Chapter 55

Before leaving the town of Tzire with LeRoy, I used the gate to return to Snowtear alone. Soon after, I planned to use the gate again to return to Tzire and come back to Snowtear with LeRoy on horseback.

"Master...!"

"Tart?! What's wrong, why are your eyes teary...?"

When I returned to the inn, Tart was in a panic. In the back, Titia was sleeping, but she seemed a bit restless.

I told Tart to take a deep breath to calm down, and he repeated it a few times, saying "nya-nya~." Once he calmed down and said "nyaf," he suddenly looked up at me.

"It's an emergency, Master! Earlier, I went into the hot spring attached to Titia-sama's room with her,"

"Ah..."

From Tart's words, I immediately understood what had happened. If they had bathed together, Titia's back must have revealed the Mark of Lament. Just looking at it gives one an eerie feeling, and the dark purple magic array is not a pleasant sight.

Realizing that I had figured it out, Tart looked puzzled and said, "You knew about it, didn't you?"

"I just heard about it a little while ago. Titia-sama has a companion in Tzire, and we met by chance."

Whether it was a coincidence or not is a bit suspicious, but...

I told Tart that I would return to Tzire again to bring that person back. With a horse, we should arrive the day after tomorrow.

"Since I won't be here during that time, can you wait for me at the inn?"

"Yes, I will. I'll take care of Titia-sama's care as well."

"Thanks, Tart. I'm counting on you."

I also told him to make a 'Delay Potion' to delay the completion of the magic array. The materials can be purchased from a shop, but if it's too difficult, I told him to go and get them. Since I'm in Snowtear, I also want to check if there are any rags for sale. I also want to buy all the 'Fire Mushrooms,' but if I buy them all, I might get a bad reaction from others.

***

When I arrived in Tzire, LeRoy was standing in the shadow of a building, having finished his preparations. It seems he managed to avoid being seen by Rodney's people.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Are you ready?"

"Yes, I've also made a few 'Holy Waters.'"

"Oh, that's a great help."

We need 'Holy Water' to make the 'Delay Potion,' so the more, the better. I'll make some 'Holy Water' when I get to Snowtear.

"Let's go on horseback. We'll camp along the way, so we should arrive in Snowtear the day after tomorrow."

"Thank you."

***

Two days later, LeRoy and I arrived safely in Snowtear.

"Oh... I'm so relieved, Titia-sama..."

"LeRoy...! I never thought I'd see you so soon in Snowtear. Sharon, thank you for bringing LeRoy here."

Both Titia and LeRoy seemed overwhelmed with emotion, their eyes slightly teary. They were genuinely happy to see each other. I'm glad I could bring them together safely.

"Since we didn't take many breaks and rode the horses continuously, let's rest a bit. For the room... should I prepare a separate room for you, LeRoy-sama?"

"Thank you for your consideration. However, the danger hasn't completely passed, so I would be happy if we could stay in the same room."

"Hmm..."

I thought it might be a bit much to share a room, but looking at Titia, I could see how relieved she was. Tart didn't seem to think too deeply about it.

...Well, if they're together, it should be fine, right?

"Alright. I'll ask the reception to change to a larger room, so let's move."

"Yes."

As soon as we moved to a larger room, Titia and LeRoy fell asleep. They must have been very tired.

Without waking them, I moved to a corner of the room with Tart and got the equipment needed for potion-making, like a cauldron.

"Let's make the 'Delay Potion.' The ingredients are 'Silent Flower,' 'Holy Water,' 'Star Mana Potion,' and 'Empty Potion Bottle.'"

"This is my first time making a potion... I'll do my best!"

Fortunately, 'Silent Flower' was available at a shop in Snowtear, so I had Tart use it to make the potion. However, there weren't many, so I think it would be better to go and get more, considering future irregularities. I should keep a stock of materials in the 'Portable Storage' for such situations. Maybe I should organize a 'Thrilling Material Hunt Tour!'

While I was thinking, Tart exclaimed, "It's done!"

The 'Delay Potion' in the stylish potion bottle, which was designed like a clock, was ready.

"Tart, you've really improved..."

"I've made a lot of 'Fire Bombs.' We still need them, so I'll gather more materials and make more!"

I'm so proud to have such a capable disciple!

Hugging Tart tightly, I said, "I'm so happy and proud of you!" and he smiled happily, saying, "I'll do my best!"

Thank you for your feedback and for pointing out any typos or errors. I always forget to write the afterword...

Thank you for your comments on the monster 'Snail.' My lack of English skills has been exposed, hahaha.

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