Chapter 58

"Hey, what are you standing around for?"

While I was momentarily captivated by the size and appearance of the mansion, Lucy's voice called out from the gate she had already passed through.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about how big it is."

The word 'guest' also caught my attention, but that doubt would be resolved soon enough. There was no point in questioning it here and now. It wasn't a lie that I was surprised by the mansion's appearance, so I used that as my excuse to respond to Lucy.

"Hehe, isn't it? Well, even though we use only a part of it."

She seemed pleased with my answer, but there was a hint of a wry smile in her words. It's a huge mansion, after all. Even with Lucy, Mui, and the servants, they must find it hard to manage.

"I'm also looking for a place to live. It's not easy to find a suitable and convenient location."

"The central district is expensive, you know."

When I mentioned my situation, her response was predictable. It did feel a bit odd for Lucy, who owns such a large property in the central district, to be talking about high real estate prices, but she is the head of the Mage Corps. She should be earning a substantial salary. I'm just a nobody compared to her.

I would like to have a proper place to live now that I'm staying in Bartrean, but my current financial situation makes it difficult. On the other hand, it doesn't feel right to expect better treatment.

Everything is different from when I was teaching at the dojo, but I'm still receiving a decent salary.

However, considering I have to go to the Knight Corps headquarters, I'd prefer to live in the central district. The eastern district, which is a residential area, isn't bad either, but the convenience factor makes me hesitate.

Well, the main reason is that my current lodging is quite convenient. It's reasonably cheap and close to everything. The proximity to bars and other shops is also a plus.

The comfortable living conditions make it hard to leave. While it might not be ideal to stay in a lodging indefinitely, worrying about appearances at my age is a bit pointless.

Oh well, it's not something I need to think about right now.

The most important thing is to clarify why Lucy called me here.

"Then, I'll come in."

"Sure, make yourself at home."

As I stepped into the entrance, a spacious foyer greeted me.

Wow, it's as big as it looks from the outside. I can't help but feel a bit envious. I can see a few pieces of furniture, and while my hometown in Bident Village wasn't small, city homes are in a different league.

"Welcome back, Miss Lucy."

"Harui, I just got back."

As I looked around, a woman appeared from a door in the back.

To describe her appearance in one word, she is a simple but well-featured maid. Though her wrinkles are noticeable, she exudes a dignity that comes from years of service.

Her lustrous black hair is tied up in a chignon, and her clear black eyes, visible through her black-rimmed glasses, convey a calmness that belies her age.

"Beryl, this is Harui Shady. She's one of our maids."

"Um... I'll come in, Beryl."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Harui. I've heard of your name, Miss Beryl."

This must be Harui.

She's probably around my age or a bit older. If she weren't wearing a maid's uniform, she could easily pass for a refined lady.

After a brief greeting, she responded with graceful words and manners.

However, I suspect she heard about me from Lucy. I'm curious about what she was told, but it's not the right time to delve into that.

By the way, where is Mui? I assume she's somewhere in the house.

"Master Ibroi is waiting for you."

"Got it. I'll go right away."

Harui's words included an unfamiliar name.

Master Ibroi. I have no idea who this person is. I'll probably find out once I follow Lucy.

"Beryl, this way. Harui, no tea."

"Understood."

Lucy gave her instructions and marched ahead. Should I just follow her? I'm not sure about the customs in someone else's house, but if she says "this way," I guess I should follow.

Meanwhile, Harui gracefully disappeared through a different door after receiving Lucy's instructions.

We passed through the entrance and stopped in front of a door.

It's not likely to be a bathroom or kitchen. It's probably a reception room or something similar. A simple wooden door separates us from the other side.

"I'm coming in."

Lucy knocked on the door and opened it. I followed her inside. As expected, it was a reception room. In the center of the spacious room was a table, with four chairs arranged around it.

Three of the four chairs were empty.

The one in the back left was occupied by a guest.

"You're late, Lucy. I've been waiting."

"Sorry, Ibroi."

His voice was slightly aged but pleasant.

The man called Ibroi was dressed in a robe that reached his ankles and was sitting comfortably in a chair.

His black hair, streaked with white, was neatly styled, giving a clean and tidy impression despite its length. He must be older than me. The wrinkles on his forehead and cheeks were deep, but he exuded no sense of intimidation. He seemed to be a gentle and soft-spoken man, based on his appearance and first words.

He gave a good first impression, but that also made me a bit wary.

While his friendly smile was disarming, there was an air of complexity about him. Most importantly, he called Lucy by her first name, indicating he was no ordinary man.

"Is this him?"

"Yes, this is Beryl. I can vouch for his skills."

"Um, nice to meet you. I'm Beryl Gardenant..."

Skills? This doesn't bode well.

I greeted him and sat down in the chair next to Lucy.

The seating arrangement was: Lucy to my right, Ibroi across from her, and the chair next to Ibroi remained empty.

"Alright. I understand this might be a bit sudden and confusing. Let me introduce myself first."

As soon as Lucy and I were seated, Ibroi began to speak.

Well, I don't really care about taking the lead in the conversation, and I can't do that anyway since I don't know what's going on. I just hope he doesn't dump any trouble on me. From past experiences with Lucy, I have a feeling things won't go smoothly.

"Hehe, it would help if you didn't look so wary."

My thoughts must have shown on my face, as Ibroi chuckled and tried to reassure me.

It's not my fault. Being suddenly brought here to meet an unknown man would naturally cause some dissatisfaction and questions. I'm not the type to unconditionally accept new people.

Ibroi cleared his throat and straightened his posture slightly.

Well, there's no point in complaining now. I'll just listen to what he has to say.

"My name is Ibroi Haulman. I am a priest of the Sphen religion."

Oh no, a religious figure.

This doesn't sound good. Can I go home now?

I met a suspicious old man!