Chapter 238
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I look for Puffy, but she has already disappeared from the throne room.
However, the three of them—Mika, Angie, and Eris—remain here. While everyone else is trying to leave, they appear somewhat lost and a bit exhausted.
「Finally, that’s over.」
Their eyes are already fixed on me.
They all nod somewhat ambiguously at my words.
What I want to discuss with them now isn’t something I feel comfortable talking about in front of Eris’s old man, Puru, or the church officials.
「There’s something I want to talk about. This isn’t the right place, so let’s go somewhere quiet—」
Just as I start speaking, Chancellor Madison appears from the side.
「I thought there might be some catching up to do, so I came looking for the lad, but it seems you’re in the middle of something.」
While I’m hesitating on how to respond, the Chancellor waves his hand two or three times.
「Ah, don’t worry about me, I can wait. We have plenty of time. But listen here for a moment, lad.」
The image of two men whispering in each other’s ears isn’t exactly a good look, but I keep that thought to myself as I lean in to hear what he has to say.
「Come with me. I’ll lend you a room where you can talk without worrying about others. Just call for me once you’re done talking with the Saints.」
Before I can ask why, he continues speaking.
「I’ll take you to Princess Puffy. You must have things you want to discuss with her too, right?」
What a meddlesome old man.
During my life at the castle, where I spent most of my days training, he was the one who frequently came to check on me, bringing gifts each time.
I like this meddlesome old man.
「Thank you. I’ll take you up on that offer. I’m planning to stay in the royal capital for three days, so let’s have tea when you’re free.」
The Chancellor snorts and gives my shoulder a few solid pats. Then, with just a 「Follow me,」 he strides ahead briskly.
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The room the Chancellor lends us is the same guest room we used before heading to the throne room. He even has a maid prepare tea and snacks for us—he’s really gone all out.
While it’s quite an abuse of his authority, I gratefully accept his kindness.
I take a seat in the ornate chair, and the three women sit across from me.
「How have you all been?」
After reaching Hidden Mountain with Orphe, Eris spent a night at our cabin due to exhaustion. Then, for the past month, she stayed on as my disciple.
At first, Sena ignored her, but thanks to Eris’s naturally friendly nature and earnestness, before we knew it, she had been upgraded to something of a casual roommate. Though it’s quite amusing that even Sena backs away when she sees Eris creepily grinning while staring at the Gram I gave her as part of her daily routine.
However, the real concern is Mika and Angie.
「If you’re asking how I’ve been, I’ve been fine. This past month has been pretty hectic with just Puru and me, so I’m a bit tired.」
「I heard a bit from Puru. I’m really glad. That you two got to spend time together.」
Angie gives a small smile at my words.
Her expression seems both lighter, as if a weight has been lifted, and somewhat lonely at the same time.
「I’ve been doing well too.」
Mika says.
Although she should have been in Boldaf for the past month, I barely saw her at all. Worried, I visited her inn several times, but she was almost always out, and I never managed to meet her.
「That’s good to hear. What have you been doing this past month, Mika?」
At my question, she hesitates for a moment, but then answers clearly.
「I’ve been taking time to reflect on myself.」
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