第２９４堀：火の粉舞い上がる (Part1)
**Chapter 294: Sparks Flying**
**Side: Eris**
"Hmm. Well, if that’s the case, I don’t mind. I’ll leave the Princess’s escort to someone else."
Feigel, Cleena’s mentor and foster parent, said this and agreed to let us visit his home that very day.
"As expected of Master Eris. You got him to agree so easily."
Cleena praised me, but I hadn't really done anything special. I had simply latched onto Cleena’s story about defeating the Academy Principal yesterday, piqued his interest, and suggested that we should discuss his research and exchange opinions at his home. Since it was part of our research, it wasn't the sort of thing to be done in public; one only discloses research results to those they trust or whose abilities they acknowledge.
Because of this, Princess Inis stayed out of this particular matter and went along with Yuki and the others to tour the Royal Capital and conduct research at the library. Everything is going according to plan so far.
I suppose I should explain this approach to Cleena.
"There is a 'flow' to a conversation, you see. It’s good to grasp that."
Yes, the flow of a conversation. You could call it the rhythm of a battle, and it exists in negotiations as well. If you seize—or rather, hold—the initiative, things become much easier to manage.
"Grasping the flow of a conversation isn't just for business; it’s useful in negotiations, so it’s worth remembering."
"Mm. A good lesson. Ratz, I want you to teach me when you have time."
"Leave it to me."
We chatted about this while following Feigel’s back along the road. As we discussed yesterday, we were acting separately from the others to head to Feigel’s home and win him over. Princess Inis was with Yuki’s group, while Milly and Kirika had already infiltrated the Royal Capital and begun their various activities.
"Still, there are an awful lot of expensive-looking mansions around here."
"Indeed. I suppose this is the district where the nobles live?"
We had parted ways at what appeared to be the central plaza after leaving the Royal Castle. Since then, the number of people around us had dwindled; the only ones we passed were people who looked like nobles in fine clothing and the occasional guard on patrol.
"Mm. That’s right."
"Indeed. I wasn't originally a noble, but my grades at the Academy and my research results were recognized. I was granted a noble title by August, and they allowed me to build a home in this district where only nobles reside."
"Judging by that, were you originally from another country?"
"Yes. I was born in the countryside of Zilba. After many twists and turns, I set my sights on becoming a mage, learned of the Academy’s existence, and decided to enroll."
"Did you never think of returning to Zilba?"
"Who can say? At the time, it was His Majesty who reached out to me. I was so moved that I forgot all about my homeland. Besides, Zilba and August weren't exactly at odds back then, so I held no ill will toward them."
I see. If your talents are recognized and you’re invited, you’ll naturally accept the offer as long as it isn't an enemy nation. It makes for a more stable life, and it’s something for those around you to be proud of.
As we continued our exchange, Feigel stopped in front of a house.
"This is my home, and my laboratory."
Behind Feigel stood a large estate with a three-story main building and a two-story annex.
"Is that two-story building the laboratory?"
"Yes. Can you tell?"
"Research always comes with failures, after all."
It was scorched to an extent that made it quite obvious. Though, whenever Zargis messes up, I threaten to cut his repair budget. Well, Yuki says that explosions are part and parcel of this kind of new technology, so for now, I’m sticking to verbal warnings. But if it gets any worse, I’m thinking of building a shack out in the wilderness and making him do his research there.
"Hmm. Now then, speaking of research and such... shall we do it in the main building? Or would the laboratory in the annex be better?"
"Master. We aren't here to relax at home. The laboratory is fine."
"Yes, as Cleena says, the laboratory is fine with me."
"Indeed. If we’re in the main building, there are servants and the like, and these aren't things I want others to overhear."
"That is true. Since we are discussing each other’s research, the laboratory is better."
We spoke to the maid who seemed to be managing the estate and then entered the laboratory. The inside was just as cluttered as Zargis’s workspace. Is this just how researchers are?
"...It’s as messy as ever."
"This may look chaotic, but in reality, it is arranged in a proper sequence..."
"I’ve heard that many times. It doesn't matter if only you understand it, Master. The problem is how it looks to others. For now, Master Eris and Ratz, please sit in those chairs."
Cleena began clearing off the table as she spoke. There was enough space that it wasn't as if there was nowhere to step, but the shelves and tables were covered in documents, materials, and various other items. Feigel joined in the cleaning as well. Ratz and I couldn't just walk around the lab, so we watched the two of them work.
"By the way, have you heard from the others?"
"Yes. They seem to be doing fine. They finished a light tour of the Royal Capital and are currently looking things up in the library."
"If they were doing a proper tour, they wouldn't have time for research. Besides, since they’re escorting a Princess, they might have steered them toward finishing things quickly."
"That might be it. Having a Princess from another country wandering around the castle town at her leisure is something you’d definitely want to avoid for security reasons."
As we were talking, Cleena finished cleaning and brought over some drinks.
"Mm. Sorry for the wait. Drink this and take a breather."
"Thank you."
"Yes, yes. Thank you."
"It’s been a while since I’ve had Cleena’s tea. Hmm, it’s neither good nor bad."
"...I don’t need half-hearted reviews."
As we chatted and sipped our tea, a person who looked like a maid entered the room.
"Master Feigel."
"What is it?"
"You have been summoned from the Royal Castle. They say you must come immediately."
Oh my, why now, just when we were about to start our discussion?
"Immediately, you say? My apologies, guests. It seems some sort of trouble has occurred. Would you mind if we continued this another day?"
"Yes, that’s perfectly fine."
"Yes. Well then, shall we go join the others? There’s no reason for us to be a bother here."
"Mm. Let’s join Yuki."
With that, we immediately parted ways with Feigel at the gate of the estate.