Chapter 188: Location Scouting (2)

Swain Fortress, like Tarmine Castle, had an architectural style that still had the traces of the Middle Ages. The exterior walls, which looked like piled-up rocks, looked like a real fort, but the inside looked the opposite where carpets were laid out and magical lightning shone.

「The outside and the inside are completely different! 」

「Oh! It’s gorgeous! 」

Seeing the entrance that looked like a famous hotel, Eich and I were both excited about it, but Seiya quietly asked John Dae.

「Where’s the “Round Table of Lasting Peace” taking place? 」

「On the second floor. 」

We followed John Dae. Celseus told us to stop, struggling to climb the spiral staircase. John Dae opened the double doors at the end of the corridor on the second floor. I gasped at that moment.

A luxurious chandelier shone high above our heads. The size of the room, which seemed to be able to easily accommodate a hundred people, reminded me of a large hall. The carpet that was laid out was softer and more expensive than the one at the entrance.

「It looks like a wedding venue. 」

No one disagreed with Celseus’ impression. John Dae explained to us while we were stunned and shocked.

「Well, it’s a strategic facility for a good reason. Queen Carmilla has explained it before. In the past, peaceful negotiations between two opposing countries were held here. 」

John Dae pointed at the center of the large hall. There was a round table that could seat around 20 to 30 people.

「Tomorrow, Queen Carmilla, Princess Tiana, and other distinguished members of the Tarmine royal family will be seated at that table. They will face Duke Leon and the important people of the Principality of Galvano. 」

After saying this, John Dae made a bitter face.

「Eich and Colt will be waiting outside the door. However, Queen Carmilla has requested that the hero, the goddess, and the hardened-looking god sit at the round table. 」

「Hmph. Why did you split us like that. 」, Eich snorted. Celseus remained frozen and laughed fearlessly.

「Well, it’s only natural that the hero who will save the world and us, the gods, should attend such an important meeting. 」

Celseus, who had become quite cocky, turned his gaze to John Dae.

「So, John Dae. What about you? 」

「…I’ll be waiting outside the door as well. 」

Celseus grinned. I laughed as well and put my hand on John Dae’s shoulder.

「I pity you! 」

「Shut up, you damn goddess! I hope you guys won’t cause any trouble! Are you listening? Especially you! 」

John Dae glared at Seiya, and he nodded.

「Yes, of course. I’m serious about it, so I won’t cause any troubles. 」

「Are you a robot? You’re answering mechanically! Argh…I’m worried…! 」

John Dae was extremely suspicious of Seiya’s emotionless reply, but of course, I was too.

…Seiya was preparing the battle against Leon! That’s why we arrived at Swain Fortress the day before! He would definitely take some kind of action tomorrow!

I was certain of that having known this hero for a long time. However…

Seiya looked around the hall where the round table was, then turned around and headed towards the door he came in through. John Dae looked surprised.

「Wha…What’s wrong? Are you okay? 」

「I’ve seen enough. 」

And so, Seiya headed downstairs. Eich and John Dae talked as they watched Seiya walking away.

「Seiya. He said he was scouting, but that’s disappointing. 」

「Yeah. I was so nervous that he was going to set up something on the Round Table. 」

John Dae said while stroking his chest. I was thinking something similar, since I was expecting to see some action from Seiya in the hall where the Round Table was. However, Seiya hadn’t even touched the table.

It was more like a sightseeing trip than a scouting trip, Seiya headed downstairs towards the large kitchen. There were probably large preparations taking place for the next day. Chefs wearing chef’s hats were working busily in the large kitchen.

「These are professional chefs we invited from Tarmine. 」

「Wow! Their knife skills are amazing! I’m learning a lot! 」

John Dae’s words made Celseus’ eyes sparkle. He looked up at Seiya timidly from his wheelchair.

「Hmm, well…can I get a closer look? 」

「Yes. That’s fine. 」

「Yay! 」

After getting permission from Seiya, Celseus happily walked around the kitchen in his wheelchair. Celseus looked so innocent at times like this.

…He was such a dedicated researcher when it came to cooking. I wished he would direct that passion towards his sword.

I looked at Seiya after thinking like this. Then, I noticed that Seiya was also wandering around the kitchen like Celseus. He was chatting with the chef.

「What kind of dish is this? 」

「It’s sautéed lamb*. It’s delicious. 」

「I see. 」

…Huh? That was odd.

I found it extremely strange. Seiya quickly cut short his tour of the great hall where the “Round Table of Lasting Peace” was going to be discussed with Leon, and instead walked around, taking a good look at the large kitchen. Colt smiled in surprise at this odd occurrence.

「Seiya, you’re pretty quiet today. 」

「Yeah. For now…」

…No…No way! He had arrived the day before! I thought he had something planned! But perhaps he’d still do something today!

Time passed contrary to my thoughts. After leaving the kitchen, Seiya wandered around the fortress as if it were a tourist attraction. Eventually, the sun set, and John Dae prepared bedrooms for us.

「Duke Leon will arrive around noon tomorrow. We’ll meet him at the round table so don’t get late. Got it? 」

「Yeah. Got it. 」

Seiya nodded obediently at John Dae’s words. John Dae’s doubts were cleared, and he nodded slightly and turned around without saying any more words.

…Wait, the day ended without Seiya doing anything! Then, why did he bother to come to the fortress the day before…?

I decided to ask Seiya before I parted ways with him in the hallway.

「We arrived the day before, but you didn’t do anything in particular, right? 」

「No. I’m already prepared. 」

「Huh? 」

Seiya went into his bedroom after leaving me wondering in the hallway.

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*Sautéing is the technique of cooking thin cuts of lamb in a small quantity of hot fat in an uncovered pan. This is considered a “dry heat” method because fat does not contain water. Sautéing differs from frying in that less fat is used.

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