Chapter 21
Chapter 21
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: The Unshakeable Elf
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*
The count's office.
"While you're staying at the castle, you can handle your duties here."
Guided by Marhan, I arrived at the office and looked around.
*Impressive.*
It was the office used by the head of the Pelgaroin Count family, who governed the county, so the room was incredibly spacious and elegant.
What particularly caught my eye were the massive campaign desks flanking the office desk.
The one on the left was the field desk the count had personally received from His Majesty the Emperor for participating in the Orc Subjugation War eight years ago, embroidered with the white lion symbolizing the imperial family.
The one on the right bore the crest of the Pelgaroin Count family, exuding tradition and luxury.
A space that naturally highlighted the family's prestige. Handling work here made my heart swell with a sense of grandeur for no particular reason.
"Is it really alright for me to work here?"
Overwhelmed with emotion, I spoke, and Marhan humbly nodded.
"You're acting as the count's proxy. It's a right you should rightfully enjoy."
"No, it's not quite rightful. Normally, Young Master Fred should be handling the main duties with me assisting. Even as regent, this is my first time."
"Well..."
I turned to look at Marhan, who hesitated.
"I've heard Young Master Fred has stepped away from family affairs since eight years ago. Is it because of Young Master Benneller's death during the Orc Subjugation War?"
Marhan flinched as if caught off guard.
His hesitating lips suggested he was choosing his words carefully. Not wanting to press further, I let out a low sigh.
"He must have gone to a good place. If Young Master Benneller hasn't entered heaven, then heaven might as well not exist."
"Yes. The God of Light must have prepared a place for him there."
A belated solemnity settled between Marhan and me. I hadn't meant to make it so heavy.
Feeling awkward, I took a breath and cleared my throat.
"More importantly, I'd like a handover. Is there anything in particular I need to pay attention to?"
"Ah. The territory's administration is running as usual, so you won't need to worry much. Nothing's likely to crop up in a week. However..."
"However?"
"In the past month or so, the 'Band of Ten Outlaws' have been rampant, causing trouble for the count."
The Band of Ten Outlaws... I'd heard the name somewhere before.
"Aren't they the ones targeting the county's nobles and committing robberies?"
"Yes. But they distribute some of the stolen goods to the territory's people, making it more than a little problematic."
"I see. It must be hard to request cooperation from the locals. Even trying to pinpoint their hideout, the people won't easily talk."
"Pardon? Ah, yes. Some locals who've received favors from them are spreading rumors calling them righteous outlaws, hindering the investigation. No matter what we ask, they just say 'I don't know'..."
Simple enough. A mysterious group robs nobles and shares some loot with the common folk, stalling the investigation. The 'outlaw' title has rooted them as heroes in the people's hearts. The locals won't cooperate knowingly or unknowingly.
But this is still a crime. An unforgivable evil, a selfish and calculated good deed. It had to be uprooted before it grew worse.
"I'll look into it. Bring me a map marking the crime scenes and a compilation of witness statements from the locals. And..."
"Your Excellency the Regent."
As I listed a few more documents, Marhan interrupted. Wondering why, I looked at him, and he spoke with a troubled expression.
"I understand you're eager, but for today, it might be best to set aside work. To attend the welcome banquet this evening, you need to adjust your attire and prepare to depart now."
"Ah, hmm."
He had a point. Esili was waiting for me at the ball, too. After a moment's thought, I nodded.
"Understood. However, I won't be bringing the slave, so don't inform the slave I brought."
"I shall obey. Then I'll have the carriage prepared."
*Snap.* Marhan saluted militarily and exited through the office door. Left alone, I scratched my cheek absentmindedly.
*A welcome banquet.*
I didn't particularly like noisy gatherings, but if I used this opportunity well, I could explain my innocence to Esili.
Steeling myself, I stood before the mirror and straightened my clothes.
*I need to make a good impression on Esili.*
Tension made my hands shake incessantly.
*
As dusk began to fall, I exited the castle, and the coachman was waiting with a four-wheeled carriage. Since it was a short trip, there were no separate escorts.
"I'll serve you comfortably, Your Excellency the Regent."
"Thank you."
I nodded to the coachman and boarded the carriage. As I brushed off my sleeves while seated, he closed the door.
I checked my attire once more, then leaned back confidently.
*Without the elf, I can tell Esili the truth.*
How much had I suffered watching the elf's moods all this time? This time, I'd secretly prepared the carriage to leave the elf behind, so everything should go smoothly.
*...But why aren't we moving?*
Puzzled, I tapped toward the driver's seat.
"Hey. Why are we just sitting here instead of departing?"
"Pardon? Your slave is coming this way..."
"What?"
What nonsense is that? Startled, I opened the window and peered out. Sure enough, as the coachman said, the elf was running toward us, carrying a silver tray laden with refreshments.
*Damn it...!*
Marhan? No, he wouldn't. He wouldn't ignore my orders twice.
*Then who?*
Did this elf wait until I was leaving the castle? Goosebumps rose as I pounded on the carriage in panic.
"Depart, depart now!"
"Pardon? The slave hasn't arrived yet."
"Doesn't matter—just go!"
Bewildered by my shouting, the coachman whipped the reins hard.
"Hya!"
The horses neighed roughly and bolted forward. Shocked by the sight, the elf tried to accelerate but tripped over a stone.
"Eek!"
*Crash!* The teacups shattered on impact, spilling black tea. The fancy pastries were covered in dirt, and the fallen elf's clothes soiled in an instant.
"S-Sob..."
The elf sobbed lowly in a pitiful pose, reaching out to me pleadingly.
"Please wait, Master...!"
Wait my ass. I'd sooner wait for the Demon King in one of the seven hells of the demon realm. As I inwardly clicked my tongue and tried to relax, the carriage began slowing down.
Puzzled, I looked at the coachman, who gazed at the elf with a distant, wistful expression.
"Your Excellency. It's not my place, but she's so pitiful—why not let her ride?"
What madness!
"Don't talk nonsense! I'm the pitiful one!"
"Pardon? What do you..."
"Shut up and drive! Now!"
Startled by my second outburst, the coachman flinched and urged the horses on again. Only then did I slump back inside the carriage, relieved.
*That was close.*
I feared repercussions, but what could I do? Better to die than let the elf steal Esili from me.
No matter what, I wouldn't fall for the elf's schemes tonight.
With my resolve firm, I slowly calmed my racing heart.
*
The annex's special room.
Candle flames flickering from the chandelier illuminated the room, but they couldn't dispel the shadow on Esili's face.
"Oppa."
Fred let out a low cough at Esili's sharp glare.
"Why?"
"Why? That outfit doesn't look like someone going to enjoy a ball."
"What's wrong with my outfit?"
Fred, seated across the table, shrugged nonchalantly. But only a sigh escaped Esili's lips.
And rightly so—Fred was clad in a thick buff coat, with a longsword at his waist. A crossbow slung on his back made it hard to tell if the man before her was a hunter or a noble.
Esili, vaguely guessing the intent behind the attire, couldn't shake her sense of disappointment.
"You're off to some strange place again, aren't you?"
"Strange place? I'm just enjoying the ball, getting drunk, and heading out hunting in a youthful impulse."
"Who'd believe that lie?"
"I trust my little sister. You'll cover for me like always."
*How can he say it so casually?* Esili pursed her lips, eyeing Fred discontentedly.