Phew, finally I got some free time

As I left the mansion I stretched out both of my arms and took a deep breath.

The red roofs forming lines which one could clearly see through this clear winter air looked beautiful.

The river was shining brightly as it reflected the sunlight.

I used Italys Florence as this towns model.

It seems like the view one could see from the Michelangelo hill was very beautiful.1

It was a town I absolutely wanted to visit sometime.

Well, its more like a mix of various cities, huh?

Oh, Carlo-sama, alone today?

As I was called out and turned around I saw Doji standing there.

Ah, I forgot to give Doji a bonus (sweats).

Ah, no, everyone took the day off. Why dont you go home as well, Doji?

Its just around the corner and even if I return, Mum just makes me help around the house

Is that so? How about you go buy your mother something nice?

I gave Doji two gold coins from my wallet.

As it is equivalent to 200,000 yen that should be sufficient as a bonus.

Thats, is it really fine to give this to me?

Yeah, everyone got this much after all. Besides, you took care of me a lot this time around, Doji

Really, thank you

I was going to go through the town a bit, do you want to come with me?

I just got some free time so Ill accompany you.

I went to the town accompanied by Doji.

On the way, I didnt forget to cover my scar with a scarf as a substitute for my mask so that my face wont stand out as much.

Carlo-sama, those clothes suit you

Dont call me Carlo from now on, call me Akatsuki.

Ah, I see. Its Akatsuki-sama then. Understood

It was a good decision to tell Doji about Akatsuki.

I requested something of the blacksmith, Mohkan.

I entered Mohkans forge leaving Doji at the store front.

Old man, Im coming in

Just when I was wondering who it might be it turned out to be Mister Akatsuki. I couldnt immediately recognise you because you arent wearing your mask.

Yeah, todays a little, you know. Is the thing I requested ready yet?

Hey, hey, wait a minute. After requesting for such a large quantity dont ask for the impossible. Half of it isnt done yet.

As Mohkan said that he took out one of the spears.

Here it is, how is it?

The length of the spear Mohkan was holding was 5 metres like the long spears Nals and I created for the military reform.

Just, different from a normal spear, theres a sickle under the spears tip.2

Hoh, it looks very good

Its a strange spear. However, is it really true that Margrave Carlo ordered these?

Yeah, no doubt. You received your payment form the Margrave, right?

Thats true but what kind of relation do you have with the Margrave?

EhmIm him.

It was a good idea to leave him at the shop front.

Well, several things happened. Its none of your concern

Even the matter about the Oricalcum sword, it seems like you got various people backing you. However, as far as Im concerned, as long as you pay the proper price I wont complain. You always bring me my favourite drink as well like this.

After he said this Mohkan drank the wine I brought straight from the bottle.

Hes a dwarf though, so he should be able to hold his liquor.

Im not done yet, but you should take the finished ones to the Guard Orders arsenal. As we discussed

Yeah, fine. Ill get them tomorrow.

Sorry for troubling you, have a happy new year then.

You too

Like this, I left the forge.

Are you done?

Yeah, our next destination will be the hideout. Come

Theres only one reason why I wanted to have some free time during these New Years holidays.

I wanted to settle this whole DDT matter by the end of this year!

I intended to ask Doji to inform me if anything happens at the mansion while Im here.

While I explained these things to him as we walked, we arrived at the hideout.

Knock, Knockknock, Knock

After hearing the sound of some things getting knocked over the door got opened.

Elsa, its been a long time

Akatsuki-sama, welcome back

Elsa greeted me, but, I wonder, she seemed kind of impatient.

Hahan, is Crescent Moon loitering around in there again?

Is someone in there?

Ah, yes, ehm

Elsa looked into my face with slight uneasiness in her gaze.

Could it be an affair?!

Its the matter we talked about before, Akatsuki-sama

What we talked about before, what was that?

I called my grandparents over, was that okay?

As she said that Elsa waited for my answer.

Though thats fine and all, but why nooow.

I cant just tell them to go now.

Yeah, of course. I told you, you may call them over. Im glad that you can spend time with your family.

Yes! Its all thanks to Akatsuki-sama. Ehm, may I introduce you?

I see, lets do it like that. But could you first fetch my mask?

Ah, yes. I shall bring it to you right away

I really wanted to give you my thanks.

No, dont mention it. I just wanted to see Elsas happy face.

Elsa, arent you lucky to be the bride of such a good guy?

Ehm, what was that about a bride?

Though I know she couldnt possibly tell them shes my mistress but couldnt she have chosen something else?

Are you fine with your important granddaughter marrying some strange masked man?

My, that mask also seems like a somewhat luxurious item, dont you think, grandma?

Thats true, grandpa. Besides, hes such a filial bridegroom to help us out with the shop

They are clearly just aiming for the money!

It absolutely cant be exposed that Im Carlo.

I shall remind Elsa to keep silent about that again.

Anyway, you should look for affordable shops and houses and move in soon. Until then they can stay here, Elsa

Well, thank you very much. So what brings you here today?

I wanted to take your virginityI mean, I cant say that!

No, I just came to get the mask and sword. Im going to leave for some time again.

You go out at such a time? Please take care of yourself

Yeah, have a happy new year, Elsa. Use this and see the old year out happily

I produced some money out of my wallet and gave it to Elsa before I left the hideout.

I shouldnt get involved with those two more than necessary.

Huh? Car, I mean, Akatsuki-sama, youre already leaving?

Doji who waited outside asked with a wondering expression on his face.

Yeah change of plans. Im going out for a while.

Im not crying, Im not crying.

My eyes are just filled with tears because the cold winter wind blew into them.