Chapter 94 – Autumn Night

“It’s been a while, Beryne-san.”

“Oh my, Ashley-sama. Have you been well since we last met?”

“Yes, thankfully.”

Ashley, Forestbird, Grace, and Heather – all of whom were acquainted with Beryne – were chatting with her. From Ashley’s perspective, Beryne and Rosetta might have played something of a matchmaking role.

“I heard it was your birthday, but this is quite lively.”

After finishing her greetings with everyone, she turned to speak with me.

“Yeah. I didn’t expect this many people to gather though.”

“That must mean you’re doing well.”

As she looked around, her eyes settled on Mildred, who was sipping fruit wine by the wall.

Whether she knew Mildred was the Knight Order Commander or not, a slight look of surprise appeared on Beryne’s face.

“…Theodore-san?”

“Yes?”

“Isn’t that person the Knight Order Commander?”

“That’s right.”

“Are you close with the Knight Order Commander?”

Hmm. If you ask if I’m close with Mildred… I don’t think we’re that close. If anything, I feel like she’s taken a liking to me. It seems our strategy during the demon attack really appealed to her.

“Well, I’ve had various dealings with the Knight Order. That’s probably why,” I said.

As we were talking, Mildred must have overheard and came over.

“I’ve been entrusted to stand in for His Majesty. While there’s a personal aspect to it, it’s also because the members of our Knight Order are usually in your care.”

“His Majesty Melvin…?”

Beryne looked puzzled.

“Beryne-senpai.”

Heather whispered something to Beryne. Beryne’s face then showed genuine astonishment before she let out a dry laugh.

“Haha. Repelling demons and being a direct retainer of His Majesty. I knew you had potential, but… this exceeds my expectations. I underestimated you.”

She quietly bowed her head to me.

“Not at all. I think her story was a good one.”

“Fufu. I’ve been quite rude.”

Beryne’s attitude didn’t feel malicious, so I couldn’t really get angry about it. Well, I suppose this is about what you’d expect for a reunion conversation.

“How long will you be staying here?”

“I won’t be staying long. I plan to ride back in Count Gartner’s dragon palanquin. As for the Barony of Silun… you can rest assured that both the monsters on the highway and the relationship between adventurers and Lord Kennel have somewhat stabilized.”

“I think Ashley would be happy to hear about Kennel.”

“That’s true. I’ll do that then.”

Beryne went over to where Ashley was and started talking with her.

At one point, Marian passed by nearby and greeted Beryne by pinching the hem of her skirt.

From Marian’s mannerisms and characteristics, Beryne seemed to have some thoughts, as I could hear her tilting her head repeatedly and muttering, “No, it couldn’t be. The characteristics I heard don’t match…”

“Theo.”

I turned to see Father approaching.

“Happy birthday.”

“Thank you, Father. How are things on your end?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t push my mistakes onto you anymore.”

When I asked, he said this with a wry smile.

“…What about the Marquis’s family?”

“I’ve been tinkering with the spring taxes a bit. The roads in the territory might suffer some collapses during winter. Beyond that, I’m preparing to mine the veins within our lands that had been left untouched out of deference to the Marquis’s family, and also making preparations for farmland reclamation. While doing so, I’m spreading rumors that we’re discreetly recruiting miners and pioneers from the Marquis’s territory as well.”

…Wow. Not only will supplies be delayed, but even when the roads are eventually repaired, it’ll be hard to generate profits.

The Marquis’s family is probably counting on their spring income, and if they keep spending lavishly on winter balls and such while borrowing money as usual, they’re going to be in serious trouble.

Recruiting miners and pioneers… that’s quite the move. It’s like an attack combined with aftercare for the Marquis’s subjects.

The plan is to create employment, attract the Marquis’s subjects to our county with favorable treatment, and further reduce the Marquis’s tax revenue.

Originally, the Marquis’s mines were gradually declining in output and becoming less profitable. If it becomes clear that there’s no future there, people will have no choice but to look for new work. And if what appears to be a “next opportunity” in the same industry suddenly emerges… they’ll probably jump at it.

Especially with winter approaching. By the time information spreads in spring, it could be fatal for the Marquis’s family.

“So, there’s no need to worry. I’ve anticipated most of the moves the Marquis’s family could make.”

…Father’s smile seemed darker than usual.

“Theodore-dono.”

Speak of the devil. People keep coming to greet me. This time it’s Mercedes, Chester, and Talcott.

“Happy birthday.”

“Thank you. Have things been well with you since we last met?”

“I’m the same as always. Still exploring the labyrinth.”

The knights are searching for the remaining two sealed doors that should exist. We might get some information from Rosemary about this area.

From what I understand, Rosemary will share the results of her ancient document deciphering if I come to ask about it.

“We’re somehow managing to explore the labyrinth too,” said Chester.

…Thinking about it now, I can somewhat imagine both why Rosemary included Chester and why she separated from him…

Anyway, she’s supposedly recuperating due to illness. This is probably the most chaotic time for her, so I doubt we’ll be able to meet for a while.

“I’m doing alright too. The academy is fulfilling. I’ve been told I might eventually be entrusted with guard duty at the workshop.”

Talcott was the one speaking with a smile on his lips and narrowed eyes. Talcott—somehow he seems much more settled since leaving home.

The guard duty probably won’t be limited to just the workshop. I suspect he’ll be put in charge of Prince Albert’s security in general.

Well… their situations seem stable for now.

As the birthday celebrations wound down and dusk fell, the gathered people gradually dispersed. The usual members and Marlene were the last to remain—we quickly cleaned up after the birthday celebration and decided to relax.

The nearly full moon was visible in the night sky through the window. Tomorrow will be the full moon, huh?

The labyrinth is connected to the hidden labyrinth, making it dangerous to explore on such days… Hmm. I think this is actually perfect timing. That’s because the night of the full moon is suitable for performing other rituals.

Namely, the monster summoning ritual. It borrows the moon’s magical power, uses the alignment of stars to form connections—summoning the monster desired by the caster from somewhere in the world and introducing it to the caster.

Since what gets summoned matches the caster, it’s probably an important day once a month for summoners and monster tamers. Whether the summoned party agrees to form a contract… is another matter entirely.

For Princess Marlene’s protection and self-defense, the sooner we prepare the better. Tomorrow would be a good day to purchase materials for drawing the magic array and catalysts for summoning and contracting.

“Hmm.”

Irmhild seemed to have drunk some fruit wine, as her cheeks were still flushed while she dozed off peacefully with Sheila. Whether it’s from the alcohol or feeling secure, she had even released her humanization spell. Sheila was sleeping draped over her body.

For some reason, I had this image that Irmhild could hold her liquor well… but apparently not that well.

On the sofa next to them were Grace and Ashley. Marlene was on Grace’s lap. Marlene doesn’t seem to be very strong at night, as she was nodding off sleepily.

The night had become as quiet as if the daytime bustle had been a lie. The chirping of insects could be heard, giving it that quintessential autumn night feeling.

I don’t think we have anything like the Mid-Autumn Festival here, and it’s not quite the full moon yet, but the brilliantly shining moon was magnificent.

“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”

…Hmm? After saying this without much thought, I realized it has another meaning.

“Truly. Will it be full tomorrow?”

“…I hope it stays clear tomorrow too.”

They smiled and leaned their heads slightly, resting against me. A soft fragrance wafted gently.

Well… I know the other meaning doesn’t come across here. But that’s fine as it is.

I gently closed my eyes. As usual, while circulating my ki, the birthday night deepened.