Chapter 95

"Long time no see, Berline."

"This is Lord Ashley. Have you been well since then?"

"Yes, thanks to you."

Ashley, Forestbird, Grace, and Heather, who knew Berline, were talking to her. Berline and Rosetta seemed to be something like matchmakers to Ashley.

"I heard it's your birthday, it's quite lively, isn't it?"

After exchanging greetings with everyone, she spoke to me.

"Hmm, I didn't expect so many people to gather."

"It means you've been doing well, I suppose."

As she looked around, her eyes landed on Mildred, who was sipping fruit wine by the wall. Knowing that Mildred was the captain of the knights, Berline's expression showed a bit of surprise.

"…Theodore?"

"What is it?"

"Isn't that person the captain of the knights?"

"Yes, she is."

"Are you close to the captain of the knights?"

Hmm, if you ask if I'm close to Mildred… I don't think it's that far. Rather, I feel like I'm favored by Mildred. The strategy during the demon attack seemed to hit her sweet spot.

"Well, I've had various dealings with the knights. It's something like that, I guess."

While we were talking, Mildred seemed to have heard us and came over.

"I'm here as a substitute for the king. Personally, and also because the knights are usually taken care of by us."

"King Melvin…?"

Berline looked puzzled.

"Senior Berline."

Heather whispered something to Berline. Berline's face then turned to one of shock, and she let out a dry laugh.

"Haha. Defeating the demons and being a direct vassal of the king. I did expect it, but… this is beyond my imagination. I am truly impressed."

She quietly bowed her head to me.

"No, I think it's a good story about her."

"Hehe. I've been quite rude."

Berline's rudeness didn't seem malicious, so I couldn't really get angry. Well, this is probably how a reunion conversation goes.

"How long will you stay?"

"Not too long. I plan to ride back with Lord Gartner's dragon carriage. The situation in the Baron Siln's territory… the monsters on the road and the relationship between adventurers and Lord Kennel have settled down, so you can rest assured."

"I think Ashley would be happy if you told her about Lord Kennel."

"Yes, I will."

Berline went to talk to Ashley. Along the way, Marian passed by and greeted Berline by pinching the hem of her skirt. From Marian's mannerisms and characteristics, Berline seemed to have some thoughts, tilting her head and muttering, "No, that can't be. The characteristics I heard don't match…"

"Theo."

Turning around, my father approached.

"Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Father. How's the situation there?"

"Don't worry. I won't burden you with my mistakes anymore."

When I asked, he chuckled and said that.

"…To the Marquis' family?"

"I've adjusted the spring taxes a bit. The roads in the territory might collapse a bit during winter. Also, I'm preparing to mine the veins in the territory that the Marquis' family has been hesitant to touch, and preparing for land reclamation. I'm spreading rumors about recruiting miners and settlers in the Marquis' territory."

...Wow. With the supply chain disrupted, even if the roads are fixed, it will be hard to make a profit.

The Marquis' family is probably counting on the spring income. If they spend lavishly on balls and such during winter and continue to borrow money, it could be disastrous.

Recruiting miners and settlers... It's a kind of attack, or something, that also serves as aftercare for the Marquis' family's subjects.

By creating jobs and attracting subjects to the baron's territory with good treatment, they aim to reduce the Marquis' tax revenue.

The Marquis' territory's mines have been declining in production and are becoming increasingly unprofitable. If the future looks bleak, people will have to look for new jobs. If a similar job offer suddenly appears... they will likely jump at it.

Especially with winter coming. By the time the information spreads in spring, it could be fatal for the Marquis' family.

"Given that, you don't need to worry. I've already considered most of the moves the Marquis' family can make."

...Father's smile was darker than usual.

"Lord Theodore."

It's like a steady stream of guests. Next, it was Mercedes, Chester, and Talcott.

"Happy birthday."

"Thank you. How have you been?"

"I'm the same. I continue to explore the labyrinth."

The knights are searching for the remaining two sealed doors. Information might come from Rosmarie's side.

Rosmarie said that if I come to listen, she will tell me the results of the ancient document deciphering.

"I'm also continuing to explore the labyrinth."

Chester said.

...Now that I think about it, I can somewhat guess the reasons why Rosmarie included Chester and then separated him...

In any case, he is on sick leave and resting. It's probably the most chaotic time, so I think it will be difficult to meet for a while.

"I'm doing okay. The academy is fulfilling. Eventually, I will be assigned as a guard at the workshop."

Talcott smiled and squinted. Talcott seems very calm, having left home.

The guard duty won't be limited to the workshop. I think he will likely take on the general guard duty for Prince Albert.

Well... their situations seem to be stable for now.

The birthday celebration wound down, and as dusk fell, the gathered people gradually dispersed. The usual group and Marlene were the last to stay—quickly cleaning up the birthday celebration and settling down to relax.

The night sky, visible through the window, was nearly a full moon. Tomorrow is the full moon, huh.

The labyrinth is connected to the reverse labyrinth, making it dangerous to explore, but... hmm. I think it's quite a good timing. This is because the full moon is a good day for another ritual.

The ritual to summon a monster. Borrowing the moon's magic and the alignment of the stars, it summons a monster from somewhere in the world and pairs it with the caster.

The summoned monster is tailored to the caster, so for summoners and monster tamers, it's an important day once a month. Whether the summoned monster agrees to a contract is... another matter.

The sooner the preparations for Marlene's protection and self-defense are made, the better. Tomorrow, I should buy the materials for drawing the magic circle and the catalysts for summoning and contracting.

"Hmm."

Ilmehilt, who had drunk fruit wine, had a flushed face and was dozing off with Shira. Whether it's because she's drunk or feels safe, she had even dispelled the human form spell. Shira was lying on top of her, asleep.

I had the impression that Ilmehilt was strong against alcohol, but... apparently not.

Next to the sofa were Grace and Ashley. Marlene was on Grace's lap. Marlene, who isn't strong at night, was dozing off.

The lively daytime seemed like a lie as the night became quiet. The sound of insects could be heard, making it feel like a typical autumn night.

I don't think there's a Mid-Autumn Festival here, and it's not yet the full moon, but the bright moon was beautiful.

"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?"

...Hmm? After saying it without thinking, I realized there was another meaning.

"Really. Is it going to be a full moon tomorrow?"

"…I hope it's clear tomorrow."

They smiled and leaned their heads on me. A faint, soft scent wafted.

Well... I know the other meaning didn't get through. But, it's fine.

I closed my eyes and, as usual, practiced the circulation of qi. The birthday night passed quietly.