Chapter 34.2

I was so surprised so I just stood there and looked at him seriously.

Despite my strong gaze, the other party wasnt fazed.

Ars-san isnt wearing his usual rough clothes. He has on form-fitting dark green jacket and black pants. Its a set of clothes I knew well.

--Is he a knight?

Its been a long time, Harutia-sama. (Hamuti)

Hamuti-sama welcomed me in.

Yes. (Haruka)

I was so shocked that any words of greeting are blown away. Rather, for a moment I forgot about Hamuti-samas existence.

What is this?

Why is Ars-san here?

Is Hamuti-samas subordinate?

Was it his instruction to follow me?

Please have a seat. (Hamuti)

I could not get out of my confusion so I sat down on a nearby sofa. Hamuti-sama also came over and sat across from me.

Im sorry for having you come all the way here. Oh, dont worry about him. Hes my guard, but for this situation hell be here as well. Im sure you already know him. (Hamuti)

Hah (Haruka)

No, no more. My head isnt working.

Perhaps that is Hamuti-samas goal.

I have protected you from the shadows. So far I have asked you to stay at the diner but just in case there was someone to protect you. You may have been disrespectful with your att.i.tude but everything was to protect you without revealing the circ.u.mstances. (Hamuti)

Hamuti-sama continues to explain indifferently.

But all I could hear were excuses.

Even with my head not working, Im aware he said some contradictions.

Hamuti-sama, please wait. I would like to ask you one thing. (Haruka)

Okay, what is it? (Hamuti)

Well Hamuti-sama, who summoned me? (Haruka)

I dont care about greetings or recent reports.

When I went straight to the point, Hamuti-sama narrows his eyes slightly.

-No, this is amazing. Its not true but why would you say that? (Haruka)

I said what I thought slowly while organizing my mind.

The first time I met Ars-san was when I came back to this world. At that time not just Hamuti-sama or even before I met Ordias-san again. The key point was that was the period where I didnt tell anyone I was the former Priestess. In other words, Ars-san has been guarding me since that time. There is only one person who knew I was already in this world. (Haruka)

I smiled while Hamuti-san groaned low as if he were impressed.

The other party didnt think Ill figure that out.

It was certainly before I could speak to you in person Harutia-sama. There was a bit of a situation but Im not the one who summoned you. (Hamuti)

I couldnt trust Hamuti-samas words at all.

As I mentioned when I met you before, we are investigating the perpetrator who re-summoned you. I cant tell you everything but I will report back to you whenever its the right time. I will protect you so please wait.

Hamuti-sama concluded his words.

No no. Wait a minute.

When is the right time? (Haruka)

It is a matter of judgment made based on the circ.u.mstances at any given time. I cant exactly say when. (Hamuti)

But its been four months since I came here. Isnt it strange that the right time hasnt come yet? Hamuti-sama is the Prime Minister of this country. The re-summoning of the Priestess is supposed to be a big deal that could shake this country. After so long, how can Hamuti-sama not understand the situation? (Haruka)

I see.

Hamuti-sama nodded indifferently.

Certainly, as Ars's reports said, you seem to be very agile for your age. In this situation youve probably thought about it a lot. (Hamuti)

No, I would rather have the answer to my question.

Hamuti-sama continues speaking at a quick pace.

But Im worried. I wonder if the obedient Harutia-sama who came here alone could be harmed by someone because of her hard work and frankness. (Hamuti)

What do you mean?... (Haruka)

I have a bad feeling about this.

Harutia-sama. Let us protect you in the future. (Hamuti)

What protection? Isnt it imprisonment? (Haruka)

Thats ridiculous. Protection is protection. I hope youll be closer to us for your safety. (Hamuti)

Wait, were not talking about that right now. (Haruka)

Your safety is important, isnt it? (Hamuti)

Wow, I cant say anything at all.

You have no intention of listening to my opinion.

Its a setup. If I were to become frustrated by his remarks, hell confine me. Ah, Ars-san is here to capture me. Youre too much Hamuti-sama.

I want to go back to the diner. (Haruka)

Dont say that. Youre going back to your original world eventually so you shouldnt invest too much of your emotions to them. (Hamuti)

Butthe feelings have already changed.

If Hamuti-sama have his eyes on me, it would be useless.

If I leave Hamuti-sama and return to the diner, hell surely cause trouble for the diner.

I feel my blood being drained.

I dont know what to say.

Hamuti-sama seems to have accepted my silence as an agreement.

He nodded happily.

Dont worry, Im thinking of letting you stay at Otland-dono's private residence. He is someone familiar so youll be able to relax. (Hamuti)

Otland-dono.

Oh, Otland-dono is also his subordinate.

Ah what should I do?

Now, Ars. Take Harutia-sama to Otland-donos residence. Dont be rude. (Hamuti)

Yes, sir. (Ars)

Ars-san, who had been waiting in the corner of the room opened his mouth for the first time.

Hes different from the person I knew. His eyes turned down with an expressionless face. He didnt make any useless movement as he walks over to my side. He held his hand out for me.

I stood up myself, ignoring the hand that was held out.

Ars-san made a slight oh face but it soon disappeared.

Harutia-sama, please follow me. Ill prepare a carriage in a moment. (Ars)

Thus, Im placed under confinement and protection at Otland-donos private residence.