Chapter 296 – The Memories of the Sages

“It’s been a while, Henry-sama.”

“Mihaela. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

“Thanks to you. Theodore-sama also reached out to me… I’m currently staying with Theodore-sama while supervising Cecilia.”

As we moved to the dining hall, Father and Mihaela exchanged greetings.

“Hmm. Come to think of it, Mihaela and I have known each other for quite some time now.”

“That’s right. I’ve been in service since the time of the previous Count. Although Theodore-sama is supposed to be keeping his distance publicly… yes. I was relieved to hear about the circumstances.”

Father gave a wry smile at Mihaela’s words.

“Lady Rosetta has arrived.”

Just then, Cecilia appeared. After being told to show her to the dining hall, Rosetta appeared shortly after.

“Good evening. I’m glad to see you’ve returned safely.”

“Yes, good evening, Rosetta-san.”

“Good evening, Teacher.”

Ashley and the others exchanged greetings in this manner.

“Henry. It’s been a while.”

“Ah, Rosetta. You look well too, that’s what matters most.”

“I never neglect my training. You, however… might have gotten a bit rusty, haven’t you?”

“I’ve been busy. I can’t keep up like when I used to hunt monsters with Lisa and you.”

Monster hunting, huh. Since monsters do come from the forest to the Count’s territory as well. Father has also mastered martial arts as a noble’s accomplishment. He said he was good at jousting and mounted archery, so he might not be very compatible with labyrinths. Even if he ultimately stays in the rear, Father said that when the lord stands at the front lines at least once to inspire them, the soldiers’ morale greatly increases.

“Theodore-kun, who is she?”

Valentina noticed Rosetta and called out to her.

“Yes. This is Rosetta Attenborough-san, a lecturer at Peresford Academy. Rosetta-san, this is Siegmund Willcloud, a magician from Silvatoria who is my grandfather, and Valentina-san who was close with my mother.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Rosetta Attenborough.”

“I’m Siegmund Willcloud.”

“I’m Valentina Dornath.”

I introduced the people meeting for the first time in this way.

As dinner preparations progressed, a wonderful aroma filled the dining hall. Today’s dishes featured plenty of seafood. Apparently, due to the effects of the Sealed Door of the Magic Light Water Vein being opened, there has been continuous abundant fishing. Steamed clams in sake, bright red shrimp… quite appetizing dishes were being laid out.

“…Is something wrong?”

When I glanced at Daryl, he looked somewhat troubled. When I asked, he gave me a subtle expression.

“Well, it’s just that… Theodore-sama’s grandfather seems to have quite a dignified air about him…”

I see… Not so much troubled as nervous, I suppose. He seemed to have sensed something from Old Sigmund’s attire and demeanor.

I heard that during the previous Count’s lifetime, Daryl and Byron were both disciplined by a strict grandfather. He probably has an aversion to people who carry an air of authority as elders. Moreover, given our history too.

“…While he is indeed from Silvatoria nobility… he may look dignified, but he’s quite approachable. Regarding your matter with me, it’s already been resolved and he has no intention of bringing it up again.”

“Ah, ah.”

When I said this in a low voice, Daryl gave a small nod. Daryl was hardly involved in the matter concerning my mother. And our issue… was really nothing more than a childish quarrel.

While Daryl and I were having that conversation, dinner preparations had been completed before I knew it. Well then, let’s eat.

“—Lady Lisa said… ‘I’m going to hunt monsters here, so everyone please cooperate.’ While she had the villagers use bows and spears to keep the Goblins at bay after transforming the village into a fortress-like structure with fences made using Wood Magic, she took on the Ogre and the Goblin chieftain.”

During dinner, Grace was sharing fond memories.

…How nostalgic. That remains vaguely in my memory too. If I recall correctly… it was when we traveled south. The Goblin chieftain who could use magic had used Charm magic on the Ogre to bring it to their side, and they attacked.

The Charm magic used by chieftains is relatively effective against creatures like Ogres that live prioritizing instinct above all. Therefore, groups of Goblins led by exceptional chieftains sometimes have unexpected monsters as bodyguards, which dramatically increases their danger level.

Usually, it’s about Orc-level, but that group that had brought in an Ogre would have caused considerable damage if left alone. Well, even though it’s called Charm magic, it’s not particularly advanced. Against humans and such, it seems reason overcomes the charm’s effect, making it less effective.

“If I remember correctly—the Goblin chieftain tried to cast magic, but Grace threw a brick from a rooftop and took him down.”

“That was reckless of you.”

“Lady Lisa was drawing their attention… so I thought even if I failed, I could just run away immediately.”

At Rosetta’s words, Grace smiled, placing a hand on her chest.

“And then… how did you defeat the Ogre?”

“Since the chieftain was defeated, there were no more long-range attacks. I used Levitation to bring it high up into the sky.”

Once you use Levitation, no matter how Tough the Ogre is, it can’t resist. Without the chieftain’s support attacks, you could leisurely fly through the air using Levitation without even needing the secret technique of wings.

“You dropped it, then.”

“Lisa used to do that sometimes against large enemies that couldn’t fly. She said it saved magical power.”

Rosetta gave a wry smile.

“Hmm. I did teach her to effectively use small magics, but…”

“At that time, she dropped the Ogre onto the Goblins… and then made rocks fall from above too.”

Ogres have regeneration abilities too, so she probably wanted to be extra thorough.

“Since Lisa went to the Count’s territory, opportunities to meet decreased… but it seems she hasn’t changed.”

“…What do you mean, even in the labyrinth?”

“Yes. Since she seemed to have reserves left, as someone accompanying her, it was reassuring that she could act calmly.”

Old Sigmund and Valentina seemed interested in Grace and Rosetta’s stories, nodding along.

“Lisa—Patricia was indeed skilled with magic. Though it was a flaw that strange tastes sometimes emerged when she made tools.”

“Ah. That’s true. I had her make weapons for me too, so I understand.”

“But she holds back with small children, you know. I wonder if it’s because I got scared?”

Rosetta and Valentina nodded as if convinced… but she probably held back with me and Grace too, I think.

“What kind of things did she make?”

Seraphina asked. Marlene also seemed interested, looking this way.

“…Hmm. Like this.”

I used Earth Magic to create a skeleton. Though it’s not particularly imposing and has a somewhat stylized form, the general direction should be clear.

“I don’t dislike it.”

When Sheila said this while looking at it, Marlene also nodded repeatedly. Claudia and Irmhild, however, wore wry smiles.

After dinner, everyone moved to the game room, playing games and talking… we spent a relaxing time.

Daryl seemed to have taken a liking to darts, though his skill still has room for improvement. He was trying different things, adjusting his form.

“Theodore-dono.”

While I was playing billiards with Grace and Rosemary at a good stopping point, Donato, Camilla’s father, came to speak with me.

“What is it?”

“I’d like to ask about your plans from tomorrow onward, if that’s alright?”

Ah. Regarding Elliot and Camilla… even if their own feelings aren’t an issue, he’s probably concerned about the surrounding circumstances. Donato seems to have grown tired of the power struggles in the capital and settled in the Barony of Silun… it would be better to discuss things thoroughly beforehand. Let’s proceed with the discussion involving Ashley and Elliot, Kennel… and Camilla and Donato too.

“Very well. First, regarding the Barony of Silun…”

“As long as Ashley is the lord, I have no intention of changing that situation. From what I’ve heard, she’s quite popular among adventurers, and I hear things are running smoothly with Ashley as lord.”

When Elliot looked toward Kennel, Kennel nodded and replied.

“That’s right. Indeed… there are adventurers who were helped by Ashley-sama, and some even come all the way from Termwills. The territory is quite stable.”

“Though I might seem unreliable now… I want to become a lord that Father and Mother, and Elliot-niisama can be proud of.”

Ashley said, looking directly at Donato. Donato narrowed his eyes as he looked at Ashley.

“…I might disappoint you by not becoming lord, but…”

“No.”

Donato shook his head.

“I can’t imagine entrusting Camilla to anyone but you. Whether you’re the lord or not is irrelevant. Please, take good care of my daughter.”

“Father…”

“I promise. I will definitely make her happy.”

In response to Donato’s words, Elliot nodded, looking straight into his eyes.

Hmm. The remaining issue is Elliot’s uncertain position… but presenting some positive aspects here should help reassure them.

“His Majesty Melvin said he wouldn’t treat Sir Elliot’s future position poorly. He also said he would take his relationship with Ashley into consideration.”

I briefly glanced at Rosemary, and she nodded as if understanding, then made a thoughtful gesture while hiding her mouth with her feather fan. She was analyzing King Melvin’s intentions.

“Both his sword and magic skills are more than sufficient. His lineage isn’t a problem either. Probably… he’ll either be granted a knighthood and assigned to a knight order, or placed in a position where he can utilize the connections he built in Silvatoria. I think he’ll be kept in the capital for now—but later, there’s a high possibility he’ll be assigned to the north.”

“I see…”

Donato nodded, looking impressed. Camilla also had a serious expression since this conversation concerned her own future too.

“We’re scheduled to have a meeting with His Majesty about this matter on the next full moon. If both of you could attend as well, it might be more likely to turn out according to your wishes. Please stay until then.”

There’s still some time until the full moon, and there’s also the matter of procuring materials for the airship. In the meantime, we’ll proceed with conquering the labyrinth.