Chapter 67

And so, it was decided that we would visit the Rieselotte's mansion.

Here, we would part ways with Gar and Urgas. Zar seemed to be coming along. Naturally, Amelia would also accompany us.

"Good luck to you."

Urgas saluted and saw us off. Gar also encouraged us, saying, "Do your best."

I felt a bit nervous.

It had been several months since I last met the Marquis. (※Note: The encounter at the charity bazaar does not count.)

I stopped by the captain's house to inform him that we were heading to the Riechtenberger Marquis family's mansion, and he offered to come along. I felt bad for interrupting his rest.

"I'm also concerned about the case, so it's better to find a lead as soon as possible. Actually, I received a reply in the evening, stating that I could visit any time since I would be in the capital for the next month."

I bowed deeply to the generous captain. It was a relief to hear that the Marquis's schedule was not an issue.

While we were talking, a carriage from the Marquis's mansion arrived to pick us up. We headed to the townhouse in the central district. We arrived quickly from the captain's house, and the carriage stopped at the entrance.

"Wow, what a magnificent mansion!"

"It's even bigger in the countryside."

Rieselotte invited us to visit her countryside estate if we had a long vacation. The nobility spend the social season from winter to early spring in the capital and live in their countryside estates the rest of the time. The Riechtenberger Marquis family's estate is in the western part of the capital, where it is cool and comfortable in the summer. It is also a sanctuary for mythical creatures, and I was told that there are about three griffin lions.

"My father hunts mountain bears, and they are very delicious."

"Wow, that sounds great."

Surprisingly, the Marquis is a hunting enthusiast. While listening to such stories, we arrived at the Riechtenberger mansion. At the entrance, the servants lined up and bowed, saying, "Welcome back, Miss Rieselotte." They also greeted us, saying, "Welcome, please come in." It was the first time I had been greeted by so many people. The captain seemed used to it, standing tall. Indeed, he is a noble bandit. I should learn from him.

"I'll go talk to Father briefly."

"Are you okay? You mentioned that you had a fight before."

"I'll apologize properly. After all, I was also at fault. Besides, it's a crisis for Mel now. It's not the time to be stubborn."

"Rieselotte..."

I bowed again, thanking her.

Zar, the captain, and I waited for the Marquis. Amelia was given a large cushion and was resting with her chin on it. The difference in treatment was quite something. I guess this is what it means to be in the home of the head of the Mythical Creature Protection Bureau.

A fruit platter and honey water were also served. Amelia looked confused, saying, "I just had dinner a little while ago..."

We were also served tea and pastries.

They seemed to be pastries made by mixing chocolate into the dough, then pouring it into molds and baking. They were bell-shaped and had a sweet aroma. Despite being full, my curiosity got the better of me, and I reached for the plate.

They were small, but surprisingly heavy for their size. They didn't seem to be ordinary baked goods. I wondered what the secret was and took a bite.

The outside was crispy, with a rich chocolate flavor and a slight bitterness, followed by the aroma of butter. The inside was chewy. The dough was dense, which explained the weight.

This is what the nobility eat. Despite being full, I was moved by how delicious it was.

"Mel, do you like this pastry?"

"Yes!"

"I know the recipe, so I'll make it for you next time."

"Wow, thank you."

Zar's pastries are so good that they could be sold in a shop.

As we were celebrating, the door to the guest room opened. Finally, the moment of reunion had arrived.

"You've been waiting, haven't you?"

First, Rieselotte entered and sat on the long sofa in front of me.

Then, the Marquis followed. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense.

He wore glasses and had his hair, the same purple as Rieselotte's, neatly combed. He was dressed in a crisp, well-pressed suit, exuding authority.

The captain and Zar's expressions were also tense. They both seemed to be gradually thinking, "We should kill him!" No, no, we had agreed to let the previous incident go. I understand their feelings, but I wish they would welcome us with a softer expression.

However, it wasn't just the captain and Zar who were agitated.

"Quaaaaa!"

Amelia puffed up her feathers and let out a warning cry.

The Marquis looked sad. It's no wonder, given that his beloved mythical creature was showing hostility.

It was a very awkward situation. The captain seemed to have calmed down, but Zar and Amelia's hostility was intense.

The Marquis, looking uncomfortable, sat next to Rieselotte. Then, another (?) person entered the room.

"I've been waiting! Album-chan, I'm here!"

A white, fluffy animal with round ears. It was the mischievous fairy from the sugar maple forest.

It seemed to have made a contract with the Marquis and received a name. Albus, which means "white" in ancient language. It's a rather straightforward name.

"Ha, pancake girl! I want pancakes, pancakes!"

It seemed to remember that I was the one who made the acorn pancakes.

Albus ran over, but—

"Quaaaaa!"

Before it could reach us, Amelia blocked its path with her front paws.

"Ugh, damn, you strong griffin lion!"

"Quaaaaa!"

"Albus, you're in the wrong. Apologize."

"Ugh, fine..."

Albus grumbled but apologized as ordered by the Marquis.

"Apparently, you've forgotten the contract."

The Marquis raised his left hand, which was probably marked with a contract seal.

Albus, glared at, became docile.

It lowered its round ears and awkwardly apologized.

"Sorry..."

It then went to the Marquis and sat on his lap, proudly looking at us.

"You're not supposed to be there!"

"Meanie..."

Albus was grabbed by the scruff of the neck and placed on the floor.

Thanks to Albus, the tense atmosphere in the room eased a bit.

Amelia, who had been agitated, was calmed by petting her head.

Finally, we moved on to the main topic.

The captain had only mentioned that he had a consultation and had not detailed the content.

"Actually, I have a consultation regarding Mel Lisris—"

Despite his polite words, the captain's face was still stern. The gap between him and the Marquis seemed deeper than I had thought.

The captain explained matter-of-factly.

That I had a large amount of magic power. That I had never received any training. That if the Magic Research Bureau found out, it would cause trouble.

"I see. So that's the situation."

"Yes. I believe that the Marquis, being the best healer in the capital and understanding mythical creatures, is the only one who can help."

The room fell silent after the captain's explanation.

The Marquis, with a stern expression, listened—

"Father, please...!"

When his beloved only daughter, Rieselotte, pleaded, his frown softened.

I also made a request.

"Please, I beg of you."

I bowed, and the Marquis's gaze shifted to me.

"I will check your magic power now. I'll also look at your attributes."

Apparently, magic power can be suited to different types of magic, such as healing or fire magic, depending on the person.

As the Marquis approached, Amelia became wary again.

"It's okay, Amelia. There's no need to worry."

"Quaa!"

She flailed her sharp-clawed feet, saying, "I'll give you one good hit!" I managed to calm her down.

The Marquis asked me to stand and spread my palms.

Amelia, still wary, stood next to me, glaring.

"I won't harm your master."

"Qua!"

"I'll do my best."

"Qua..."

It seemed she was convinced and stepped back.

The Marquis knelt in front of me, removed his glove, and revealed a bracelet on his right hand. It was covered in spells and was likely a magical artifact used as a wand.

As he traced the spells on the bracelet with his fingertips, a faint magical array appeared on his palm.

He overlapped the magical array on my hand, and it glowed red.

"Indeed, this is—remarkable magic power. A human would not have been able to withstand it."

Apparently, as elves, we have the ability to hold a large amount of magic power. That's why I had been fine for so long.

He then explained my attributes.

"Coincidentally, you are specialized in healing magic, just like me."

The Forest Elves are known for their proficiency in healing magic. I was relieved to learn that I had the same ability.

However, now that I know the village's customs, I feel a bit conflicted.

"There's no need to worry about a magic power surge. As an elf, it shouldn't be a concern for you."

"Yes."

"However, not knowing how to use your power can lead to misuse."

That is a scary thought.

I don't know what to do about it.

"Here's a proposal."

"?"

The Marquis hesitated. I wondered what he was proposing.

"What is it?"

"…Well, I could teach you magic."

That would be a great opportunity. There is probably no one better at healing magic in the country than the Marquis.

"I understand that you might not want to learn from me."

I looked at the captain, who nodded firmly. Rieselotte's expression brightened.

Zar and Amelia, however, looked down, clearly disapproving.

"Amelia, is it okay?"

"Quaa..."

She muttered, "There's no choice," and pouted.

After hugging Amelia, I responded. Zar said she would support my decision.

"Please, I beg of you."

"Alright."

Thus, I had a new teacher.

We would discuss the details later.

Regarding my new living arrangements, the Marquis suggested I stay with his wife's family, the Evahart family, where Zar leaves her lynx when she goes on expeditions.

"Well, I've already talked to the lady of the house, so it should be fine... I hope. She's quite strict, though. I wonder if she'll like Amelia. We'll have to meet and talk."

This way, my worries were resolved all at once.

I needed to thank Zar, the captain, and Rieselotte for coming with me, and the Marquis for taking on the problem.

As we were about to leave the guest room, the Marquis stopped us.

When I turned around, he offered us three chocolates wrapped in silver paper.

These were the same chocolates I had received from Rieselotte before. They were a silent expression of the Marquis's feelings, likely an apology for the previous incident. He didn't say it directly, probably because he didn't want to bring up the past since we had agreed to let it go.

I accepted the chocolates in silence, gripping them tightly in my palm and bowing.

"Thank you. I look forward to working with you."

The Marquis nodded.