Chapter 124: To the Mansion
Chapter 124: To the Mansion
I practiced all day, but in the end, I failed to master Resonance.
Actually, that was only natural.
Resonate with magic? How, exactly? I still find the very existence of mana fascinating. What even is magic in the first place? Where and how am I supposed to resonate with it?
And above all… I’m supposed to solve all these questions using nothing but ‘intuition’?
As Elisha said, it’s absurd. The Lindelheit family, who found this possible, were the weird ones.
But no matter how much I struggled, time marched on.
The day passed without any significant results, and the weekend arrived.
The weekend where I planned to take Carla, Elisha, and Fay to the mansion I bought recently and introduce them to one another.
Our designated meeting spot was the Academy’s Great Plaza.
As soon as I spotted that overwhelming presence—no, I mean, as soon as I spotted Fay—from afar, I dashed toward her.
I scooped her up by the waist and buried my face in her soft cleavage.
“Waaah. I’m baby Yandel. I don’t know anyfing!”
“Ju-Junior?! What’s gotten into you all of a sudden…?!”
Fay flailed, trying to escape my grasp.
But with her petite frame, there was no way she could break free from my strength….
“Eeeek! We’re on the street! I don’t mind if we’re somewhere else, but this is embarrassing!”
“Huh? Oh?”
My arms were slowly forced open. My face got caught on her chest for a moment, but Fay managed to slip out regardless.
Wait.
“Why are you so strong, Senior Fay?”
“Hehe. Did you forget? I’m a half-dwarf.”
“Ah.”
Right. Dwarves were a race known for their freakish strength.
No wonder… even though it was her first time, she held onto me all night and wouldn't let go.
As I nodded silently to myself, Fay poked my side with a pouting look.
“Junior. Were you just thinking about something weird?”
“Something weird? I was just worrying about how to introduce you to the others.”
“Oh, come on. I’ve met those two once before, so can’t I just say hello?”
Fay peeked past me at Carla and Elisha, who were following behind.
However, the moment her eyes met theirs, she froze up, seemingly overcome with nerves.
Come to think of it, Fay might be used to me, but she’s probably still awkward when dealing with others.
When we met briefly at the workshop before, it was just a quick greeting while she was acting as my tag-along.
Above all, Carla and Elisha both had personalities that were a bit difficult to handle.
First, there was Carla. Due to her slave education, she didn't show it openly, but her behavior was deeply ingrained with the habits of a high noble.
The elegance Carla exuded unconsciously would be nothing short of a trauma trigger for Fay, who grew up being mistreated in a noble household.
Elisha was no pushover either.
Even if its significance had faded somewhat, High Elves were still considered sacred beings among elves.
She had been put on a pedestal since childhood, and even after joining the Sylvan Magic Tower, she grew up being hailed as the next Archmage.
Furthermore, unlike Carla, she hadn't received slave education, so she constantly radiated the aura of a young lady.
Even now, she was showing off the classic noblewoman look, covering her mouth with a fan and letting out a sigh.
And she’s a slave attendant, not even a regular servant!
Well, I personally liked that side of her, but to Fay, it probably just felt intimidating.
Carla stood demurely, Elisha maintained her haughty atmosphere, and Fay was stiff as a board.
They weren't strangers, but because their relationships had changed since their last meeting, a heavy silence hung between the three—though only for a moment.
Elisha, who had been sighing until a moment ago, folded her fan and lightly tapped my head with it.
“A grown man acting like a baby… that was quite a shock, wasn't it, Miss Fay?”
“Ah, y-yes. I’m okay…?”
“It’s because Yandel lost his mind after overworking himself during training yesterday. Also, you don't need to use formal speech with me.”
“Should… I?”
“Of course. I’m younger than you, Miss Fay, and above all, I am currently a slave, am I not?”
“But Junior said you aren't just a simple slave. So, I can't treat you poorly either….”
Fay answered tentatively but earnestly. Elisha gave a satisfied smile, seemingly pleased by the response.
“Oh? Is that what Yandel said?”
“Yes… um. He said you were like a partner to him, just like me, so he wanted us to get along. …And even if I’m older, I’m the junior when it comes to my relationship with him, right?”
“Oh my? My, my?”
She looked delighted, no matter how you sliced it.
Soon, Elisha wore a smug grin, puffed out her chest, and boldly offered a handshake.
“He spoke well. That’s right. I, Elisha Sylvan Glenziel, am the woman who will one day become Yandel’s spouse! I assume the same goes for you, Miss Fay. I look forward to working with you. Please, feel free to just call me Elisha.”
“Yes… I-I look forward to working with you too, Miss Elisha!”
Though her eyes darted around nervously at Elisha’s friendly approach, Fay took her hand.
Now, all that was left was Carla.
“Hmm. Once Master learns Resonance, what should I teach him first? Perhaps how to utilize it for attacks?”
“Um….”
“No. It would be safer to learn defensive magic first. Even for Master, it will be difficult to adapt to a sudden change in output.”
“Senior Carla?”
“But if Master was born with the same constitution as the Progenitor, he might adapt immediately.”
“Excuse me, please listen to me….”
“Ugh. This is difficult… By the way, what if he settles for low-grade magic and postpones challenging intermediate magic?”
“…….”
It was as if she had downed a whole gallon of delusional juice; Carla had been worrying about what would happen after I mastered Resonance since yesterday.
It was honestly terrifying. How could she have such absolute, unwavering faith in me?
She said I just needed to use my intuition, but I haven't grasped that intuition yet!
While I was busy sighing inwardly.
Tug, tug.
Fay, who had tried to speak to her several times only to fail, pulled on my sleeve with a dejected look.
I let out a soft sigh and nodded.
“Leave it to me.”
I lightly pinched and pulled the cheek of Carla, who was still muttering to herself in her own world.
“Hyahhh!”
With a strange shriek, Carla jumped in place and looked up at me with a dazed expression.
“Master…?”
“Yeah. It’s your Master. I know you’re excited, but get a grip, Carla.”
“Yes… We were on our way to meet up with Miss Fay before heading to the mansion, right?”
“No. We’re already here, and Senior Fay is right here.”
“Gasp!”
Startled as if she truly hadn't noticed, Carla gave an awkward, hurried bow.
“I’m so sorry, Miss Fay. Ah, is it alright if I call you Miss Fay?”
“Y-yes. I never imagined I’d meet Senior Carla like this.”
“Huh? What’s this, Senior Fay? Why are you only using formal speech with Carla?”
“Well… to me, she’s still a legendary senior. And even though she became a slave, it’s not like she’s a cultist herself.”
Fay tilted her head as if she wasn't quite sure why either.
I expected there wouldn't be any major issues given Fay’s personality, but I didn't think it would be this smooth.
I was worried they might butt heads, which would have been exhausting, so I’m glad that doesn't seem to be the case.
I haven't met Iris yet, but if the atmosphere stays like this, she should be able to get along with Iris too.
And so, we left the Academy, engaging in somewhat awkward but steady conversation.
*
Rahim City is bustling on the weekends.
There are many Academy students out on the town, and plenty of shops loudly hawking their wares to attract them.
But that was only true for the main streets.
As we walked a bit further toward the outskirts, the number of people thinned out significantly.
After walking for about ten more minutes, a large, solitary mansion came into view.
It had a pleasant fence draped in vines and a fairly sophisticated gate.
And behind it stood a two-story building based on a white and blue color scheme.
I heard it was originally built by some noble for their child to use on weekends during their four years at the Academy.
I wondered if it was really necessary to build a whole house when they’d only stay there two days a week at most and would have no use for it after graduating in four years.
But considering the resale value, it might have been a fairly rational choice.
Property values around the Academy only ever go up, never down.
In fact, I had to pay quite a bit when I bought it.
By the way, it’s only been two weeks, but a lot has changed.
I originally planned to visit last weekend, but I was busy dealing with the aftermath of the duel.
Anyway, even if I say it changed, the exterior hasn't.
It’s the flow of mana surrounding the mansion that has changed.
I wasn't the only one who noticed; Carla and Fay both stood there with their mouths agape.
“I can't sense all of it, but it’s an incredibly sophisticated barrier.”
“Amazing… who could have installed this…?”
At their reaction, Elisha tilted her chin up with a proud expression.
“Hmph. As expected of Master! If given more time and materials, she could even set up a barrier on par with the Sylvan Magic Tower’s!”
“A house is better the safer it is. Oh, Senior Fay. Do you have anything you could install here too?”
“Me? Hmm… I can't say for sure since it might mess up the barrier’s composition, but there are a few things I think would be good to have.”
“Then please make a few when you have the time. After consulting with Lady Iris, of course.”
“Lady Iris… Elisha’s Master, right? The, um, former Sylvan Tower Lord.”
Fay swallowed hard, looking nervous at the thought of actually meeting someone as legendary as Iris.
“There’s no need to be that nervous, Senior Fay. In a way, she’s quite a cute person.”
I chuckled and was about to knock on the magical tool attached to the gate.
Creeeeak.
The gate opened on its own before I could.
As if he had known we were coming, the son of the elf family I had brought along was there to greet us.
“Welcome, Master. And… are these your friends?”
“We’re a bit closer than that.”
Fay blushed at my nonchalant answer, and the son looked momentarily surprised.
He quickly bowed his head to hide his face, though.
“I-I apologize. I was just so surprised.”
“It’s fine to be surprised. …By the way, what was your name again?”
I figured it was about time I learned the names of the elf family.
I couldn't keep calling them 'the dad,' 'the mom,' and 'the son' forever.
“…It is Orlan. I will escort you inside.”
Following Orlan’s guidance, we crossed the garden and headed into the building.
The interior was quite spacious, thanks to the space distortion magic applied here as well.
As I looked around, the other two members of the elf family came out, having realized we had arrived.
But that was it.
“Where’s Iris?”
“The Tower Lord… no, Lady Iris should be in the basement workshop. The equipment isn't fully set up yet, so she likely hasn't noticed what’s happening outside. She will come out immediately once she knows you are here, Master.”
“Hmm? It’s fine, it’s fine. It happens. Since we’re here, let’s just head down and check out the workshop.”
I reassured the slightly stiff Orlan, and we all headed down to the basement.
Then, I opened the thick door at the end of the stairs.
Since it had been quite a while since I last saw Iris, I called out with a voice full of genuine welcome.
“Iris!”
…….
No answer.
Just as I was starting to feel flustered, wondering if she wasn't here either.
Thump.
“Huh?”
My foot hit something soft.
I hurriedly looked down.
“Mumble… back in my day….”
There lay Iris, talking in her sleep with a strangely sorrowful expression, as if she were in the middle of a dream.
Tsk.
You’ll catch a cold sleeping in a place like this.