Lydis the Bride and the Vessel of the Goddess 1 (8)
Astaroth may have a point.
Gilbert-sama looked away displeased, while Astaroth smiled happily.
Today Astaroth was more talkative than ever and seemed to be in a good mood.
One is not able to see the depths of his heart, so his good mood may be only on the surface, but it is better not to think too much about it because there will be no end to the doubts.
Speaking of which, Chuzel told me that the Great War was triggered by Clive and Astaroth.
Clive is now the âPleasant Butler of the House of Anne Maria,â but in the past he was called âBloody Clive,â which is a very dangerous name, so I know there was something going on.
As for Astaroth, the title of âpuppeteerâ is not a good one at all, so something must have happened. I know from talking with him that he is not a kind-hearted and gentle person, so I am not surprised.
Either way, itâs in the past.
âAstaroth-sama was supporting Gilbert-sama?â
âThatâs right, Lydith-chan. I was the only one who was still a little sane. But thanks to Lydith-chanâs coming, the beautiful and fleeting butterfly tribe maids have returned, and the Nymphs have also returned, and it looks like we will be able to return to the old castle after a long time.â
âThatâs good to hear. Besides Mercuris, are there other butterfly tribe members here?â
âThatâs right. The women of the Butterfly Tribe used to work in the castle. They are very witty and dexterous. And because many of them have beautiful wings but lack magical power and are powerless, it was safer for them to stay here.â
âYes, Itâs nice to have more women here. I have been feeling a little lonely since there is only me and Cronaea-san here.â
âThey were afraid of Cronaea, so everyone ran away, you know. Itâs time to send her back to the lake. The past will never go away, because many people still donât want to see Cronaeaâs face.â
The Cronaea of today is different from the Cronaea of the Sea Slug days, but that does not erase the emotional scars of those who have been harmed by her.
I felt that Cronaea-san would be more at peace if she returned to the lake.
Iâm sure she will miss me, so I decided to bring her some food from time to time.
âAstaroth, what are you doing here? You didnât come here to just stand around and talk, did you?â Gilbert-sama asked, and Astaroth smiled wryly.
âYes. I actually came to check on both of you because the fire Nymphs were feeling troubled because the Young Master and Lydith didnât come back when the meal was readyâ
âOh, well, then, you should have just said  so.â
âBecause, even I, was surprised to find myself in a corridor like this. Hey, Lydith-chan. Today is a memorable day for you to officially go to the castle as the bride of our master. Ria and I also want to celebrate, so is it okay if we sit together with you?â
Gilbert-sama looked incredibly uncomfortable.
I looked up at him and whispered softly,
âGilbert-sama, Astaroth-sama and Ria-sama are important people who will support you from now on. You cannot rule the country alone. You must not treat them disrespectfully just because you are worried that I will be taken from you.â
âThat is true, but when you say it like that, it doesnât sound right.â
âI have the highest regard for you, Gilbert-sama.â
âyou think Iâm going to snap when you say that.â
âOh, is that wrong?â
When I smiled and tilted my head, Gilbert-sama sighed and said in a small voice, âYouâre right.â
I wrapped my hand around Gilbertâs arm and looked at Astaroth.
âI would be happy to join you. Gilberto-sama says he would like to do so too.â
âIf you flirt that much in front of me, Iâd be stunned before Iâd be jealous. Lydith-chan, please continue to take good care of Young Master.â Astaroth said
âIâm sure youâll be fine and Yes, It is the duty of a bonded partner to be with you in sickness and in health.â
âThatâs reassuring.Well then, Young Master, Lydith. Letâs go, since we canât just stand around talking. Can you go get Ria, too?â
The fire spirit that appeared out of nowhere replied, âYes,â and disappeared into the corridor.
I was curious about the door to the library, which was still in my line of sight, and decided to ask Master Gilbert.
âIsnât Chuzel-sama coming?â
âHe wonât come. Heâs not that kind of a guy to begin with.â
âLydith, did you talk to Chuzel? Thatâs amazing. Lydith is so smart, isnât she? Sheâs always so hardworking, and you canât help but notice her, Â I wonder how long it has been since Chuzel has spoken to me? I havenât talked to him.â Astaroth said in surprise.
Chuzel is probably a taciturn person.
I learnt a lot from him, and I like the fact that he doesnât let unnecessary emotions get in the way of our conversation. I was staring at the library, wondering if I would see him again tomorrow, when Gilbert-sama urged me to turn my back to the library. Then, Gilbert held my hand and we started walking down the hallway.
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