CHAPTER 75………………………………….
The Masquerade (2)
‘Oh no, Lowell isn’t here right now…!’
But until the two even stood up to open the door, there was no sound of anyone calling out for the assistant or the mage. At the very least, that meant it wasn’t one of the usual customers or delivery people.
“…Who could it be?”
They began to feel uneasy.
“We did put up a big sign saying we’re on vacation… Should we just not answer, Lady Temia?”
“That feels a bit rude… What if it’s something urgent?”
Just then, as if the person outside had sensed their hesitation, a familiar voice rang out.
“I know full well you’re free right now, so how about opening the door?”
The voice was familiar, yet its sudden appearance felt oddly out of place. The two hurriedly rushed to the door.
“I knew you’d be inside.”
As they threw open the tightly locked door, Rio stood there, raising a hand in greeting with his usual composed smile.
“I recall mentioning I owed you a reward last time. Sorry to interrupt your break, but it’s not about work—may I come in for a bit?”
Temia and Lerry exchanged quick glances. It was their day off, so they didn’t have to entertain him, but after going through so much together, they couldn’t very well turn him away. And since he’d said it wasn’t business-related, that likely meant it was a personal visit. There was only one answer to that.
“Of course, come in. Please excuse the mess, we had the workshop closed up.”
“No need to fuss. I’m hardly in a position to be picky, given that I still owe you.”
Speaking lightly, Rio sat down naturally in a guest chair as if he knew the place well. He gestured for them to sit too. Once Temia sat and Lerry hopped onto the table, Rio looked between them and asked:
“I heard some heated talk while waiting. Did something interesting happen?”
At that, Lerry puffed up her beak in protest.
“Interesting? Sir Felix! We were discussing something very serious!”
“Oh? Even better. What’s the topic?”
“This! How could such problems keep happening among mages? It’s practically obstructing the progress of magical research! I simply can’t stop worrying!”
Lerry tapped her beak against a newspaper article and puffed out her chest, launching into a passionate speech. Rio barely managed to suppress his laughter. He knew she was serious—but from his perspective, it was simply adorable.
“How admirable of you to worry about the future of mages. There can’t be another familiar as clever as you.”
“Hehe, of course! My master is destined to become a famous mage, after all. How could her familiar be anything less than perfect?”
Playing along, Rio stroked the small bird’s chin, amused. His praise wasn’t entirely empty, though—the issue mentioned in the paper was indeed serious. After glancing over the article, Rio sighed quietly.
“This matter has been causing quite a stir on our side too. It’s troublesome, to say the least.”
“Troublesome? You mean there’s something wrong within the merchants’ guild as well?”
Temia asked, concern flickering across her face. Rio nodded lightly.
“The article only gives a brief outline, but in truth, it’s spreading fast. Even if it started as rumor among mages, once it’s out there, word travels quickly.”
“Then… ordinary students are being affected too?”
“Exactly. Since the effect is immediate, it’s become popular among academy students who have frequent exams. I’ve even heard that some versions are mixed with addictive substances—it’s become quite the emergency. Given how concentrated the mage population is in the capital, I’d say it’s already spread far beyond it.”
“That’s terrible…”
Having witnessed similar events firsthand not long ago, Temia couldn’t think of it as a distant matter.
‘Could this be related to what happened in Kalis Land…?’
A chill ran down her spine. Rio exhaled heavily, his tone grave.
“Even if it’s trending, this pace is unnatural. No way this is the work of individuals acting alone. Someone’s definitely pulling strings behind the scenes.”
“…You’re only guessing for now, right?”
“Well, yes. We don’t know exactly what they’re after—or if it’s even deliberate—but still.”
Despite his words, his expression held an odd certainty. Temia couldn’t help asking:
“Rio, you know something, don’t you?”
It wasn’t just a question—it was a suspicion. She too remembered past events and suspected that “that organization” was involved. The glint of gold in Rio’s narrowed eyes confirmed her hunch.
“Only bits and pieces. When you’re in my line of work, you hear things in passing. I can only speculate.”
“But if it’s that serious, shouldn’t you help put a stop to it? You seemed to have connections last time.”
Temia frowned, unable to understand his reluctance. Rio chuckled quietly.
“My dear assistant, I do find your upright nature charming, truly. But unfortunately, I’m just a merchant. I can’t afford to be that generous. Getting involved would go against my own rules.”
The fleeting coldness in his eyes made Temia fall silent. Sometimes, he exuded an authority that left her unable to move or speak. But the moment passed quickly as he relaxed again.
“Well, it’s not like I know for sure. Better to keep quiet than to stir confusion with unverified claims, don’t you think?”
“I… suppose that’s true.”
The unease lingered, but she sensed no point in pressing further. Rio smoothly shifted the subject.
“From what’s been found, it’s spreading mostly around the capital. This area should still be safe, so you can rest easy.”
At that, Lerry suddenly fluttered her wings.
“Now that I think about it, it’s been a while, Sir Felix! We didn’t get to say a proper goodbye after you went to testify!”
It hadn’t been long since the incident in Kalis Land. Rio smiled.
“Did you enjoy your time with that canary? I recall she already had a partner—sorry I didn’t warn you. I hope you didn’t embarrass yourself too much…”
“Sir Felix, you’re so mean! Mean! Hmph!”
Feeling thoroughly wounded, Lerry pecked at him a few times and flew off in a huff. Looking awkward, Rio turned back to Temia with a wry smile.
“Oh dear, seems she’s not too fond of me. I was thinking of introducing her to another familiar, instead of that canary.”
“Huh? For Lerry?”
“She must get bored, always stuck by her mage’s side. The same could be said for you, my dear assistant.”
He then produced an elegant invitation and handed it to her.
“There’s going to be a masquerade in Paren… You came to mind. I thought it’d be a good way to apologize for startling you last time.”
It was an unexpected proposal.
‘Is this really okay? Well, it is my official vacation, but still…’
“But wouldn’t it be better to invite someone else? Why me?”
“Think of it as providing a special ‘bonus’ to maintain customer satisfaction.”
“Meaning…?”
“Aren’t you curious where your mage went?”
“!!!”
Temia’s eyes widened, and Rio smiled knowingly.
“Try not to show it too much. That little one’s more sensitive than she looks.”
“How did you—? Wait, what do you mean? Why did he go there?”
Rio glanced toward Lerry, still sulking in the corner, and lowered his voice.
“That’s something you’d better see for yourself. So, will you go?”
“You didn’t think I’d refuse, did you?”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t have brought it up otherwise.”
“All right. When do we leave?”
“As soon as you’re ready.”
“What?”
Temia narrowed her eyes, trying to tell if he was joking, but Rio simply smiled, watching her quietly.
“This way, you’ll be satisfied, and I’ll get to indulge a little myself. Seems like the perfect arrangement, doesn’t it?”
“Indulge yourself? What kind of indulgence?”
“That, my dear, is a secret—for now.”
“Oh, come on, that’s not fair.”
“You really are oblivious about things like this. Well then—shall we go, partner?”
With that, he straightened and extended his hand to her like a true gentleman, as if inviting her to step into a new adventure.
‘…Rio really is kind. Unlike someone who’s vanished without a word.’
Temia steadied herself and placed her hand in his.
