"I still do not quite understand why you wish to take my daughter as your disciple."
Aletus led me toward the castle’s basement. Yes, it was a castle. Looking down from the window, it seemed the infirmary I was in was on the third floor.
And if the storeroom was here, this had to be the old castle where Aletus resided, which meant there was an infirmary inside the castle. I even saw a small stable on the way down. Isn't that like putting a parking garage on the second floor?
I calmly replied, trying my best to hide my question.
"It is because there is a benefit for me as well. Do you know which heart-realm I have fallen into? It is the Deep Sea."
"The Deep Sea? Do you mean the depths of the ocean?"
"Yes. At this rate, I will either be crushed, drown, or freeze to death. Would you care to touch it?"
I held out my hand. Aletus, looking flustered, widened his eyes and blinked before gently taking it.
"Hah, it is truly cold."
"Other things are tormenting me as well. The pressure... I believe it was called. Helping Ms. Elysia properly wield her abilities is also a way of helping myself. Because her magic might be able to save me."
With a slightly shocked expression, Aletus dismissed the guards who were protecting the basement door. When he stood before the door, it opened automatically. It seemed there was a device that sensed something to open the door.
"You seem to be unconcerned about this fact."
"How could that be? It is painful and sad. It is truly difficult to accept."
"I say this because it does not show in your tone at all. How old are you?"
"I am 10 years old. Probably. I am an orphan, so I do not know for certain, but I suffered the divine fever not long ago, so it should be around that."
"However, my feelings of injustice and anger are greater than my sorrow. If it is a situation that cannot be solved by weeping and wailing, then I must do what needs to be done. Cursing the heavens can wait until after I have pulled on every rope it has sent down for me."
"An orphan..."
Aletus shook his head and opened the final door.
"You are too greedy. The heavens will not send down any ropes for you."
"... Why is that?"
"Having received the dignity to calmly contemplate your next move in the face of your own death, what more could you wish for? Had I met you elsewhere, I would have believed you even if you claimed to be the Emperor's hidden child."
Was that a compliment? As I stared blankly at Aletus, I felt a strange phenomenon from within the opened door.
"...?"
My Tide Sense was not working well. I could tell there was something inside the glass case, but the currents were deflected as they reached it. What is this?
Looking inside, I first thought it was a museum. Because things were displayed elegantly inside glass cases. Then I thought it was a clothing store.
Because everything on display was clothing. Naturally, I have no interest in clothes. I began flipping through the magic books piled up carelessly next to them and asked casually.
"I understand the magic books, but what are those clothes?"
"... If other mages heard that, they would be horrified."
"?"
Aletus cleared his throat a few times and began to explain.
"What do you think is essential for a mage to carry?"
"These magic books? I'm not sure about anything else."
Oh, Marine Linguistics? This looks pretty good. I should ask Dersia to teach me a little when I become her disciple.
This one...
I'm not sure, but it looks very difficult, and I could probably use it to woo Dersia.
"A robe. A mage’s robe is not simply clothing; it is a tool that defines the mage and a magical tool in its own right. Naturally, just by looking at the robe someone is wearing, you can tell who they are and where they are from."
"But they're just clothes, aren't they?"
"They are not just clothes. Come here."
Aletus opened a display case. He took out a white and gold robe that was too extravagant for me to wear and handed it to me.
"Try it on."
"Yes."
I had nothing to lose, so I put it on and looked at myself in the mirror. It was indeed too flashy. What am I supposed to do now—I was striking a pose with that thought when Aletus answered.
"Try manifesting your magic."
I slowly stirred the wind. And only then did I realize what Aletus was talking about.
"Oho..."
It was different. With far less mana, the wind embroidered the space with a gentle grace. It wasn't just the efficiency that had increased; a much more precise and detailed manifestation had become possible.
I immediately put down the magic books, took off the robe, and handed it back.
"Can I try on everything here? No, wait, what effect is this?"
"Look closely at that robe."
Following Aletus's words, I examined the robe closely. It was hard to see, but I could tell that the threads making up the robe were somehow strange.
"Each and every thread has been carved, making it function as an artifact."
"... What does that mean?"
"They are engraved threads. One spool of thread is engraved with the magic of restoration, another with the magic of efficiency, another with the magic of mana affinity... These are masterpieces woven so that the threads are connected precisely."
"Wow."
That was all I could say. Artifacts, engraved threads, carving... I did not fully understand it, but I could tell it was part of some incredible grind.
"They must be incredibly expensive."
"You cannot buy them even if you have the money. The robe you are holding in your hand took 10 years to create, and with that alone, you could buy a grand mansion."
I folded it as carefully as I could.
"I'm not sure if I should accept something like this."
"You saved my daughter. Not only that, but you also said you would become her Master and save her once more. Do not feel burdened."
"If that is the case, I understand."
In truth, I had no intention of refusing. An opportunity to obtain such an item would not come again. After trying on almost all the clothes, I found one I really liked.
It was a red robe, and when I wore it, I felt not only my mana efficiency increase but also my physical strength.
"Hmm, you have chosen well. With that, even a child's body could exert the strength of an adult."
Seeing that Aletus also said so, it must be an expensive one. I need to train my body-reinforcement techniques, and above all, expensive is best. Just as I was about to make up my mind, a slightly different robe caught my eye.
"What is that one?"
In a corner, inside a dusty display case unlike the others, was a shabby piece of clothing. Unlike the other robes, which were thick from the generous use of thread, this one was so thin it could be considered mere cloth. Not only that, but it was not fancy either.
It was black clothing with something like an old, shabby gray cloak. It was clearly different from the others. Aletus shrugged and answered.
"That one is more like a relic."
"??"
"It is an antique said to have been worn by the first mages. It is made of engraved threads, but it has no additional functions. In fact, people who have tried it on say it interferes with magic. I am not even sure if the legend is true..."
"Hmm... Would it be all right if I tried it on?"
"Go ahead."
This robe, no, this relic, consisting of a shirt and pants that could not even be called a robe, was stretchy, so aside from being a little long, I could wear it. Aletus's words seemed to be true; when I manifested magic, there was no particular reaction. However, I could tell.
Something had definitely changed.
"Is there an object I can try using magic on?"
"There shouldn't be much of a difference, but try it on that over there."
Aletus pointed to a nearby chair. I immediately crushed the chair with water pressure.
"Hmm?"
The wooden chair was crushed. Aletus looked at me with a surprised face.
"Is this the magic of the heart-realm? I saw it before, but it is truly fascinating. Magic that does not use mana..."
"... Yes." ...
"Ugh."
The water pressure immediately crushed my body.
It hurt.
It hadn't been long since my body was shattered, and doing this again made my wounds throb.
But— Crrrack...!!
I took a deep breath and looked at the shattered chair. I had applied that much force. However, I did not feel that same degree of pressure.
My heart pounded.
"I will take this one."
"What? No, are you sure? That one will not be of any help."
"It seems to be helpful."
I looked around at the shabby clothes and smiled deeply.
"For me, it is."
This robe reduces the pressure. ... I had found an unexpected treasure. When I returned to the infirmary, Elysia, who had been waiting quietly, shot to her feet.
"Wow, Jern, you're wearing a robe... huh?"
And she was startled. First, because the robe I was wearing was not so ordinary. Second, because I was balancing dozens of books on my head.
"Wh-what is all that?"
The second reason seemed to hold more weight. Aletus sighed and spoke.
"No, I did say to take as much as you could carry, but... it's fine to just leave them here. Do you think I would spare any support for my daughter's Master?"
"I appreciate the sentiment, but these are negotiation materials."
"?"
Even Dersia probably has not seen the books in the storeroom. I have trained a bit with body-reinforcement techniques, so this much is no problem. Before taking Elysia, I received permission.
"Sir Aletus. Would it be all right if I took Elysia to the library?"
"Is this part of her education? Even if I permit it, it will not be possible."
"Pardon?"
"You probably do not know this... but an ancient monster has recently taken over the capital’s library."
"An ancient monster, you say?"
Could it be the person I know?
Really?
As I waited for the rest of his words with a look of disbelief, Aletus replied with an expression that said he did not know either.
"An elf mage named Dersia... Her temperament is so eccentric and unpredictable that it is better not to provoke her. They say they don't know why she's in the library either."
I held back the laughter that was about to burst out. Well, being an elf, she has lived a long time, so it's understandable she would be called that.
"I intend to meet that person."
"...?"
"Do not worry. I am acquainted with her. She is probably occupying the library while waiting for me."
"??"
After getting permission from the bewildered Aletus, I headed to the library. Of course, I was able to borrow a carriage. As I was leaving, Aletus made one last request.
"Next week, a few nobles who wish to express their gratitude to you will be visiting. You must be at the mansion then."
"... Is it alright for me to stay at the mansion?"
"I will give you the best room. Remember this. From this day forward, you are one of us."
"I will keep that in mind."
It was not a bad feeling. I should tell the Director that I have made it in the world. On the way to the library in the carriage, Elysia sat next to me, beaming.
There was something I needed to tell her.
"Ahem, Elysia."
"Yes!"
She used informal language, but there was no protest. I had to do more. I put on a stern expression and chided her.
"From today, I am your Master. You must respect me, and you must use formal language..."
"Yes! Master! I will!"
Her reply was so immediate that I was the one taken aback.
"... I'm a commoner, don't you have any aversion to that?"
"Why does something like that matter?"
Elysia made a shocking statement as if she could not believe what she was hearing.
"It is to help me that you are becoming my Master, right Jern?"
"That is right. But it is also for my sake. I need you to grow so that I can..."
"Then I will work even harder!"
I looked at those sparkling eyes and let out a sigh. It was fine as long as she followed along well. As soon as we arrived at the library, I strode forward and opened the door.
Clang-!
In the center, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, was Dersia. She was still an elf with a suffocating atmosphere and dark circles under her eyes.
"Eek..."
Seeing her, Elysia yelped and hid behind my back. She certainly did look frightening. That small voice got a reaction from Dersia.
She, who had been reading a book, glanced our way— "What is it." —and then went back to reading her book as if she had no interest. Is she trying to play hard to get? Well, I had some words prepared too.
I approached with a deep smile. I have no idea how long I have waited to say this.
"Greetings, Mother."
"... Cough!"
Dersia's expression was, hmm. Better than I had expected.