New chapter of World Teacher is out! (1/1 chapter)

 

 

Preemptive Piyo

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The Grand Cathedral.

After savoring a full course of tomato dishes and settling themselves, Hold and his companions were guided inside. Incidentally, the tomato course that had been served consisted of tomato soup, oven-baked tomato with cheese, tomato and salmon carpaccio, tomato juice, and tomato sherbet.

Although Audrey inwardly felt as though her mind were being overwhelmed by “tomato, tomato, tomato…” as if tomatoes were dancing about within, she could not allow her smile to falter. The dishes were truly delicious, but aside from tomatoes, nothing else was brought forth. Thanks to the magical apparatus, the inside of the Grand Cathedral was quite warm and comfortable. Ignat adjusted the crown atop his costume and spoke.

“Since we shall hold an art festival, we are also paying heed to humidity. There are no problems with water or illumination either.” (Ignat)

“That is most welcome.” (Hold)

Everywhere, people clad in Cockatrice costumes could be seen busily at work. Among them were also dwarven craftsmen. Paintings and statues had already begun to be arranged within the cathedral. Some were well-known works, while others were the heartfelt creations of unknown artists.

“On the day itself, an orchestra shall be stationed, so that elegant music may be enjoyed.” (Ignat)

“Shall there also be fine wine provided in the negotiation corner?” (Hold)

“Of course. To be frank, wine is not my strong suit. However, the brands have been gathered, so I would like you to assist me in the selection later.” (Ignat)

“Very well, I shall do so.” (Hold)

Hold stroked his little mustache as he nodded. Ignat seemed a man of pride, yet, at the same time a man of flexibility. He clearly conveyed what could and could not be done. For Hold as well, that was preferable, for failure was not permitted under any circumstance. The foremost goal was to assemble artistic works from all ages and lands, and thereby secure renown as the master of an art salon.

“Waa~…” (Audrey)

It was Audrey who raised her voice in wonder at the Cockatrice corner. That great hall extended three stories in height, with stained glass windows arrayed without a gap. Within that entire hall, items connected to the Cockatrice were displayed.

“How magnificent…” (Victor)

Victor, still clad in his costume, let out a sigh of admiration. Ignat looked satisfied.

“First are the renowned paintings depicting the founding myths of the vampires. Some have yet to arrive.” (Ignat)

“‘Encounter with Piyo in the Northern Land,’ ‘Guided by Piyo,’ and ‘The Legendary White Piyo,’ is it. None of these appear in historical records, but they are favored motifs indeed.” (Victor)

Victor slowly shifted his gaze. These were scenes painted of the times when, after settling in the northern lands, the people occasionally encountered the Cockatrice, which became turning points in their history.

Within the paintings, thick Cockatrices were crying “Piyoppi!”

Clarissa timidly asked Audrey.

“Even though they are called myths, they feel like things that might truly have happened, do they not?” (Clarissa)

“Yes. A Cockatrice would surely help someone in trouble. But I wonder if there truly was a white Piyo?” (Audrey)

Perhaps somewhere in history it had become a motif for paintings. For instance, in old Japan, tales of exterminating monsters were perhaps of battles against bears or boars. Yet, as far as Audrey knew, only the white Piyo had never been confirmed to exist.

“Regrettably, there is no evidence for the white Piyo alone.” (Victor)

Victor shook his head, then, turned his gaze to the next exhibition.

“Oh, so here are statues and costumes.” (Victor)

From here onward it was the corner of three-dimensional objects. First were lined up statues of Cockatrices in various forms. From orthodox bronze statues, to glittering golden-plated ones, to statues painted in seven hues with mineral pigments, they were all present.

Almost all raised their wings in a “Piyoppi!” pose, for this had become the established style.

“The costume corner has been arranged so that one may sense the flow of history, lined up in reproduction from the old ages onward. You can perceive the subtle differences, can you not?” (Ignat)

“…Indeed.” (Hold)

Hold touched his little mustache. Truthfully, he could not understand it well. Of course, he was familiar with the trends of modern costumes. However, there were no vampires remaining who had worn the old costumes.

As Hold was pondering how he should respond, Victor’s costumed hand poked at him. The feather then pointed toward the feet of the displayed costumes.

“The points of contact with the ground? I am not very knowledgeable, but…” (Hold)

“Precisely. While the upper body changed little, the lower body has been continuously improved through the generations.” (Ignat)

Ignat looked satisfied. It seemed that was indeed correct.

“So that they might run faster and not become dirty, is that right?” (Audrey)

“As expected of Hold’s daughter. That is exactly so. The improvements in mobility and in resistance to mud and snow can be said to be the fruit of the continuous labors of our forebears.” (Ignat)

At that moment, one of the guardian Piyos approached Ignat and whispered something into his ear.

“…I see. The timing is convenient.” (Ignat)

Ignat gave instructions to the guardian Piyo.

“Bring them here.” (Ignat)

“At once!” (Guardian Piyo)

The guardian Piyo ran off. Watching this, Hold asked Ignat.

“Has someone arrived?” (Hold)

“A party from Zanzas. Since the timing is right, let us complete the introductions.” (Ignat)

“Ho… they are swift.” (Hold)

While they waited, viewing the exhibits, the party from Zanzas appeared in the great hall. At the head walked Leia, the Master of the Adventurer Guild. Naturally, she wore a Cockatrice hat.

Ignat too stepped forward to greet her.

“Welcome to the Grand Cathedral of the North. I am Ignat, the host. I am grateful for your assistance in this art festival.” (Ignat)

“I too am deeply grateful for being granted such a rare opportunity. Representing the labyrinth city of Zanzas, I, Leia, Master of the Adventurer Guild, extend my greetings.” (Leia)

After the proper courtesies and a handshake, Ignat could not help but cast his eyes upon Leia’s Cockatrice hat. This might well be called a challenge. To appear in the home of Cockatrice costumes while wearing only a Cockatrice hat. Even Hold inwardly felt a twinge of apprehension. Vampires were strict when it came to Cockatrice attire. A poorly made one could instantly ruin one’s reputation. Yet, Leia calmly tugged at the string of her Cockatrice hat with her free hand, as though it were the most natural thing.

Piyoooo!!

The cry of a Piyo resounded through the Grand Cathedral.

Hold thought to himself, “Oi, oi, oi…”

Meanwhile, upon hearing it, Victor could not help but murmur. He could not suppress the words.

“It is identical to the genuine cry…!?” (Victor)

 

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