I’ve always wondered how adults look when they’re finally done with their work. Now that I’ve think about it, I’ve never noticed mom wear a carefree face. Dad’s a special case though because his work… what was dad’s work again?

***

It’s been 6 days since I the meeting with the viceroy, Duke Dalseriev. Things were pretty much hectic since then.

I had to meet a lot of nobles and wealthy merchants since I was granted the peerage of Chevalier by the Duke. Although some high ranking nobles leered at me because of my status, they didn’t speak out since it would be an indirect offence to the Duke himself who inaugurated me.

I made connections with the merchants that are affiliated with the Duke inside the capital. Also, I gave them access to the supply of fur coats through Roldenrauf Firm using a letter of introduction from me as the exchange. Regarding that, I made a stamp with my household crest as the marking using gold and magic.

In addition, the Duke liked the Chocolate desserts I gave him. He asked for more after that. So I had to contact some of the merchants I’m acquainted with to track the supply chain of cocoa. But it looks like the ingredient [Cocoa] isn’t widely used and known in this world so it was hard to know where it came from. Well, it is to be expected from a world where chocolate doesn’t exist.

And about Sora, thankfully he isn’t upset after the prank. Even though he still visits me, he immediately runs away whenever he senses Ghena’s shadow. He’s still flustered about what happened.

The girls are also busy on their own. Matt still likes to stay inside my library, although she comes out to take mana from me (which always create a commotion) sometimes. On the other hand, Cherry asked for a private room to do some experimentation on magic potions. I was slightly worried that she might blow something up so I told her to do it discreetly. I’m more concerned about Ghena’s heath though since she’s her guinea pig.

Currently, I’m having a discussion with Chevalier Roldenrauf (I called him Writhe on our first meeting) about the things that are going in and out the Firm. Since I’m partly the Firm’s owner, I can’t neglect nor slack on my duties.

“I just received a word from our messenger from the Labyrinth City, he said that the [Adventurer’s Guild] would supply us. However, they raised the price from 1 gold coin per unit to 2.”

“That’s obviously twice the original price. Why is that?”

By the way, one unit is equals to 5 kg.

“It’s because the number of Adventurers going down to the lower layers of the labyrinth is going down.”

“Why would they just not take from the upper levels? Wouldn’t that make everything safe?”

“That might be a good idea, but they say that the purity of [Magic Cores] on the upper levels is low and is not generally usable.”

“Is that so? Then it can’t be helped.”

“Also, the thing about the [Cacao Fruit] you inquired me about. One of our acquainted merchants knew where to get it. It seems to be growing nearby a poor village west of this kingdom. May I ask something, what is this [Cacao Fruit] to you?”

“That? It’s an ingredient which I’m really into. I thinking of popularizing [Chocolate] in this country.”

“Chocolate, Is that what you call that brown delicacy you offered yesterday?”

After a few more words, we finally finished our meeting. I filed the papers which has been stamped by me properly and put them on the table’s side.

“Finally, after six days of endless work, I’m done.”

“It’s totally a good luck for us. The rest of the work can be done by my secretary anyway so after I’m done sending this to the office, might as well go to a pub and have a drink. Want to come with me?”

“I’d like to accept the offer, but the girls don’t want me to leave the mansion without their consent.”

“Under a short leash are we?”

Roldenrauf laughed while filing his share of papers. He’s doing it properly without looking.

He was just about to stand from his seat when suddenly—

“Silver, Come back!”

-Woof!

--Silver suddenly barged in with soap bubbles all over his body while Fina is chasing him with teary eyes. But more importantly, her maid uniform is wet all over with some bubbles on it.

Silver ran towards me happily with his tongue hanging. Roldenrauf got startled when he looked at Silver and backed away from his line of sight. He’s scared?

“W-why are you keeping this beast here?”

-Beast? It’s a puppy you know.

“I like animals, and I picked him up in the forest outside the capital by chance.”

I lifted up Silver who’s soaking all over and used wind magic to dry his fur. It’s quite convenient if I do say so myself.

I shifted my gaze to Fina whose uniform is soaking wet.

“I so sorry, Master, it’s just—Silver keeps on running around the bath and managed to escape this time.”

“Don’t worry. It also happens when I do it myself. As long as you’re the one who bathes him, it’s understandable.”

Actually, there’s a reason why I let Fina bathe Silver. It’s because he likes girls touching him. The boys tried to touch him, but only ended up getting stunned.

“More importantly Fina, go change your uniform, I can see various parts.”

Fina’s face turned red when she looked at herself. She immediately covered her body in a panic with her arms and ran outside the room. I hear a loud *thud* from the hallway, but it’s just probably her tripping, again. How clumsy is she?

“Sorry, for that.”

I looked at Roldenrauf who has been staring at the door where Fina ran off to.

“Um… Chevalier Roldenrauf, are you alright?”

He seems to be daydreaming.

“Ah, sorry, I was just thinking of something irrelevant.”

“Is that so?”

***

After Chevalier Roldenrauf left, I went to the library to visit Matt.

When I arrived, I’m slightly surprised to see a pile of books on the floor. A lot of them have papers on between the pages as bookmarks.

“Uhm… Matt, are you here?”

Suddenly, the mountain of papers beside me slowly crumbled and a woman with messy green hair and half-asleep face emerged.

“I’m here, I’m truly sorry about the mess. I promise I’ll clean this up later.”

As the papers still continue to slide down from the pile, slowly, Matt’s bare skin is getting more and more exposed. Wait, she’s not wearing anything is she?

“Matt! Why are you naked?”

She looked all over her body with sleepy eyes and then lazily covered the important parts with her arms.

“While I was reading last night, my body felt too hot. So I decided to take a few layers of clothes off.”

“Few layers… then why did you end up naked if it were just a few layers?”

“Like I said, it was too hot.”

--and you used the papers as a blanket when it got cold did you.

“Anyways, I’m going out. I’m just here to tell you this.”

“Okay…”

After I left the library, I called Ellie and Ann to help Matt get changed and clean the library.

Next, I went to Cherry’s room while carrying Silver. He keeps licking on my neck, it tickles.

Before I arrived at the door of Cherry’s room, I can already smell a weird smell coming from the inside. It’s not poisonous though.

I knocked on the room’s door and called out to Cherry.

“Cherry, I’m coming in.”

When I said so, I can hear noises from the inside. I can’t understand a single word since the door is thick.

After opening the door, I’m slightly surprised to see what welcomed me. The room is very dark and ominous candles are the only things that make the room brighten a little. While I was looking around the room, suddenly, something grabbed my leg.

“Hiii!”

“Key, help me!”

Ghena’s on the floor reaching out to me. She looks exactly like Sadako from The Ring because of her unusual very long hair that’s covering her face. It’s probably Cherry’s Potion again.

“What happened?”

“M-my hair, it’s heavy! Please help!”

So that’s what’s happening huh.

I casted > around her hair to make it feel light for her, when I did, she stood up and massaged her neck while saying thanks to me.

“Cherry, what did you do this time?”

I looked around the room to find her, but she’s nowhere to be seen. However, she replied to me.

“I accidentally made a potion that makes hair long and heavy and made Ghena drink it.”

“Is that so? Then hurry and make an antidote for it. My magic’s effect isn’t permanent just so you know. By the way, where are you?”

I continued looking around while walking towards her desk.

“Please don’t come here!”

I can hear a loud thud from under the desk. Why is she hiding?

“Why? Did something bad happen?”

I didn’t listen to her protest and walked around the desk. There, she’s covering herself with her arms while curled up under the desk. For some reason, she’s stark naked. And if I may add, the continents are overflowing from her arms.

“Don’t look!”

“Why are you naked?”

I turned around and look for any piece of cloth or blanket to give to Cherry.

“The mixture of the potion I created was acidic. When Ghena drank it, some of it spilled on my clothes and got dissolved along with my underwear.”

“Dissolved? Then why can’t I see any burn marks on your skin if it was acidic?”

I handed her a blanket Ghena gave me just now.

“The mixture is only anti-cotton fluid so it doesn’t harm a person.”

After covering her body with the blanket, she walked towards Ghena and apologized.

“I’m really sorry for this Ghena, I promise, I’ll make an antidote for this immediately.”

“There’s no need to apologize, mistress. Please wait here, I’ll get you a change of clothes.”

I looked around the room again. This time, I opened the curtains to brighten up the room. Now, I can see a lot of empty bottles and ingredients around the room. It’s like a witch’s lair.

“What are you trying to make this time, Cherry?”

Cherry looked on the floor while her shoulders drooped.

“I was trying to make a high-grade healing potion from cheap materials. So I used random ingredients to test if there’s anything that would work without using [Magic Cores].”

I’ve read it on a medical book before. Every known high-grade healing potion is always mixed with powdered [Magic Cores] to boost its effects. Majority of the healing potions from medium-grade ones are mixed with it, so if they exclude [Magic Cores] from the recipe, it’s bound to have a different effects. Also, because of that, the price of [Magic Cores] is high.

Regarding that, the use of [Magic Cores] isn’t limited to potions. It is also used in creating Spell Books, Magic Scrolls, Magic Tools, Magic Swords, Holy Swords, and almost anything related to magic, so the demand of its supply is always high.

“Is that so? Then I pray that you’ll have a good luck in doing so.”

“Thanks Key, I appreciate that.”

After thanking me, she gave me a sweet smile while holding the cloth covering her body.

If this was earth, she’s probably dreaming to become a Doctor now.

“Anyway, why did you come to my room?”

--Damn, I almost forgot because of the good atmosphere.

“I’m going downtown to meet with an acquainted blacksmith. I just came here to tell you that.”

“Downtown… May I remind you that there are people that are aiming for your life so be careful.”

“I will.”

After saying that, I leave her room and went to the hallway. While walking, I remembered something important. Good thing I came across Ghena.

“Ghena, please tell Cherry that there’s a book regarding potions in the library. Ask Petal to look for it since the library is currently a mess.”

***

I went to downtown in incognito attire. Although I’m incognito, I’m still wearing my ring and bracelet under the cloak.

While walking down the street, I met with a friendly face.

“Oh, Sora. Where are you going?”

“Key? Oh, I’m just heading towards the academy. You, where’re you to?”

“I’m going to Dishi’s shop. I have something to give him.”

“Dishi’s? Sorry to break it to you but he’s out of town. I just went to his shop a while ago and his assistant said that he’s heading towards the City of Dwarves, Berigious.”

“Wrong timing huh… then there’s nothing much to do. Anyhow, what are you doing these days?”

I walked together with Sora heading towards the Academy.

“Thanks to you, I can’t approach Ghena properly now. But in a way, I’m busy teaching the newbies at the Academy.”

“It’s not my fault that there’s an awkward space between the two of you, although Ghena was looking forward to meet you since the incident.”

“Really?!”

“It’s a lie bro.”

His reaction is priceless. To be expected of a guy in love. What’s this guy’s nationality anyway?

“Damn it Key. Don’t joke things like that, I’m serious about her. But please remember our social status.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s she’s also well informed in that area that’s why she’s keeping her silence about that incident.”

“Like I thought…”

Sora became depressed as he accepts my words easily. Come on man…

“Don’t be such a wuss. You like her right? Then ignore what other people say, they’re not related to you anyway.”

I gave him a strong hit on his back and made his bent back straight. I’m pretty sure I held back.

***

Since there’s nothing much to do today, I came with Sora in the Academy.

The Gold and Silver Classes aren’t having a class, but most of them are inside the library learning magic themselves. The Blue, Red, and Brown are having a class. Their instructors are old timers, but Sora said that they’re also good teachers.

“So, you said that you’re going to train the new ones in your fraction. Where are they?”

“They’re waiting for me at the Arena. Since no one’s using it, I decided to make use of it. I’ve got permission from Sir Xalten.”

Sir Xalten… who was that guy again?

“Hey! Don’t forget Sir Xalten. He’s one of the people who took your side remember? You owe him your life.”

“How’d you know what I was thinking? Did you use some kind of magic?”

“No man, it’s written all over your face.”

“Well… I apologize if I did forget about him, but I didn’t forget about Miss Florentine though.”

“Key… You’re pretty good at remembering women’s names huh. Is that something that’s part of your characteristic or you’re just a dense idiot?”

I don’t know if I should retort to that, but I’m pretty sure that the only reason why I remember Miss Florentine is that she has a nice personality. It’s not like she’s my type, not at all.

***

We finally arrived at the Training Ground. A lot of Darkus Students are there waiting for Sora to arrive, especially females who are here in large numbers. Sora’s pretty popular himself. I wonder how he’s handling the marriage invitations lately.

“Okay everyone. Are you done warming up?”

“““““YES SIR!”””””

--So loud…

Everyone answered Sora’s question in unison. But the girls have a louder voice like they’re calling out to him.

Since I don’t have any business aside from observing, I’m staying under the shadow of the High Seats.

Skipping a few minutes of talking and giving instructions, Sora started walking towards the center of the Arena. After reaching the center, he looked at my way. Suddenly, he pointed me and made a ‘come here’ gesture.

“Why?”

“I need an opponent. I want the newbies to observe real fighting.”

“Can’t you pick somebody else?”

“Can you see anyone here with experience? Come on. I can see that you haven’t done anything besides writing and sitting all day in your office. It’ll be a good exercise.”

“Alright…”

I agreed reluctantly to Sora’s request and went towards him. The newbies that were watching him now have their gazes towards me and is making me slightly nervous.

After arriving in front of him, Sora kneeled to the ground and started chanting.

“## ### # # >”

His hand suddenly got sucked inside the shadow, after that, he pulled it back out. This time, he’s holding a long-sword. He then tossed it to me. Thankfully I caught it by the handle or it could have been dangerous.

“Sora!”

“Sorry.”

Leaving that aside, was that magic earlier a spell similar to [Infinite inventory]?

“Oh no, no, no, no, no, it’s not what you think it is. It’s just a shadow form of my backpack. It can just hold up to 50 kg. So it’s not an [Infinite Inventory].”

--Damn you Sora! Stop getting my hopes up!

After that, he turned towards the newbies that are lined up facing us.

“Some of you might already know him but I’m going to introduce him to the ones that doesn’t. He’s name is Key Godfre Chardelier, master of the Chardelier household. He will be conducting a mock battle with me, so do your best to observe.”

He turned back again to me and brandished his dagger.

“Hey Sora, shouldn’t we activate [Inverse Double] just in case?”

“Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m going to kill you. I’m going to stop when my dagger reaches your neck.”

-Then what about my other limbs!

“And also, you can use magic if you want. This is a magic school after all.”

And so, we separated 20 meters from each other. He then pulled out a coin from his pocket and put it on his hand.

“Okay, let’s go.”

At that moment, he tossed the coin high in the air, then he suddenly casted a spell.

“--## ### ## >”

Pillars of earth suddenly raised from the ground at random places. One of them almost hit me during the process.

“I thought we’ll start after the coin landed!”

While hiding, he suddenly laughed and said “I didn’t say anything about that.”

I stood in the middle of the pillars while holding my sword. I also casted a single layer of > around me chantlessly, while waiting for him to attack. He’s probably hiding behind—no, inside a shadow.

Suddenly, a fireball came out from my left.

I casted > on my sword and slashed the fire while aiming for its core to dispel it.

But then, I felt a murderous presence of my right. My body was still riding the momentum from my left slash and I couldn’t spin towards that direction with enough power. So I used my [Rune Grabber] and activated one of its functions, [Rune Creation]. This is the magic I was using the whole time, this is the only time I gave it a name though.

[Element Row: Fire, Effect Column: Explosion, Target: Behind, Direction: Back, Mana Output: 50%.]

A ball of fire suddenly appeared from my back and fired of an explosion towards that same direction where the murderous intent was. But then, a shadow jumped in front of me. This shadow was Sora. Since it was too sudden again, I don’t have the time to raise my sword and defend myself, I trusted my > to block it.

When the dagger Sora was holding hit my barrier, the barrier broke. I used my sword and then slash Sora with it. I know this is enough for him to back off and dodge it so I used all my strength again.

However, Sora didn’t dodge and still continued falling towards me. My reaction time was too slow and my sword struck his waist and made a deep cut towards the middle. But, to my surprise, his body didn’t bleed. More like, it couldn’t. It’s because this Sora is just a clone. It crumbled down and disappeared in front of me.

“What the--”

“Checkmate.”

Before I could finish my words, Sora is now standing behind me with his dagger on my neck.