Chapter 31

"How about it?"

Today's breakfast consists of white bread, a fish and shellfish soup, and a salad with homemade bacon. It seems Ashley is in charge of seasoning the soup. She watches anxiously as I bring the spoon to my mouth, holding her breath.

"Hmm. It's delicious."

The flavor is slightly acidic and light.

"Lady Ashley, you're improving quickly."

Grace is responsible for teaching Ashley all household chores. I find it a bit odd for the head of a baron's household to be involved in such tasks... but apparently, Ashley had read in a book in the study that she wanted to live a life where she could serve her husband homemade meals. She also mentioned that her circulation and qi exercises have become a daily routine, and she enjoys being able to move her body, which is in excellent condition.

So, the three of us take turns with household chores.

After breakfast, we move to the living room to drink tea and chat. After a short break, we each go about our own schedules. However—

"Excuse me."

As I sit on the sofa in the living room, Grace leans over and rests her body against me. Ashley, on the other hand, hesitantly and timidly takes my hand.

Being sandwiched between them, I can feel their body heat, and I instinctively sit up straight... umm.

For Grace, it's necessary to relieve the impulse of her vampiric nature, so it inevitably leads to times when she touches or hugs me. It's stressful for her to hold back, just like hunger.

Maintaining our usual lifestyle is fine... but with Ashley just watching, it's a bit awkward, so the two of them suggested creating these moments.

I tried to explain that it might be a bit clumsy, but with their limited knowledge, they didn't really understand. I can't help but think how great Japanese education and the information society are.

I know that Grace is somewhat out of touch with societal norms. I tried to probe a bit about Ashley... but it seems her education was mainly about the mindset of being a noble. She doesn't seem to know much about the specific duties of a noble after marriage.

I told them that if I'm not up to the task, they can give up on me... but after that, they clearly said they have no intention of going to anyone else. Hmm.

Considering age, knowledge, current status, and future prospects... I still need to follow the proper procedures. That hasn't changed from before.

In other words, this is a test of my rational endurance.

I suggested doing it after breakfast. If there are other plans, I just need to endure until then.

"Phew. I feel more relaxed."

"Father and Mother... I think they often spent time together like this."

Grace and Ashley look at each other and smile.

...I'm glad they're happy.

"Oh. Caduceus is back."

A black, liquid-like substance enters through the closed window frame. A black puddle forms on the floor, and from the center, it rises and eventually takes the form of a large black cat. It's about 50% larger than a regular cat. The eyes have a metallic sheen due to structural coloration.

This is a magical creature and familiar, a shadow mercury named Caduceus. As the name suggests, it has a liquid body and can change shape, but it can also harden.

Currently, it's on night patrol around the house. Specifically, it spreads out in a grid pattern to monitor the entire area around the house.

Shadow mercury's entire body acts as eyes, brain, and sensory organs, so it can perceive everything within its spread area as if it were right in front of it. Its black color makes it perfect for night surveillance.

"Report."

When I ask Caduceus, who is sitting on the table, the black cat's form dissolves. It takes the shape of a miniature version of the surrounding terrain.

It replays the movements of people from last night to this morning in fast-forward on the miniature.

This is a three-dimensional reproduction of Caduceus's memory. It's like watching surveillance camera footage, but the details of the people's clothing and other specifics are a bit off. This is due to the blind spots in Caduceus's perception.

The specifications of shadow mercury depend on the blood and abilities of its creator, but Caduceus, made from my and Grace's blood, has exceeded the high specifications expected by the alchemist Beatrice who created it. It cost 1500 kirig. No, it was a good deal.

Why am I doing this? For security reasons, or as a precaution against Lord Maurice. Something like that.

"This person—hasn't moved for a while."

Grace points to a person standing at the corner of the fence behind our house. They are wearing a hood, so their face is obscured, but they are nervously looking around, observing the surroundings. To be honest, their behavior is suspicious.

"Is this someone connected to the Cardiff family?"

"Even if they are, their behavior is strange."

They seem more like they are on guard against the surroundings rather than monitoring our house. It looks like they are watching from the shadows for anyone approaching my house.

After watching them for a while, they finally pull back their hood, revealing their face. They shake their head and—distinctive animal ears—then put the hood back on and leave.

"A beastkin... I see."

The shape of the ears is clear even in the black miniature.

A beastkin on guard around my house, huh. I don't have any immediate suspects.

It doesn't seem to be someone from the baron's family or the prince's side.

"Caduceus, do you remember this person's build and face?"

The miniature changes shape to show a smaller version of the beastkin. The clothing is recognizable, but the face is in a blind spot for Caduceus, so it's not clear.

"Let me know if you see someone with a similar build in the city."

Caduceus nods in the form of the beastkin.

Since I don't know their purpose, I'd like to talk to them if possible, but there's a risk they might attack if I approach them. It's a difficult decision.

"Well, let's put this aside for now. —What are Ashley's plans for today?"

Since Ashley is my fiancée, I try not to be too formal when talking to her. I want to show her my usual self.

"Today, I have a lecture with Professor Rosetta. She said it will be about defensive and enhancement magic."

...Rosetta's lectures are moving away from healing magic.

Perhaps because I'm now engaged to Ashley, she seems intent on teaching her all the cards she can, not just healing magic.

According to Rosetta, a lord who can use healing magic should have some practical experience, especially in case of abnormal monster outbreaks or attacks in the territory.

In other words, once her magic skills improve a bit, she should be able to venture into the dungeon to some extent.

In BFO, killing monsters in the dungeon gave bonus experience points... and it seems that this is still true in reality. It's said that continuous monster hunting in the dungeon can increase strength, stamina, and magic power.

It's not just about practical experience. My mother, though not to the extent of Ashley, also had a constitution prone to illness. When she was younger, she and Rosetta gradually ventured into the dungeon to build up her body, and it led to some improvement.

In a way, it's a dungeon-leveling health method. I'll take Ashley with me once her magic reaches a practical level.

I'm sure Rosetta will bring it up at the right time. It will probably start with a relatively safe level, with support and observation.

"I'll go out with Caduceus when Rosetta arrives. I'll keep Grace in her released state, so please stay and watch the house."

"What do you intend to do?"

"I'll go for a walk and do some shopping."

I want to get a proper staff and robe, but essentially, I plan to lure enemies by acting alone.