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Chapter 426 – Weak Kosuke
“Why don’t you run away?”
The day after, I managed to get Aquawill-san into a good mood and was allowed to do so. This time, when I complained to Iphrita in the castle salon, she made a ridiculous suggestion. It’s a bit too personal, isn’t it?
“No, that’s not right… It’s not that I don’t like it. It’s just that it’s too much, and I’m afraid for my safety.”
“Yes, yes, yes, thanks for the food. I doubt you have the nerve to let me hear you complain like that.”
Iphrita sighs, wrinkling her brow. That’s what I say, Colonel. Right now, the back of the castle―that is, the living space where the royal family and their families reside―is almost entirely occupied by men other than myself. I’m not confined to the castle, so I can go outside, but among the men, I’m friendly with, the military officers are generally out of town, so it’s difficult to see them, and the Research and Development Department guys have been taken over by their female colleagues before I know it, so their position is not so different from mine. It’s miserable for us to be in the same position and lick each other’s wounds.
“I mean, why don’t you just say it right? After all, if you really meant what you said, they would listen to you, wouldn’t they?
“Well, that’s certainly true… but I also feel bad rejecting someone who treats me with kindness.
“Yes, yes, yes, yes. After all, it’s not just your weak will. You lecher.”
“I can’t argue with you…”
I can’t even retort. Certainly, if I said no with a strong will, people would be more patient. But if I hold back a little, everyone will be happy, and even if I do hold back, I don’t mind making out with everyone, so it’s hard for me to say no. I don’t care if it makes me feel like a dried-up fish every day.
“I really don’t understand. What’s the point of telling a girl like me about your personal situation?”
“The only person who knows what’s going on, who is familiar with the situation, and who is taking a neutral position is Iphrita…”
I can’t go to the Varyag Imperial Embassy and complain to Kirilovich. I’m not sure if I could talk to Qubi instead of Kirilovich, but I wouldn’t go to see him either… I don’t care anymore; I let bygones be bygones with the shaving of his fur, but the harpies, Sylphy, Melty, and Isla, still haven’t forgiven him.
“So you don’t see me as a woman.”
“Please don’t say it in such a way that I can’t answer…”
Whether I say yes or no, it’s a tough call to make, that’s for sure. Aquawill-san asked me the same question. No, it’s my fault I’m acting so delicately.
“I’m honestly sorry.”
“No, I feel like the bad guy if you’re so down about it.”
I plopped down on the table unintentionally. Well, I feel like I’ve become emotionally unstable in some way. I didn’t think I cared much about it, but I wonder if it’s actually coming down pretty hard on my mental health.
“It’s bothersome to take care of you already… you go rest there for a bit.”
Saying that Iphrita let out a big sigh and then left the living room. Wow, I’m all alone. I was lying on the table for a while, thinking that I was lonely, when I heard the door open with a clang.
“…This is a serious illness, isn’t it?”
“It seems so.”
I lifted my head from the table where I had been lying face down and looked toward the entrance door, where I saw Sylphie, who looked as if she was biting a bitter bug, and Ellen, whose brow was slightly wrinkled, standing there. Behind them, Amalie’s figure is also peeking out.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have taken up the job?”
“Perhaps. People are not happy if they just lead an easy life.”
Amalie walked past Sylphy and Ellen, who were discussing with a difficult look on their faces and sat down next to where I was sitting and began patting my back.
“Please make yourself comfortable.”
“What in the world is going on?”
While I was puzzled, the other members of the group gathered one after another. Then, I was carried out of the living room in Gerda’s arms. I couldn’t get the question marks out of my head.
“Gerda, do you know what started this?”
“Uh, well… emergency meeting, I guess.”
“Emergency meeting.”
She didn’t tell me what it was about, but was it about getting me better treatment? No, I’m being treated no better than I already am. I’m just feeling weak.
“Her Majesty told you to spend today quietly making whatever you want to make, as much as you want to make.”
“Eehh…?”
I was brought to my crafting room, which is located near the Research and Development Department. It’s really just a workroom with a crafting table and chests that I’ve made so far.
“I’m just here to help you with anything you need. I’ll get you something to drink or eat right away.”
“I understand that, but…”
“Take your time,” Gerda says in a relaxed tone of voice and disappears out of the crafting room. She doesn’t look like she’s leaving, so it looks like she’s waiting in front of the room.
“Hmm… no good, I can’t think straight.”
I don’t know if I’m tired or what, but I can’t quite grasp what’s going on right now. I wonder if I’m mentally exhausted after all. I think I’m just a bit blurry from the things I’ve been doing day after day, night after night.
“Wel… They said to take it easy, so I’ll do that.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do craft work at a leisurely pace like this. Hmm, what should I make? Let’s make something new and useful. The things I’ve made since I came to this world have all been rather bloody.