Berserk of Gluttony (LN)

Volume 1 Chapter 13 (2)

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Roxy’s inspection

A few days hadpassed by since then. I was still a servant of the Heart Familyduring the day while continuing my other life of goblin hunting inthe evenings to feed my Gluttony skill with souls.

Apart from that, Iwas still worried about the movements of Rafal and his siblings. Irevisited the VIP store many times after that initial incident toobserve them. However, they never once re-appeared there. It waspossible that they were constantly changing meeting places. Withoutknowing what they were planning, time had simply flown by.

I could haveinformed Roxy-sama about these events, yet simply telling her thatthey were acting suspicious would be worthless information. She wasalready aware that Rafal was plotting something bad. The contents oftheir plans were the important details.

Speculation withoutinformation would not generate answers. If I wanted to know, it wouldbe quicker to find out directly from the people who were involved. Ihad reached such a conclusion in the past few days.

The second son ofthe Breric Family was about to head out on a raid investigation inthe Goblin Meadow and Forest of Hobgob where I had set off on arampage before. So, putting on a black hood and my skull mask, Idecided to become the stray demon that all the warriors of the RoyalCapital were starting to fear. Among them, there may be a few whowould start to give me a name. While thinking about these futureplans, I worked hard as a gardener's apprentice.

The weather wasgreat so it was perfect for mowing the lawn. I could not do anythingyesterday since it had been rainy. So today, I will make up for thelost time and cut enough grass for both shifts. Having receivedinstructions from the master gardeners in the morning, I turnedtowards the grass. The Heart Family's garden was massive, so weworked by rotating through sections of the lawn, south this week,east next week, north the week after… The vitality of the turf wasquite strong so by the time we completed one rotation, the grass hadalready regrown, so this was an endless task.

It seemed that mypath to reaching the garden tree would be a long one. The gardenmasters returned to their own work and I began trimming the grassalone when,

"That…could itbe…"

Yes. No matter how Ilooked, it was Roxy-sama. She was sneaking out of the back door ofthe mansion, however, her outfit was different to her usual style. Asif she was in disguise, she had dressed like a town girl. Roxy-sama'sappearance was normally that of a Holy Knight. What made her wear acommoner's clothing? I called out to her as she tried to leavethrough the back gate.

"Safe safe!Roxy-sama!"

Like a servant, Isimply intended on calling out to my master.

"Kyaa… Geez, yousurprised me!"

Squealing in a cutevoice, she jumped in surprise. Turning around, she seemed relievedthat it was just me. This time, I asked the question I had beenthinking of while she pouted.

"What is Roxy-samaup to? You seem to be dressed differently…"

"Uh… This is,I'm taking a breather… No, this is a top secret trip. Dressing upas a town girl, mingling with the citizens and finding out how theyare living."

Ohh! As expected ofRoxy-sama. Other Holy Knights would never have done this. She reallywas different after all.

"I think that is awonderful idea. Well then, I will return to my duties so that I won'tbe in your way!"

As I turned toleave, Roxy-sama waited a bit. To be more precise, she approachedfrom behind and grabbed at my collar.

"Fay, wait. I cameup with a good idea."

I wondered what itwas… I guess it would be a good thing, yet Roxy-sama's expressionwas like that of a mischievous child. Was it really going to be good?I felt uneasy.

"W-what is it?"

"Fufufu… Asecret mission. I'm giving Fay a secret mission."

"Eeeeeh!"

A secret missionfrom a Holy Knight?! Would someone like me who was only able to mowthe lawn be capable of doing this? As I was feeling indebted to her,Roxy-sama declared this while striking a mysteriously decisive pose.Putting aside the fact that she looked adorable in this new pose, Iwas struck dumb from surprise. Seeing me like that, Roxy-samacarefully posed again and said,

"Come with me toobserve the citizens! Using Fay's knowledge, escort me!"

Once again, myreaction was, "Eeeeeh!", although internally this time. Would Ibe able to do this…? Never once in my life so far had I escorted alady. Moreover, to escort Roxy-sama… The level was too high. If Icould not meet her expectations and instead disappointed her, I wouldnot be able to live with myself. Frozen and unable to reply,Roxy-sama took my hand and dragged me along against my will.

"Come on, let'sgo. If we stay here, other people will find out."

"Please wait amoment. My duties in the garden… I will make the master gardenersangry."

"It's not anissue. Later, I will provide them with a reason. Yes, problemsolved!"

So pushy?! TheRoxy-sama who was dressed as a town girl was more stubborn thanusual, and was simply twisting me around her finger. Really?! Was shethis determined to understand the townspeople? If it came down tothis, I had no choice but to do my best. I would tell Roxy-sama moreabout the lifestyles of these people so that she can use thisinformation in the future.

"I understand,Roxy-sama. I will do my best!"

"Really?! Thiswill be fun. Then let's go!"

"Yes!"

Following Roxy-samain her town girl disguise, we headed out of the mansion's backgate. She was quite familiar with her surroundings as she movedvigilantly. It seemed like this was not the first time she had donethis. Perhaps I should ask her about it.

"Does Roxy-sama dothis often?"

"Eh, um, I don'tdo this that much."

"Really?"

Speaking ofobserving, what would the other servants think if they knew of ushiding our identity and walking around the city? Besides, Roxy-samawas the head of the Heart Family. From a standpoint, this may beproblematic. Looking unconcerned with such worries, she spoke with acomposed expression.

"This is a secretto others so don't tell anyone. Especially that person."

"That person is…Ah, I understand."

The person thatRoxy-sama was referring to was the superior in charge of thehousekeepers. She also acted as Roxy-sama's secretary. Due to herserious personality, there was no excuse for Roxy-sama to dress up asa commoner and head to town on a tour. This must have been what shemeant.

"That's right.If she found out, she would likely say, "Act as the master of theHeart Family would.""

As I said this, Iimitated the superior's characteristic gesture of adjusting herglasses. At this, Roxy-sama covered her mouth with her hand andlaughed.

"Hahahaha… geez.Please stop impersonating her. She'll hear my laughter."

"Apologies. It'sa condition that I have."

"All right. Let'sget out of the Holy Knights District first!"

As we moved forwardstealthily, Roxy-sama suddenly pulled me into a narrow side path.Why?! What was happening?! I was forcibly pressed against her. Due toher overwhelming status as a Holy Knight, I was rendered immobile.Since we were touching, the <Mind-reading> skill activated.

(Still… he seemsflustered… I need to be more firm…)

What is she planningto do to me in the shadows? As I was thinking of stupid things likethis,

"Shh, quiet. Ourmaids are walking over there."

Hearing this, Ilooked over to where Roxy-sama was pointing. Two young maids werewalking closer while talking cheerfully. I had not noticed this atall. See, right now, my spirits were flying high. This was a secretinspection where I was alone with the idol Roxy-sama. There was noman in this position who would not have high spirits.

However, this was animportant mission. Watching the maids walk past, I refocused my mind.I would not be able to complete this task without discarding theseimmoral intentions. First of all…

"Roxy-sama, couldyou please let go soon?"

"Eh, already?"

Once again, the<Mind-reading> skill activated and Roxy-sama's thoughtsflowed into my mind.

(…That's a pity.Then finally, I'll pat him.)

Eh?! For somereason, she patted my head. No no, more importantly, the maids hadalready entered the Heart Family mansion so I did not think thatthere was any further need for us to be holding each other soclosely. In response to this, Roxy-sama seemed to pout.

"Fine then. Hmph."

Roxy-sama releasedme somewhat angrily. Huh~? Have I done something wrong? I chasedafter her as she began walking ahead. Somehow, Roxy-sama wasdifferent from usual today.

"Please wait,Roxy-sama!"

"Stop!"

"W-why?!Roxy-sama! Roxy-sama!!"

"Like I said,stoppp!! If you call me Roxy, we'll be discovered."

"Ah, right."

What a big mistake Iwas making. After all, Roxy-sama had taken great pains to disguiseherself as a town girl and calling her name would render all thismeaningless. However, what should I address her as then?

"Geez, don'tlook at me with such a puppy-like expression. Okay I get it. About myname… Please call me Roki. Also don't add -sama. Because I'm atown girl right now."

Roxy-sama said thiswhile puffing up with pride. I had never seen such a dignified towngirl before… Would it be better to let her know? I guess I shouldkeep quiet after all.

Recently, she hadbeen working hard since becoming the head of the Heart Family in herfather's place. I had not seen her show such a lively expressionfor a long time. About her naivety, it should be manageable if Isupport her well. Thinking about this, Roxy-sama looked at meexpectantly. Maybe she wanted me to call her by her false name…Yes, it was definitely that.

"Um… Roki. Let'sgo."

"Yes."

Was this the type ofescort that Roxy-sama wanted? We were still inside the premises, yetI already had a bad premonition. I worried if I would be able to makeit back alive… Even with such an anxious mind, my footstepscontinued. First, we should pass through the Holy Knights Districtgate into the Commercial District.

"Show yourpasses."

The gatekeeperslooked at our faces as they spoke. Oops. I had left my pass inside myroom at the mansion. Should I go and bring it back? As I was thinkingabout this, Roxy-sama pulled out a piece of paper from her pouch. Theminute they saw it, the gatekeepers knelt down. What was this?! Itwas seriously efficient though?! Perhaps what she showed was morethan just a pass. I mean, my pass would not have such an effect.

"Come, let's go.Fay, hurry!"

"Ah, yes."

Just like that, Iwas able to go through without even carrying a pass. After we wentthrough the gate, I asked Roxy-sama about what she had showed thekeepers. At this, she answered proudly.

"This thing is thehighest grade pass certificate. Those who carry it are treated likeHoly Knights. Isn't it amazing?!"

It certainly wasamazing, however… like this, she just revealed that she was someonewith a high rank in society. How was this still a secret mission? Ohwell. Roxy-sama looked really happy so I should not throw a damper onthings. Besides, it was thanks to her that I was able to pass througheven after forgetting the certificate.

"Yeah, Roki isamazing. I didn't bring it so you really saved me."

"That's right,mhmm."

Soon, we were out inthe commercial area.

"Fay. Can youstart your escort right away?"

"Of course. Fornow, let's head to the middle of the Commercial District."

In truth, I had notconsidered this yet. Well, I did not think it was a bad idea to walkaround there. If Roxy-sama was interested in things wherever we went,all I needed to do was escort her. This was a better method for aninspection instead of if I blabbered on about everything.

Even though we werethe ones who decided to head out, Roxy-sama did not walk ahead as Ihad thought she would. There was a heavy increase in foot traffic inthe Commercial District during this time of the day. On the mainroad, it was necessary to have a strong enough willpower to separatethe crowds. Despite this, Roxy-sama moved forward like a Holy Knight,so it was likely that she would be hit by others.

Holy Knights had thehighest positions in the Royal Capital. For that reason, if they werewalking down the road, people naturally gave way. Since this washabit that she had learned over many years, it was hard to remove andso Roxy-sama was heading forward with confidence.

"No matter howmany times I go through this main road, I can't get used to it.There's such a huge amount of people today… I can't go anyfurther."

"In that case,stay behind me."

"Is that okay?"

"Of course, I'mRoki's escort today."

"Well, that'sreliable."

Now then, since Isaid that, I had to do it. My status had also risen to some extent soI will not be defeated. Even if I could not send them flying, I willstill push on through the crowd. Roxy-sama put her hand on myshoulder and the <Mind-reading> skill sent her thoughts flowinginto my mind.

(Go! Go! Easy-peasy…Now, open up the way!)

More than anything,she seemed to like this, passing through the most crowded place.Whew~, it was difficult to move forward while minding Roxy-samabehind me. In any case, she seemed delighted. I could also hear herhappiness through her thoughts from the <Mind-reading> skill.

(Hmm. Ah, what'sthat?!)

At the end of thatsentence, I could not hear Roxy-sama's voice clearly. She had foundsomething interesting and moved towards it, letting go of me. I hadnot wanted to continue intruding on her private thoughts, so this hadsaved me from wondering what to do.

"Fay, look at thisplease. Hurry!"

"…Woahhh."

It was a beautifulstone. And there were many of them. It seemed like this jewelleryshop opened a display booth at the storefront. Unlike the highergrade items inside the shop, these prices were affordable and couldbe purchased by the lower class commoners. Even so, the cheapestprice was one silver coin, so it was still expensive for me.

When Roxy-sama sawthem, her eyes sparkled. Speaking of which, I had never seen her wearjewellery. Her image in my mind was always one where she wore light,white armour, carrying a Holy Knight sword. It was a Roxy-sama whodid not adorn herself with decorations. However, this did not seem tohold true. When I was looking at her while thinking that, she said,

"I'm a femaleafter all. I have interest in these things!"

Roxy-sama said thatin an embarrassed manner, as if worried about the look in my eyes.Glancing at the jewellery in her hands, I felt like this was a newside of her that I had not seen before. I had thought that she was aperson who devoted herself single-mindedly to the life of a HolyKnight, yet right now, she looked no different to an ordinary towngirl.

If this was thecase, then maybe she had been living a facade everyday. It was goodto be worried, although… In spite of my concerns, Roxy-sama wassmiling.

"I was shownsomething good. Let's go to the next place."

"Eh, you're notgoing to buy it?"

"Because I don'tneed it."

Was that really whatshe thought? Calling out, I stopped her from leaving. I only had tencopper coins in my pocket. Squeezing my hand, I tried to ask theseller for a deal since I had nothing to lose.

"Is there anythingI can buy with this?"

The shop assistanthad a troubled expression at first, then she clapped her hands as ifshe remembered something. Hm?! What was it? The assistant went intothe back before returning with a crate containing about ten stones.The size of these stones were about as large as a fist.

"These aregemstone ores. There may or may not be gemstones inside them. One ofthese costs ten coins. Do you want it?"

Even though theylooked well-maintained, they seemed like a useless thing to giveRoxy-sama. After all, if it was empty inside, it would mean that Isimply gave her a rock. I felt horrible for troubling her up untilthis point, however, I should refuse. Just as I opened my mouth, Inoticed Roxy-sama was looking happy.

"Could it be,you're buying that for me?"

"As gratitude forhelping me last time during that problem with Rafal. Although, it'ssomething like this."

"No, I'm veryhappy. Which one would be good… Ah, it's better if Fay chooses."

…This was aserious responsibility. Out of these ten stones, I must choose onewith a gem! That said, there was no guarantee that one of these wouldbe a hit. Well, I could only believe in luck. Hmm, this one!! I chosea stone that was neither large nor small compared to the others.

"This one please."

"Are you reallysure? You can still choose again."

Please stop that.Even though I finally chose, did this salesperson find it funny tosway my mind like that?

Ah, that's right.Having high spirits because of being alone with Roxy-sama, I hadcompletely forgotten about my Appraisal skill. If I used it, theproblem will be solved instantly! I quickly appraised the rough stonethat I had handed to the seller. Apparently, luck was on my side.

"That one will befine."

"I see. It'll beten copper coins. I hope it's a win."

Paying the money, Itook the stone. What should I do, wrap it with a ribbon and give itlike this to Roxy-sama? While thinking this, Roxy-sama was alreadywaiting with her hands held out. I will have to give to this herright away. I put the stone I had just bought into her hands.

"Here, thank youfor last time. It's not anything much, but it's a token ofgratitude."

"No no, likewise,thank you very much."

Having received thestone, Roxy-sama looked pleased. And then, she immediately tried tobreak it open.

"Then, let'slook inside."

"You'll do thathere?!"

"Yes, I can'twait until after getting home."

Having said that,she crushed the ore with her bare hands. A Holy Knight status was notimpressive for no reason. It was also taking the shop assistant forgranted. It definitely seemed like that.

This kind of thingusually required tools, yet it was being done with bare hands by agirl who looked like an ordinary commoner. Only a Holy Knight wascapable of something like this. Crap, will Roxy-sama's identity berevealed?

As I watched overher anxiously, she said,

"Fay, it's agem! A blue gem came out!"

It was about thesize of a thumb. A clear, blue gem had come out. According to theAppraisal skill, this was a big hit! Without thinking, I high-fivedRoxy-sama. From the <Mind-reading> skill, I felt the happinessfrom her heart.

"I will cherishit."

Roxy-sama pulled outa handkerchief, wrapped it up carefully and put it inside her pouch.I was glad that she was happy. Bless the Appraisal skill. Lookingcheerful, Roxy-sama suggested to me,

"Since you gave mea great present, this time I'll do something for Fay. What would begood…"

Roxy-sama stared upat me while waiting for inspiration to hit. As she did so, my stomachgrowled. Hearing this, she laughed hard, seeming to come up with agood idea. I could pretty much guess what it was.

"Fay gets hungryeasily, don't you? Then, let's go eat something delicious."

What an irresistibleoffer! There was no way I could refuse! Roxy-sama looked like anangel as she asked me what we should eat. What would be good… meat?No no, I should not decide based on my own preference.

If I recall, at ourlast tea party, she mentioned that she liked fish. If so, then thatwould be a good choice… Speaking of which, the only place I know ofthat serves delicious fish dishes was that bar.

"I can guide youto my favourite bar. They serve delicious fish dishes there."

"Well, that soundsgood!"

"However, becauseit's a bar that people like me visit… it's noisy and notelegant at all."

"That's good."

"Eh?!"

Roxy-sama seemedpleased, clasping her hands together in front of her chest. I felt abit confused from this unexpected reaction.

"Did Fay forget?This tour also doubles as a way of showing me how the people live."

"Ah, that'sright. Huh… a double purpose?"

"Urk."

Since I was withRoxy-sama, my spirits had soared up and completely blew away myoriginal purpose. Even so, why did Roxy-sama call the tour anadditional purpose? It should be the main focus.

Clearing her throat,she leaned towards my neck and said,

"More importantly,can you lead the way to that bar? Come on, come on!"

"Please don'tpush me. I will guide you there."

"Good! Let's gothen."

And then instead offollowing my lead, Roxy-sama went on ahead.

"Roki, the otherway. This way!"

"Oh, please saythat earlier."

Why was she in sucha rush? The pub would not fill up during the day, even if we took ourtime. Perhaps Roxy-sama also felt hungry and wanted to hurry so thatshe could eat fish. Or maybe she could not help but be curious aboutthe type of bar that commoners went to. Well, I could understand thatsince I was her guide.

"This way. Let'sgo."

"Yes."

This time, shefollowed behind me while smiling. She seemed to be very excited aboutgoing to that bar. Then, I should ask the shopkeeper of the bar tocook up a good dish with fresh fish. To be honest, I was reallylooking forward to it. When I thought about such delicious food, mystomach growled again. Ah, I could hear Roxy-sama laughing behind meas she walked.

"Hahaha, it seemslike Fay can't endure it any longer. Shall we run?"

"No no, I canstill make do until we get there. It's alright, I can endure it!"

However, right afterI said that, I could hear my stomach rumbling. Damn! Gluttony skill,behave for a bit. Please do not embarrass me in front of Roxy-samaanymore!

Groooooooowl…

It did not stop.Roxy-sama looked at me with a smile and took my hand.

"Actually, let'srun! It's fine here, right?"

"I agree, butplease don't pull so hard."

"It's fine isn'tit? Come on."

So pushy… I couldnot tell if I was leading or if I was being lead anymore. As if tomake matters even worse, my stomach sent out another groooooooowl…Rumbling like this, it was as if it was saying to hurry up and reachthe bar as soon as possible. I hung my head.

Roxy-sama held ontoher sides, laughing loudly. Seemed like she was having fun aboveanything else… Her inner voice that transmitted from her hand dueto the <Mind-reading> skill spoke similarly. If that was thecase, whenever I wanted to make Roxy-sama laugh, I should just makemy stomach rumble. As I made a mental note on this, we reached thebar with Roxy-sama laughing the whole way.

"Ahh, that wasfunny."

"My stomach simplyrumbled…"

"I'm sorry. Itwas the first time I had seen someone get hungry as fast as Fay, so Icouldn't help but laugh. Come, don't hesitate so much, let'shave a meal."

Pulling myselftogether, we entered the shop. There were not that many people insidesince it was only just after noon. Travellers and merchants who hadfinished eating, and warriors ─ there were only a few groupstalking.

Well then, whereshould we sit? The corner at the counter had always been my spot.However, this time Roxy-sama was with me, so a table would be good. Itried to find an empty table. Hm… just one was empty.

"Roki, let's sitover there."

"What should wedo… Where does Fay usually sit?"

"At the corner ofthe counter over there."

"Then, let's gothere. Besides, we can see the store owner and other staff from thecounter seat."

I see. She wanted toobserve the staff as well, not just the customers. If so, then thecounter seat would be perfect. Certain of this, I guided Roxy-sama tothe counter. Then, she took a seat where I had always sat. She tookthe place that I had protected for five years!

"What's wrong?Come, sit next to me Fay."

"Y-yeah."

As Roxy-sama watchedwith delight in her eyes, I reluctantly sat down in the stool next toher. Somehow, I could not settle down in this unfamiliar seat.

"Hmm. When Faycomes here, do you always sit here to eat? …This is a must, isn'tit?"

Eh, why a must?!When I came to this bar the next day, there would be no chance ofRoxy-sama sitting here. If that happened, I would be nervous and notbe able to eat while feeling carefree.

"For me, it'snot really a must."

"That's no good.Since Fay is a servant of the Heart Family, it would be better toknow. Probably…"

The "probably"at the end was said in such a quiet voice that only I was able tohear it. It might be better to persist here. However, we wereinterrupted by the barkeeper.

"Welcome. Huh?!Seems like you're not alone today. This beautiful lady here, couldshe be your lover?"

Just what was thisshop owner saying? Although she was in disguise, she was a HolyKnight. Moreover, she was a member of one of the five noble familiesof the Royal Capital. For the noble Roxy-sama and a commoner like meto be lovers?! Impossible.

If Roxy-sama becameoffended by this statement, I would not complain about beingsentenced to death for deception. That sentence was a bombshell.Glancing over nervously, I saw Roxy-sama gripping the wooden cup sotightly that it smashed into smithereens.

Seeing this, my jawdropped. She might be angry… was what I was thought.

"Oh dear, my handslipped and I destroyed the cup. I'm very sorry."

"It's fine.Young lady, you are much stronger than you look. Every now and then awarrior loses control of his status and breaks a cup, so I don'tmind. I'll just charge it to his bill."

Whew~, Roxy-sama wasnot angry and her mood lifted too. Also, the storekeeper did notblame her for breaking the cup. Since this was a bar, it was commonfor drunken warriors to destroy things in the shop, so it was not abig deal for one wooden cup to be broken. In order to stop thestorekeeper from saying anymore unnecessary things, I decided toorder quickly..

"Master, a dishwith the freshest fish you have in your shop please. And also,bread."

"What's this?Ordering so hastily, you really want me to get out of your way thatmuch?"

"Come on, enoughwith that already. Please make and bring the food over quickly."

"What's it goingto be… no wine today? You seem nervous, wouldn't it be better todrink?"

"Like I said,enough already!"

After bullying me ashe pleased, the shop owner disappeared into the back of the store. Hewould probably ask about every little detail on some other day. Notthat I would ever tell him though.

Speaking of which,Roxy-sama was smiling faintly as she sat next to me, the smashedwooden cup still in her hand, forgotten. Also, she was mutteringincessantly.

"He saw that huh…This is a problem. …It's problematic."

There was now a pileof wood chips from the destroyed cup sitting on the counter. Theusual Roxy-sama had full control over her status as a Holy Knight, sowhy was she so powerful today?

For now, let'sreplace her cup.

"Master! One morecup! No, two spares please!"

Just as I predicted,Roxy-sama broke another cup after our food arrived. With this, Icould no longer tell if we came here for a meal or to break cups. Theshopkeeper also smiled bitterly as he brought another replacementcup.

The fish dish wasvery delicious and we ate heartily. I felt relieved to see Roxy-samaeating properly. This was because I had heard from the worried maidsthat her meals had been small due to her exhausting schedule. Seeingthat she had a good appetite, I felt that it should be fine.

"What's wrong?Staring at me all this time."

"I'm relieved. Imean, you've been working hard all along."

"Ah, I guess…everyone found out, didn't they?."

"Everyone adoresRoki, so we're always concerned."

After I said that,Roxy-sama began fidgeting with the fork in her hand. Huh?! Surelymetal should not be as soft as clay, right?!

"Fay too… Thatis… About me…"

When Roxy-sama triedto continue, the shopkeeper appeared with a new cup.

"Thank you forwaiting. Really though, please don't break any more cups."

"Ah, yes. Thankyou."

Since the flow ofthe conversation was interrupted, Roxy-sama dropped the topic. I wascurious. However, when I saw her face flush as she started tosilently eat again, it no longer mattered.

Time passed quicklyas we had a fun meal. Occasionally, the shopkeeper came over to fillthe breaks in my conversation with Roxy-sama, sticking his nose intoour business. He was good at being talkative and sharing stories.Things like how a child had recently been born in the shop across thestreet or how an acquainted merchant from the east was attacked by agoblin and almost died. Just like the stories he usually told me.

However, the towngirl disguised Roxy-sama listened curiously. Maybe these sorts ofsilly stories were what she had wanted to hear. As a Holy Knight, itwas not often that she had the opportunity to directly hear what thepeople of the Royal Capital thought or did regularly. After all, thepeople of the Royal Capital regarded Holy Knights as god-likeexistences so they would never be so foolish as to talk casually withthem.

Even us servantsworshipped Roxy-sama regularly. We would not chat idly to her abouttrivial things. Although Roxy-sama did not mind, our superior wouldnot allow it. If we did something like that, a tough lecture wouldawait us.

"What's wrong,Fay? Should we leave the shop soon?"

"I think so. Weshould return before dusk."

Well, somehow…only I did this, having ordinary conversations… Speaking of this,the tea parties that we had alone in the mansion were also like this.I think I understood somehow. For Roxy-sama in her position, therewas no one else in the same age group who she could talk to socasually. So, it may be that the choice fell onto me being one yearyounger. When I had asked about this, she seemed troubled in reply.Although, if Roxy-sama was fine with it, I should not question it anyfurther. Besides, I also had a lot of fun when spending time withRoxy-sama.

As we paid, theshopkeeper's voice rang out behind us as we started to leave.

"Come back withher again."

If another chancelike this arose, we would not need someone like him with hisenthusiasm. I was thinking about changing to a different shop whenRoxy-sama waved her hand and said,

"Yes, by allmeans. When that time comes, please tell us more stories."

"Hahahahaha, theyoung lady understands. I'll be sure to save them up."

Since Roxy-sama saidwhat he liked to hear, the shopkeeper was in high spirits. I willtell him off when I come back tomorrow. The shopkeeper saw us off aswe left feeling satisfied with full stomachs. We probably stayed formore than four hours in the bar. Too long.

"Roki, what are wedoing now?"

"Let's see. Itwould be better to return to the mansion before nightfall, right?After all, we left without saying anything to that person."

The person Roxy-samawas referring to was definitely the superior who oversaw all theservants. Since she was also Roxy-sama's secretary, she would mostcertainly be looking for the head of the house who had suddenlydisappeared. It was likely that she was searching for her right thismoment. The face of an annoyed superior wearing glasses appeared inmy mind.

"Ahh, I don'tknow anymore."

"It's mean ifFay runs off on his own… When she finds us, please suffer her wrathwith me okay?"

"Eeeeh… I, justyesterday… I made a mistake at work and was seriously told off. Idon't want to go through it again."

"It's fine isn'tit?"

"I don't wantit!"

"I think it'sokay if it's just for a little bit."

"It's the samewhether it's a little or not."

"Geez."

Roxy-sama smiledwhile pretending to be angry. As we continued to banter, we headed tothe Holy Knights District, back to the Heart Family's mansion.