Watching Charl tightly embrace Sigmund, tears streaming down like rain, and witnessing Henri running towards them in excitement, Rozen smiled faintly. He turned his head, looking at the silent group that had come along – Domon Hinowa, Kamo Subaru, and Yuge Mutsura.
"Thank you, Hinowa, for helping me once again," Rozen said to Hinowa.
Successfully finding Sigmund was undoubtedly thanks to Hinowa's divination. Without her divination, locating Sigmund wouldn't have been an easy task.
In the past half-month, Rozen had entrusted Hinowa with this task.
Unfortunately, something seemed to have happened on the Izanagi side, keeping Hinowa occupied.
Additionally, due to Alice's intellect, as a Forbidden Automaton capable of using magic, the Dragon of the Gram, it was certain that she had employed a formidable barrier or something similar to imprison Sigmund. This hindered magical detection and divination spells, including Hinowa's divination. It took until now to finally locate Sigmund.
"Subaru and Mutsura, thanks to both of you too."
Rozen also expressed his gratitude to Subaru and Mutsura.
While Hinowa was responsible for divination, the task of finding someone naturally fell on the shoulders of these two personal bodyguards.
Of course, the responses to Rozen's gratitude were entirely different from Subaru and Mutsura.
"If we don't quickly settle your matters, the young miss can't focus on handling family affairs. That's why I stepped in. It has nothing to do with you," Subaru coldly harrumphed, showing his usual lack of courtesy towards Rozen.
"Well, it's not bad to have the famous Fimbulvetr winter owe us a favor," Mutsura said with a carefree smile.
As for Hinowa, his gratitude towards her gave her a mix of deep appreciation and anxiety.
"As long as it's Rozen-sama's command, whether it's going through lava or tsunami, I, Domon Hinowa, will have no complaints!"
Just as Hinowa spoke, someone interrupted.
"No matter whether it's climbing a mountain of blades, frying in hot oil, or slipping into bedsheets, it's all Yaya's right!"
Yaya blurted out this statement without a second thought, instantly changing the atmosphere in the room.
The mood became both heavy and oppressive. Yaya and Domon Hinowa locked eyes, sparks seemingly flying between them as they glared at each other.
"The young miss wouldn't slip into your bedsheet URGHHHH!"
"Stay calm, Subaru! That wasn't the young miss speaking; it was Miss Yaya!"
Subaru seemed provoked, attempting to pounce on Rozen, but as usual, Mutsura held him back, leaving him struggling in place.
Suddenly, the entire guest room became lively and chaotic.
"Since everything seems settled, get out of here!"
Avril shouted in frustration, but unfortunately, no one paid any attention to her.
It was only at this point that Kimberly approached.
"Don't forget, you owe me a favor."
Kimberly calmly stated this, causing Rozen to smirk.
"Since today is a favor giveaway, anyone interested is welcome to help."
Rozen glanced at Kimberly.
"How about I share some disgusting underground information with you? It should be valuable intel that your Mage's Association would love to have, right?"
Rozen said with a meaningful tone.
In response, Kimberly just smiled.
"When you know even more, feel free to come and repay the favor anytime."
Kimberly made this reply.
Evidently, the Association is aware.
They know about the so-called "Sanctuary of Fools" and have been keeping tabs on it, gathering considerable information.
Therefore, Kimberly likely deduced that Rozen might not have gained much from the Sanctuary of Fools this time, giving him a subtle hint.
The hint suggested to Rozen that there are more secrets within, secrets unknown even to the Association.
This might be one of the reasons why Kimberly decided to assist Rozen.
After the incident with the Kreuzrittern, everyone believed Rozen had the best chance of winning the Night Party, especially alongside Magnus, seen as the one closest to the Wiseman.
Since the Wiseman would obtain the 'Machine Doll', this was common knowledge among those with vested interests.
Hence, the Association wouldn't mind extending some favors to Rozen to maintain control of the situation and plan for the future.
Despite Kimberly labeling the Association as despicable observers, when the time comes, these individuals are willing to act.
Considering the so-called "Sanctuary of Fools" is likely a creation of the academy's headmaster...
"They are all a bunch of sly old foxes."
Rozen remarked, giving Kimberly a sardonic evaluation.
With that, the current incident finally came to an end.
Results...
"It should be considered a win-win for everyone, right?"
Observing Charl, Henri, and Sigmund still embracing each other, and Yaya and Domon Hinowa glaring at each other, Subaru and Mutsura wrestling, even Kimberly and Avril sighing, Rozen chuckled slowly.
...
Finally, the group left the headmaster's residence, each going their separate ways.
Avril will continue investigating Alice's situation and even reorganize and arrange the Night Party's execution department, making her workload overwhelming.
Kimberly, accompanied by Henri, heads to her research lab to familiarize her with the work environment.
Domon Hinowa, Subaru, and Mutsura still have to handle matters related to Izanagi clan, so they swiftly depart, though Hinowa seems reluctant.
Now, among everyone, only Rozen, Yaya, and Charl's group remain.
Sigmund is already deeply asleep.
"In terms of structure, Sigmund needs to consume meat every day to maintain functionality. Being confined by Alice these days, he must have been weakened. So, he needs a good rest and some favorite chicken to recover."
This is Charl's explanation, and she often uses the threat of withholding chicken from Sigmund to control it.
Later...
"This is for you."
Charl hands something to Rozen.
It's a silver pendant engraved with runes.
"Is this a magical tool...?"
Rozen receives it with some surprise.
To this, Charl turns her head somewhat awkwardly, whispering.
"It's a defensive charm. It should help you withstand danger two or three times."
What the implication is, Rozen, with his perception, can't miss.
"Could it be... a token of love...!?"
A certain automaton girl seems to have a misunderstanding in this regard, stimulating Charl's nerves.
"I-I-I-I-I-It's not any token of love! It's a thank-you gift! A thank-you gift!!"
Charl exclaims with a blushing face.
"This... consider it a token of gratitude! I'll definitely repay the favor I owe you! So... just graciously accept it!"
Leaving these words, Charl hastily runs off.
Seeing this, Rozen can't help but chuckle.
"Even though I already have Kinu..."
Nevertheless, it's a gesture of goodwill, so he accepts it.
However...
"Throw it away! Rozen!"
"No!"
A certain automaton girl remains very unwilling; that much is certain.