Chapter 524 – The Return of Duke Devonis

When Sheila brought out the drum set, it drew the attention of the Sirens.

Since it was originally a casual gathering, the five of them—Irmhild, Sheila, Justia, Dominique, and Cyrille—performed the same content they usually present at the theater for the people of Grantios, and it seemed to be quite well-received.

I also helped with the stage production as a substitute for magic tools. I created effects with light and bubbles, and when their performance ended, there was loud applause.

“Is this what Marion was talking about?”

“Yes. It’s the same as what we saw at the Termwills theater. It was based on Theodore-sama’s magic, wasn’t it?”

Since we had used the Water Guardian’s magic as part of the entertainment during the ducal banquet. So indeed, the story relayed through Marion had served as a hint.

“I plan to install the same thing on the stage at the cove and the mansion.”

“That’s… something to look forward to.”

The Sirens seemed excited by my words.

“If we change the materials, we might be able to make something similar to Sheila-san’s instruments too.”

“It’s like stretching skins over tubes of different sizes, right?”

“Let’s try experimenting with several materials when we return.”

They seemed to be getting excited about topics like the drum set. There are aspects where we won’t know the suitability of materials until we test them… but if we can make it practical, would it become an underwater drum set?

“That percussion instrument is good. It seems like even we could handle it.”

Even the Fishfolk showed some interest in the drum set. Hmm. It does seem like it would suit them.

“If you could share the experimental results with us, that would be helpful. The labyrinth has various materials that seem resistant to water, so if needed, I can assist in development.”

“Thank you.”

Marion and the others bowed their heads at my words.

“Speaking of which, I heard Claudia-sama taught you various songs,” someone said, changing the topic slightly.

The Sirens might have heard from Irmhild or Justia. When attention turned to Claudia, she cleared her throat once, looking slightly embarrassed, then nodded.

“That’s right. Some of the songs I know were originally taught to me by Lamias or Sirens.”

These were songs passed down by the residents of the Labyrinth Village.

“We want to hear Claudia-sama sing!”

“Yeah!”

Urged by the Mermaid children, Claudia narrowed her eyes and nodded.

“Is that so? Compared to you all, it’s nothing special, but I can sing a little.”

“In that case… please use my lute.”

When Irmhild handed her lute to Claudia, Claudia accepted it, paused for a moment, then closed her eyes, played a melody, and let her singing voice resonate.

The music Claudia played—how to put it—tended to be gentle or cheerful in atmosphere. Things like lullabies or songs celebrating the harvest. Claudia had been modest… but her singing voice was clear and pleasant to listen to.

After singing several songs, Claudia returned the lute to Irmhild. Applause rose from those around, and Claudia seemed a bit embarrassed.

The banquet night passed slowly in such a peaceful atmosphere.

Now. That night, it was decided that everyone would stay on the island.

They would spend one night in the cove facilities and the mansion’s guest rooms. It seemed they had each brought their own bedding. Those who could use the Humanization Spell would stay in the mansion and tree houses. Those who couldn’t would stay in the cove. For the cove-side lodging facilities, I’d have Caduceus stand by for communication and security duties.

As for those staying on the mansion side who could use the Humanization Spell… there are quite a few Mermaids and Sirens, as expected.

“You can use fresh water fairly freely, so please do so if needed. The large bath also has hot water available, but magical power is required to operate the magic tool.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

Rovisa nodded. I explained the various facilities regarding the stay. Water is also available on the tree house side, but there’s no bath magic tool. If necessary, they can use the bath on the mansion side.

“The stage next to the main building is basically complete as well. For just regular singing, there should be no problem.”

“Thank you. It’s quite late today, so please let us take a look tomorrow when the sun is a bit higher.”

The Siren clan leader smiled. Yeah. The Sirens seem to be considerate of their surroundings regarding their usual singing practice and such. That aspect seems fine without worry.

The next day—

After waking up during a leisurely time, we had a slightly late breakfast on the mansion’s rooftop terrace. Since there were still leftovers from the ingredients brought from Grantios, it turned into quite a lavish breakfast.

The view—since you can see the ocean from here—isn’t bad either. That day was also beautifully clear, and the blue ocean was truly beautiful.

“My, my. These past few days have been thoroughly enjoyable. Now I can return to my territory with peace of mind.”

Grand Duke Debonnis said this as breakfast was winding down.

“I’m sorry that I don’t have the impression that I hosted you particularly well.”

“Not at all. The magic construction exceeded what I’d heard, and I’ve been thoroughly entertained by you, Ambassador. However, I cannot leave my territory unattended for too long.”

He did say he would return after seeing the island’s modifications.

It seems Grand Duke Debonnis received a good impression from the people of the duchy as well, so this might have been a fruitful journey for him.

“Understood. When you’re ready, just let me know, and I’ll send you back to your territory.”

When I said this, Grand Duke Debonnis broke into a smile and nodded.

If I send him back with teleportation magic, he’ll probably return to one of the Moon Temples in the duchy or the Grantios stone monument.

We could either have the Sirius come to pick him up, or bring the Lindwurm along. It wouldn’t be too much trouble.

Normally, there aren’t that many people on this island. Security-wise, placing a stone monument on this island gives me some pause. Hmm…

“Um. Is it possible to make the Sirius a teleportation base?”

When I asked Claudia, she widened her eyes slightly but nodded after thinking.

“That’s right. Considering that Alpha was originally a Guardian of the labyrinth, closer to a Spirit, it should be possible. If we consider the ship as an enclave, we can view it as a labyrinth section—or rather, Alpha as the spirit governing the land, with Theodore as the lord ruling that territory. If we establish a contract magic and set the conditions, for me, it would be no different from teleporting to part of the labyrinth.”

Hmm. In that case, the Sirius’s convenience would increase further. On the return trip, we could just come back directly to the Sirius.

“Then next time, we will visit you.”

“Oh. I look forward to that.”

“We will also accompany you at that time.”

When Oscar and Vanessa, along with his wife and Leslie, bowed, Grand Duke Debonnis responded with a gentle smile.

After Grand Duke Debonnis finished greeting the Driscoll ducal family, he went around greeting Queen Eldorene and Princess Stephania as well.

“Master. Your preparations for departure are complete.”

The servants of the Grand Duke Debonnis household also seemed to have finished various confirmations. Grand Duke Debonnis nodded, bid farewell to Marlene last, then turned back to face us.

“My apologies for the trouble.”

“Understood. Then, let’s proceed.”

I looked at Claudia and nodded.

Grand Duke Debonnis quietly bowed to the seeing-off party.

Then, enveloped in the glow of teleportation magic—when the light subsided, we were at a Moon Temple in Baltwissel. The air was different from the island’s, carrying the distinctive warmth of the southern inland region.

“Oh…”

The servants widened their eyes and looked around.

“Teleportation magic is truly amazing.”

“Though it consumes quite a bit of magical power if conditions aren’t met. Anyway, I’ll escort you to the castle.”

“Thank you.”

Since walking him back seemed somewhat lacking, I used Create Golem to create Golem horses and a carriage.

In Termwills, we normally have carriages and can fly, so it doesn’t get much use, but…

“This is… creating a carriage. It’s really convenient.”

“It’s a temporary golem, so it’s only for short-term use.”

“No, no. Earthen horses are quite interesting too.”

Grand Duke Debonnis said cheerfully. The servants boarded the carriage with somewhat trepidatious expressions, and we set off toward the castle of Baltwissel.

I’ll take the driver’s seat for now. Sitting in the driver’s seat with Claudia, we proceeded along the road.

“Ah, Otherworld Ambassador!”

As we approached the castle gate, a soldier saw my face, made a surprised expression, and saluted. It seems he remembered my face.

“Good day. Today I’m accompanying Grand Duke Debonnis to the castle to see him off.”

“I-I see. Welcome back. My apologies for the delayed greeting.”

When Grand Duke Debonnis showed his face through the carriage’s small window, the soldiers bowed with apologetic expressions.

“No. We didn’t come through the main gate. You have no fault, so there’s no need to worry.”

Saying this, Grand Duke Debonnis shook his head.

The soldiers looked somewhat relieved but immediately ran off to contact Philip, the heir of the grand ducal household who was managing affairs in his absence.

Then, when we were admitted into the castle with the carriage, Philip came out to greet us.

“Oh. Welcome back. Ambassador, Claudia-sama, it’s been a while.”

When we met face-to-face, Philip broke into a smile and bowed. Philip knows about teleportation magic-related matters, so he seemed more welcoming than surprised, showing no signs of confusion.

“It’s been a while, Philip-sama.”

We returned the greeting to Philip.

“This journey to the west. It was truly a journey with many gains.”

There were probably many stories to tell, but the Grand Duke seemed to have decided to first tell Philip about what he gained from the western journey.

“That’s… wonderful news. I’ve heard about the reconciliation in Termwills.”

“Indeed. The path to friendship with the ducal family has been paved. It will be up to you to build the trust from here on.”

“I humbly accept. I will carry on your wise decisions and make constant efforts to ensure the relationship between our families remains favorable for generations to come.”

Philip bent his knee, kneeling before Grand Duke Debonnis as he spoke.

Trust, huh. That’s right. Grand Duke Debonnis probably won’t retire immediately, but from now on, Philip will be the one interacting with the ducal family. Grand Duke Debonnis paved the way, and Philip will solidify the trust—that’s probably how it will be.

Looking at the ducal family side, Oscar is also reliable, so with this, the next generation should be secure.