Reunion with Blau
The next day, just as planned, we said our goodbyes to the Burst territory’s Belle family and set off for Phantasmo. Thanks to Pearl and Rosso, just like when we came to Burst, we didn’t run into any monsters, and the three-day, two-night journey went smoothly.
"Ohh, glad you all made it."
"Now, now, dear, don’t greet them out here. Come on, everyone, this way please."
We were shown into the reception room, where Brother Gene introduced Young Master Eric, Belle, and their attendant, Miss Zoey.
"If you’re friends of Gene and Joan, then I’ll be more than happy to welcome you. My grandchildren are always in your care."
"Gene and Joan aren’t causing you any trouble, are they? If there’s ever anything, please don’t hesitate to say so."
"No, not at all. It’s always me—no, us—who are the ones receiving help. We’re truly grateful for being invited here this time as well."
Eric and Belle bowed their heads together to the grandparents.
"Is that so? Then that’s fine."
"Ah, Grandmother. While we’re here, whenever you have free time, I’d like to ask for your guidance. Belle as well."
"Oh my? Young Lady Belle too?"
"Y-yes. I-I-I look forward to your instruction."
"If I’ll do, then gladly. In fact, since this is a good chance, let’s have everyone train together. Rottenmeier, you’ll help too, won’t you?"
"As you wish."
"““““Eh?””””"
"G-Grandmother? By everyone, you mean…?"
For some reason, Brother Gene looked flustered.
"Why of course—Gene, Joan, Young Master, Young Lady Belle, Sarah, Zack, and Miss Zoey."
"““““!!””””"
"We did it, Belle! Everyone together. And Rottenmeier will be with us too!"
"Yeah, I’m really happy! Right, Zoey?"
"Yes, it’s like a dream."
The only ones who were delighted were me, Belle, and Miss Zoey. The rest were struck speechless.
"Then let’s say the day after tomorrow."
"“““Yes!”””"
"““““... Yes.””””"
Once greetings were done, I headed to the stables with Grandfather and Belle, to see Blau, who had been left here in Phantasmo.
"Grandfather, how’s Blau doing? Has he been managing well here?"
"Ahh, at first he seemed down all the time, but the horses here must’ve said something to him, because after that he started living with a positive outlook. And the stablehands say they’re thankful, since he interprets what the horses say."
"I see. Then I’m glad."
But honestly, more than his relationship with the horses or stablehands, what I wanted to know was how Blau’s feminist, narcissistic personality had turned out.
When we arrived at the stables, Snowy and Zex froze, jaws dropped wide open.
"S-Snowy? Zex?"
(Joan… Blau is…)
"Eh? What? What happened?"
(Yo, ain’t this Young Lady Joan! Long time no see! You’ve grown up and gotten even cuter!)
"Eh? Blau?"
(That’s right, it’s me, Blau. For some reason Pops and Ma won’t say anything to me. Kinda cruel, isn’t it? To your own son you haven’t seen in ages.)
"Ahh, maybe that’s just that thing where they’re so happy they can’t get any words out?"
(Ah, that makes sense. So, who’s the person next to you, Young Lady Joan?)
"Eh? Ah, this is my friend Belle. Belle, this is my familiar, Blau… apparently."
"Apparently?"
"Well, back in Lampail he was all wimpy, a feminist and a narcissist, but…"
(I’ve grown too, y’know. Got some guidance from the seniors here—seriously, I respect them big time! So you’re Young Lady Belle, huh? Nice to meet ya!)
"“……”"
So when a narcissist gets toughened up by manly Phantasmo, he turns… flashy?
How does that work?
"Umm, Grandfather? Where’s the leader of these seniors? I’d like to greet him."
"Oh, the leader here is Zero. My own beloved horse. See, that black-haired one in the back of the stable."
At the far end of the stable stood a beautiful black horse, ears pinned back, watching us intently.
"Hello, you’re Zero? May I touch you?"
"Brrruuh."
When I reached my hand out near his nose to let him catch my scent, Zero eased his guard and pricked his ears upright.
I patted the side of his neck with my palm as I spoke.
"Thanks for looking after Blau."
(So it’s true, you really can talk, just like he said. Ah, I haven’t properly greeted you. I’m Zero, leader of this stable. The master’s partner.)
"Thank you kindly. I’m Joan, Blau’s contract holder… By the way, why has Blau turned out like that?"
(Don’t know.)
"So quick!?"
(Don’t know, but… he’s different today. He’s not always like that.)
"Eh? Really?"
(What kind of one was he that you knew, Missy?)
"Let’s see… a feminist and a narcissist. Gentlemanly toward women, but more than that, way too in love with himself."
(… That’s true. He was like that at first. But once he came here, he worked hard to better himself. He stayed gentlemanly, but not overly self-obsessed. Polite to everyone, calm. Only since yesterday he’s been restless. Probably because he knew you were coming. And this morning, he suddenly started talking like that.)
"I see… so he wanted to show he’s changed from how he was in Lampail, but didn’t know how, and it turned into that…"
(Most likely.)
"“Haaah.”"
After thanking Zero again, I went back to Blau.
(Yo, Young Lady joan, how was it? Cool guy, ain’t he, Senior Zero?)
"……"
(Y-Young Lady J-Joan, what’s wrong?)
"Blau… you don’t have to force it. Just be yourself."
(Eh?)
"Zero told me. Normally you’re calm and polite. You only started talking like this this morning, didn’t you?"
(……)
"Blau? Answer me properly."
(… I couldn’t tell how I’d changed myself… If I hadn’t, I thought maybe I wouldn’t be able to return to you, Young Lady Joan…)
"Brrruhh." (Blau…)
Snowy and Zex looked on with concern.
"Blau, while we’re here, just be your usual self. Otherwise, you can’t judge. And by the way—this overhyped, flashy act from earlier? Absolutely not!"
(!! I-I’m sorry! I’ll stop, I’ll stop right away!)
"Good! Then just be your normal self, okay?"
(Yes, ma’am!)
Not just me—even his parents, Snowy and Zex, had been put off by Blau’s behavior.
Really glad that was only some hastily put-on act.
What do you think about this chapter?
