58. The Sage Sophia

Through the manor’s gate, I saw a woman seated at a table in the garden, surrounded by chairs.

"Grandma!" Shestia called out, running toward the woman. "I'm back now."

"That's Sophia, Shestia and Albert's grandmother," Aria explained.

"Grandmother?" Shiro wonders. The woman before him looks nowhere near her twenties.

When Sophia turned her gaze toward Shiro and the others, she rose slowly from her chair. The moment she looked at Shiro, she vanished in an instant.

And then, Shiro thrust forward.

Shiro twisted his body and seized Sophia’s arm at that moment.

She tries to pull Sophia down, but Sophia twists her body and slips free.

Sophia fired an air ball over her shoulder.

No incantation⁉ Shiro blinks, but instantly deploys a magical barrier—redirecting the spell’s activation. The airball shoots skyward.

"!"

Shestia, Aria, and Albert stared blankly at the two of them, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.

Mitoka stood a short distance away, her face cool, quietly observing the exchange between the two with a faint smile. Always ready to move, just in case.

"Ah, not bad at all."

Sophia spoke to Shiro with a carefree smile, as if nothing had happened.

"……Cut me some slack," Shiro said, face a picture of exasperation.

“Grandma, what are you doing?!” Shestia came running over, unusually angry.

"No, I just got carried away 'cause it felt strong, that's all?"

And Sophia winked back at Shestia.

"Then, you're a disciple of Firumia, aren't you?" Sophia asks abruptly.

Shiro was stunned by Sophia’s instant recognition.

“Well, I’d heard it was coming eventually. I’d already guessed when Shestia suddenly said she was heading to the Sacred Grove of the Great Tree of Magic. If the man she brought along—standing over there with that peculiar maid—is any indication, I figured it was likely.” Sophia continued.

In any case, everyone entered the mansion. After stepping into the dining room and taking seats at the table, a maid named Yuiina set out tea and pastries.

Yuiina was slender, with a refined figure, exuding the air of a mature, intellectual secretary.

Oh, a real maid, Shiro thought, his eyes lingering on her. Yuiina caught his glance and smiled—a smile of mysterious, grown-up beauty.

Shiro flinched. Mitoka nudged him from the side. Shiro turned his head toward her.

“…Is that maid outfit your type?” Mitoka asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

“…No, it’s not like that,” Shiro stammered, flustered.

From beside him, Shestia murmured softly, “Guess Shiro really does like maid outfits…” Shiro pretended not to hear.

“Now then, let me introduce myself properly. I am Sophia von Amatias, former Royal Advisor and sage of the Hainzworth Kingdom, a mage by trade. I’ve retired now and live here in the town. I’m Shestia and Albert’s grandmother, and the master of sword and magic for the three of them—Aria included.”

Sophia spoke.

Shiro stared at Sophia. Long white hair, blue eyes, sharp gaze. Looks about twenty. He’d never noticed before—her ears were slightly pointed.

Sophia caught his gaze and said,

"Yeah, I'm an elf."

"Aria explained, 'Master Sophia is renowned as the wisest mage among the Filidia.'"

"And then," Sophia continued.

"I am the first in this world to bear the grace of the goddess Firumia," Sophia said. "That is what Firumia-sama said. And it has been passed down to my daughter, and then to my granddaughter—Shestia," she added.

As he listened to Sophia’s tale, Shiro realized that Firumia must have taken some action before she’d even reached out to him.

"Never heard that before," Aria said.

"Truth is, not everyone gets to hear this kind of thing. Then again, the temple and royal family know—passed down through generations. Mind you, keep it under wraps," Sophia said.

“But I’ve never heard of an Apostle before—this is the first time I’m actually meeting one,” Sophia said, looking at Shiro.

"I heard about Shiro through Firumia’s voice one night," Shestia said. "I was told to go and fetch him."

“Wait—so there was a divine omen when Shestia suddenly said she was heading to the Sea of the Great Tree that day?” Aria asked, surprised.

"Right," Shestia.

“So, is your maid girl human, then?” Sophia asked.

“Eh⁉ That question…” Aria murmured, her expression one of confusion.

Shiro and Mitoka looked at each other and nodded.

I’m Shiro’s skill. I have a soul, but no physical form. So I’m materialized through Shiro’s magic. That’s why I can take on shapes like this.

Mitoka said that, and shimmered into light—her combat suit mode activating.

“Aaa?!” Aria exclaims, startled. Albert and Shestia, meanwhile, don’t react at all.

I stared, startled, at their lack of surprise. “Wait—did you two know?”

“Nah, didn’t. But it’s Shiro and Mitoka we’re talking about—this is just standard procedure,” Albert said, unfazed.

“I didn’t know either… but somehow, I did. We shared a room, after all,” Shestia replied with a small smile.

“…Yeah, I’m the idiot for being surprised every time,” Aria said, shaking her head with a wry grin.

“So, about the future—this house has extra rooms. You could stay here?” Sofia asked.

“Hmm… actually, if possible, I’d love to rent space in the back garden?” Shiro said.

“The garden?” Sofia asked.

“Aah,” Aria said, as if something just clicked.

Everyone headed to the back garden for a look.

Sofia’s estate was vast. The back side opened into a wide plaza, beyond which lay a forest.

“This spot’ll do,” Shestia said. A little further from the house, good sunlight, nothing obstructing the view. Perfect.

“Fine by me. But what’re you planning?” Sofia asked.

“Shiro, show her,” Shestia said.

Shiro summoned a small cottage right there on the spot.

“…This is…?” Sofia’s eyes widened. She was stunned.

“See?! I knew you’d be shocked! Shiro’s just weird like that, isn’t he?!” Aria suddenly declared, almost boastful.

“Sorry, this is my place. If this spot’s okay, I’d really appreciate being allowed to stay,” Shiro said.

“…Yeah, sure. I mean—wow. I’ve lived a long time, but I’ve rarely been this surprised,” Sofia said, regaining composure.

Then Sofia led them inside the house, showing them the facilities and magical devices. Her astonishment never stopped.

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