Chapter 5

"――Just a little short, what a pity."

Despite having high expectations, it ultimately ended up as expected. Still, Ferris showed something that far exceeded my imagination.

Not only did she endure, but she even managed to land an attack on Mil-nee.

"But the cost was great, wasn't it?"

Mother is desperately casting healing magic on Ferris, who is now in tatters. Her body is twisted strangely from the impact of the fall, and her entire body is burned and charred, which is unsettling to look at. She is still alive, and with the use of her powers, there should be no lasting damage, but it doesn't seem like she will regain consciousness anytime soon.

"…So, what are your thoughts on the victory?"

There's nothing I can do for Ferris. So, I turn back to Mil-nee.

Mil-nee is somehow still standing, but her face is contorted with fatigue and pain. It's rare to see her in such a state of distress.

"…She was strong. Since she obtained the title of Flame Demon… no, in all my life, Ferris has never been stronger."

"You're really praising her. I can't say I don't understand how you feel."

Dealing with Ferris is very troublesome. I can probably win if I try, but it would require more effort and ingenuity than when facing Mil-nee.

Her defense is solid, and any careless attack is healed. On the other hand, her offense isn't weak either, and if you let your guard down, she can turn the tide with her shadow techniques.

Mil-nee's decisive victory should be called impressive.

"Well, it seems you've vented your usual frustrations, so that's good, right?"

"Yes, it was fun. …But now I'm going to collapse, so take care of me, okay?"

She must have been holding on by sheer willpower. She immediately fainted after saying that.

To push a top ten magician in the world to this extent.

Even if it's because she's family, you're quite something, Ferris.

---

Seven days after the spectacular defeat.

Due to the time it took to recover, I ended up departing much later than originally planned. Additionally, although I intended to travel alone, my brother Zito will accompany me to the neighboring Mizugar barony. This isn't because of any decision on my part, but because the schedule for his trip to the barony coincided.

Well, my health isn't perfect after recovering from illness. If he's offering to go with me, I'll take him up on it.

"Wow, it's great that we can use a carriage."

"I'm fine with walking."

"I don't want to."

I did plan to walk, but with the luggage and the chance to travel comfortably, there's no reason not to.

"Wouldn't it be embarrassing for the representative of a viscount's family to walk around with a long sword?"

Mil-nee also responds with a sigh.

I understand the desire to make things easier, but you can't just do as you please when meeting important people. Zito's inability to become a lord is due to his carelessness in such matters.

"Isn't it a joint training exercise? As the person in charge, you should act more like a noble."

"It's just about hunting magic beasts, no need to make it so grand."

"You're the only one who thinks it's that easy…"

Normal people have more fear and caution when it comes to magic beasts. They don't think it's as simple as cutting off a head.

Zito has probably never been fazed by facing magic beasts. He probably just sees it as a good meal.

"…Ferris, will you work as Zito's assistant until the planning is done? I'll pay you for your trouble."

"As long as I can prioritize my greetings and personal matters…"

As long as I can meet people like my master's friends and the craftsmen I once helped, I don't mind helping to wrap up the discussions. Besides, I'm a bit uneasy about leaving everything to Zito.

The exercise itself will likely succeed once it starts, but can it even begin in this state?

Mil-nee sighs and flips through the ledger with a troubled expression.

"Would 200,000 be okay? I can allocate that much within the budget."

"What's the planned duration for the discussions?"

"Ten days, including travel time."

"That's more than enough. I'll take it."

As a craftsman, I usually earn around 10,000 per day, so this is a good deal. I don't have to worry about the return trip, and I can handle the discussions with the important people.

"You're making a profit."

"No, it's not a profit… If Zito could handle it, this money wouldn't be necessary."

"You're worrying too much."

Sure, I could deal with the barony if it came to that, but the problem is the potential damage to the land and the people if the exercise fails. No matter how strong Zito is, that's just individual strength. To protect a wider area, cooperation with others is needed.

The Crowren family's defense force knows the drill, but the Mizugar family doesn't. Even I, who am a failure as a noble, can't afford to let negative impacts spread to others.

Besides, this is the season when magic beasts target fruit. The barony's seasonal fruits are exquisite, and I want to protect them as much as possible.

"If you're willing to help, the three of us—Zito, Gargas, and Ferris—will go. This time, we'll cover the accommodation and meals, so try to bring in some profit."

"Profit, huh?"

Upon further discussion, it seems that while this is called a joint training exercise, it's more like assistance from our side. While the exercise will take place at the border, the Crowren side is just a plain field with no cultivation. On the other hand, the barony has a river and orchards that require pest control.

Mil-nee's goal is to gain favorable import conditions in exchange for helping with the culling.

The content is really not suited for Zito.

"I understand that there's work to be done, but shouldn't Mil-nee go?"

"I would if there were no issues, but Lady Baise is coming the day after tomorrow, so I can't be away."

Oh… The national inspector is even more troublesome…

Well, I don't have to work for the family for a while, so this is a good opportunity to serve.

"I'll do my best."

"Yes, even if you just manage to organize the exercise, it will be a great help."

Ignoring Zito's muttered concerns, Mil-nee and I nod in agreement.

I can't leave this to him.

I'll need to have thorough discussions with Captain Gargas during the journey.

This is the opening.

And since my backlog ends here, my goal is to post at least once a week from now on.