Chapter 56

At noon, Stall and the man who had been driving the carriage returned.

Mimachi and I went out to greet them.

I had thought that only we were left to keep watch, but a male beast person was also in the kitchen. Since he was the cook, we had been waiting for lunch.

The first floor consists of a living room and a kitchen at the back.

Although it’s called the first floor, there are a few steps from the entrance, and it’s located at a higher position. There’s a food storage room accessible from the kitchen, and a room that looks like a refrigerator.

The two who came up seemed relieved to see me. As usual, Stall, despite being in armor, is easy to read.

"We have returned."

"Miss Yui, good morning. How are you feeling?"

Stall knelt down in front of me, took my hand, and looked into my face.

"I’m fine."

"......Miss Yui, we’ve just arrived, but only I and Senri will be heading to the palace."

"No, Lord Stall, I will go as the driver."

"Mr. Gogol, the problem is that the number of female members is decreasing! The one who can control Mimachi’s recklessness is—!"

Stall held my hands as if in prayer, raising them to his forehead.

"Please stay as close to Lady Endelia as possible."

"No, no, Stall, I’m a guard maid, you know."

"Are you leaving right away?"

"Yes. Actually, do you remember the small mountain we passed on the way here? Soon, that area will become a heavy snow zone."

Mimachi nodded thoughtfully and spoke.

"Because it’s a small mountain, people tend to let their guard down, and it has a surprisingly high death rate."

"We need to pass through before the snow starts."

Gogol smiled wryly and took a basket from the cook. It looked like a bento.

"Ah, Miss Yui, I’m sorry for not properly introducing myself. I’m Gogol. I will serve as your driver here. However, once the gate is operational, I might not be needed anymore."

"He is not just a driver; he has the ability to travel through the heavy snow zone with a small amount of luggage. He was originally supposed to deliver gloves."

I see? What? On foot?

"If it’s with people and a carriage, even Gogol finds it difficult."

"By the way, the gloves were supposed to be delivered to the king through Lord Rodan, but to bring people to the palace, one needs to be of Lord Stall’s rank and trustworthiness."

"Our grandparents were nobles, but we are commoners."

Saying this, Senri came down from the second floor, carrying the luggage effortlessly. It seems he can use his great strength when he wants to.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. This is Mr. Gogol’s bag, and this is Lord Stall’s bag, right?"

"Yes. I hadn’t unpacked yet, so it’s actually a relief."

"Then, Miss Yui, I will be leaving your side for a while, but I will return as soon as possible. Please convey my regards to Mr. Arjitt."

And so, the three and the half-elf Kairi left in a hurry, just after arriving at Coco.