'Master Rid, I have brought the foxmen Noir and Lagarde with me. May I?"
"Yes, please."
The door to the office is opened and a girl and a boy from the Fox tribe enter.
The girl is probably Noir and the boy is probably Lagarde.
Nina, the maid, does not enter the office, but bows politely at the door before closing it.
The two of them seem to be nervous because of the glances from the three of us, me, Deanna and Capella.
I smile at them to break the tension.
"Come on in, you two. Now, please take a seat on the sofa over there."
"Yes, sure. ...... "
The two foxmen sit down on the sofa without my urging.
It seems they are not used to sitting down and are showing a feeling of trepidation.
What makes me smile more than anything is that they are careful not to run their tails over their hips.
As they sit down, I sit down on the sofa in front of them across the desk and slowly turn my gaze to them.
'Well, Noir. I know we've met a few times, but this is the first time Lagarde has ever spoken to me in person like this.'
"Oh, I was worried about Noir, so I came to ...... escort her."
The word "worried" makes me pause, but I can see in his eyes the strong hostility he has towards me.
What have I done to him? As I'm thinking this, Capella quietly creeps up behind Lagarde, deadening the sound and the presence of the others.
He then warned Lagarde, who was unaware that he was standing behind her by Capella.
'You should not direct such hostility towards my Lord, even in jest. Do you not understand your place?"
"What ...... are you, is my body ......?"
Lagarde was startled by Capella's voice and tried to look back, but his body seemed to be unable to move properly.
Perhaps it was Capella's magic or something.
Lagarde's body seems to be unable to move properly.
Well, that's what happens when people bare hostility towards me in this situation, I suppose.
Noir expressed surprise at Lagarde's state of mind.
'I'm sorry, too, , but Lagarde never intends to be hostile to Rid-sama or any of you. I also told him that he didn't have to follow me, but he insisted and didn't listen, so please forgive him for his actions"
Noir tries to bow her head on the spot, and I smile and restrain her.
'Don't worry about it, it's fine. More importantly, Lagarde ...... did I do something to you? I don't remember anything in particular, but I'd love to hear about it if there's anything in particular}
'Oh, what are you guys going to do with Noir⁉ If you do something, I won't forgive you, "
After answering her, I shifted my gaze to Lagarde.
But he is glaring at me with all his might, even in this situation.
It might be safe to say that he is moderately gallant.
But still, there's nothing to be done about it.
I shook my head 'Oh dear'.
"here's nothing to do, neither this way or that ....... It's all I've told you guys in the conference room. That's why I let you guys in here, to hear what the girl has to say, right?'
"Ho, you really won't do anything ......?"
'Huh. ...... In the first place, the fact that you're talking to me like this is proof that I won't do anything. If I was serious, your mouth would be sealed, you know?"
I spin my words as if to admonish him with a dazed look on my face.
He seemed to realise the meaning of those words and huffed, and a frustrated expression appeared on his face.
Yes, if Capella was serious, he would already be dead.
Noir, who had been watching our exchange, muttered with a somber look on his face.
"'I am truly sorry. Lagarde has been protecting me since we were back home. He really doesn't mean to offend you. Please forgive him."
As soon as she finishes, she bows her head to me, but this time I don't dare stop her.
Lagarde looks regretful at her words and actions, but Diana coldly points out to him.
'Was it Lagarde? ...... For your sake, Noir is bowing down. And you still don't realise what a disservice you've done?"
"......⁉ "I am sorry, too. Please forgive my rudeness."
He immediately understood the meaning of her words and bowed to me with a regretful look on his face.
In his own way, Lagarde is probably trying his hardest to protect Noir.
But the way he does it is not good.
Considering the power relations here, what he is doing is a bad move.
I ask them both to raise their heads, and then I speak to Lagarde as if to admonish her.
"Lagarde, I think what you're saying and your concerns are legitimate. But if you don't think about your situation, where you are and what you're up against, you're going to get yourself into a lot of trouble. If you're not careful, you could put her in danger rather than protect her, you know? I suggest you think about that a bit more in the future."
"U...... understand. I'll be careful ......."
It seems that he is not taking my words in stride, but that's okay for now.
I signaled to Capella with my eyes and he nodded and stepped back behind Lagarde.
Lagarde, who was probably bathed in a lot of killing intent or something, started breathing as if he was devouring the air as soon as Capella left.
After taking one look at Lagarde, I shifted my gaze to Noir.
'Well, Noir. Can I ask you about the foxfolk's 'consensus' that you were talking about in the conference room earlier?"
'Yes, ......, I understand.Well, before we go any further,Do you know about the situation in the territory ruled by the foxmen?
Noir's unexpected question made me look thoughtful, and I tried to recall the information I had heard so far.
But what is known is that the children of the fox people were most often sold into slavery.
And the only thing I know is that they were the ones who were the originators of the sales.
"No, to be honest, I don't know much. But that 'territorial situation' has something to do with your consensus, doesn't it?"
She nodded in response to my answer and continued speaking with a dark expression on her face.
'Yes. ...... you are right. The Fox people's territory is now so poor that all but those who live in the capital, Forneu, are struggling just to survive. That's why we were sold to cut our numbers. And even if we returned to ...... our country, there would probably be no place to go back to, only a miserable future."
"...... Okay. So the consensus is that you all want it here?"
I see Noir nodding silently at my answer, and Lagarde nodding in frustration.
Even though it's a consensus, they seem to have a lot on their minds inside too.
Noir looks up and continues speaking.
'So ...... what should we do about the 'bowl battle'? If it will lead to the future and disrespect to Master Rid, the Fox People are thinking of withdrawing.'
"Oh, really? But that would be a problem, would it not? The 'bowl battle' is also about me seeing what you can do. If you like, I'd like you to take part without thinking about the future or about being rude or anything like that. Besides, Lagarde. You have something on your mind about me, don't you? Then you can challenge me then."
After seeing a slightly puzzled look on her face at my answer, I turn my challenging gaze to Lagarde.
He looked at me coyly and muttered.
"After ...... you won't tell me I'm being rude, will you?"
"Of course I won't say that. Besides, it's true that if you can win I'll do as much as I can to fulfil your request."
"I understand. I'll challenge you to a 'bowl fight'."
Lagarde's words echoed in the office, and Diana let out a sigh with a look of dismay on her face.
Capella is as expressionless as ever.
Noir looks at Lagarde with slightly worried eyes, but she too looks at me as if she has made up her mind.
'Awe. If it is Rid-sama's wish to display the power of the Fox People, then we will all try to join in as much as we can."
'Yes, please. Oh, but if you're not feeling well, don't push yourself too hard."
"Yes, I will tell everyone that."
I nodded at Noir's answer and then changed the subject.
"Thanks again. In this connection, there is someone I would like to introduce to you again, so please tell them about that too."
"I understand. I will explain this to everyone."
Noir and Lagarde then had a short chat with me before leaving the office.
When they left the room, I noticed that Diana was staring at Lagarde's back, so I turned my gaze to her and asked.
'...... Diana, what's wrong?'
"Well, I think I may have gone a little overboard with this boy Lagarde. The hostility he had towards Master Rid was a little different in its meaning."
Capella nodded at her mutterings.
"Indeed, he was a boy in love. Whatever the case, it's true that he turned on Master Rid, so I don't think he went too far. It's a good experience for him. Besides, his willingness to desperately try to protect her while being subjected to my murderous intent is very promising."
Ah ......, so that's how it is."
I was taken aback when I understood the reason for the hostility that I did not remember being directed at me after listening to the two of them.
However, that means he's going to target me as a 'love rival' in the Battle of the Bowl?
Well, that would be interesting, and I thought, why bother correcting it .......
'Master Rid, I have brought the foxmen Noir and Lagarde with me. May I?"
"Yes, please."
The door to the office is opened and a girl and a boy from the Fox tribe enter.
The girl is probably Noir and the boy is probably Lagarde.
Nina, the maid, does not enter the office, but bows politely at the door before closing it.
The two of them seem to be nervous because of the glances from the three of us, me, Deanna and Capella.
I smile at them to break the tension.
"Come on in, you two. Now, please take a seat on the sofa over there."
"Yes, sure. ...... "
The two foxmen sit down on the sofa without my urging.
It seems they are not used to sitting down and are showing a feeling of trepidation.
What makes me smile more than anything is that they are careful not to run their tails over their hips.
As they sit down, I sit down on the sofa in front of them across the desk and slowly turn my gaze to them.
'Well, Noir. I know we've met a few times, but this is the first time Lagarde has ever spoken to me in person like this.'
"Oh, I was worried about Noir, so I came to ...... escort her."
The word "worried" makes me pause, but I can see in his eyes the strong hostility he has towards me.
What have I done to him? As I'm thinking this, Capella quietly creeps up behind Lagarde, deadening the sound and the presence of the others.
He then warned Lagarde, who was unaware that he was standing behind her by Capella.
'You should not direct such hostility towards my Lord, even in jest. Do you not understand your place?"
"What ...... are you, is my body ......?"
Lagarde was startled by Capella's voice and tried to look back, but his body seemed to be unable to move properly.
Perhaps it was Capella's magic or something.
Lagarde's body seems to be unable to move properly.
Well, that's what happens when people bare hostility towards me in this situation, I suppose.
Noir expressed surprise at Lagarde's state of mind.
'I'm sorry, too, , but Lagarde never intends to be hostile to Rid-sama or any of you. I also told him that he didn't have to follow me, but he insisted and didn't listen, so please forgive him for his actions"
Noir tries to bow her head on the spot, and I smile and restrain her.
'Don't worry about it, it's fine. More importantly, Lagarde ...... did I do something to you? I don't remember anything in particular, but I'd love to hear about it if there's anything in particular}
'Oh, what are you guys going to do with Noir⁉ If you do something, I won't forgive you, "
After answering her, I shifted my gaze to Lagarde.
But he is glaring at me with all his might, even in this situation.
It might be safe to say that he is moderately gallant.
But still, there's nothing to be done about it.
I shook my head 'Oh dear'.
"here's nothing to do, neither this way or that ....... It's all I've told you guys in the conference room. That's why I let you guys in here, to hear what the girl has to say, right?'
"Ho, you really won't do anything ......?"
'Huh. ...... In the first place, the fact that you're talking to me like this is proof that I won't do anything. If I was serious, your mouth would be sealed, you know?"
I spin my words as if to admonish him with a dazed look on my face.
He seemed to realise the meaning of those words and huffed, and a frustrated expression appeared on his face.
Yes, if Capella was serious, he would already be dead.
Noir, who had been watching our exchange, muttered with a somber look on his face.
"'I am truly sorry. Lagarde has been protecting me since we were back home. He really doesn't mean to offend you. Please forgive him."
As soon as she finishes, she bows her head to me, but this time I don't dare stop her.
Lagarde looks regretful at her words and actions, but Diana coldly points out to him.
'Was it Lagarde? ...... For your sake, Noir is bowing down. And you still don't realise what a disservice you've done?"
"......⁉ "I am sorry, too. Please forgive my rudeness."
He immediately understood the meaning of her words and bowed to me with a regretful look on his face.
In his own way, Lagarde is probably trying his hardest to protect Noir.
But the way he does it is not good.
Considering the power relations here, what he is doing is a bad move.
I ask them both to raise their heads, and then I speak to Lagarde as if to admonish her.
"Lagarde, I think what you're saying and your concerns are legitimate. But if you don't think about your situation, where you are and what you're up against, you're going to get yourself into a lot of trouble. If you're not careful, you could put her in danger rather than protect her, you know? I suggest you think about that a bit more in the future."
"U...... understand. I'll be careful ......."
It seems that he is not taking my words in stride, but that's okay for now.
I signaled to Capella with my eyes and he nodded and stepped back behind Lagarde.
Lagarde, who was probably bathed in a lot of killing intent or something, started breathing as if he was devouring the air as soon as Capella left.
After taking one look at Lagarde, I shifted my gaze to Noir.
'Well, Noir. Can I ask you about the foxfolk's 'consensus' that you were talking about in the conference room earlier?"
'Yes, ......, I understand.Well, before we go any further,Do you know about the situation in the territory ruled by the foxmen?
Noir's unexpected question made me look thoughtful, and I tried to recall the information I had heard so far.
But what is known is that the children of the fox people were most often sold into slavery.
And the only thing I know is that they were the ones who were the originators of the sales.
"No, to be honest, I don't know much. But that 'territorial situation' has something to do with your consensus, doesn't it?"
She nodded in response to my answer and continued speaking with a dark expression on her face.
'Yes. ...... you are right. The Fox people's territory is now so poor that all but those who live in the capital, Forneu, are struggling just to survive. That's why we were sold to cut our numbers. And even if we returned to ...... our country, there would probably be no place to go back to, only a miserable future."
"...... Okay. So the consensus is that you all want it here?"
I see Noir nodding silently at my answer, and Lagarde nodding in frustration.
Even though it's a consensus, they seem to have a lot on their minds inside too.
Noir looks up and continues speaking.
'So ...... what should we do about the 'bowl battle'? If it will lead to the future and disrespect to Master Rid, the Fox People are thinking of withdrawing.'
"Oh, really? But that would be a problem, would it not? The 'bowl battle' is also about me seeing what you can do. If you like, I'd like you to take part without thinking about the future or about being rude or anything like that. Besides, Lagarde. You have something on your mind about me, don't you? Then you can challenge me then."
After seeing a slightly puzzled look on her face at my answer, I turn my challenging gaze to Lagarde.
He looked at me coyly and muttered.
"After ...... you won't tell me I'm being rude, will you?"
"Of course I won't say that. Besides, it's true that if you can win I'll do as much as I can to fulfil your request."
"I understand. I'll challenge you to a 'bowl fight'."
Lagarde's words echoed in the office, and Diana let out a sigh with a look of dismay on her face.
Capella is as expressionless as ever.
Noir looks at Lagarde with slightly worried eyes, but she too looks at me as if she has made up her mind.
'Awe. If it is Rid-sama's wish to display the power of the Fox People, then we will all try to join in as much as we can."
'Yes, please. Oh, but if you're not feeling well, don't push yourself too hard."
"Yes, I will tell everyone that."
I nodded at Noir's answer and then changed the subject.
"Thanks again. In this connection, there is someone I would like to introduce to you again, so please tell them about that too."
"I understand. I will explain this to everyone."
Noir and Lagarde then had a short chat with me before leaving the office.
When they left the room, I noticed that Diana was staring at Lagarde's back, so I turned my gaze to her and asked.
'...... Diana, what's wrong?'
"Well, I think I may have gone a little overboard with this boy Lagarde. The hostility he had towards Master Rid was a little different in its meaning."
Capella nodded at her mutterings.
"Indeed, he was a boy in love. Whatever the case, it's true that he turned on Master Rid, so I don't think he went too far. It's a good experience for him. Besides, his willingness to desperately try to protect her while being subjected to my murderous intent is very promising."
Ah ......, so that's how it is."
I was taken aback when I understood the reason for the hostility that I did not remember being directed at me after listening to the two of them.
However, that means he's going to target me as a 'love rival' in the Battle of the Bowl?
Well, that would be interesting, and I thought, why bother correcting it .......
