CH 222

Words : 961 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

I Was Thanked For Helping Range Village “…I see… So that’s what happened… Mr. Takumi…” “Yes.” “While Sebastian has already thanked you on my behalf… I must thank you again.” After the explanation was finished, Mr. Ekenhart, who had been listening, closed his eyes and thought for some time. And then he called me over and stood up. “Range village…a village within my lands, was threatened by monsters. But thanks to you, the damages were minimal. You have my gratitude.” Said Mr. Ekenhart with a deep bow of the head. And then Sebastian and Ms. Lyra bowed as well. “Uh, um… It was really nothing. Well, I was protecting myself as well… And as I said before, it was mostly Leo’s doing.” “Still. Without your help, Mr. Takumi, it might have been too late by the time that Leo arrived.” “That…might be true… But then I have you to thank for teaching me to use a sword, Mr. Ekenhart. And Sebastian also taught me magic.” Sebastian had already thanked me after the battle with the orcs. I thought that the matter was finished then, and so it was a little awkward to be thanked again now. Though, it was true that had I not bought more time, Leo’s arrival would have been too late. But it was still thanks to Mr. Ekenhart teaching me to use a sword, and the magic I was taught by Sebastian. That’s why I was able to delay the orcs. If anything, I should be the one who was grateful. “Magic? …Is that so, Sebastian?” “Yes. I told him that instead of focusing only on winning with a sword, he should also consider using magic to survive.” “I see. I suppose that is something that I should have taught him. It’s not just about defeating opponents, but about survival.” Mr. Ekenhart hadn’t been told that I was taught magic. And so he asked Sebastian, and now understood the reason. Still, it wasn’t as if Mr. Ekenhart had enough time to teach me other things. So it could not be helped. He was the lord of this house, and had only stayed for a short while, as he was busy. It was good enough that he taught me to use a sword. “Your Grace, what should we do with the imprisoned merchants?” “Hmm… Well, they will have to be punished for what they did. But I think I will leave it to Ractos.” “Of course. I will let them know that it must be severe.” While they hadn’t attacked the villagers themselves, they had released the monsters. I didn’t know anything about the laws of this country, but that was clearly a crime. Perhaps…they might be executed. “Well, I shall ride there tomorrow then. I need to get rid of those who would harm my people.” “About that, Your Grace. I do have one suggestion.” “A suggestion?” “Yes. I told you about the wine that Leo was able to sniff out… The thing is, Mr. Takumi purchased it.” “That wine… But why? It is something that makes people sick… Surely it should be disposed of?” “Mr. Takumi…” “…Yes.” Sebastian then urged me to tell Mr. Ekenhart about why I had bought the wine. It was a waste. I thought it could be drunk somehow… Perhaps by using herbs, it could be changed into a medicinal wine. I told him everything I was thinking. “I see. I understand it now. And what is your suggestion, Sebastian?” “To take some of that wine…to the store.” “…I see… You are thinking of something very mischievous, aren’t you, Sebastian…” “They worked much evil on your lands… I am not so saintly as to forgive them.” It was easy enough to guess what Sebastian meant to do. Mr. Ekenhart looked at Sebastian and chuckled… And due to his physical appearance, he looked just like a villain. And Sebastian just grinned back. …I had seen something like this before… Ah, that’s what it was. It reminded me of some evil magistrate from a period drama. …And while these two men weren’t actual villains, their expressions were so similar. “Excuse me. Phillip has returned.” Just then, there was a knock on the door and a butler entered. It was then announced that Phillip had returned. “Hmm. This is good timing, Your Grace.” “Mmm. Mr. Takumi, let’s go and meet Phillip.” “Yes.” I then had to follow Mr. Ekenhart and Sebastian as they went to meet Phillip. Ms. Claire, Ms. Anne and Leo were still causing a scene on the other side of the room, and Tilura stayed in her seat. Sherry and Ms. Lyra also stayed as the three of us went out to the entrance hall. …While I couldn’t argue with them, it felt awkward to follow people who had such sinister grins. “Phillip. Welcome back.” “Mr. Sebastian. I am… Your Grace!?” “Mmm. At ease, Phillip.” “Hello. Phillip.” In the entrance hall, the servants had split up into teams and were rolling the wine barrels. They were moving them to a storage room. After being called, Phillip turned and answered Sebastian, and then noticed Mr. Ekenhart. Now that I thought about it, he didn’t know that his master would be home…so it would have been a great surprise. I greeted him as well, but he didn’t seem to hear me. “Phillip. I want you to leave one of the barrels here. Also… Helena.” “Certainly!” “What is it, Your Grace?” Mr. Ekenhar gave the order to Phillip to leave some of the wine, and then he called over Ms. Helena.

CH 222

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