Chapter 18

When my master suddenly appeared, I was initially at a loss for a moment.

I couldn't hide my surprise at the unexpected reunion with the benefactor who had taught me new powers a few years ago.

"Ha... Master really does show up in the most unexpected places, doesn't he?"

"That's my line. You foolish disciple."

"…Huh? Master, foolish disciple?"

...However, I quickly regained my composure, fortunate or unfortunate as it was, because I was used to my master's sudden actions. After all, the various quests I was dragged into during my master's months of training were the reason I had reached my current level, so being suddenly scolded by my master was something I was already accustomed to.

"I never expected that Master would be an acquaintance of Narseena. Really, what could have brought Narseena and Master to know each other?"

Thus, I subtly revealed my thoughts that Master must have done something as usual.

"...So, that's my line, isn't it?"

"...Huh?"

...However, my master's reaction to me was unlike the master I knew, a reaction that seemed extremely tired. I felt a sense of unease as my master, with her proud and beautiful face twisted, sighed deeply. After all, my image of my master was always someone who was aggressive and would push forward whenever there was a chance to think.

And I don't think this image was just mine; it was a generally accepted view in the world.

Super-class mage, Flame God Ralma.

That was my master's nickname.

She had a voluptuous figure and a proud and beautiful face, and she looked no older than her late twenties. However, since she hadn't changed at all from a few years ago when I was being trained, she was probably not as old as she looked. It's a common story that excellent mages and warriors age slowly, so it wasn't strange at all. I don't know how old she really is, but she is definitely beautiful.

However, the most striking feature of my master was not her appearance but her fiery red hair.

I once heard from my master that her red hair, the source of her nickname, was proof of her immense magical power. And my master possessed such formidable strength that I believed this to be true.

She had four skills, including those acquired through conquering dungeons, which was an extraordinary number.

Even with that alone, my master was said to possess the strength of a top-tier individual. However, my master's abilities were not limited to that. Indeed, her talent in magic, which did not rely on skills, and her close combat abilities, which could easily defeat a regular warrior, were also remarkable.

The techniques I learned from my master were how to handle magic without relying on skills and the knowledge that came with it. I learned from my master for a few months, and during that time, I managed to master how to handle magic without relying on skills. Without that technique, it would have been impossible for me to possess the strength I have now. It wasn't just that.

My master might not have been a person I could respect in terms of personality.

...To be honest, the violence she inflicted on me was far beyond what other adventurers would do.

However, my master was one of the few people who never looked down on me.

...I was indeed saved by that, even if it was against my will.

So I am grateful to my master. However, my image of my master is irrevocably that of a troublesome and overly confident person.

"...Did you hit your head or something?"

...Therefore, when I saw my master, who rarely sighed, I couldn't help but say such a thing.

"I think we should have a proper talk. ...Whose fault do you think it is that I'm sighing?"

In response to my attitude, my master glared at me and muttered something discontentedly.

"Rauスト, how is your friend... Could it be that you are Narseena's prince..."

"AAAAH! Ralma, what are you trying to say!"

"!?!"

...But before my master could finish her sentence, Narseena, who had just recovered from the shock, turned bright red and shouted loudly, drowning out her words. I was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

"Really, what are you trying to say! What are you trying to say!"

However, Narseena, without even noticing my reaction, continued to shout at my master with a red face. It seemed that my master was trying to say something that Narseena didn't want to be said.

"Hmm, this is getting interesting."

"---!"

...However, Narseena's attitude was counterproductive. My master's face lit up with a full smile, as if she found the situation amusing. Realizing that her actions were counterproductive, Narseena let out a silent scream, and her eyes were already tearing up.

"Really, stop it..."

"What are you talking about? I was just saying that I'm enjoying the conversation with my long-lost disciple."

However, my master, perhaps stimulated by Narseena's attitude, escalated the situation. My master, who had a bad temper and sadistic tendencies, wouldn't stop at Narseena's teary eyes. In fact, she might even escalate further. Considering this, I decided to offer a way out. I was curious about what Narseena was trying to hide, but I didn't want to force it out of her.

"But today, I'm Narseena's companion, so I'll be waiting outside."

"Big brother!"

Narseena let out a joyful cry in a nasal voice at my words.

"Tch!"

...However, on the other hand, someone was openly clicking their tongue. My master, as always, had a bad temper... Not only that, she even demanded that I join the conversation with her gaze, but I pretended not to notice and ignored her. I was determined not to betray Narseena this time.

...But my attitude only made my master angrier.

"!"

The next moment, my master cast a certain spell at me. It was a spell that released magical power without relying on skills, and I grimaced when I realized she had cast it. The attack, which only used magical power, didn't have the ability to kill, but if it hit, it would cause intense nausea for several days. I had suffered so much from this attack a few years ago.

"Ugh!"

But I had no intention of experiencing that hellish pain again. I desperately dodged the sphere and immediately prepared for the next attack, keeping my eyes on my master.

"...Huh?"

...However, I stopped moving when I saw the expression on my master's face.

My master was smiling in a very pleased manner.

"I see. So that's it."

Despite my easy dodge, my master was in a very good mood, and I felt a sense of fear beyond unease.

"My mood has changed. Foolish disciple, you can leave. I will talk to Narseena."

"...Yes."

...Therefore, despite my doubts about my master's sudden change of mind, I left the room without resistance.