In Liesel’s office, everyone was gathered and working as usual.

Even after lunch, they returned to silently continue their tasks here.

Last night, a discussion had taken place regarding the ways to utilize the Heavenly Wolf, which Seriana had written up. The proposal was successfully approved.

On top of that, not only were they considering the magical beasts known as Wolves, but they were also planning to look into the capture and breeding of natural wolves as well.

Dogs are easier to handle, of course, but considering combat capabilities, even factoring in the extra effort, Wolves come out on top.

Well, it’s not like the Knight Order is going to be mobilized to actively hunt them. It’s more of a slow-burn approach: gathering information from adventurers who capture them during monster hunts or regional patrols, or negotiating with the Adventurer Guild to pass along that intel.

It’s a long-term plan, but… maybe someday we’ll start seeing Wolves in the towns across the territory?

I’m kind of looking forward to it.

“Now that things are mostly wrapped up… how about we take a little break?”

As I lounged on the sofa, daydreaming about the third and fourth Heavenly Wolf boys, Liesel suggested a break, probably because the work had hit a lull.

I glanced at the clock—it was past three, still a bit early to call it a day.

Liesel gave the butler Carlos an order to prepare tea and began walking toward the reception area where I was lying down.

Seeing that, the others in the room also started shifting into break mode.

Seriana and the others were heading this way too… huh, looks like they’re taking a break here instead of in the adjacent room.

Guess that means I shouldn’t be hogging the couch.

“Heave-ho.”

I sat up, moving the book I was using as a pillow aside to make space for everyone to sit.

◇

Seriana and the others joined us, and we chatted for a bit, but the arrival of tea interrupted the conversation.

Just as I took a sip, I remembered something I wanted to ask Seriana.

It wasn’t urgent or anything, but with Liesel here too, now might be the perfect time.

“Hey hey, Lady Seria?”

“What is it?”

She set down her cup and looked at me, seated beside her.

“Hey, around what time am I heading to Zelkis this year? Usually, it’s about that time, right…?”

It’s not exactly a yearly tradition, but most years before the rainy season, I spend a few days in neighboring Zelkis.

Though, I don’t really do anything important while I’m there.

I deliver letters from Seriana and Liesel, give updates about things here to her father and Minea, occasionally cast 【Blessing of Mira】…

And I poke into a dungeon or two. Honestly, it’s more like a mini-vacation.

They treat me as just a guest over there, not some official envoy from Riana or anything.

Still, there’s meaning in my visits.

Usually by now, either Seriana or Liesel would’ve already contacted them to let them know I’m coming, and then told me to get going…

But this year, no one’s said anything.

I can go anytime, sure, but I’d prefer to avoid the rainy season. And I bet they’d prefer I not come during their busier times either.

So I figured I’d ask…

“Ah… This year, you’re not going.”

“…Nunu?”

Her unexpected reply made me let out a weird sound.

Apparently, my surprise showed on my face too, because she gave my forehead a light flick before continuing.

“This year, they’re going to be a bit busy over there…”

It had come up briefly before, but the issue of strained relations with some western nations on the continent wasn’t just affecting us—it seems Zelkis is in the same boat.

They do maritime transport too, after all.

Looks like the southern Mercenal region might feel the effects as well.

If it were a problem involving magical beasts, maybe I could help a little, but this one’s purely political—way out of my league.

“Nuuh… Hmm… That opens up some time in my schedule. What should I do?”

Still, I had totally assumed I’d be staying over again this year, so I’d already sent my goggles in for maintenance to have them ready for the trip. Maybe I rushed that a bit.

Not that I ever have anything urgent going on, but counting the time I had blocked out for the Zelkis trip, I suddenly have a longer-than-expected gap in plans.

Now what?

As I sat there groaning and folding my arms, pondering what to do, Liesel gave me a look like she’d just had a great idea and spoke up.

“The rainy season’s approaching, so the dungeon and outdoor hunting grounds are getting crowded… Hunting’s going to be tough for a while. What do you say, Sera-kun? How about getting a room of your own?”

“A room?”

Right now, I don’t have a room in this mansion.

Back when I moved here from Zelkis, they were planning to prepare one for me, but I ended up settling into Seriana’s room, and that’s been the setup ever since.

There’s also the 【Hideout】, and from a bodyguard standpoint, it makes sense for me to be close to her.

Even though Liesel doesn’t know the details of the 【Hideout】, I think she understands that part too… so what’s this about?

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

Sera ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】 【Blessing of Mira】 【Wind’s Garment】 ・【Floating Orb】+1 【Shadow Sword】 【Scarlet Bee Needle】 【Fairy’s Eye】 【Dragon’s Lung】 【Amber Sword】 【Danrem’s Thread】 【Serpent’s Tail】 【Ankle Bracelet】 【Amber Shield】 【Purple Wings】 【Red Sword】 【Monkey’s Arm】 ・4 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・39 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】 【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards