Chapter 412: Increase in Suspects
“Lord Paorul is teaching some people about the Magic Circle. We made a promise in a letter that it would be a secret from anyone except Nii-sama, and I’m learning too. The letter is called a ‘Contract.'”
“Oh, really?”
I wonder if signing a contract with a child who calls it a letter will lead to it being canceled. Is there even a concept of minors being able to cancel contracts in this world?
The girl seems like a child by my Japanese standards, but here, she’s at an age where she’s not quite an adult yet, but old enough to start working. She’s composed, yet a hint of childishness peeks through.
When she uses words she doesn’t fully understand, she substitutes them with her own interpretations, which makes her seem very young.
Is she currently studying to speak more politely? It’s all mixed up.
“I’m good at copying models, you know? But just that won’t make the Magic Circle work.”
Maybe she was bound by a contract and didn’t have anyone to talk to? She seems to enjoy chatting with me.
Just drawing the Magic Circle isn’t enough; you have to channel Magic Power while drawing, and it must be infused with Magic Power by the time you finish.
It requires concentration to ensure the flow of Magic Power doesn’t break while you’re drawing. If you only use a little to conserve energy, there won’t be enough Magic Power in the finished circle. If you get overconfident and pour in too much, the lines might stick together with Magic Power, and it won’t activate properly.
“Runes are not good at drawing patterns. But I love carving patterns, and I’m good at it!”
“Runes?”
A sudden third party.
“I’m the younger sister of my sister. We look exactly the same!”
“Huh? By the way, can you tell me your name?”
Are they twins? Did I miss a face that looked the same among the kids?
“I’m Miel. Nice to meet you!”
She stops to bow formally, looking quite serious.
“When I help Rune, he carves my patterns into stone in no time! It’s amazing!”
She spins around and starts walking again, continuing her chatter.
“Oh, really?”
The courtyard of the Spirit’s Branch is filled with grass creeping through the soil, and branches stretch out in a slightly unbalanced space, creating a very natural and beautiful scene. It doesn’t feel overly manicured by human hands.
From the pier to the town, there are thick trees with deep green leaves of lemons and oranges, but this courtyard has thinner, softer leaves. The colors are brighter, giving the courtyard a delicate feel.
Near the lattice that borders the square, roses are arranged in a circle, giving it a sense of a protected garden. Charles is impressive; he’s not just some guy caught up in a cliché romance with a noble lady and a gardener!
“And there’s something even more amazing!”
“More?”
I glance around the garden while inserting appropriate interjections into the conversation.
“When Rune carves my patterns, they turn into a real Magic Circle!”
Miel puffs out her chest proudly, looking delighted.
“…”
Wait a minute! Is it you? Not Grandfather, but you are the one causing the trouble!!!
No, if Grandfather taught the Magic Circle, then is he the one spreading the trouble? Who’s the real culprit!?
“This is Lord Paorul’s room.”
Miel stops in front of a door near the room where the branches are stored.
“Thanks for the guide.”
With my heart still in a storm, I arrive at Grandfather’s room.
“Okay! I’ll get back to work now!”
She nods cheerfully and flutters away.
“Hello.”
I knock and call out, and the door opens immediately.
“Ah, Nii-sama, welcome.”
The one who appears is Orlando, looking like someone who has seen his fair share of hardships.
He seems to be treating me with extra care. What’s going on?
“I was wondering how life on the island is treating you.”
“Thanks to you, it’s comfortable—though there are some sleepless nights, it’s quite pleasant.”
He invites me in while saying this.
“Sleepless nights? Is something bothering you?”
“Sometimes, from midnight to dawn, something suddenly echoes, or strange cries ring out… Since the instruments arrived, it has turned into music, which is somewhat better.”
Orlando speaks with a smile that seems to convey a sense of resignation.
Is it Haniwa? Is it really Haniwa!?
“Um, if it’s too noisy, why not keep them in a box or confine them at night?”
“What kind of thing to say to the Branch!?”
He gasps in protest at my suggestion.
“I didn’t say anything about the Branch! But it must be the Branch causing the trouble!”
“…! It’s definitely some other kind of Spirit! It’s noisy, but I’ve never seen it moving!”
Orlando shouts quickly.
You’re already suspicious enough about it moving.
“Orlando? Oh, Nii-sama!”
Grandfather emerges from the back.
Is Grandfather the troublemaker? Is he the one causing the trouble?
“Please come this way.”
As Grandfather takes over the guidance, Orlando bows and exits the room.
Even though it’s just a simple room, I’m led to a chair. It looks simple, but the furnishings are elegant. The wall is adorned with a blue cloth embroidered with the island’s crest.
“Have you gotten used to life on the island?”
“Yes. I’m still surprised by something every day, but I’m living comfortably. There’s a sense of purpose as well.”
Grandfather smiles gently.
“That’s good to hear.”
I can’t help but wonder if what’s surprising him is something like a moving Haniwa. Please forgive my doubts.