After concluding their investigation of the Great Hollow, Shiomi and his party set off toward the southeast. About half a day's journey from Oxford, Wryneck received Shiomi's orders and returned alone to the Fang Clan to oversee affairs there. The Black Knight likewise returned to the Earth Clan.
Grímr, as before, once again set out across Britannia on his rounds, gathering intelligence.
Servants possessed the trait of near-eternal existence, as long as their Mana wasn't depleted and their Spirit Core remained intact. Though he often reflected on how his time in this Britannia had stretched hundreds of times longer than his own lifetime, Grímr regarded it all as one endless "battle." He continued to fulfill his role as an "Observer," providing what assistance he could to Shiomi and Aesc's endeavors, and discerning where the path before them would ultimately lead.
"Is it really okay? You went out of your way to confirm what we all thought, but now you're sending our companions away," Totorot asked during that night's camp.
"Not sending them away," Shiomi corrected. "Assigning them to their duties. Wryneck is the clan chieftain—I need him to consolidate the clan's strength as much as possible. Ector is the Earth Clan's finest warrior and craftsman; keeping him within the clan ensures its stability."
Of course, neither Wryneck nor Ector could fully unite their people. The nature of the fairies meant that even with a leader, they wouldn't completely obey orders. They'd act on their own whims whenever they weren't being watched. The purpose of Wryneck and Ector's positions was to restrain most of their kin within the clan, making the group's overall movements easier to observe.
"Mr. Grímr's task is to keep collecting information across Britannia," Baobhan Sith said, peeking out from the tent while her body remained hidden behind the curtain. "Then why… are we the ones allowed to keep traveling with the Sage and the Witch?"
She was referring to herself and Totorot.
"Well…" Aesc hadn't thought about that and couldn't answer right away.
"Whether it's Grímr, or Wryneck and Ector," Shiomi explained, "even if they're not invincible, they can at least protect themselves in a crisis. If you two had that level of combat ability, I'd have sent you out as well—"
But the truth was that, while Totorot was infamous for her temper within the Wing Clan, her combat strength was only above average. And as for Baobhan Sith, who had spent much of her life being bullied, the idea was out of the question. Shiomi didn't consider himself heartless enough to send his companions to their deaths.
Given that, it was better for them to continue traveling with him and Aesc.
"Totorot, are you unhappy about it? Do you feel like you're being overlooked?" Aesc asked.
"Not at all! I think traveling with you and Aesc is much better than wandering around Britannia alone," Totorot replied with a bright smile.
She then turned toward Baobhan Sith. "Are you ready yet? Can't you manage to dress yourself?"
Since they'd made camp, Baobhan Sith had been pushed into the tent to change clothes. Hearing Totorot, Shiomi, and Aesc discussing their companions' assignments had made her curious enough to peek out.
"No… it's just… these clothes are too beautiful," Baobhan Sith said, her face flushing. "Are they really meant for a lowly fairy like me, Witch-sama?"
Aesc smiled as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "We can't have you wearing rough clothes forever, can we? Besides, it's not like we have anywhere else to use our funds."
"Since you're technically my and Aesc's student, you should look presentable," Shiomi added lightly, poking the campfire with a stick. "If you become famous in Britannia one day, it'd reflect poorly on us if you didn't."
Baobhan Sith nodded earnestly before retreating back into the tent, where the sound of rustling fabric followed. Her outfit wasn't made by Totorot, but rather selected and purchased by Shiomi and Aesc while they were in the Wind Clan's territory.
Just as Shiomi was about to check on the pot's contents, Baobhan Sith lifted the tent flap and stepped out.
She wore a long dress of deep purple, her red hair tied into a high ponytail. Amethyst earrings glimmered by her ears, and her shoes had slightly raised heels.
She looked like a young lady born into a noble fairy clan, though the lack of confidence on her face made her seem easy to tease.
She wore a pair of glasses—an enchanted device crafted by Aesc. Many fairies were skilled in mental interference through eye contact, so Aesc had made these glasses to block such effects. They were an external version of the ones she herself once used.
"Ah…" Aesc exclaimed in delight. "I always thought Baobhan Sith was adorable, but dressed up like this, she's absolutely dazzling. I can't take my eyes off her. What do you think, my dear?"
Shiomi lifted the pot's lid and stirred the food with a wooden spoon to keep it from sticking.
"They say clothes make the person. Girls should always dress up nicely," he said, his tone unconsciously softening with warmth and satisfaction.
The others found it a little strange.
"Pfft~ You sound just like a father," Aesc teased.
"Told you," Totorot chimed in, grinning. "Shiomi might not show it much, but he's a softie inside—especially when it comes to looking after people who can't take care of themselves."
Baobhan Sith, the "main character" of this little scene, flushed in embarrassment. "Witch-sama, Miss Totorot, please don't tease me… How could a fairy like me possibly be the child of the Witch and the Sage…"
"Don't listen to their nonsense. Dinner's ready," Shiomi said with an amused smile, smoothly changing the subject.
His words had an immediate effect. The aroma of food filled the air, signaling the best moment of the journey—the meal. Totorot hopped over eagerly, bowl in hand, ready to claim her portion.
Aesc motioned to Shiomi not to wait for her, then pulled a white Spell Tome from her pack. To Baobhan Sith's surprise, the cover shimmered and changed to a deep violet, matching her outfit.
"You mentioned wanting to learn Magecraft from me earlier. But learning Magecraft the normal way takes time. Let's take a shortcut—start by learning to channel your Mana into this book and use the spells recorded within."
"Witch-sama…" Baobhan Sith's voice trembled. She was almost in tears, never expecting her casual wish to be granted so easily.
Shiomi passed a bowl to Totorot. "Be careful. The book's filled with complete spell formulas. As long as you channel your Mana correctly, the Magecraft will activate. But if you use the wrong one, you'll regret it."
"Yes! I'll study diligently!" Baobhan Sith said earnestly, her eyes shining with determination.
Seeing that look, Aesc smiled quietly. In Baobhan Sith's bright, hopeful gaze, she saw a reflection of her own past self.
...
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