Chapter 478: The Trap
“Today, we have this.”
Baked baby squid stuffed with vegetables, beef croquettes, curry-flavored croquettes, and minestrone with white beans. Wine and bread.
Since I had been snacking all day, I skipped lunch. Haulon and Chris had been munching and drinking the whole time, so I opted for finger foods.
The minestrone was to correct any nutritional imbalance. I had been indulging in junk food today as well.
“And here we have this.”
I presented a magic circle.
“A magic circle? Is it for repelling insects?”
“That one works on flying insects too, and it’s quite handy.”
Dinoss and the Butler chimed in.
Now that I think about it, I did make some insect repellent for Ruta and handed it out as well. The flies in the sewers were dealt with over time. Apparently, when it comes to bugs, it’s easy to overlook the eggs, so they waited the incubation period and did it again.
Flying insects are abundant this season, and they come in when the shutters are opened. They don’t sting, but they’re annoying, buzzing around my face and sometimes diving into my mouth or eyes.
“Use it up in one go. Chris and I have already used ours.”
Haulon smiled as he looked at the two.
“Is there an option not to use it?”
The Butler replied flatly, still wearing a smile.
“Are you plotting something?”
Dinoss narrowed his eyes at Haulon, a deep crease forming on his forehead.
“You really don’t trust me, do you? This is just a temporary magic circle to see the Spirits, in detail.”
Haulon shrugged.
He didn’t deny any schemes!
“I have a bad feeling about this.”
Retze picked up one of the magic circles.
“Ah. Retze, maybe you should refrain? I don’t intend to involve you in this Spirit incident.”
I gently pressed down on the magic circle Retze was holding.
“Spirit-related, huh… You’ve been solving these issues for us every time. If it’s something to do with Spirits, I guess we have to handle it ourselves.”
“More so than for you, it falls within our jurisdiction.”
The two reached for their respective magic circles and activated them with determination.
“Fuh, fuh, fuh.”
Haulon’s corners of his mouth turned up as he looked down.
“What!?”
Dinoss noticed.
“Fufufuhahaha! You’ve fallen for it!”
Haulon burst into laughter.
“I don’t know what your goal is, but if you’re not careful, you might get caught up in this too, Retze… Just know that you won’t be getting any help from now on.”
His tone was flat, but the implication was subtly threatening.
Retze really is relied upon by everyone.
“Well, I can’t use magic circles anyway. I was just curious to see what it was about. Chris has been fidgeting the whole time, and it feels like it’s more than just an incident.”
Yeah. That’s why I gave Retze the Spirit Sword that can absorb magic power from Vine-chan. Well, if it’s a magic circle with a technique to absorb magic power, Retze could probably use it. But wouldn’t it be more convenient to attach a method to absorb from a Magic Stone?
“I thought it was something wonderful, so I figured I could just recommend it normally.”
Chris said apologetically, having been silenced by Haulon while Retze went outside to greet the others. Me too.
And the Spirit that was stroking his chin.
“Bu…!”
“…”
After a brief pause, Dinoss burst out laughing while the Butler maintained a blank expression.
“What’s going on?”
Retze asked, looking puzzled at the two.
The Butler turned his face away, not answering. Dinoss was bent over, covering his mouth.
“Oh, you’re all together!”
Dean returned at that moment.
“Oh? Is there some for me too?”
He looked at the spread on the table and asked me.
“Yep.”
“Awesome! I’ll wash my hands first!”
Dean tossed his bag on the floor and started heading toward the Courtyard, hesitating before taking a seat.
“Ah, can everyone eat a bit more?”
Haulon and Chris had been lounging around eating with me, but the other three might want a bit more.
“No, I’m good with this. After eating, I’d like some snacks to go with my drink. It seems like it’ll be a long one.”
Retze replied.
“I’m fine with this too. Gene’s cooking is so delicious that I could eat more!”
Chris agreed.
“I’m good too. These two will be my snacks.”
Haulon was in high spirits.
“You guys…!”
Dinoss shot them a resentful look.
“So this was your goal…”
The Butler said, not looking at us.
“I just wanted you to see the world I’m in.”
I had no ill intentions; I just wanted to involve them.
I really hope Dean takes off his boots soon!