Chapter 53

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"Mommy, Mommy, it looks like we have a guest again?"

The day after reuniting with Aisha, Reta had just taken a break after finishing her study of recovery magic when Mina called out to her. Mina and Luna had been helping in the kitchen to prepare for lunch, knowing that they shouldn't disturb Reta's studies. The innkeeper, Riggs, was a kind dwarf who not only agreed to their request to learn cooking but also paid them for their help.

"Can you tell who the guest is?"

"No, but it's a butler."

"…A butler?"

Reta had no memory of knowing any butlers. She took Mina's hand and left the room, heading towards the dining hall. Since they were renting a room in the inn, the place to greet guests was limited.

"Ah, Papa!"

Luna, wearing an apron, waved at Reta. She was holding a tray, indicating she was serving. Despite the harsh days she had experienced, Luna seemed to have adapted well to living with Reta, which was a relief.

"Mr. Riggs taught me a new dish. You can look forward to it tonight. Mina and I will make a feast."

"Sure. I'm looking forward to it. By the way, it seems I have a guest."

"If it's the butler, he's over there. I just served him some tea. What kind of acquaintance is he, Papa?"

"I have no idea."

"Hmm."

After saying, "I'll be back later," Luna returned to the kitchen. Mina followed her sister. Reta, now alone, turned her gaze towards the guest.

"It really is a butler… I don't recognize him."

The butler, an elderly man, was sipping tea. He had gray hair streaked with white, a beard, and wore a monocle.

"Ah, you must be Mr. Reta Dixon?"

The butler noticed Reta and stood up.

"Yes."

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Maysel."

"Nice to meet you, Reta Dixon."

Reta bowed deeply, and the old butler did the same. He seemed more like a gentleman of good breeding than a butler. Reta had met men like him when she was an adventurer in the capital.

"Let's sit down."

"Of course."

They sat down across from each other. The butler spoke first.

"I apologize for the sudden visit. I should have made an appointment, but I thought it was best to come as soon as possible."

"Is there something urgent?"

"Yes. My master wishes to meet Mr. Dixon."

"…Your master?"

"He is Lord Tida Amurs Rodenvalt, the lord of this town."

Reta was confused. It was understandable. A lord sending a messenger to request a meeting would confuse anyone.

"Wait, hold on. I have a lot of questions… Why me?"

"I'm afraid I cannot answer that here."

Reta was puzzled by the butler's evasive response. It was hard not to wonder why he had come all this way if he couldn't explain.

"Is there a problem?"

"…I cannot say. My role is simply to bring Mr. Dixon to my master. However, I do admit that this is a bit abrupt. To put it simply, my master has a request for Mr. Dixon."

"…Alright. To be honest, I'm confused, but if the lord has a request for me, I'll meet him."

"Thank you."

Actually, Reta had a lot of questions. She didn't understand why a noble would need anything from her, and it was odd that the messenger couldn't explain the situation.

(Hmm, maybe it's a problem he doesn't want anyone else to know about?)

If so, it felt like a troublesome matter.

"Wait, wait, if Papa goes, I'm going too!"

"Mina is going too! It's not fair if only big sister goes!"

The girls, who had been listening, raised their hands and insisted on coming along. Reta, who had just become their father, didn't want to be separated from them for long.

"Of course, that's fine. However, I believe only Mr. Dixon will be able to meet the lord."

"That's okay. I'll go with you."

"Very well. The carriage is ready. Please follow me."

With that, Maysel stood up and led them outside. The three of them followed the old butler to the lord's mansion.