Vol 3 Chapter 10 – Boyhood: Late Spring at Age Twelve ・Part 7

Although the battle was tough, extracting the magic crystal from the monsters that piled up afterward was equally grueling work. Even after learning how to dismember beasts and with the assistance of my “hand,” it was an incredibly tedious task.

It was fortunate that I had a knife capable of slicing through meat and bone with hardly any resistance; otherwise, using an ordinary dagger would have made it an utterly exasperating chore. I’d rather not be drenched in sweat and spattered with blood for any reason other than battle.

Agrippina’s method had the worst visual effects, but it was efficient, wasn’t it…

“Alright, good work. Lolotte, service her, alright?”

“Alrighty, thanks for your hard work!”

Prompted by Ursula, Lolotte blew onto her cupped hands and sprinkled the shimmering pale-green liquid over the body—soiled by various bodily fluids—that it instantly became spotless. Not only did it remove the spattered blood from the dismembered monster, but even the sweat I had shed was perfectly cleansed.

I was too frightened to use 《Sei Harai》 on my body, but could a fairy really do this? It left me with a refreshingly clean sensation, as if I’d just bathed—washing away even the fatigue in my heart.

“Oh… amazing! Thank you!”

“You did your best, so thank you!”

Lolotte dove onto my bare head once more and began fluffing up my hair, now pleasantly clean. Hmm, perhaps if I’m to rely on the fairies’ help in the future, I should let my hair grow out a bit. Right now it’s kept short because it’s bothersome, but maybe I’ll think about it.

“Well then, I’m taking this fool with me.”

“This fool!?”

“Call on me again, will you? Preferably on a night when the moon is beautiful.”

Ursula grabbed the scraggly neck of Lolotte, who was still goofing around, and vanished into the void. At that moment, the bright view I had enjoyed returned to its original state, leaving me in a rather dim mansion—even with the 《Neko no Me》 adjustment.

When I looked up suddenly, the sunlight streaming through the broken window had waned, gradually being dyed a burnt-orange by the sunset.

Yeah, it was best not to have been given extra eyes after all. Losing the sense of time would drive me crazy.

I was aware that I had been grappling with corpses for a long time, but it seems I had lost more time than expected. Following instructions, I used 《Koe Okuri》 to inform Agrippina that it was over. After a moment, the space seemed to dissolve… and a hand was extended toward me, with a few fingers beckoning.

With trembling hesitation, I grasped the edge and slipped through a fray; after a brief blackout, I found myself inside a carriage.

“Good work. How was it?”

Despite having done something undeniably amazing, I was greeted with an astonishingly casual voice. “Are you alright? Has your body composition changed or something? And seriously, how does logistics work in this world? The very fact that a carriage is still in active use means this isn’t exactly common, huh?”

Inside the salon-style carriage, while I was still in a state of confusion, Agrippina de Staal sat comfortably in an armchair, elegantly sipping her tea. Beside her, on what appeared to be an extra bed brought in from somewhere, our princess was indulging in a nap.

Yeah, it’s not as if they’re at fault. But still, when someone risks their life, shouldn’t there be a little more… something…!?

Alright, calm down, me. After all, this person was probably just observing my actions, and Eliza came out quietly because she didn’t want to worry anyone. There’s nothing here to be concerned about, so it can’t be helped.

As I reassured myself with self-hypnosis, the Master leaned his elbow on the armrest, propped his chin on his hand, and gave a sly, smirking smile.

“Well, excellent, excellent—you did well. I quite like the stance of using every available piece and transporting things safely, you know?”

“Ha… thank you very much.”

Though his tone was teasing, I had come to understand from our time together that he was indeed offering praise. When I was motioned to sit by hand, I pulled a nearby chair over and took a seat.

“Now then, explain it to me. From your perspective, what happened and how did you feel?”

I’m glad to be made comfortable, but more than that, I’d rather have a change of clothes—and since you’ve seen it all anyway, I’ll calmly explain if you insist. After all, I never refuse a client’s orders.

After I recounted finding the mansion, the ensuing events, and handed over the magic crystal I’d collected along with the kill score, Agrippina grinned while holding a notably large specimen extracted from a female giant oni, nodding in satisfaction. It was a truly magnificent magic crystal—darker than the others, and among the many odd pieces that were at most about seven centimeters in diameter, it boasted the stately appearance of an opal cut, roughly the size of a fist.

“Excellent, excellent—you did well. It seems you followed the instructions properly too.”

“Instructions?”

Tilting my head in confusion, she laughed and said, “Didn’t I tell you to think carefully about associating with fairies?” Ah, indeed, that night I was warned to be cautious in my dealings with fairies. It wasn’t just about being abducted; it was meant in this sense as well.

“Once, I had an acquaintance from the same academic circle—a mage who made a contract with a fairy. He had beautiful blonde hair like yours and deep blue eyes, though.”

“Ha…”

“His specialization was… um, what was it—something about the magical existential boundary, trying to manipulate the form of living beings or something like that… Ah…”

While appraising the magic crystal, she seemed to strain to recall something, but after about ten seconds, she gave up and curtly said, “Well, that’s that.” Perhaps that was all the relationship there had been.

“At first, things seemed to go well with the fairies, but as results started to improve, he apparently got carried away.”

Even if it were blurted out with the nonchalance of a child running away from home—saying “One day, he just vanished along with the entire laboratory”—I really don’t know how I’m supposed to react. And please, spare me the horror story about how, without even being sought, using the President’s search spell led to the conclusion that “he is no longer in this world.”

I’ve decided—I will absolutely not get carried away. I’ll be on guard, as if I’m setting a honey trap for him.

“It’s commendable that you thought it through and made the right choice. Yes, yes—I’ll even add a bonus. I’ve been able to earn some extra income as well.”

Once the appraisal of the magic crystal was finished, the Master nodded in agreement and then sent his fingers dancing through the air. Following the trajectory, the space began to glow faintly, and characters were drawn. It’s a modest but seemingly useful spell formula. I wonder if even non-mages can read it.

“For now, this huge magic crystal is valued at 50 libra.”

“What the—!?”

Indeed, it was incredibly hard work, but 50 libra? Considering that my family’s annual income—including my side gigs—was about six drachma in the past… wow.

“The others, as before, are 2 libra 50 as, with unchanged ratings… and then, regarding the bonus…”

Already, the thought that I had earned nearly one drachma in just one day made me shudder as I tilted my head at the mention of a bonus. I had indeed done exactly as instructed, but I don’t think it was work that warranted a bonus.

“About that mansion—you know, I sent a letter to inquire, and it turns out the master still hasn’t relinquished ownership. Granted, it’s a matter from many generations ago, so it’s questionable whether the current owner even realizes they’re holding it… but in imperial law, ignorance is a crime.”

“Haa.”

The efficiency of the department that managed both the rapid exchange of letters and the registration records in such a short time was astounding. Even in my previous life during the heyday of the internet, I doubt things moved that smoothly. And the excuse “I didn’t know” never works—then or now. Well, of course.

“In other words, the owner is obligated to manage that place—to either demolish it or station someone there so that monsters can’t make it their base. If monsters were to run rampant, the freedom of commerce—which the Mie Empire values above all—would be compromised, right?”

“Ah… I see.”

They’re basically extorting, aren’t they? I get it. We kindly cleaned it up for them, but just imagine what would happen if the government found out! I’m sure some yakuza-style negotiations would follow, with someone whining, “Won’t somebody cover the expenses?”

“So, as a little share, here’s a total payment of two drachmas for today. Would you like it in cash, or should I put it toward your tuition?”

…What did you just say?

The sum was so huge that my mind nearly started boiling—it took me an eternity to form an answer…

Watching the page, who was clumsily changing his clothes behind the partition, Agrippina devoted much of her profound thought to him. She had seen it all—the entirety of Erich’s battle at the mansion.

I knew he had a certain flair, but it exceeded all expectations. Not only did he refuse to swallow the magic printed in books meant only for non-combat, but without any formal instruction he tinkered with the formulas and adapted them for battle. And his way of “using his head”—applying those spells far beyond their basic purpose—was truly brilliant.

For those who don’t think deeply, 《Invisible Hand》 is nothing more than a trivial spell for picking up small objects, sometimes even considered inferior to true magic. But with just a little thought, its applications multiply. In this world, finding something utterly useless is nearly impossible.

He used it to have objects carried to him for a distant stab, to seal a victim’s mouth so he could quietly finish them off, or even to create footing or exploit an enemy’s weakness. It was a style of combat that perfectly embodied the notion that things are what you make of them.

From the way he stopped arrows, it was clear he knew it could serve as a makeshift physical barrier. And if he used it to disrupt an enemy’s formation or as the starting point for an attack, he undoubtedly had even more tricks up his sleeve.

In her relatively short life—by the standards of long-lived species—Agrippina had learned from experience that his knack for quick thinking and versatile application was nothing short of astonishing, so she raised her expectations just a bit. Not merely as a retainer, but perhaps he might even pull off something more intriguing.

The Line Mie Empire has its constraints, but its atmosphere is far more open than that of other nations. Although there have been no changes in the ruling families of the Three Imperial Houses or the Seven Selected Marquesses since the founding of the empire, the noble and knightly families serving as vassals have experienced a rollercoaster of triumphs and downfalls.

Countless rags-to-riches tales abound—unknowns being elevated to nobility, becoming the rising stars of the illustrious Five General Family (still honored today as a renowned military lineage), or the famed Twelve-Flag Knights rising to prominence and celebrated in verse.

Perhaps, arranged in such a manner, he might even end up stirring the world. The thought filled Agrippina with unbridled delight.

At heart, she was nothing more than a lazy onlooker—someone who irresponsibly consumed amusing tales like any audience, enjoyed them, and then moved on—never approaching the stage or even daring to set foot in the wings. And yet, she loved an interesting story. After all, the books she cherished could exist only because there were those who pulled off outrageous deeds—or rather, accomplished truly great things.

I wondered if this page might serve as one such fascinating element, adding a touch of flair to my charmingly lazy life. If I were to invite him to the salon someday, have him lounge on a sofa, sip tea, and recount his misadventures, I’m sure the stories would be endlessly entertaining.

What should I do next? Perhaps I should teach him some history. That way, he might grasp the circumstances that shaped the Line Mie Empire and its uniquely eccentric national character—and maybe even pull off a little mischief of his own.

I might even teach him new magic. I found a complete set of alchemical tools in the mansion, and it’s not uncommon for groundbreaking weapons or medicines to spring from a novel idea.

Ah, that’s right—herbalism would be a fine addition too. Procuring herbs has always been a hassle, so if I’m going to use him as a page, I might as well have him handle that as well.

Rather than training a motivated but slow-learning disciple, Agrippina was so captivated by Erich’s peculiar nature that she wanted to focus solely on nurturing him.

If he’s only 12 now, what might he become when he’s fully grown? With a thrill as dangerous as if he could hold a magical beast in his palm, she retrieved a new blend of black tea from the void.

Her low, subdued laugh, fortunately, did not reach her disciples or the page…

“By the way, regarding that mansion—I sent a letter to inquire, and it appears that the master still hasn’t transferred the property rights. Granted, it’s a matter from generations ago, so it’s questionable whether the current owner is even aware of it… but in imperial law, ignorance is a crime.”

“Haa.”

The swiftness with which the letter went back and forth—and the efficiency of the department managing the registration records—was simply incredible. Even in my previous life during the internet’s golden age, I doubt things moved that smoothly. And the excuse “I didn’t know” never works, then or now. Well, of course.

“In other words, the owner is obligated to manage that place. They must either demolish it or station someone there to prevent monsters from taking it over. If monsters were to run rampant, the freedom of commerce—which the Mie Empire values above all—would be jeopardized, wouldn’t it?”

“Ah… I see.”

They’re basically extorting, aren’t they? I understand. We kindly cleaned it up for them, but just imagine what would happen if the government found out! I’m sure some yakuza-style negotiations would kick in, with someone grumbling, “Won’t somebody cover the expenses?”

“So, as a little share, here’s a total payment of two drachmas for today. Would you like it in cash, or should I put it toward your tuition?”

…What did you just say?

The sum was so enormous that my head felt like it was about to boil—it took me ages to form an answer…

Behind the partition, I watched the page stumble about as he clumsily changed his clothes, while Agrippina directed much of her profound thought toward him. She had seen everything—the entirety of Erich’s battle in the mansion.

I knew he had a flair, but it surpassed even my imagination. Not only did he refuse to blindly accept the non-combat magic from books, but without any formal instruction he reworked the formulas to make them useful in battle. And his ingenious ways of applying them—using his head in ways far beyond their ordinary purpose—truly shone.

For those who don’t think deeply, 《Invisible Hand》 is nothing more than a trivial spell for picking up minor objects—sometimes even regarded as inferior to true magic. Yet, with a bit of creative thought, its applications become remarkably versatile. In this world, truly useless things are nearly impossible to find.

He employed it to have objects delivered for a distant stab, to seal someone’s mouth and quietly dispose of them, or even to create a foothold or exploit an enemy’s weakness. His combat style perfectly embodied the notion that things are only as useful as the way you use them.

From the way he stopped arrows, it was clear he knew it could serve as a makeshift physical barrier. And if he used it to disrupt an enemy’s formation or as the starting point for an attack, he must have been contemplating even more innovative applications.

【Tips】The right to confer titles is held by the Three Imperial Houses and the Seven Selected Marquesses, but even ordinary nobles are granted lower-ranking titles and can appoint commoners as knights. In addition to enjoying robust support through various systems—such as territorial taxation rights, military authority, and state-sponsored pensions and annuities—they also bear an almost equally diverse array of obligations and responsibilities. For that reason, those in the know say that if you simply want to live a luxurious life, you’d better not become a knight. The responsibilities they shoulder are a heavy, dark burden.