Given the state of the town and the circumstances surrounding me, I had decided to give up on going out and instead drift quietly around my room, doing the same thing as Seriana—reading. But…

“…I’m bored.”

I murmured softly.

The book I had been reading was something like a travel journal, based on a merchant’s experiences peddling goods throughout the Alliance.

I had bought it in Riana along with several other books, and it wasn’t cheap… It had been written fairly recently, so the knowledge in it wasn’t all that different from what I already knew. I could enjoy it to some extent, but still, it was rather plain.

There were stories like encountering a group of Goblins while traveling from one village to another, or getting attacked by monsters while staying in a certain village, or even getting ambushed by bandits during transit…

For people who normally don’t venture outside cities or villages, this would be fresh and interesting information. And for others who travel like the author, it would be a valuable source of knowledge. I get why books like this are appreciated both as travelogues and as reference material.

And books like this are probably meant to be enjoyed by comparing them with your own experiences.

But in my case…

I’ve never gone west of the Royal Capital alone, and of course I’ve never been to a foreign country either. Still, with 【Floating Orb】, I can bypass most obstacles during long-distance travel. Even if something happens where I can’t use it, I’m confident I can deal with it.

So, the book doesn’t serve as useful material, nor is it something I can really relate to.

If I had read it during a trip, maybe it would’ve stirred something in me. But I’ve already reached my destination, so it just doesn’t hit.

Yeah… this one’s a bust.

I glanced over at Seriana, who continued reading quietly as ever.

“Hey, Seria-sama, what are you reading?”

Back in Riana, she usually read novels, but the book in her hands now looked thinner—it might be from a different genre.

If it seemed interesting, there were a bunch of books stacked on the table. Maybe I could borrow one?

“I’m reading a summary of the last twenty years of trends in the western regions. It covers things like entertainment and luxury goods. Considering how international relations may develop, it’s hard to say how much of this stuff will circulate domestically. That’s why keen-eyed merchants have been bringing these in.”

“Huh…”

I moved closer to Seriana and peeked at the book in her hands. Basically, it was a fashion magazine.

There were no photographs, of course, but instead, it was filled with illustrations. It actually seemed kind of interesting…

…Kind of interesting, but still.

“You don’t look too interested.”

Seriana let out a small chuckle. “Heh…”

“Not really feeling it.”

I don’t know why.

It just doesn’t click.

I’m not particularly into fashion, but I do like reference materials like this. And when I’m bored and have nothing to read, I’d normally jump on something like this…

Maybe I’m just not in the mood to stay in the room today?

That could be it. Maybe the act of reading itself doesn’t sit well with me right now.

So then, how should I spend the rest of today?

Up until now, I’ve basically lived as I pleased…

Usually, the only times I’ve had to restrict my activity were due to things like bad weather or illness—cases with clear reasons. Just being told to stay quiet in my room like today is pretty rare.

I might’ve just discovered something unexpected about myself… So now, what to do?

“Nnngh…”

As I groaned, Seriana quietly closed the book she had been reading with a snap, placed it on the table, and held out her now-free hand toward me.

“Hm?”

“Give me the 【Small Orb】. Let’s take a look around the mansion.”

“Oh? Is that okay?”

“Yes. Starting tomorrow, we might not have the time to tour the mansion anymore. After this stay ends, it could be over ten years before I get to use this place again… so this is a good opportunity.”

“I see…”

If we were to visit the Royal Capital again, we’d probably stay here. But that in itself would be a rare event.

Maybe the next time will be when the kids graduate from the Noble Academy?

Even if Seriana didn’t have a full grasp of the mansion, I doubt anything would go wrong. But still, it is her property. Having a good grasp of its interior is useful for conversation, and it’s not a bad idea in general.

It’s also a good way to catch up on the latest trends in the capital.

“Alright, let’s go.”

However… something about Seriana’s voice this time had a bit more bounce than usual.

It seemed like she was going along with me, but given that she was already on the 【Small Orb】, maybe she had actually been curious about it too?

Well, if she’s going as the lord’s wife, we can go anywhere. The reason doesn’t really matter.

“Got it. Roger that.”

I responded and followed after Seriana.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera ・ Blessing ・ 【Hideout】 +1 【Prayer】 【Mira’s Blessing】 【Wind’s Garment】

Blessed Item ・ 【Floating Orb】 +1 【Shadow Sword】 +1 【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】 ・ 3 cards

Seriana ・ 【Area Detection】 ・ 【】 ・ 0 cards

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

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