> Kira PoV

“Oh! Good day Kiressara. All by yourself?” (Bork)

Bork meets me at the gate. I had one of the servants call for him, since I didn’t want to be rude. Unlike a certain dwarf-shaped battering ram.

“Good day Bork. Yes, just me today.” (Kira)

Ellie and the girls are having a nice walk around the capital. Kelly on the other hand is off getting drunk somewhere before noon. Again.

“Let me guess, here to speak with the senators?” (Bork)

He sounds really annoyed. Maybe they’re not behaving themselves like I told them?

“They didn’t do something outrageous, right?” (Kira)

“They want to turn my house into an embassy! They won't shut up about it! But I’m not gonna let them! This arrangement was supposed to be temporary, right?” (Bork)

“Those two… Don’t worry, I’ll do something about it.” (Kira)

“Appreciate it. Now then, let’s not stand around out here, come inside.” (Bork)

He invites me into his home. Admittedly standing around at the front gate was getting a bit awkward. He walks towards across the mansion grounds and I follow him.

“I just want to say thanks again for putting up with my selfishness.” (Kira)

We sort of pushed the dwarven delegation onto him. They can’t easily come and go from our flying tower, and we can’t make a good enough landing spot around here. I mean we can, but then we’d either have giant hole in the middle of the capital or have one just outside the pearly white walls.

The king was fine with it, but the queen gave me an icy cold stare when the topic came up.

“Well, I can hardly deny the people who helped break the Chains from me and my kin. Maybe now I can finally flourish as a merchant instead of wasting my gold on collecting worthless rumors.” (Bork)

That’s right isn’t it? Those [Chains That Bind] compelled them to collect information for the sake of waking that titan. I was honestly appalled when Kelly mentioned them at first, but it was actually closer to a responsibility they couldn’t run away from rather than outright slavery.

“Brand doesn’t seem to mind one way or another, though?” (Kira)

“Aye, there’s a lot in our clan who are like that. Think it’s their sacred duty or purpose in life. That dutiful guy is definitely one of them.” (Bork)

“How’s his gryphon doing?” (Kira)

“Seems healthy enough. He started flying around earlier this morning.” (Bork)

“I would’ve waited longer with unloading all those crates if I knew that was going to happen…” (Kira)

Ellie and I had to pretty much fly them all down by ourselves. I’m not suited for manual labor like that! Even with magic, heavy things are heavy! Nano tried to explain how come they still felt heavy even though I used [Null Gravity] on them, but it didn’t make any sense at all!

“You should know it was no coincidence. He probably realized you would put him to work the minute he got better, so he faked it until you were done.” (Bork)

“WHAT!? That lazy- Wait, are they really that smart?” (Kira)

“For sure. They may not be able to speak, but they can understand our words. A few of my business partners use them as couriers, so I know a good deal about them.” (Bork)

“I see, I underestimated it. This was a good lesson.” (Kira)

In that case, raising them might just be as easy as Brand said. Well, the Falcon Gryphon egg we gave to the kids is going to hatch soon, so we’ll experience it firsthand in no time at all. Seems if both of them supply mana by simultaneously touching the egg, both will be imprinted on the gryphon. Ellie and I are doing the same with the Winter Gryphon egg.

Bork guides me to the living room and then leaves. Seems he doesn’t want to get roped into anything.

“Oh! Good to see you Madam! Anything I can help you with?” (Goldrim)

Right, I should start by telling them about the interrogation thing. They don't have much of a choice in the matter anyway.

“A few things. First of all, about our dinner with the king yesterday-” (Kira)

* * *

“Alright, Mrs Quasse. We will agree to your conditions.” (Rimgold)

“We’d be crazy not to. The worst thing that happens is we wasted the Major’s time.” (Goldrim)

Finally! I slump back into the sofa and close my eyes.

That was a long discussion. It took some doing to convince them the [Dowsing] spell can be used to find Titansteel in the ground. Normally it’s used to find underground water for wells, but since Titansteel repels the mana wave, you can pinpoint it quite easily. I already tested it by burying that pot of ours, so the method should work for the ore back in Ecebis.

Those Legion guys have loads of mages, golems and engineers, so digging through loads of solid rock is no big deal. Actually finding the stuff is the hard part. Like this, their supply of Titansteel should increase. Hopefully it will increase enough for them to get a surplus. Then I can then buy that off them with a supply contract.

Since I’m sending them this idea, along with an instructor from the Magic Academy to teach them the spell, I expect to get a good price on that contract! Also, that instructor owes me a big favor for that ‘Missing Robe Incident’ so he should do a proper job.

“I must say, I’m still quite curious why exactly you need so much of this metal.” (Goldrim)

“... It’s not about making Titansteel ladles, right?” (Rimgold)

“Heh. Or Titansteel kitchen knives, perhaps?” (Goldrim)

“Haha! My guess is a legendary Titansteel tea set!” (Rimgold)

The two share a few dry chuckles at my expense. They’re still sore about using their precious super-metal to make a cooking pot. I’m not melting it down though! My Ellie’s happiness is way more precious than some lump of fancy iron!

“I’m not at liberty to say the reason. State secret.” (Kira)

I threw one of Goldrim’s favorite lines at them. They glance at each other and back to me several times.

“Very well. Major, prepare your mount, you’re leaving tomorrow!” (Rimgold)

“Yes, Senator!” (Brand)

“Thank you, Rimgold. I expect good news.” (Kira)

Thankfully, Brand agreed to transport the instructor and the method using Shull’s wings. That way I can get a report on whether a Titansteel supply contract is possible before the 13th month rolls around in 7 weeks. It’s important since I need to know whether to request extra funding on behalf of the (future) Ministry of Progress so we can afford that contract.

I mean, I could go myself, but I have other duties I really shouldn’t ignore right now. The King already agreed to many of my selfish demands so I can’t make any more of them.

“Truthfully, I’m looking forward to seeing whatever your creation is in action.” (Goldrim)

“So am I, Senator. So am I.” (Kira)

I flash them a tired smile. The small-scale prototype looks promising. As usual, Nano’s precision with all those moving parts is breathtaking. The problem is that we need unreasonable amounts of Titansteel if we want to mass-produce it.

But if everything works out, we’re looking at a very bright future indeed!

{“Kira, are you done at Bork’s place?”} (Ellie)

“Yes, mostly.” (Kira)

“Mrs Quasse?” (Rimgold)

Ah, I keep forgetting I look like I’m talking to myself when we speak with the ear-cuffs.

{“I’m on my way over, you should leave that house and head South! I’ll meet you on the way!”} (Ellie)

“Something urgent came up, I’ll be going now!” (Kira)

I excuse myself from the room and head off towards Ellie. Once I’m out of earshot, I resume my conversation.

“What’s going on over there, Ellie?” (Kira)

{“That yellow bird lady started acting all weird when she saw me walking by!”} (Ellie)

“Yellow bird lady? You mean that [Yellow Sage]?” (Kira)

Well, they did confirm that the Court Wizard was using something called a Band of Domination to enslave her somehow, so she’s not really at fault. In the end they released her without too much trouble. I slightly vouched for her as well - it's partly our fault that guy got the magic ring in the first place.

{“Yes, her! She won’t leave us alone and is begging to see you!”} (Ellie)

“What, me? Why me?” (Kira)

{“Something about responsibility, since you’re the leader!”} (Ellie)

This is bad, did she come back for some misguided revenge?

“Alright, I’m on my way due South. Actually, how come you didn’t just chase her off?” (Kira)

{“I tried! I broke her arm when she tried to grab my collar, but she just healed it with magic and kept following me! Even running across the rooftops is no use! She’s way too creepy!”} (Ellie)

Erk! Someone who’s immune to Ellie’s vio- I mean, acting! Such a fearsome opponent! It's strange though, Ellie should be able to overpower her if push came to shove...

{“Ah I see you! Look up and to your left!”} (Ellie)

I do as she says and notice her leap from a building. She’s holding onto Sophie and Lara in her arms!

“Yaaaay!” (Sophie)

“Hey Mooom!” (Lara)

… At least they’re having fun, I guess.

“WAAAAIT! PLEEEASE WAAAIT!” (Yellow Sage)

A low-flying yellow-feathered avian woman is chasing her while screaming. That’s her alright. She’s using the same dull-looking leather armor and metal wand she had back then.

“Kiraaa! Save mee!” (Ellie)

Ellie lands nearby and quickly hides behind me. No, I’m sure she can overpower that bird even completely bare handed, so why do I have to be a shield?

“Ah! Found youuu!” (Yellow Sage)

She dives low to street level and starts flying centimeters from the ground! The startled bystanders part before her so she doesn’t crash into her, but she’s definitely headed right towards me!

“--- [Barrier]” (Kira)

I manage to bring up a small barrier around us just before she-

*SLAM*

“Ufuuu!” (Yellow Sage)

-slams face first into it like a wall.

“Oww! Heee, heee, huuu…” (Yellow Sage)

She’s rolling around on the ground while clutching her face and making strange noises. What’s going on!? I look over my shoulder at Ellie, but she just shakes her head repeatedly.

“Mistress! I finally found you!” (Yellow Sage)

Ugeh! She jumped up and is hugging my semi-transparent barrier! She’s… rubbing her face against it with a wide open smile. Okay, I agree with Ellie, she’s creepy!

“W-wait, what did you just call me?” (Kira)

“Ah! How rude of me!” (Yellow Sage)

Suddenly this bird-lady bolts upright, takes a few steps back and kneels down on the ground while sitting on her ankles. Okay, it doesn’t seem to be hostility. Whatever IT is.

“Forgive me, Mistress. This unworthy one is known as Ariel Noko, the [Yellow Sage]. I who owe a life debt to you hereby pledge myself into your service!” (Ariel)

She bends forward all the way like she’s praying. Even her wings are lowered all the way so they touch the ground!

“...” (Kira)

I got slightly mesmerized by that melodic voice of hers. I’m behind a [Barrier] so it’s not like her magic is affecting me. Is that her normal voice? It’s quite-

“Wait wait wait!” (Kira)

I wave my hand in a panic! I just realized, but this is pretty much a proposal, isn’t it?!

“I’m married you know! Very happily I might add!” (Kira)

“Mistress misunderstands! This one does not dare to presume she may stand by Mistress’ side! This one merely wishes to serve under Mistress’ boots!” (Ariel)

She speaks hurriedly without lifting her gaze. Okay. A pledge of… loyalty, I guess? But why? What was it she called it?

“... What did you mean by life debt?” (Kira)

“Mistress did not only defeat the one who had enslaved me, she also spared my life thrice. Once through her gentle touch. Once more through her instruction. A final time through her compassion.” (Ariel)

Okay. She remembers that fight, apparently. I guess she really was conscious on some level at the time.

“A servant is a bit… I don’t really feel comfortable lording over people.” (Kira)

“What are you saying, Mom!? You love bossing people around!” (Lara)

“Yeah! You look really lively when you order Kelly around!” (Sophie)

“It’s true! Kira shines ever brighter when she’s being strict! She’s a natural born leader!” (Ellie)

“You three be quiet!” (Kira)

I raised my voice a bit out of frustration! What sort of conspiracy is this!? These peanut gallery remarks aren’t helping!

“As expected, Mistress’ wonderful voice is full of force and authority! This one would be honored, no privileged, if she could serve with her entire being!” (Ariel)

Ack! I actually proved their point!

“Will you lift your head already! People are staring!” (Kira)

“As the Mistress commands!” (Ariel)

And she bolts upright again. Haaah. Well, at least she’s not burying her face in the dirt anymore. We’re getting nowhere like this, though. She’s an adventurer, right? So let’s handle this like fellow adventurers!

“Okay, instead of servant, how about you apply to officially become part of our adventurer team - [Black Flame]?” (Kira)

It’s hardly the first time. There have been dozens of applicants, it’s just that all of them got rejected due to lack of ability or lack of humility. The vast majority failed the Ellie Test almost immediately.

“Would that put this one firmly beneath her Mistress’ command?” (Ariel)

“Umm… that’s not entirely wrong…” (Kira)

“Then this one wishes to join Mistress’ team as a lowly underling!” (Ariel)

…

Come on, Kiressara! You decided to go through with this! Let’s just find a good reason to reject her so she won’t come back! Though preferably, not in the middle of the road.

“Alright then. Follow us to our base and we can properly do the interview.” (Kira)

“As the Mistress commands.” (Ariel)

“Stop that! A simple ‘yes’ will do!” (Kira)

“Yes, Mistress!” (Ariel)

I’m already regretting this.

Hmm, I'm not convinced with Ariel's speech pattern. Something tells me it's going to get annoying...