Chapter 236: A Bewitching Charm
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Gumihou
I was surprised at myself for being able to tear my eyes away from Lady Jessica’s beauty.
Ever since a certain event in my past, I never once allowed myself to fall for a woman again. Yet, this person before is… no, no, my feelings should not be so weak!
I must avert my eyes. If I continue to stare at Lady Jessica’s face like this, I will be completely captivated and lose my ability to think rationally. That’s right, I must lower my gaze.
Lower, lower…
Through sheer willpower, I forced myself to look downward, past her chin, the hem of her flared skirt, and a pair of dazzling white legs towards my destination.
There, my eyes encountered a pair of high-heeled shoes in a light pink that matched the colour of her dress. The design of the dress was simple, but the material was made from some kind of dragon-type leather. They also appear to have an elastic insole, making them excellent for long periods of walking.
These are likely shoes made by Keteminui, the master cobbler who pursued the pinnacle of both style and functionality.
Oh my~ what a feast for the eyes indeed. The polished sheen of the leather showed that they were being well cared for and cherished by their owner.
Fuuh~ now that my senses had been captivated by the magic of these shoes, my sudden infatuation with Lady Jessica vanished like mist.
“Master Jess… My Lady. Do please stop using your charm so indiscriminately. It is clearly troubling our guests.”
The butler-like person beside Lady Jessica said in a loud whisper.
I thought the way he first addressed the Lord of this place was a little strange, but perhaps it was just my imagination.
“Mister Steck is correct. The Lady’s eyes could turn any man into a lecherous person. Perhaps keeping them closed would be less of a nuisance for everyone.”
Although she was speaking in polite form, I wondered if it was really alright for a maid to speak so bluntly to their master.
“Steck, Mowder, that’s quite enough. How could mere servants dare speak their opinions like this?”
As expected, those two were quickly reprimanded. Well, it’s not a servant’s place to dictate their master’s actions after all. The two bowed their heads remorsefully.
“Do forgive my impertinence. Even I, a man renowned as a handsome elder butler, have made a slip of the tongue. I simply cannot stand by and watch as these poor souls are devoured by the Lord.”
Uh… Devoured?
“Perhaps the Lord could restrain your omnivorous appetite of devouring men and women alike.”
?? Devouring men and women?
Eh? What am I hearing? Were my ears playing tricks on me? I’m pretty certain that I just heard something outrageous. She looks human, but could she be from a man-eating race? If so, her demonic beauty would certainly make sense.
“How rude. My feelings solely belong to that person. Also, you’ll be getting a salary cut for the next six months.”
“Lady Jessica is exceptionally beautiful today. Even the sun shrinks before her radiance, causing the clouds to cover the sky in shame!”
“That person is heard saying how wonderfully kind and generous Lady Jessica is. Do please let our salaries remain the same.”
After having displeased their master, the two immediately resort to spouting flattery and offering excuses. Still, despite their casual exchange, or because of it, I could tell that the bond between master and servant appeared exceptionally strong.
Ordinarily, speaking to a Lord in such a manner would be grounds for immediate execution. Yet, in my eyes, they look like a family engaging in playful banter.
“Ahem, excuse me,” said Director Bear. “Would it be alright for me to convey my message now?”
“Do excuse me. You are the Director of the Hunters’ Association of the Holy Tree Dungeon, right?”
“Indeed, that is so. I am known as the Director of Clearflow Lake, and I come bearing urgent news. That is why we have come on our fastest magic tool, the ka’ar.”
Director Bear gestured a paw at the ka’ar with its cart, both of which had already drawn a good-sized crowd of onlookers.
“That is a rare magic item indeed. What message could be so urgent that you would travel here with such a valuable item?”
“The Holy Tree Dungeon has been seized by the Left Arm General of the Demon King’s army and has collapsed. A horde of monsters had broken forth from the dungeon and is heading here.”
The smile vanished from Lady Jessica’s face.
Her attendants maintained their stoic expressions, but the aura around them shifted in an instant.
“Could you give us the details inside?”
The Lord must have judged that this was not something to be discussed outside. We all headed into the guardhouse, where Director Bear provided a thorough explanation of what happened.
When he finished, Lady Jessica let out a long sigh.
“I see. To think such a thing happened. If such an army were to descend upon us without notice [1], we would have been caught in a pinch with the Demon King’s army on the other side. That way lies nothing but utter despair…”
[2] “Things are different now,” said the Butler. “However, with the negotiations happening with the Demon King? For the horde to move without you hearing about it, could this be an act of independent judgment?”
“Perhaps news about the negotiation had not reached the Left Arm General?” the Maid suggested.
“Excuse me,” said Director Bear. “Negotiations? With the Demon Lord’s army?”
Thank you for asking the question, Director. I was wondering about this as well.
“We are in the middle of formal ceasefire negotiations. The terms are largely settled, and we are just putting in the finishing touches on the terms. Our representatives will return within the next few days, so I don’t believe there is any need to worry about an attack from that side,” Lady Jessica said confidently.
So, a ceasefire treaty was being formed without our knowledge? If that is true, the King of the Underworld, the Left Arm General, is in violation of orders.
If it were a simple matter of miscommunication or the message not reaching them, the march should stop after they received the message, but…
“Lady Jessica, the Left Arm General, is widely rumoured to be a schemer. I find it hard to believe that someone skilled at information gathering would be unaware of the ceasefire negotiations,” [2] said Steck.
“So, that Left Arm General is moving with full knowledge of the situation?” [2] said the Maid.
“Indeed. Rumour has it that he has quite the pride, and that his loyalty to the Demon King is lower compared to other generals,” [2] said Jessica.
“In other words, a rebellion? Must be tough for those in power when their lackeys lacked loyalty. Isn’t it so, Lady Jessica?”
[2] What a loaded remark.
Lady Jessica stared at her two stoic attendants for a moment before nodding seriously, “That is… exactly right…”
The two pretended not to notice anything.
“[2] Ahem, Steck, send a messenger to the Demon King’s territory and request our [2] team to return before the enemy forces reach us.”
“Yes. It shall be done.”
“Mowder, explain the situation to the soldiers and the townspeople.”
“Leave it to me.”
The two attendants turned on their heels and left the guardhouse.
“Everyone, you must be exhausted from your long journey. I shall arrange lodgings for you. Do please make yourself comfortable.”
Even under such dire circumstances, Lady Jessica maintained her smile and showed not a hint of anxiety. Was she incredibly courageous, or simply very confident?
“Lord, you appear quite composed,” said Director Bear.
“Just Jessica is fine. I am younger than you, so please speak more naturally. I am not too fond of stiff formalities. Ah, though my attendants are a lost cause…” her words trailed off with a menacing note. She must have a lot on her mind about them.
“Then, Lady Jessica. You have a plan?”
“Not really a plan, but I do believe that everything will work out once that person returns. That aside, I am on amiable terms with the Left Leg General, I’m going to see if they can assist in persuading the Left Arm General.”
“Friendly terms with one of the Four Limbs?”
“Indeed. We were enemies once, but are quite close now.”
To call a General of the Demon King close… It was a tough thing to believe after our encounter with the Ruler of the Netherworld, but… there was no reason for Lady Jessica to lie, so it must be the truth.
Still, her level of trust on a certain ‘person’ appears quite extraordinary. I’m now very curious about this individual. Was he some brilliant and capable youngster? It would be rude to ask outright, so I’ll just look forward to the day we meet.
As Lady Jessica graciously led us to the inn, I watched her back she walked elegantly through the town. I thought I heard a faint muttering, so I increased my hearing sensitivity.
“Look forward to your return… but the problem is the greatest enemy will be returning too… that side has the advantage, for now. But I am not one to remain content with this situation forever… I have already prepared several means to work with him over…”
Lady Jessica was muttering some rather unsettling things under her breath.
From what I can tell, she must have feelings for this mysterious ‘person’ she kept talking about, and that her romantic rival would be returning soon.
Well, it’s best not to get involved with other people’s love affairs. Speaking of love affairs, I wonder what will happen with Hakkon?
It’s tricky to tell whether he was truly unaware or was just pretending to be dense, but I can’t help but think that he should take action sooner rather than later.
Really, Hakkon is the perfect embodiment of ‘looks aren’t everything’.
Have they managed to dig him out yet? As for me, my main hope is that everyone is safe and I look forward to the day we can all gather together again.
[Gumihou: Uh, just who is this mysterious ‘person’ I wonder?]
[1] replaced ‘until recently’ with ‘without notice’, because that’s too much foreshadowing and more like shoving, especially with all the cryptic ‘that person’ being inserted at every few paragraphs.
[2] Added details for clarity
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