[Part 4/4]
I reply while taking a bite of the Hi's al. He's truly a nobleman who lets say difficult things. Is he trying to make slip up unintentionally?
"Well, well, I hear that being a servant is really tough. Don't think you're not capable. Okay?"
"Haha."
His tone was as sympathetic as that of a man. This seems like a test. Or maybe an investigation?
"Hmm, hmm. Oh, by the way, fish, especially Ayu sweetfish, are aweso. Even when dried, it tastes better because it's unexpected."
"...Sure."
I don't know what you like, though.
"Really? You know, even fish from a place without spiritual lines can be tasty if you cook them right."
"...No spiritual lines?"
I ask again because it sounds strange. Isn't this fish from the Center region?
"Yes. Lately, because of my age, I'm thinking of retiring and doing less work. This ti, you could say it's the last ti I'm away from ho for service."
The Middle Counselor is really old. Without spiritual power, it's impossible to keep working on the front lines. He talks about slowly passing the family business to his son.
"So, with more free ti, I'm exploring the world of good food. Trying out new places and ingredients."
"I see..."
While making fun of and saying things like I'm bored, I keep eating the ayu sweetfish. It's frustrating, but it tastes good. Specifically, it's easy to eat. Both Hi-shi (princess al) and soups share this quality, regardless of how they are cooked.
(The flavor is salty and rustic. It's a strange thing for soone of his age and noble status.)
As I think about this while sipping soup, Middle Counselor continues the conversation. More precisely, he goes back to the main topic.
"Oh, right. I should also reward you for your efforts this ti. Below the rank of Junior Seventh Rank. Should I get so money ready?"
"Uh...?"
I instinctively stop sipping soup and look back at Middle Counselor. The old man remains calm.
"Oh, an official position, is it?"
"Don't hesitate. It's a kind of promotion for the court. We're dealing with fraudsters and troublemakers. If soone with your background gets attention, there might be more people interested in official employnt. Well, let's consider it a stroke of luck for you."
He laughs heartily, as cheerful as always. To , it feels like mocking from a demon.
Still, starting from rank seven, which is the lowest, the position is overwhelmingly low. It is both subordinate and inferior. It is clear that it is only a nominal and formal position. In the Fus-kuni Ritsuryo system (a system of centralized governnt), it is considered equivalent to being at the bottom. There is no salary either.
However... even so, it is without a doubt a position officially recognized by the imperial court. After all, most of the officials in the imperial court are significantly above the common people. The difference between having an official position and not having one is too significant.
And just a short while ago, how did it feel to receive an official position when I was considered nothing more than a beast? It was disdainful. I feel the sa unpleasant sensation as when I was appointed as a Yun-shoku and as a Household mber Coordinator.
"...I understand, thank you. I am truly grateful."
Bowing deeply, very deeply, I conceal my expression to gain ti and maintain a presentable appearance.
...I an, my stomach hurts.
"Uh-huh, uh-huh. Okay, okay... Don't be so shy. Look up. Are we having a conversation?"
"Haha!"
After drinking the tea from the cup, I quickly lift my face in response to the Middle Counselor's command. I manage to hide my expression sohow. It's a little teary, though.
"Hmm? What's wrong? Why are your eyes watery? Does the wound hurt? I heard it was deep... Did I push you too hard?"
Whether consciously or unconsciously, the Middle Counselor makes a silly comnt. It would be satisfying to argue with him here. It would feel good to punch him. But reality doesn't allow for that.
"No, it's just that the fish tastes really good. It's touching for soone who just finished work..."
I pretend to feel about 20% of what I actually feel. It's likely to be seen as a lie anyway.
"I see. Well, that's good. You don't need to hold back, you know? Enjoy your al. Only the young can eat to their heart's content!"
And as I expected, I laughed cheerfully. What I was doing was far from cheerful. I drank tea to calm myself down and resud eating.
For so ti, we eat in silence...
"Uh, it's a march to the forbidden land. May I ask you to wait next to my carriage?"
"? Your esteed words are truly an honor. However, that is..."
When we had finished about eighty percent of the al, the Middle Counselor began speaking. Regaining my inner composure, I was about to report the issue from a security standpoint, but the old man spoke first.
"Skilled individuals should be placed at the forefront. Wouldn't the security guard have failed if soone approached my carriage? The princess of Onitsuki had expressed a similar opinion the other day. A capable individual might involve allies in their actions. So, placing you at the edge would allow for unfettered fighting."
"...I see."
It wasn't a complete affirmation. However, in my current position, I couldn't outright oppose it. This conversation wasn't a proposal; it was an announcent of a decision. That's sothing I must not forget.
"Conversely, I don't know if you're the best person to protect us. But I think it's better to stay together in a small group so that if sothing goes wrong in the area, you won't get caught up in it."
"I understand. ...Is that already happening?"
Even if I don't think carefully about it, it's a proposal that doesn't honor or make happy. However, I accept it and confirm it. There is no room for misunderstandings due to a miscommunication.
"No, it's about the future. ...Hahaha, don't worry. There won't be any misunderstandings. We won't forget about it."
He approached in a way to reassure who is not feeling comfortable. But it didn't turn into a joke.
"If it's the request of Middle Counselor..."
In any case, I had no right to refuse. As the son of a poor farr, reaching this position is extraordinary, but it also makes aware of the barriers of social status. The sky is still high above. Too high. Injustice is ruthless and unquestionable.
"..."
Now, I pick up so uguisu beans, looking for a sweet taste for comfort. But it's not enough to bring comfort. And I try to sip the tea... Still, it's frustrating, but overall, it tastes good. As I thought earlier, the ingredients are not bad, but they are not carefully chosen. However, sohow, it's easy to eat. The seasoning seems to be familiar and pleasing to the taste buds.
"Hahaha, you're eating so yummy. Do you want more?"
"No, I'm fine. I prefer to eat until 80% full in the morning."
Part of it was true. It's commonly known that it's difficult to exercise with a full stomach. Besides, I just wanted to finish my al quickly.
"Oh, I understand. How about so tea and dessert after breakfast? That's all. Is that okay?"
"Haha"
Originally, I wanted to say that I don't need tea or dessert, but I couldn't refuse.
By the way, the tea ceremony took around thirty minutes, with the host boasting about the tea leaves and utensils. Damn, I let my guard down...
* * *
"Tomobe-dono"
"Hmm?"
After finishing the al, just as I was about to go back to my tent, soone called out to . When I turned around, I saw a worker from the Middle Counselor...
In his hand, he held sothing wrapped in a folded magnolia leaf.
"...What is it?"
"It's a gift from Middle Counselor-sama. Please accept it."
And the bag was given in a very polite way. I couldn't say no to it, and even if I did, it would have been a disrespectful thing to do, I would have been afraid of God.
So, I accept it politely. As I take it, I can sll sothing unique. A faint, fishy sll...
"This is..."
"Please open it."
"..."
I untie the string. I unfold a big leaf. And what I see is dried fish. There are five pieces in total. Two pieces of big fish, and three pieces of smaller ones...
"I noticed that you really liked the ayu sweetfish had earlier."
"Yes, I did."
It was certainly tasty, but the reason my eyes got wet is different. Is this sarcasm? It feels like sarcasm.
"I'm grateful. Thank you."
...Well, the ayu sweetfish is innocent. I'll eat it with Magoroku later. This ti, I'll enjoy it properly.
"...So, I have delivered the ayu sweetfish from Higan River of Somi County."
"Understood. ...Hm? What is it now?"
I ask the laborer's words again. My thoughts stop at the noun that ca out.
"It is the ayu sweetfish from Higan River of Somi County in the Northern region. Is there sothing wrong?"
"No, it's just..."
I don't know what to say about the laborer's simple reply. It feels strange, doesn't it? The talk went really smoothly.
The old man got the sweetfish from sowhere, and because of that...
"..."
I quietly looked at the dried sweetfish in my hands. I stared at them closely. What do these five sweetfish signify? What are they trying to "warn" about?
"Ugh..."
As I thought about it, felt it, understood it, I just tried hard to bear the feeling of nausea rising inside . I deeply regretted that in this situation, it would have been better if there was a silly spider to divert my attention...
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