Chapter 9 The Person Called Executor Adel Vandale
"Here you go, Marie-san."
"Ah, thank you."
Maia serves tea, and the florist Marie takes a tentative sip.
After driving away the men who were harassing the florist, we moved to my tavern, the Silver Apple Inn, to hear more from Marie.
We're now listening to her recount the story.
According to her, the men causing trouble in front of the flower shop were from the Lowenthal Merchant Guild.
It seems that the guild has been causing problems for all the merchants in the area.
"They flash threats of violence and extort money, huh...? A textbook case of a corrupt merchant guild."
"Trying to take over the shop that Marie-san treasures... Wouldn't it have been better if they faced some consequences at that time?"
The words sound harsh, but Maia's anger is understandable.
As someone who runs a tavern myself, I understand.
For those in business, their own shop is literally their lifeline.
Like Marie, who inherited hers from her mother, many merchants have a deep attachment to their shops.
Forcing others and to trample on their dignity with violence and power is something I cannot tolerate.
――Come to think of it, there was a time in the past when the royal family tried to push through urban planning that would crush the shops of merchants, and I strongly opposed it.
"It might be unfair to ask this of you, whom I just met today. But, I can't handle this alone..."
"No, I understand how you feel. If someone told me to close down this tavern, I would resist too."
Those words seemed to ease Marie's tension a bit.
"And besides, just between us, settling scores is my specialty. I may run a tavern on the surface, but I believe in lending my strength when needed."
"Huh...? What do you mean by that?"
"Have you ever heard of the name (Black-Robed Executor)?"
"Wha... then, are you...!?"
As Marie leans forward, I respond with a gesture, placing my index finger on my lips.
"It's best to make those who threaten with force understand with force. If the city guards in the capital won't move, it seems I'll have to step in to expedite matters."
"Ah..."
At that moment, Marie's expression changes to one of contemplation.
Was there something on her mind?
"Um... I'm sorry, but despite bringing up this topic, I actually don't have anything to offer you in payment... I'm really sorry! But I'll do whatever it takes to pay you back in the future, so please..."
Well, isn't that something.
It's like I've already committed to this deal, so even if I don't get paid, it's fine.
But judging from Marie's demeanor, she seems like the type who'd want to uphold her end of the bargain.
――Oh well.
"Oh, by the way, Marie, don't you run a flower shop?"
"...? Oh, yes, I do. Why do you ask?"
Marie looks puzzled by the sudden mention of something unrelated.
So I turn to Maia and speak up.
"Maia, I wanted to hear your opinion on something."
"What is it, Adel-sama?"
"I've been feeling like the tavern is a bit dull. I thought maybe putting some flowers around might spruce it up a bit. What do you think?"
"Oh... um, yes, that sounds good. I think it's a lovely idea."
"Okay, so it's settled then. This time, as payment, we'll take some flowers from Marie's shop."
"Is... Is that really okay?"
I just nodded quietly.
"Hehe. You're not being very straightforward, are you, Adel-sama? But that's one of the things I like about you. I'm really fond of you, you know."
"Did you say something?"
"Nope, nothing at all."
As Maia gave a playful sniff, Marie looked at me with a sudden realization.
"Adel? Is that your name? Adel, right?"
"Yeah. I guess I hadn't mentioned it yet."
"Could it be? Are you... Adel-sama? Adel Vandale, the Seventh Prince?"
"Well... I used to have that title. But I've been banished, so it's not like anyone remembers me now."
"Ahh..."
I gave a self-mocking laugh, and Marie's eyes narrowed.
But a single tear slipped down her cheek.
"Hey, hey, why are you crying?"
"But, but..."
Marie seemed unable to find her words, choking back sobs.
"Oh my, making a lady cry, Adel-sama, you're quite the sinner, aren't you?"
"N-No, I didn't do anything, I swear."
"No――"
As I tried to defend myself, Marie interjected.
"No, you definitely did something. In the past, you undoubtedly saved us. Thank you so much, truly, thank you..."
Marie clasped her hands together in front of her chest, repeating her words of gratitude.
"I don't quite understand, but... it's too early for you to thank me. First, we need to do something about those guys."
"Yes, you're right... Okay, please help me."
With a smile mixed with tears, Marie took my outstretched hand.
* * *
"Adel-sama is--"
On the way to the headquarters of the Lowenthal Merchant Guild, Marie spoke up.
Right now, the three of us, me, Maia, and Marie, were making our way towards the former target of our mission along the night road.
"No need for 'sama' anymore. I'm no longer a prince."
"Huh? But Maia-san and Adel-sama..."
"I serve Adel-sama."
"I see. Then, Adel-san it is."
Marie smiled at me and continued her earlier words.
"Why did Adel-san start this revenge business?"
"Oh, well, after being banished from the royal family, I've seen a lot of things. Things I couldn't forgive."
"Couldn't forgive?"
As I was about to answer Marie's continued questioning, something bumped into my foot.
"Oh... I-I'm sorry..."
Looking down, I saw a girl. Apparently, I was the one she bumped into.
She had chestnut-colored hair, and what seemed like beast-like ears protruded from her head.
――A beastman? How unusual...
The girl hastily adjusted her hood, perhaps to conceal her distinct beast-like ears.
"I should be the one apologizing. Are you hurt?"
As I spoke, I noticed how painfully thin the girl's body was.
She wore simple clothes, almost like a sack with holes cut for arms.
Around her neck was a iron collar engraved with patterns, a symbol of her being treated as a sl*ve.
――A sl*ve collar... Are there still people making others wear these?
Judging by the many bottles of alcohol she carried, she must have been sent by her master, even at such a late hour.
It seemed she was forced to work without proper meals even at this late hour.
When we received a request from a village suffering under the tyranny of a lord, I remembered seeing starving children, but the beast-girl had the same look in her eyes.
"Hey, wait a moment."
I called out to the beast-girl who was about to leave and handed her a piece of paper.
"That's a meal voucher for my tavern, the Silver Apple Inn. You should come by sometime. I'll make sure you eat your fill."
"I-Is it really okay...?"
"Yeah, it's my way of apologizing for bumping into you."
"...Thank you. I'll definitely come by next time."
The beast-girl extended her hand, graciously accepting the voucher, and bowed politely.
Then, as if remembering her duties, she readjusted the bag containing the bottles and began to walk unsteadily.
"So, what was it that I couldn't forgive?"
"Y-Yes..."
Watching the departing figure of the beast-girl, I muttered to Marie.
"It's that kind of unreasonableness."
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