A Quick Travel

"Mmm… this tea is not bad," Huvel murmured after sipping the tea in the fancy cup served by the maids of the mansion.

The owner of the mansion, Marquis Algernon, left the job of hosting Huvel to his servants and avoiding him. That was not a problem for Huvel however. The reason he visited Algernon March was not to extort money like the marquis thought. It was a simple sightseeing trip since Huvel has never been there. It there was another reason, it would be to give some space to Hugo who felt awkward around him after their man-to-man talk.

"Although I came unannounced since I'm already near this town, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth to be treated like a pest by the marquis," thought Huvel. "Should I mess around a little?"

Huvel changed his plan to stay at the marquis's mansion for two days. He informed the marquis through his butter that he would be staying a few more days. During those days, he visited the soldiers' training ground frequently.

In the end, the marquis was uncomfortable with what he was doing and met him privately.

"Lord Senebres, I am sorry I can only meet you now," Marquis Algernon said while pretending to be tired. "I was too busy with my works."

"I understand, Lord Algernon," Huvel replied with a smile. "You must have been busy to make money to pay tribute to a certain someone. I am honored that you make some time for a lowly viscount like me."

"Ahem! Lord Senebres, since we are the only ones in this room, shall we talk comfortably without sarcasm?"

"Oh, I would love that. I was surprised when you talked like a stranger. I followed suit since I thought someone was eavesdropping."

"Surely you jest. Ahem… Why did you come to my mansion? The due date for tribute is still far away."

"Oh. I'm just travelling around for a change of pace."

"A change of pace?! Then, why are you going to the soldiers' training ground every day. Is my son alone not enough for you?"

"Your son?... Not enough? Hmm…? Ah! Ahaha! I'm surprised. You have such wild imagination. Don't worry, marquis. I have no intention of forcing on your soldiers."

"Is that so?"

Marquis Algernon sighed inwardly as he started to relax. But at the same time, felt ashamed for thinking such inappropriate things.

"But I have the intention of borrowing your soldiers for a while."

"What?!" The marquis was caught off guard. He shouted without intending. "But… but you said you have no intention to…"

"Marquis! Calm down. Why do you think I would do something to the soldiers? How can your mind be so full of dirty thoughts?! Tsk! Tsk!"

"Dir… Dirty thoughts? No… It is not like that! I just want to know why you want my soldiers. Yes, that's all I think of!"

"Alright, alright. What with I do with soldiers if not for fighting? Did you not hear about my conquest in Emmele Jungle? I'm thinking of going back again."

"I did hear that you are lucky enough to come out alive from that place. You should be satisfied with that. Why are you going back again?"

"Of course, I have to make it to the other side of the jungle."

"You are crazy!"

"Marquis, I heard that you are a merchant as well. How can you not see the profit from this project?"

"That is… only if you succeed."

"That is not for you to concern. Just lend me a 3rd-rank weapon master and a few elite soldiers. I'll lower 10% of your debt to me."

"Do you think I have a whole legion of 3rd-rank weapon masters?! And among the few I have, who would even want to risk their live in that jungle?!"

"That's your job to persuade them. I can guarantee their safety. Also, I only ask for one so make some effort, lord marquis!"

"Ugh! My stomach hurts for talking with you. Let's end our conversation here. I will not send you off. Good bye!"

"Well, I've already said everything I wanted to. Consider it well, Lord Algernon. It's a whole 10% off for you, you know?"

Huvel left the town the next morning. Marquis Algernon sighed repeatedly as he watched Huvel through the windows of his office.

-----

Huvel got back to his castle after a few days.

Hugo was surprised to see him again since he heard he travelled. He even blurted out his thought subconsciously.

"Lord Huvel, you are back quite fast," he said.

"What? Do you not want to see me again so soon?"

Hugo came to senses when Huvel teased him. He blushed and looked away.

"That is not what I meant. I mean… nobles usually spend time leisurely when they travel. So, I thought Lord Senebres would return only after I go back to the capital."

"I… see."

After hearing Hugo's words, Huvel realized that his actions were not that of an average nobleman. As someone who used to lived on modern earth, Huvel preferred to come and go quickly. He also did not want to bother the hosts by staying at their place too long. That habit was still with him.

"Lord Huvel?"

Huvel cut off his thoughts after being called by Hugo who did not know why he had suddenly become silent.

"So," Huvel spoke with a pouting face, "you do not want to see me again before you go back?"

"Ugh! I am telling you that is not what I meant!"

Little Hugo did not know how to explain himself. His face became gloomy as he blamed himself for spouting nonsense.

"Pfft! Ahhahaha!"

"AH! Lord Huvel. You are making fun of me, aren't you. I thought you are really sad and even felt bad. Lord Huvel is a bad adult!"

"Ahaha. I'm sorry for teasing you. But I would really be sad if you go back without saying goodbye to me."

"Hmm, really? Then, Lord Huvel, I will say goodbye properly when it is time to go back."

Hugo Franklyn smiled brightly at Huvel and went back to his violin practice.