[Side story] Double arm scale (11)
Caldem Rental Hall was created to receive the most valuable guests in the commercial city of Oldeck.
It is a huge inn that owns four large buildings at the entrance to Old Deck, and the two highest floors of the big building are all ultra-luxurious rooms for entertaining the highest-class VIPs.
It’s hard to imagine one guest occupying two entire floors, but for the continent’s most distinguished guests, that level doesn’t even fall into the category of luxury.
Since we have entertained many distinguished guests visiting Alldeck for a long time, we have accumulated a lot of know-how.
However, it was too much to ask to prepare to welcome Saint Carpea in just one day.
As soon as they heard Commissioner Oldeck’s words, they mobilized all their manpower and quickly prepared to welcome the distinguished guest, but no matter how you looked at it, it was difficult to see it as a treatment worthy of Saint Clarice.
It was a huge effort just to prepare this much in just 6 hours, so there were no particular complaints from the Seonghwangdo level.
Initially, I visited without notice. It was all due to the sudden whim of her saint Clarice.
“Originally, I was planning to visit the imperial capital and host a worship service… ”
“I just want to thank you for changing your schedule so suddenly. “I owe you a lot.”
“Well, I knew that you weren’t the type of person to call urgently for no reason. Sir Ed. “There must have been a good reason for making me do this.”
The tone of voice calling Ed had become much stiffer. There are too many eyes watching.
The location is the VIP room of Caldem Rental Hall. This place, where many of Saint Clarice’s assistants are gathered, is actually not much different from the Holy Emperor’s office.
Since they were the Knights of the Cathedral who kept a close eye on every step of the saint, it was clear that they would be furious if they dealt with Ed like they did at Sylvania Academy.
Ed was well aware of that fact, so he didn’t really question Clarice’s not-so-friendly behavior. Clarisse just felt uncomfortable inside.
“… “This battle for control over Elte Trading Company will be of great benefit to Seonghwangdo in the future.”
Anyway, I called Saint Clarisse to the Old Deck like I didn’t know anything, so it was time to clean things up.
First of all, I made the move just because of the name Ed Ross Taylor, but this is not a problem that can be solved through loyalty alone.
A person with the title of saint is closer to an institution or group than to an individual.
Just by her moving, the schedule of the Holy Emperor’s Capital is significantly disrupted, and many of her subjects have to move as well.
So, there must be a good reason why Saint Clarisse moved this far. That was a problem directly related to Ed’s own trust.
“Offering a large debt to the next owner of Elte Company will be of great significance to the formation of the saint’s independent power.”
At those words, the saint’s aides looked at each other secretly.
Clarice carries the power of the Church of Telos, but she is not absolute.
The Holy Emperor and the Archbishops are constantly monitoring the situation even though they pretend not to be… When you look at power groups, they all look similar.
In the end, even the servants of the gods cannot completely escape the swamp of strife.
Conflict is human nature.
In order to have completely independent power from them, it is necessary to hold as many forces as possible.
“The transaction with Elte Trading Company… “Yes, Sir Ed’s ‘blueprint’.”
Mutual solidarity between Seonghwangdo and Elte Chamber of Commerce.
Saint Clarice ensures that the Elte Company, led by Lortel, can account for most of Seonghwangdo’s logistics distribution.
Then, from Lortel’s point of view, in addition to the enormous economic benefits that come from successful logistics distribution, the voice in the power structure within the chamber also becomes louder. Since I have been asked about such a large transaction, there is no other supporter like this to secure the position of the next shareholder.
And from Clarice’s point of view, by taking control of Elte Trading Company, which is responsible for most of Seonghwangdo’s logistics distribution, her voice and influence within Seonghwangdo will become greater.
The more Seonghwangdo’s dependence on logistics is concentrated on Elte Trading Company, the louder Clarisse’s voice over the debt she owes to Elte Trading Company’s owner will become louder.
In this process of exerting influence for each other’s internal unity, it is Ed Rosstaylor who acts as a bridge between the two.
Saint Claris, Lortel Kecheln… In the end, we are just moving based on trust in Ed.
The saint’s aides swallowed dryly when they saw Ed quietly lowering his head.
A large map of the empire. It feels like the numerous movements and structures of power are drawn over and over again.
The recent attack on Elte Trading Company will be viewed as an accident that occurred during a power struggle within the trading company.
People’s attention will eventually be focused on Clarice, who arrived at the scene, and Lortel, who will become the new owner of Elte Company.
In the process, the name of the bastard nobleman who hit and destroyed the Elte Company may be quietly buried… .
The person who really set the tone was that blonde nobleman.
Usually, in these matters, the real power is the people hiding beneath the surface, hidden from view.
The aides felt like they had caught a glimpse of that part of the story, so they had no choice but to quietly hold their breath.
“From my perspective, it’s an offer I have no reason to refuse. Sir Ed.”
Clarice smiled kindly as she listened to Ed’s explanation.
Although he couldn’t smile as cheerfully as he did at Sylvania Academy, it was still an honest smile in its own way.
Anyway, I didn’t have the heart to refuse Ed’s offer.
“There is enough reason to drive a carriage to such a distant place, despite the schedule.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“I will give instructions to my aides and convey the detailed contract details. but… The story about the aftermath of this attack… ”
After speaking to that point, Clarisse saw two people kneeling and bowing their heads near the entrance to the VIP room.
One person is Belle Myago, a maid who is calm and polite.
The other one is a hesitant girl who doesn’t know what to do… This is Lortel Kecheln.
Unable to overcome the solemn atmosphere of the scene, Lortel was breaking into a cute cold sweat.
“If Sir Lortel is in such a state… It’s embarrassing for me too… I need to get started on my work as the next owner quickly… ”
“… “All I can say is that time will tell.”
“It doesn’t matter because it’s not urgent, but I don’t think the slog will stay still.”
I have just gotten out of the chaos of the commercial meeting and returned to the rental hall.
Clarice, who has not fully grasped the situation, is bound to be worried in many ways.
“… “You don’t have to worry about that part.”
Ed closed his eyes and said.
“Slog Keldlux is dead. “I confirmed it.”
*
“Thank you for your hard work. “The Elte Company matter has been concluded, and I sent a letter to Lady Tanya.”
“You had a hard time too, Bell. “You did everything neatly as instructed.”
The accommodations that Belle arranged were practical, although not luxurious.
Perfectly following my instructions to place it in a place with a clear view of the dock, the inn had a clear view of the many sailboats along the coast.
The street trees stretching down the low hill and the horizon visible in the distance.
As I rested my arms on the side of the table and quietly felt the wind outside, I felt fatigued.
Lortel, who was accompanying Belle, was already fast asleep on a bed on one side. The peaceful appearance of the world makes even those who see it feel at ease.
“What is your schedule for returning home? “Sylvania Academy’s semester is starting soon, so you should return soon so you can go to Aken Island in time for the start of school.”
“okay. I’m considering it, but I still have some more work to do in Alldeck. First, I have to hand Lortel over to Secretary Rienna.”
Until the curse is lifted, Rienna’s secretary will take good care of it.
It seems that Secretary Rienna is currently sorting out the traitors of the Chamber of Commerce… You’ll be busy right now.
“I… Master Ed.”
“I know even if you don’t say it. This is the first time you’ve been away from the mansion for such a long period of time, so the mansion must be in disarray. ”
As I’ve said repeatedly, Belle is the key person in charge of the mansion.
Since there weren’t enough people to replace Belle yet, it was obvious what the mansion would be like without even looking at it. There’s no way Belle isn’t worried about that.
When I entered the room, I saw that Belle had already packed her belongings and put them away. By the time she hadn’t found her own room, it was obvious that she was getting ready to go home.
I rested my body on the back of the chair and put my feet on the table.
As the midday sea breeze blows through the curtains, fatigue slowly creeps in.
“You can go back first. I have two things left to do in Alldeck… “Let’s finish it and go.”
“Thank you for your understanding. “I will prepare in advance so that you will not see your family in an embarrassing situation when you return home.”
One way or another, Bell also had quite a hard time on this Alldeck business trip.
They came this far by horseback, and as soon as they arrived, they ordered a lot of miscellaneous work… The accumulated fatigue may not be normal.
All major tasks have been completed.
After leaving the mansion for the first time in a while, I thought I’d just let it rest for a while without anyone noticing… What I mean by that is going back to work right away.
– Whiik.
He lifted the wooden luggage bag he had prepared in advance and placed it on the table, then checked to see if he had left anything behind.
I looked at Belle, who was still playing with her hands with an expressionless face, and then suddenly spoke.
“Hey, Bell.”
“… yes?”
“How long have you been working as a maid?”
Exit from Baron Planzel’s house, briefly pass through Cleric’s Monastery, then to Ophilis House, and then to Rosstaylor Mansion.
If you ask Belle, who has worked as a maid all her life, about her career, you would not be able to count it on both hands.
“… I have never counted the exact number of years. As I said, I was already doing this when I grew up… ”
“Is that so?”
“yes. “Is there anything that bothers you?”
“… no.”
I sat down on the chair and asked as if throwing a question.
“Aren’t you tired?”
“Thank you for your consideration. However, since I am taking breaks from time to time, I am not overdoing it. “Managing your condition is also important.”
“Rather than consideration… I’m just curious. “I don’t know what it feels like to do only one thing for the rest of my life.”
“… “Do you mind if I ask why you’re suddenly asking such a question?”
“… “Well, that’s fine.”
I rest my chin and look up out the window.
Blue sky and the sun floating in the sky. The sea breeze caressing my chin.
Occasionally, the sound of Lortel writhing in his sleep and the rustling of the curtains.
“When do you think you will feel the need to retire?”
“retirement… You mean… ?”
“okay. There are times when I think it’s time to give up the job I’ve been working on my whole life… I wonder what it would be like… ”
“… I’ve never really imagined it. If you think about it… ”
Belle stops moving her arms and looks out the window while talking.
“… Do you remember when I worked at Ofilis Hall?”
“of course.”
“Elise, who was the head maid of the previous generation… The ending wasn’t good, but… His body wasn’t keeping up, so he decided to stop working. I think the same goes for me too. “I think I will continue to work as long as my body moves.”
Bell eventually lowered his gaze, closed his eyes, and spoke.
“Anyway, quitting the job you’ve been working on your whole life and retiring… “It’s not an easy decision.”
“… okay.”
The dockside outside the window, where I looked out with my chin resting, was still full of merchants bustling about.
“Well, I guess it’s like that for everyone. “I’m sorry for asking a useless question.”
“no.”
Just like that, I surrendered myself to the sleep that was creeping in little by little.
Probably around the time the sun sets and the moon rises, you will receive a call from the Rienna secretary or the government office.
Until then, it is time for sweet rest.
As I relaxed my overworked body, I quietly exhaled.
*
– Coogung, boom!
I opened my eyes to the sound of something hitting.
The sun was high in the sky before I closed my eyes, but when I came to, the sun had already set.
Under a sky that seemed to be spread with reddish paint, people on the dockside who were busy with their daily lives were also finishing their day.
The sound of seagulls croaking also gave a quiet feeling.
The table near the window where I was sitting was also completely colored red, and a different scene unfolded in a moment.
It was quite dark inside the room, so it seemed like he was taking a nap and fell asleep longer than expected.
I was quite tired.
“… ”
There was a letter left by Belle on the table. It seemed like there was no need to wake him up so he left for the mansion on his own.
We gave you permission in advance, so there won’t be any problems.
I shook off my bangs a few times, stood up, and chased away all the remaining sleep.
My mouth felt stuffy, so I lifted the teapot to drink some cold water. But it was empty.
When I think about it, I was so tired and thirsty that I drank it all before I fell asleep. I thought I would have to go to the inn lobby and get a new bottle of water.
“Ugh, keuhuh… ”
I just stood up and stretched once.
In the room, all you can see is Lortel sleeping, covered in a blanket. I grabbed the teapot, left the room, and headed towards the lobby.
I went downstairs to the lobby, my feet pounding on the wooden floor, and asked the clerk sitting there for more water.
The staff member who accepted the teapot with a friendly smile quickly served me some cold water.
“that… “If you need clothes or something, can I buy you some?”
“… yes?”
“Oh, if you don’t mind… I asked a pointless question… ”
“… .?”
I expressed my doubts about the employee’s strange question, but decided not to pay much attention to it.
As I went up the stairs and returned to the front of the room after taking a kettle full of cold water, I heard a strange noise coming from inside.
It seemed that young Lortel, who had been fast asleep, had woken up. Since he fell asleep earlier than me, he might be waking up soon. One way or another, Lortel must have been very surprised, and he must have been very tired from going back and forth, so he needs to be comforted.
I nodded to myself, opened the door, and went in.
“Hey, Lortel. Wake up──”
– Kwadangtang, boom!
When I opened the door and went in, Lortel on the bed was so startled that he turned over the blanket.
“… ”
I wondered why I was so surprised, but I trudged into the room and put the kettle on the table in front of the window.
Then he sat down on a chair and talked leisurely.
“Bell went back first. Since he is busy, it will be difficult to stay with him all the time. Don’t cry because there’s no bell, but for the time being, I’ll probably be with Lienna, the secretary at Elte Company… ”
As he spoke so calmly, I had a strange feeling. Should I say that Lortel’s appearance, wrapped in a blanket and writhing inside, looks unnatural… .
“… Lortel?”
Then, as I looked near the bed, I saw some clothes lying on the floor.
These are the clothes young Lortel was wearing… .
… At this point I started to feel out of breath.
“… Lortel… you… .”
…
… … …
There is no answer back.
Lortel’s body becomes one with the blanket and doesn’t come out… . no wonder… It looks bigger than usual.
female… Here… There is no benefit in forcing an answer hastily. I am a person who is far from delicate, but there is still a minimum of tact.
I suddenly felt like my throat was burning even more, so I poured myself another glass of cold water.
In the silence, only the sound of drinking water was heard. The hellish silence continued like that.
After drinking water several times, I eventually put down the cup and washed my face dry.
However, it is not possible to stay still like this forever.
I wiped my face several times, took a deep breath, and walked to the side of the bed where Lortel was lying.
Then I sat down on my bed and slowly called Lortel.
“… … hey… ”
“… … .”
“when… Did you wake up… ”
“under… About an hour… That’s it… ”
Just by listening to the tone, it is clean and clear. It was the voice of Lortel I knew.
“… ”
“… ”
“If it’s not too much of a problem, your current physical condition… Something like a situation… Let me explain… Are there any pain or side effects? What is your psychological state? It’s necessary… ”
“… ”
I looked at Lortel under the blanket and spoke as calmly as possible.
“that… The body… the condition… I think it’s okay… ”
“… okay… ”
“It’s been a while since it happened… Senior Ed was sleeping… ”
“… ”
“oh… The clothes… I don’t have clothes that fit… so… I’m embarrassed so… I was going to quickly wrap myself in a blanket and go out… . that is… It didn’t go as well as I thought… ”
The employee just asked a strange question… I think I now know how it came out.
“So.. that… Sorry for the rambling… .”
“no… Speak slowly… ”
maybe… My memories while under the curse… Everything must have come to mind…
Dark history… It’s hard to express it all with just one simple and clear word… It is so grand and deadly.
Lortel… He spoke painfully in a hushed voice.
“I… Senior Ed… Please don’t misunderstand and listen… .”
“… ”
“… … I want to die… … … … … … .”
okay… .. It’s worth it… …
It’s just the beginning… .. cheer up… It’s a battle with yourself… ..
Heart… . It’s hard to eat… … !!
