Evan D. Sherden, People (1)
On a clear Friday afternoon during the first week of November, Evan D. Sherden devoted himself to his alchemy classes while his exclusive maid, Belois, received some free time. Even at such a time, just like Evan, she would normally strive to train herself. But today, she had made a promise.
"Eloa von Sirpe."
"Hello, I'm Belois."
That was to meet with Eloa von Sirpe, a mage of the Phoenix Guild.
"How about this place?"
"Yes." The two met at one of the countless cafes on the street, starting their conversation immediately after ordering tea without a need for the pretence of greetings or self-introductions.
"How many hours do you have?"
"About two."
"I see." Eloa was a beautiful mage famous for being part of the nobility of Mana Road, as well as a user of powerful ice magic. Belois didn't lose to her in the slightest; however, she was known as the dazzlingly beautiful girl who always followed Evan. It was only natural, then, that they would grab people's attention, but no one would dare to approach them.
"Then, let's get to the point right away."
"Yes." The two talked without care for their surroundings. That was thanks to the soundproofing measures Eloa had taken with her magic.
"I know you're dealing with intermediate ice magic, as well as flame properties."
"Yes."
"I want to ask about it. That is the method that made the two compatible, the mastery of magic. In return, all I can offer is the theory of high-ranking ice magic, but…"
"That's enough." The conversation bull-dozed ahead as neither had any need for useless conversation. They presented what each of them wanted and could offer and pushed on right after without a single change of expression.
"Two hours have passed. Excuse me."
"Already?" When the promised time came, Belois immediately became quiet. Even a minute deviating from the scheduled time would be unacceptable.
"Alright. It was a useful chat." Eloa nodded as if it were only natural.
"Can we talk next time?"
"Yes, I want to as well." Despite her young age, Belois's ability to harmonize two types of magic like ice and flames had been a shock to Eloa, given her deep understanding of ice magic. She had much she could learn from Belois. They both admired each other and decided that they had much to learn.
"Could we meet once a week regularly?"
"It is possible at this time." Both of them maintained the same icy expression, but if it weren't for that, they would appear as the best of friends.
"Okay, then we'll meet here in a week."
"Yes, then." The two left their seats without any emotion, both showing similar politeness. Inside, both had been very satisfied with this meeting. They were both happy to have met someone who could engage in practical conversation with them.
"…So, then, did you just talk about magic?"
"Yes, madam." After returning to the mansion and spending some time with Evan, Belois had gone to the Marquis's wife, Redine D. Sherden, to report what had happened today. Belois had a subtle expression of contentment on her face, but Redline was too stunned to notice.
"To think two girls of that age can meet and talk solely about magic…"
"From the beginning, we were just there to exchange knowledge. Of course, we didn't talk about anything else."
"I suppose ordinary humans wouldn't understand. Then…Belois, can you show me what you learned?"
"Yes." At Redine's request, Belois nodded and formed ice crystals in the palm of her hand. It was a simple enough use of mana that it was hardly worthy of the name magic, but such a simple display was enough to confirm her achievement. Redline let out a laugh.
"This much in a day…"
"You compliment me too much, Madam," Belois responded in a flat tone, but Redine could now notice the slight heat hidden underneath it. Although Belois was modest, Redine knew of her great desire for strength.
"Yes, are you a little confident in your skills now?"
"Yes. I now know that I have a level of skill not often found among my peers. However…it is still far away compared to master's."
"Belois, to protect Evan, you don't necessarily need a level of strength beyond him."
"If so, that is fortunate." A danger that couldn't be prevented by his power would come to Evan, sooner or later, even with the current rate that his abilities grew. To save him from such a crisis, she would have to grow to a level where she and Shine could take care of him.
"Don't hurt yourself by worrying too much about it, got it?"
"Thank you for your concern, Madam. However, if he is safe, I will not be hurt either. This is because he is my everything."
"Yes, yes, I understand. Now you just need to convey that line to Evan."
"That's a little embarrassing for me too." Redine only watched Belois, who could deliver such lines full of emotion without changing her expression at all. She could say it to Evan's mother, but not Evan himself. Belois's head turned away.
"Moreover, he fears the favour of the opposite sex. If I take the first step, he will step back."
"Well…" Evan had been firm about keeping a fair bit of distance from Belois (as well as Maybell and a few others).
"Belois, you suffer a lot because of my son."
"It's okay. It is just a little, but if it continues… I will." She was talking calmly still, but she looked a bit despondent. The Marquis's wife decided not to pursue the subject anymore. Instead, she produced an antique lamp-type magic tool from under the table. It was the exact same as the magic tool Belois used in mana training.
"This time, I was able to barely obtain one from a small auction. Didn't you say it was necessary for the children's mana training?"
"Thank you, Madam. The dungeon knights will become stronger."
"If he appreciates it, then ask him to come see his mom's face a little more often."
"…He has been busy." Belois once again turned away from Redine's gaze. Redine's cheeks puffed out a bit.
"How old are you, to be busier than adults? What is life to you? Why do you live?"
"I can't know the life of the young master, but the meaning of my life in him." Belois was unshaken as she replied, having firmly established it the moment she met Evan.
"…Huh, it's my fault to ask you. Let's practice." If her son didn't come to her, she would have to go to him. Redine shook her head. If her son kept this up, even the Demon King would be given a run for his money if he were summoned.
***
"Up there, let's taste it." It was after Belois's witch training with Lady Redine had concluded. Today's training venue was in the second cooking room. It was time to learn how to cook among the other housework lessons that had continued since she had entered the mansion. Maybell, who had been busy with the Brotherhood Corporation lately, joined her.
"Alright, both are perfect. I feel relieved that you've been devoting yourself to a maid's work."
"Hurray! This is enough to satisfy him too, right?"
"At least, it won't hurt him. Belois, you've become better too."
"Thank you." Maybell was jumping up and down in excitement, but Belois only quietly nodded. Seeing the two, the maid training them felt refreshed.
"Then, I should bring it to him right anyway."
"No, if you eat too much at night, it will not be good for you."
"Ah…I see." At first, the maid had worried if Belois would be able to work properly. But, she hadn't only thoroughly accomplished her work as Evan's exclusive maid, but she was also recognized as a member of the future dungeon knights.
"Wouldn't this be okay, though?"
"No, you will eat the stew I made."
"…Hoo." Even more surprising was Maybell. The apprentice maid had, unexpectedly, become Evan's business partner.
"Even in these days, the master is burdened with Maybell." The two ignored the comment with all their might.
"It's a great pleasure to see, but it's thanks to your hard work that you can take up the post of a maid."
"I'm sorry, but that is impossible for me."
"Me as well. If I want to marry, it may be difficult to work as a maid." The maid sighed deeply as she watched the kids grow so fast. Perhaps it was fortunate that they would be leaving her care soon.
"Okay. Anyway, both of you are great additions to the Marquis's house. It would have been better if one of you had followed Master Eric instead of Master Evan, but that is my only regret." Maybell, who was often very rude to Eric, wouldn't have been an option in the first place. The maid shook her head.
"I'm really sorry for the boys around you, Evan. Still, there is a limit to the number of people you can accept as your partner."
"…That's not necessarily true."
"Hm?" It was Belois who had spoken up. The maid tilted her head, but Maybell was quick to understand.
"I mean Shine. Shine is an exception there."
"Shine…Oh, I see." The maid nodded and exchanged a bitter smile with Maybell and Belois.
It wasn't just Evan and Belois who had been growing every day.