HowDeadTL: Chapter 1 Part 23

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The Reincarnated Thirty-Something Woman’s Otherworldly Reform Life

[The Demon General's Visit]

Translated by: ME

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The thunderous sound of multiple galloping horses' hooves and intermittent, low rumbles shook the ground.

It was a rare occurrence for this residential district. Weren't there speed limits for horses?

Since the mansion's master was usually at the castle, messenger horses rarely came this way.

...The normally quiet Gilmore Marquis residence suddenly grew noisy, and soon the sound of running footsteps echoed from various places in the hallway.

「...?」

Magnolia, diligently embroidering as usual, tilted her head curiously.

Lately, she hadn't even been properly allowed to attend Lady Daphne's lessons, so she moved her needle while mentally practicing greetings and simple conversations in neighboring countries' languages.

...She stuck to greetings and simple conversations because more difficult content was tough to self-study.

If she couldn't do something, she'd perfect what she *could* do. She would learn what was necessary.

It wasn't that she didn't feel a bit irritated, but she spent her time lost in future plans, or rather, fantasies and delusions.

Once she grew up and left the orphanage, when she could move around somewhat freely, would it be safer to blend into a large country? Or would it be better to live quietly in a small country with little diplomatic contact with the Ascald Kingdom? It was a point of indecision.

...A country where this troublesome pink color was somewhat common would probably be better. They said it was originally a color from northern countries. If she blended into a northern country, would she be less conspicuous?

***

She began to hear shouting from downstairs.

Finally thinking something was truly wrong, she peeked out the window and saw messengers practically tumbling out of the mansion.

(What's going on? It can't be an enemy attack...? It's supposed to be peacetime now, right??)

Seeing Rosa staring anxiously at the door, Magnolia stroked the hammer-axe fastened at her waist.

(...Could it be that to put me in a monastery, they're staging a kidnapping? But wouldn't it be easier to just sneak me out secretly!?)

They could say she was convalescing from an illness or had been given up for adoption.

There were plenty of excuses to give the servants.

And even if they were staging a kidnapping, wouldn't it be better to do it secretly at night rather than causing a commotion in the middle of the day when many people are around?

Or had Wisteria finally moved to eliminate her for real and sent actual kidnappers!?

The sound of tangled footsteps. The fierce rustling of clothes. Anxious, strained voices.

「...sir! What about the advance notice... He's here!」

「Advance noti... sent... but we were locked out... What a farce! On the battlefield, we never... sent advance notice anyway! Surprise attacks only!!」

「P-...Father, please be discree..., I beg... you!」

Surprise attack...?

She heard the voices of the head butler and the chief steward. And an unfamiliar, roaring voice. The other was a calm, low baritone.

Light footsteps and heavy-sounding footsteps. The sound of something heavy being dragged.

These sounds gradually intertwined as they approached Magnolia's room.

Rosa was frozen, her face pale.

(...So Rosa wasn't informed...)

Which means this isn't a farce?

Or is it one of those situations where even allies aren't told to maintain realism?

She stuck her needle into the pincushion, brushed the lint from her skirt, and stood slightly in front of Rosa, as if to shield her.

Their positions felt reversed, but... well, so be it.

If it was a staged kidnapping, she probably wouldn't be badly hurt. If they were the real deal... well, she didn't really want to think about that.

If they were robbers... even though her current father was a civil official, would there really be anyone who'd pick a fight with the Gilmore family?

***

*SLAAAAAAM!!!*

The impossibly heavy oak door was flung open with tremendous force.

(Hey! ...The door, it's not embedded in the wall, is it!? It's not splintered, is it!?)

Stunned by the force and sound that seemed likely to produce smoke, Magnolia looked back and forth between the wall and the door.

And then.

Standing before the wide-open door was a giant, muscular man with red, wavy hair, obstructing the entrance. Draped over his right shoulder was the head butler, clutched in his left arm was the chief steward, and hanging from his waist were a guard and a knight guard.

(...He's like a grizzly... So big.)

The Demon General.

The former Marquis Gilmore, Servas Jean Gilmore.

—The Border Count of Azenda.

(...The portrait was proven to be truly realistic.)

And behind him stood Gai, with the same grinning face as ever, and...

An incredibly handsome young man with black, slightly unruly hair flowing over his shoulders, a displeased frown on his face, looking pained and exasperated.

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