“Well, I’ll go to Orff’s first then.”

The morning of the second day.

I open the window and soar into the sky, where the sun has not yet risen. Of course, I didn’t forget to use Invisible to disappear.

“It’s been a while since I’ve used a double application of ancient magic. The tamer is good, but does anyone else know about ancient magic? I’ve gotten used to Invisible and Levitation, so I’ve been able to keep my magic consumption pretty low.”

It’s not so easy to find them because not many people can use ancient magic and they are old wizards like a grandpa.

With these thoughts in mind, I looked down on the city as I flew through the pleasant skies, enjoying a walk in the air as I explored.

“They’re not going to do anything rash, I guess? At any rate, let’s go to Orff’s place.”

I still couldn’t find Lux, and I landed near the gate with him out of sight.

As I headed towards the place I had checked on my way through, I ran into Orff, who was yawning as he came out. The fact that he’s not wearing any gear suggests that he’s just finished his night shift.

“Huh …… I’ll go home once ……”

(Orff, Orff)

“Fuah!? W-Who the hell!?”

“(Quiet. Come here.)”

“Hey, is that Lars-sama ……? Ah, Yes ……”

I pulled Orff’s sleeve and slipped through to the town side. I made sure no one was around and jumped up on the castle wall.

“Uwah!? I-I’m flying!?”

“Don’t shout too loud, there’s the ground.”

“I’ve never seen magic like this before. So you’re a wizard, aren’t you, Lars-sama?”

“Well, something like that, I guess. How is Naja doing? And has anything changed?”

It’s only been a day, so I don’t think they have any information, but I’ll ask him just in case. Even so, there’s no harm in asking, since they’re sure to be watching the entrance and exit of the gate.

“No problem, I guess. A group of adventurers passed by, but they proved to have been called by the madam. I was just thinking I’d give Naja a chance to sleep in afterwards and then deliver the food.”

Hmm? Just now ……

“Wait a minute, what did you just say?”

“What? I’m going to wash away my sweat after this–“

“No, before that! Didn’t you say, “Madam”? Not “Lord”?”

“Yes, I did. The clan members said that they came here at the behest of Sonia-sama.”

I put my hand over my mouth to think about it, leaving Orff to tilt his head back without a hint of concern …… Why is it not Zanbia? I thought.

It’s not uncommon for wives to interfere with such requests, and even if it’s the wife, Sonia, who says it, it’s usually assumed that the lord, Zanbia, called. It’s not a matter of pride, but a matter of procedure.

I have confirmed that Zanbia’s alive and well, although this is not always the case when the lord is unavailable, as was the case with my mother when she went to Luitzar Kingdom.

So, if Birdie said that Sonia called her, it is very likely that she did not tell Zanbia.

“Thank you, Orff. You’ve given me something to think about.”

“??　Oh, thanks…….”

Orff, who still didn’t get it, nodded his head and said his thanks, then I thought about going to the lord’s mansion today, and took off again in the levitation to send Orff off before people started waking up.

“Hmm? That’s–“

“That’s a carriage with the Reflexion emblem on it.”

“Then that means, it’s Himmel-san.”

I’m sure he won’t be going to the lord’s mansion early in the morning, so they’ll be resting at the inn. It might be possible to contact him and go with him.

“If there are that many people, the captain must have invited them to a big inn. Please let me know if you find out anything else!”

“‘Yeah, take care of Naja there, too.”

Orff laughs, turns halfway around, raises his hand, and staggers off into the city. I hope he’s okay …… I went back to my room after checking the lodging where Himmel-san and the others had arrived, with my hair hanging behind my back. 

“!!”

“Woah!? …… You startled me, Sephiro. What’s wrong?”

“!”

I went in through the window where I had gone out, undid the invisibles and Sephiro came charging into my chest. When I asked him about it, he waved a branch and a bright red flower bloomed on his head, looking like he was protesting.

“Are you mad at me for leaving you alone? Well, I had to put you in a cage and you were sleeping.”

“!!!”

He shook his head at my words, then sat down with his back to me on the desk. I smiled at the unusual sight and lifted him up and put him in the cage.

“You’ll have to be patient until I become a tamer. I’ll take you outside when I’m qualified.”

“!”

So, I took Sephiro, who was finally in a good mood, and we knocked on Makina’s door. 

“Fuah …… Good morning Lars, and Sephiro.”

“♪”

“Good morning, Makina. Where are Basleigh-sensei and Fath-san?”

“Master is out for her morning walk, and Basleigh-sensei is still sleeping. She was up late checking the documents, so I thought I’d let her sleep in a little longer.”

“Ahhh, that kind of thing makes her very serious, doesn’t it. Anyway, I went to see Orff. There was something that bothered me during our conversation, so I’ll tell you about it when we get together. And Himmel-san and the others have arrived.”

“Oh, I see! Then–“

And just as Makina was about to open her mouth, Basleigh-sensei, who was lying on her bed with her stomach exposed, jumped up and down.

“I just heard my brother’s name!?”

“You surprised me …… So you’re awake, teacher.”

“Oh, Makina-chan …… Good morning. I just heard my brother’s name and panicked.”

“What in the world happened with Himmel-san …… Well, it looks like he’s arrived, but he’s gone to the inn. I don’t think he’ll be going to the lord’s mansion yet, so you can go back to sleep, okay?”

“No, if my brother is here, let’s go see him as soon as possible. I’m a little curious about some things. Afu ……”

Basleigh-sensei looked at the documents on her desk and bit back a yawn. Just then, Fath-san also came back from her walk and called out to my back.

“You’re back, Lars. If you don’t do a little better, you’ll be in big trouble, you know? Ho-ho.”

“Geh, you saw me!?”

“If you sublimate your vanishing magic, won’t your companion also disappear?”

…… I’ve never tried it, but I think I might be able to. Maybe I’ll try it with Makina one of these days. After breakfast, we headed over to Himmel-san’s place. I’d like to go check on Birdie and the others, but I think I’ll go to the wife, Sonia, first.

Were they able to see movement in the various camps by now?

How will you respond, Lars?

Thank you for reading!

[Afterword Theater]

“It looks like a battle between two camps from a broad perspective.”

I think that’s after Lux joins up with Lars.

“The wife is definitely suspicious, and it’ll be resolved soon!”

You’re so optimistic!?