"Priestess Siana. Did you perhaps not see any knights on your way here?"
"I saw them. They were guarding the western garden, weren't they? They said the golems were causing trouble..."
"Still? Ah. Anyway, that's not important, those are all the people you'll be greeting at the mansion."
"..."
"..."
Siana and Dolgyu fell silent.
"Don't joke around."
"I'm not joking..."
Yi-Han became slightly dejected.
Should he have kept Arsil here?
But he felt it wouldn't have made much difference even if he had. It's not like adding one person would make the place crowded, would it?
"It's not a joke. Those people there are everyone."
"We've been here the whole time too."
"...Wh-what about visiting the towns around the mansion?"
"Udamhwa Town that Priestess Siana stopped by on the way was the last town."
Siana, who belatedly realized the truth, mumbled something while chewing her lips, then clapped her hands.
"There might not be any towns!"
"It would be strange if there weren't any..."
When Gainando spoke from the side, Siana snapped sharply.
"Then Mr. Gainando, you go home."
"Ah, no. That's not what I meant. It's just strange... No. It's not even strange. I have no complaints."
Fearing he might be chased out alone, Gainando hurriedly changed his words.
"But it's not that strange, is it?"
Yi-Han looked around at his friends and asked.
Of course, while there were no towns within the territory and few people in the mansion, Yi-Han had a bit of hope.
Wouldn't there be a few families among the numerous families in the empire that were stranger than the Wardanaz family?
"...That's right! It's not strange!"
"This could happen. The virtue of the empire starts with respecting the traditions of families with different cultures and customs."
Yi-Han felt relieved at his friends' reactions.
Seeing this, it seemed it wasn't that bad after all.
'That's a relief.'
"But leaving right away is a bit much, so let's stay for a few days before going."
Siana suddenly became curious and asked,
"Then what have you all been doing here?"
"Studying magic."
"Gathering herbs."
"Exploring ruins."
"...Shall we just leave tomorrow?"
***
Three days later, Yi-Han and his friends left the territory by carriage under Alcicle's guidance.
In fact, there were a few disagreements in deciding the destination.
-How about Illeinas City? It's a beautiful place where you can see the western sea of the empire. The scenery is beautiful and the climate is warm, so nobles often come too.-
-Uh, Mr. Pengerin. If my memory is correct, isn't that the city next to the magic academy Baldurguard?-
-That's right?-
-Booo! Baldurguard!-
-Is there any reason to go where Baldurguard bastards will be swarming?-
-I don't know about anything else, but Baldurguard students specifically...-
-...-
Alcicle, who had recommended it without much thought, was flustered by the students' intense reactions.
-Why? You wouldn't have had any reason to fight with Baldurguard students yet...-
-We just don't like them!-
-...-
Surprisingly, Einroguard students harbored resentment towards Baldurguard students for no reason.
It was because while they were chewing and swallowing hard bread while being attacked by the skull principal, Baldurguard students were elegantly enjoying course meals and going on outings to the western coast of the empire on weekends.
What on earth had happened?!
***
Gainando's family, the Kraha family, was one of the most prominent families even in the big city of Flaher City.
As such, it was natural for his friends to stay at Gainando's mansion.
"Guys. Listen well. When we wake up tomorrow, first we'll play mage card games in the 3rd Mage Card Room, then watch a play in the 2nd Theater Room, then listen to a performance in the 1st Concert Hall, then have a simple meal, and then go out with me..."
"..."
"...Miss Maykin. Could we perhaps stay at the Maykin family mansion?"
"N-no! No!"
When his friends tried to leave en masse from the start, Gainando threw his whole body to block them.
"What are you unsatisfied with!"
"It's insanely packed..."
Nillia looked at Gainando as if she couldn't believe it.
Even Shadow Patrol hunters probably wouldn't play so harshly.
"Okay. Okay! I'll take out the mage card game. Is that enough?!"
Gainando shouted as if he was really making a concession.
Of course, his friends didn't fall for it.
"Miss Maykin."
"Th-then everyone except Yi-Han can go."
At those words, Yi-Han became serious.
He didn't want to handle that schedule alone without his friends.
"Wait, everyone calm down."
Yonaire calmed her friends.
"Gainando probably won't be able to play as he said."
"I will?! Who are you to say that!"
Gainando bristled.
He had been dreaming of this perfect plan since the punishment room, and now his rude relative was trying to ruin it.
"In the afternoon, an illusion mage will come and we'll play a game of finding hidden treasure!"
'Wouldn't that not work on me?'
While Yi-Han was thinking that, Yonaire shrugged her shoulders.
"It would be better to stop now."
"I won't stop. Even if the principal blocks my way!"
Nillia muttered,
"If only he showed such courage when at school..."
"Then there's no helping it."
Yonaire didn't say any more. Gainando suddenly felt uneasy.
What was it?
As the carriage arrived at the mansion, Gainando's mother, wearing a veil, walked out from inside as if she had been waiting.
It was to avoid sweeping the surroundings with brilliant light like last time.
"I'm really glad to see you all. When Gainando said he was coming to the mansion with friends, I didn't think there would be this many... Are they all friends?"
Gainando's mother whispered to Yonaire.
Yonaire nodded. The parties involved might think a bit differently, but at this point, they all seemed to be friends.
At that answer, Gainando's mother was surprised.
It was surprising enough that he had made friends with the Wardanaz family, but to bring such a diverse group of friends.
She wondered if Gainando had awakened some ability his mother didn't know about.
"By the way, Lady Kraha. Gainando..."
Yonaire reported Gainando's evil plan from earlier exactly as it was.
Gainando's mother stared at Gainando. Feeling the pressure even through the veil, Gainando froze on the spot.
"Wh-what's the matter?"
Snap!
The family servants came out and grabbed Gainando's arms. Sensing his miserable fate, Gainando called for Yi-Han.
"Yi-Han! Yi-Han! There are villains here trying to drag me away!"
"Welcome to the mansion. I hope you all have a good stay."
"Thank you for welcoming us, Lady Kraha."
"Traitors! You traitors!!"
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