When I arrived at the Sky Castle, Ariel was having a tea party in the gardens.
Sylvaril was hosting, but Perugius was nowhere in sight.
Instead, Nanahoshi was sitting across from Ariel.
Ariel was having the tea party in a composed manner.
That was my initial impression, but that wasn't the case.
Ariel was wearing the look of an exhausted salaryman.
She looked weary from top to bottom.
On the surface she may appear as graceful as always, however the faint signs of bags under her eyes could clearly be seen.
She really looks cornered.
In that condition, she was sending an aura saying [Won't you ask me? Ask me what's wrong?] to Nanahoshi.
As for Nanahoshi, she was ignoring Ariel.
She just looks very uncomfortable.
Most likely, she didn't refuse the invitation to drink tea together, but she didn't want to have to deal with the complicated sentiments between Ariel and Perugius.
She's like an apathetic-type protagonist.
Yet she stayed, maybe because Ariel also lent her a hand during her illness?
Ariel only lent some magic tools, but the intentions were there.
"Ah, Rudeus!"
Perhaps because of the awkwardness, she looked relieved when she finally saw me.
"Come sit with us for a while?"
I followed Nanahoshi's instructions and sat down between Nanahoshi and Ariel.
Sylvaril poured me tea while I found my seat.
She placed my cup down rather roughly, quite out of character for the usually graceful Sylvaril. I could feel her cold gaze even behind that mask.
Is she mad about when I summoned Arumanfi?
Sorry....
"... Well, Rudi. I'm counting on you."
Sylphy, who came along as well, quietly whispered to me before taking her position behind Ariel.
Ariel looks relieved to have Sylphy here.
Taking a sneak peek, I also spot Luke here.
I sent Luke a message before coming here.
He flashed a bright smile when I told him that [I'll help Ariel.]
"It has been a while, Rudeus-sama. Becoming subordinate of Dragon God Orsted, should I offer you my congratulations... or?"
No confidence in Ariel's voice.
Minced words.
Perhaps Sylphy had been talking to Ariel about Orsted behind his back.
"Thank you. No matter what, it's reassuring to have the backing of someone that powerful."
"Rudeus-sama is very powerful as well... might just be that birds of a feather flock together... Maybe it's impossible for me."
What? Ariel is deprecating herself?
She really is in a bad place right now.
"Hey."
Nanahoshi said that and poked my side.
"Orsted came by yesterday."
"Ah, how was it?"
"After I apologized, he forgave me. He said [I'm counting on you from now on too.]"
"Good to hear."
A simple conversation, but it looks like a weight came off her shoulders for Nanahoshi.
If everything could be resolved with an apology, we wouldn't need police in the world.
If I was deceived and a victim of attempted murder, an apology won't be enough.
From this I can conclude that Orsted is truly magnanimous.
"I also had the privilege of seeing Orsted-sama."
A tinkle in Ariel's voice.
It's really soothing to listen to.
A charismatic voice that you want to follow.
She's also beautiful.
The most beautiful blond hair I ever seen.
She is the embodiment of beauty.
Although I am surrounded by pretty girls and ladies, but from an objective perspective, Ariel is probably number one.
Beyond natural beauty, rather an artistic beauty.
But, because she lost her confidence, right now she gives off the charms of a weary widow.
... This charisma may also be a curse.
"Orsted-sama is a scary person. So much that even though I just saw him from afar, I felt a sense that I was in danger."
"He's not a bloodthirsty enough person that he'd suddenly attack someone, so it's fine."
I see.
Ariel also saw Orsted.
So it would be better not to say that I'm operating based on instructions from Orsted.
But she already knows that I have become Orsted's subordinate...
"I suppose so. He came yesterday and had tea with Nanahoshi-sama and then returned, but even though he seemed to be in a bad mood the entire time, he didn't even get angry when Sylvaril-sama spilled tea."
Sylvaril spilled tea on Orsted?
Well, it wasn't on purpose.
Sylvaril must be terribly frightened.
"I could feel the tension in the air, but Nanahoshi-sama was strangely open and cheerful and helped lighten the mood, so maybe he's a very tolerant gentleman in contrast to his appearance and atmosphere."
... Huh?
She got that impression?
The curse was not as effective on Ariel?
Well that's convenient, but.
Maybe this is Hitogami's doing?
If I think about it, for Hitogami, wouldn't manipulating Ariel be the most convenient?
Rather than using Luke to get to Ariel, going for Ariel directly seems more straightforward.
But Orsted didn't warn me of this possibility...
Maybe he has proof that Hitogami isn't controlling Ariel?
"Regarding that, it seems that he's just hated because of a curse."
"Really? If so, I should have called out to him at least once. He's terrifying just from afar, I might piss myself if I hear him nearby."
Ariel said so and snickered.
"Piss..."
"Well, pissing in front of people is rather pleasant, but..."
"Ah?"
"Ariel-sama!"