521 Adrift in the Big Wave
Griffon started rolling around, enjoying the neatly trimmed lawn.
The captain knocked on the door after which the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching.
The door quickly opened.
"Ah, if it isn't Lajior-sama. I'm sorry to inform you that young master is currently at work."
"You can drop the 'sama' with me. We've known each others for years. You see, Binota-kun invited a guest here. And I'm here to escort that guest seeing as he's busy with work."
The maid froze up while the captain was talking.
All due to her catching sight of griffon relaxing at the garden.
Of course, it's bothering her. Anyone who doesn't must be a bigshot.
Most ordinary folks simply don't have the mental fortitude to bear the shock. Made clear during our walk here.
Among people who saw griffon, there were those who fell on their rear. Those who screamed in fear, or froze up.
Those who gradually inched back in desperation. Those who overloaded and fainted. Etc.
"Mary? Oy, you alright? Rest assured. That magic beast won't harm you or go on a rampage. I suppose you won't believe that right away."
We waited for about a minute. The maid glanced left and right to observe me and the captain before she relaxed her shoulders.
"M-my humblest apologies for showing my unsightly state to a guest. I beg your pardon..."
"Nah, you've nothing to apologize for. It's all on this guy."
Captain-san pointed finger at me. I could only accept that.
"Ah, I apologize for my griffon. Oy, griffon, keep it down. Just take a nap or something."
Griffon replied briefly with a 'kue', lay down and closed its eyes.
Afterward, the maid finally fully loosened up and started moving.
"A-allow me to take you inside. If you would."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
We finally got in the house. Along with the captain.
"I still can't make heads or tails about you. I believe you're no danger considering your behavior thus far, but I still have to act as your observer, I hope you don't mind. There is no precedent of a griffon that obeys a human after all. This unprecedented situation may also necessitates further investigations. In all likelihoods, at that."
I have no choice but to accept despite being fed up.
"Yes, I don't mind. I've been made aware how serious this matter is. I didn't think this through."
(Yep, I didn't think about this world enough. Despite all my grumblings about not wanting to stand out. It's just impossible now.)
There's no way this won't turn into rumors after all the commotions. And it won't stop in this country.
Merchants from all over the world are currently flocking here. They will bring the news all over the world like a telephone game until everybody knows.
I mean, there's no way they won't talk about something this unusual. It might just end as a mere rumor if nobody saw it for real. But the topic would definitely flare up again once more people saw the griffon themselves.
(Secluded life is practically out of reach to me now. I seriously took this too lightly...)
If the trouble comes for me on its own, will living somewhere isolated be enough to achieve a peaceful life?
I should have considered the worst in the first place. I'm sure the 'seed of trouble' will intrude. I just know.
By doing this self-satisfying act under the pretense of saving the griffon, I've washed my own neck for the gallows. No, washing isn't quite right. I've pretty much guillotined myself.
(I had half given up back then. Also, was trying to divert my eyes from the issue with touring thing. The result is this mess...)
I ruminated it all while sipping the tea the maid prepared at the parlor.
(My goal hasn't changed; to lead a quiet life. But knowing my 'Factor of Unrest' won't allow that, I thought I might as well enjoy things. That thought process brings me all this unwanted attentions.)
The 'Factor of Unrest' dragged me into this huge wave just from a single lapse of judgment.
Apparently I hold no means to go against this wave.
"Ah, this is what it feels to be adrift. I'm helpless against it... Guess I'll just enjoy this nice tea and compose myself for now."
Taking a liking to the tea, I asked the maid for a second cupful.
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