The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases: Volume 2 [Parts 1 to 7] by Shin Kouduki

Author:Shin Kouduki
Language: eng
Format: epub

Meeting the Mayor

A knock on the door provoked a quick response from inside—almost too fast, Beatrice thought, before realizing that they had approached the place by carriage. Although they had maintained a speed barely faster than traveling on foot, the noise was sure to make anyone wonder what was going on, especially since the carriage had stopped right outside the house.

A white-haired, wrinkled old man stood in the open doorway. His good posture belied his apparent age, and he wore a friendly smile as he greeted the group.

“My, my. What could a group of youngsters want with this old man, I wonder?”

Beatrice and Allen exchanged a glance. With no sign of other people inside the house, it seemed that this man was the mayor. Though the woman had said the title was no more than a name, it was clear he was the most important person in the village. An appropriate interlocutor was thus required, and while Allen was the anchor of the group, his official lack of status presented a problem.

Perhaps for this reason, Riese alighted from the carriage, though she quickly resumed her downturned demeanor. With the princess in no state to deal with others, Beatrice assumed the role.

“My apologies for calling on you unannounced. We were wondering if we might ask you a few questions. We would all appreciate it if you’re willing to listen to what we have to say.”

“Hmm...questions, eh?”

“Yes. Sorry to be a bother, but...”

“No bother at all. I’m nothing more than a doddering fool with little time left on this earth, and yet I find myself with nothing to spend that time on. If you believe an old coot’s ramblings will be of use to you, I am happy to oblige, though I have no idea how I might help.”

“You are too modest. I’m sure you will see plenty more years on this earth yet. But do you mean that you are willing to...”

“Yes, let’s hear what you have to say. Not here, though. Come, come in.”

With that, the man turned and began to walk away. Beatrice again exchanged glances with Allen. Things had proceeded so well that it seemed a little too convenient, but they would never get anywhere without telling him their story. With a nod, they began to follow the old man, who led them to a lounge area that, although it would have been impolite to say, was surprisingly neat and well-furnished compared to the building’s exterior.

Sinking into the sofa to which the man had gestured, Beatrice was again cognizant of the fact that he was someone of significant status in the village. Even more curious was the aroma that permeated the room. She didn’t particularly dislike the scent, but it caught her attention.

“Might I ask if you’re burning something?”

“Oh, is it bothering you? My apologies. It’s my favorite aroma—helps me relax. No need to be so polite, by the way. An old fool like me is hardly deserving of such reverence.”

“Oh, I don’t believe that.”

“Please, for my sake.

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