Two days…

It took me two days to actually skim through the stack of paper Fon provided to me. I have to study it thoroughly before actually doing the actual inspection so I won’t make a mistake.

No, it is expected that I’ll make a mistake that’s why I am going to be accompanied by Miss Cecille.

And for that, we have called on Miss Cecille who supposedly going to arrive today but she’s awfully late. She is to arrive before noon but it’s lunch passes by and she is still not here yet.

Well…if she is still not here then…

“Asagao, where are you going?”

“Um…I want to do a few swings…”

“And get all sweaty? No.”

“I haven’t touched the sword for the past few days…”

“No.”

“Why are you so strict, Violetta?”

“What’s the name of the noble governing the Erius City and what’s their gross income?”

“Uh…”

“That’s why.”

She struck where it’s the most painful.

Since I’ve got no comeback for her, I just opened the thick stack of paper again and read through everything.

Currently, I am the at the Library where Violetta resides. Stacks of the books are nowhere to be seen as the shelf from first to the second floor are all dust-free. Her followers are doing their best to keep the place clean in consideration of Violetta.

I’d be furious too if they don’t at least do this much for her. At worst, I’d be complaining to Priscilla and have her do the job.

Alstroe is fast asleep beside to me as reading books bore her and Fonfon’s current mood booster is Topaz and Mimi. I really didn’t have anything for them to do so I had them take my place. Surprisingly, Fonfon is also fine with them.

I have to be patient too since I will be doing my first job outside of Astlan Castle.

“Ah.”

“What’s wrong, Violetta?”

“Miss Cecille is here. Judging from the travel speed, she is most likely in a carriage. Wait, she’s not alone it seems…”

“You mean she has a companion with her? I wonder if it is an assistant or something.”

“…Fufufu.”

“……”

I don’t like that daunting laugh Violetta is leaking out…

“Why don’t you meet them at the castle gate as a formality? I shall follow suit once I’ve organized a better reception.”

“Yeah…”

As per Violetta’s suggestion, I drag myself out there while conspicuously waking up Alstroe. Before heading out, I checked my appearance in the mirror and yes, I’m wearing an overly frilled dress and I am the kind of person who wanted to take a few swings wearing this.

I also checked Alstroe’s appearance and she is still lovely and adorable with anything I dressed her in. We have the same pair of clothes so it doesn’t really have any rooms for judgment for me.

We head down the stairs and made our way to the gate since the travel from the city gate to the castle won’t be that long because of the well-constructed pedestrian in the city despite the clear and sunny weather.

Not long after we waited at the entrance, a simple brass carriage came to our view as the soldiers inspected them and gave them permission to pass.

As it stops in the parking lot designated for carriages, the carriage door opened gently and from there, Miss Cecille came out, wearing her receptionist attire with a hair tied in a bun with her glasses. Miss Cecille seems more matured when she dress like this…

Alstroe and I approached her but in excitement, Alstroe immediately pounces on her and clings while rubbing her face on Miss Cecille. The troubled Miss Cecille was able to catch Alstroe but sprouted a troubled face.

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“I have answered the call of the King, I am Cecille, a receptionist from Nanab Harbor Town.”

“…Why are you suddenly all formal with me?”

“Our social standings are heavens apart. Just being in your presence is an honor for me.”

“Um…let’s drop the pretense and act naturally, okay?”

“I cannot do that. First, I am ashamed of Alstroe imposing on you and now, you are telling me discreetly to be rude in front of all the people.”

“Alstroe is here because I want her to so Miss Cecille can have a free reign going over the land dealing with a lot of aftermath from the disaster, I am extremely grateful for your efforts.”

“Your words honor.”

This is a little troubling when someone started treating as a real princess. I get all these formalities and goodwill words.

Or maybe Miss Cecille is only doing this because there are still a lot of people around us?

If that’s the case, I should invite her over my room so we can have an informal chat.

“Well then, shall we go so I can brief you on your upcoming job of escort?”

“By the way, Princess Asagao…I have someone with me today.”

“Who is it?”

As I asked, Cecille turned around and extends her hand inside the carriage as if to assist someone. There, a small and thin finger came and a girl with the same age appearance as me came out.

Then, the figure of a girl with golden hair and rounded fluffy ears came out. She’s wearing a gothic lolita dress despite the weather. Those red eyes then direct at me in a fierce glare.

I…I’ve seen this girl before!

She is that sassy kid back at the congregation but I can’t remember her name. If my memory serves me right, she is King Folga’s daughter so meaning, she is also somewhat a princess but…I can’t remember her name…

“I deeply apologize for my sudden visit, Asagao Lionheart! However, I have something I wanted to do in in this land so I have taken great troubles to travel from my kingdom to yours!”

She said as she pointed at me with one hand on her waist.

How should I handle this situation? On top of forgetting her name, I can’t even read her motives for coming here.

“I, Daisy Aestasia, has graced you with my presence!”

“Yeah, thank you for gracing me with your presence, Miss Daisy Aestasia.”

I expressed my gratitude since she introduced herself before she found out that I forgot her name. Still, her pompous attitude seems like it’s just a show so I’ll play along.

“Well then, shall I invite Miss Daisy inside for a cup of tea and some extravagant cake?”

“Yes! I love cak—I mean, I would love to partake upon your offer, so lead the way.”

Ah, no good! This girl is cuter than what she seems!

The way her face beamed in bright light after hearing the word cake and how she immediately controlled herself is a cute gap.

I started leading her inside the castle in glee with Cecille and Alstroe who clings to her.

“Alstroemeria…you are kind of light but it’s annoying.”

“Ahehehe.”

“Tsk…”

“You didn’t miss me…?”

“Shut up, you. Do you really need to ask that?”

“As always!~”

“You are cheekier than usual.”

Miss Cecille grunted with a knitted brow as she didn’t even bother to shake Alstroe off her. Well, after all, above all the people I know, Miss Cecille is the one who cares the most for Alstroe.

Miss Cecille is the only family Alstroe have, no, the only one who accepted her as one.

After that, Violetta met with us in the main hall with several servants in tow. She gave a light bow to Daisy befitting of her demeanor.

“Good day, Miss Daisy Aestasia. I am Violetta, one of His Majesty Ashfon Astlan Lionheart Royal Guards. I am also present at the congregation hosted by Demon Lord Gria Hellbeing.”

“Yes, t-thank you for having me, L-Lady Violetta!”

“I have already prepared a room for your reception so if you may, together with My lady here.”

“O-Of course! Please!”

Daisy stuttered some of her words as nervousness and panic attack her. It seems she can only put a strong front on me or someone she deemed a little lower than her.

And when I said lower, I mean in terms of height.

When I just thought I’ll be taking them to my room, Violetta prepared a separate room for us to have our tea. It seems she already anticipated Daisy’s appearance and immediately arranged a place for us.

We arrived at a room with an open veranda. At the center is a small table filled with sweets and tea in accordance with what Daisy is anticipating. As such Daisy and I seated in an opposite chair while Alstroe and Cecille sat somewhere else in the room as to not disturb me and Daisy.

Meanwhile, Violetta left the matter to me as she has something else to attend to.

With tea poured by some maids in the room, Daisy started savoring the fragrance of the Jasmine Tea and gleefully and gently partake on the Vanilla Cake laid down.

As she sated her initial cravings, she then initiated the talk.

“Ehem, not bad for a reception! However, if you ever served something like this to Beast Queen Higanbana, I doubt it will be satisfactory!”

I wonder why I had the urge to laugh at her words.

Is it because while she said that, she was savoring the taste of the cake inside her mouth or is it because there’s a cream on her cheeks?

She clearly enjoyed it but I won’t point that out. I’d like to see how far she will take this attitude.

“Anyway, for why I have arrived here, I shall explain it!”

“Yes, yes!~”

“I have traveled days by ship and by chance, met this benevolent person on my travel. Since that, she agreed to guide me on the way as she also has a business in this place. It turns out that she is headed for the Human Castle too.”

“Miss Cecille is indeed benevolent. It is by a stroke of luck when you met her.”

“Ahehehe, she indeed immediately asserted my standing and I am extremely pleased! She will receive high praise from me!”

“Yes, yes!~”

“Why are you talking to me with such warm gaze?!”

She noticed.

Daisy angrily exclaimed with flustered cheeks.

“Ah, sorry. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Hmph! Continuing, you see, I have come to this land seeking for the peculiar power called Ki.”

“Ki? Did you perhaps heard of that from Higa- From Beast Queen Higanbana?”

“Yes! It served a lot of purposes as a power detached from magic. That’s why I came seeking such knowledge about it. Do you perhaps know where I could find a fine Mentor?”

Upon her question, my gaze immediately fell on Alstroe and I even noticed Miss Cecille knitting her brows with a troubled countenance.

As the talk about Ki came, Alstroe immediately perks her attention towards us and she walks closer to Daisy.

“Hm? What’s with this child?!”

“Hmm, hey, you do have aptitude but your talent will be limited.”

“Eh? What are you talking about?”

“Your potential to use Ki. It’s not that it’s not there but your chances of reaching past enlightenment are close to zero.”

“What in the world are you saying?”

Daisy asked in bewilderment as Alstroe places her hand on her hand.

“Umu, I don’t understand. Elaborate it if you have knowledge of Ki.”

“I don’t have any skills in enriching your Ki but I am definitely a master of Ki.”

“Please stop spouting such dreaded lies!”

“You need to seek Master Tzari but you must be warned that the path you’ll tread is of that Shiva, the Ki focus on destruction.”

“Hey, is this kid for real?!”

Daisy seeks answers from me and Cecille and without abandon, we nodded in unison to affirm her doubt of Alstroe’s assessment.

“I without a doubt, catered to the Teachings of Shiva. Currently, my Ki has decreased to a considerable amount but I can at least attest you Ki aptitude through touch.”

“Through touch? Is just that simple?!”

“Yes!~”

It seems that we are now boarded with a troublesome one.