“That “someone” that your older brother told you is probably me.”
“Eeh!?”
Diana had a dubious look. Well, that’s to be expected. The person who helped her was actually the person she was looking for, there is no such convenient story after all. If I were to be in the same situation, I wouldn’t say “Oh, is that so? That’s convenient!”
But there’s no mistake, that’s certainly the case so it can’t be helped.
“Our house is inside this black forest. They won’t come here unless it’s quite necessary. Since Diana-san is running away, it’s probably the best place to hide.”
“To meet that man, my brother told me that I should first rely on a merchant called Camilo.”
“There’s no doubt about it then. I’m the only one who wholesale merchandize to Camilo here. Besides, only Camilo and one other person know my place.”
Actually, Helen came to us directly and knew our exact location, so if it came from her, it would be a different story. Speaking of that, I don’t think she’s that kind of person who would divulge it. I could only think of the two of them though.
“Can you tell me your name?”
Diana said while staring at me. Well yeah, having said that, I haven’t introduced my name yet.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I am Eizou. This beastman is Samia and this dwarf is Rike.”
Samia and Rike bowed slightly. I did not introduce Tanya alongside my name for now.
“Eizou-san…”
Diana repeats my name. I wonder if she’s pondering whether she knows me or if she’s trying to remember? Well, I won’t understand it just by looking at her.
“For the time being, since we were able to beat those pursuers, you earned about two days time right? In that case, why don’t you come to my house for one day?”
I urged Diana. It doesn’t matter that were dawdling here. It’s not that impossible to explain the situation when the patrol comes but it’s a hassle to do so in the first place. And I’m pretty certain that if something goes wrong, we will fall into an unforeseen situation.
“…I understand. Thank you for your help today.”
“All right. Well then, Samia be on your guard in the surrounding area. Me and Rike will pull the cart. Diana-san, if possible, watch the surrounding area with Samia.”
“I understand. Please take good care of me, Samia-san.”
“Okay”
Thus like that, we start moving. As expected, we couldn’t enter the forest from here as it is so we entered the forest after going on about 15 more minutes than the usual place we enter. Then after about half an hour since we entered the forest, I called out to everyone.
“Should we take a break for a moment?”
“Okay”
“Yes”
“Understood”
The three people replied back. I gave Diana some water, then I called Samia.
“Do you know if we are being followed? I don’t feel anything you see.”
I talked to Samia in a soft voice.
“Hmm… No, it’s unlikely. There is no smell or presence.”
Samia immediately replied back. As Samia said that, she was concentrating and her nose was even sniffing the area.
“Is that so? That’s good.”
I was wondering what to do if there is a guy who was watching us from a distance and we are being followed but apparently, that was not the case. Even though we have a large number of people and cart with us, with the obstructed view inside this forest, I think it’s going to be quite difficult to follow us but there’s no harm in being extremely cautious.
Then after that, we still proceeded with caution so it took 1.5 times as much than the usual time we get back home.
“Diana-san, I’m sorry but, let me unload our luggage first.”
“Of course, I don’t mind. Uhm, shall I also help?”
“Uhm…”
Well, though she’s a guest, she’s not a customer so this much should be fine, right? I won’t let her do some blacksmithing work either, it’s just like the saying, those who don’t work should not eat.
“I’ll ask for your help then. I’ll tell you where to take it.”
“Yes”
So with Diana’s help, we brought the iron ores and charcoal to the workshop, then the salt and other things inside the house. Perhaps due to Diana’s help, I sorted it out a little faster than usual. I then place each bedding on the beds that has no beddings yet. Now all the beds can be used. Samia and Rike then carried their bedroom luggage into their room. Otherwise I can’t move to the bedroom and I can’t let Diana have the guest room.
While watching such scene,
“It’s a small house, but please be patient with it for a while.”
I said to Diana.
“N-No. There was such a place in the Black Forest huh…”
She replied while being impressed.
“Well, as your brother had said, I’ve just recently settled in here though… It seems like they’re done with it so let me show you the guest room.”
“Yes”
I then guide her to the guest room (former study). The bed has a headboard with built-in drawer so it looks a little nice. I’m glad I put it on.
“It’s not such a luxurious room. Well originally, I didn’t expect to have a guest in such manner. I’d appreciate it if you think it’s comfortable considering it’s a blacksmith’s house.”
“No, that’s not the case. I think it’s more than a splendid room.”
“For the time being, it’s a good idea to take off your equipment and remove the dust from your trip. I’ll have Samia and Rike bring some hot water for you later.”
“I’m sorry, I appreciate that.”
I waved my hand and left the room.
Well then, what should I do from here on? I need to ask Diana a little more about it, but once I did that, I can’t probably go back. After listening to the story, Diana looks like a noble lady, but I’m worried as even to a blacksmith like me, she is low-profile and polite. Her older brother –Marius-shi…
Was it just because I talked to him? Even so, she was also polite when she talked to Samia…
Anyway, I have to ask Diana about it after the dinner is over. I then head to my new bedroom where I had to clean off the dust.