Chapter 75
Chapter 75
Of the three of Duke Barga’s daughters, it’s nice that I got to escort Sansaqua’s former member, Laptiricia-sama . I will also be escorting her alongside the Guild Researcher Ashley-san . As of now, I am staying in the waiting room next to Laptiricia-sama’s private room . The role had been decided from the beginning .
The male escort would accompany the client wherever she goes, and protect her with force if needed . The female escort would act as a court lady and protect the subject while she is staying in her room . As for a court lady, their responsibilities were to assist, usually, a noblewoman and server to their needs . But unlike servants, court ladies were expected to be well versed in governmental duties .
In short, Ashley-san was dispatched for this mission because of Laptiricia-sama’s need a woman with both secretarial and escorting abilities . In addition to having sufficient capacity for the job, she was also close to Lapitirica-sama .
I couldn’t freely enter or leave Laptiricia-sama’s private room; only being allowed to enter when summoned or if the situation called for it . Ashley-san took care of the secretarial works, coming and going from the room .
Meanwhile, I was simply idle here . No, I’m doing my job here, you know? I’m monitoring the area via my map projected on the lenses of my kevlar mask . I’m also listening to the surroundings via the sound sensor, so I could actually hear Laptiricia-sama and Ashley-san talking next door .
“Ashley-sama, how did you become acquainted with Shaft?”
“That guy… I met him during a survey for the General Guild . ”
“So, that’s how! But, Ashley-sama… Are you… Not afraid when you look at his face?”
“His face?”
“Yes . During my stay on Sazanka, I’ve been through various dungeons and subjugations . Of course, I’ve also fought undead before, but I didn’t fear them . Actually, this is the first time I’ve felt scared when seeing someone’s face . ”
” Laptiricia-sama, you’re about to enter the social world . You may start seeing Prince Ark in the future, but before that, you’ll meet a lot of magical races and nobles first . You should remember this, never be fooled by their appearance . Similarly, do not judge Shaft by his appearance . He’s trustworthy, and no matter what happens, he will definitely protect you . ”
“Is that so? I’ve heard rumors about the Black Mask Shaft . It is said that he was the one responsible for blowing up the Yagoche Company’s storehouse, killing everyone inside . ”
“Right, the guild does keep track of his combat record . Looking only at the number, it was indeed an insane number of victims, but he also rescued six women during that incident; four of which, were totally unrelated who just happened to be at the scene . If he was such a merciless and brutal person they made him out to be, do you think he’d be willing to save someone else who’s unrelated to him?”
“That… I don’t know . ”
“That’s why, Laptiricia-sama, you must be able to firmly identify a person’s true worth; be it Shaft, or any noble you meet in the future . ”
” – – Alright, Ashley-sama . ”
At one point, I stopped looking at the map and simply stared at the ceiling . What she said about me being a mass murderer and a merciless vandal, I can’t refute that . Nor can I really blame her for being scared of me . Ashley-san’s footsteps are approaching . Apparently, she was returning to the waiting room .
“Shaft, we’re heading out to the terrace to freshen up . ”
“Roger that . ”
Ashley-san told me before she headed back into the private room . I got up from my chair and left the waiting room . Standing guard in the corridor before Laptiricia-sama’s private room until ordered otherwise . Whenever we had the chance to be alone, I would chat with Ashley-san about my endeavors as Schwartz .
About the zombie face, about Rafflesia, and about how I refused Remi-san’s offer to join the guild so I could continue exploring dungeon’s solo . And that “Shaft” was created so that “Schwartz ” wouldn’t be implicated with what I did . She quietly listened to all of what I had to say, and still chose to believe in me regardless .
She only gave me on condition . That when I’m acting as Shaft, I could call her Ashley . In return, she would call me Shaft . But when I’m acting as Schwartz, she won’t allow me to call her just Ashley .
Of course, I agreed to it .
A moment later, Laptiricia-sama came out of the room with Ashley-san in tow . Both the girls headed to the terrace . With the mapping process of the castle itself already completed, I understood where it was completely .
The terrace was located on the castle’s third floor . It was a pretty spacious balcony, with a dome-roofed gazebo in the middle . While Laptiricia-sama and Ashley-san sat underneath it, I stood guard near the terrace’s entrance .
Are they coming to the terrace because it’s tea time? While I wondered about that, the princess took out a fairly thick book and proceeded to read it while she sipped her tea .
From what I heard from them, apparently, it’s a picture book depicting the crest of the noble families . Perhaps she’s learning about it to better recognize the nobles she’ll meet during tonight’s party . But can she really memorize it all?
While looking around vigilantly, I heard footsteps closing in on the terrace from within the castle . The first to enter the terrace was a maid pushing a tea cart . Right after was the Deputy Commander of the Barga Knights and Viscount Butler Caymon .
Viscount Caymon was a knight I encountered during the Emerald Demon Dungeon’s conquest . I’ve met him before as Schwartz, but this would be the first time he’d met Shaft . Just like when we first met, he was wearing the silver full plate armor, similar to what Captain Steed wore . The difference being that Captain Steed’s armor was blue colored .
“Beyond here is Laptiricia Barga-sama . Would you please state your business?”
I stood in front of the door leading onto the terrace, preventing the well-groomed bearded knight from proceeding .
“Deputy Commander of the Western Barga Knights, Butler Caymon . I’d like to confirm with Laptiricia-sama regarding her Highness’s travel schedule . ”
“A moment, please?
I asked Butler and the maid to wait outside the terrace while I headed towards the gazebo . Ashley immediately noticed I was coming .
“Something happened?”
“Deputy Commander-dono is here to confirm her Highness’s travel schedule, and a maid came to deliver more tea . ”
“Shaft-san, please allow them in . ”
It was Laptiricia-sama who responded . She didn’t seem to be that afraid of my zombie face . Maybe she has gotten over it somehow .
“As you wish . ”
I bowed, placing my right hand above my leg and sliding one left slightly back before I headed back to the entrance .
“Deputy Commander-dono, sorry for the wait . Laptiricia-sama has been expecting you . Please come in . ”
“Thank you . By the way, aren’t you that ‘Black Masked Shaft’?”
“My name is just ‘Shaft’ . Black Mask is not my name . ”
“Hoo, I leave Laptiricia-sama in your care . ”
“Yessir . ”
This person didn’t seem to realize that I am actually Schwartz . Keeping my head down, I waited until Viscount Caymon passed through .
When I talked to Ashley-san during our spare time, she refused to mention how she recognized me as Schwarts immediately . The only reply I got was “It’s a secret ”, as she blushed and acted like a maiden in love . I could only feel embarrassed when she looked like that .
“Ah, well~ can I come in too?”
When I turned to the source of the voice, I found the maid gripping the tea cart handle hard, seemingly scared .
Note : Please download the sponsor's game to support us!
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login