"Gaaahh..."
I let out a long sigh and slid onto my soft bed. We're finally home, and I'm completely exhausted.
Putting my arm across my forehead, my brows furrowed.
"What's the matter, my lord?"
Benjirou inquired, emerging from the shadows beneath my feet with a swish. With a worried expression, he stood dignified beside the bed.
"Oh... I can't help but wonder what that was all about."
"You mean?"
"I'm talking about Mai."
Mai's expression never changed from being despondent until we came back from the tour. We arrived at the library shortly after the conversation in front of the tower, but the atmosphere had become extremely awkward. So, after highlighting a shadow under one of the library's shelves, I told her we should go home. The expression she gave me at that time was to blame for my tired mentality.
How did she respond, you ask? With a bright smile, she said, "Yes, let us do that."
Of course, I was aware that she was acting. We're talking about Mai, after all. That expressionless girl who only brightens up when teasing someone.
"I believe something happened to her."
"How about asking her directly? It's much better than mopping yourself, isn't it?"
"Normally, yes..."
I shifted my position and sat in an Indian seat on the bed.
"...but I don't want to burden Mai by talking about something that could seriously hurt her feelings; if she talks about it, I'll listen; if she doesn't, I'll never force her."
"Haah."
With a relieved expression, Benjirou let out a sigh.
"That sounds just like you, my lord. You sure do have a soft spot for women."
"Well, that's my strong point, I guess?"
I said that all, but I am really worried about Mai. For the time being, let us just wait and see how these fare come to sail.
"By the way, what happened to the little girl?"
"Oh, she left just as you returned; I suppose that Chika girl is baking cookies for her again."
He said this while shifting his gaze to the door, as if pointing with his eyes in that direction.
"I wonder if they think of her as a pet? In any case, I'm glad Andrea has someone to play with; I can tell she's having a good time."
"You are, indeed, correct."
Benjirou replied with a warm smile. He appears as if he was Andrea's older brother. I can't help but smile when I think about it.
"Oh, and by the way, Benjirou..."
"What is it, my lord?'
"The 'time' you mentioned to me before going out with Mai..."
I grinned at him, assuming he understands what I mean (Refer to Chapter 17)
"Oh, I've got to go to the library. My lord, I'll see you later!"
"Ah, hey!"
He escaped. That guy even lectured me on all of that nonsense. I'll definitely get him later for that!
If you're wondering how Benjirou got to the Library, I left a magic marker on one of the shelves.
He could travel using the shadow movement by using that highlighted spot. That skill sure is convenient. Even I couldn't pull it off.
"Well, for the time being, let us take it easy..."
I shut my eyes. And, despite the fact that my consciousness is active, my body has entered a state of rest.
—
"So, what exactly happened?"
Ellisbeth inquired, with a look of eagerness on her face. She was feeling much better than before, but on her mother's advice, she was still not allowed to leave her room. As a result, she asked all these while sitting on her bed, her lower body wrapped in a blanket.
"How do I put this, my lady... Everything went well on their trip, but..."
"Uh huh. And? And?!"
Ellisbeth is unusually eager.
"But..."
Nanjo continued, a little hesitantly.
"...after a brief conversation in front of the Guardian Tower, Mai-oneesama's demeanor changed. I did not hear what they were discussing, but Mai-oneesama... she looked so sad after that."
"I knew it!"
Ellisbeth became enraged.
"I should have stopped Mai! I was right! Leaving her alone with that guy isn't a good idea after all!"
She was clutching the thick blanket that covered half of her body. Hardly showing her annoyance.
"My lady, I do not believe Guren-sama is to blame. He is not a bad person."
"He is, and if he isn't, why did he make Mai sad?!"
"Well, that's..."
"That guy! Just he wait! I will definitely punish him!"
Their misunderstanding continues as Ellisbeth made a vow with a determined face.
—
Several hours have passed, I dozed off. But, when I sensed Benjirou's return, I opened my eyes and sat up from where I was lying.
"My lord, I have returned."
Benjirou greeted me with a courteous bow.
"So, how did it go?"
I am a little bit hazy, and my vision is still blurry. But, because my consciousness is fully awake, I want to hear everything. The information from the Library, that is.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"
He gave a nod.
"I suppose everything on display at the central library is for the public to see, but if I may express an opinion, I believe they have removed all sensitive information about the kingdom and the continent, let alone about the labyrinth you have created, my lord."
I put my chin on my right hand and stared into space.
"I see. I've guessed as much."
"You mean?"
"They would never let anyone know anything about the kingdom's secrets, let alone the continent's, which is why they would never put any sensitive documents in a public library."
"I see. Typical solution, huh."
Benjirou furrowed his brows and stared at the ground. I'm guessing he was deliberating on this issue. Shortly afterwards, he shifted his gaze to me.
"So, what should we do, my lord?"
With a solemn expression, he inquired.
"I suppose there should be only one way to do this: if they want to hide it, they should put it somewhere where no noble family can interfere or lay their hands on it."
"I see. That's right!"
Benjirou's expression brightened, and as he shifted his gaze to me, we both said in unison!
"The Magical Academy!"
In this world fraught with ambiguity. I will reach my goal by taking one step at a time in a world I am unfamiliar with.
—Now, onwards the Magical Academy!
Volume 3-End!
...To be Continued...