◆ Chapter 6: Ugh!
“I’M so frustrated…!” I grumble while walking away from the king’s office. Cia, Nady, and Lex are letting me vent. I feel bad airing my complaints, but I can’t get over my annoyance unless I talk it out.
“You always act like it’s not your problem. I’m surprised to hear you actively want to purify zombies, Lady Mizuha,” Lex says.
“I still hate it. It’s dangerous, scary, and reeks worse than bleu cheese left in the sun to rot!”
“Wh-Why are you frustrated then?”
“Ugh… I don’t know how to explain it…”
It’s times like this that I especially despise my inability to communicate my feelings. With a little time, I think I could sort it out, but it’s still a jumble to me right now.
“If the circumstances were different, His Majesty would give the order to purify as many people as possible. But it is a given that the people of Cladorca would pressure us into purifying their royal capital next,” Lex reasons. “That will only increase Grantz’s external enemies as they will surely threaten us with military force.”
“I know. But I don’t purify people for political reasons,” I argue.
I hate the stench of zombies with a passion, but I’d hate even more for there to be bloodshed. They underestimate the sensibilities of someone who grew up lazing around in a peaceful country.
“Besides, I doubt the people of this world can withstand living in fear of zombies forever. Don’t think just because they are beyond the border that you can ignore them.”
“Th-That is another problem…”
Seeing Lex stumped gives me a headache. I know I’m being willful, but I’m not wrong either—nor is Lex or His Majesty. I exhale all the air I possibly can in hopes it will rid me of the irritation building in my chest.
“Am I being childish?” I mutter.
“I don’t think so.”
“…Nady.”
“You are thinking about everyone equally, outside the confines of political allegiances.”
Just hearing that relieves some of the weight pressing down on me. On the other hand, having my opinion acknowledged makes me wonder whether I’m on the right track or not. I still don’t know what’s right.
Cia folds her hands together and hangs her head beside me. “I’m sorry, Big Sister.”
“It’s not your fault, Cia.”
“But it’s my father who made the decision.” I didn’t think this one out. By criticizing the king, I’m making his daughter feel guilty. I shouldn’t have vented in front of her.
“I’m sorry, Cia.”
“…Big Sister.”
I run my fingers through her hair as a peace offering. Some of the tightness goes out of her cheeks as she relaxes.
I still need to grow up. I’ve failed as her “older sister.” I begin engaging in some serious soul-searching when a short man walks around the corner.
His bearded face is too craggy to guess his age. Triangular ears perk up on his head and a brown tail swishes behind him—he’s a Lucor. The man’s catlike eyes go round when he sees Nady.
“…Nady?”
“F-Father?”
They aren’t just acquainted, but parent and child. Except at a distance, their height is so different you would mistake which is which. Up close, the father is clearly wrinkled—older, so there’s no mistaking their relationship.
✦ ✦ ✦
Noticing my surprise, Nady quickly introduces him. “Um, this is my father. Father, this is Mizuha. I’m sure you already know this, but she’s the Holy Priestess who saved us.”
“H-Hello, sir,” I greet with my head bowed. Nady’s dad has a stern-looking face—I naturally default to being polite.
“Thank you very much for your assistance the other day, Holy Priestess. Allow me, Theos Ol Jino La Tiro Muo Lucor, to thank you on behalf of my people.”
“I was only doing my job, sir. I see long names run in the family.”
“You may call me Theos.”
I wish he had just introduced himself with that one name then, but there must be a cultural reason for starting with their full name. I need to have Nady teach me the meaning of their names someday soon.
“Why have you come to the castle, Father?”
“I summoned him.”
Nady’s question was answered by a giant man who came from a different corner. This towering muscleman is Oden Jaxor. He’s the Reigning King of Charges who inevitably injures everyone in his path and the captain of the Grantz Royal Knights.
“Lucors are some of the best archers in the world. After hearing about the zombie bird in the capital, I decided to request his assistance in training our men in archery and he graciously accepted.”
“We were also hoping to return the favor of borrowing living quarters in the royal capital and this presents the perfect opportunity to do so.”
Both sides can benefit from the arrangement. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Sir Oden puzzles his brow for a moment before facing Cia. “How would you like to watch, Your Highness? Your presence will surely raise morale. I would love for the other two ladies to join as well.”
“If Big Sister wants to, I will.”
“It’s up to you, Mizuha.”
It appears I have the final say of the day. I’m not a fan of making decisions, but I’m glad for once that it falls on me. After all, it sounds like the perfect thing to distract me from frustrating politics.
“I want to go. It sounds like a unique opportunity.”