The Golden-Haired Summoner - Chapter 10
“Give us the tail, at least!”
“How about the broth!”
“Surely they’ll give us the head meat?”
“I’ll take the skin.”
Though I couldn’t quite hear Arie’s voice from a distance, he looked like he was on the verge of exploding.
But before Arie could lose it, the men from the Culinary Research Club were the ones who blew up first.
“Hey! No means no!”
“Damn it! Everyone, attack! Let’s take the white snake!”
“Uwaaah!”
Someone tried to tackle Kenta, but instead of knocking him over, they were the ones sent flying backward by his large frame.
A wooden chair smashed as they were thrown back.
“Ouch, my back! This guy hit me! Everyone, pile on!”
At those words, the people nearby rushed to swarm Kenta. As I watched him get buried under the crowd while chewing on a squid leg, the people who had piled on him were suddenly thrown into the air and then tossed aside.
“Aaagh!”
“My back!”
“My leg!”
“My hair!”
“Just a bit of skin…”
Kenta, the owner of such brute strength, proudly spun Arie around, flaunting his possession of him.
If I were closer, I bet I could hear Arie’s muffled cry of “Huuuuh!”
The tavern grew rowdier as the Culinary Research Club showed their stubborn determination.
They were hurled into chairs and tables by Kenta’s powerful swings, breaking everything in their path.
Having finished my squid leg, I wondered if there was any popcorn around and headed to the kitchen to check.
I grabbed a handful of snacks and was just about to leave the kitchen when I abruptly stopped and stepped back inside.
“Huh? Need anything else, kid?”
The apprentice chef washing dishes by the entrance asked me. I put a finger to my lips in a “shush” gesture.
“Shh!”
I felt like I hadn’t had much dialogue lately. Peeking out from under the kitchen curtain, I could see a group of armored men storming into the inn with spears raised.
“…Kid?”
“Eek!”
I shot a glare at the man who called out to me.
“Yikes!”
Geez, doesn’t this guy understand the situation?
I turned my attention back outside. The Culinary Research Club members were now being escorted out of the inn by the armored men rather peacefully.
However, when they tried to take Arie from Kenta, he went berserk, showing the ferocity of a mad bear.
He flung people into the air left and right with his powerful arms.
There wasn’t a single piece of furniture left intact around him. When Captain Sabel stepped in and scolded him, Kenta finally left the inn, whining, still clutching Arie tightly in one hand.
Hmm, as I slumped down, munching on my snacks…
**Crunch, crunch**
“What on earth is going on here?”
After finishing off a particularly tasty snack, I looked up and peered outside again. But everyone had already left.
Grabbing more snacks, I poked my head out of the kitchen…
**Thunk**
“Ouch!”
I squeezed my eyes shut, clutching my head where I’d been hit by a fist.
When I opened my eyes, I saw Sabel’s menacing face glaring down at me.
“How is it that every time you arrive, you manage to cause trouble, huh?!”
His eyes were blazing with anger, as if they could shoot beams of fury. But fighting is not always about who throws the first punch.
“Uwah! Aunty Anel! This guy is hitting meee!”
In an instant, I summoned Undine and made her sprinkle water near my eyes to create the appearance of tears, then clung to Anel.
Summoning a spirit with just a strong thought is possible, of course, if you have enough mental strength and affinity.
“Oh my, Geenie!”
“It hurts so much, waaah!”
I sneakily stuck my tongue out at Sabel while Anel wasn’t looking. Anel’s angry voice rose in defense of me.
“Captain! How could you hit a young girl? I’m really disappointed in you!”
Anel’s words made Sabel’s expression freeze with shock.
Her words were like a sharp dagger piercing his heart.
“B-but Kenta got taken by the guards…”
Sabel, who looked on the verge of tears despite his age, wore the same expression as Kenta when he was taken away.
See? Even adults aren’t immune to childish reactions.
The capital city of Valen, in the scholar’s nation of Veilan, was known for its abundance of mana, attracting the love of mages and boasting some of the most brilliant minds.
Three things were particularly famous here: the Mage’s Tower, home to the greatest mages; the impregnable fortress wall, Signati, which was the culmination of all barrier magic crafted by those mages; and the massive public library, rivaling that of any royal library.
The public library was renowned for its open access to all, be they commoners, nobles, or anyone in pursuit of knowledge. It truly reflected the spirit of Veilan, the land of knowledge.
But today, a certain young girl was being denied entry at the library’s main gate…
And that unfortunate girl was none other than Geenie Crowell.
“Let me in!”
Stomping my feet in frustration, ready to throw a tantrum at any moment, I glared up at the head librarian.
She pushed her glasses up her nose with her left hand and coldly declared.
“You are not allowed!”
“What?! Why not? Why are you blocking my entry?”
I had raced to the library first thing in the morning, eager to finally explore its vast collection, only to be stopped by this bespectacled woman who clearly didn’t know her place.
She scrutinized my face briefly, then pulled out a scroll from her sleeve.
Arie, who had sneakily moved behind her, helpfully relayed the contents of the scroll to me.
**August Blacklist Additions**
Name: Geenie Crowell (10, Female)
Entered the city on July 22nd, vouched for by Captain Sabel of the Mercenary Corps.
Student of the Royal Academy of Dimitri, affiliated with Drike Academy.
A typical noble girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, known for carrying a white snake.
History: On July 22nd, 983 Rune Year, involved in an incident at an inn with the white snake.
Caused property damage and instigated a fight among mercenaries.
July 23rd: Central Fountain Explosion Incident.
Fountain in the center of the city suddenly exploded; though no one was injured, repairs are currently underway.
July 25th: Signati Contact Incident.
Attempted to test the strength of Signati’s barrier by recklessly using magic, leading to the summoning of the knights.
July 26th: Knights attacked by unknown assailant.
Knights summoned the previous day were suddenly knocked unconscious by what is suspected to be a water-based attack.
July 27th: White Snake Break-In Incident.
Geenie Crowell’s white snake broke into the Ring Sen Merchant Guild, causing a commotion.
July 28th: Another fight at the inn caused by the white snake.
Geenie Crowell was at the center of this altercation, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.
July 30th: Orc-Chasing Incident.
Left the city unauthorized, claiming it was time for Drike’s group to arrive. Returned while being chased by four orcs.
Currently infamous as the ‘Minus Hand’ of Drike.
**Nearby Wind**
**[Pffft. There were a few more incidents, but I guess they weren’t discovered, Master!]**
Arie’s voice echoed in my mind as I clamped my mouth shut.
Tch, how was I supposed to know the fountain would explode just because I increased the water pressure a little?
And as for that Signati wall, I was merely practicing my elemental magic against it when the knights overreacted and started yelling, only to get smacked around a bit as payback.
Sure, I used some rather dirty tactics, but still.
At the Ring Sen Guild, Arie was simply caught while hunting, and apparently, he didn’t eat much. Fortunately, it seems they didn’t catch him actually eating; who would suspect a snake of munching on jewels?
Then, when Kurk and the Toad Prince got into a fight, I told Arie to help Kurk, but he decided to attack Kurk instead, escalating the situation.
There were just so many things to keep track of that I wanted Drike’s group to arrive sooner, so I went outside the city, only to run into those orcs. Who could’ve predicted that?
And those four orcs? I took down three of them myself but had to retreat because I ran out of strength. And instead of praising a delicate young girl for taking down three orcs, they go and give me an unflattering nickname like “Minus Hand.”
…Isn’t that a bit much?
“Are you Geenie Crowell?”
While I was silently complaining to myself, the head librarian asked me directly.
For a moment, I considered feigning ignorance, as if I didn’t know who this “Geenie Crowell” was, but it felt too much like denying my own identity, so I didn’t.
“Um… Probably?”
As I answered, avoiding her gaze, Arie, who had snuck back to my waist, asked curiously.
**[Master, Master. What’s “Minus Hand”? I know about Midas’ Hand. Is it a compliment, Master?]**
**[Shut up!]**
**[Eep! Such harsh words… sob, sob.]**
I resisted the urge to yank Arie from my waist and strangle him.
But since the head librarian, who seemed to be fully aware of my numerous “little” mishaps, was standing right in front of me, I had to muster superhuman patience and refrain.
For now, I had to wait…
“…It seems that entry will be difficult after all. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to leave…”
Noticing the head librarian’s cold expression flinch slightly, I gave her a calculated smile.
**”Sniff, sniff… You’re so mean! What did I ever do wrong to deserve this? Sniff, sniff!”**
**[Undine, more tears. More!]**
**[Yes, Master!]**
With practiced skill, I silently summoned Undine and had her perform the water-sprinkling technique to make it look like I was on the verge of tears. This trick was quite handy, indeed.
“Ah, um… well…”
**”Sniff, I just… sniff, want to read some books… sniff!”**
I started crying as if my heart was breaking, and the flustered librarian, not knowing what to do, fumbled.
“Uh… I really can’t let you in, but…”
**”Sniff, sniff! Sniff! Sniff! Cough, cough!”**
“Okay, okay. I can’t stand it anymore. Just stop crying and follow me. I’ll let you in. Please stop crying.”
Worn out from crying to the point of coughing, my act finally made the librarian relent, lifting her cold hand in surrender.
Heh, how’s that? The fruits of my lifelong dedication to acting!
**”Sniff, okay… sniff… thank you.”**
**[Well done, Undine. You can go back now.]**
**[Yes, Master.]**
Pretending to be reluctant, I took the librarian’s hand and entered the library, sending Undine away.
**[Master, your acting skills are getting more realistic by the day… This Arie is impressed.]**
**[Oh ho ho, Arie. You’re finally starting to recognize my greatness.]**
**[It would be even better if your mana increased along with your acting skills, don’t you think, Master?]**
In that instant, I felt something snap in my mind.
**Thunk**
Arie was mercilessly pulled from my waist and thrown to the ground. What followed was a furious barrage of kicks!
**[Huaaah! Master! Eeeeek…]**
“You’re such a clueless snake…”
Suddenly, I realized that where I had thrown Arie was a shiny marble floor, that this was inside a library, and that the library, being a place of silence, now had everyone’s attention on me, with the head librarian beside me trembling in fury.
And that trembling… was not from fear but from rage, which I instinctively recognized. So, I quickly backpedaled and started running out of the library.
Tch! Guess they’ll be adding the “August 1st Library White Snake Incident” to the list!
**[Masteeer!]**
I’ll keep running until Arie’s pitiful cries are out of earshot.
By now, I was used to the inn, *The Place Where the Wind Rests*, feeling almost like home. I opened the door and entered, seeing my group just finishing their meal.
Anel spotted me and asked with wide eyes.
“Why do you look so glum, Geenie?”
Anel’s question stabbed right into my soft, tender heart.
“Sniff… Sis, sis, I couldn’t get into the library because of Arie.”
“Arie? Why because of Arie?”
“When Arie suddenly came out of the library, people looked at us in shock, so I had to run away.”
Though I subtly shifted the blame onto Arie, I didn’t feel too guilty about it.
After all, half of it was Arie’s fault. Plus, isn’t there a saying that the servant’s mistake is the master’s mistake? Oh! Or was it the other way around?
As Anel gently patted my head while I whined, Captain Sabel suddenly approached us.
Guilty as I was, I shrank back at his presence. The fines he had paid on my behalf had already exceeded 80 silver.
Although he said he’d charge the academy, it was still money out of his pocket for now.
“Annelia, start packing! We have to leave.”
Huh? Leave? Pack? What for? I was so startled that I asked Anel.
“Huh? Sis Anel, where are we going? Where are we going?”
“Where else? We’re returning to Sharan! We’ve got another job lined up.”
But it wasn’t Anel who answered; it was Captain Sabel, with his usual indifferent expression, as if he were explaining the obvious. I was left utterly flabbergasted.
“Whaat?! Then what about me?”
“Hmph, your group will arrive today or tomorrow, so you’ll stay here and wait! I’ll tell the guards about you.”
“That’s ridiculous! How can you just leave a delicate girl like me alone in a strange place?”
“It’s already been decided! We’re leaving today. And let me tell you, we’re sick and tired of cleaning up after a delicate girl like you.”
I was taken aback by the sudden news of the mercenary group’s departure.
I had thought they would stay until the Drike group arrived. Feeling a bit dejected, I watched Sabel glance down at me for a moment before turning and heading up to the second floor without looking back.
“Geenie…”
Anel called out to me in a worried tone, but I didn’t respond.
I was disappointed in Captain Sabel for being so cold-hearted. But I couldn’t hold them back; they were busy mercenaries, after all.
“Geenie, please don’t think too badly of the Captain. In fact, we were supposed to leave for Sharan the day after we completed the transport mission, but the Captain stayed a bit longer here because there was some time before our next job. Please try to understand. If we don’t hurry now, we might not make it to our next mission on time.”
**”H-Hic, waaah!”**
Listening quietly to Anel, I finally couldn’t hold back my tears anymore and began to cry loudly.
Honestly, I felt a mix of emotions—gratitude for the mercenary group that had stayed in Valen for nearly ten days because of me, guilt, disappointment, and so on, all bubbling up and overwhelming my heart.
Even though I had memories of my past life, I was still only ten years old in this body, so sometimes emotions got the better of me.
Like how I suddenly got mad and tossed Arie around in the library earlier.
“Geenie!”
“Sis…”
While my past memories made me a cunning ten-year-old, that was all.
Despite my 27 years of memories, my mind was still fundamentally that of a delicate ten-year-old girl.
“Hey! Why is she crying?”
“Huh? Why are you making the kid cry?”
Some of the mercenaries gathered around me, concerned about my loud crying.
Despite how much I had tormented them, I was grateful that they were still worried about me, and I felt a bit sad that my test subjects were leaving.
“Sis, please don’t forget about me! Promise?”
I struggled to hold back more tears as I said goodbye to the mercenaries who were packing up their gear.
Damn this body, always trying to cry at the worst times!
“Of course, Geenie. Enjoy the festival! Don’t get hurt! I’ll be cheering for you from afar, okay?”
“Yeah, I will. I won’t get hurt. You be careful too, Sis. Let’s… meet again, okay?”
As Anel and I exchanged tearful farewells, the expressions on the mercenaries’ faces were hard to describe.
Unlike Anel, who had been kind to me, they had suffered quite a bit from my antics, so their faces showed a mix of relief, slight sadness, and perhaps some lingering fear of Arie.
“Sis, goodbye!”
As I waved them off until they disappeared beyond the city gates, I made sure to emphasize “Sis” in my farewell, but I was definitely also wishing the mercenaries well.
Maybe about 2%? And the gatekeeper, who was tightly holding the back of my neck, seemed worried that I might bolt out of the city again.
Having someone grab the back of your neck isn’t exactly a pleasant experience, so I thrust Arie at the gatekeeper to make him let go.
**[Hiss, hiss.]**
“Eeek!”
Arie, who had become quite adept at mimicking a snake, swiftly flicked his tongue at the gatekeeper.
It seemed like Arie had fully embraced his snake identity, probably because I used this trick so often.
Anyway, I waved until the mercenaries were completely out of sight, grateful for all they had done, and feeling a bit sad, but looking forward to what would come next…
As they crossed a small hill, disappearing from view, Anel, who had been holding back, finally broke into tears.
**”H-Heup…”**
**”Hey, Annelia! Don’t worry too much. That kid will be fine.”**
**”But Geenie is only ten years old. She must be so scared all alone! Didn’t you see how she kept crying?”**
Anel’s outburst silenced the mercenaries.
None of them had avoided feeling some threat to their lives from the ten-year-old, but there was no point in telling Anel; she wouldn’t believe it anyway. So no one corrected her.
Only Sabel offered some words of comfort.
**”Hmm, anyway, that kid’s more capable than she looks, so don’t worry too much… huh?”**
Sabel suddenly noticed a group approaching in the distance.
The flag at the front was one he recognized well.
A bright red flag with a golden bird soaring on it—the flag of Drike Academy.
**”Captain?”**
Anel looked at Sabel in confusion as he stopped talking.
Sabel pointed toward the winding path ahead.
Anel nodded in understanding, biting her lip.
**”See? I told you not to worry. Didn’t I?”**
**”You’re right! I do hope… to meet Geenie again someday. Really.”**
Anel’s face finally brightened with a smile, while the mercenaries, on the other hand, hoped never to meet Geenie again.
********************************
**Golden-Haired Elementalist Volume 2: A Duel Without Bloodshed**
His name is Rock, and he took great pride in his job as a gatekeeper in Valen, the capital of Veilan, the nation of scholars.
But recently, he had been feeling quite discouraged, all because of a certain girl now known throughout Valen as “Minus Hand.”
It was about ten days ago. The girl had arrived with a mercenary group he was somewhat familiar with. When the captain of that group hesitated to vouch for her, he should have known something was amiss.
Should have realized what kind of trouble that girl would bring.
It happened that night.
He was fast asleep when a sharp pain jolted him awake, a searing ache in his backside. And then he saw it—a flash of white slithering past his eyes.
A dazzling white snake.
The next day, the snake reappeared in the hands of a giant man named Kenta, its white teeth and red tongue flickering menacingly, sending shivers down Rock’s spine as his bruised behind throbbed in pain.
To make matters worse, the girl who claimed ownership of the snake playfully smacked it around, smiling innocently all the while.
But that wasn’t the end of their unfortunate encounter…
That girl caused all sorts of trouble, and each time, he had to file a report. Blamed under the notion of “shared responsibility.”
**”One, two, three, four, five, six, seven… Sigh.”**
He counted the number of reports he’d written in the past ten days, praying fervently that the girl wouldn’t cause any more problems.
And that her group would come soon, to take her off his hands and end his nightmare.
As he let out a long sigh, his eyes caught sight of something in the distance—a faintly visible flag.
It was the flag of Dimitri, with a golden bird on a red background!
As a typical citizen of Valen, he had a strong dislike for foreigners, especially Dimitrians, but at that moment, the sight of that flag was like reuniting with a friend after ten years.
The Drike Academy delegation approaching Valen’s gates looked incredibly somber.
And no wonder. The delegation’s safety was the responsibility of a certain knight commander, who had lost not only his cherished insignia but also his armor, leaving him in a miserable state both inside and out.
Adding to this, a combat instructor named Dinel was also in a similar state.
With the knight commander in such a foul mood, the knights naturally kept their heads down, and the normally cheerful instructor couldn’t hide his depression, even in front of the students.
So, it was only natural that the combat students close to him were feeling down too.
Though the adults tried to keep it quiet, the delegation’s most pressing issue was the disappearance of Geenie Crowell.
The morning after Geenie Crowell went missing, the knight commander quickly organized a search party.
They first searched around the carriage, and following some tracks, they found signs of someone heading into the bushes. These were undoubtedly Geenie Crowell’s tracks.
The tracks showed that she had encountered something and fled, and it soon became clear that the cause of her flight was a monster, most likely an orc, which sent the search party into a frenzy.
The knights immediately reported the situation to the commander, who then rushed into the bushes, his eyes ablaze.
But halfway through the search, the knights discovered that the orc had strangely veered off, no longer pursuing Geenie Crowell. It was a small relief in an otherwise dire situation.
Then, they found the spot where Geenie Crowell’s tracks ended—at the edge of a cliff!
Looking down, they saw a raging river below, so treacherous that not even the knights thought anyone could survive.
The knight commander felt a chill down his spine and nearly collapsed. Thoughts of finding his armor and insignia were the furthest thing from his mind.
In the end, they concluded that Geenie Crowell was dead.
The knight commander reluctantly informed a few knights of her death, and then the remaining delegation, minus Geenie Crowell, began their slow journey to Valen.
Three days later, the knights who had returned to the kingdom came back with a child named Leo.
Along with a letter from the king, which ominously read, “We’ll see what happens when you return.”
Given all this, it was no wonder the knight commander and his knights were in such a foul mood, not to mention Instructor Dinel.
And although the adults were trying to keep it under wraps, the students—especially those in the general class and the combat class—were smart enough to piece together that Geenie Crowell was dead.
The students who had bullied her went pale at the thought.
Had she fallen into the river and drowned? Was it suicide? These questions haunted the students, especially one of the combat students who had been the ringleader of the bullying. He had been crying all day, convinced he was a murderer.
**”Sigh…”**
As the knight commander let out a long sigh, he spotted the two gatekeepers standing in front of Valen’s gate, staring at the delegation.
The sight of the gatekeepers made the knight commander even more miserable.
The mission had barely begun, and they were already dealing with a major problem.
It felt like his head was already on the chopping block, just waiting for someone to give the final blow.
Given his current mood, the last thing he wanted to do was deal with the notoriously unfriendly gatekeepers of Valen, especially while dressed in only a simple tunic.
After all, with the permit from Elan and their official uniforms, the gatekeepers should recognize them as the delegation and let them through with minimal hassle. The commander saw no need to personally intervene.
So, he called out to Hansen and Philo, his go-to men for handling such tedious matters.
**”Hansen! Philo!”**
At his low call, Hansen and Philo, who had been lingering at the back of the group, immediately stepped forward.
**”Yes, sir! Did you call for us, Commander?”**
**”Yes, sir! Did you call for us, Commander?”**
Though they were as polite as always, there was an undeniable sense of lethargy about them.
Normally, he would have cracked their heads with the hilt of his sword for such a lack of energy, but without his sword and with the morale of the entire group so low, he let it slide.
Handing them the permit, the knight commander gestured briefly toward the gatekeepers, indicating they should handle the situation.
Without a word, Hansen and Philo hurried toward the gate, while the commander watched them for a moment before sighing deeply again.
With his life on the line and the students’ morale at an all-time low, he found it hard to muster any enthusiasm.
Though he and the knight commander had only just begun to bond, the sudden death of the girl weighed heavily on Hansen and Philo, leaving them even more downcast than the other knights.
Still, they dutifully approached the gatekeepers, fully aware of the strong anti-Dimitri sentiment in Valen, which only heightened their tension.
But to their surprise, the gatekeepers didn’t treat them coldly—instead, they welcomed them with smiles.
**”Welcome, Drike Academy delegation! We’ve been expecting you. Hahaha.”**
**”…What?”**
Philo, who was generally less sharp than Hansen, was stunned by their response.
Valen’s well-known disdain for foreigners had left him expecting a chilly reception, so the gatekeepers’ friendliness left him more confused than relieved.
He briefly wondered if this gatekeeper was just an exception.
**”We’ve received orders from the higher-ups, and the Mage’s Tower has already been informed. You’ve arrived earlier than expected, which is fortunate, but there will be no issues with your accommodations.”**
**”Is that so? Thank you for your consideration.”**
According to their schedule, the delegation was supposed to arrive in Valen, spend a day resting in the lodgings provided by Elan, and then use a warp gate the next day to travel to Remarly, a town between Valen and Elan.
After a day of rest in Remarly, they would warp to the Imperial capital of Neikal for the Wincon Festival.
Hansen briefly reviewed the itinerary in his mind before presenting the permit the commander had given him. The gatekeeper accepted it with a slightly rushed but polite motion.
**”Everything seems to be in order! However, we will need to verify this at the checkpoint, so please follow me.”**
The gatekeeper’s smile was so bright it almost felt overwhelming.
Hansen even wondered for a moment if the gatekeeper had ulterior motives.
Reluctantly, Hansen followed the gatekeeper into the checkpoint, while Philo, who had been left behind, busied himself admiring the magical engravings on the city wall.
But then, a familiar voice called out to him from inside the gate.
**”Ah! Philo!”**
The sound of an excited, youthful voice made Philo instinctively look up.
What he saw filled his vision—golden hair flying in the wind!
**”Kyaa! Philo, you’re here! Why are you so late? I was so lonely. Mwah~”**
Philo was startled by the sudden appearance of a small figure who threw themselves into his arms, and even more so when this mysterious person planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
Panicked, Philo pulled the figure away, only to find himself staring at a girl with golden hair, fair skin, and eyes as deep and refreshing as the sea—along with a white snake peeking out from behind her.
**”Aaaargh!”**
What scared him more? The ghost of Geenie Crowell appearing in broad daylight? The white snake? Or the confusion of it all?
Whatever it was, his scream startled the birds, sending them fluttering into the sky.
Meanwhile, in the checkpoint, the gatekeeper had just handed Hansen some paperwork to sign.
**”Ah! There’s one form that requires your signature.”**
**”A form?”**
The gatekeeper picked up a document from the table and handed it to Hansen, who looked at it curiously.
**”It’s a document regarding Geenie Crowell’s identification. She didn’t have a pass when she entered the city, so Captain Sabel acted as her guarantor. But now that he’s left, the responsibility has fallen to me. However, since you’re here now…”**
**”W-wait a minute! What are you talking about? Geenie Crowell? How do you know that name…?”**
**”How do I know it? Geenie Crowell is currently the hottest topic in the city.”**
The gatekeeper’s calm response left Hansen’s expression crumpled like a piece of paper.
Hansen was completely baffled. Not only was Geenie Crowell’s name suddenly brought up, but the claim that she was the city’s biggest gossip made no sense to him.
**”I have no idea what you’re talking about. Geenie Crowell was swept away by a current about fifteen days ago and was presumed dead…”**
Hansen was abruptly cut off by a voice dripping with fury.
**”I’ll explain it, Geenie Crowell!”**
Irritated that he kept getting interrupted today, Hansen turned around to see none other than his nemesis, the knight commander, along with Instructor Dinel and Instructor Irito, all wearing menacing expressions.
Oh no!
The inn that Drike’s group had chosen was quite luxurious.
If the inn I stayed at with Sabel’s group was mid-range, this one was definitely top-tier.
Instead of resting in their rooms like the others, I was subjected to an interrogation by these three intimidating figures.
Well, it wasn’t just “like” an interrogation—it really was one.
**”So… you’re saying Captain Sabel’s mercenaries saved you when you fell into the river?”**
**”Yes, I was barely hanging onto the edge when Sabel’s group saved me. Then I traveled with them for three days and stayed with them here in Valen for ten days.”**
The knight commander nodded at my response but then asked another question.
**”Why did you fall into the river?”**
**”I went into the forest and got chased by orcs. While running away, I slipped and fell into the river.”**
**”Why did you go into the forest?”**
As expected, he asked a question I didn’t want to answer, so I dodged his gaze and said.
**”It’s rude to ask a lady such a question.”**
**”You could have handled that in the carriage…”**
**”Ahem!”**
Not wanting to answer, I cut him off with an annoyed cough.
But the knight commander pressed on, and I sat back, folding my arms in frustration.
I wasn’t going to answer any further on this topic.
I didn’t want to leave any room for doubt.
**”It’s true that I could have handled it in the carriage, but since it was nighttime and the carriage had stopped, I went outside. I didn’t want to sleep in a smelly carriage, after all.”**
Translation: “I went to relieve myself.”
It was the most effective and convenient excuse I could think of.
**”Alright then, Geenie. One last question. The night you disappeared, the delegation was robbed. Did you know about that?”**
Instructor Irito’s sudden question left me puzzled. What thief would be out there in the middle of nowhere?
**”Robbed? What kind of thief would be out there?”**
**”Hmm, a thief broke in that night. The commander’s money, along with his cherished armor and sword, was stolen. Instructor Dinel lost money and his gauntlet, and even the carriage wheel was taken.”**
**”What kind of thief steals a carriage wheel? A gauntlet? Isn’t that a weapon? Who would take that…?”**
Irito’s stern expression softened a bit as he answered my confusion.
**”With Geenie alive, several issues arise. One of them is the suspicion that Geenie herself might have been the thief that night, but based on your reaction… it doesn’t seem like that’s the case.”**
**”Ah…”**
I was grateful that Arie wasn’t with me.
If Arie had been there, he would have undoubtedly blurted out something like, “Oh! Master, I absorbed that stuff, remember?” all excitedly.
That would have jogged my memory, and I would have given myself away with my expression.
Fortunately, I had forgotten what I had commanded Arie to do that night.
**”Alright, Geenie. You must be exhausted from all you’ve been through. Please go rest. We’ll also make sure to properly thank Captain Sabel’s group through the academy.”**
**”Thank you, Instructor Irito. And… I just want to say that I owe a great deal to Captain Sabel’s mercenaries. If possible, could you send my allowance for this month along with their payment? I have a debt to settle with them.”**
**”I’ll talk to the finance department about it. Now, go get some rest. We’ll be leaving this city tomorrow.”**
**”Thank you, Instructor Irito, Instructor Dinel, and Sir Tornel, Captain of the 5th Knights.”**
After bowing politely, I left the room.
Emphasizing “Captain of the 5th Knights” wasn’t really important.
—
**”H-Hrk! H-Hrk…!”**
**Smack!**
**”Pfft!”**
In the middle of a deep sleep, I groggily woke up with a frown.
Waking up early for morning meditation had become a regular routine.
Arie was an excellent alarm clock.
**[Master! It seems you slept well today.]**
**”Mmm… This bed is so comfortable.”**
As I slipped out of bed and took a few steps, I noticed Arie slithering along, following me.
**[Is that so? I prefer being closer to the ground.]**
**”Yeah, yeah. Yaaawn. Time for some meditation and then back to sleep.”**
I opened the window, sat down beneath it, and closed my eyes. The moment I did, I felt sleep tugging at me again. What I had intended as meditation almost turned into a nap.
**[Eek! Master? Wake up. Master!]**
**”Tsk, wake up? I’m not napping! Why would you even think that, Arie?”**
As I barely managed to swallow the drool trying to escape, I scolded Arie. The snake narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
**[But Master… you were definitely napping.]**
**”No, I wasn’t.”**
**[Yes, you were…]**
Argh, this snake! If I say I wasn’t, then I wasn’t! Why does he have to argue?
**”Wanna get smacked?”**
**[Maybe I was mistaken, Master.]**
**”That’s better. And don’t squint your eyes at me anymore.”**
**[Yes, Master.]**
Satisfied with Arie’s answer, I nodded and stretched.
**”Yaaawn. But I’m still so sleepy.”**
Before starting my meditation, I stuck my head out the window, staring blankly at the rising sun between the mountains. I wondered what breakfast would be today.
After finishing my morning meditation, I tried to go back to sleep, but my overly refreshed body wouldn’t let me. After tossing and turning for a while, I finally got up and looked down at Arie, who was sprawled out on the floor.
Hmm, maybe I should share some of this overflowing affection with Arie!
**”Arie, come here.”**
**[Huh? Why, Master?]**
Arie seemed puzzled but quickly slithered up onto the bed.
His movement was so smooth, sliding up the bedpost, that he was the perfect snake.
I pulled him onto my lap and began stroking his back and belly, which made him shiver.
**”Why are you shivering, Arie?”**
**[K-Krrrk! Master is being so kind… This Arie is overwhelmed!]**
**”What? You’re acting like I only bully you.”**
**[…]**
For a moment, Arie’s eyes narrowed again.
I grabbed him by the neck with one hand.
**”What? Are you sulking?”
**
**[No! Not at all. I’m perfectly happy, Master.]**
**”Good. Glad to hear it.”**
Releasing my grip on Arie’s neck, I resumed petting his long back, suddenly realizing how finely detailed Arie’s body was, just like a real snake.
Though his scales seemed pale at first glance, upon closer inspection, each scale was clear and translucent. Well, considering he was made of diamond, it was no wonder.
In a pinch, I could always… hehe, use these scales as emergency funds.
**[Purr, purr.]**
As I entertained this slightly dangerous thought, Arie began purring like a cat, seemingly expressing his pleasure.
**”Arie, that sound is something cats make. You’re a snake.”**
**[But I feel good. What sound should a snake make? Sssslither?]**
**”Just keep purring, purr.”**
Sure, I teased Arie a lot, but he held a special place in my heart.
He was my first contracted spirit and the one who spent the most time with me.
He was also the most loyal of them all. Although sometimes he could be a bit cheeky or annoying.
**[Yes, Master. Purr.]**
While I wanted to show more affection, it felt awkward and embarrassing to do so openly. If only Arie were as cute as Undine, maybe I could be more affectionate with him…
Well, I was the one who made Arie a snake, but I didn’t regret it, since he was also quite handy for self-defense.
As I continued to pet Arie, I suddenly heard him speak.
**[Someone is standing in front of the door, Master.]**
**Knock, knock**
No sooner had Arie spoken than there was a knock at the door.
**[Who is it?]**
**[It seems to be a maid.]**
Not wanting to be overheard, I asked internally, then nodded. Now that I thought about it, the sun was already high in the sky.
**”Come in.”**
**”Excuse me.”**
The door opened silently, and a maid entered, carrying a large pitcher.
At the previous inn, the door would have creaked as it opened, but this one was well-maintained, as expected of a pricey place.
The maid poured hot water into the washbasin in front of the mirror.
Her uniform seemed to be standard for this inn. This place was definitely fancy, fit for nobles.
After filling the basin, the maid stood by the door and spoke.
**”Breakfast is served in the dining rooms on the first and second floors until ten o’clock, and the delegation is requested to pack their belongings and assemble in the lobby by eleven. Is there anything else you need?”**
**”No, thank you for your service.”**
**”Then, if you’ll excuse me.”**
After bowing politely, the maid left.
I stared at the door for a moment before looking down at Arie, who was still on my lap.
It seemed the maid hadn’t noticed Arie.
In the past, when the maids saw Arie, they would freak out and scream, which was always amusing to watch.
But now that Arie was white instead of black, he blended in with the surroundings, making him harder to spot.
**[Master, did that human not see me?]**
**”Hmm? You’re on a white bed, in white pajamas, so you probably just blended in.”**
**[I see. Watching them freak out when they noticed me was always quite entertaining.]**
**”Arie, you really are my spirit, aren’t you?”**
Sometimes, our thoughts were so similar it was scary.
**[I’m not sure what you mean, but of course, this Arie is yours alone, Master! Pfftheheh!]**
I wanted to shower him with affection, but…
Fortunately, I still had my clothes packed in my bag from the carriage, so I pulled out my uniform and put it on.
The white lace shirt and the light brown and red checkered skirt were charmed to resist dirt and provided excellent protection against heat and cold.
And the red ruby on the ribbon was enchanted with a tracking spell.
If I’d been wearing my uniform when I fell into the river, maybe I wouldn’t have had to go through that interrogation yesterday.
After making sure Arie was securely wrapped around my waist, I stepped out of the room.
I was heading to the second floor for breakfast.
But I had barely taken a few steps when I ran into someone I was not eager to see.
The boy with purple hair was Mirene, the one who had called me a “murderer!” The lemon-haired boy beside him was someone I hadn’t met before.