As I followed the trail of mana, I began to see it more vividly.
"You have acquired |Mana Detection|." [Spirit Guide]
The Spirit Guide's voice echoed in my head, but I was too occupied to listen.
("Where is this trail going?") [Solace]
The trail ended at the front door of the mansion. As much as I would've liked to continue following it, the front door was quite the obstacle.
("Maybe I can go around…?") [Solace]
I searched the perimeter for any way in. The windows of the mansion were closed off, and the only thing I could see was the decorated brush around the building.
("No way in… Perhaps I could spot Fina through the windows?") [Solace]
I peeked through the windows, only to find empty rooms throughout the first floor.
("How about the second floor?") [Solace]
Hovering over to the next window, I darted to the side upon reflex.
("Woah!") [Solace]
There sat Fina's brother, Relton. I could see his blue hair from afar, lounging about with a book in one hand.
("Did he see me?") [Solace]
I poked my little yellow face into the corner of the window, only to jerk back to my hiding spot.
("Oh crap!") [Solace]
I could've sworn Relton saw me for a moment, but he didn't react. All he did was continue reading his book.
("Phew… Huh? He's moving?") [Solace]
Suddenly, Relton just decided to get up. Not only that, but he was also approaching the window I was just at.
("Uh oh.") [Solace]
I could hear Relton's footsteps coming closer, all the way until he opened the window.
("...") [Solace]
I pinned myself against the wall, anxious that Relton would take a look outside.
("...Is he not going to look?") [Solace]
I waited and waited, yet nothing happened.
("...I'm just going to take a quick peek.") [Solace]
Inching towards the window, I peered into the room to find that Relton was no longer there.
("He left the window open?") [Solace]
Not only did he leave the window open, Relton also left the room door slightly ajar as well.
("This is sus as hell. …But they do say that you should take an opportunity when it presents itself.") [Solace]
I quickly entered the room without a second thought. I glanced around nervously, just in case someone was there.
("It really is empty…") [Solace]
I moved to the door, slightly opening it to check for people.
("Damn… That's a lot of people.") [Solace]
Maids and butlers moved around. It seemed they were in a hurry, as they were moving furniture and decorations around quickly.
("What's going on…?") [Solace]
"Hurry! We need to get this to the dining room quickly!" [Old Butler]
I eavesdropped a bit. Listening in on the people passing by, it turns out there is some sort of special guest at the mansion. Not only that, but all members of the house are attending dinner with said person.
("Hm. I've got no other clues. Guess I'll head to the dining room.") [Solace]
I wasn't sure if I recalled the way to the dining room from the only time I visited the place, so I stayed low until I found a maid headed towards where I needed to go.
("Under the skirt I go!") [Solace]
I swiftly entered one of the maid's skirts, totally not because of the view. I swear, it was to hide and get to my objective. …The objective is most definitely not up from the skirt, please believe me.
("Oh, purple panties- I mean, I need to save Fina!") [Solace]
Traveling through the mansion was a bit difficult. I wasn't able to see anything outside the skirt, so I attempted to just use sound.
"Hahaha! Of course, Heltic! My daughter may seem a bit… rough, but I assure you she is a very fair lady." [???]
I heard voices, along with the clatter of utensils and plates. Not only that, but I could feel that I could go into that weird invisible form when I'm next to Fina.
("She's here!") [Solace]
Right after sensing I could go to her side, I entered the non-physical form. My view changed, shifting out of the maid's skirt and above the dining room.
("Fina…!") [Solace]
I could see her from above, sitting with an incredibly unhappy expression at the dining table.
("Thank god…") [Solace]
My body relaxed knowing she was safe, which snapped me out of my tunnel vision and allowed me to observe my surroundings.
("So extravagant…") [Solace]
The room had an incredibly long dining table that had only four people seated. The table was covered with a multitude of food, most of which I didn't know of. I could've sworn there was some sort of goat-fish thing being roasted on the side too.
("Huh? Who's that?") [Solace]
The four people seated were Fina, her brother Relton, her father, and some curly haired blonde fat guy in the corner.
"I should call my son over next time! Perhaps it would be better for him to get to know Finea in person!" [Curly Haired Blonde Fat Guy]
"Ah, that's a brilliant idea! Better yet, I believe their wedding would be smoother if they got to know each other a few more times!" [Fina's Father]
("What?") [Solace]
The curly blonde fat guy snapped his fingers in delight.
"Oh, I know! How about we hold the wedding next week!" [Curly Haired Blonde Fat Guy]
"Indeed! Finea, you're fine with marrying next week, yes?" [Fina's Father]
("What?!") [Solace]
Fina opened her mouth to say something, but nothing seemed to come out.
"It appears that she's agreed! Next week it is then!" [Fina's Father]
("What?!?!") [Solace]