Although they returned to Dawn Castle in an instant thanks to Ophilia’s ability, the journey back was somewhat primitive. Just because they had acquired Seira, a teleportation user, it didn’t mean they could teleport directly to Rien.
During the bumpy carriage ride, Seira gave Shiron a lecture on magic to pass the time.
“Teleportation is not an all-powerful magic.”
“Yeah. I know that.”
“Do you? Then you must also know that you need to know the exact coordinates of where you are and where you want to go, right?”
“No. I didn’t know that.”
“Well… that’s no fun.”
But Seira’s lecture was often cut short like this.
Contrary to Seira’s enthusiastic explanation of magic, Shiron seemed to have little interest, not focusing on her. He was just looking at the scenery, moving towards a place suitable for teleportation.
‘Such a strange kid.’Seira felt somewhat hurt and pouted.
Shiron’s attitude seemed like he was just responding enough to keep the conversation going.
Even a well-educated noble child should have a natural curiosity about the unknown, especially for something like teleportation that defies the laws of the world.
‘It’s not just his attitude that’s strange.’
Seira, resting her chin on her hand, stared intently at Shiron.
‘The information he knows is full of holes. It’s superficial, like something picked up here and there.’
Seira analyzed the conversations she had with Shiron. However, her interest wasn’t born of suspicion. The power of prophecy was an ability that even Seira, who had lived for hundreds of years, had never heard of.
It was natural for Seira, who had a scholarly inclination, to be curious.
“I’m curious about something. Can I ask you?”
“No. Don’t.”
“You said you have the power of prophecy. So, how far can you see?”
“I told you not to.”
Shiron looked at Seira with irritation.
During their journey from the Makal Mountains, where Dawn Castle was located, to Elmo Gorge, Seira’s questions never ceased. Shiron, feeling the need to befriend Seira, answered her questions half-heartedly, but sharing about the power of prophecy was another matter. He didn’t want to reveal too much.
“Why are you so secretive for a kid? Can’t you just tell me?”
However, Seira was not the type to shrink back just because a mere child glared at her. She crossed her arms in a huff, unintentionally creating a provocative scene.
“I also made a Mana’s Oath. You can’t even handle mana, so you can’t make an oath. Don’t you think that’s unfair? Hmm? Just tell me once, clearly. I can keep secrets.”
“Nope. Definitely not telling.”
Shiron tried to smirk and mock her… but then he stopped. The disappointment filled his heart with a heavy feeling.
‘This woman. She’s nothing like in the game. Isn’t she too childish for her age?’
One needed to experience things firsthand, right? The Seira Shiron had encountered these past few days was a shockingly different character. Gone was the enlightened aura from the game, and despite being over 500 years old, she seemed more childish than Lucia.
‘Lucia at least pretended to be adult-like. Why is someone over 500 years old acting so childish?’
“Eh.”
“What? Why the sigh?”
“I can tell you this. Your current self is nothing like what I imagined.”
“What’s wrong with my appearance?”
Seira asked, alternatingly crossing her legs.
“Honestly, am I not pretty?”
“…What?”
What was she talking about all of a sudden? Shiron looked slightly dazed. As Shiron showed his confusion, a faint smile appeared on Seira’s face.
“I’ll guess why you sighed.”
“…”
“You sighed because my real self is prettier than what you saw in your prophecy. It’s clear.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?”
“Don’t pretend it’s not true.”
Seira shrugged her shoulders and winked.
“You just glanced at my chest a while ago. Who do you think you’re fooling? You cheeky kid. Your blushing face says it all.”
“Damn it.”
Shiron buried his face in his hands. But this was not to hide his blushing face. Rather, slightly, slightly dizzy, he was trying to freshen up.
Shiron’s face was not flushed at all.
“Young master, we’ve arrived.”
While they were engaged in such a silly conversation, Yuma, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, spoke.
Elmo Gorge.
An unexplored ether mine was located there.
Before Shiron could even get out, Seira had already stepped off the carriage.
“As expected, Yuma. You brought me exactly to the place I wanted? As always, your meticulous nature…”
“You.”
Yuma frowned deeply, cutting off Seira.
“Don’t act like we’re close.”
Yuma walked past Seira to Shiron’s side. While straightening her slightly disheveled clothes, she continued,
“I heard. You’ve been trying to cast mind-control magic on the young master every time, haven’t you? I still don’t trust you. If it weren’t for the young master, you would be dead by now.”
“Yuma, it’s okay.”
“Young master, I’m worried. Why would you make such a woman your companion? Although she might be slightly more skilled in magic than me, her demeanor is indecent, and her dress is frivolous.”
Yuma turned her head sharply to glare at Seira. Her gaze seemed to freeze the elf in place.
“Her morals are also questionable. She volunteered to be a slave, taking pleasure in serving powerless humans. That’s… perverse, isn’t it?”
“No, that’s not it!”
“What isn’t it?”
After straightening Shiron’s clothes, Yuma stood upright. She was slightly taller than Seira, her eyes sharply focused.
“You just spewed out vulgar words at the young master, talking about your chest and calling him cheeky. Even the most frivolous child among the guardians of Dawn Castle refrains from speaking in front of the young master.”
“…”
“At least, if you are a lady, not a wanton woman, please mind your behavior. Shouldn’t someone standing beside the hero act with some decorum?”
Yuma’s rebuke poured out, and Seira couldn’t retort, closing her mouth tightly.
Indeed, Yuma’s words weren’t wrong. Looking back, Seira might have been a bit too unrestrained.
But she never indulged in her life as a plaything with evil intentions.
Being a slave, serving her master, and revealing her identity in times of crisis to lend a helping hand.
She did cast mind control magic, but it was only once at the auction, and in the end, everyone shed tears of gratitude for Seira.
The buyers were happy to have their crises resolved, and Seira was pleased to receive praise from the people.
‘So, isn’t it ultimately a good thing if no one is at a loss?’
But Seira didn’t voice this thought aloud. Playing the role of a slave hiding her power was a tactic she could use because people easily forgot about her.
However, now there was this child, Shiron, who remembered everything about her behavior.
“Kid, stand here.”
Not wanting to become an object of ridicule, Seira quietly prepared to teleport.
Shiron turned around to look at Yuma.
Since Seira’s teleportation could only accommodate one person, Encia had already departed for the mansion earlier. Now, it was time for Seira to part ways with Yuma.
“Yuma. Thanks for everything.”
“It’s nothing. It was my duty.”
Yuma, who had worn a cold expression just moments ago, now gave Shiron a warm smile.
Seira didn’t dare to interrupt their farewell. It wasn’t because she was dumbstruck by Yuma’s contrasting behavior, but rather because she was seeing a side of Yuma she had never seen before.
‘Where did that venom go? Now she’s acting like a mother.’
“Take a deep breath. You might feel a bit dizzy.”
Mana swirled as Seira placed her hand on Shiron’s shoulder.
The destination was a corner of the mansion.
Shiron, feeling slightly dizzy, leaned against the wall for support. Despite struggling to maintain his balance, he clenched his teeth and tried to stand straight.
Returning to the mansion did not mean that everything was resolved.
Shiron wiped his cold sweat and looked at Seira.
“Do as I said yesterday.”
“…Alright.”
Seira activated polymorph to transform into the appearance of Elise.
“And release the mind control you cast on Siriel.”
“…I didn’t cast it other than that time.”
Shiron took deep breaths to calm himself and started walking slowly.
“Is there someone strong in this mansion?”
“…Yes.”
Seira concentrated her energy-sensing abilities. The aura at the center of the mansion was as strong as Yuma’s.
“That’s good.”
Shiron walked towards the main building instead of the annex. He needed to meet Hugo to catch up on missed conversations and discuss future plans.
“But isn’t this too troublesome? Do we really need to go this far?”
“You might not understand, but I feel greatly indebted to my uncle. He was like a father to me; how can I be so disrespectful?”
“…I see.”
Arriving at Hugo’s office, Shiron took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
-Come in.
A heavy voice granted permission from the other side of the door.
“It’s been a long time, Uncle.”
Shiron bowed deeply to Hugo.
“What brings you here this time?”
Was it because Shiron had disappeared from the mansion without a word? Hugo’s voice towards Shiron seemed somewhat cold.
“I plan to leave the mansion for a while.”
“Is it because of the bill?”
“The bill?”
“Yes. You’ve spent quite a lot.”
Hugo handed Shiron a piece of paper. It was an ordinary credit card statement. However, Shiron wasn’t concerned about it at the moment and tucked the paper away. He had no intention of paying off the debt immediately since it had no fixed due date.
More importantly.
“Don’t worry about it. I can pay it off myself.”
Shiron spoke confidently to Hugo. Then Seira, who had been standing behind in the guise of Elise, stepped forward. Hugo, who had not let his guard down around Seira, now had a shadow over his face.
“Who are you?”
“I am Seira Romer. The greatest magician and seeker of truth in a thousand…”
Slap!
Seira turned around, feeling a stinging pain on her buttock.
“What the… Why did you hit me!”
“Why are you being so rude? Can’t you speak politely?”
“I’m over six hundred years old! How can I speak respectfully to a human who’s hundreds of years younger than me…”
Slap!
“Don’t talk back. I’m using formal language. Why are you using informal language?”
“…”
Hugo watched their exchange with a grim expression. Given the way they talked, their relationship seemed unusual. He had prepared to strictly reprimand his nephew following Eldrina’s request, but now it all seemed futile.
“Uncle.”
“…Yes.”
“Anyway, I plan to leave the mansion for a few years. I’ll return by the time of my coming-of-age ceremony. Don’t worry too much. And… um…”
Shiron fiddled with his lips as if choosing his words.
“Is there anything you’re curious about?”
He had intended to talk about Hugo’s death, but it seemed he needed more time to prepare himself mentally.
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