193-Later, the lords and people of the 2135 wards.




The carriage stops and the door is opened from the outside.

'It's good to see you again after yesterday, my friend Yashiro.

It was Gilberta who opened the door for me.
She had the eyes of an indoor dog who had come to pick me up at my door.

'Did you sleep well?
'I'm fine, I... I don't need to sleep.

In other words, you haven't slept.
Yesterday, you were brought home from a place where you were ready to stay, and you must have finished the work you left behind, and this morning you were busy preparing for today. He must not have been in an environment and state of mind that allowed him to sleep well.

His eyes are a little red.

'You need to get some sleep.
'Hmm. I listen to my friends, I do.

With that, he climbs into the carriage.
He sits down on the empty seat next to me at the door, and leans in close to me, resting his head on my shoulder.

'Good night.
'No, no, no!Don't fall asleep now!

You're getting off, now!
He's not joking about this, because he's doing this ............ and you're already breathing in your sleep!

'Mmmm. Yashiro-san gets along with everyone very easily.'
'He's just weirdly nostalgic. ......'

I slapped Gilberta on the cheek to wake her up.
And then, suddenly, she grabbed me by the chest with all her might.

'............ my nemuri wo samatageru hada da'.
You're not sleeping well, are you?

I've just fallen asleep, and now you're doing that?
I'm starting to get nervous about letting you stay here overnight.

'Gilberta. We were called here today by Lucia. Would you mind getting up and showing us around?'
'Mu...... was right. I promised to do my job well, and I did, Lucia.

You may have promised to get a day off on the condition that you perform your duties properly.
He suddenly showed a crisp face.

'I'll show you to Lady Lucia.

He gets out of the carriage, opens the door and helps us get off.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.
...... Well, that's why she and Natalia are so similar in a weird way.

When we got off the carriage, we were invited into the mansion to see Lucia.
We were going to go out right after that, but it was unthinkable that the lord would be waiting outside, so we went out of our way to pick him up.
It's a hassle, but I guess that's how it is for nobles.
The only aristocrat who waits excitedly and anxiously in the garden every time something happens is Estella. In fact, Estella is more likely to come to you.

You are ushered into a large reception room, not the private room where you barged in last time.
It was a spacious room with high ceilings, not piled up with papers like the Oval Office. However, if you were to ask me if it was open, ...... I would say that it was too neat and tidy, and I felt as if I were suffocating.

'Welcome, Estella. And anchovies to the men of District 42.
'Don't leave me out of this.

You should include me in the 42nd district.

'Wen-tan, Milly-tan, hi~'
Don't break it!

You've ruined the dignity you wore.
He's going to be a real mess if he's not in noble society.
In fact, it might be a reaction to the oppression caused by being in an aristocratic society. The aristocracy is all human and they don't seem to have much contact with the beastmen.

'Today, I'm going to ask you to meet someone a little difficult.
'What do you mean by difficult ......?'

At Lucia's words, Estella asks on our behalf.
When I think of difficult, I think of difficult and stubborn people,......, but really.

'She is a woman of the swallowtail butterfly tribe who once married a nobleman and was ...... badly hurt.'

All the invited guests gasped.
An aristocrat--that is, a bug man who had been hurt by marriage to a human.
It's something I've imagined, but when you say it again, it's kind of ...... heartbreaking.
I guess it's because I'm a human .......

'anchovy'.

If you only pick up the words, you might think that this guy is joking,......, but Lucia is looking at me with a very serious face.
You can feel the tension, as if you are being tested.

'See with your own eyes the invisible spell that pervades this city.

You're asking me to look at something I can't see, which is a bit absurd.
It's like a resting day being forced upon you by the shogun.

You want me to meet people who have grudges against humans and see them with my own eyes.
You want me to meet the people who hold grudges against humans and see with my own eyes the roots of those grudges that are digging deep into the hearts of the inhabitants of this city.

'...... Yashiro'.

As I stare at Lucia in silence, Estella softly whispers in my ear.

'The swallowtail butterfly human race is ......'.

Estella cut off her words there.
But that was enough to jog my memory.



Speaking of the swallowtail butterfly tribe, Wendy's parents once blurted out the name.
'Even a subspecies of the swallowtail butterfly race was subjected to such an ordeal' - it must be a famous story among the insect people.
As a tragic heroine who was hurt by her marriage to a human, ......

'So, let's go. Gilberta.
'Yes.'

At Lucia's signal, Gilberta took the lead and started walking.
Lucia follows, and we follow her in a tight circle.

'We can't use the carriage to get to the garden. So I hope you'll bear with me, that we'll head there on foot.

The garden is full of insects.
If a nobleman were to take a horse-drawn carriage to such a place, he would surely frighten the Bug People.
That may be a little too much to think about, but ...... that kind of 'consideration' may be what makes the Bug People feel safe.
This town has its own rules.

I think you're being a little too cautious, though.

Following the same path we took before, we came to a flower garden.

'Hee-hee!

Millie's eyes sparkled.
She seemed to have reached the point where she was excited to see the flower garden.

'Wow, ...... so beautiful, ............'

He seemed to be so moved that he could not speak.
She covered her mouth with her hands and tears welled up in her large eyes.

'It would be a great honor for the lord to be so moved. Why don't you become one of our children?
'Don't you dare say anything outrageous, kidnapper.

Don't try to take my Milly away. I won't do it.

In the flower garden, as usual, many insects are spending their time in their own way. ...... When people approach the flower garden, they all change their color. You can feel the tension in their faces.

'Hello, everyone. It's a beautiful day.'

Lucia raises her hand and calls out, and an air of relief spreads through the Bug People.
They love you, don't they? I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that. ...... I was afraid that as soon as I got to the flower garden, I'd go berserk and go around plucking tentacles at random. It seems she has some self-control.

'Whoa!You guys from back then?

As we pushed our way through the flower garden, there was someone who called out to us.
Two old men with magnificent horns on their heads. They were Beetleman Kabriele and Stagman Markus.

It's good to see you again.

They asked me to shake their hands, so I did.
Their hands are thick and burly, and they seem to be dependable.
That's what I'd expect from a man who works hard.

'You guys are always here. Don't slack off and do your job.'
'We're here in between jobs. Right?'
'That's right. We're not slacking off.

It's only mid-morning.
If you're taking a break before noon, we can't help but suspect you of skipping work.

'My lord. Good day to you too ......'
'Good. Don't change. I've already told you that you have the upper hand here.'
'Yes, sir. Thank you very much.'

Lucia tells Cabriele and Marcus to make themselves comfortable as they get down on one knee to show their respect.
It seems that in the Garden, the Bug People have the highest priority.
How dare they make such a bold rule. It's not easy to give your people an advantage over you, even if it's only for a limited time.

'Hola......, hola.......'

She gazed around the garden, looking like she was about to be lured away by a flower. I want to see this flower and that flower and all of them. It's written on her face.

'I'm glad you're happy, but you can take a walk later.
'Oh ...... I'm ............ sorry.'

When Lucia admonished her in a gentle tone, Millie shrank back and became quiet.
'You're being too coy.

I'm sure you'll be glad to know that we'll be here for a while longer. When you're done, we'll have a drink together.
'Don't say that like it's alcohol.

Kabriele, dressed to the nines with a nectar in his hand, said happily: ...... But first, work, you guys. What do you do when you think about drinking all morning?

'That sounds like an interesting story. I'd like to be a part of it if I could.'
'No, you don't!I can't believe I'm going to be sitting here with Lucia .......
'Yes, yes, yes!


'Hey, hey, hey. I told you that you have the upper hand here.'
'Yes, that's still true .......'
'Hmmm ...... I'm kidding. Don't take it seriously.
'Ho............ are bad people, my lord.'

Kabriel patted his chest.
Well, no matter how dominant you are in the garden, you can't be rude to your lord.
Even if the company's year-end party was rude, there aren't many people who can be rude to the president.
I can understand why Cabriele and the others are twitching.

But ......

I'm sure I saw a little bit of loneliness in Lucia's face when she said, 'I'm just kidding.
He really wants to get together and have dinner. With the people he loves. And with his beloved beastmen and insects.

I'll take care of him if you want. If you don't mind being rude.'

Even a lord has to want to get off on the wrong foot once in a while.

'............'

Lucia is looking at me as if she wants to say something.
Did you feel like saying thank you?For being so thoughtful. If that's the case, I'd like you to soften your tone a bit.

'Have you ever been polite to me?
'All right, all right. You're a jerk.

I've been so polite to you, but you've been so polite to me!You should be thanking me, you lord!......!

...... hmm. What do you mean by "thank you"?

'Hmmm ...... well, I'll have to think about it.'


....... I'm not sure what to say. You'll be able to't be sure what kind of face you're talking about. He's so elusive.

As was the case with Estella when we first met, it seems that lords don't like to be found out for who they are. Show me ...... your true face. I'll see through it all if you show me a little.

'Yashiro. Can you please not look at Lucia with your s*xy eyes?
'What's so erotic about your eyes?
'What's not erotic about your eyes?

I'm going to give you a kissing chocolate game.
I'll give you a kissing chocolate game, you bastard.

We left Cabriele and the others behind and went on our way through the garden.
The person you're going to meet seems to be on the other side of the garden, in the territory of the Bug People.

When we reached the edge of the garden and were about to leave, a couple with wings like those of a white butterfly walked toward the garden from the other side. ...... They don't fly.
They fluttered their large wings and walked hand in hand in a friendly manner.

'Oh, it's the lord.
It's true. You look beautiful again today.

The couple were laughing happily,......, but as soon as Lucia stepped out of the flower garden, she dropped to one knee and bowed her head to the road.

What?
What's with the change in attitude?

'Good. Don't be so polite.
'No, sir. It's a rule.
'It's the natural attitude towards the lord.

The tone and atmosphere of the earlier conversation disappeared in an instant, and the couple of butterflies showed their respect with the gestures of a new recruit brought before a superior.

The Bug People have the upper hand in the flower garden.
However, once they leave the garden, it's the lord and the people ............ or perhaps the lord and the "subhuman" .......
In an instant, the air becomes tense.
It's as if Lucia has the right to kill or take away.

I'm not sure what to make of it.
But she's definitely ............ lonely. She has such eyes.

'Lucia. Come here a minute.'
'Mwah, what the hell?

I pull Lucia's arm and pull her into the flower garden once more.
Suddenly pulled back, Lucia wobbled as if she lost her balance and stepped into the flower garden.
Immediately, the human couple stood up and fluttered their large wings happily again.

'What color flower's nectar did you come to drink today?

I asked, to which the man replied with a gentle smile.

'She likes the nectar of the pale pink flowers. We eat it all the time at .......'

At this point, he pushes Lucia out of the garden.



'I've been drinking ......'.

Wow ...... is so extreme and ............ is so funny .

I pull Lucia into the garden.

'So, is the nectar of the flower sweet?'
'Yes, it is. It's more like fruity. Not too sweet. ......'

Extrude.

'The ...... mouthfeel is very mellow.'

In.

'I can drink something this good every day. ......'

OUT.

'I can't thank you enough, my beautiful lord. ......'

IN.

'Thank you Poo!
'Ah, what?Monjirocho-san, what's with the strange language?
'It's a reaction.
'Don't play with Lucia-san, Yashiro!

Respect and friendship. It seems that the repetition of respect and a broken atmosphere has made the backlash greater and greater.
It seems that the broken feeling also has a sense of duty, like 'the lord told me to do it, so I must do it that way no matter what.

It's a good thing that you're a good friend of mine.
'...... though you seem to be disrespected.'

Lucia's hair is a little disheveled from all the pushing and pulling.
Well, that's good, isn't it? They say unruly hair is rather s*xy. Take it as a positive.

'However, ......'

Lucia opened her mouth, brushing up her messy hair and exuding the dignity characteristic of a lord.

'You should also learn to be a little more flexible. It's a bit stifling to follow the rules so meticulously. Both of you.
'Ha. ...... I'm sorry, my lord.'

Lucia is currently in a flower garden, and a couple of the Monarchs are on one knee on the ground, hanging their heads.
It seems that in situations like this, dominance is lifted.

'Good. Stand up.
'Ha!

But ...... 'ha' is not ............ the army.

'I guess this rule is still in effect even if the other side isn't in the garden.
'When I'm in the garden,' I explained. ...... It's a problem that so many people are so honest.

It's an ironic, if not self-deprecating, way to talk about yourself at the time.
It's not that I'm not a good person. However, you are also aware that if you set up new rules, you will make them even harder to deal with. That's why I won't do anything more, and can't do it now.

You're going through a lot of trouble, aren't you?

'I'm sorry I stopped you. I hope you have a wonderful time.'
'Yes, sir. ...... Oh, thank you.'

I've been in a bit of a rush, so the rules are a bit blurry. The couple of monarch butterflies were at a loss as to how to interact with Lucia.
I think they're too self-conscious.
It's better to use a lord as a joke.

'Hey, Estella.
What is it?'
'I'm tired, piggyback.'
'...... stab you?

What a rebellious bastard!
You're the lord of your people!
I'll stage a coup. I'll stage a coup d'etat!

'Would you like me to do it for you, piggyback?
'Oh, no. I'm just kidding.'

Gilberta offers to take Estella's place, but ...... I don't want to be the only one who has to carry her through this. It's a shame play.
I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... It's not that fun.
I'm sure you'll be able to find something to help you out.Don't be so discouraged.

The lord of the thirty-fifth district and the head waiter of the district have sunk to a low ebb.
...... Yeah, it's damp!


I'm not sure what to do.It's so cute.

The mushroom-loving Estella has a strange bite. You're the only one who thinks so.
Well, I'm lucky I don't go to obscene ideas like Regina.



'From the head of ...... Bunashimeji?...... hmm?Is this some kind of joke, anchovy?'

I was asked with a very serious face.
Don't look for meaning in a random joke, it's embarrassing.

'If a beech mushroom grows on Lucia's head, it will be ......'.

Gilberta raises her bangs and stares at Lucia.

'We'll be matching, me and you.'

A short antennae flickers on Gilberta's forehead.
She looks vaguely happy.

'We'll be matching ............?

Lucia gazed lovingly at Gilberta, and ......

It's a good idea.

I'm not sure what to say. The cheeks turn red.
Her cheeks are glowing red and shiny.

'All right, let's grow some Bunashimeji!Bring in the anchovies and the moisture!
'Don't be absurd.

You're getting carried away.
They won't grow, Bunashimeji!

'The only one who'll be happy is you, Lucia, matching me. I think I like that about you, I do.
'...... Gilberta!

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
However, she was flinched away.

Gap!
Flutter.
Gap!
Flutter.

'Why, Gilberta?
'I'm on duty.
'Why not, a little!
'I promised to do my duty, with Lady Lucia.
'Don't mention the details!
'I'll keep my word, no matter what.'
'Mmm!Isn't it good, isn't it good!

Isn't that a bad cop?
I'll keep my word, no matter what.

No matter how hard she tried to jump, Gilberta dodged Lucia's arm by the skin of her teeth.
I don't know whether Gilberta is loyal or rebellious to Lucia.

'Anchovy!Plant a beech mushroom on my head right now!You're the one who said that, so take responsibility!
'I'm not responsible for anything, I'm not!
'As long as you have Bunashimeji, Gilberta will understand!I'm sure he'll let me do this and that even in public!
'Pull yourself together, you perverted lord!

My nose is getting wider. ...... I don't want to know what kind of outlandish fantasies ............ are going on in your brain, though.

'Oh, ......'.

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I'm sure you'll agree.
'Yes. I was very happy.

The last time she came to District 35, Jeannette wore a lavender pseudo-tentacle in her hair.
She seemed to be having a lot of fun with Millie and Wendy.

'Can you ...... grow beech mushrooms from your head?
'No, no!I don't have such a skill, unfortunately. ......'

Gynet. Don't take what that dangerous lady says seriously. Don't listen to her. Don't let her out of your sight.
There's nothing to be sorry about. Rather, what's a skill that can make beech mushrooms grow out of your head? Isn't that a ...... curse?


'Yashiro ............ what?
'It's me!

Don't forget my name!
You're the only one who calls me anchovy!

'Aren't you named Calvin?
'Don't lump me in with those disgusting half-fish.

What, in your mind, are me and Calvin stored together in a 'creepy guy' holder?You can't even name it, but you treat it like a new file (2)?
I'm not sure what to make of that.

'So, anchovy. Make it.'


'...... I'll make you some anchovies, you bastard.'

What an arrogant lord.
I'm a guest invited by the lord himself!
The guest is God!They should be respected!

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... I mean, you can't hit a girl, right?I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. ...... While I was seriously thinking about this, Gilberta grabbed me by the hem of my dress.
It's a very modest self-expression. ......

'Are you happy that we're matching, or is your friend Yashiro also ......?'

Her eyes are full of anticipation as she looks at me.
The fact that I made a pseudo-tentacle seems to have tugged at Gilberta's heartstrings.
As if some kind of switch was flipped, Gilberta's mood changed.
It's not like she's a ...... spoiled brat.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

It's probably due to the influence of ...... Magda that when you get a face like this, you tend to give the answer that the other person would want without hesitation.
I feel that my resistance to silent begging has weakened.
If it were Umaro, I'd kick his ass. ......

The next time you're in the market for a new pair of shoes, you can wear them with me.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's trying to find a way to make this work. ...... I'm going to grow antennae on my head. ............ Wasn't that kind of headband popular in the Showa era? I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. ...... Something with a star-shaped tip that shines. ............ Will I be wearing something like that?Yeah. ......

I'll try to be as polite as possible in my refusal, so as not to hurt you. When I made up my mind to do so: ......

'Yes. I'm sure you'll all want to wear them together.'

Ginette promised with a big smile on her face.
Hey, Jeannette. Have you ever heard of the Judgment of the Spirits?
I'm sure you've heard of the "Judgment of the Spirits", but since you put the words "all of you together" in there, I'm going to have to do it too!I can't open the Sunlit Pavilion without you!
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who can help you out.

...... Oh, no. I'm going to wear antennae too. ......

'Oh, um, Yashiro-san,......, how can I help you?'
'...... nothing'.

You're the one who's crazy. ......

'Thank you, my friend Ginette!I'm so happy for you, I am!

Gilberta wrapped her arms around Ginette's waist and hugged her tightly.
Well, when you see her so happy and joyful, you might think that ............ the antennae are okay. ......

In addition, when Gilberta hugged Jeannette, she said, 'Aaah!I've been here before you!That's not fair!That's not fair! I'm going to pretend that I don't see the bug fetish lord who was regretting his actions in the distance. That's a race I shouldn't get involved with.

That's it. Maybe we should have a tentacle party when Gilberta comes to stay.
And bring Umaro and Bekko with us.


With all this agonizing, ......, we crossed the flower garden and headed down a quiet, narrow path.
We are going to the place where the person we should meet is.

...... to get a glimpse of the negativity that nests in this city. ............

'Gilberta. Hands!Let's at least hold hands!'
'I'm on duty, sir.'
'Oh, dear!Do something, anchovy!
'Shut up!Can't you see that I'm creating a serious atmosphere right now?I'm not sure what to do.

...... Don't go out to play.