The Meeting
“Thank you for waiting. These are my contracted familiars. Please greet them.”
(Pearl, Fenrir, Joan’s familiar, at your service.)
(I’m Rosso, Joan’s familiar, a Carbuncle.)
(I’m Meteor, the White Demon Owl, Big Sis’s familiar too!)
When Pearl and the others greeted everyone, people who didn’t know the situation were surprised that they could talk.
Hearing a clatter, I looked over and saw the heir of Duke Tigger and Bagheera facing Pearl, one knee on the ground.
“Fenrir Pearl, I am Gadra Tigger, the eldest son of Duke Tigger and assistant to the prime minister of Ania. Thanks to Young Lady Joan’s arrangement, I am very pleased to meet you.”
(Ah… umm… Joan.)
“Duke Tigger’s heir, Pearl is troubled. Please, lift your head.”
“Ah, but… I understand. My apologies, Master Pearl.”
When the Duke Tigger heir and Bagheera took their seats, Pearl finally stepped out from behind me.
“Joan, I apologize. Even though Tony warned me not to make things so grand that Master Pearl would be troubled…”
“No, I understand just how revered Fenrir is in Ania.”
“Yes, indeed. If possible, I would very much like Pearl to—”
“Assistant Prime Minister Tigger, perhaps you could refrain further.”
“!!!!”
Prince Albert cut him off, stopping the words in their tracks.
Whoa, it’s been a while since I saw that. His absolute-zero stare.
And this time, he’s radiating intimidation… Is this okay toward another country? Still, thank goodness for Prince Albert…
“Prince Albert… I apologize. To Master Pearl and Young Lady Joan as well. Please pretend you didn’t hear what happened earlier.”
“Understood. Pearl, is that alright?”
(Yes, that’s fine. But just one thing… I will never leave Joan’s side. And if anyone dares to harm Joan or the Lampail family, I absolutely will not forgive it!!)
“!!!!!!”
“Pearl…”
(I won’t forgive it either.)
(Me neither!)
(I also will not forgive!!)
“R-right, duly noted.”
The Duke Tigger heir, hearing all this from the familiars and familiar candidates, turned pale as he answered.
“Hahaha. Joan, you’re really loved by your familiars.”
“Yes. I’m beyond happy.”
After that, I introduced Bass and Toto. They did their best explaining to the Duke Tigger’s heir that they were orphans, what happened when they were kidnapped, and that they wanted to continue working at our house. For two commoner orphans, Duke Tigger’s heir, a man with the title of assistant to his nation’s prime minister, seemed like someone far above the clouds, but they still explained themselves carefully. Both my father and I promised to take responsibility and help them.
The Duke Tigger’s heir bowed his head and said he would look after them, and Bass and Toto were again flustered.
Later, we returned to the royal castle, and the Ania delegation departed for Exzaria Kingdom ahead of us. I hadn’t realized this when they first visited because they didn’t join the welcome ceremony, but the Ania envoys had arrived riding wyverns. Apparently, there are dragon knights who fight mounted on wyverns.
“Dragon knights… so cool.”
“Joan, you can meet dragon knights easily in Ania. If you bring Pearl along.”
“No way! That would definitely be a hassle.”
“Heh heh, yeah. But since Pearl clearly refused, it probably won’t be a big deal.”
Prince Albert said that, though I still felt uneasy. But I was glad that, as we were leaving, Tony said he’d write me a letter.
“By the way, what about contracting that Giga Treant? Or is there a reason not to?”
“No, it’s just that I don’t want to increase the number of familiars any further…”
“It’s fine. It’s already extraordinary, so nobody will be surprised if you add more.”
“Wait… why are you pushing this so much?”
“Heh, I just want to see the contracting process.”
“‘Huh?’”
Even my father and I had to blink in disbelief.
“You mean… that’s all?”
“Yes.”
“Your Highness… that’s… really…”
My father didn’t even know what to say.
“Ah, no, it’s not personal. It’s a matter of interest for the Mage Corps.”
“…...”
“What’s with that doubtful look, Joan?”
“No… I understand. I’ll contract it. Whenever Prince Albert has time is fine… So, back to Sir Lucas. He must have work piled up, he’s been watching us all this time.”
“Ugh… understood. I’ll send word as soon as there’s a free moment.”
He said that and quickly returned to his aide, Brother Cassie Lucas. Seeing him, Lucas smiled at us and bowed slightly.
“Haah… in the end, I guess it’s happening.”
“Joan, are you sure this is alright?”
“Father. It’s fine. The Giga Treant has been helping Old Tom and Mike at our house for a while, so I figured it was about time.”
“I see. Well, if it’s what you want, then that’s fine.”
He gently patted my head.
Father is always so kind, no matter what.
I need to think of a name for the Giga Treant soon~
“By the way, tomorrow, Count Reluta wants to speak with you.”
“Speak? With me? About this incident?”
“No, about Soba.”
“Soba? Ah, soba. Okay, understood.”
“Alright, I’ll send a message to Count Reluta then.”
By the way, Lady Saelmira and Marquis Eden plan to stay a few nights at Count Reluta’s before returning to Elfa. According to Ed, Count Reluta’s wife invited them because they rarely get to meet him.
Speaking of which, I’ve been skipping school all this time… is that going to be a problem?
I met Bass and Toto the day after the debut, that was last week, right? Maybe I can go next week?
Wait, the tests are coming up soon. Eh? Isn’t that bad?
What do you think about this chapter?
