Hakushaku to Yousei Vol 6 Chapter 4

P. 116

    Edgar remained in the estate of the lord of the manor, and gathered Raven, Ermine and Lydia in one room to speak to them. 

    “Edgar, you blustered out such a bluff without thinking up anything?”

    “You wouldn’t be able to make a bluff, if you kept on trying to think up of something. We only have four people on our side, and if they gathered up all the men in the village they would have a few dozen, so it wouldn’t even be a match for us.”

    “But, it’s not like we can go and search all the houses, and most of all, isn’t it a problem that all of the village people are feeling hostile towards us?” asked Lydia.

    But, there was no way that Edgar was intending on backing down at this point. For some reason, he seemed to have the trait of not being able to tolerate having something that belonged to him taken away from him.

    Since, he did say something like he was going to get even with the young men who picked on Lydia at the party a while ago. 

    Just then, there was the sound of a knock.

    The mayor must be thinking that by doing that, Edgar and his group would quickly leave the town, but if that were so, then all four of them in the room wondered who it could possibly be.

    It was Martha who came in, pushing a wagon.

    “I’m terribly sorry, so the Cook won’t be able to come tonight. We will not be able to provide any dinner for you, so would you be able to bear with snacks that come with tea.”

P. 118

    Edgar made a little suspicious look as he watched her hands that were pouring them tea.

    “Please take back everything.”

    “We will not take in anything that is offered here.”

    He only had his two servants that he could rely on, and yet, the reason why Edgar turned all of the village members to his enemies wasn’t something haphazard where he made a bluff because he lost his temper. The three of them had fought together all this time and are doing so even now.

    “If you need to taste it for poison, then I wouldn’t mind to be the one to do it. This here all is safe. The mayor and the rest of the village are for now just want all of you to leave here and are not wishing for this to go into something 

    “Um, Edgar, I think it would be all right to trust her. She is Martha Tyler, the woman who wrote you the letter about the changeling.”

    “Is that true?”

    “I am terribly sorry for what is happening, Lord Earl. I didn’t know that there was a different, real earl. That’s why I had written something that was so criticizing.”

    “If you weren’t, then why on earth would you come to such a remote village such as this to investigate. I had the opportunity to visit the next town and heard from the landlord from there about how he had met the Earl Ashenbert in the London ton, and he was kind enough to tell him your London address. If it was someone whose name is known throughout London, then however one would think about it, I believed that you were the true Earl Ashenbert.”

    “Even if I were to obey the mayor, there isn’t going to be one good thing in my benefit.”

    “That’s definitely true. I’ll have some tea. I’m so hungry.”

    “Ah, this biscuit is delicious.”

    Like the tense left her shoulders, it was apparent that Martha let her cheeks relax. The gruff impression that she was giving all this time must have been because she was filled with nervousness by being in a town where there was no one who would take her side.

P. 120

    “I can’t let my precious fiancée be the one to taste it for poison. Mrs. Tyler, some tea for me as well.”

    “By the way, isn’t there a relation to how the villagers are embezzling the jewels, and how they are letting the changelings happen?”

    “There is a relation. But at this point right now, there’s nothing we can do.”

    “The fairy mother who had to exchange her own child with Martha’s baby was also troubled. But, I will take care of this.”

    The dobie had said that only the Blue Knight Earl was the one who could defeat the Wyrm, but if Edgar wasn’t able to do that, then Lydia had to do something about it.

    Even still, the earl imposter who wanted to awake the Wyrm wasn’t just a normal jewelry thief no matter how one thought about it.     

    Ulysess.

    It seemed like they had originally keeping a hostile eye out for the Blue Knight Earl long before when the unexpectedly occurrence of Edgar inheriting the name of the Blue Knight Earl for them.

    As the sun set, the wind began to blow harder. The estate of the lord which peered over the ocean should have been getting directly hit by the blasting winds, however it seemed to have a strong structure and so, the glass windows slightly rattled and none of the candle lights wavered.

    As she watched him step over towards it, he swiftly opened the window.

    The one who let out a shrill just before Raven was about to jump him to attack was a large pirate man.

P. 122

    “See Lota, that’s why I was against going in through here.”

    Along with her voice, Lota hopped over the balcony railing. 

    Edgar made a smile as he welcomed the two of them in.

    That was because Lydia thought quite a number of Edgar’s schemes was anything but a brilliant idea.

    “To tell you the truth, Lota, it’s already been revealed by them that I am the Earl Ashenbert and that I had come to this town to investigate it.”

    “Nothing yet. So, I have an idea I want to offer you, please lend me your Cook.”

    “Lydia, meals are very important. To do anything.”

P. 123

    “Mrs. Tyler, how much food and alcohol is there?”

    Please, and as he said that, he looked back at Lota and gave her a smile.

    “……Well, it’s great that you will treat us to drinks, but what are you wanting from us?”

    “Let’s play a war game.”

    The only one who let out a yelling voice was Lydia, and all the rest of the people didn’t it take it as a joke of his and was watching Edgar solemnly.

    From the moment he revealed his name, there was no mistake that Edgar was planning on using the fighting power of Lota’s crew.

P. 124

    “Yeah, I’ll do it.”

    The barrels of wine and beer in the storage were all carried out into the hall and there was a lively party going on.

    That melody reached the small quiet room that was located a ways away from the grand hall and mingled with the sound of the wind and waves without seeming out of place at all. 

    The sound of voices talking came from below the window outside. 

    Ermine and a number of the pirate crew should have gone out to spy on the mayor and villagers’ houses and kept watch on their movements.

    After he retrieved all the information, he was going to launch the attack and planned to be certain that he takes over the village.

    “I was not myself earlier.”

    Being told from her that she forgot it so completely, Edgar made a look like he was dissatisfied.

    “I would prefer not to recall on that past.”

    “While that was going on, we were able to forget about everything.”

    It wasn’t a master and servant, but two comrades in an equal standing. Or maybe someone even closer than that.

    That distance between them seemed like it hid a high, noble feeling, and that made Lydia feel the thumping of her heart.

    “Lord Edgar, everything was my fault.”

    “That is exactly right. And yet, I had done wrong.”

    From there, their conversation came to an end and the two of them went their different ways, but Lydia remained standing in her spot as she felt like she had come across into a special scene of events.

    She had never known an Edgar who looked in so much pain and longing like that. 

    “Miss Carlton, did you have a light with you?”

    It was Raven who stood in the doorway, waiting for Lydia’s reply in a completely indifferent attitude to Lydia’s disturbance.

    “I-it’s all right. I can see the moon much more clearly in the darkness. See, the light is reflecting onto the waves and that helps make the outside brighter.”

P. 127

P. 128

    But still, he didn’t take his eyes off from the scenery outside so he must have sensed something.

    By talking to Raven,  Lydia tried to push out the feelings in her that she wasn’t able to understand.

    “I see. ….Oh, yes, if I think about it, there really isn’t anybody who wants to drink tea so much they can drown.”

    As he was someone who grew up treated as a tool to kill people, it must have appeared strange and peculiar for Lydia to smile at him or talk to him like she would act to a normal person.

    Unlike Edgar who was a liar and who was hard to understand what his true intentions were, even if she couldn’t read his expression, it was because he was honest, actually much too honest.

P. 129

    Raven snapped his eyes away from her like he jumped in reaction and only said ‘I do not know’ and tried to leave the room.

    If it was before, he would have replied, as there was no mistake that he was strictly taught by Edgar not to reveal anything about his women.

    “Wait listen, it isn’t anything like that. In order for him to ask about her to the fairies, I don’t know any of her characteristics at all.”

    It was Lota.

    “No, when it comes to Lord Edgar’s lovers, it wasn’t that I was unable to remember them, it was just the women kept changing so fast I hardly was given any time to remember each one.”

    "You haven’t changed. More importantly, your master was calling for you downstairs.”

    “Sorry for the men making such a commotion.”

    “You know, I had been thinking that you didn’t know anything about Edgar as you were with him, but I see that’s wrong. You know what happened to him in the past. No wonder you didn’t act so surprised when you came across pirates.”

    But, when she was by Edgar’s side, she learned that things one would think couldn’t possibly happen do in fact happen.”

    “But, you’re engaged to him.”

    Hmmm, replied Lota, with a look like she was long ago realized that.

    “He’s like that with any kind of woman.”

P. 131

    “With me, I had been watching how Betty fell in love with him and was hurt, so I know it’s none of my business, but I was a little concerned about you.”

    “Betty was hurt?”

    “……Why did they jilt? Edgar doesn’t seem like the type to end it from his part, , so it was his cheating that was the reason after all?”

    “Eh, no, it isn’t like that…..”

    “You know, Edgar wouldn’t with the girl that he truly loves even once. ….Don’t you think so?”

P. 132

    Lydia remembered how the two of them were just a few moments ago, and strangely convinced that that was so.

    Ermine had said that she was the female slave of Prince. That’s why he was keeping himself distanced away from Ermine because he was worried that he would make Ermine remember about Prince.

    But then, does that mean he’s not sure if that was the right decision he made now?

    “…..If he really loves her, then he should have just and gone and expressed his feelings to her even now.”

    Lydia wondered if Prince’s influence between the two of them was much bigger than she had imagined.

    “No, she became even more determined to steal him away, and tried to make Ermine drink a poisoned wine.”

    Lydia had the feeling she heard something unbelievable, as she stood with her mouth hanging open facing Lota.

    It looked like Betty was a girl who was the unimaginable type to Lydia.     

    But, if she wasn’t the one who he felt the most love for, then it could just mean that no matter who he grew feelings for, they all ended up as the same to him. 

    Yes, that was it. That’s why I must not believe in his lies.

    Since it was the first time for Lydia to hear a woman say about Edgar like that, as she was still carrying her feelings that was nearly making her depressed, she in turn thought it was funny.

    “But with you, don’t you think that you are a good friend to Edgar?”

    “Lota, don’t say anything that would make my impression unfavorable.”

    “But I’m complimenting you.”

    “It’s true.”

    He must have sawn that he was at an disadvantage and so pushing Lota aside, Edgar walked over to Lydia.

suddenly felt suffocating.

    It isn’t me. The one he truly loves.

P. 135

    She should have known that, but she had now clearly grasped the pent-up feelings in herself which didn’t have any shape till just now. 

    It was an obviously motive to try and drive Lota out, but although she shrugged her shoulders, she went out of the room.

    “Since when were you here?”

    “Just a moment ago.”

    At her reply, it was unclear if Edgar doubted her, as one of his brows twitched.

    “When you have that on, I have a feeling like the light in it grows. When you look at it like this, it makes it seem like you being the bearer of this ring and marrying me was decided from the very beginning.”

    And Lydia tried to swing away his hand, but he wouldn’t let go.

    “Are you being worried for me? It’s all right, they might have the larger number, but our side is much more experienced in launching attacks.”

    “The ones I’m worried about are the villagers.”

    Saying that, he stepped closer to Lydia.

    “Um, Edgar…….?”

    “Uh, Edgar, I’ve figured out something, with you I uh….., I just want to be friends.”

    “Did Lota say something to you?”

    “Do you mean that there isn’t even a little bit of chance for you to fall in love with me?”

P. 137

    And for her to say that was because the way Edgar asked that question was unusually pessimistic and she felt like he was anticipating Lydia’s reply.

    Huh? All right?

     “If you feelings doesn’t change by the time we need to return to London, then I’ll give up.”

    “You don’t believe me.”

    “……I’m serious.”

    For Edgar to say something like he was going to give up on Lydia and that wasn’t like him, could probably be because he himself was starting to feel that there was a lie in the words he used to flirt with Lydia.

    “But, for now at least would you wish for my victory as my fiancée. Isn’t it customary for a lover to see off her lover with a kiss before he goes out to battle?”

    But, hearing about a battle, it made Lydia nervous.

    Oh, no, what do I do.

    She was trying to remember that as she was still unsure.

    But…..

    “It’s best you get some rest about now.”

    “It will be over by the time you wake up.”

    However, the only thing Lydia could do was wait. 

    The only thing she could do was wish for his safety and wait for him. 

    “…..Be careful.”

    When he boldly walked away, Lydia felt like her body was tense, like she didn’t want to separate from him.
    Even if she fell in love with him, she would only get hurt.

    In the grassy weeds and thickets where the clan of dobies lived, Nico sipped the thick mushroom alcohol as he was taking part in their banquet. 

    (Although I think it’s useless. Even if it was a fairy doctor, there is nothing the doctor could do against a Wyrm that was revived by the Blue Knight Earl.)

    Nico licked off the trickle that was clinging on to his whisker. 

    (I was able to get a quick glance. When he was brought the Wyrm’s bride.)

    (That’s right. The Blue Knight Earl not only awoken the Wyrm but also gave it a bride.)

    (Of course. Dragons from the old days prefer young women, and like it more if they are a noble princess.)

    Well, that sure is misfortunate, thought Nico. But if it was a girl who that Earl lost interest in, then there’s the possibility that the Wyrm, who wouldn’t cheat at all, must appear like a better male to her eyes…….or possibly not. 

    (He was wearing black clothes.)

    (Like I said, I only got one quick glance. But, if it was the Wyrm’s bride, then she might know.)

    (She comes out of its caves sometimes. Since she wants to eat human food. She seemed like such a poor little thing, so we sometimes bring her food sometimes.)

    (Yes, that’s right, we’ll be taking food to her just around daybreak. Since it’s the day of the spring tide. It’s when the Wyrm’s power weakens. And so, the princess is able to get near the border of the cave.)

     “Daydreak. Wait. I’ll bring the fairy doctor.”

    It was still dark, but when the tip of a furry tail swatted the tip of her nose, she sneezed and rubbed her eyes.

    “More importantly, Lydia, I found out the location of the princess!”

    “Betty, was what I think her name was? The princess who was said to be kidnapped by the Blue Knight Earl. It seems like she was made into the bride of the Wyrm.”

     "Is-is that true?”

    “All right, I’ll go immediately. Ohh, but, hold on a moment, I need to go to my room and get my coat.”

    “I’ll be waiting in the hall.”

    It was a dress to make her appear when one was on an elegant vacation trip, but Edgar’s true character was revealed so quickly, and when she thought about it hard, there was no necessity to be finely dressed.

    When Lydia decided to change out of her current dress, she pulled out her normal wear from her trunk and pulled off the fluttering, soft dress. 

    When she tried to button the top of the dress, there was a sound by the window. 

    She thought that Nico was urging her faster. However, at the end of Lydia’s view when she turned around, she saw that kelpie grinning back at her.

    “Wait, Kelpie! Don’t come in without asking, I’m changing!”

    “Don’t you have any common sense?”

    He was a horse, on top of that a fairy, so there was no way he would.

     “I can sense the smell of smoke. Something’s burning somewhere,” murmured Kelpie.

    But it was too dark and she couldn’t see a thing.

    Ohh, no. I wonder if Edgar and everybody are all right.

    I need to let someone know that I’m going to go search for Betty.

    “Hey, is going outside as you’re changing a part of human’s common sense?”

    On top of that, women’s clothing tended to come with a number of buttons more than one could bear.

    “Would you help button up my back.”

    Lydia was in a rush in buttoning her sleeve.

    In a somewhat tiresome manner, Kelpie came up to her.

    “Put them through the holes.

    “Lydia, are you here?”

    Lota was the one who appeared.

    “Sorry. I’ll come later.”

    “Wa-wait Lota! You’re wrong.”

    “That’s not it, he isn’t human, but a horse! I beg you, please don’t go!”

    “Something so tedious I can’t do. Hey you, why don’t you help her.”

    “I’m sorry, Lota, please.”

    “That gunfire just now…..”

    “That small thing isn’t something to worry about.”

    “Oh, yes, Lota, I think I might be able to meet with Betty. If I miss this opportunity, then I’m told I would have to wait another month, so I’m going to go immediately.”

    “But, it looks like she was made into the bride of a dragon Wyrm. That’s why, it might be difficult to get her out right away.”

    “She’s being locked up in the cave of a dragon in the fairy realm.”

    “Then, I would like to go with you. It will be fine if things here will be left up to Pino. Please, Lydia, take me with you.”

    Lota winked with one eye, like she meant it’s decided, and she poked her head out of the window and called for Pino.

    “Lydia, you really pick your men by looks, don’t you.”

    Lydia continued explaining that Kelpie was a fairy, but it was unclear if she really got the message, and so Lydia, along with Lota and Nico had made it all the way to the cliff along the edge of the ocean coast.

    Beneath the sky that was beginning to brighten up, even though they didn’t have a lamp, they were able to get a clear view of the landscape around them. 

    Even Kelpie had tagged along with them.

    “You don’t have to force yourself to come along.”

    “Kelpie, even if you were with us, no one could go against the Wyrm.”

P. 148

    So, that’s mean you’re going to run.

    Lota pointed down at the bottom of the cliff near the edge of the waves. 

     At the bottom of the stairs that the villagers had built, there was a small boat that was tied to the shore.

    Lota watched as Nico stood up on his two hind legs and went skillfully down the stairs with a curious look and followed after.

    (Are you the fairy doctor?”

    (If it was this small boat, only two humans can get on. The fairy cat, well, I guess would be all right.)

P. 149

    “I’ll swim.”

    There was a big splash of water, and once he transformed into a black horse, even Lota opened her eyes in surprise.

    “Huh? Uhh…., I’m going to be the one to steer?”

    That allowed Lydia to breath out and relax.

    In the grass-woven basket that the dobie set in the small boat that Lydia and the two were riding, there were mushrooms and tree fruits. It must be the food that was going to be delivered to Betty.

violently, but the oars that Lota was steering made the prow of the boat follow right behind the way dobie led them.

    It was a narrow crack that the small boat that Lydia and the others were riding could barely slip through, and Lota was able to craftily pass through it. 

P. 150

    “Whoa…..”

    From an opening that was diagonally right above, the morning light that was finally starting to come up shown through, and the white ceiling and walls appeared like they let out a faint glow. 

    “This is the nest of the Wyrm?”

    Just then, the boat suddenly rocked.

    (Oh, this is bad,) muttered the dobie.

    (Usually around this time, the Wyrm should be sleeping, but-)

    (It looks like we’ve been found. We better hurry and escape.)

    Lota tutted because the small boat they were on couldn’t be turned around that easily like the raft. And while that was going on, they were slammed with a strong vibration made by something enormous moving, and crumbling rocks starting to fall down on them from above.

    Kelpie rose to stand up on the water surface in his horse form.

    At that same time, he bolted into a gallop through the large waves.

    However, Kelpie had only Lydia in his mind in the first place.
    Still grabbing ahold onto his neck, Lydia saw a large wave was about to crash into the small boat, but once Kelpie galloped into the narrow hole in the cave, she couldn’t see the boat and the two left behind anymore.

Chapter end