The Ractos guards congratulated us
As we had things to do, we ended the conversation there and approached the guards at the gate.
Leo and Liza saw the fenrirs off, as they headed towards the forest.
“We have been waiting for you, Lady Claire and Mr. Takumi.”
The guards were standing in a line, and one of the older men stepped out and bowed. Sebastian had told me that he was the captain.
While he was older and a little on the heavy side, he had sharp eyes and an air of authority. Though, he was not as intimidating as Mr. Ekenhart.
However, he had a sword hanging on his belt, and I had the feeling that he was a soldier with a long history.
“Is everything ready?”
“Yes. We have sent the others through the town, and they will secure the roads so that it is safe.”
“I see. Very good. You are as swift with your work as always.”
“It is nothing compared to you, Sebastian.”
Apparently, the captain and Sebastian were old acquaintances, and they were laughing together.
“This is my first time meeting you, Mr. Takumi. Though it seems you have been helping my men often…”
“Uh, yes…”
He was probably referring to the Deurgo and Deam incidents.
They had both caused a lot of trouble for the guards.
“Lady Claire. Mr. Takumi. Congratulations.”
“Congratulations!”
After that greeting, the captain and guards all bowed at the same time.
I guess this was because Claire and I were… ‘dating’ now. It didn’t seem like it was about moving to the new house.
“Thank you so much.”
“Thank you.”
“We have been seeing you two get along for some time now. And so we are very happy to hear the news…”
Apparently, the soldiers had been watching us as well.
It was definitely a little embarrassing.
Still, the way that people talked about us… It was as if we were engaged or had already decided to get married.
It wasn’t as if the thought was the furthest thing from my mind, but… It was awkward to have others talk about it as if it was decided already.
But I didn’t want to correct anyone, as it might make Claire sad.
“Oh, before entering, Lady Claire… No, Mr. Takumi. There are people who are here to meet you.”
“Me? Ah, that’s right.”
The first thing I thought about was the people at the orphanage.
Headmistress Anna was sending some people to work with us in Range Village.
“It’s been a long time, Lady Claire and Mr. Takumi. Come on, you too.”
Ms. Anna was brought out by one of the guards, and she was accompanied by one man and two women. They were about the same age as Milina. Also, there were about four children.
“Hello, Anna.”
“Hello, Ms. Anna. Who are these children?”
Now that I thought about it, we really had not visited the orphanage in a long time…
Some of the children were familiar, as I had seen them playing with Leo before… But there was one new one who appeared to be older than fifteen.
“Yes. These are the ones who have volunteered to go with you to Range Village.”
I had spoken to Ms. Anna about it before, and thought that perhaps it would be a good way to learn and make some money. It was not adoption or anything. However, I thought it would just be one or two children.
“Ah, it’s Leo!”
“Leo!”
“Wuff-wuff!”
They ran towards Leo immediately. She barked and wagged her tail in response.
“Hey, come back! Mr. Takumi and Lady Claire are right here!”
“Hehe. We don’t mind, do we, Mr. Takumi?”
“Not at all. Leo likes it. We can talk without them.”
“I’m sorry.”
While Ms. Anna was apologetic, neither Claire or I minded. And Leo was happy to see them after so long…
Thanks for the chapter.