Side Story - Chapter 13: "The Alchemy Bug (Failure) and the Express Ticket to the Steel Fortress"
Morning.
A refreshing sea breeze carrying the lingering echo of the ocean's roar slipped through the old wooden-framed window of the inn "Adel." The pale crimson morning sun cast faint shadow pictures across the polished wooden floor.
From afar came the sound of cart wheels striking the cobblestones as they headed toward the harbor.
Clatter‚ clatter‚ clatter.
While lazily listening to the pleasant‚ rhythmic waves of that sound‚ I slowly opened my heavy eyelids.
"...Morning‚ huh."
With sleep still lingering in my head‚ I stared up at the high ceiling.
Until yesterday‚ at this hour‚ an extraordinary presence would have been drifting from somewhere in the room. No—calling it a "presence" was far too mild. It was the overwhelming mass of silver hair that completely invaded both my physical and psychological personal space. The unmistakable existence of the "overprotective saintess" who trespassed without permission into my sleeping domain.
"..."
I sat up on the bed and turned my gaze toward the luxurious canopy curtain that divided the room in two.
—It was quiet.
No adorable sleeping breaths could be heard from the other side. No rustling of clothes. Naturally‚ there was no presence of someone diving in like a ballistic missile.
"...Selina?"
There was no reply.
For a while‚ I simply stared at the silent curtain.
"...She's not here today‚ is she."
The words slipped out quietly.
In that moment‚ with a mass so slight it felt like I could touch it with my fingertips‚ I found myself thinking this too-quiet room felt "lacking."
"...No no no no."
I hurriedly shook my head as if to erase that thought.
"It's peaceful. Yeah‚ perfect peace‚ isn't it."
Yes. This was precisely the proper‚ wholesome tranquility.
Waking up in the morning without being assaulted by anyone. Getting out of bed without being hugged with tremendous force. Opening the curtain without a silver-haired girl charging in with a full smile.
What a calm and wonderful morning.
"Looks like I can spend today quietly."
I nodded deeply‚ convinced of absolute peace.
—I had no way of knowing at that time that this overly naive judgment would be completely shattered just a few minutes later.
While changing clothes and smoothing out the wrinkles‚ I questioned my mind.
(Ciel)
『Yes‚ Lord Louis』
(Where did Selina go?)
There was a strange "pause" for just a moment. Then‚ the usual calm‚ transparent voice returned.
『She has been out since early morning』
(Out? Without even eating breakfast?)
『Yes. It is presumed she departed while taking advantage of Lord Louis being in a deep sleep state』
(Where to?)
『The destination is unknown』
"..."
(Even Ciel's wide-area scan can't track her?)
『There is an extremely high possibility that Lady Selina is intentionally concealing her location information through advanced magical concealment』
(I see)
I nodded in understanding.
(Well‚ she's a duke's daughter‚ so there must be business she can't tell me about. That's fine then)
『...』
(What's wrong?)
『Nothing』
(I felt like you wanted to say something)
『There are no particular issues. The system is normal』
There was still a strange sense of discomfort.
But I decided not to dig any deeper. For me right now‚ a reliable physical phenomenon—namely "hunger"—was winning over intellectual deduction.
"First‚ breakfast."
I left the room and went down the stairs.
Creak‚ creak—the old wooden boards gently groaned. When I reached the first-floor dining hall‚ a familiar scene spread before me.
"Oh‚ Louie-chan. Good morning."
"Good morning‚ Auntie."
In the kitchen‚ Auntie was busily moving about while bathed in the morning sun.
Arranging bread in baskets‚ adjusting the heat under the soup‚ chopping colorful vegetables. I loved this time when the inn's morning gradually took solid form.
When I took a deep breath of the sweet‚ fragrant smell drifting from the freshly baked bread‚ the tension deep in my chest gently melted away.
"You're early today."
"Somehow I just woke up early."
"Is that so. Breakfast will take a little longer‚ so sit there and wait."
"Understood."
I looked around the dining hall.
"...Huh?"
The other person who should normally be there was missing.
"Auntie‚ where's Leon?"
"Ah‚ Leon-kun isn't here this morning."
"Ah‚ now that you mention it..."
I recalled the big man crossing his arms and boldly declaring it last night.
『Tomorrow‚ from early morning‚ there's a large-scale exercise of the Royal Knight Order』
Where Leon headed was the Steel Fortress City of Dilmunt‚ about two hours away from this port town of Ripra using the mana-line train—"Mana Rail Express."
A massive fortress city that serves as the heart of the kingdom's military and magical infrastructure.
Black iron walls piercing the sky. Magical chimneys rising geometrically in disorder. Double-track mana rails laid as if piercing through the center of the city. There‚ elite magical engineers and military mages of the kingdom seem to be competing to operate the latest magical calculation furnaces.
If the port town of Ripra is a peaceful frontier wrapped in the scents of sea breeze‚ fish‚ and honey bread‚ then Dilmunt is its polar opposite. A frenzied city where those who believe without doubt that magic itself is the absolute center of civilization‚ the proof of technology‚ and the power of the nation itself gather.
"...I wonder if Leon is okay. He can't just do whatever he wants there like guarding the inn."
When I muttered that somehow‚ Auntie laughed heartily.
"Even though yesterday he was saying dangerous things like 'Leave the absolute defense of the inn to me‚' this morning he properly headed to the exercise‚ so he's a serious kid."
"He's the captain of the kingdom's strongest force‚ after all..."
"That's right. Quite impressive."
"...Good. Looks like there's still room for him to return to society."
Just as I exhaled in relief—
"S-s-s-sorry to keep you waitingggg!"
From the back of the kitchen‚ "something" came flying out with tremendous initial velocity.
"Whoa!?"
I reflexively leaned my upper body to the side. Immediately after—
"Hyaa!"
A small girl‚ holding a large tray with both hands‚ passed right in front of me at furious speed.
On her head were fluffy dog ears. Soft hair with a brownish tint. And from under her skirt stretched a large fluffy tail that was swinging vigorously left and right like a barometer of emotion.
"M-Mia! You're rushing too much first thing in the morning!"
Auntie raised her voice sharply.
"I-I'm sorry!"
The beastkin girl called Mia turned around in a panic while sliding the soles of her shoes.
—At that moment. Unable to withstand the centrifugal force from the sudden change in direction‚ the tray she was holding tilted greatly.
"Wawah!"
The wooden plate of soup on it swayed unsteadily.
"Watch out!"
I reflexively reached out my hand.
But that worry was unnecessary. Mia herself twisted her body with a reaction speed so astonishing it left my thoughts behind.
Her dog ears stood up straight. Her tail momentarily flared out like a parachute.
"...!"
She half-rotated her body in midair.
Using that momentum‚ she forcibly pulled the tilted tray back to horizontal.
The surface of the soup waved largely one last time—and stopped perfectly just before spilling.
"..."
"..."
The dining hall fell silent as if water had been thrown on it.
Mia herself was staring intently at the tray with a face that suggested she didn't even understand what kind of acrobatic feat she had just pulled off.
"...Th-thank goodness..."
From sheer relief‚ she looked ready to collapse on the spot.
"Mia-san."
"Y-yes!"
The moment she was called‚ her dog ears turned vigorously toward me.
I looked at her tray. Then at her way of walking‚ the movement of her feet‚ the angle of her wrists. And—I began quietly calculating the behavior of her dog ears and tail in my mind.
"...I see. I've figured out the cause of the error."
"Eh?"
I walked over to her.
"Just now was quite dangerous‚ wasn't it."
"Y-yes... I should have confidence in my physical ability‚ but whenever I serve‚ I always end up almost dropping the plates..."
"But that recovery move just now was perfect. In terms of reaction speed alone‚ it should be much higher than an average knight."
Mia's dog ears twitched happily.
"So why do you almost drop them... The reason is simple."
I pointed at the tray she was holding.
"The vector of the center of gravity doesn't match the cycle of your walking."
"...Jūshin‚ no bekutoru?"
"Yes."
I gently placed my hand on the left edge of the tray Mia was holding.
"Right now‚ Mia-san‚ you're unconsciously putting too much force into your left hand. Precisely‚ about 1.2 millimeters to the left."
"Ichi... ni miri?"
"For a normal server‚ that level of approximation wouldn't be a problem."
I moved her wrist holding the tray just a little toward the proper central axis and fixed it.
"But in Mia-san's case‚ your body's organs move first when you walk. The superior reflex nerves unique to beastkin are conversely becoming noise."
"Kikan...?"
"Yes. For example‚ those ears."
Mia's ears twitched rapidly in response to the words.
"Those ears move independently in reaction to surrounding sounds‚ unrelated to your walking tempo. Unconsciously‚ of course."
Twitch. (Right ear)
Twitch. (Left ear)
Twitch. (Both ears)
"..."
I stared intently at that behavior.
"As I thought. The cycle of your ears' movement and the stride of your feet are slightly out of sync. So every time your body moves forward‚ the recoil from your ears moving on their own makes the center of gravity of the tray sway just a little each time."
"Um... so what does that mean?"
"You just need to completely synchronize the movement of your ears with the tempo of your walking."
"Is something like that possible!?"
"It is."
I nodded assertively.
"Let's try it."
"Y-yes!"
Mia straightened her back with a tense expression.
I stood right beside her and gently raised my fingertips like a conductor.
"First‚ right foot."
"Right foot..."
"Next‚ left."
"Left..."
"There‚ the ears—"
"Twitch."
"A little early."
"Twitch."
"This time it's late. The center of gravity will shift."
"Twi-twitch."
"That's it."
While checking Mia's stride‚ I began marking a constant rhythm like a metronome.
"One‚ two."
"One‚ two."
"Ears too‚ one‚ two."
"One‚ two!"
Beautifully‚ her dog ears began moving in regular coordination with her walking tempo.
Her tail also responded‚ starting to sway slowly as an even pendulum.
"Just like that."
One step. Two steps. Three steps.
Mia walked through the dining hall. The tray was as still as a calm water surface‚ barely swaying at all.
Four steps. Five steps. Six steps.
Even the brimful soup didn't ripple a single drop.
"..."
Mia widened her eyes as if seeing something unbelievable.
"...It doesn't fall."
"Yes. Perfect equilibrium."
"It doesn't fall at all!"
Mia smiled happily as if flowers were blooming.
Her dog ears stood up proudly straight.
"One more time! I'll go one more time!"
"Go ahead."
This time at normal work speed.
Mia circled the dining hall with light steps as if gliding. Even so‚ the plates on the tray didn't budge an inch‚ as if fixed in space.
Not only that‚ her footsteps were clearly lighter than before‚ and unnecessary tension had cleanly disappeared.
"A-amazing...!"
Mia stopped right in front of me.
"Amazing‚ Louis-san!"
"No."
I tilted my head in puzzlement.
"I just adjusted the formula of your body's movements a little‚ you know?"
"That's what's amazing!"
Mia's tail swung vigorously left and right as if about to tear off.
"I've been dropping plates all the time... Auntie got mad at me so many times‚ and I was feeling down thinking maybe I'm not suited for it."
"..."
"But with this!"
Mia proudly held the tray up in front of her chest.
"I can properly serve!"
"You can. Your original physical ability is the real deal."
"...!"
Mia's amber eyes sparkled brilliantly in the morning sun.
"Master Louis!"
"...Master?"
"Yes!"
It was all too sudden.
Mia stepped forward in front of me and bowed deeply with force.
"From today‚ I'll be Master Louis's top disciple!"
"No‚ you don't have to."
"Eeh!?"
"I don't recall taking any disciples‚ and besides‚ I'm an arithmetician‚ not a server."
"But thanks to Master's calculations‚ I can move so much more easily!"
"That's because Mia-san's own ability is high. It's not my achievement."
"Master!"
"Please listen properly."
No matter how many times I denied it‚ Mia just kept smiling from the bottom of her heart.
Her dog ears were fluttering enjoyably.
"Thank you‚ Master Louis!"
"...Well."
I smiled a little as if giving up.
"If I was able to help you‚ I'm glad."
At that moment‚ a pale blue system window quietly floated up at the edge of my vision.
[ Body Movement Analysis・Application Complete —— ]
[ Target: Mia ／ Posture Correction: Complete ／ Walking Synchronization: Optimized ]
[ Risk of dropping tableware while serving: Converging to nearly zero —— ]
"..."
I stared quietly at that log for a while.
"Is it something that needs to be recorded so exaggeratedly?"
『——Lord Louis』
(Hm?)
『It was a very meaningful optimization』
(Is that so?)
『Yes』
Ciel's electronic voice echoing in my mind felt just a little softer‚ like a spring sunbeam.
『Once again‚ Lord Louis has of your own will been of use to another』
"..."
I turned my gaze back to Mia once more.
She was already happily trying out her new way of walking. Holding the tray‚ walking‚ stopping‚ walking again. Each time‚ her dog ears twitched rhythmically and adorably.
"...I see."
It felt like a small warm light had settled deep in my chest.
With my missing memories‚ I still didn't know what name that emotion had.
But.
(Not bad)
I thought so honestly.
"Auntie."
"What is it?"
"Mia-san is going to become a quite excellent server from now on."
"Really?"
"Yes. Once she gets her body accustomed to that tempo‚ she'll become this inn's fine poster girl."
"That's a big help."
Auntie smiled happily‚ deepening the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.
"Mia-chan‚ keep counting on you."
"Yes! Leave it to me!"
Her energetic reply brightly echoed throughout every corner of the morning dining hall.
The fragrant smell of bread.
The sea breeze slipping in through the open window.
The light sound of tableware touching.
And the fresh laughter of the newly added beastkin girl.
To the usual morning of the inn "Adel‚" once more.
A new "sound of everyday life" was gently overlapping.
Suddenly‚ I glanced at the old clock hanging on the wall.
"...There's still a little time until breakfast."
Auntie had returned to the kitchen and was finishing the soup. Mia was absorbed in practicing to imprint the new way of walking into her body.
The overprotective Selina still hadn't returned‚ and the escort Leon was in the distant steel city today. Furthermore‚ the strict accounting auditor Rosetta and the excessively capable shadow butler Agreas also showed no presence around now.
"...Then."
After thinking a little‚ I muttered quietly.
"Maybe I'll go take a morning bath."
『...』
(Ciel?)
『Yes』
(What was that unnatural silence just now)
『Nothing in particular』
(That strange "pause"—you're definitely hiding something‚ right?)
『...Nothing at all』
I tilted my head a little‚ but decided not to dig any deeper.
What floated in my mind was the scene of the open-air bath added to the inn's rooftop‚ which should still be empty of anyone.
A quiet morning.
In the crystal-clear air‚ entrusting my body to the warm water welling up continuously.
Time just for me‚ undisturbed by anyone.
"Yeah."
I nodded small with conviction.
"Today of all days‚ I should be able to take it easy."
—That overly naive judgment.
Would once again be completely overturned without a trace just a few minutes later.
Of course‚ at that time‚ I.
Still hadn't noticed even the slightest bit.
Climbing the old wooden steps leading to the rooftop with creaking sounds. The morning inn had not yet fully woken up.
From downstairs‚ the small clatter of arranging tableware in the kitchen‚ Mia's energetic practice voice‚ and the faint scent of sea breeze blowing up from the open windows reached me. Listening to those beloved signs of daily life on my back‚ I stepped alone into the quiet rooftop.
There spread the open-air bath that was the pride of the inn "Adel."
Befitting a seaside town‚ beyond the railing stretched an endless blue sky and a clear horizon‚ the sea surface sparkling sleepily under the morning light. The sound of waves coming and going played a pleasant rhythm.
"...What a nice view."
An involuntary sigh of admiration escaped.
At this early hour‚ there shouldn't be any previous guests. More than anything—
"Selina isn't here either."
That was the most important thing for me right now.
If Selina suddenly appeared here‚ what would happen. Mixed bathing from the morning‚ the collapse of my mental hygiene‚ Ciel's excessive warning logs‚ and the overheating of my heart. Everything would be designated as a danger zone all at once.
"...Yeah. Today I'll soak slowly by myself."
I undressed in the changing area‚ checked the water temperature‚ and quietly sank my body into the bath.
"Haaah..."
Sinking up to my shoulders in the warm water.
Heat gradually penetrated from the skin‚ and the tension that had been taut in my body smoothly melted away.
Closing my eyes‚ the sea breeze caressing my cheeks and the wingbeats of seabirds calling in the distance.
"...The best."
It was truly quiet. No one was there. No one would talk to me. No worry of being hugged with tremendous force‚ nor being asked to debug something.
Just entrusting my body to the warm water. That alone was an extreme luxury for me right now.
"Time like this isn't bad either."
From inside the bath‚ I gently reached for a book I had brought from the changing area.
On the cover‚ it was engraved in old foil stamping like this.
『Basic Alchemy Formulas — Material Conversion and Synthesis Theory』
It had been given a water-repellent waterproof coating in advance so it could be brought into the bath. There was no worry of the paper getting soggy from the steam.
I gently turned the pages.
Alchemy—it was a field of study with a slightly different approach from general magic.
It does not directly cause physical phenomena with magical power. It is a technique of reading the inherent attributes and properties that multiple materials originally possess‚ interfering with them with the minimum formula‚ and reconstructing them into new substances. For me‚ who values logic and consistency‚ it was a very interesting field.
(If even I‚ with a magic value of only "0.2‚" can rearrange the substances existing in the world themselves...)
I slid my fingertip along the edge of the paper.
(This field of study might suit my arithmetic way of thinking better)
『Lord Louis』
In my head‚ Ciel's transparent voice quietly echoed.
"Hm?"
『Reading while taking a morning bath?』
"Yeah."
I answered without taking my eyes off the page.
"I like reading quietly in this time when I wake up in the morning and my brain's memory is the clearest."
『I see. Understood』
"Today I'm reading the basic theory of alchemy."
『Alchemy...』
Ciel paused just a little.
『In my archives‚ there is no corresponding high-level data』
"Eh?"
I couldn't help looking up from the book.
"So even Ciel has things you don't know."
『Of course. I am not an omnipotent god』
"Somehow that's a bit surprising. I thought you were an omnipotent system."
『I am merely an OS for supporting Lord Louis』
"Hehe‚ I see. But the knowledge I learn from now on will be accumulated together inside Ciel too‚ right?"
『Yes. Through Lord Louis's recognition‚ the data is updated sequentially』
"Then."
I returned my gaze to the book in my hands again.
"Shall we study together?"
『...』
"Ciel?"
『Yes』
Just a tiny bit‚ the hardness of the electronic voice softened‚ and the tone of the voice seemed to have become gently milder.
『By all means‚ please. Lord Louis』
"Yeah."
I turned the pages.
The basic structure of alchemy formulas. Attribute conversion of materials. Calculation of binding rates. Heat correction. Magical power flow. And finally‚ the synthesis calculation required.
"...I see."
As I read on‚ a sentence written in the corner of the page caught my eye.
—Generation of simple soap.
"Soap‚ huh."
I looked around from inside the bath.
In this open-air bath‚ several small rounded hot spring stones were sunk at the bottom of the tub. Also‚ in the corner of the bath area‚ plants that prefer the humidity and heat of the hot spring were planted. Trees spreading large leaves. Their lush green leaves were gently swaying in the wind.
"...With this‚ it seems usable."
I picked up a fallen leaf floating on the water surface.
"It's almost equivalent to the attributes of the materials written in the book."
『Beginning analysis』
Ciel's high-speed scan ran.
『Confirmed. Both the mineral material (hot spring stone) and plant material (fallen leaf) are extremely similar to the catalyst conditions listed in the book』
"Then."
I relaxed the corners of my mouth a little.
"Shall I try it a bit."
I picked up one smooth stone from the bottom of the tub and placed it on my palm together with the wet fallen leaf.
"Originally‚ it seems a magical heating furnace or alchemy cauldron is needed‚ but..."
I dismantled the book's description once in my head and reconstructed it.
What's needed is materials. Formula. And the magical power to connect them.
"Magical power‚ huh..."
My magical power value remained "0.2" as always. Compared to a general mage‚ it was something that barely existed within the margin of error‚ truly a sparrow's tear.
"Well."
I shrugged lightly.
"If the output is insufficient‚ I just need to compensate with a different algorithm."
『Lord Louis』
"What?"
『Surely you don't intend to substitute with aerial calculation?』
"That 'surely'."
I lightly raised my right hand and slid my fingertips through the air drifting with steam.
In what should have been empty space. Each time I ran my finger‚ pale particles of light followed like threads‚ drawing trajectories.
One. Then another.
In three-dimensional space‚ geometric patterns of light floated up.
Triangles‚ double circular rings‚ higher-order equations. Complex arithmetic auxiliary lines intersected—and sublimated into an alchemy formula.
"Partially deploying the magic circle stereoscopically in the air."
『...』
"The original magic circle forces a phenomenon by pouring in enormous magical power. But for someone with little magical power like me—"
I further slid my fingertips‚ weaving the structure of the formulas.
"I just need to optimize the structure of the formula itself to the extreme and make it establish as pure calculation processing."
『Logically... it is established』
"Right?"
『However‚ there is not a single precedent of such formula deployment in my archives』
"Then this is the world's first experiment."
The stereoscopic magic circle floating in the air took on a pale blue light as if melting into the morning sun.
Beyond the steam‚ against the vivid morning blue sky‚ countless geometric lines began rotating smoothly like the gears of a precision clock.
"Insert materials into the core."
I gently placed the hot spring stone and fallen leaf into the center of the light ring.
"First calculation‚ begin."
The formula accelerated its rotation.
"Second calculation‚ attribute interference."
The overlapping double circles gradually increased their luminosity.
"Third calculation‚ molecular binding."
The formulas deployed in the air solved one after another as if obtaining answers and disappeared.
"...Here‚ fine-tune the binding rate parameters."
I slid my fingertips‚ immediately correcting the minute errors that arose.
"Heat correction. Cancellation of air resistance."
The surrounding air began vibrating with a faint high-pitched "kiin" sound.
"Magical power flow is—"
I stopped my fingertips for just a moment.
"The minimum value of 0.2 is sufficient."
The slight magical power within me. I poured only the necessary minimum of it into the formula at 100% purity.
"Synthesis calculation—execute!"
The stereoscopic magic circle emitted a dazzling pure white light.
The supreme algorithm that perfectly traced the formula written in the book without the slightest deviation and reinforced it with arithmetic.
Formulas‚ coefficients‚ order‚ and magical power distribution. Everything was perfect. There was no distortion anywhere.
"...Perfect."
I muttered small. And then—
"—Generate!"
The magic circle suddenly released a large brilliance and converged to a single point.
The next moment.
—Pop.
A truly pathetic‚ anticlimactic sound echoed.
"..."
White ash-like smoke mixed sparsely into the steam and disappeared.
In silence‚ I stared at the space where that smoke had dispersed.
"..."
The magic circle had cleanly vanished.
There was no hot spring stone. No fallen leaf.
And—the soap I had expected didn't exist even as a fragment.
"..."
『...』
"...It failed."
『Completely failed‚ didn't it』
"Yeah."
I reviewed the book in my hands once more.
Formula‚ coefficients‚ material attributes‚ procedure. No matter how many times I recalculated‚ everything matched. There wasn't a single mistake.
"Strange... Arithmetically it was perfect."
『Even with my calculation resources‚ I cannot identify the direct cause of the failure』
"I can't reach the solution for the cause in my brain either."
That was an extremely rare thing.
For me since losing my memories‚ it was the first experience. It wasn't that I miscalculated. I didn't mess up the formula either. The material conditions should have been met too.
And yet—only the stern result of "failure" was left before my eyes.
"..."
I leaned my back against the edge of the bath and slowly looked up at the sky.
In the transparent blue sky‚ a single white cloud was drifting leisurely.
"Haha..."
Suddenly‚ amusement spilled from my lips.
『Lord Louis?』
"Interesting."
Even to myself‚ it was a surprisingly honest word.
"Really interesting‚ Ciel."
Perfect calculation. Perfect formula. And yet not arriving at the correct answer.
Then—there is still "something" I don't know existing in this world. An unknown law not incorporated into my calculation formula is working somewhere in the world.
"...I like this kind of thing."
Deep in my chest‚ it was bouncing with excitement like a small child.
"Not going according to calculation... is such an interesting thing‚ huh."
I laughed.
It wasn't to hide embarrassment‚ nor sarcasm.
Indeed‚ I was laughing happily from the heart.
At that moment‚ a semi-transparent system window quietly rose at the edge of my vision.
[ Emotion Observation Log —— ]
[ Target: Louis Adel ]
[ Emotion parameter "Pure Joy" detected ]
[ Emotion value: Confirmed slight increase —— ]
[ Confirmed significant positive influence on personality restoration efficiency ]
"..."
I stared blankly at the floating blue text.
"Emotion value‚ huh."
I don't understand it well myself. But the fact that I am laughing right now is something I could understand from the definite warmth remaining deep in my chest.
『Lord Louis』
"Hm?"
『...It's nothing』
"?"
『...Will you continue the experiment?』
"Of course."
I lightly brushed up my wet hair.
"I'll definitely succeed next time."
『Yes. I look forward to it』
"But before that."
I closed the waterproof book with a snap.
"First‚ I have to hypothesize and verify why it failed."
『That's right. We need to identify the unknown variables』
"Ciel."
『Yes』
"Will you think with me?"
『——Of course』
An immediate answer without a moment's hesitation.
I narrowed my eyes a little and savored the definite warmth that had lit in my chest.
"Then‚ first let's review from the initial formula configuration."
『Yes. Beginning re-verification from the parameters of the first calculation』
In the morning open-air bath.
Beyond the white rising steam‚ Ciel and I seriously‚ and happily‚ deepened the discussion about the small "beloved failure" that no one knew about.
The trivial failure of not being able to make a single bar of soap‚ from an outsider's perspective.
But for me—it was the best morning where I could truly cherish "not knowing something" for the first time in a long while.
—Now then.
Next‚ from which parameter should I recalculate. Still immersed in the warm bath‚ I was blankly gazing at the empty space where the magic circle had dispersed earlier.
Precisely‚ there was nothing there anymore.
The geometric patterns that had floated in the air‚ the complexly intertwined formulas‚ the residual magical power after the synthesis calculation. Everything had melted into the clear morning air like white snow and disappeared.
"...As I thought‚ the structure of the formula itself isn't wrong."
『Yes』
Ciel's reply in my mind had not even a 0.1-second delay.
『The input formula‚ the vector of material conditions‚ the calculation order. In none of the processes can logical errors be confirmed』
"But the soap couldn't be made."
『Yes. As a fact‚ the generation ended in failure』
"..."
『An extremely interesting phenomenon』
"Yeah."
Naturally‚ the corners of my mouth loosened.
"As I thought‚ alchemy is interesting."
With magic‚ the result is relatively easy to understand. Assemble the formula‚ pour in the necessary magical power‚ cause a physical phenomenon. But alchemy is different. The inherent properties the materials themselves possess‚ the interference laws of the formula‚ the environment‚ temperature‚ and magical power. All of them intertwine like a complex tapestry and finally crystallize into a single result.
"There's an unknown variable somewhere that's not in our calculation formula."
『Yes. I infer that possibility is extremely high』
"Then we just need to find it."
『Yes. I will support with full effort』
I reopened the waterproof-coated book and was about to turn to the next page with wet fingertips.
—It was at that moment.
"...Hm?"
Suddenly‚ I sensed a faint presence from beyond the door behind me.
The sound of climbing the stairs toward the rooftop.
—Tap.
—Tap.
Slow footsteps as if dragging slippers carelessly.
"..."
The hand turning the page stopped dead.
『Lord Louis』
(...Yeah)
『An unspecified biological reaction is approaching toward this rooftop』
(...Eh?)
『Current distance‚ approximately 12 meters. It will reach the door shortly』
(T-twelve meters...!?)
I hurriedly looked around.
The morning open-air bath. The only one immersed in the tub was me.
And this place was—.
"...This is a mixed bath‚ right."
『Yes』
"..."
『Yes』
"Who? Who's approaching!?"
『Estimating from the current walking pattern and weight transfer data』
Just a moment. Ciel's ultra-high-speed scan ran.
『——It is Lady Elwin』
"............"
My thought circuits completely froze.
"...Elwin-san?"
『Yes』
"The one at the night bar?"
『Yes』
"The elf?"
『Yes』
"...The woman?"
『Yes』
"..."
My heart jumped largely like an alarm bell.
"Bad."
『Yes』
"Extremely bad. Socially and ethically a lethal dose of error."
『I completely agree』
"What do I do!"
『I don't know either』
"Ciel‚ you get strangely defective only in these fatal situations‚ don't you!?"
『............』
A sulky silence.
"Sorry! That was going too far just now!"
『Immediate retraction of the statement and correction is required』
"But in the current situation‚ no matter how you look at it‚ the support OS that is you is panicking more than me‚ don't you think!?"
『...』
The footsteps climbing the stairs approached mercilessly.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
"...She's coming!"
『Yes』
"What do we do!?"
『I strongly recommend prompt withdrawal』
"Now!? There's no way physical escape can make it in time‚ right!?"
『However』
"However!?"
『Lord Louis is currently in the bathtub in a state of not wearing a single thread』
"I can see that if I look!!"
I screamed in a low voice‚ and right after that.
The heavy wooden door leading to the rooftop opened defenselessly.
—Click.
"Faa~~~..."
A yawn voice that was splendidly lackadaisical‚ as if completely ruining the clear morning air‚ echoed.
"As expected‚ morning baths are the best."
Long elf ears. Hair of pale blonde close to gold.
And an appearance that was 120% completely "off‚" the polar opposite of that perfectly refined attire shown at the night tavern.
Her beautiful hair was gathered haphazardly‚ a towel carelessly around her neck. And above all‚ a sleepy bare face.
No matter how favorably interpreted‚ it was not the figure of a professional heading to high-class work.
"...!"
I hurriedly turned my face away and sank my body as deep as possible into the bath.
"E-Elwin-san!"
"Hm?"
She turned her gaze toward me languidly.
"Huh?"
She blinked her long eyelashes sleepily.
"Yo‚ it's the boy!"
"I told you I'm not a boy!"
While keeping my face averted‚ a retort came out of my mouth reflexively.
"You're taking a morning bath too?"
"I am‚ but!"
"Heh. Rare for someone young."
"More importantly!"
While averting my gaze in a completely wrong direction‚ I shouted with a bright red face.
"Please hide properly with a towel!"
"Hm?"
Elwin looked down at her own figure with a blank face.
"Ah."
Only then did she seem to recall the current situation.
"It's fine‚ right. At this hour‚ I thought no one was here."
"In fact‚ I'm here right now!"
"You worry about the small stuff. It's not like anything decreases‚ right?"
"It's not small! The mental wear is intense!"
I moved to the farthest end of the bath‚ as physically distant as possible.
"...Or rather‚ Elwin-san."
"What is it?"
"When you're the night bartender‚ the atmosphere is completely different‚ isn't it."
"Ah?"
"That..."
While carefully choosing words‚ I told her in a vanishing voice.
"You're extremely sloppy."
"Hahaha!"
Elwin laughed it off boldly.
"Of course that would be!"
With the towel still on her shoulder‚ she carelessly dipped her feet into the tub with a splash and entered.
"There's no way I can keep that business smile for 24 hours straight‚ right?"
"Business smile..."
"Nighttime me is a perfect bartender trained in Alfheim‚ you know."
In the bath‚ she proudly raised one long finger.
"Elegant to the customers."
Then another.
"Strict with alcohol."
And finally.
"Even stricter with taste!"
"...That part doesn't change from usual‚ does it."
"Of course."
Elwin puffed out her abundant chest.
"Human sense of taste is rough‚ you know. Mixing sugar or fruit juice to cover up the delicate alcohol—an elf's pride won't allow that—"
"I've heard that story at night too."
"Is that so?"
"I was thoroughly lectured for about two hours at the counter."
"Hahaha! Then that means you've started to understand the depth of alcohol a little."
"The time I was made to listen and my degree of understanding are by no means proportional."
"Haha!"
Elwin laughed truly happily.
Then‚ suddenly stopping her laughter‚ she stared intently at my face from beyond the steam.
"...But you know."
"?"
"Compared to when I saw you at the counter before‚ your atmosphere has changed a lot. Boy."
"...You called me boy again."
"No‚ I don't mean it that way."
Elwin's emerald eyes narrowed as if observing.
"How should I put it..."
With an evaluating gaze‚ she stared at my expression.
Under that too-straight emerald gaze‚ I felt a little uncomfortable.
"Before‚ more—"
For a moment‚ her voice took on a serious resonance.
"You were like a beautiful doll."
"..."
"How should I put it. Like empty glass beads with nothing in the depths of your eyes."
In silence‚ I stared at the wavering bath water.
...Before losing my memories‚ was I seen that way by those around me.
"But recently it's different."
Elwin again raised the corners of her mouth mischievously.
"You've properly started making faces that look annoyed and dislikeful."
"...Are you really praising me with that?"
"Of course."
"The logic of the praise is definitely weird."
"It means humanity has come out."
Saying that‚ she shrugged lightly.
"As an older sister‚ I think that 'living face' is much better‚ you know?"
"...!"
At the unexpected words‚ my face suddenly heated up.
"...What are you saying."
"Hm?"
【Latter Half】----------------------------------------------------------------------"Please don't say such things normally."
"Oh?"
Elwin grinned teasingly.
"What‚ are you embarrassed?"
"I'm not embarrassed!"
"Your ears are bright red though?"
"That's because of the heat of the hot spring!"
"I see."
She was completely finding it amusing. This is what they call adult composure‚ I suppose.
I exhaled a deep sigh of resignation.
"...Elwin-san."
"What is it?"
"That."
I carefully chose my words.
"A little more‚ like..."
"Hm?"
"As an adult‚ an appropriate physical and psychological sense of distance‚ you know."
"Is an 18-year-old chick boy lecturing a fine adult who's lived over 400 years?"
"I told you I'm not a boy—"
"Hahaha!"
Once again she laughed it off boldly.
It's no use. When this person completely goes off‚ she becomes a completely different person from the night bar.
At night‚ a high-class refined elf bartender. Now‚ just a strangely close and cheeky‚ old-man-like elf.
"...Tiring."
『Lord Louis』
(What?)
『I strongly recommend immediate withdrawal』
(Rarely‚ I agree with Ciel)
『Thank you』
(I think so from the bottom of my heart too)
I closed the waterproof-coated book with a snap.
"Then‚ I'm about to get dizzy‚ so I'll get out first."
"Oh."
Elwin waved her hand languidly from inside the bath. I left the bath area quickly.
Fleeing into the changing area‚ putting on clothes‚ hanging a towel around my neck.
As I was about to head to the stairs as if escaping—
"...Ah."
Suddenly‚ I turned back as if remembering.
The open-air bath.
There‚ the traces of the magic circle I had deployed in the air earlier still faintly remained.
I had thought it had completely disappeared.
But depending on the angle of the morning light shining in‚ in the steam‚ tiny particles of light like broken glass could be seen sparkling faintly.
Residues of geometric patterns. Minute flows of magical power. And the stereoscopic alchemy formula that had been interrupted midway.
"...Should I erase this?"
『The function as a formula has already completely stopped. Even if left alone‚ it will naturally reduce to atmospheric mana in a few minutes』
"I see."
Then there should be no problem.
This time truly as if escaping‚ I went down the stairs.
—The bath area after I left.
In the tub‚ only Elwin was left‚ stretching her limbs carelessly.
"..."
In the bath‚ she suddenly stopped her gaze in the air.
Beyond that gaze. Beyond the steam‚ the pale light particles sparkling and wavering.
"...What is this."
Elwin's emerald eyes narrowed sharply.
She stretched a long fingertip from the water. Of course‚ she couldn't physically touch it.
But for her‚ an elf of the first-class magical race‚ she could instantly see through that the residual magical power was clearly "heterogeneous" compared to a general magic circle.
"...Alchemy formula?"
Her well-shaped eyebrows twitched.
"No."
Wrong. Certainly based on an alchemy formula. But the dimension of its construction method is not ordinary.
"Deploying the magic circle three-dimensionally in empty air...?"
Even the highest elders of Alfheim who lead the forefront of magic would find it nearly impossible to weave such a complex and precise formula in a place with no equipment‚ and in an instant at that.
More than anything‚ what astonished her the most was—.
"The magical power fixed in space... is almost not remaining."
Elwin stared at that light residue in silence for a while.
And then.
"...That boy."
She muttered small as if seeing something unbelievable.
"I thought he was just a arithmetic idiot civilian brat with only 0.2 magical power‚ but..."
The corners of her mouth lifted slightly as if finding it amusing.
"...What a tremendous monster. What a weird boy."
Saying only that‚ she sank her body deep into the bath again.
"Well‚ it has nothing to do with me."
She gazed at the morning sea.
The sun that had risen from the horizon was dyeing the quiet water surface a dazzling gold.
"As long as the person himself is laughing happily‚ that's fine."
That gentle murmur as an adult.
Was carried away by the sea breeze and reached no one's ears.
Meanwhile.
While running down the stairs‚ I was exhaling deep‚ deep sighs.
"...Aaaah."
『What is the matter‚ Lord Louis』
"From the morning‚ I'm exhausted..."
『It is estimated that unexpected encounter during bathing occurred‚ causing considerable mental consumption』
"It was supposed to be my blissful alone time..."
『My monitoring did not reach‚ I apologize』
"It's not something Ciel needs to apologize for."
I shook my head with a wry smile.
And. As I approached the first floor‚ I couldn't help stopping my feet at the aroma drifting from downstairs.
Freshly baked bread.
Warm soup carefully simmered.
The fragrant smell of butter.
"..."
Gurgle.
Though it was my own‚ an all-too-clear sound echoed on the quiet wooden steps.
"...Maybe it's about time for breakfast."
『Yes. It appears the preparations for serving are complete in the dining hall』
"Yeah."
I went down the remaining stairs with much lighter steps than before.
Beyond opening this door‚ today as well‚ the lively and slightly noisy everyday of the inn should be waiting.
—And.
At that time‚ I truly still knew nothing.
That this peaceful morning.
Would by no means end as just "the usual morning."
Going down the wooden stairs.
One step.
Two steps.
Three steps.
The further down I went‚ the "living sounds" of the morning inn grew larger with definite contours.
The lively sounds of heavy wooden mugs and ceramic tableware touching.
Auntie's energetic voice flying from the kitchen.
Unrestrained laughter exchanged by good-natured customers.
And the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and carefully simmered soup that directly seized the stomach.
"...As I thought‚ this side is more calming."
It was a space completely opposite to the open-air bath wrapped in tense silence just earlier.
Not quiet. Rather‚ terribly noisy.
But in this miscellaneous clamor‚ there was a strange sense of security that filled my heart.
I opened the dining hall door.
"Oh‚ Louie-chan!"
"Morning‚ young master!"
"Auntie‚ is breakfast still available?"
"Auntie‚ my share of ale—"
"You're about to work‚ right! Don't drink from the morning!"
"Hei hei!"
From the morning‚ everyone was full of fresh vitality.
The inn "Adel" had already completely shifted to full operation business mode.
The morning of the port town is early.
Fishermen who had gone out to fish before dawn‚ craftsmen rolling up their sleeves heading to the site‚ adventurers with curious equipment staying overnight on their journey. Each gathers at this place before starting their own day.
The dazzling sunlight slanting in through the window. Sea breeze. Honey bread. And the air still slightly lingering with last night's alcohol.
"..."
I looked around at the heat of the entire dining hall.
"From the morning‚ quite a number of people."
『Yes』
In my mind‚ Ciel immediately responded.
『The current population density inside the inn is recording a 117% increase compared to the same time yesterday』
"You can even tell that in percentages?"
『Grasping detailed parameters is very convenient in case of emergency』
"...Well‚ true."
I scanned with my gaze trying to find an empty seat.
It was at that time.
"Master Louis!"
"Whoa."
Suddenly‚ Mia jumped out from a blind spot.
In both hands a large tray. On it‚ four brimful hot soups‚ six breads‚ and even a mountain of salad were loaded.
"Breakfast delivery!"
"..."
I stared at Mia's tray. And carefully observed her own movements.
"...Amazing."
"Right!"
The moment she was praised‚ her dog ears stood up proudly straight.
"When I did as Master Louis taught me‚ I don't drop them at all anymore!"
"Yeah‚ really."
Indeed. With the her of until yesterday‚ with this load amount‚ it wouldn't be strange if she had scattered at least one soup on the floor by now. But the current Mia was different.
One step.
Two steps.
Three steps.
Each time she advanced her steps‚ the axis of her body was terrifyingly stable.
The movement of her ears was also beautifully synchronized with the tempo of her stride. Her tail was also unconsciously maintaining exquisite balance as a perfect counterweight.
"...I see."
I couldn't help being honestly impressed.
"You've completely made it your own already."
"Yes!"
Mia smiled happily as if flowers were blooming.
"When I do as Master said‚ my body moves in the best way on its own!"
"If so‚ there's nothing more for me to teach."
"No way!"
Suddenly‚ Mia's ears drooped sadly flat.
"Master‚ are you abandoning me!?"
"I'm not abandoning. It's proof of independence."
"Then‚ can I stay as the top disciple forever?"
"...Well."
I thought a little.
"As long as it doesn't interfere with your serving work."
"Yes!"
The drooping dog ears stood up vigorously in an instant. The emotion parameters were too easy to understand.
"Thank you!"
Mia ran to the seats with bouncing steps happily.
Even though she was hurrying in such a small run‚ the tray maintained horizontal like a water surface and showed no swaying at all.
"...She really became an excellent server."
『Lord Louis's optimization approach must have been extremely appropriate』
"Is that so."
『Yes. It is a result to be proud of』
Just as I smiled a little bashfully—
"Oi‚ Brother Louie!"
From behind‚ a thick voice tanned by the sea came flying.
Turning around‚ a sturdy fisherman with a sunburned face was standing.
"I want to borrow a bit of arithmetic wisdom."
"From me?"
"Yeah."
The fisherman pointed outside the window to the blue spreading sea.
"I was thinking of going out to the open sea today. But I just can't read the tide."
"..."
"The wind direction is slightly different from yesterday. With Brother's brain‚ can you figure something out?"
I turned my gaze outside the window.
The sea illuminated by the morning sun. The strength of the wind. The way the sails of ships entering the harbor were swelling. The shape of distant clouds. And the cycle of the wave swells.
"..."
In my head‚ several numbers beautifully assembled with clicks and clicks.
Tidal current‚ wind direction‚ resistance of the seabed topography. Current time‚ yesterday's tide level‚ and today's prediction data.
"...West reef."
"Eh?"
"The back side of it."
"Behind the reef?"
"Yes."
Borrowing a paper napkin on the table‚ I ran a pen on it and drew a simple geometric figure.
"Enter the ship from here."
Drew a line.
"At this angle."
Then another.
"Please drop the net."
"...How much of an angle?"
"About 0.3 degrees."
"..."
"Precisely‚ considering the variable of the possibility of wind direction changing from the afternoon‚ the range of 0.28 degrees to 0.32 degrees."
"..."
The fisherman completely froze.
"Brother."
"Yes."
"I'm going to catch fish. Not take a high-level math exam."
"..."
"How do you measure such fine numbers below the decimal on a swaying sea?"
"Eye estimate is fine. Roughly."
"Say that from the beginning!"
From the fishermen who had been eavesdropping around‚ a large burst of laughter erupted.
I couldn't help smiling a little wryly.
"But if you can drop the net in that range‚ the expected value will certainly rise more than yesterday."
"How much will it rise?"
"If the conditions match‚ the calculation is that the catch will increase by 32%."
"32%..."
The fisherman's eye color changed in an instant.
"Really?"
"On the probability of arithmetic‚ there is no mistake."
"Alright!"
The fisherman clenched his fist with a bang.
"You bastards! Today is the west reef! Prepare for departure!"
"Captain‚ please take it moderately."
"I know!"
The fishermen left the dining hall vigorously.
While seeing off their brave backs‚ I tilted my head a little.
"...They're really going to believe what I said and go."
『From their action patterns‚ it is estimated they will put it into practice with extremely high probability』
"Is that so."
Just as I was about to return to my seat—
"Uwaaaaah!"
Suddenly‚ a scream-like cry rose from another table.
I looked toward the voice.
A young man who was a companion of the earlier fisherman‚ perhaps from excitement‚ had slipped his hand and forcefully knocked over the ale mug on the table.
The amber liquid that had been poured brimfully was spilling from the edge of the table toward the floor all at once.
"...Ah."
Faster than raising my voice.
—A single line of wind blew sharply.
Softly.
The spilled ale‚ just before crashing to the floor‚ unnaturally changed its flow as if ignoring gravity.
The liquid drew a thin spiral vortex in the air‚ and then was cleanly absorbed into a cloth placed on a nearby table without leaving even a single drop of residue.
"..."
I blinked many times.
"That movement just now... magic?"
Who on earth did it. Looking widely around the dining hall‚ no one noticed the anomaly. Even the young man himself was just tilting his head saying "Huh? It didn't spill. Lucky."
But only one person.
In the farthest back of the dining hall‚ a dim seat that should have been empty.
There—a man perfectly dressed in a jet-black tailcoat was standing for just a moment.
Agreas.
As if nothing had happened‚ he was elegantly fine-adjusting the angle of a flower vase with a single flower placed at the edge of the table by the millimeter.
"..."
Our eyes met.
—Or so it seemed.
But the next moment.
His figure was already no longer there.
"...Maybe my imagination."
『No』
"Eh?"
『Just now‚ from the corresponding coordinates‚ I detected an extremely weak but ultra-high-precision wind attribute magical power reaction』
"..."
I stared again at the dimness at the back of the dining hall.
But indeed‚ no one was there.
"Well... whatever. There's no actual harm."
I didn't have the energy right now to chase that elusive and excessively capable shadow any further.
More than that.
"...Breakfast."
Hunger was at its limit.
Just as I was finally about to take my seat—
"Lord Louis."
"Hm?"
This time it was Rosetta-san.
Wrapped in a jet-black maid uniform‚ standing with perfect posture as usual. In her hand the usual black leather notebook.
And in front of her‚ several young adventurers were frozen at attention while breaking out in cold sweat.
"Regarding this request‚ I have a consultation."
"Consultation?"
Rosetta-san opened the notebook with a crisp‚ pleasant sound.
"This goblin subjugation. Reward‚ three silver coins."
"Yes."
"Travel distance‚ about four hours one way."
"Yes."
"Danger level‚ medium."
"Yes."
"The expected profit rate including these success rewards is—"
The eyes behind Rosetta-san's glasses shone sharply and coldly for a moment.
"Converted to hourly wage‚ 1.2%."
"..."
The young adventurers completely turned to stone.
"Isn't it too low?"
"E-even if you say that... We newcomers only get this level of work coming around..."
"Conclusion."
Snap. Rosetta-san coldly closed the notebook.
"Accepting is not recommended at all."
"Eeh!?"
"The cost-effectiveness against time efficiency and life risk is too poor."
"But if we refuse this request‚ today's meal money will run out—"
"Then please look for another request."
"That's so cold!"
"It is not cold. It is merely extremely logical and calm."
There was not a single waver in Rosetta-san's voice.
"Considering the current market situation‚ accepting a separate case of unloading at the harbor in the same time would make the expected revenue about 4.7 times. And it is safe."
"..."
The adventurers exchanged looks with faces mixed with despair and understanding.
"...We'll look for another request."
"A wise judgment."
Rosetta-san nodded deeply with satisfaction.
I couldn't help smiling wryly and interjecting into that conversation.
"Hey‚ Rosetta-san."
"Yes‚ what is it‚ Lord Louis."
"Isn't that clearly exceeding the scope of helping at the inn?"
"No."
It was an immediate answer.
"Optimizing the safety of the young lady and the living infrastructure of this inn economically is the sacred maid duty imposed on me."
"Is that so..."
Just how far the scope of a maid's work goes was already completely beyond my understanding.
In the back of the dining hall‚ Mia was still busily running around.
One. Two. Three.
Taking orders‚ carrying food‚ collecting empty plates. And moreover‚ there were truly almost no mistakes.
"Master Louis!"
From afar‚ Mia raised her voice happily.
"Look!"
She brought four brimful hot soups all at once.
The tray remained completely horizontal. Her dog ears were twitching pleasantly in regular coordination with her pace. Her tail was also perfectly maintaining counterbalance.
"How is it!"
"Yeah."
Naturally the corners of my mouth loosened.
"Perfect."
"Yay!"
Mia happily swung her tail left and right vigorously.
But that momentum was a bit too strong.
"—Ah."
That fluffy tail vigorously contacted a nearby empty chair.
Clatter.
"Hya!"
Mia greatly lost her balance and panicked.
However.
The tray held high remained strangely still and didn't sway.
"..."
I widened my eyes in surprise.
"Even with that impact just now‚ it endured."
"Ehehe!"
Mia proudly puffed out her thin chest.
"It's the fruit of Master's teachings!"
"No‚ that recovery just now is completely thanks to your own reflex nerves. You're already a much more excellent server than someone like me."
"That's not true!"
"Is that so?"
"Master is way‚ way more amazing!"
Her dog ears were fluttering adorably filled with joy.
After a while.
A single elf entered the dining hall with languid steps‚ glass in one hand.
Elwin-san.
Now she had changed into casual clothes of a simple shirt and pants that were easy to move in. Not as tense and elegant as her refined night bartender appearance‚ but the way she tilted the glass in her hand alone was strangely stylish.
"...Yo‚ boy."
"Yes?"
"Can you grab that snack over there for me?"
"Please grab it yourself."
"It's far‚ you know."
"..."
Reluctantly‚ I took the small plate of snacks and handed it to her.
"Here you go."
"Thanks."
Elwin-san received it with satisfaction.
"..."
『Lord Louis』
(What?)
『With this person‚ both physically and psychologically‚ I speculate it would be better to avoid further contact』
(I think so from the bottom of my heart too)
『Opinions completely matched』
(From earlier‚ Ciel‚ aren't you raising the caution level strangely only toward Elwin-san?)
『...It's your imagination』
(Definitely not imagination‚ right?)
While carrying the snack elegantly to her mouth‚ Elwin-san clinked the ice in her glass pleasantly and stared this way.
"However‚ boy."
"...You called me boy again."
"From the morning‚ you're wringing out wisdom in various places quite a bit."
"I haven't done anything particular. I'm just being dragged in on my own."
"I heard you gave advice on the tide to the fishmonger."
"..."
"Debugged Mia's serving movements and such."
"..."
"Even fixed the shared well of the inn‚ I heard just now as a rumor on the wind?"
"That's..."
I was a little at a loss for a reply.
"It's a coincidence. Just simple arithmetic."
"Heh."
Elwin-san chuckled with a throaty sound.
"Coincidence‚ huh."
Her emerald eyes sharpened for a moment as if seeing through everything of me.
But.
"Well‚ fine. I'll leave it as that."
Immediately‚ she returned to her usual languid tone.
Just as I exhaled a sigh of "good grief‚" for the who-knows-how-many-th time today—
—Clang.
The small brass bell hanging at the front entrance of the inn rang pure and clear.
The gazes of everyone in the dining hall gathered for a moment toward the entrance.
From the opened door‚ the refreshing morning sea breeze slipped in.
And.
A voice that was bottomlessly bright and like rolling a sweet bell echoed through the lively dining hall.
"Louie-kun! I'm home—!"
Dazzling silver hair waved sparklingly under the incoming morning light.
The moment I caught that figure‚ as if spurred by wild survival instincts‚ my body reflexively stiffened.
"..."
『Lord Louis』
(...Yeah)
『Lady Selina has returned』
(...Apparently so)
Quietly‚ I exhaled small as if resolving myself.
Apparently‚ my modest peace and quiet morning time.
Had splendidly ended here.
"Louie-kun!"
It's Selina.
Spreading both arms wide‚ blooming a full smile.
While fixing her gaze only on me as the absolute goal‚ charging straight this way.
"Welcome bac—"
Faster than the words could be fully spun.
"Gyuu—!"
"Whoa!"
A surprisingly soft and sweet warmth rushed from the front all at once.
Selina hugged me to my chest without any deceleration at all.
It's the usual. I shouldn't be surprised anymore. It's completely a daily routine‚ after all.
—And yet.
Today‚ for some reason‚ I was sensing an unpleasant premonition that made my spine tingle.
"Louie-kun‚ I'm home!"
"Y-yeah. Welcome back‚ Selina."
"Today‚ you know‚ I was a bit busy from the morning—"
There.
Selina's bouncing adorable voice stopped unnaturally dead.
"..."
"...?"
While still firmly hugging my body‚ she brought her face deep to my shoulder. The tips of her beautiful silver hair tickled my cheek.
"...Louie-kun."
"W-what is it?"
"Wait a bit."
"Yes?"
Selina's nose tip twitched at close range.
"..."
Once more. Sniff.
"..."
Even deeper. Sniff‚ sniff.
Down my spine‚ cold sweat like ice water flowed with a streak.
"W-what's wrong?"
"Louie-kun..."
"Yes."
"From Louie-kun's hair... there's a citrus scent."
"...!"
My heart jumped largely.
"And also..."
Selina's blue eyes slowly narrowed coldly like crescents.
"...There's also residual high-purity magical power unique to elves."
"............"
The air of the dining hall that should have been full of morning vitality completely froze.
"Eh?"
The voice that came out of my mouth cracked splendidly enough to make even me pull back.
"I-it's different‚ okay?"
"What is?"
"No‚ that..."
"Who were you with?"
"No one!"
"Really?"
"Really."
"What were you doing in the morning when I wasn't here?"
"..."
I couldn't help averting my gaze.
Then.
Selina's smile grew even deeper and darker without bottom.
"Louie-kun?"
"Yes."
"Where were you in the morning?"
"...The rooftop bath."
"..."
Selina's smile froze beautifully.
I also froze. All the customers in the dining hall froze.
Even Mia's dog ears‚ who had been going back and forth between kitchen and seats‚ stopped moving dead.
"...Bath?"
"Yeah."
"Alone?"
"At first."
"At first...?"
"..."
I shouldn't have said it.
In my heart‚ I clutched my head vigorously while shedding tears of blood.
"From midway‚ Elwin-san came in."
"............"
From Selina's smile‚ absolute temperature completely disappeared.
It's not a metaphor. I really felt the physical room temperature of the dining hall drop several degrees all at once.
"Heh..."
Selina laughed.
"With Elwin-san‚ together?"
"No‚ that's wrong!"
I hurriedly waved both hands vigorously side to side.
"It's completely force majeure coincidence! I entered first‚ and after that she came mistaking that no one was there!"
"Hmm."
"Really only that! There's no other intention!"
"...Is that so."
"Yes!"
"............"
Selina is smiling.
Even though she's smiling. It's terrifying. So terrifying that my spine freezes.
『——Warning』
(What!?)
『An extremely dangerous situation』
(I know without being told!)
『Lady Selina's mental stability value has decreased 37% from the normal value』
(It's decreasing!?)
『Simultaneously‚ internal magical power output has increased 128%』
(The increasing one is physically scarier!)
Risking my life‚ I attempted a desperate defense.
"So‚ really there's nothing to feel guilty about!"
"..."
"I was just reading!"
"..."
"Reading a difficult specialized book on alchemy!"
"..."
"Trying to generate soap and failing!"
"..."
"And the moment Elwin-san came‚ I immediately ran away!"
"..."
"That's all!"
The entire dining hall was silent as if water had been thrown on it.
Selina was staring intently into my eyes. That one second felt like the pressure of an hour.
Eventually.
"...Fufu."
She smiled small.
"I see."
"..."
"Louie-kun‚ you did your best."
"Eh?"
"You properly ran away immediately."
"...Yeah."
"Good boy‚ good boy."
Selina gently stroked my still slightly wet hair.
"..."
Saved. From the bottom of my heart‚ I exhaled a breath of relief.
—At that moment.
"But."
"..."
"With Elwin-san‚ later I'll talk a little deeply personally. Physically."
"As I thought it's no good!"
"Oh my."
From the dim corner of the dining hall‚ a terribly amused voice echoed.
It's Elwin-san. Before I knew it she was sitting at a table seat‚ chin resting on one hand with an ale mug‚ looking this way with a mischievous grin.
"Princess‚ quite scary from the morning."
"...Elwin-san."
"Yes?"
"Did you do something to Louie-kun?"
"I didn't do anything."
"Really?"
"Really."
"..."
"Just entered the bath leisurely together."
"The way you say it!"
I screamed.
"I entered first! Elwin-san just came later on her own!"
"I heard that earlier‚ Louie-kun."
Selina smiled a little troubledly‚ lowering her eyebrows.
"In my head‚ I properly understand."
"But?"
"...Somehow‚ I feel cloudy."
That word alone.
Held a very small‚ painful resonance hidden behind the bravado.
I lost my words.
She wasn't angry. She just looked terribly lonely.
"...I'm sorry."
When I told her honestly like that‚ Selina widened her eyes a little unexpectedly.
"Why is Louie-kun apologizing?"
"No... because I should have noticed the presence earlier and thoroughly taken avoidance actions."
"Louie-kun isn't at fault."
Saying that‚ Selina gently hugged my arm again with the hand manner of handling a fragile treasure.
"Just..."
It was a truly small‚ vanishing voice.
"I just don't want Louie-kun to be taken by someone else."
"..."
Deep in my chest‚ it tightened a little‚ and became just a little warm.
『Observation』
Ciel's voice quietly echoed in my mind.
『Lord Louis's mental state‚ stability confirmed』
(...You're always monitoring even that‚ huh)
『Yes. Because it is my task』
(...Thank you‚ Ciel)
『...』
Ciel fell silent for just a moment.
『You're welcome』
That electronic voice seemed to resonate just a little happily like a human.
—At that time. Suddenly.
As if slicing through the sweet air of the dining hall‚ the terminal in Rosetta-san's bosom rang a sharp alert.
Beep beep.
"...?"
Rosetta-san immediately opened the terminal and narrowed her eyes sternly behind her glasses.
"Emergency communication."
"From whom?"
"From Lord Leon."
My expression changed.
"From Leon?"
Rosetta-san switched the communication to speaker mode.
The next moment.
『——Louie!!』
To my ear‚ Leon's desperate loud voice echoed.
『Can you hear me‚ Louie!?』
"I can hear you!"
『Sorry! It became physically beyond my hands‚ and I contacted you while enduring the shame!』
"What happened!?"
From the other side of the communication‚ a roar that violently shook the eardrum arrived. Abnormal friction sounds of heavy metals colliding and grinding. And the voices of someone panicking and shouting.
『The military guys—』
Leon shouted.
『They made the latest magical calculation furnace in the central district of Dilmunt overflow with reckless high load!』
"...Huh?"
『Currently‚ a national-level defensive barrier is forcibly activated surrounding the runaway calculation furnace!』
The air of the dining hall completely changed this time for sure.
The lively laughter until just now‚ Selina's jealousy‚ Elwin-san's banter. All of that vanished in an instant.
『Damn‚ the system of the calculation furnace is uncontrollable! Physical attacks and magic‚ nothing works at all!』
Leon's pained voice continued.
『The durability of this defensive barrier will last about two more hours at most...!』
"..."
I fell silent.
Dilmunt—the Steel Fortress City. The heart of the kingdom's military and magical technology. The city where elites advocating absolute magic supremacy proudly operate the latest magical calculation furnaces.
If at its center an enormous magical calculation becomes uncontrollable and causes a large explosion.
"...The predicted damage to the surroundings?"
I asked as calmly as possible.
『I have no idea!』
Leon answered as if yelling.
『But at this rate‚ the magical circuits of the entire fortress will burn out in chain reaction! The city itself will be blown off the ground!』
I quietly closed my eyes.
In my head‚ enormous numbers lined up like a waterfall. Magical power. Calculation. Load. Circuit. Output. Control.
And. The proof of the worst possibility.
『Warning』
Ciel's voice was lower and colder than usual.
『If the runaway of the magical calculation furnace continues‚ the probability of a massive magical disaster expanding over the entire fortress city centered on the central district is extremely high』
"..."
『I recommend prioritizing the rescue of Leon Valks』
I slowly opened my eyes.
"...That guy."
I exhaled small.
"Even though he was saying so arrogantly about protecting the inn's defense wall."
I clenched my fist tightly.
"What are you doing breaking yourself‚ you idiot knight."
At that moment.
Selina‚ who had been holding my arm next to me‚ smoothly stood up straight.
"Let's go‚ Louie-kun."
"Eh?"
"To Dilmunt."
She was a completely different person from the girl who had been swaying with jealousy until just now.
In those noble blue eyes‚ there was not a single hesitation.
"We'll go help Leon."
"...Selina."
"Of course."
Selina showed a fearless smile.
"I'll take my precious Louie-kun along too."
"..."
『Lady Selina』
In my mind‚ Ciel called out.
『I permit backup from this side‚ as well as route securing』
"...Eh?"
I couldn't help widening my eyes.
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"Fufu‚ it's a secret."
Selina smiled mischievously and‚ with that absolute beauty intact‚ turned a sharp gaze to Rosetta-san.
"Rosetta."
"Yes‚ Young Lady."
"Arrange a magical train to Dilmunt."
"I have already confirmed the operation schedule."
"The earliest train?"
"If a regular operation train‚ it will be 37 minutes later."
"Too late."
"..."
Rosetta-san narrowed her eyes coldly behind her glasses for a moment.
"Then."
Snap. She quietly closed her usual black leather notebook.
"We shall temporarily stop all regular operations of this line‚ and force-depart a direct magical express as 'completely chartered'."
"Eh? Operation stop!? Charter a direct express!??"
At the unprecedented development‚ I couldn't help raising my voice loudly.
"There's no way a mere maid's authority can do something of national scale like that‚ right!?"
"I can‚ Lord Louis."
"You can..."
『Currently‚ it is already complete』
In my mind‚ Ciel added a terrifying supplement calmly.
『Access to the national operation management system of the Mana Rail Express is complete. Construction of emergency evacuation routes for all trains currently running on the tracks is finished』
"..."
I have a bad premonition. An extremely fatal level of premonition.
"Selina."
"What is it‚ Louie-kun?"
"Don't tell me‚ you guys..."
Selina smiled mischievously and sweetly.
"Yeah."
"..."
"I'll just privately use a little of Father's national power!"
"The definition of that 'a little' is fundamentally wrong!"
Rosetta-san operated the terminal in her hands at a fearsome speed.
Clack clack clack.
Logging in nonchalantly with VIP authority that should be designated as the kingdom's highest secret. On the screen‚ approval code number strings flowed at ultra-high speed.
『Route change』
『Signal control』
『Highest priority authority acquisition』
『Departure time recalculation』
"..."
I doubted my own eyes.
"This is the kingdom's most important national infrastructure‚ right?"
"Yes."
"Is it okay to rewrite the program on your own?"
"It is an emergency."
Rosetta-san answered calmly and extremely businesslike.
"If it is an emergency‚ any rule violation is reasonably tolerated."
"It's not tolerated! The ethical error is completely runaway!"
Selina strongly pulled the arm of me whose retorts couldn't keep up.
"Let's go‚ Louie-kun."
"...Yeah."
It was truly mysterious.
Until just earlier‚ I was opening a specialized book on alchemy in a quiet morning bath.
Trying to make soap from hot spring stone and fallen leaf‚ and failing perfectly.
But that was strangely interesting‚ and I laughed a little. It was supposed to be a thoroughly calm and beloved morning of only that.
Now I.
Am about to head to a massive fortress city surrounded by iron and magical furnaces‚ forcibly stopping a runaway national-level system with brute force‚ by hijacking an express train entirely.
"..."
I smiled small self-mockingly.
"Somehow‚ it's a quite busy morning."
『Yes』
In my mind‚ Ciel responded quietly.
『But—』
Just a moment.
That electronic voice that should have been cold resonated softly as if given human body temperature.
『This too is also Lord Louis's beloved "everyday"』
"...That's right."
Selina strongly grasped my right hand as if enveloping it.
Gyuu‚ a definite warmth was transmitted.
"It's okay‚ Louie-kun."
"What is?"
"If Louie-kun is going there."
She bloomed a smile more reliable and dazzling than anything in the world.
"I'll always be together too."
"...Yeah."
Feeling the definite warmth of that hand like an anchor deep in my chest‚ I powerfully took a step toward the old door of the inn "Adel."
"Let's hurry‚ everyone."
Clang.
The brass bell rang pure and clear as if blessing our departure.
From the thrown-open door‚ the dazzling morning light and the strong sea breeze from the ocean slipped in vigorously.
It was as if pushing our backs powerfully all the way as we headed toward the new battle beginning from today.
Side Story - Chapter 13: "The Alchemy Bug (Failure) and the Express Ticket to the Steel Fortress" End
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