Chapter 65

"Captain, good night."

"Yeah, good night."

After dinner, after joining the other members of the cooking team for a bath, I replied to Yurii, who was already half-asleep, and within three seconds, she started snoring softly.

She must have been tired from the intense events of the afternoon. I was also caught off guard by many things.

...I need to consult the others about the military matters. I can't handle this alone.

What a mess has been revealed.

"...Well, what should I do?"

As I let out a small sigh, a knock on the door echoed.

When I immediately went to answer, it was Ordima who had arrived.

"Sorry, I'm late."

"No, I asked you suddenly. Thanks for coming."

"Sure thing."

I'm grateful that Ordima, whom I secretly asked to guard Yurii during bath time just in case, agreed without hesitation.

After Ordima left the room, I headed outside.

My destination was the West Annex.

The office of Sherifas, the captain of the magic division.

I caught a night patrol member of the magic division to confirm that Sherifas was in the office, then knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Dillnan from the cooking team."

"...Dillnan? Come in."

In response to the questioning voice, I was given permission to enter, though it sounded puzzled. When I entered, I saw Sherifas organizing papers that seemed to have been put away.

"It's rare for you to visit."

"Well, we don't usually have much interaction. At most, it's before joint training."

"From my side, it's mostly about receiving meals. ...So? What brings you here, especially when there are no joint training plans?"

Sherifas, who isn't particularly close to me, put the papers aside and asked about my business in a matter-of-fact tone. This guy is always like that. He rarely shows any interest or changes his expression, except for matters related to magic.

"We have a temporary recruit in our team, as I mentioned at the team leaders' meeting. ...We've identified a few things that are beyond our capabilities. I need your expertise as the captain of the magic division."

"Hmm?"

"I'll get straight to the point. It seems that a sealing spell has been cast on Yurii. Vass's detection magic can barely pick it up. The caster is said to be on par with or even superior to you, Sherifas."

When I relayed what we had discovered yesterday, Sherifas's hands, which had been folded on the desk, twitched.

There aren't many mages as powerful as Sherifas. It's no surprise that he would be interested in a spell cast by such a mage.

"Also, since Yurii arrived at the Northern Demon Castle, there have been abnormal crop growths. It seems to be her doing. Today, she matured two types of crops right before my and Jean's eyes. I want to hear your opinion on whether magic is involved in this."

As I laid out the cards, Sherifas's eyes glinted strangely.

...This guy is one of the most powerful mages in the Northern Demon Castle, second only to the Demon King in terms of magical power. His position reflects this. However, he's not just powerful; he's obsessed with magic. He's always collecting materials and formulating hypotheses for research. He's also skilled at constructing new spells.

I intend to take advantage of this.

"...So, you see her as a unique research subject."

"I won't allow any funny business. We should work together. For us, we need to identify and possibly remove the spell cast on Yurii, and find a lead to understand her abilities. For you, it could lead to the study of a mage of equal or greater power and the confirmation of unknown forces."

"Hmm, fine. Let's meet and discuss when our schedules align."

Sherifas, who didn't reject my proposal, summarized the plan, and I nodded in agreement.

"It won't happen immediately. ...I'll ask Vass about the details of his detection magic and prepare accordingly. For the other point, I'll look into past literature."

"Preferably before the next team leaders' meeting."

"Is this about Rois? ...He only acts with the Demon King at the center. It could be dangerous if something is discovered."

"We can't just sit and wait. Yurii has already unknowingly planted a bomb for Rois. It's too late."

I shrugged in response to Sherifas's matter-of-fact warning, and he blinked once.

It's hard to imagine that Yurii could plant a bomb in such a short time.

"We'll decide the details once your preparations are ready. Let me know when you come for a meal."

"Understood."

"Sorry for the intrusion."

With the business concluded, I left quickly.

We don't have any personal relationship, so there's no need to force it.

When I returned to the main building from the annex, I stopped in my tracks, sensing someone waiting for me.

"...What do you want, Vincent?"

"Do you think I'd be here for no reason?"

When I asked, he countered with a question.

His voice, which was more sultry than usual, is a nasty trait of Vincent when he's angry.

Why is this guy in lecture mode as soon as we meet?

"I understand the sudden challenges of parenting, but I can't accept you making Yurii cry unnecessarily, Dillnan."

"..."

Hold on.

Where did he get his information from? And what kind of ears does he have?

"It seems you need to learn what parenting is all about. Come with me."

"Yurii—"

"Ordima is with her. He said it's fine if you're a bit late since he's reading a book."

He's already visited my room and met Ordima. Is it really true that I'm in for another lecture from Vincent?

...When will I be able to return to my room?

A sigh escaped my lips and drifted through the dimly lit corridor before disappearing.