I probably won’t be able to go back. From what I’ve heard, she seems like a noble lady, but she’s very polite and respectful, even to someone like me, a blacksmith. Is it just because she heard about me from her brother, Marius? But she’s also very polite to Sarmia... Anyway, I should ask her more after dinner.

I headed to my new bedroom to freshen up.