After making many excuses to the empty space, it seemed like I had calmed down a little.
I cleared my throat to collect myself, and approached Zavilia, who was staring at me with an aloof expression on his face.
By the way, Olga, who shared the same room with me, worked night shifts, so we didn't meet each other every day.
Although I felt lonely, I was grateful that I didn't have to sneak around when I needed to talk to Zavilia like now.
"Zavilia, I have a small favor to ask of you." (Fia)
When I started smiling, Zavilia, who was curled up on the bed, stretched his neck a little.
"Fia's 'just a favor' are all things that I don't like." (Zavilia)
Well, you're still as smart as ever.
But I wouldn't give up.
As I murmured this in my heart, I smiled fondly.
"That depends on Zavilia's way of thinking. Tomorrow, I'll be out of the castle for a bit on business." (Fia)
"That happens often, but this is the first time you've gone out of your way to report it to me." (Zavilia)
I read ahead of what was being said and pretended not to notice Zavilia, who was discreetly trying to keep me in check, and I continued with a smile on my face.
"Um, well, the place I’m visiting is the Duke’s family. Dukes are the top of the nobility, so there are many people who are selfish or bossy. That’s why the people of the Duke’s family are inadvertently rude. Even if they say something..." (Fia)
Before I could finish my sentence, Zavilia seemed to understand and took over the conversation.
"I see, I should just fly out and char that damn nobleman to a pulp." (Zavilia)
I panicked and shook my head at Zavilia's terrible suggestion.
"Th-that's not true! If it were Zavilia's flames, it would turn black in an instant, and dead people can't be brought back to life, so it's no good!!" (Fia)
Then, Zavilia wrinkled the tip of his nose.
"So, I just keep him alive at just 1%? I've never done something so delicate." (Zavilia)
"Can I do it?" Zavilia muttered, and I waved my hand loudly.
"Zavilia, that's not true! No matter what I say, please be quiet. Since they haven't found out that Zavilia is a black dragon, we should keep quiet here." (Fia)
Zavilia heard my words and stretched his neck high.
"What, hasn't it been found out that I'm a black dragon? I don't know why Fia thought so, but of course it's been found out. That's why I thought I'm acting as a check and deterrent to everyone." (Zavilia)
"I often talk to Kensei. Zavilia knows difficult words...Well, but Zavilia's mimicry is perfect, so I don't think anyone except Captain Quentin knows that this cute creature is a black dragon." (Fia)
Captain Cyril's common sense got in the way, and he would never think that this little creature was a giant black dragon, Captain Desmond was too busy, Captain Zachary was not interested in anything but muscles, and Captain Enoch was not interested in anything but magic. I was sure they didn't even notice that black creatures were flying around the castle.
The only near-miss was when Captain Clarissa saw Zavilia, but based on the common sense that "there are no black birds in this world," she was mistaken for a colored bird and got away without incident.
Remembering the relief I felt at that moment, I proudly declared victory.
"This is what we mean by darkness under the lighthouse! It's like you'd never dream of a black dragon entering a castle boasting an iron wall! Even if they actually see Zavilia, it's a different creature. They will interpret it as they wish, so long live the stereotype of common sense." (Fia)
As I raised my hands while saying that, Zavilia glanced at me from the side.
"I think they're noticing me after all. And considering Fia's abilities in this and that, don't you think they're turning a blind eye now?" (Zavilia)
Surprised by Zavilia's outrageous statement, I widen my eyes.
"Oh, please stop saying such horrible things! Tomorrow, I'm going to hide the fact that I'm a saint and visit the duke's saint. I thought she might be able to sense something that only fellow saints can understand. I'm being very careful, so there shouldn't even be a single mistake in my mimicry ability!" (Fia)
"…………" (Zavilia)
Seemingly satisfied, Zavilia shut her mouth, so I skipped my thoughts to tomorrow's visit.
Duke Alcott had a unique personality, so there's a good chance he would say something strange.
There were already many unsettling factors, so it was obvious that if Zavilia invaded the place, it would be a big deal.
At the very least, I would definitely get a lecture from Captain Cyril.
I remembered the sermon I received at the meat festival, and I trembled at the thought of reenacting that scene again.
Because at that time, in order to satisfy Captain Cyril's doubts, I was subjected to long lectures and interrogations, all the while being forced to refrain from eating delicious meat. Even though it's a meat festival.
This time, even though Captain Cyril personally requested a strawberry tart from the duke's family, it would be unbearable if I were to be lectured in front of the dessert.
"Zavilia, please promise me. No matter what you hear, you must not cut through space and appear. Okay?" (Fia)
Seeing how serious I was, Zavilia spread one of his wings.
"I'll listen to it since it's Fia's request. But, isn't she a saint of some sort who all the knight captains visit in droves? One piece of advice: In the world of monsters, if you get licked, it's over. That's why, the correct answer is to bite at the head of the meeting." (Zavilia)
"No, the Saint is my friend. Even if she makes a mistake, she's not someone to fight with." (Fia)
When I said that desperately, Zavilia muttered as if she had finally understood.
"…Hmm." (Zavilia)
Or maybe he just got bored and responded randomly.
――Well, the next day, I woke up early in the morning, got dressed quickly, and headed to the meeting place.
Even though it was 10 minutes before the scheduled time, everyone except Captain Desmond was there.
"Fia, good morning."
"Good morning, Fia."
"Good morning, Fia. Nice to meet you today."
A smile appeared on my face when I saw two people neatly dressed in knightly uniforms and one in a white robe.
"Good morning, Captain Cyril, Fabian, and Charlotte." (Fia)
I thought Captain Cyril would wear noble clothes, considering how he briefly showed the privileges of being the head of the ducal family and won the right to visit the Duke Alcott family, but instead he was wearing knightly clothes.
...Hehe, Captain Cyril definitely fits in a knight uniform.
As I thought about this, I looked up at the sky and saw that it was a blue sky with not a single cloud in it.
Therefore, it seemed like fun events were waiting for Duke Alcott's house, which made him excited.
"I hope you have fun at the duke’s house!" (Fia)
Even though I spoke to them with a smile...Captain Cyril, Fabian, and Charlotte all stared at me with strange expressions on their faces, and none of them responded.
……I see. Judging by their slow reactions, they might all be the type of people who are weak in the morning.