Chapter 997: WDNMD, What a Trash Teammate!
"Why does Muirenn know that Artoria is the Child of Prophecy?"
Eiji asked somewhat puzzled.
Could it be that that trash loli really has some connection to BB?
If that's really the case, Eiji felt he should lay low for now, or perhaps just retreat outright?
After all, there's no way Goetia would just stand by and let something like a collapse happen!
If the sky falls, let the tall ones hold it up!
"Ahaha, that's because I once borrowed money from her before!"
Oberon jumped in, laughing brightly.
"?"
Eiji slowly typed out a question mark.
What necessary connection is there between those two things?
"I used Artoria's name!"
"..."
"Don't look at me like that, all the money I borrowed was spent on proper causes!"
"..."
"Your eyes show you completely don't believe me, ahaha."
Oberon forced out two awkward laughs.
Artoria shot him an icy cold glare.
Dammit!
WDNMD, what a trash teammate!
"Master, and everyone, please come inside first!"
Tristan spoke to the group, "I've prepared accommodations for everyone... but before that, we might need to go meet someone first. He's been waiting for you all for quite some time."
His expression suddenly became very complex, his tense face looking somewhat fearful.
"Who is it?"
Gudao asked curiously.
They hadn't been to Norwich before, so who could possibly want to see them?
"Does anyone have any impression of the title 'Earl'?"
"Earl!"
Upon hearing this, Artoria immediately became excited.
"I've heard of that! That's the super dark horse brand that managed to overthrow the century-old company Spriggan & Caprice in just one month! They say that in the current Fairy Kingdom, Earl represents fashion, represents trend!"
"I've heard about it too! Their accessories are really beautiful!"
Gareth also became excited.
"The person we're going to meet now is Earl himself."
Seeing Artoria so excited, Tristan couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
"I hope your dreams won't be shattered."
"?"
...
Under Tristan's guidance, the group quickly entered deep into the port city of Norwich.
Norwich is the stronghold of the Earth Clan—simply put, it's the gathering place of the dwarves.
The fairies here are famously hardworking. Though short in stature, they are tough and tenacious. Except for the Wind Clan with their extreme cleanliness obsession, no other clan dislikes the Earth Clan fairies.
That being said, Earth fairies being deceived by humans and worked to death are numerous in Norwich.
One can only say capitalists really deserve to be hung from streetlights!
Iron, which is rarely seen elsewhere, is considered a valuable commodity highly regarded by the Earth Clan fairies in Norwich. The strong Earth fairies are almost all excellent craftsmen.
Thanks to this, almost all iron weapons throughout Britain are produced by Norwich.
It must be understood that although fairies dislike iron, they must equip iron weapons to deal with the Mors. Since Mors are found throughout Britain, wherever there is an army, iron weapons are inevitably equipped!
The immense profits involved are evident at a glance!
And all of this was Spriggan's idea!
A century ago, he convinced the Queen with reasons such as "unrest in the north, the increase of Mors, and the indispensability of iron ore for human cultural development," citing both internal and external threats. He centralized the iron, which was shunned by other clans, in Norwich, monopolizing the entire weapons trade of Britain. As a result, he amassed enormous wealth, becoming incredibly rich!
Along the way, Tristan shared these common facts about Norwich with the group.
Upon learning this, Eiji could only sigh in admiration, thinking, "As expected of a human from Pan-Human History. With the knowledge and expertise they inherently possess, it was only a matter of time before they thrived once they adapted to the rules of the Fairy Kingdom."
And the Count was even more impressive!
"I smell the scent of a handsome man!"
Shortly after, Tristan led the group to a manor.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, a figure with a fierce expression ran toward them with great momentum!
"The Fairy Death Lord?"
Eiji was startled and instinctively reached for his sword.
"Please calm down. I understand how you feel, but this is the Count himself."
Tristan stopped him with a wry smile.
"Lord Peperoncino... Miss?"
Guda reacted immediately, exclaiming in surprise and happily shaking hands with the person.
Mash also cheerfully stepped forward, acting as if she had found a kindred older sister.
"Who is that?"
"Someone we've had connections with in the past~"
Da Vinci also smiled brightly and quietly introduced the person to Eiji and Oberon.
Peperoncino.
In short, he was the director of the Indian Lostbelt. Originally, like Beryl, he stood on the opposite side of Chaldea, but due to various circumstances, they ended up joining forces.
Although his facial expressions were a bit poorly managed—often appearing intimidating—he was fundamentally a caring older sister at heart.
Even though he was male.
"Ah~"
Eiji let out a groan of fear.
Another one of this type?
To be honest, he still didn't know how to interact with Arisuin Nagi. He never expected to encounter a second "male older sister" in this lifetime!
You can't see me, you can't see me, you can't see me!
Eiji could only silently repeat this mantra in his heart, trying to lower his presence as much as possible.
Fortunately, Peperoncino wasn't looking at Eiji.
"Oh my, isn't this a very dashing handsome man!"
With an expression that could scare anyone, he approached Oberon.
"Hahaha, you truly have a discerning eye! To be honest, I think so myself!"
Oberon remained completely unfazed, chatting and laughing effortlessly with the clearly unconventional male older sister.
Eiji secretly gave a thumbs-up.
There aren't many people I admire in this life, but you, Oberon, are one of them!
It's a good thing I didn't take off my disguise trio!
"This is the Count?"
Artoria and Gareth exchanged glances.
In each other's eyes, they saw the shattering of their dreams.
"Count, isn't this the place to talk?"
Tristan, keeping an eye on the movements outside the courtyard, spoke up to Peperoncino.
"Word of our Master entering the city may have already reached Lord Spriggan's ears. We cannot implicate you, so—"
"It's quite alright, Tristan-chan!"
"-chan?!"
Tristan shuddered violently, his face filled with utter bewilderment.
"Here in Norwich, even Spriggan wouldn't dare come to my residence to arrest anyone!"
A faint smile played on Peperoncino's lips, radiating complete confidence.
"You can stay with me without worries until we deal with the Great Calamity!"
"How strange, I sense an even more remarkable handsome man's presence... Where is it?"
Eiji trembled all over.
Quietly shrinking his head.