Knocked on the door. My family has never visited my room at this hour before.
　It is possible that they came for the first time today, but it is unlikely.
　In other words, it was someone other than my family who came to my room. Then, there is only one answer.

Wait a minute.

　I said, quickly changing my nightgown and unbolting it with a knife behind my waist, just in case. I don't do it from the front, but gently from the side of the door.
　At any rate, the door was not opened with a bang from the other side, so I opened it myself and found Anne standing there, as I had expected.
　Her large body was standing in the dark. A magic lantern, which she had left on in the living room in case she needed to use the bathroom at night, was illuminating her body from behind, so I couldn't see her face clearly due to the backlighting.

"What's wrong?

　I whispered so as not to wake the rest of the family. The answer came back in a whisper.

"I just wanted to talk to you. ......

　If it was a family member, I would have let them in, but I'm not comfortable letting guests in my room. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm not sure what to do. ...... It's extremely annoying to be suspected of all sorts of things after the fact.

I'll see you over there.

　I urged him toward the living room. I didn't feel like killing her, but I remembered to let her go first. In the end, nothing happened. I sat Anne down on a chair at the dining table, and I lit a fire in the fireplace.
　In this kind of situation, it's nice to have a magic fireplace that can be turned on quickly. I fill a small pot with water and encourage her to talk while waiting for the water to boil.

"So, what's the story?

　Anne hesitated, looking at me and looking away, but then she opened her mouth.

"Would you like to come to the ...... empire?

　The only sound was the quiet sound of the water beginning to boil.

I can't do that.

　I replied quietly. It's not because I'm a kingdom person or anything. Without the magic of this forest, my life as a blacksmith would not be possible. I might be able to cover it to some extent, but without the magic I can't produce custom-made models.

　In response to my reply, Anne sighs.

"Well, I knew you would.

　Once again, silence reigned in the room, and the boiling water made a koppo-koppo sound. I turn off the stove, pour hot water into two cups, and add a little hot sake.

Here you go.
Thank you.

　I sit down on a chair at the table. I sipped the very thin cup of hot water. Anne did the same, and there was such silence that I thought I could hear her swallow.
　Suddenly, Anne giggled.

"What's wrong?
"No, it's not about you, Mr. Eizo.

　Anne sipped her cup again.

I was hoping you'd come until just now. But when he said no, I felt relieved.

　I didn't respond to that.

"Actually. His Majesty's ...... father told me to bring him to you, whether by force or physical entanglement.
"Geez!

　I'm swollen. No, no, no, she's an imperial princess, even if she's low in the line of succession to the throne! I'm not sure what to make of this.

You can't do that.
But I couldn't. I got scared before I went to the room.
That's true. You have to take care of such things. ......

　I don't know how old Anne is, but I believe that no matter how old you are, you shouldn't ignore such things. I don't know how old Anne is, but I believe that no matter how old you are, you should not ignore such things, even if the aristocratic women of this world and this era are "such things.

You are kind, aren't you, Mr. Eizo?
No, I'm not.

　Basically, he only treats people outside his family in a certain way. Kamilo and Marius are not my family, but I've come to recognize them as if they were my relatives, and Sandro's father and Miss Frederica are in a similar state, but there's some calculation in them.
　Even so, they may be willing to help at some cost. But if the Marquis is in trouble, I'll probably abandon him.
　But by force. If that's what you're hoping for, it's not hard to understand. I'm sure there are not many people in the world who can combine both beauty and strength, but strangely enough, there are several people in my family who can. .......

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
Yeah, well...

　Anne nodded at my words.

I'll write you a note then.
I'm not sure if you can write, but I'm sure you can. ...... is a magician, but it doesn't mean he can't write.

　Anne said, a little surprised, but quickly convinced herself. Well, the fact that you can use magic is a sign that you've received a good education, and there's no reason why someone in your position shouldn't be able to read and write. At least in this world.
　I left my room to get some paper and writing materials.