Volume 2 Chapter 9 The Villa Of The Settlement.txt
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Thank goodness. With someone as strong as you with us, I feel a lot safer.”
”…I see…”
Inside the carriage, silence hung heavy in the air.
Apart from the elderly coachman handling the horses up front, there were four passengers: Klock, Adelina, Viscount Fennec, and his maid. Tiet rode outside, walking alongside the carriage. She had said it was for protection, but Klock suspected she simply didn’t want to share a ride with nobles.
He glanced out the window.
A pack of Garms—beast-like creatures from the Noirev Highlands—had halted the moment Tiet showed up. They hadn’t approached since. Wild beasts were said to be highly sensitive to danger. Maybe they sensed something terrifying in Tiet. It was hard to ignore just how intelligent they seemed.
”By the way, Viscount Fennec, what brought you out here? Were you visiting an adventurer’s town?”
”No, not exactly. There’s a small settlement near the demon’s domain. I was there on business. But on the way back, we were ambushed by monsters. We had to retreat this way instead of heading for the capital.”
”I see… That must have been rough.”
The demon’s domain meant the Noirev Highlands. A settlement near that area was news to Klock. If such a place existed and offered supplies, he should’ve heard about it in one of the towns. Based on how the Viscount spoke, it likely wasn’t in this direction. That meant the settlement was probably east of the mountains.
”Mr. Klock, what kind of person are you? I heard you’re the… master of that strong swordswoman over there.”
”…Ah…”
Master? Klock nearly blurted out a comment, but held back with a silent tsukkomi.
This whole setup was getting out of hand. Maybe claiming they were an adventurer’s party would’ve been smarter. Now that he’d been labeled her master, all the responsibility would fall on him—what a pain.
”I… used to be a noble. Even after my fall, she still choose to follow me.”
”…I see. So that’s how it is…”
His excuse was vague, but it seemed to satisfy the Viscount.
Technically, it wasn’t far from the truth. Since the fall of Livorno, Klock had indeed lost his noble status.
”Falling from grace… isn’t far from my own experience. Perhaps it’s fate that we met like this. Once we reach the capital, you’re welcome to rest at my estate for as long as you like.”
The Viscount’s expression softened, full of quiet sympathy.
It was rare—extremely rare—for a noble to offer such genuine kindness.
”If you don’t mind me asking… when you said it’s not far from your own experience—has something happened?”
”…Well, this country is changing. Becoming more democratic. Nobles no longer have seats in the central government. There’s heavy conflict now between the Federation and Anti-Federation factions. For now, local regions remain under noble control.”
”…I see…”
So, political strife had reached this country too. The dismantling of noble authority had begun. With power stripped away, the local lords were being left in uncertainty. Viscount Fennec might be among the last remaining nobles with any influence. That was no small thing.
”This is my first time in Federation territory. Is the situation really that unstable?”
”…Yes. Crime isn’t rampant, but it’s definitely worse than under the monarchy.”
Troubling news.
Even as a thief himself, Klock found it unsettling. He made a quiet decision: leave the Federation as soon as possible. The trouble he’d caused upon entering was already conveniently forgotten.
”Klock. This road is bad.”
Tiet’s voice called out from outside the carriage, sharp and clear.
Klock’s attention snapped into focus. Trouble?
”What is it? Monsters?”
”It’s more than that. There’s something like a dragon up ahead in the plains.”
”…Huh?”
”It’s not a ‘huh.’ I’m sensing a massive amount of magic. If I had to guess… it’s a dragon.”
The whole group stiffened at her words.
The plains stretched far west of the capital city, Basselow. In the land called Elena Plain—bordering the Noirev Highlands—there was a small settlement. When Klock passed through it before, his impression had been simple: rural and quiet.
”Phew… Looks like we’ve made it back to civilization,” Viscount Fennec said, visibly relieved. Had they continued east, they might’ve walked right into the dragon’s path. Reaching a populated area eased everyone’s tension. Even Tiet looked surprised.
”…Wait. Is Elena Plain that dangerous?”
”No. I’ve never heard of dragons appearing here. They usually stay in specific places—caves, mountains. A dragon wouldn’t live on a plain. Maybe it was passing through… or resting in transit.”
”That’s some unlucky timing…”
After confirming the threat, Klock had asked if Tiet could handle it.
She said yes—she’d taken down a dragon before, and doing so again wouldn’t be an issue.
But protecting the others during a fight was another matter. If things went south, only Tiet would walk away unharmed. With no better option, they changed their route, heading south and stopping by the nearby settlement.
* * *
”So, what will you do now? Should we look for a place to stay the night?”
”No need. I have a villa in this settlement. I’ll take you there.”
Villa. The word itself carried the air of nobility. It was the kind of thing Klock couldn’t picture owning. A rich person’s playhouse, maybe. But in a place like this?
Even calling it a settlement felt generous—there was a surprising amount of foot traffic.
According to Viscount Fennec, it wasn’t yet classified as a village or town. A few hundred people lived here, but due to how dangerous the area was, many had started relocating south toward the capital’s suburbs. In time, everyone was expected to move.
”This is the place. It’s not that large, but please make yourselves comfortable.”
”…Is that so? Thank you for your kindness.”
Not that large?
Standing before them was a mansion—easily several times the size of the other homes nearby.
While most of the surrounding buildings were made of wood, this one was crafted from stone, solid and refined. The difference was overwhelming.
Even so, the other residents didn’t seem bothered. When they passed by, they simply nodded with casual smiles. There was no trace of envy. If this man governed the area, and the people felt this content under his rule, he must be doing something right.
Politics, though, were too much of a headache for Klock. Best to leave that topic alone.
Once they stepped inside, a maid and an elderly man guided them to the reception room on the first floor. After a quick bow, the attendants excused themselves, perhaps to prepare rooms for the guests.
Only then did Viscount Fennec begin to speak.
”Lord Klock, are you aware of the white peach blossoms that grow on this mountain?”
Ah… so it begins. Klock could already feel the headache coming.
When nobles start talking about flowers, it usually means trouble. Or illness.
”Yes, actually,” the nobleman continued, “the white peach blossoms bloom naturally in this magical region. We often rely on adventurers to retrieve them. Unfortunately, we cannot step into the mountains ourselves.”
”I see,” Klock replied, gently patting Adelina’s head as she stared blankly into space. He already understood where this was going but didn’t have the heart to brush it off.
The nobleman sighed. “The problem is that the monsters in this region… they’re too powerful. Even a B-rank adventurer party failed to return with the blossoms.”
”If you’re heading into that area,” Tiet interjected, “you’ll need at least an A-rank party. B-rankers might be able to take down a Garm, but they’d be helpless against a pack of Griffons.”
Her words brought a momentary pause to the room.
It was clear from her tone—Tiet had been there before. She spoke as if crossing through such danger was routine.
Klock quietly decided to leave the mission planning to her.
”So,” he said, looking back at the Viscount. “You’re asking me to retrieve them, aren’t you? Depends on the reward.”
”Would you truly consider it?” the Viscount asked, visibly surprised.
”I’ve been to that mountain a few times,” Klock replied with a shrug. “I’ve seen the White Mito Blossom growing there.”
”Oh!” The Viscount’s face brightened.
Tiet stepped forward before Klock could respond again.
”Shall I go and get them?” she offered. “I can move quickly. If all goes well, I’ll be back tonight or early tomorrow.”
Klock blinked. Wait—she was going alone?
”You and Adelina can wait here,” Tiet added.
No invitation. No discussion. Just like that—Tiet was heading out solo.
Klock didn’t argue. She was probably right. He’d only slow her down.
Still… something felt off.
”…It’s almost too convenient,” he murmured under his breath.
Was it just nerves? Or a gut feeling?
He glanced at Tiet’s profile.
She caught his stare and grinned, flashing her teeth for just a second before turning away.
So. That’s how it is.
There was something behind all this—some unseen price.
Klock felt it in his bones.
But for now, he said nothing.
The group was allowed to rest until dinner. After they left the reception room, a pair of maids stood by the door, one he hadn’t seen before.
”Sir Klock, I apologize for the late introduction,” the older maid said, bowing. “I am Suzette, the head maid. This is—”
”I-I’m Michelle!” the younger one piped up, flustered. “I’ll be looking after you and your companions during your stay!”
Despite the awkward timing, their polite self-introductions were appreciated.
Suzette had a graceful poise and dignity in her bearing—clearly the senior of the two. Michelle, on the other hand, had a more modest, rural air. Her movements were a little clumsy, her words uncertain.
”I see. Thank you, both,” Klock replied.
The two maids bowed deeply. Klock followed them down the hall, amused at the thought of such attentive hospitality.
Of course, as a guest in a noble home, one had to be on their best behavior. Maids were off-limits—especially those tied to a high-ranking family like the Fennecs. Any indiscretion here could have serious consequences.
A sudden yelp echoed ahead.
”Kyaa?!”
Michelle, walking in front, had stumbled and vanished from view.
Suzette stepped forward, her expression darkening as she looked down.
”Michelle… again?” she scolded. “You fell in front of the guest. I’ve told you to be more careful.”
”S-Sorry…”
Michelle lay facedown on the floor—right at Klock’s feet.
Her arms were splayed, her posture awkward. She was clearly flustered, trying to get up without making more of a scene.
Klock swallowed a sigh.
Just an accident… but still.
…What a fine backside.
Notes:
• Adelina – The slave girl.
• Tiet – A companion and friend of Anna. A holy knight from the royal capital. She wears light armor and carries a shield adorned with a dragon holding a sword, indicating her affiliation with the National Military Police. She is concerned about Anna’s well-being and tries to support her emotionally.
• Noirev Highlands – A dangerous mountainous region northeast of the Fossil Wasteland. Known as the ‘Wicked Noirev,’ it is home to exceptionally strong monsters and is best avoided unless with a high-ranking adventurer party.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec.
• Michelle – The younger maid from Viscount Fennec.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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