blueteamnovel Chapter 39
Chapter 39
Chapter 39: The Strange Atmosphere
■■■■■■■■■■
Last night’s banquet had a strange atmosphere.
Alexander-sama from the Bayerlein family kept staring at my mother. Even my father seemed visibly uncomfortable with it, and it didn’t sit well with me either.
No matter how beautiful my mother is, staring at a married woman like that is just wrong.
"Hmm. Not good. Alexander-sama, you’re out."
In our house, if you strike out twice, you’re banned!
With that thought, I headed out of the manor toward the brewery.
To the left of the gate was the soldiers’ guardhouse, and to the right was the temple knights’ station. I’ve heard that the soldiers and temple knights sometimes glare at each other. Please don’t fight over me, guys.
"Oh, Toma-sama, are you heading out?"
"Good morning, Sebas."
This was Sebas, the butler from the Bayerlein family. Alexander-sama may be a bit of a fool, but this man is quite capable!
Our own butler, Johnson, is competent, but Sebas might be even better.
"I’m off to the brewery."
"Ah, the workshop that produces the Horse King sake, correct? It is a truly delicious beverage."
Hearing someone compliment Horse King is always a pleasure, especially from someone as sincere as Sebas.
"Would you like to join me?"
"I am honored by the invitation, but I must stay by Alexander-sama’s side."
"I see. Well then, I’ll be on my way."
"Take care, Toma-sama."
He practically feels like our own butler.
"Toma-sama, are you heading out?"
This was Suzanna Kolrausch, one of the two captains among the temple knights. She’s a beautiful knight, twenty-three years old, with shoulder-length sky-blue hair and deep, ocean-colored eyes.
"Yes, just going to the brewery. It’s perfectly safe."
After taking care of all my barrels, I also checked on the aging barrels of distilled sake and Horse King to ensure there were no issues.
"All clear."
After securing the storage room with three locks, a bar, and chains—measures taken after the recent burglary—I returned to the brewery to observe the work of the new recruits, correcting any mistakes.
It’s fine if they make errors, but I’m strict about sanitation and safety to prevent serious injuries. Losing skilled workers to injuries would be a loss for both of us, so I’m careful to be thorough.
As evening approached, I headed back to the manor, only to find a commotion.
Our manor faces the River Lyber on all sides but the east, and two ships were docked there. My father had plans to build a boat, but the port isn’t ready yet. Did he buy these ships already?
Upon closer inspection, I noticed the two ships bore the Bayerlein family crest. They weren’t our ships; they belonged to the Bayerlein family.
Alexander-sama had arrived by carriage, but perhaps he would be returning by ship.
The knights of the Bayerlein family lined up from the entrance of the manor all the way out to the gates. It was an odd sight.
Suzanna and the other temple knights stepped in front of me, their guard up.
"What’s going on here?"
"Toma-sama, salute!"
With perfect synchronization, every knight saluted me.
"Seriously, what is going on?"
I don’t recall doing anything to deserve a salute from the duke’s knights.
The entrance opened, and Sebas emerged.
"Toma-sama, this way, please."
"Um, what exactly is happening?"
"All will be explained shortly. Please come with me."
"O-okay..."
Sebas led me into the reception room as if this were the Bayerlein mansion itself.
Sebas announced my return and opened the door.
Inside were my father, mother, younger brother Siegvalt, Alexander-sama, and a distinguished gentleman in his fifties.
Who on earth is he?