13 – Meeting the Count

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When I stepped out of the building, I saw that a luxurious, limousine-like car was parked outside.
However, I was not just going to climb in as I was told.

“Um, where’s Kuro…?”

I was not going to go without Kuro. We were family.

“Ah, there is no need to worry about that. The guild will take good care of him, and you can return as soon as you finish with your business.”

“Uh…can’t we just go together?”

I asked, but Sylt smiled and refused.
Eh? You tryin’ to take your dog into the count’s house? That seemed to be written on his face.

The scenery I saw from the window of the limousine looked like England to me.
Of course, not medieval England, but the modern one.
Buildings of the gothic or baroque sort, combined with skyscrapers, cafes and department stores.

I felt more like I was traveling abroad than going to another world.
My adventure had ended before it even began… Such narration started to play in my head unbidden. Still, perhaps I should just be thankful for the modern comfort.

As I thought of such things, we passed through the hustle and bustle of the city, and before I knew it, the buildings were shorter and we entered what looked like the countryside.
And then the limousine eventually stopped in front of a giant mansion that looked out of place in that countryside scenery.

“It’s huge…”

A great medieval mansion.
It was surrounded by walls so high that you had to strain your neck to see. And behind the looming gate, there was an absurdly large field of flowers and a lake.
This was the first place that had the atmosphere of a medieval fantasy world.

The gates then opened automatically, and the car drove through.
Guards who were standing by bowed as we passed. I felt so out of place…

“Uh, this sure is a big garden…”

“Yes. This garden and mansion was passed on about fifty years ago. It has seen a number of improvements since then.”

This calm answer came from the passenger seat. An elderly butler. I suppose his name was Sebastian (confident).
It was just me, the butler, and the driver in the car. The driver was quiet and didn’t speak once.

“Uh, I’m not exactly dressed for the occasion. Is that alright?”

In fact, I had made the clothes myself, out of monster leather. Obviously, that meant they weren’t very fashionable. I looked completely primitive next to the butler and his crisp suit.

But the butler just chuckled in answer.
Huh? What do you mean?

However, I found out the reason after we passed the garden and arrived at the mansion.
When I stepped out of the car, there were three maids waiting there.
“I will go and tell the master. You three, deal with him.” Said Sebastian (tentative), and then the three maids escorted me away.

Uh, what!? Where are you taking me!? Wait, Sebastian (tentative)!!!!!

Without even any time to shout like that, I was dragged away, stripped, and drowned in a bathtub.
I was then brutally scrubbed and forced to wear expensive clothes.

It was like an important part of me was lost that day…
Though, having a bath after so long was nice… I wonder if I’ll ever take one again…

“Your Excellency. We have brought the guest.”

“Good.”

After a knock, the door was opened and the butler gestured for me to enter the room.

“Welcome. I am Baliol Orlando.”

“Ni-nice to meet you. I’m Yukito.”

His formal clothes must be expensive… There was a lot of gold and silver, and medals shone on his chest. The noble had a warm smile as he offered his hand.
I shook it and inspected him once again.
Indeed, he had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as that woman I met…Iria. I could see the resemblance now. He was probably in his forties, but was handsome and could probably pass as someone in their mid-thirties as well.

“I heard that you saved my daughter. You have my thanks.”

“Oh, that was just a coincidence…!”

He thanked me with a smile, and I suddenly felt embarrassed. So this was the power of handsome fathers. Even a married woman would probably fall for it.

“Even if it was just a coincidence, my daughter would have likely been in great danger if you were not there. As her father, it is only right for me to be grateful.”

“Uh, yes…”

“Well, please take a seat.” And so I sat down on the sofa. And then the butler glided in and placed some tea on the table. So this was what they meant by flawless.

“Now, I want to introduce you to the rest of the family. But first, there is something I wanted to tell you. That is why I called you here.”

“Really…?”

“According to what I heard… You live in a remote place, and are ignorant of many things.”

That was true. I knew nothing. Up until I went down the mountain, I thought this was a medieval fantasy world of swords and sorcery.

“As a way of repaying you for helping my daughter…I suppose. Will you accept my help in return?”

What the count then said was quite unexpected.

Next Chapter

Ken yo, kaku katariki ~ Ken to mahō no isekai ni tensei shita noni jitsu wa bunmei ga gendai reberu datta ken