ISMFF63

Chapter 63

Infiltration (3)

I didn’t like the way my assistant so warmly greeted the merchant guild master, someone she had only met a handful of times. At most, they had seen each other once in my absence and then again at the Founding Festival—that was all. Yet, the distance between my assistant and the guild master had closed far more than I had anticipated.

Rio Felix, as expected of someone in his profession, was eloquent and persuasive. But even so, he never hid his authority and always maintained strict boundaries. To think that he would actually make a move after all his persistent interest in my assistant—it made me feel as if something that belonged to me was being taken away. The thought was infuriating.

Of course, I have no intention of surrendering her so easily.

Meanwhile, Temia, exhausted from the continuous tension, forced her eyes shut. But her heart still pounded faster than usual, and the rattling noise of the carriage made it impossible to fall asleep.

I need to rest, even a little, to recover my stamina…

Lowell, noticing her struggle, flicked his fingers. At once, the surrounding noise died down. He no longer bothered to hide his magic, casting it openly and naturally. Taking a deep breath, Temia relaxed against the seat. Soon, drowsiness crept back in.

All the while, the carriage raced through the night toward a town glowing with dazzling lights—a den of pleasure.

Clap!

The sharp sound broke through the silence, and Temia jolted awake, shivering. Startled, she looked around in confusion. Lowell covered his mouth to stifle a laugh. With another snap of his fingers—clap, clap—her gaze shifted to his hand.

“W-What are you doing?! You scared me!”
“What else? I was waking you up. We’ve arrived. Honestly, someone could’ve carried you off and you wouldn’t have noticed. I called you several times, but you didn’t even stir.”

Gasping, Temia’s breath caught. How could I have fallen asleep so soundly at such an important moment? And worse, leaning on this man?

Flustered, she rushed to defend herself.

“S-Sorry, but you told me to sleep first! And we’re not late for anything, are we?”
“True. But still, you have something… right here.”

Lowell pointed at her mouth. Horrified at the implication that she had drooled, Temia scrubbed furiously at her lips with the back of her hand—only to find nothing. Furious, she snapped at him. This lying magician!

“Nothing there after all. I thought maybe you drooled in your sleep.”

Completely unfazed, Lowell met her glare with ease. Then he turned to gently shake Lerry awake.

“Lerry, wake up. Since when does a summoned creature sleep this much? It’s not like I’ve been giving you less mana.”

The bluebird fluttered up and perched on his shoulder, yawning indignantly.

“Haaaam~ Master! Sleep is essential if I want to keep my feathers silky! Lately I’ve been so busy, I swear they’re losing their shine. You know what they say—beauty sleeps a lot, hmhm~.”

“…What’s gotten into you?”

When they first visited the Academy, Lowell remembered the little bird excitedly talking about seeing cute creatures. But lately, its words had grown increasingly strange. Narrowing his eyes, Lowell listened as Lerry whispered directly into his mind with magic.

This isn’t what I gave you speech magic for…

The unexpected voice made Lowell widen his eyes before he let out a hollow laugh.

[I just want what you have, Master. Someone like Lady Temia by my side, to share a lifetime with! To do that, I need to make a good impression first, don’t I? Peacocks spread their beautiful feathers to charm mates. I don’t have that, so at least I can keep my feathers glossy.]

Lowell was momentarily speechless. The words carried a strange note of envy directed at him.

[You and Lady Temia used to spend time playing with me… but lately it’s just the two of you together. You still treat me well, of course, but I can’t help feeling left out. If I had my own partner, maybe I wouldn’t be so lonely…]

Unable to shut out the endless stream of chatter, Lowell finally muttered aloud:

“I’ve never thought of you as a partner.”

“What?”

Temia, fixing her clothes, looked at him curiously. Lowell quickly covered up.

“…If you worked with me for life, then maybe I’d call you a partner.”

Without waiting for a reply, he flung open the carriage door, looking like a man eager to escape his own nonsense. Temia frowned at his odd words, irritated.

“First you said I was just an apprentice. Now you’re asking me to stay by your side forever?”
“If you want to, I don’t mind.”

Then, shooting Lerry a sharp glare and poking its head, Lowell stepped down first and offered his hand to Temia.

“It looks awkward for you to get down. Need a hand?”

Outside, everything was dazzlingly bright.

Did I really sleep that long? Temia wondered. But when she glanced up, the sky was still dark, far from dawn. The brilliance came from magical lamps lining the vast mansion grounds, each glowing softly in a breathtaking display.

After ensuring everyone had disembarked, the servant dismissed the carriage and bowed.

“Welcome. From here, I will be your guide.”

Only then did Temia realize he had been waiting outside all this time. She apologized awkwardly.

“Sorry, I must have delayed you…”
“Not at all. You’ve had a difficult journey. Besides, the moment the magician informed me you’d arrived, I knew what was happening inside the carriage.”

“…Still, I hope I didn’t delay the schedule?”
“It was accounted for. Please don’t worry.”

Relieved, Temia followed as the servant led them along the garden path. Still, guilt gnawed at her.

How could I fall asleep before something this important? Kylie… I’m sorry. I’ll focus from now on. I promise.

Thinking of Kylie’s bright smile steadied her heart.

The garden stretched endlessly, its towering hedges forming high, wall-like partitions. Ivy grew thick across the branches, making it impossible to see beyond unless one followed the correct path. It felt strangely claustrophobic.

“…It’s like a maze.”

She muttered unconsciously. The servant smiled and nodded.

“That’s because it was designed as one. The idea came from Duke Widro himself.”
“…I see.”
“To enter requires resolve. To escape requires even more. Ha ha.”

Escape? Temia tilted her head in confusion. Lowell cut in flatly.

“What else? Money troubles, most likely.”

His expression was faintly grim. Considering they were here on a money-related investigation, Temia thought it made sense—but his dislike seemed deeper than simple annoyance. She was about to ask when the servant’s cheerful voice broke in.

“Here we are! Inside, Lord Rio Felix is waiting. Your investigation must remain secret, so within the mansion you will be treated only as honored guests. Before entering, however, a few inspections are necessary…”
“We can’t refuse now, can we? Better to get it over with quickly.”

“As a rule, guests are prohibited from using magical tools, to prevent deception. We also use mana detectors to thoroughly check each visitor before entry. If any unusual flow of magic is found inside, you will be escorted out.”

Lowell scowled.

“…Then why invite a magician in the first place?”

The servant gave a strained smile.

“Of course, a magician of your caliber doesn’t need such checks.”

Even so, he deftly removed magical items like cloaks and brooches from the group. Meanwhile, Lerry simply perched on Lowell’s shoulder, tilting its head curiously.

Strange… why is this bird still here? the servant thought.

And just then, an attendant appeared carrying a large cage, eyes fixed squarely on Lerry.

The little bird shrieked and clung desperately to Lowell’s cheek.