Chapter 20
“WHOA… THINGS WENT worse than I thought,” Kagura said immediately upon seeing Mira’s condition. Every time the summoner stepped closer to her, she backed away.
“Ugh. I feel gross,” Mira complained. “Do you have anything I can use to wipe this off?” She did have towels and the like on hand, but she didn’t want to soil her own things with slug mucus. It was Kagura who’d pushed this strategy; she ought to provide those supplies.
But Kagura didn’t want to ruin her things either. She steadfastly refused, avoiding Mira. Eventually, the summoner chased her into a corner, and she finally surrendered. “Okay, okay. Just change into this for now!” she pleaded, handing over a yukata.
Kagura was compromising; the black stockings and maid dress were dirtiest, so it’d be easier for Mira just to change out of them than to wipe the slime off.
“Hrmm. Very well.”
Some of that slug mucus would still be on her skin, but this was better than nothing, and it meant she didn’t have to ruin her own clothes. As such, Mira accepted the compromise and the yukata.
Meanwhile, the security chief and his entourage handled the situation overall.
“What a miscalculation. But who expected that guy to show up?”
“Uzume told us there was trouble, so we stood by. Still, that massive explosion came as a real surprise.”
As the security chief and captain exchanged thoughts, they looked at the tied-up baron.
The original plan had been for them to take Mira into protective custody once she escaped. The half-naked man’s interference had jeopardized that plan, but the baron had still ended up in shackles, and plenty of evidence all around incriminated him. It was more than enough to bring him down.
In fact, this was far more convenient than the original strategy. The documents the half-naked man had scattered didn’t just prove that the baron bought little girls; they attested to many more of his wrongdoings as well. Forget the trafficking-deal sting operation—this was a surplus of firm evidence.
“This was all fabricated! That bizarre man framed me! You understand, don’t you?” The baron glared at the security chief as if demanding a cover-up. The threat in his words was evident.
Even if they exposed his crimes to all the world, he was still a nobleman. Stripping his authority would take time, even with so much evidence against him. He was threatening to use that time to strip the chief’s own position and status. His ugly desire to use his power to distort the truth was abundantly clear.
Hearing the baron, the chief and captain looked at each other.
“Trust me, and I can give you whatever your hearts desire,” the baron continued.
He wasn’t just threatening them; he was trying to buy them off. However, they’d committed completely to this operation the moment they set it up.
“My lord, I think it’d be best if you resigned yourself,” the security chief replied coolly. His dignified visage contained an upstanding determination to see justice done.
“If you hold that these documents are fabrications, submit them and request an investigation. The government can verify their illegitimacy in no time,” the captain added with a cold glare.
Those investigative bureaucrats were superb; they’d spot forgeries easily. But if the documents were genuine, they’d be inescapable, conclusive proof against the baron. The captain knew that, and his words confirmed his determination to punish the baron for his crimes.
“F-fools! You’d trust that strangely dressed man over me?!”
As the chief and captain calmly picked up the documents, the baron became enraged, raising his voice. Why would they trust a perverted, half-naked stranger who’d come out of nowhere over a man they’d relied on for so many years? They’d been given a choice between a nobleman’s word and that of an obvious weirdo.
“We only trust the evidence,” the chief and captain readily replied. It seemed that even they couldn’t bring themselves to say they’d rely on a half-naked stranger.
At any rate, they had enough proof to bring the baron down. Thus, they wasted no more time and arrested him.
While the security chief led the baron away, the captain turned solemnly toward Mira. “I’m sorry that the security chief and union branch chiefs have put you in such a difficult position.”
Since Mira had been the baron’s victim, she’d be another vital witness. That meant she’d have to go with them to the security office, although unfortunately she was busy.
“It’s fine, it’s fine,” she replied, poking her head out from a nook. “I didn’t get the opportunity to give him a good kick in the rear myself, but things turned out better than expected. That’s all that matters.”
Mira was currently half-naked; she’d only put her arms through the yukata sleeves, and the garment hadn’t been tied yet.
“Mira, come on! Don’t flash people like that!” Kagura said, exasperated at Mira’s shoddy yukata-tying. She rushed over, seized the summoner’s wrist, and dragged her back into the corner. “We’ll be out as soon as I’m finished with her. You go on ahead,” she told the security captain.
Anyone who peeked toward them for a moment would see Mira changing. Realizing the state she was in, the captain rushed out of the basement. “U-understood. We’ll wait outside!”
***
Kagura dressed Mira carefully, without cutting corners. When she saw the result, she frowned to herself. “Hmm…I hate how good it looks on you.”
A golden pattern, like stars shining in the night sky, adorned the yukata’s black fabric. It gave Mira a sort of lunar-princess charm. She was a true, unblemished beauty. Kagura found that unfair, though, since she knew the person behind Mira’s avatar.
“Hrmm. Well done!” Despite Kagura’s irritation, Mira smiled, satisfied by how much better the yukata now fit compared to when she’d tried to put it on herself. “Now let’s get going,” she said before walking off. Since the yukata was too tight around her feet, she opened its hem, which promptly ruined any ladylike charm it might’ve afforded her.
Mira and Kagura left the basement and met up with the pair in the carriage outside: Eizenfald and Tyriel. They’d been trying to chase the half-naked man this whole time. Eizenfald had been waiting outside when the man escaped, and Mira had ordered her son to chase and peacefully detain him. Tyriel had seemingly decided to help.
The unexpected result was that, incredibly, the weirdo had shaken Eizenfald off.
“I’m so sorry, Mother. His presence and scent…they all just disappeared. He lost me in no time.” Eizenfald was more dejected than ever at this failure to satisfy his mother’s request. Tears streamed down his face.
According to Tyriel, it was as if the man had simply disappeared.
“There, there. He might’ve looked like a pervert, but he was actually pretty strong. And if he was who I think, he had more than a few ways of evading pursuit. No doubt anyone would’ve struggled,” Mira comforted Eizenfald.
She didn’t know why that man had been here, but based on his methods, she had a feeling he was the phantom thief Fuzzy Dice.
Baron Ardoloris’s corruption was infamous, which gave Fuzzy Dice plenty of reason to show up. His half-naked status, and the fact that his clothes had been in the wash, must’ve meant he was only in the monitoring stage. Mira presumed her “sale” and apparent status as another victim had forced him to appear.
Fuzzy Dice was a world-renowned phantom thief, one who could sneak through security, steal evidence, and escape into thin air. On the other hand, Eizenfald was no expert at tracking, so hat task was beyond him.
While Mira gave him a gentle hug, Eizenfald clung to her and cried, “Motheeer!” To someone unfamiliar with the situation, that scene might’ve seemed worth an arrest as well.
***
Everyone boarded the carriage and returned to the security office. Mira was again forced to sit in Eizenfald’s lap, of course. En route, she got a towel and wiped off the remaining mucus.
This visit to the security office was largely like the previous one, but this time, they’d taken the baron in to be questioned. When Mira arrived at the interrogation room, they’d already begun that questioning via Kagura’s magic.
Baron Ardoloris spilled a ton of information. The girls he’d bought so far were being held captive in a separate hideout of his. Upon hearing that, the security chief ordered the captain to rescue them at once. They’d no doubt be in protective custody that night. The baron revealed many of the people he did his dark dealings with too.
With Mira’s additional testimony, the baron would have no defense whatsoever. And soon, with the help of the Adventurers’ Guild Union, they’d arrest his fellow criminals one by one.
Thanks to Mira and Kagura’s efforts, the two great evils of Ligret—the trafficking ring led by former Creek Company employees, and the corrupt baron—had been squashed in one evening.
The chief bowed deeply. “Thank you so much for your help. We couldn’t have done it without you. Oh—and here are some Ligret specialties for you,” he added, handing them too many souvenirs to carry. As the man in charge of an entire city’s security, he could never thank the pair enough for what they’d done today.
On their way out, the captain and guards thanked Mira and Kagura as well.
***
Before they knew it, it was awfully close to midnight. Since Ligret was a bustling trade hub, however, the city’s streets of food stalls were still full of life. Merchants, adventurers, and sailors enlivened the area. They wouldn’t know about tonight’s big bust until they sobered up, no doubt.
“Good job, Gramps. And thanks.”
On the corner of one such street, Mira and her entourage ate together at the area’s biggest restaurant—in a private booth, at that. Kagura had offered to treat them for their efforts today.
“Oh, it was nothing. Anything for the kids.” Mira had done what any upright adult would for children victimized by filthy grown-ups. Still, she appreciated the reward Kagura provided—her hands had yet to let go of the menu.
“Mother, what’s ‘leblanc messana’?” Peeking at Mira’s menu, Eizenfald repeatedly read out the dishes’ names and asked about them, unsure what they were from their names alone.
Every time, Mira said the same thing: “Order it and find out.” She ordered her own food, making the most of the fact that she wasn’t paying, although Eizenfald continued to ask about dishes out of curiosity.
The bill for the meal quickly exceeded tens of thousands of ducats. Surprisingly, Mira and Eizenfald weren’t wholly responsible. Tyriel had joined their conversation about the restaurant’s dishes, frequently making comments like “I’m curious about the ‘angel apple pie,’ myself.”
“Hrmm, yes,” Mira agreed. “I wonder what makes it angelic?” At this point, nobody could’ve stopped the trio’s culinary rampage.
“You’re always a bottomless pit when I offer to pay…” Kagura objected. “It’s fine, though. I guess I can empathize with Solomon now.”
When someone treated you, you had to eat lots; doing otherwise was rude to the person offering. Kagura recalled Mira mooching off Solomon the same way, back when they all went out to eat together in the real world.
Kagura chuckled at the fact that she was suffering that now, then gazed at Mira and sighed. The girl’s appearance might’ve changed, but nothing else had.
At any rate, Kagura had also taken merciless advantage of Solomon’s offers to treat them back then.
***
The late dinner was a comfortable one. Mira and Kagura discussed everything that’d happened since their battle against Chimera Clausen. They also talked about the past, arguing over who was at fault in various mishaps.
“Actually, no. You messed up the timing.”
“Do you even hear yourself? You jumped the gun, obviously.”
After spirited debate, they settled on blaming Flonne for everything.
“If only she hadn’t broken our landmark rock…”
“Uh-huh. That girl never listens.”
Wise Man Flonne the Supernatural wielded Ethereal Arts. She was the only Wise Man who was a dark knight rather than a mage, but she chose to use magic rather than a sword.
The strength of Ethereal Arts was such that, with enough mana, even warrior classes could wield them. However, only Flonne had managed to develop that ability for practical combat. Knowing her, she was somewhere doing something incredible as Mira and Kagura spoke. Despite being worried about her, the two looked forward to the day everyone reunited.
Meanwhile, Eizenfald and Tyriel enjoyed their own conversation. Eizenfald was fascinated by angels and their special powers, especially the celestial magic only they could use. Ever since learning draconic magic, he’d become a glutton for magical knowledge, taking after his mother.
Tyriel was extremely interested in Imperial Dragons too. Eizenfald wasn’t like ordinary dragons, and she was curious about what kind of life such a special being lived.
“The Great Elder Dragon told me not to leave the dragon capital too often. Someone like me flying all over would ruin the…ecosystem, I think he called it. Usually, I just play with other dragons or practice draconic magic.” Eizenfald patiently answered all Tyriel’s questions.
Not only were the pair mutually interested in each other’s races, they had things in common, such as a close relationship with humanity despite not being human themselves.
They especially agreed on how delicious the food was, packing away the vast majority of the dishes arranged on the table. Imperial Dragon Eizenfald obviously had a large appetite, but it came as a real shock that the tiny angel could match his stomach capacity.
Afterward, they also had dessert, emptying Kagura’s purse even further.
***
“Bye, Gramps. I’m sure we’ll meet again before long. You too, Eizen.”
“Good night.”
“Right. See you next time.”
“It was a lot of fun seeing you two today!”
After finishing their meal and leaving the restaurant, the temporary party disbanded. Kagura and Tyriel were going to stay at the Isuzu Alliance branch nearby. This was because Kagura had spent her funds for lodgings on the meal, although nobody but her knew that.
Parting with them, Mira and Eizenfald headed to a nice inn. Thanks to Kagura kindly picking up the tab, Mira’s purse still contained plenty of money for accommodations.
“Now…” Mira sighed. All that remained was to bathe and go to sleep, so she prepared to dismiss Eizenfald.
Then she paused. The dragon seemed so interested in human settlements and culture. His eyes were sparkling in front of the giant inn, after all.
“I can’t wait to see what it’s like!” he mused.
“Come on. Let’s go,” Mira said, opting for a change in plan, and entered the inn.
The lodging had a semi-Japanese style. The building was made of stone and wood, and its interior had numerous Japanese-style details, such as curtains, sliding doors, and lanterns. The lobby was dim, but the lantern light created a warm, gentle ambiance.
“Gold suite…” Standing in front of the reception desk, Mira nearly picked an unnecessarily nice room but stopped herself. She’d normally have taken the opportunity to enjoy some luxury, but Eizenfald’s presence would increase the cost. That, she realized, would defeat the point of having off-loaded their food costs onto Kagura; she would waste the amount she’d saved in one night.
As Mira considered booking the silver suite instead, Eizenfald watched the large aquarium in fascination. “Look, Mother! This place even has fish swimming in it!” A minor water feature such as this was still a thrilling experience to him.
“Indeed it does.” Touched by Eizenfald’s ability to find joy in everything, Mira turned toward the reception desk again and exclaimed, “Gold suite for two, please!”
The gold suite had an aquarium as well.
“Wow! Mother, there are fish in here too!”
“Oh ho! Now, that’s impressive.”
Numerous colorful goldfish swam elegantly around the tank. No doubt a specialist maintained the aquarium; it looked as if they’d fit a small forest lake into the room.
“Ooh. This is wonderful as well!”
Since this was the gold suite, the private bath was nothing to scoff at. Again incorporating a Japanese style, it contained a cypress tub. When Mira opened the door, the scent of the wood wafted forth, touching the heart of anyone born in Japan.
In terms of space, the bath was just big enough for two people. Thanks to the view out the big window, it wasn’t claustrophobic; the simple, compact bathroom had a calming, homey feel.
Impressed by the bath’s interesting combination of unpretentiousness and luxury, Mira promptly began taking off her yukata. “First things first—a bath!”
Hearing Mira’s voice, Eizenfald broke his focus from the aquarium, running over with a childish smile. He likewise undressed. “I hear baths feel really nice!”
This would be his first time experiencing this aspect of human culture. He’d heard of baths, but never soaked in one himself, so he was excited to try taking one with his beloved mother.
“Ooh, will this really be your first one? Let’s make sure it’s good, then!” Eager to ensure her son’s first such experience was the best, she stepped into the bathroom.
***
“Now, listen. There’s a process to this…”
A cypress aroma filled the room, and hot water rippled in the full tub. Mira managed to suppress her excitement, however. She turned to tell Eizenfald about the steps of bathing etiquette, such as splashing water on oneself initially.
Immediately, however…
“Aah…! So this is a bath. Just sitting in the water feels so nice!”
Unable to wait any longer, Eizenfald had already slipped past Mira and jumped into the tub.
“Oh…forget it.” This wasn’t a public bath; it was a private indoor one, so Mira decided to be flexible. Abandoning the pretense of etiquette, she followed her desires and jumped in alongside Eizenfald. “Aah…paradise.”
Water overflowed onto the cypress floor, spreading the scent even further. Mira happily stretched out her legs, savoring the moment. Eizenfald mimicked her. For someone as tall as him, this bathtub was small—even a little cramped. Because they were family, though, they enjoyed the trial and error of figuring out how best to fit in the tub together.
“Say, we don’t get this opportunity often. Shall I wash your back?” Mira offered.
When Eizenfald questioned what she meant, she had him sit down, and a common bath ritual began. Taking a towel in hand, she began washing his back gently.
“That feels nice. I sense your love, Mother!”
As Mira’s small hands washed Eizenfald’s broad back, the combination of the soft towel and bubbly soap made her actions even more comforting than a simple bath.
To Eizenfald himself, this felt less like a bath than a massage. He was normally covered in scales, so simply having his back washed was a truly new sensation for him. It opened up a new world of luxury.
“I want to make you feel good too, Mother!” Those words might’ve sounded questionable if anyone else heard them, but after Mira washed his back, Eizenfald took the initiative and picked up a fresh towel to return the favor.
“Oh, really? Why, thank you!” This had been Mira’s ulterior motive the entire time, and she was happy to note her son’s personal growth and selflessness. “Hey… Th-that’s a little rough. Mm, now a little harder… No, wait, you just had it… There, that’s a good rhythm…”
Given Eizenfald’s inexperience, his attempt to mimic Mira was initially clumsy at best. But he mastered the art at an impressive speed, eliciting a contented smile from Mira.
***
After they got out of the bath, Mira and Eizenfald lay in bed. All that remained tonight was to sleep, and they’d do that together as well. But Eizenfald just couldn’t doze off. In fact, now that things had calmed down, he started babbling like an excited child. He mainly chattered about happenings in the capital he hailed from.
“Mother, Mother! They had a big draconic magic tournament last week!”
He talked about winning matches, receiving the Great Elder Dragon’s praise, finding delicious nuts and berries, and so on—mostly random stories spurred by his emotions. More than anything, in every word, one sensed the heart of a child who loved his mother.
“Really, you say? Well done. That’s my son.” Each time Mira seemed impressed and praised him, Eizenfald’s smile shone brighter, and he went right on to the next story. Thirty whole years of stories had piled up in Mira’s absence, after all.
As the night gradually ended, Mira gladly hung on to every single word.
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