Chapter 274 Well, Shall We Go Home？
Mahiru-chan and Asaya-kun, when we're not in Ensgard, often visit through Watterhill under the pretense of just taking a walk.
If they ride the running dragons, the trip takes less than half a day. But really, the main reason is to interact with the blue running dragon, Airion. Asaya-kun admitted as much—it's probably just a casual outing for them.
That's why, even during long journeys like this, we're still able to keep in touch with Mother. Maya-chan's phone screen switched to show Mother's face instead.
"Good evening, Mother (Privia)."
'Maya-kun, Tatsuma-kun, any changes?'
"Yes. No problems, Mother. Is everything okay on your side?"
'All good. Everyone's doing well.'
"Brother, switch."
By "switch," Maya-chan just shifts a bit so I can be seen clearly on the front camera.
"Ah, Mother. How is it? Able to relax?"
'Yes, thanks to both of you, I can take it easy.'
Mother ascended as the queen of Ensgard, while I took over as the head manager of the Adventurer's Guild. That way, she no longer has to travel back and forth to Alesion.
I made her worry during the Arlheave incident—so this time, I'm doing everything carefully to make sure that doesn't happen again. Even now.
"That's good. We'll finish treatment in Myradern in a few days. After that, we'll stop by Watterhill and then head back to Ensgard."
Swiglefen went ahead of us, and lately, Seteas-san's crying has lessened. Other than that, things are more or less the same.
'I doubt Centrena and the others are worried, but still, be careful on the way back, alright? Got it?'
Mother smiles gently.
"Thank you, Mother."
'Tatsuma-chan, Maya-chan, are you eating your meals properly?'
Before we could answer, Danna Vinna—Mom—shoved her way into the camera. If Mother is the hands-off type playing the role of the queen, Mom is the overprotective boss of the household.
When I first met her, I was told she was Mother's butler. She seemed calm and gentle at the time. But the more I got to know her, the more her maternal instincts started to explode.
'You're eating properly, right? Maya-chan.'
"Yes, Mom. I'm eating plenty."
Me too. Even if I overeat and gain weight, this world treats obesity as a disease—it can be cured with the regeneration spell, Regenerate. Jagrute-san, the head of Arlheave's shrine department, was massively overweight. Magic brought him back to normal, so it's a confirmed thing.
Once Maya-chan learned that, she stopped holding back at mealtime. Apparently, Mahiru-chan found out too.
Mahiru-chan has been eating publicly to reassure people that Swiglefen food is safe. Sometimes, when she drops by, she even asks Maya-chan to take care of Asaya-kun and secretly cast Regenerate on him. Well, I trust Maya-chan, but I still think being too skinny isn't healthy either.
'That's fine, but...'
'Yes, yes. Don't over-worry, Danna. Now then, I'll take over for Mahiru-kun.'
Mahiru-chan launched into a mini-lecture. Maya-chan dodged it effortlessly. I'm pretty sure this kind of thing happens in that other world too.
* * *
The next morning, at the Adventurer's Guild, I had a meeting with His Highness Stein in the manager's office.
"Thank you for yesterday. I received reports that there was no damage, thanks to your efforts."
Of course, I explained that the magic beasts retreated because they were frightened by Centrena and the others.
"It's not like they'll stop coming completely, right?"
That was my concern. If word gets out that Centrena's team is here, the magic beasts might stay away. That would mean losing income.
"That's fine. Several were reported hunted this morning."
"That's good. I think the treatment will be completed by today."
"Thank you. I'm also grateful for the water detox magic tool."
"No, no. Hearing that from you makes us happy too."
We installed five units at the Guild and two at the Grand Duke's estate. Here in Myradern, the hot springs add to the healing effect, so I think we've got a solid defense against Oso—the dreadful poison element.
"Head Manager Tatsuma, Maya-san—thank you for today as well."
His Highness Stein has finally started calling us that. Maya-chan just sighed, saying, "It can't be helped. My brother outranks me now." Not that she's any different.
"Yes, I'll go begin treatment now."
"I'll go too."
Except for the seriously wounded, Maya-chan treated everyone herself. Even so, level 6 still seems out of reach. Maya-chan, now level 5, is already remarkable, but maybe holy attribute magic is just more painful to use than healing magic.
By evening, we had nearly finished treating the Oso poison. I reported the completion to His Highness Stein. That night, we had dinner at the Grand Duke's mansion. After enjoying a delicious meal, we returned to our place.
After the farewell dinner with His Highness Stein's entire family, we went back to the mansion. The room I stayed in used to be Mother's and was incredibly spacious.
Centrena and Wilshion were sprawled across a beautiful rug. I leaned against Centrena, and Maya-chan lay with her head in my lap, looking up at me. It was kind of embarrassing.
"Brother, are you going back tomorrow?"
"Yeah, probably."
When Maya-chan noticed my hand had stopped, she took it and placed it back on her head—as if saying, "Keep petting me." Alright, alright. I only stopped because she spoke.
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