Before leaving, Fynn drew a magic circle in the back room of the mansion.
It's the magic circle for activating the 'Transference Amulet' that I got before this. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier and more fun.
This time we decided to use it for travel purposes.
I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do with it. Until then, we'll be at home preparing for the trip.
By the way, Iris and Rafilia are scheduled to come back another day after they finish their business.
I've been waiting for the preparations for the "transference magic" to be ready while I was checking my luggage and so on.
He's here. Nagi-sama!
Around noon that day, Cecil knocked on the door of my room.
''I can feel the magic power of the magic circle activation. It looks like it's ready to go.''
Yeah.
I opened the door.
Cecil was in the corridor with his 'magic power' activated, and Rita was carrying a package.
I'm going to check the house one last time. Make sure there's no fire and that we haven't forgotten anything.
Yes, Mr. Nagy! It's a real world!
Me, Cecil, and Rita split up to check the fire and lockdown.
My room is clear. The window in the hallway is also closed. Aine and Cutlass's room is ...... not allowed to be entered without permission. The windows were closed when I checked from outside the house, so let's call it a day.
'Oh, Nagi. Is everything okay over there?
I was looking at the ground floor lockup when I locked my eyes with Rita as she came down the stairs.
'I've seen everything downstairs. How are the doors in everyone's rooms locked?
I checked everything. All clear.
Rita looked straight into my eyes and nodded.
'By the way, ...... is Rita feeling okay? You're not tired or sick, are you?
It occurred to me, I asked Rita.
I forgot. I had to check with Rita about this.
"My condition?
Yeah. I don't want to put Rita's body through any more strains.
A burden?
Rita's cherry-red eyes widened.
Then she held her chest and took a deep breath and──.
'Nagi puts a ...... burden on my body! S-, that's ......
You're surprised.
I guess I didn't explain myself well enough. I'm not a master yet, am I?
I should have spoken to you about this in detail to see how Rita wanted to handle this. It's an important part of her body.
I'm not going to force Rita to do anything she doesn't want to.
Yeah, I know. "Yeah. It might be a little difficult. That's why I wanted to make sure she's okay.
...... na, nagi......
'I can't burden my dearest friends with my selfishness, you know. If it's too difficult, I'll find a way for Rita to accept it.
...... wow, wow. Wow.
Rita looks at me with a pouty face.
And then she squeezes her eyes shut and looks up.
Nagi. Wa-wa-wa-wa, I...
''So if you're afraid of 'transference magic', then say it right. Rita wasn't good at magic that changed space or shifted, was she?
............ Huh?
When I said that, Rita got a pouty look on her face.
Huh? Rita, you're forgetting. You know.
I remember it so well because it was the first quest we ever took.
It was right after we arrived in the commercial city of Metekal.
During the Wizard's House exploration quest, there was a spatial mutation trap that was triggered by the room's shape.
Rita was very uncomfortable at the time. I knew then that Rita, who has a well-developed semicircular canal, doesn't like to get caught up in the warping and changing of space.
You're going to be able to find out the best way to get the most out of this new system.
I explained to Rita that ─ ─ so I explained to her that .......
''Oh, yes.''
Rita nods, for some reason, with a distracted look on her face.
'............ nah, nah. That kind of thing: ......
What did you think it was about?
Uh-uh. It's nothing! It's nothing!
Rita shook her golden hair and shook her head, buzzing and shaking her head.
'But ...... it is. Nagi, my weakness, you remembered my weakness ......
I'm not surprised.
Thanks, but I'm fine! But I'm over the moon!
Really?
It's true!
'No forcing. Our party's motto is 'We don't do what we can't do.'
Add to that the "keep as much peace around us as possible" thing now.
That's what we're going to see Delilah for.
If you can't make the transition, we can go in the carriage by ourselves. That sounds like a lot of fun.
You know. Nagi's such a worrier, you know?
Rita turned her chest away and looked at me.
'If I say it's okay, it's okay. Let's go, Master, Cecil, we're waiting for you.
Then Rita tugged on my hand.
'Yes, Nagi, tell me one thing.'
Halfway down the hallway, Rita suddenly turned around.
'This trip is also a continuation of the 'company trip', right?'
Yes.
'...... means, you know. Can we use 'blaykoh' again this time, ......?
Of course.
I nodded.
'I'm sorry for worrying Rita and the others about my being kidnapped the other day. And to make up for it.
You have to remember that, right?
Rita exhaled, "Hmmm," and then chuckled.
'I'll do my best ......, I'll do my best. I'm going to show my master how serious Rita-Melpheus is, so I'm going to show him what I mean by .......
For some reason, Rita turned her eyes away from me and declared this.
About ten minutes later
"Na...... nagii......... I'm getting lightheaded.
Are you okay? Rita.
"...... is weird. When is the transition going to end ......
Get a grip. We've been at the sanctuary for a while now.
...... Wow. Where are you, master?
I'll be right next door. Here.
...... more sizzle ......
Huh?
Wow. ......
Hey. Stop rubbing your cheeks.
...... This is how I feel at home.
You know, behind the ear. And that's a hair.
...... I'm just checking out Nagi's shape. The place next to Nagi is my place. I need to make sure that my master is there with me, otherwise I won't feel comfortable. That's what a good slave does: ............
Rita looked up.
Our eyes met.
Rita looked to the side.
I locked eyes with Cecil.
Then Rita looked around and noticed that she was sitting on top of the magic circle, hugging me, and that this was the villa of the "retreat Micheline" - and
Finally, I turned to Aine, Laetitia, and Cutlass, who are watching us all around...
This is my book.
A single coughing fit, as if to cover something up.
Then, after putting his hands on his hips and nodding his head yes...
"Well, that's what I'm talking about, Fynn, your 'Amulet of Transition'! Nope. It's amazing how easily you can move us around so much. Perfect. As expected of an 'artifact domination skill' created by Nagi!
...... I think it's too late to be cool now, Rita.
Wow.
Rita flattened her beast ears and held her head up. 'Cute.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I guess I pushed you too hard.
It's not impossible. This is nothing to me. The Nagi care for me too much.
As I was about to say, Rita pouted and turned her head to the side.
I patted Rita's head. I'm sure I've pushed you too hard.
...... I think we should probably keep the 'transference magic' for emergencies only.
'So Fynn. What are your thoughts on using the transference artifact?
That's not very efficient.
Fynn said, squatting next to the magicians.
You could tell it wasn't Cutlass by the color of his eyes and his clothes. Fynn likes fluffy, thin clothes. Right now, she's wearing a white dress with a bow. I think it's Aine who chose it. I'm sure she's proud of it.
"I'm not very efficient with my magic, huh? It's a good thing that this resort is a place where magic energy can easily gather.
Maybe it chooses the user. This still needs to be studied. Arujidono.
Is it possible for Iris and Raphilia to transfer?
'It's all right. In the name of Fynn-Mutran.
Okay. You can tell me more about that later.
Yes, sir.
Fynn pinched the hem of the dress and bowed deeply.
''The 'Transition Amulet' is a cheat item in the middle of a cheat, so I guess I need to do some more research.
''Speaking of which, did all three of you do okay during the trip? Did you get hurt or something? It looks like you were involved in a battle.
It's no problem at all.
Ms. Cutlass was very helpful.
Well, as long as Cutlass can handle it, there's no problem!
My question is answered by Letitia, Aine and Fynn.
'It's just that I'm worried about the security situation on the streets. The cause is ......
...... 'Demi-human conflict'.
Rita took over Aine's words.
Then Rita looked at me, lowered her eyes...
...... Sorry about that. I wish I could have gotten more information from Ilgafa's adventurer's guild...
The guild over there is still dysfunctional.
Let's leave it to Natalia to rebuild it.
Me, Iris and Rafilia did everything we could to help.
We'll see what we can find out later.
Later, Aine will try to gather information from the Adventurer's Guild at the retreat (here).
As if to regain her attention, Aine clapped her hands with a 'pan'.
Fufu ...... Aine and Iris-chan and the others have made the guild here giggle before, right?
Come to think of it, that's what happened to me: .......
Aine, a former 'Common People's Guild' master apprentice, is well versed in the rules of the guild and the back rules.
It would be best to leave the gathering of information related to the guild to Aine.
''Well, even if I say investigation, it's just to be sure: ....... I'm still worried about you.
When I said that, everyone nodded in unison.
Of course, it's not the security of the streets that they're worried about, not the 'Demi-human conflict' itself - it's Rita, who looks anxious next to me. Maybe everyone else is too. Because Cecil, Aine, Letitia and Fynn are all looking at Rita with kind eyes.
Apparently, the "Demi-human conflict" takes place in the forest. The sub-humans who live in the forest are famous for their beastmen and elves. Rafilia is 'made by the ancient elves', so it's irrelevant if the elves are fighting, but Rita is from a tribe of beastmen.
So I guess that's why I can't help but wonder about the 'Demi-human conflict'.
(...... but even if the beastmen were involved, it wouldn't matter to Rita anymore.)
Rita has been left behind by the tribe of beastmen and picked up by the cult of the Goddess of Mercy. The last time she was in the tribe of beastmen was when she was a little kid. Whatever happened, it's none of Rita's business now.
Rita is our family now.
That's why I'm only investigating this matter 'just in case'.
I want to investigate it just in case I end up saying "I should have looked into it after all" afterwards, so I want to end the conversation here, just in case. That's all.
''In that case, let's let Cutlass help you too.
Next to Letitia, Fynn raised his hand.
'There is a merchant I know in this retreat, Mr. Dolgor. I have to report that Cutlass couldn't become a knight - or, more accurately, didn't become one - but I have to report that. In the meantime, I will gather information from the merchant's side.
Thanks, Fynn.
For your sake and for the sake of your people.
Fynn laughed at that.
He chuckled to reassure me and, to that, Rita.
'So, Rita,'
"...... um, yeah. Nagi.
If you're feeling better, let's have dinner.
I touched Rita's animal ears.
We'll have a full meal first, and then when things settle down we'll go shopping. I heard that there are fish that can only be found in this resort, so let's eat them and then tomorrow we'll go see Delilah (my friend).
Rita looked me straight in the eye and then nodded widely.
'Right. So much for getting serious.
Yeah. That's enough for now.
Me and Rita looked at each other and laughed.
Cecil, Aine, and Fynn look kind of convinced, though Leticia is looking away with an embarrassed look on her face.
''Well then, let's have a meeting tomorrow. Over a leisurely cup of tea.
I'm ready to go.
Aine, dressed in her maid's uniform, held up one finger and said.
'As expected of Aine, you're well prepared.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah. Great.
So long. I want my reward.
A reward?
That's unusual. Aine's making that statement.
"Okay. Is there something you want?
It's not what I want, I just want someone to help me with my chores tomorrow while Naykun and the others go see Saint Delilira.
Doing housework?
'Yes, I've been away for about ten days and I'm still worried about the dust and stuff. I can't let my precious master and his slave companion live in a dirty house.
In that case, why don't we all just clean up tomorrow.
No, let's not change our plans.
Well, there's the matter of the War of the Subhumans. The road to Delililah's labyrinth isn't always safe, either. I think it's best if you go see Delilah while there's still time.
Yes. Then I'll be the one to help you, Aine.
It's a good thing that you're able to do that.
I want to learn a lot of things from you, Aine.
'Odd. Aine has a lot to teach Cecil, too.
You're kindred spirits.
We have a connection.
Pan, pan, and Cecil and Aine clasped their hands together.
'If the two of you are convinced, then I guess that's fine.
'Then it will be me, Nagi-san and Rita-san who will go to the Saint's Labyrinth.
Letitia said.
''I've always been interested in the legendary saint.
That was it.
It's enough in terms of strength. We're not going on a quest, and if we meet a strong enemy, we can at least run away.
I understand. Then Rita and Letitia, you will accompany me to Mr. Delilah's tomorrow.
I understand.
...... um, yeah. Okay.
Rita looks curiously at Cecil and Aine in a friendly pose.
Now our plans are set.
Let's meet up with Delilira-san as soon as possible and get some work done.
Because I want to have a "just play" situation by the time Iris and Rafilia arrive.
-Rita's point of view...
After Nagi's story is over, everyone goes about their business.
I've always wondered about Nagi and Cecil.
It's strange to me.
...... Maybe it's just my imagination, but lately I've been feeling that the distance between Nagi and Cecil has become very close.
It's not a physical distance, but a kind of emotional distance.
I got the feeling that Cecil was at home with Nagi.
Of course, it's not that Cecil was originally nervous around Nagi, but ...... it's more natural now, it's just that she's more comfortable with her movements and breathing. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with us.
Is there some kind of secret between us? You can't tell me, but are you sure you won't tell me?
No. ...... It's different.
I'm not going to tell you anything about it. It's a good thing that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're a demon.
It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of your time with the help of a good friend. Sometimes I wonder if I'm being overconfident, but I can feel that our hearts are connected.
If this Cecil-chan is going to keep something secret from me, it is going to be ...... that it is going to be Nagi's - our master.
I wonder if something happened between the two of them?
Between Cecil and Nagi.
It's something that you both would have to keep to yourself...
Cecil said something that made her feel very safe.
Which means that Cecil's dream is about to come true...
Whoa.
Oh, wow. Wow. ────
When I returned to my room, I couldn't help but toss and turn on the floor.
Wow. I just imagined it.
Nagi and Cecil were together, hugging each other and...
Rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble!
No, no, no. No, you can't just roll around like that, they'll hear you.
Hey, relax. Don't be embarrassed, me. Prepare yourself, me.
Because if that's what happened to Nagi and Cecil (・・・・・), it's a very natural thing to do.
It's embarrassing when I imagine it, and it makes my heart beat so hard I feel like it's going to break, but it also warms my heart. Because this is what you have always wanted, and you knew it would happen in the future. And besides, because of me....
"-Wow. Wow.
The next thing I know I'm hugging my pillow and fumbling around the edges. No, no, no, Aine will be mad at me.
But ...... what to do.
If you ask ...... what happened to Cecil-chan, you can tell me what's going on ...... and you'll tell me. I'm sure you'll tell me .......
And say.
It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends and family.
I'm going to have to go to the store and get a copy of ...... and then I'm going to have to go to the store and then I'm going to get a copy of .......
...... What can I do about it?
Do I just hug Nagi like that? I don't know if I can do that ....... I wonder if I will be shy and run away. Then Nagi - master, you will be in trouble. What if he thinks I don't like it? That would never happen. Oh, but but ...... but but!
"...... is ugh.
At first, I sat upright on the floor.
And then, with a tap on the cheek, I pulled myself together...
............ Right now, it's all about the saints first.
For now, I've decided to put it off.
Nah, because I'm Nagi's slave. Master asked me to help with the 'Visit to the Saint's Home'. I have to put my personal matters on the back burner.
I don't think that's the right way to be a slave. That is the proper way to be a slave.
I know I'm running away from ...... stuff.
I'm not prepared for this. I am.
I can be honest when I'm connected to Nagi in "Ability Rebuild" .......
But ............ is on hold for now. That's what I've decided.
Because both Aine and Cutlass are looking into The Demihuman Conflict. I have to put my work first too.
...... demi-humans ...... if it were a tribe crossing the forest ......
That's really, if it's a beastie: .......
I shook my head in a panic.
Because it doesn't matter anymore.
Even if it was the 'tribe of beastmen' that I was in. I belong to Nagi now, and Cecil and the others are my family. I am certain of that, and it will never waver completely.
Even Nagi said that. He said he was gathering information only as a precaution.
If the roads were blocked, it would affect the flow of goods to the port city of Ilgafa. Iris and the others would also be in trouble, and they would also be involved in Nagi's plan for the 'Heavenly Dragon's Blessing'. That's why I'm investigating the information, and I'm also involved in it for Nagi and his family.
So when I hear about the Demihuman Conflict, it doesn't bother me so much.
I've got more important things to do.
That's why I'm mindlessly holding my head up, worrying and embarrassed - and hoping for the best.
Nagi and Cecil, the future with you guys.
And...
'Or, in the wrong sense of the word, 'blink-and-you'll-miss-it'.
Bullshit.
No, no, no, my face is hot. I'm still coming back to the same place.
Oh, my God. What am I going to do? We've already decided not to do this.
Because - let's say that - if that's the case - and I've made up my mind - I don't know how I'm going to tell Nagi that I'm ready.
Because of me, I feel like I'm going to fizzle out at the crucial point and fail.
Unless there's a way to tell ...... and somehow, somehow, and yet accurately: ......
I think that's a higher level than "Chii and Sukiru".
...... Let's wash our faces and calm down. Yup.
I was thinking about that when I left the room.
bang
'Huh? Rita. Just in time.
The master (Nagi) was standing in the hallway in front of the room.
I didn't notice him because I was so caught up in my own thoughts.
It was my shoulder that I touched. But I felt a burning sensation there. My heart begins to beat fast, overlapping with the images that had been in my head just a moment ago. When I look up, my eyes collide with Nagi's. Her pitch-black eyes are the same as always, looking straight at me. I know we're connected through "Soul Engagement," but you don't think you can read my heart, do you? You're not doing mind linkage, are you? It's okay, right?
Wha... wha... wha...?
"? Yeah. Aine was cleaning up the yard and she found something weird. I thought we'd check it out together.
Strange?
"Cecil called it 'The Message Golem,'
"The Message Golem.
A golem created by a high-ranking magician to contain words.
It begins to speak in response to the target's magical power.
It is often used to convey secret messages and the like. Basically, they are disposable.
It's not difficult to break, so it can't be used for traps.
"Does it belong to you, Saint?
It's similar to the 'work golem' in the labyrinth, so I think so. I don't have any proof, but...
'Hahahahaha! You're back at last! O master of quaintness and my good friends!
"[............]
It was a saint.
Cecil-chan, I think I accidentally activated it.
The voice comes from the living room. It's not loud enough to echo outside, but loud enough for everyone to hear. With my beastly hearing, I could clearly tell that it was the voice of the Saintess.
It sounds like she left a message for us when we return, Saintess.
'But why? No way, is there an emergency?
It's enough to plant a golem in the garden of a villa.
'By the time you hear this message, Mr. Delilira will be very bored!
"[......] I lost my mind worrying about it!
"So I'm going to ask you a favor. 'So I'd like you to go along with me as I experiment with Delilira's new item. Maybe it will help you to make your wishes come true. As for you guys, I'm sure you'll be enjoying your trip in a carefree manner, so I won't pester you. Delilira-san, I'll be waiting for you forever. See you later!
Poof, the message was over.
'...... Well, I'm glad to see you're doing well, Delilira.
What's that 'wish-fulfillment item' at ...... too, ......?
I looked at my master and said.
Delilira-san is a high-ranking surgeon, even that one, and a person of the rank of a saint.
Maybe that's why he created ...... a really amazing magic item.
'Let's go and check it out.
Yeah, I know.
Okay, now I can say it in a normal voice.
My face is ...... getting all hot again.
Nagi, you haven't noticed, have you ......?
It's only the first day of the trip and my heart is throbbing. I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep it up until the end of the trip - I'm worried about it.
''- An item of a saintly woman, eh?
If it's a true wish come true...
...... You know what, Master?
I mumbled secretly and took Nagi's hand.
'Don't you think it's a slave's job to experiment with prototype magic items and stuff like that?
I can't let you take that risk.
Moo Moo!
'Why are you mad as fast as you can!
Well, it's okay.
It's all in the morning. You don't know what to expect.
Then let's have a meeting. I'll have Cecil-chan evaluate the "Golem of Messages" as well.
Also, I'd like to hear Delilira's message one more time.
You never know what you've missed.
"Let's just get the hard stuff out of the way and be carefree, okay? Master.
With that, I, Rita-Melpheus, took my master's hand in mine.