There are times when I forget important things like a planned vacation. When it comes to that, I trust my friends to remind me about it, though I get scolded afterwards.

***

Two weeks have passed since the attack in our mansion.

Because of my previous psychological issue (how Sora called it), I have to take a rest from things that could give me a lot of stress. They thought that one of the reasons that I’ve become like that was that I have been too worked up on things like keeping everything intact without asking anyone’s help.

So as a solution to that, I have to take a two weeks rest here in my mansion without doing things that could give me a lot of stress. This was Cherry’s idea.

Speaking of Cherry, I’m really thankful to what she did for me when I felt lost. Thanks to her, I was able to control my unstable magic that I created out of anger. Even though I almost killed her during the process, she still told me she loves me which threw me off. I honestly didn’t expect her to say those words right in my face. Even though I didn’t give her a proper reply at that time, she told me that ‘it’s fine.’

And about the magic I created, it’s something that’s the same with >, yet entirely different from it.

Though the appearance is the same, the composition is rather complex and magic runes are flowing from each part of the armor. Even [Gravity Magic] runes are there. It’s like a combination of every magic that I currently have which manifested with my rage as the trigger.

Despite the fact that I created this out of anger, it’s still a magic that I created. I called it > which fits to the concept of wrath.

And about its violet and silver coloring, I don’t know anything about it.

To pass the time, I started studying the fundamentals of Magic Weapon Creation. Though I thought that it was unneeded as I could summon my own weapons, I then got interested in making them because there are things a Magic Weapon can do which a weapon made of magic can’t do. Matt’s teaching me while studying it herself too.

Currently, I’m here in the workshop with Lapis. Cherry and Matt are currently shopping in the [Golden Gala] using a private carriage. Apparently my carriage has broken down during the attack so it’s still undergoing repair in the city. It’s already two weeks now, why isn’t it finished yet?

Sora and the knights are outside the workshop training. I can see them since I opened the windows.

While watching them, for some reason, I saw Amly stopping while covering her mouth. She’s probably feeling sick after moving a lot.

She then ran towards the mansion while Verma follows her.

I forgot to mention, Verma is actually the older sister of Lit. They look almost exactly alike with their hair color and style as the difference.

All of a sudden, Lapis pulled my sleeve to get my attention. She’s sitting on a board which I’m currently working on.

Actually, this board is something I ordered to be made by Dishi.

During our negotiation, he thought that I was trying to order a shield. It took me a while to convince him that it’s something different. When I showed him the blueprint (not a genuine one), he thought it was an ironing board.

“Just a bit more Lapis, I’m almost done carving the final rune.”

Since she looked like she’s starting to lose patience in sitting there the whole time, I gave her the cookie that’s behind me. It’s something I cooked last night. Of course, it has chocolate chips.

Just when I finished carving the final runic character on the board using [Transmutation], I picked the [Core Shard] on a small platter next to me and put it on a socket which I made specifically for it.

“Okay, now to put the script.”

I put my index finger on top of the small shard and poured my mana. When I felt that it has enough to activate its function, I activated my [Rune Grabber].

[Non-Element Row: Gravity, Effect Column: Reversal] [Element Row: Wind, Effect Column: Blow]

I meant not to put a limiter on this because I’m not going to put mana on the board directly. I did this as an experiment in which if I could make things without directly pouring my mana work.

“Now then, Lapis, can you stand up on the board and put your feet on the circles I made? Do it carefully since I’m going to activate it.”

Though nervous, Lapis stood up on the board carefully with me holding her hands. When she finally stood up properly, although her knees are shaking, she made a courageous air around her. It’s cute that she’s trying hard.

“Sir Key, is that thing you’re making, safe?”

“Papa!”

Oh right, I forgot to mention. Jane and Marie are here together with us. They’re sitting not too far from where I’m working. Marie’s hand is on Jane’s boobs….

“It’s fine. I made some safety measures. What could go wrong?”

All of a sudden, my hands that are holding Lapis’ hands are shaking. When I turned my head towards her, her face is wearing a panicked one.

It’s because she applied too much weight on one of the foot sockets and her balance started to shake. Not expecting this, she can’t help but get nervous.

“Okay, you can step down—WOAW!”

Just while I was about to raise her up from the board, when she raised her left leg, the board suddenly went full reverse which went flying inside the workshop. It bounced inside the workshop while breaking the well-arranged tools, which I just ordered, and some few windows after finally going out the large window while snatching the curtain. That curtain was not cheap too…

“Is everybody all right?”

“We’re fine because of the barrier, Sir Key.”

After hearing Jane’s confirmation, I let out a relieved sigh. Now, all I need to do is to stop Lapis from shaking like a startled cat. Good thing I pulled Lapis away from the board immediately or it would’ve been dangerous.

I caressed her white long hair while raising both of our bodies.

Still, I find her cute despite not making visible expressions. Or maybe it’s just her glistening tears on the edge of her eyes that’s making her cuter?

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you like that.”

Since she looked like she couldn’t walk after getting startled like that, I carried her with both arms.

For some reason, Jane looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn’t.

“Is there something wrong Jane?”

“N-nothing. I just thought that if it’s necessary to carry her.”

“What made you think of that?”

For some reason, he looked like she wanted to get angry but not. So confusing!

“Anyhow, I have to get that thing back. It’s still under modification. At least it didn’t break the roof like the last time.”

Actually, this board is something I created just to pass time. Its 6’4 foot in length and weighs heavier than a regular surfboard. Though I say ‘surf-board’, it’s actually a gravity board that’s meant to travel in the air using Gravity magic. It’s made of steel enchanted with > so it only weighs around 22 lbs.

The original plan was actually to make a very strong shield while putting a magic script in it. I didn’t use [Magic Array] since I would be modifying it every time. However, the idea of surfing also came into me in the middle of the planning stage, so it surprised Matt who is also helping me making this.

Apparently, she doesn’t know the concept of surfing. But according to Sora who has experienced traveling as a knight, there are people surfing in the southern part of the continent. He said that the waves were big too.

All of a sudden, a huge guy suddenly entered the workshop carrying my board. Though I said huge, he’s only of the size of seven footer basketball players. Although not handsome, he’s not too bad. This guy is Dretter. This is the first time he’s got his screen time.

“Sir, your magic artifact suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the middle of our training ground. I’ve come to give this back.”

“Thanks, did someone get hurt?”

“None sir, but Sanjeet almost got hit. Thankfully he’s got the reflexes of a monkey and immediately dodged it.”

-Monkey, LOL.

“Leaving that aside, you have a visitor sir. He carries a letter that has your stamp.”

“You should’ve told me that first. Jane, give me Marie and serve the guests with our best tea with Lapis’ help.”

“Yes, Sir Key.”

After switching Marie to me, Jane and Lapis gave a short bow and left.

About those letters, I sent them to a few people that I was supposed to meet two weeks ago. I gave them those letters as an invitation since the word of me getting sick got out so I have to play the part of being ill. Since some thinks it’s likely a trap, only a few accepted.

***

When I got to the parlor of my mansion, there, a guy with blue clothing with blue linings is sitting on the couch comfortably while sipping a glass of tea.

Noticing my presence, he made a welcoming gesture while putting down the cup.

“It’s been a while Chevalier Chardelier, how’s your health?”

“I’m feeling fine already these days. Say, I didn’t expect you to come here late Chevalier Senmael, and alone too.”

Right, this person is Chevalier Senmael s, a member of the [Grey Legion].

I feel slightly suspicious of his objective since he isn’t with his guards. I don’t know what’s running inside his head, but he sure is brave enough to waltz in here alone.

“Don’t be too weary of me Sir Chardelier. I think you may have already noticed that I’m a part of the [Gray Legion], but I’m not here because of that.”

“Then what’s your objective? I doubt that you came here for nothing.”

I sit on the couch behind me while letting Marie sit on my lap.

“Before we proceed to the main topic, I’d like to say that your daughter looks adorable. Is she your first descendant from your legal wives?”

Ah, this again.

“I’d like to clear up a slight misunderstanding. Though she is really my daughter, she did not come from either of my girls. And about them, they’re still my fiancées.”

“But these fiancées of yours will be married to you in the near future. Isn’t that the same thing?”

Uhg, he’s got a point.

“And if she didn’t came from either of them, then that means that she came from one of your concubines?”

I can’t say that she specifically came from a fantasy android, but I guess I could tell him vaguely.

“Well, somewhere along those lines.”

Before I noticed, Marie already fell asleep on my lap. Jane tried to take her, but I didn’t let her since I like the feeling of being grabbed on my shirt with small hands. It’s not a fetish, ok. It’s just fatherly tendencies.

Well, ever since she got kidnapped, I never want her to leave my side ever again. Cherry and Matt also agreed to that fact as she was also one of the reasons why I became enraged. I guess my paternal instincts were triggered at that time fueling my rage.

“Setting these matters aside, I already knew that you’re a member of the [Grey Legion]. Meeting two of members of the same group in such a short time seems to be too much of a coincidence. I want to know if your group is really targeting me or not.”

“You are both wrong and correct in that part Sir Chardelier.”

Before continuing his words, he first finished his glass of tea and breathed out a warm air. After that, he turned his gaze on my sleeping Marie.

“Our meeting here is purely coincidence. I’m here in Berigious only to do my business trading unlike you, Sir Chardelier. Though the fact of me being a [Grey Legionnaire] is without a doubt true, I do not make strong people into enemies as they could destroy my business. Yes, our group is targeting you, but that does not me that I would do the same too. In fact, I came here with a proposal.”

I see. This guy’s not being hostile towards me. I can see that in his eyes now. But I want to know the reason as to why their group is targeting me. I wonder if we could become allies through finance.

“A proposal? Enlighten me.”

After lending my ears, he then crossed his legs while linking his fingers on his knees while making a business-mode smile.

“I could give you information regarding our group and the church of Helius and Darkus. Since I’m one of the commanders of our group, I could provide you with such without getting myself in trouble. Not only that, I could even divert their attention away from you too. Isn’t that a good offer?”

“Do you think I’m some kind of idiot who’d fall for such crap? You’re offers are too conspicuous that’s obviously just trying to get my favor!”

Ah shit! Because of his too-good-to-be-true offers were ticking inside my head, I lost my temper and shouted at him.

However, he’s undaunted.

“Well, that is true. But that’s because what I’m going to ask from you is also something that you wouldn’t get if you don’t know the truth about the Granddaughter of Viscount Vrethar Balerishk.”

What?

“I like that expression of yours.”

All of a sudden, his smile became sinister one. After that, he leaned his back on the chair while pulling out something under his clothes.

When he pulled out an item wrapped in thick cloth, he put it on the table letting me see it.

*Jane’s Point of View*

Ahh… I want to run away from here.

I can’t help but think of that. After all, Sir Key and the visitor were suddenly letting out bloodlusts like they’re going to fight at any moment.

I wish I was Marie right now, sleeping soundlessly without minding the atmosphere.

“This item right here is something very important, so important that I have to come here alone and give it to you without minding my own life.”

“What does Matt have to do with this?”

I can’t understand their level of communication, but I am able to follow them somehow. It might be called eavesdropping, but I can’t help it since I’m just standing beside Sir Key. But I feel like my presence is ignored somehow.

All of a sudden, the man in white clothing opened the item’s wrap on the table.

It a specially carved silver totemic item with deep emerald gems on the eyes of the skull shaped carving.

“This is called the [Totem of Galdius].”

“Galdius, isn’t that the fallen God, the Evil God?”

All of a sudden, Sir Key’s cheeks suddenly twitched while looking at the totem. I also look at the totem. Suddenly, I could feel chills down my spine for unknown reason.

The more I look at it, the more I want to run away.

“Jane, don’t look.”

Out of nowhere, Sir Key grabbed my shaking hand to get my attention. Now, I’m shaking more for a different reason.

“Y-yes, Sir Key!”

To think that Sir Key would notice what I’m feeling, I can’t help but get impressed of him more.

While I feel the heat rising up my cheeks, I felt a sensation of being stared at. When I look at where it came from, it came from Lapis beside me. I-is she jealous?

“What is this item for?”

Sir Key asked the man in white while making a dangerous glare, but the man stays unfazed and continues to smile.

“This item is related to Miss Balerishk’s power, no, curse. You may already have knowledge of this, her curse is incomplete. Because of this, everything near her will become corrupted and wither. As a fellow member of the magician’s circle, I also would like to help her. With this totem, the process of the curse will be completed.”

“Are you telling me to take this item and kill her?”

All of a sudden, Sir Key’s right hand started to burn with violet fire. That fire started becoming a crystal claw I knew of.

“If that’s what happens.”

With those words as the impetus, Sir Key stood up from his seat and pointed the tip of his claw on the man’s face.

“I’ve had enough of that arrogant smile of yours! What’s your real purpose and why are you telling me this? If you won’t tell me right here and now, I’ll kill you and obliterate your organization myself! You know it yourself right, I can do it if I want to without breaking a sweat.”

Mad and cold words, it’s like it didn’t came from Sir Key.

It’s like Sir Key isn’t aware that he isn’t himself right now. It’s like he’s a completely different person when angry. I’m scared!

After hearing those, the man in white clothes stood up and his smile changed from a mocking one, to a scary one. Even so, Sir Key didn’t flinch.

“I’m doing this for a reason. It may or may not be directly related to you, Miss Balerishk still needs to complete her curse. If not, a great calamity will befall on us, on her, and on you. My advice is to take this totem and think about it.”

“Why are you doing this?”

Key asked him with a stern voice. In return, the man giggled and smiled sadly.

“Well, I’m supposed to be doing this for the one I love, now, I’m doing this for a friend.”

What did he say?!