Chapter 72: The Magician's Amusement
Once I transcribe the incantation, it becomes Alfred and Viola's job. All we have to do now is wait for the prototype of the aerial combat equipment to be completed.
The potion for mana recovery was also finished, so after letting it cool, I started pouring it into small bottles through a funnel when I noticed Marian peeking at us from behind a corner out of the corner of my eye.
Alfred is busy working, and Grace and the others seem occupied with measurements, so should I handle this?
As I glanced at the people doing the measurements, Ashley, who had been watching Marian, made eye contact with me and gave me a smile.
Understood. I'll take care of Marian.
But when I turned my gaze to her, she quickly retreated into the shadows. She seemed surprisingly serious for someone who's just playing... Ah, could it be because the potion is glowing purple and looks unfamiliar?
It is a bit toxic, I guess... but if it's traumatic for her, she probably wouldn't want to get close to it in the first place. Maybe she's just watching to see what it's for or worrying about something.
"Hmm."
After shading the small bottle in the sunlight, I shook it lightly and then opened the lid, drinking it all in one gulp.
Marian made an "ah" expression.
...Even though I made it myself, to be honest, the taste is somewhat subtle. The ingredients are what they are, so it has a unique herbal scent.
It feels like a warmth spreading from deep inside my body after drinking, almost like an energy drink. The effect is definitely there.
"I'm making potions. They can heal wounds and restore mana," I explained to Marian, who was watching me.
Marian seemed to understand, nodding solemnly. She still seemed a bit cautious, but she had lowered her guard somewhat. She timidly took a seat in a nearby chair and watched me work.
"I'll be done here soon," I reassured her.
Once I finish dividing today's batch into small bottles and sealing them, my work will be finished.
It seems that Grace and the others will take a bit more time. They seem to be discussing what kind of equipment to make. It's understandable since it directly affects their fighting style and coordination.
Marian looked at the equipment for mixing with curiosity. Indeed, these things are probably not seen in the royal castle. She seems timid but quite curious.
...Hmm. Since I've been entrusted with her, why not offer her some entertainment she wouldn't normally find in the royal castle? It could serve as a distraction from the oppression there.
"Marian, do you know about things like this?" I folded a piece of paper on the table and demonstrated making a paper airplane. Marian shook her head. Well, I guess that's expected. Paper airplanes aren't something you hear about in this world.
I gently threw the paper airplane into the air, and Marian's eyes widened as she followed its flight around the room. She seemed to catch it well.
As it descended, I used wind magic to create an updraft, making it do a U-turn, then flew it in a circling pattern around Marian using water magic. At this point, not only Marian but everyone's attention was focused on it.
Hmm. It seems like I've captured their interest. The magical display from earlier unintentionally turned into a kind of show. It was meant as a simple pastime, but in the end, it kept me from working for a long time.
"Is all the luggage from earlier?"
"Yes, most of the smaller items have been moved into the rooms."
"Is there anything else to do?"
"Well, unloading the luggage will be our job... Yes, we're fine. Thank you, Theodore."
When I called out to Ilmhart, who had returned from the carriage parked in front of the house and was inside, she nodded. Since most of the work was done, I looked up at the sky, which had already become evening.
We had moved Sheera and Ilmhart's belongings from their house in the western district to this house. There weren't too many household items, and the larger items like beds and wardrobes could be easily transported into the rooms using levitation magic. It didn't take much time or effort.
"Meal preparations are ready," Grace called out from the kitchen, so we decided to have dinner first. After lightly dusting off and washing my face and hands with water, I joined them.
The dining table was filled with colorful dishes. Today, it was supposed to be a somewhat extravagant meal to celebrate the two of them moving in.
"Yum, Grace's cooking is delicious."
Pasta with sauce, white bread, grilled fish, vegetable soup, clams, salad, and that black sausage... I think it's made by mixing blood. I've heard of similar dishes on Earth, but Grace probably bought it or found it for Ilmhart. Knowing Grace, she might even make it herself.
"Oh my, this is delicious."
Ilmhart also seemed to enjoy it, and her face lit up as she brought a bite to her mouth.
"I'm glad you like it. I've heard about some other dishes too, so I'll make them on different days."
"Really? I'm so happy, Grace. Is it okay if I learn to cook too?"
"Of course! Let's make them together next time."
"I want to learn too."
Sheera and Ilmhart said they could cook because they had been cooking for themselves for a long time. They even said they had gutted birds and fish before. So Grace had prepared meals for Ilmhart as well. While we continued our meal together amicably, someone knocked on the door.
"Who could it be?"
I went to answer the door, and there stood a man dressed in a courtier's outfit.
"Excuse me for coming so late. Is this the residence of Theodore Gartner?"
"Yes, it is."
"I come as a messenger from the royal family."
I see, a messenger from the royal castle.
"His Majesty Melvin would like to invite Theodore-sama to a dinner three days from now. Here is the invitation. He also requests that Lady Grace accompanies you. As for the attendance of others, that is up to Theodore-sama's discretion."
Dinner, huh? Melvin the king had mentioned it would happen sooner or later.
Accompanied by Grace, huh? Hmm.
"His Majesty mentioned that it would be a private dinner without the presence of others, so there's no need to be overly formal. He also mentioned that there would be some conversations and consultations during the event."
"I understand. I will make sure to attend."
"Thank you. I am relieved to have fulfilled my duty."
The messenger bowed and left in his carriage.
"Who was that?"
"He was a messenger from the royal family. They've invited us to a dinner in three days."
"Is that so? What kind of dinner is it?"
"It seems to be a private one without other guests, and His Majesty mentioned that there would be some discussions as well."
It's called a dinner, but it seems like there will be some important discussions. There might be some developments related to the sealed door, including the details that were kept hidden.