Witch vs. Fool (1)
The mountain ridge gradually became gentle and a vast plain spread out before us.
As is often the case in areas where monsters frequently appear, the land of Eldern was barren but rich in mineral resources.
However, the Eldern family itself was not very wealthy.
Most of the mines were located outside the outer city walls, which were dangerous areas and were difficult to develop due to attacks by monsters.
After running for a while, an endless outer wall appeared. If you pass through here, you can say that you have entered the real Eldern territory.
The soldier who confirmed Ian's group raised the flag. The large iron gate opened slowly.
As we passed the outer wall, farmhouses began to appear here and there. It was true that the harvest was a failure this year, as the farmland was completely barren.
The winter land, with its bare flesh exposed, was barren and dreary.
The density of farms gradually increased and the number of pedestrians also increased. The villagers who recognized Ian stopped and bowed.
Ian raised his hand and slowed the knights down.
Thanks to this, the people of the territory were able to see that the knights were escorting two carriages. The eyes of the people of the territory were gathered on the carriages.
If it was a wagon escorted by the knights who had set out to obtain Montpain, even a child could guess what was inside.
A sense of anticipation rose on the faces of the people who had looked tired and worn out. People who had been pointing at the cart and making noises cheered enthusiastically.
Rahon, who was watching this scene from inside the carriage, snickered.
"That's clever."
After running for a couple more hours, we arrived at Eldern's inner castle.
The inner castle was a much more magnificent and practical structure than the outer castle, which was made entirely of stone. There was also a moat surrounding it, so it seemed impervious to attacks by any kind of monster.
As Ian's knights arrived, the draw bridge slowly lowered.
The soldiers guarding the castle saluted in unison as the knights passed over the drawbridge. They were obviously excited as if they had recognized the wagon.
The residence of the Eldern family was not a mansion, but an old-fashioned castle.
The flag of Eldern flutters on the sharp white spire. As expected from a family that has protected the Emperor for generations, the atmosphere is cold and sharp.
In front of the castle were the servants of the Eldern family. At the front was a middle-aged man who looked old and a boy who looked to be in his teens.
Rahon explained in a small voice.
"There's Ian's father and Tails. Tails is Ian's younger brother, but he's two years younger than you."
Duke Eldern had nothing in common with Ian, save for his golden eyes.
His round eyes and blunt nose give him a straightforward rather than sharp vibe. He looks like he would wield an axe rather than a sword.
Even the area below his nose was not visible because it was covered by a thick beard.
The physique was overwhelming.
He looked to be about 2 meters tall and was wearing only a thin shirt, perhaps because he didn't feel cold in this weather.
His angry muscles, veins bulging out, were clearly visible beneath his rolled-up sleeves.
I thought my father was quite muscular, but Duke Eldern is even more muscular.
On the other hand, Tails looked so much like Ian that anyone could tell he was his younger brother.
He has a slim build and is tall. He will probably grow more when he becomes an adult.
He was also handsome. Although he still had a youthful air, the weight coming from his golden eyes was extraordinary.
However, while Ian seemed like a finished product, Tails still had an unpolished feel to him.
As the group stopped, the employees lined up to greet them.
Ian responded to them with a silent bow, got off his horse, and approached Duke Eldern.
"I'm back."
"You worked hard. Are you tired?"
Duke Eldern patted Ian on the shoulder with his large hand. Contrary to expectations that he would be blunt, his tone of voice was surprisingly affectionate.
Ian looked around at his employees and said.
"What about my mother?"
"Your mother is a person who waits for her son to come home. As soon as she opened her eyes this morning, she went to the quarantine area."
Ian nodded indifferently. Then he grabbed my hand, who had already gotten out of the carriage and led me to Duke Eldern.
"She is the guardian."
"Oh, this is you. Welcome, I am the owner of this house. Lutiasen Fennelly Eldern. It has been a long journey."
"This is Millenia Astrod. Please speak comfortably."
"How dare I do that to the Guardian?"
"I heard that you fought in the Great Rift with my father. How about treating me as a comrade's daughter rather than a guardian?"
"Hmm, maybe so?"
Duke Eldern laughed heartily and tapped the arm of the boy next to him.
The boy who had been quietly glaring at me frowned.
"Why are you like that, Father?"
"What are you doing? Why aren't you greeting the guests?"
"I don't see any customers."
"...Tails, act like a knight."
Whether he was conscious of me or not. Duke Eldern spoke in a gentle voice, but his expression was stern.
Even though everyone was keeping an eye on Duke Eldern, Tails paid no attention.
He entered the castle, leaving me with only the look of an enemy in his eyes.
"That guy..."
Duke Eldern, who had been embarrassed, smiled awkwardly.
"Tails must have gone in first because something urgent came up. He's not usually like that. I'm sorry."
The truth is that Ian was special, and it was normal for him to be hostile towards me like Tails. I didn't deserve to be hurt.
"It's okay."
"Thank you for understanding. See you later for dinner."
As Duke Eldern followed Tail in, Ian approached me with a face that seemed to be suppressing his anger.
"My brother is immature. I will apologize on his behalf for his rudeness."
"I'm really fine, so go to work. You're busy."
"...You can decline dinner. I will speak to my father."
"No, I will attend."
"Then I will come and pick you up on time."
The servants moved busily. They moved Montpain and took my luggage from the carriage into the castle.
At that moment, Rahon approached me and spoke to me right away.
"Most people here are like Tails. They think you didn't warn them about the epidemic on purpose. It'll take some time for the mood to change. Until then, let's just accept it."
Tails's hostility was justified.
I saw a future where an epidemic would spread throughout Eldern, and I only told Oslo about it.
"They don't have to change."
"You don't care if people curse at you or not?"
"I would be happy if people liked me, but I would also have to endure the abuse. It's the result of my actions."
At least the people of Eldern were entitled to throw stones at me.
So I must not avoid their blame. Reaping what you sow was also a way of atonement.
Rahon, who had been quietly looking at me, suddenly asked.
"Can one day be enough?"
"What is it?"
"I mean, resting."
"Yes, that's true, but..."
"Then get some rest and follow me from the day after tomorrow."
"Where do you want me to follow you?"
"I have to take care of the patients. These days, we are short on manpower, so we need to lend a helping hand. So..."
Rahon stopped talking and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"You, be my assistant."
For a moment I became suspicious.
Have I ever made a mistake in a carriage without realizing it? Did Rahon notice that I could see him?
"I wonder if I am bothering you, Rahon. As you know, I..."
"Even if you can't see, your other senses are much more sensitive than those of an average person. Don't worry, there's plenty of work to do there. I told you, we're short on manpower."
He didn't notice.
'Phew. I need to be more careful from now on."'
Despite the relief, the worry did not go away.
What can I do?
I won't be able to help him properly if I pretend not to see him. I'm worried that Rahon will get cursed at because of me.
"Are you sure you're okay? I might just be a nuisance."
"Do you think I can't handle you alone?"
"Then I will ask you to take good care of me."
"I'm going to treat you like a boss, so be strong."
As Rahon left, the maid who had been waiting one step behind quietly approached.
"I will take you to the bedroom."
Her tone was as cold as ice.
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