After completing the investigation of the main building, four days were spent investigating the southern building.

Finally, the investigation was completed.

Although smaller than the main building, this one took much more time.

Incidentally, the northern building was reportedly finished in two days.

This one, though… its structure is rather complex.

Given that female guests are expected to stay here, perhaps the added attention to security accounts for the many walls and the necessity of frequent back-and-forth.

Once we moved to the second floor, the pace picked up… but it was quite a challenge.

At any rate, we safely confirmed that there were no abnormalities in the southern building either.

Good, good.

During the investigation, I asked what would happen if something abnormal did occur.

Apparently, large facilities like this mansion are equipped with magical tools connected to a major magical energy supply system. This system is adjusted to align with the magic essence of each town.

Though achieving optimal efficiency requires significant effort and cost, this method of individual adjustments is still preferred.

On a private scale, such high efficiency isn’t necessary, but since multiple magical tools are managed collectively, it makes sense.

This system, while requiring maintenance, is said to be fundamentally unbreakable.

The exception would be if some supernatural phenomenon were to alter the magic essence of the entire district.

In such a case, the supply of magical energy would stop, causing all connected magical tools to cease functioning.

For this mansion, smaller items like room lighting would be affected.

Larger ones include essential infrastructure, like the water supply and air conditioning.

If those stopped, living in this mansion, perched on high ground, would become quite difficult.

Not to mention that underground facilities rely entirely on magical tools.

…It might have been a bigger deal than I initially thought.

While such an occurrence is said to be extremely rare, other nations have documented incidents caused by natural disasters like volcanic eruptions or large earthquakes. These events are shared among the circles of magicians and alchemists.

It’s been over a month since the dungeon appeared, and no anomalies have occurred. While I wasn’t too concerned, Fiora and the others seem to view the dungeon’s appearance as a natural disaster of comparable scale and remained cautious.

Walking down the corridor, Fiora answered with a somewhat disappointed tone.

“…Isn’t it good that nothing happened?”

This mansion has been gradually expanded over time, with internal adjustments made each time.

I’ve occasionally helped with tasks like replacing lighting fixtures, and the layout is quite intricate.

Redoing everything from scratch would require an immense amount of time, and during heavy rain like this, workers would have to be hurriedly gathered for a rush job.

It’s something that should eventually be addressed, but it needs proper planning.

Since Fiora is essentially responsible for the mansion’s systems, she must understand this.

Why is she disappointed?

“Well, yes, but… we still don’t know what that is.”

Fiora murmured despondently.

By that, she must mean the mysterious barrier.

“Why not investigate it thoroughly from now on? Master and Lady Seria will surely provide support, right?”

“True. Once the city’s barrier is completed, focusing on that wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

Fiora seemed to regain her composure; the disappointment she showed earlier was gone.

Fiora is dependable, often expressing her opinions freely, even to Seriana. But when it comes to research, she has her weaknesses.

Zighart, surprisingly enough, is rather level-headed. He might need to step up.

◇

Several days after finishing the mansion’s investigation, during the latter half of the rainy season, Luban arrived at the mansion.

With his arrival, the team for subjugating the middle-level boss was complete.

Though the assault couldn’t begin immediately, the operation would commence the following day.

“Should we bring this along as well?”

“Yes, let’s include it just in case.”

Currently, Alec and Zighart are sorting through the equipment to be brought.

I’ve already placed potions in the refrigerator, but heavy items like weapons are their responsibility.

“You know, if you keep adding more, you’ll end up taking everything. Sure, it’ll all fit, but isn’t carrying too much going to be a problem when you need something quickly?”

I had to put in a word of caution.

It’s important to prepare for anything, but there’s a limit to how much can reasonably be carried.

“Hmm… you have a point.”

“Yeah…”

Both of them looked a bit sheepish.

These two are skilled enough to handle anything, but without limits, they tend to overdo it.

Should I have brought Teresa along?

However, she’s currently attending a dinner with Luban and the city’s influential figures.

Not quite a banquet, but an important social gathering nonetheless.

It can’t be helped.

For now, I’ll have to keep an eye on these unreliable old men myself.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Seria ・【Hideout】 +1 【Prayer】【Blessing of Mira】・【Floating Orb】【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee’s Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】・60 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・28 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】・1 card

Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・2 cards