Chapter 126: To The Mansion (3)


    <em>tter!</em>


    <em>Eek!</em>


    Faye noisily pushed back her chair, creating distance.


    Unlike Ca and Elisha, whom she had known for a long time, she only trusted me and reached out to Iris.


    She had no idea it wasnt a false usation but an actual attempt to summon a spirit.


    <em>Hmph.</em>


    Iris was visibly upset by Fayes overt distancing.


    So I gently lifted Iriss thin wrist, making her surrender.


    It looked like a puppet show.


    But showing empty hands was a gesture of being harmless, which was surely effective!


    Its okay, Senior Faye! Our houses ve doesnt bite!


    Master, I am not a dog.


    Iriss voice protested sulkily, but Faye chose to ignore it.


    Think about it, Senior Faye. Someone who hides under the covers out of embarrassment and pretends to sleep, only to be tickled and end up in tears, cant be dangerous.


    That is


    Faye hesitated, perhaps seeing the logic.


    But she still trembled at the sight of Iris, obviously frightened.


    It made sense, considering the reason why spirit summoning was banned on the Eurelia Continent.


    The fear that summoning could bring forth a cmity like an Evil God was enough reason to forbid calling beings from other worlds, akin to a world-scale policy.


    Trying to summon a spirit despite the ban?


    It was more viinous than a murderer, like attempting to make a nuclear bomb.


    For the timid and fearful Faye, it must have been terrifying.


    But I knew that Iriss attempt was solely for Elishas sake.


    Although she didnt consider the consequences.


    Anyway, she wasnt trying to burn the world, so it should be fine.


    Ah So


    Faye nodded, a bit more, reassured after my exnation.


    A person wielding a knife for a ridiculous reason was insane, but one who did it to protect someone else earned others support.


    That was exactly what Iris was doing.


    Embarrassed, Iris blushed and cleared her throat.


    Hmm. It was for my only student, but I admit the method was problematic. I was blind. But, rest assured, it wont happen again.


    Iris tapped the ve Mark engraved with a thorn pattern on her neck.


    Noticing Faye sneaking nces at me, I smiled and spoke up.


    Right. One of the few restrictions I imposed was not to research forbidden topics. So, dont worry, Senior Faye.


    Uhm If you say so, Junior.


    Faye slowly returned to her seat, still ncing at Iris but not overtly avoiding her as before.


    But the atmosphere became awkward.


    It couldnt be helped.


    I sighed inwardly and spoke firmly.


    Senior Faye. Hand!


    Huh? Oh? Uh


    Faye was momentarily startled but obediently extended her hand.


    I ced Iriss hand, which I had been holding, on top of hers.


    Here.


    Master?


    Junior?


    Despite the troubled reactions of Iris and Faye, I shook their hands together up and down without a care.


    <em>Shake, shake.</em>


    It looked as if they were shaking hands, causing Faye to chuckle and nod her head.


    I get it. I understand, so you can stop now, Junior.


    As soon as I let go of their hands, Faye straightened up, her mood visibly lighter than before.


    Oh, I havent introduced myself yet. Im Faye Yareunshade pleased to meet you, Miss Iris.


    Whats there to say? We share the same partner, so we might as well be family. Im the one asking for your favor.


    Pa-partner? Were not quite at that stage


    Hmm? Havent you shared a bed with the Master?


    Well, yes, but Im still a student and


    Then lets call it a future partnership.


    Future partner family


    Elves, especially ancient ones like Iris, who lived for 500 years, held great importance to chastity.


    But for Faye, who didnt grow up in a proper environment, this was an alien concept.


    Faye looked perplexed.


    Seeing the mood turn awkward again, I smirked and said,.


    Now that the introductions and greetings are done, how about we all have sex to strengthen our bonds?


    Has the Master finally lost his mind?


    Junior, thats a bit


    Both looked embarrassed, then nced at each other and chuckled.


    Yep, it was much better than before.


    Satisfied, I was nodding when Iris leaned against my chest and whispered.


    Master, thank you for going so far as to make such a joke to help.


    What are you talking about? Im serious.


    Iris, seeming displeased, began to fidget again, which I briefly restrained.


    <em>Knock, knock, knock.</em>


    Master, Ive brought some refreshments.


    Pam knocked, carrying arge tray.


    Perfect timing.


    I moved Iris, who had been sitting on myp, to the seat next to me.


    Then, we sipped tea and talked about recent events.


    The exaggerated rumors about me taking Elisha as a ve.


    Faye, who almost got in trouble because of those rumors.


    The duel I fought in anger and the exposure of the Boiling Silences power.


    And the strange phenomena at the library.


    Iris listened calmly, sometimes getting angry with me, then nodded thoughtfully.


    The duel and the dangers of the Boiling Silence are famous. I heard some parts of them here. But a ghost story materialized in a spatial gap? Thats a new and interesting phenomenon.


    Right? It would have been great if you were there too, Iris. What about you? The barrier at the entrance seems almostplete.


    Ivepleted most of the tasks you assigned, Master. With more than a week left than originally nned, theres plenty of time.


    Saying that, Iris pulled out a spacious robe and mask from her spatial pocket.


    The design was simple, based on ck and purple.


    But perhaps because I gave her a generous budget, the simple appearance belied its exceptional quality.


    The robees with standard size adjustment and automatic repair magic.


    Is that all?


    Hardly. Theres a magic circle engraved inside. If you infuse it with mana, it bes as tough as drake skin, capable of blocking most swords. And it provides basic protection against magic as well.


    Hmm.


    As Iris demonstrated by infusing mana, the robe quickly hardened.


    With a shield added, it would provide considerable protection.


    Considering just what Ive seen now, its impressive, but with the gold I invested and Iriss skills, theres surely more to it.


    Iris, noticing my expectant look, shrugged her shoulders proudly.


    Theres a highlight. Master, you wanted the vibe of a secret organization, so I prepared something.


    With those words, the robe seemingly melted into thin air.


    What?


    No, it was still there. Iriss hand was holding something. It wasnt gone, but


    Invisibility?!


    Correct. I heard from Miss Ca Lindelheit that the Master enjoys stacking scrolls and potions to their limits.


    Did you really say that, Ca?


    Yes. When the Master was sleeping in the carriage, we briefly talked about you


    Ca scratched her head, smiling sheepishly.


    You were talking behind my back?


    Of course not! It was just Elisha and Miss Iris being curious about what kind of person the Master is.


    So they talked about me when I wasnt around.


    Nodding, Elisha joined in with a giggle.


    Just as Ca said, we only talked about how excited you get with full-belly y.


    What?


    Elisha, slicing a piece of cake with her fork, pointed at me and chuckled.


    You. Youre really a pervert.


    Right. Elisha, you should try it too.


    Eh?


    As I bantered with Elisha, Iris started to knead my thigh, puffing her cheeks.


    Master, dont tease Elisha too much. And the conversation is straying off topic.


    Oh, sorry. We were talking about my use of scrolls and potions, right? Yes, its efficient.


    Returning to the main topic, Iris deted her cheeks and nodded.


    Efficient, yes. But it is also cumbersome and costly. And in urgent situations, even a moments dy can be critical.


    Thats true.


    I realized this while fighting Edmerek. He constantly pressured me to prevent the use of scrolls or potions.


    If the battle hadsted longer and the doping effects had faded, I would have been dead.


    But with this robe, I could be invisible mid-fight.


    Of course, stronger opponents with sensory or detection magic might see through it, but


    Having even a small trick up your sleeve could make a big difference.


    And most importantly,


    Invisibility cloaks are a dream.


    Its a robe, not a cloak.


    It was still the same.


    Anyway, good job. You did well as I asked.


    Patting her head, Iris looked away, slightly embarrassed.


    For my age, Master often treats me like a child.


    Dont you like it?


    I didnt say I disliked it. Its just a bit embarrassing.


    <em>Ehem.</em>


    Clearing her throat, Iris changed the subject and lifted the mask.


    Lastly, the mask. In fact, thispletes the concept the Master wanted.


    Its that significant? Whats so special about it?


    Firstly, its enchanted with magic to impair recognition, defend against detection, and prevent backtracking, useful outside ofbat.


    Right. Thats necessary for the secret organization vibe.


    And heres the truly important part. When you wear this mask and infuse it with power


    Pausing, Iris smirked smugly.


    You can emit an aura of intimidation!


    ?


    Like a suspicious person!


    !


    Indeed, a suspicious aura of intimidation was a matter of great importance.