163: About unavoidable circumstances, I’m saying it’s acknowledged

I reconnect the magical communication device to Persia again, asking her to bring over Maina’s clothes.

“Persia, sorry to bother you again…”

『What is it!? Did something happen to Lady Maina!?』

No need to wait for a response—mental resonance kicks in instantly, senses shared.

No surprise, given he’s Kyle and Maina’s top guard. No hesitation.

A hazy image of Persia’s vision flickers in my mind—but wait. Why’s it all foggy?

“Something did happen, but…”

Just a rookie mistake—Maina brought only her nightclothes for changing, typical of someone running away from home.

『What!?!』

Huh? Is the visual link not working right?

The view’s strangely white.

Wait… is that steam?

Persia’s voice was hard to make out, but there were splashes—pachan, bashan—like water hitting something.

Occasionally, Persia’s arm flickered into view, but she wasn’t wearing her usual uniform. Not even a scrap of cloth on her. Her pale skin was slick with water.

(Oh, this is bad.)

I finally get it. What Persia’s doing right now.

No doubt.

She’s in the bath!

‘Hey! Craft! What’s wrong with Maina!?’

A splash sound hit my ears. In view—her smooth, bare legs, rising out of the tub, glistening—gagaga!

‘Emergency!’

‘Wha—?! Should I go there right now?! Speak up! Craft!’

No!

The emergency’s you!

Calm down! No—me. I need to calm down!

Eva came close, probably worried about me foaming at the mouth like this.

“Something wrong?”

I see it—right then.

I can just hand this over to Eva!

“Goddess appears!”

“Huh!?!”

She panics. No, calm down! You’re the one who’s supposed to stay calm! I need you to do this for me!

“I need your help!”

“W-what!? What for!?”

Shit! Looks like I’m about to see something I shouldn’t!

I yank off the ring—the magical communication device—frantically. Just in time. The psychic link snaps. Persia’s sight and hearing vanish.

“Put this on your finger!”

“E-eh…?!”

She’s gotta be freaking out now, cut off like that. I gotta get back to her fast—before she does something stupid!

“Just do it! Hurry!”

I grab Eva’s left hand without a word, but she’s a mage—got all kinds of magical rings on her fingers.

Ugh, seriously? I’m in a hurry here!

I shove the mana tool into her empty ring finger.

“Wha!? No way—I’ve told you a hundred times, I’ve got Raidock-sama with me!”

What the hell is this idiot even saying?

Suddenly her face turns bright red, and she starts yelling.

Everyone knows she’s head over heels for Raidock!

“Take off the other mana tools! You can’t activate both at once!”

“…Huh?”

Eva freezes completely.

“Listen. Pour your magic into the tool, but picture Persia. Exactly like when you manifest a spell—be precise!”

“…”

Eva’s eyes go cold. Good. Calm down already.

"If they grant permission, the senses sync up. After that, it’s the same as using the ring before. Hurry up!"

"……"

Eva stares at me in silence. Not calm. Cold. Like she’s dissecting me with her eyes.

"……So it’s a magical tool that can both receive and send, then…"

"Exactly! You’re no dummy, considering you earned the mark of Wisdom!"

"……"

Third time, silence and a glare.

Huh? Why am I being glared at?

Something feels off, but if we don’t move, Persia’s gonna jump out and hijack the steamship.

"Um, Eva-san? We really need to hurry…"

Some weird pressure makes me slip into formal speech.

"……Understood."

With a deep, displeased sigh, Eva activates the magical tool.

Phew. Saved.

I’m parched, so when I step back a bit, Ryuuko hands me water.

"Saved."

"Thank you. Shall I brew some tea?"

"No, I’m fine."

She’s a damn good maid, that one.

I let out a relieved breath and sink into the chair.

Felt oddly drained.

Just staring up at the stars, Eva comes over right away.

But her eyes are cold. Like she could kill someone with just a glance.

"...They’ve asked me to bring your clothes and daily supplies, My Lady Maina."

"S-sure. Good."

What the hell? Feels like she’s looking down on me like I’m trash.

"Persia sends her regards."

"Me?"

"Craft. You’re going to die. So wash your neck and wait. That’s what she said."

"H-huh!?"

"Peeping is the lowest thing a man can do."

Only then do I finally grasp what Eva’s stare meant.

"Wait, no—wrong! I didn’t see it! I didn’t see it! I barely managed to pull off the ring—"

I did pass it on, just like you said.

Eva cut off my defense and just walked straight to the women’s supply cart.

Ooh, wow!

You’re seriously misunderstanding me here!

I crouched down, clutching my head.

It's just bad timing, that's all!?

◆

Two days later, Persia joined us.

Maina-sama!

Persia arrived at the campsite, leaping down from the two-legged bird, Tebasaki, and striding quickly toward Maina.

Maina looked away slightly, as if embarrassed. Maybe she thought she’d get scolded.

But Persia紧紧抱住了 Maina.

Good to see you’re safe. I was worried.

Ugh...

When hard things happen, you might want to run away. But I— I’m asking to stay. I believe in you. Please let me.

“Persia… I’m sorry… so sorry…”

Maina hugged Persia back tightly. Not master and guard. Sisters.

Even if it was just since they’d been recovering in the countryside together, it was a sweet sight.

“It’s alright. Just being safe is enough.”

“Mm.”

Maina mumbled, shyly, and Persia smiled at her.

“I’ve got your changed clothes, your brush— and your schoolwork too.”

“…Huh?”

Persia’s smile was gentle. Maina looked up at her, surprised.

“Kyle Academy’s your duty, you know. Even if you’re blood of the lord, skipping class isn’t allowed.”

“U… uh?”

That was said with a soft, warm smile.

I asked Eva. Said if you slack off on your studies, you’re going straight back home.”

The pile of assignments growing before Maina.

“If you don’t finish today’s work, I’ll personally see you back to Goldendoon.”

Maina finally got it. Her face twisted in despair.

Still frozen in place, Maina stood like a statue. Persia slowly, lazily rose.

“Now…”

She turned toward me, having watched the two of them from a distance.

Her eyes—like a raptor’s.

“There’s a lot I want to say to you, but…”

Why’s she walking toward me with her hand on her sword?

I flinch back instinctively. Don’t run. Can’t. The moment I turn my back, I’ll be split clean in half.

“Look, that thing back then—it was a misunderstanding, I guess. Just bad timing, that’s all…”

Is that really your last words, then?

"Aw, come on!"

"Relax, I'll carve every single one of those words into your tomb, perfectly!"

"Uuuuughhhhhhhhh!"

After that, I won’t bother telling you what happened to me.

Just one thing: my Healing Potion stock took a hit.

Not cool! Not cool at all!

Craft, you got caught in the crossfire—kinda, anyway. w

Latest volume five now available—great sales!