Chapter 128

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 128 A Reunion with the Spy Girl

Meanwhile, at the inn where Elena was staying.

And the time goes back to the morning of the day when Ain was planting a tree.

The woman named Elena was not very fussy about her bed when it came to sleeping.

Perhaps it was correct to say that she was used to it, as she often took naps even in the castle of Heim.

However, the s.h.i.+p she took from Birdland in such a bed on a s.h.i.+p is a different story.

Hmm?

The morning sun streamed into the room through the curtains.

Was it morning already? Elena slowly came to.

Thinking back to last night, she realized that she had been very lucky.

After all, she hadnt managed to meet her companion, but she had found a place to sleep.

The room was of a much higher standard than she had imagined, and she was able to sleep more deeply than in her own bed at Augusts mansion in Heim.

When she thought about the bed, she could only laugh.

Still, Elena had no recollection of what happened after she got into bed, probably due to the fatigue she felt. She must have slept so well.

..

She didnt want to get up yet. She couldnt overcome the desire to stay in bed, so she couldnt move her body out of bed.

However, as she remained silent in bed, she could hear the sound of pottery rubbing together from nearby. At the same time, the pleasant aroma of tea reached her nose, and she began to wake up to an unpleasant awakening.

Tea?

Elena sat up in bed and walked out of the bedroom.

As one would expect from an inn for n.o.bles, there were many rooms, all of high quality.

Slipping her feet into her indoor shoes, Elena quietly opened the door.

Ah, good morning! Did you sleep well?

Huh?

Elena slammed the door loudly and leaned back against it.

Huh? Wait, was that

It was a face she hadnt seen lately, but she had seen it every day for several years.

According to Elenas schedule, she shouldnt have had the chance to see this face, but somehow it appeared.

Hey, Elena-sama? Isnt it rude to close the door like that?

It was definitely her.

Her voice was real, and there was no doubt that it was her.

Aside from the fact that she was wearing a maids outfit, she was definitely the same as she had always been.

Oh, by the way, what do you think of my outfit? Dont I look nice? Im aware of that, but when people tell me I look good, it makes me happy, you know, its like a maidens heart

Her voice when she talked about silly things made her feel silly for being so insecure.

Elena let out a long sigh and then opened the door with her decision made.

Why are you here?

Even if you ask me why, its Ishtalika, so its not strange for me to be here.

No, I mean you know what I mean.

She put her hand to her forehead and called out to Lili, who was doing as she pleased.

You know, its like this! It came with a pew pew sound, so that means Ive come to see Elena-sama, yes, yes.

I have absolutely no idea what youre talking about

Even though she was in an enemy country, she was having this kind of conversation.

Even Elena, who had been nervous about what would happen, started to feel confused.

I asked you first, you know. Its about time you told me if its okay with you.

Lili said, Hmph! as if she was deliberately trying to.

.Yes, yes. I admit it looks good on you.

Fufufu I knew it! Well, I was aware of it.

Lili turned around and let her skirt float up.

What shes doing was cute, but it would have been better if she hadnt shown the knife under her skirt.

You have a lot of weapons.

Do you need one?

She giggled and pulled out a knife, and Elena responded immediately.

I dont want it! What would I do with something like that?

Oh Elena-sama is not good at physical activities, is she?

..!

When she realized Lilis true ident.i.ty, she remembered how free-spirited she had been.

Until then, she had been under the impression that she was a very capable civil servant and a polite woman.

The tea is getting cold, but dont you want some?

Ill have some! Geez.

Now, she seeed like a completely different person, almost like a different creature.

Oh, you drink well!

Lili said and clapped her hands, but being applauded like that didnt make Elena happy.

The tea was a bit hot, but she drank it all in one go without a care.

So? Why are you here, Lili?

Well, this is Ishtalika.

I mean, how do you know where I am?

After a few seconds of thought, Lili clapped her hands in a deliberately exaggerated manner and smiled broadly.

I cant tell you the details, but I can tell you one thing!

Of course. There was no point in giving information to someone who wasnt even an ally.

Didnt you bring one of the civil servants with you, Elena-sama?

Yes, we got separated, but hes definitely here. Dont tell me youve already caught him and are torturing him?

No, no Your ideas are frightening. I havent done anything like that.

Elena was relieved to see Lilis wry smile.

But he wont return to Heim anymore.

!? W-what does that mean?

Has he been killed already? Thats what Elena thought, but Lilis answer was different.

He defected. By the way, it wasnt you, Elena-sama, who got separated. He went on his own and contacted our knights.

Youre joking, right?

Its true. By the way, we didnt get the information about you from him. I know I raised your expectations, but its a separate piece of information.

It was a light-hearted phrase, but the content was serious.

I told you Id tell you one thing, but this isnt one thing. Oh well, it doesnt matter.

With a relaxed expression and a light step, Lili went to the window and opened the curtains with a flourish.

The morning sun flooded the room, causing Elena to look away for a moment.

And the adventurers are all dead, so youre all alone, right?

..

Thats why I was chosen to guide you, Elena-sama!

Suddenly, words that made no sense at all reached the stunned Elenas ears.

A-a guide?

Yes, I am your guide. You came here to investigate Is.h.i.+talika, right?

There was no more excuse, so she nodded obediently.

Well, yes.

So it would be easier if I gave you a tour, right? When you arrived at the port, didnt you see a large s.h.i.+p?

Elena had no idea what Lili was thinking about.

I saw it, but what does that have to do with anything?

Well then, today shall we go and see that s.h.i.+p?

Elena froze for a few seconds but then asked Lili what she really meant.

Im sorry, but I dont understand what youre talking about.

She didnt understand why she would deliberately show it to her enemy.

Nevertheless, Lili continued to speak quietly.

So I was saying that we should go and see the s.h.i.+p that has piqued your interest, our pride and joy, right?

You know? Even if you say so, theres no way I can understand it, right? Why are you showing it to me on purpose?

To say it again, you shouldnt do that to your enemy.

No matter what, wasnt this att.i.tude a little too lenient?

Well, you dont need to worry about such small details. My superior has given permission, so you should just enjoy yourself without thinking about anything else.

Meanwhile, Lili just shook her hands in annoyance and showed no signs of tightening up.

Mmm!

Elena, carried along by the momentum, silently pushed the teacup towards Lili.

Mufufu Ill have another. Please wait a moment.

And so Lili took the cup from Elena.

I just answered honestly. I wonder if youre all crazy.

Yes, she had just said that she had come to investigate Ishtalika. And yet, the fact that they hadnt arranged anything was a mystery.

Who is your superior anyway?

Ah! Your way of speaking really does resemble Krone-samas. Youre practically a spitting image!

I told you before, its obvious since were mother and daughter

Instead of being thrown out of rhythm, she felt like she was being played with.

By the way, my superior is a man named Warren.

Lili, who had just prepared another round of drinks, said something that surprised Elena again.

You mean to say that the person who asked you to show me around was

As you can probably guess, it was Warren-sama who instructed me to treat you as a guest and look after you for the duration of your stay.

I dont understand.

The tea Lili made was delicious.

Its surprising that Lili, who had such a casual att.i.tude, would make such fine tea.

I cant treat you as a state guest, but I will treat you as a guest of Warren-sama. Well, its probably something like that.

Then she sat down on the sofa, still wearing her maids uniform.

Oh, and by the way, you dont have to take the livestock s.h.i.+p when you leave.

What, a livestock s.h.i.+p?

Im talking about that dirty, ragged s.h.i.+p Elena-sama came in when you came to Ishtalika. Its so unbearable to look at, so Ill let you return from another place.

What do you mean? What then? Are you saying youll send me back to the Isthalikan s.h.i.+p?

When Elena was told about the cattle s.h.i.+p, she couldnt deny it, so she asked for details from another part of the conversation.

You notice things quickly. Actually, thats exactly what I mean. The destination is Euro, but Ill arrange a carriage from there, so dont worry.

Hahh I wonder what kind of excuse I should make when I get back home.

I think its okay to blame it on the defector. After all, he wont have anything to do with Heim anymore.

Elena thought.

She didnt want to lie too much, so she felt conflicted.

You can either go back to the Ishtalika s.h.i.+p or you can live in Ishtalika. You should be prepared for both.

Lili said this with a happy expression on her face and a tone of voice that was full of confidence.

I see. Well, if thats the case, I guess Ill look forward to going back to your s.h.i.+p.

But Elena, with a similar happy expression on her face, gave the opposite answer to what Lili wanted to hear.

Then Lilis expression gradually changed, and she stared at Elena.

You really are stubborn. Why dont you just live here quietly?

Lili, who had suddenly looked bored, let out such a complaint.

Im sorry, Lili. I like talking to you. But home is my home.

This was Elenas true feeling. If talking to Lili was not a burden, there was also the feeling that she could not give up on Heim.

Sometimes, she was envious of Krone and Graff, who could think flexibly.

But are you sure you dont want to arrest me? Even if its the Prime Minister, I dont think he can decide everything on his own.

I dont know. Your Excellency is a great person, so I dont have any problems with it.

Seeing the sulking Lili, Elena was finally able to smile honestly.

She had been completely overwhelmed by Lili since she woke up, but now she had finally managed to get back at her.

Watching Lili on the sofa, hugging her knees and muttering to herself, Elena felt a small protective urge stir inside her.

Lili? What about breakfast?

Ive only had my emergency rations since last night. Is that supposed to be charity? Elena-sama ate at the inn, didnt she?

Its strange that seeing this side of Lili made her feel a different emotion, even though she never thought she would feel this way when she worked at Heim Castle.

Not the Lili from when she was a civil servant, not the Lili who held a knife to her throat. Was this the true nature of the woman called Lili?

Since we are here, lets have breakfast together. Then Ill ask you some more detailed questions.

The food she ate last night was also delicious. Then she wanted to give some food to Lili, who had only had unsatisfactory meals.

Even the leading figures of Heim have fallen by using food to lure people. That is why you are noticed by us.

Yes, yes, say what you will. Ill use whatever means I can. Thats why I came to Ishtalika, you know?

Shes nothing like Krone, but it was still fun to have a second daughter.

Elena took the words in stride, even though they hit a sore spot.

Im going to ring the bell and call the innkeeper, so please wait a little.

She was in enemy territory, and the enemy was right in front of her.

Considering her situation, Elena was surprisingly calm.

There was nothing she could do. She felt that way, but more than that, it was probably because Lili was pus.h.i.+ng her to be that way.

She thought about what Lili had said and about her own situation.

No matter how much she thought about it, she still couldnt see the right answer.

So first she had to eat something.

To make the most of the time she had, Elena decided to start there.

Um, seafood. Lots of it.

Yes, yes. Its a port city, after all, so Ill order that.

Maybe it wasnt only Elena who hadnt measured the distance, but Lili as well.

Elena thought about that and smiled again.

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