Chapter 217: Each Meeting (1)

…Whether the space was isolated or wrapped in a barrier, the Magic Tower Admission Guideline meeting was trapped in magical darkness.

“Hmm…”

Lia looked into the darkness beyond the door.

“Do you think you can tell, Lia?”

She shook her head at Leo’s question. She lacked a way to figure it out, neither with the system nor magic.

“No. I don’t know. I can’t see anything, and I don’t think there’s anything. I’m not a wizard, so…”

“What is it?”

At that moment, Maho approached with a smile. Her arms were filled with pamphlets from all the departments.

“If it’s a magical terrorist, have we been kidnapped?”

“I don’t think… oh right.”

Lia tapped her temple. She forgot her duty for a moment. No matter what the circumstances, escorting this princess was her number one priority.

“Sit down for now. Leo, you should watch the princess.”

“Yeah! Princess, come with me!”

“Yes, ~.”

Maho, drawn away by curiosity, soon returned to sit with Leo again.

“…As expected, you’re so strict.”

Although she was the model of an ingenious princess from an old fairy tale, her inside was sharp as a sword. Not one sword, but dozens, lurking under a thin veneer. Even now, it was probably not out of curiosity but a hint that they were neglecting their mission.

—How did Leo become an adventurer at such a young age? I’m curious. That’s impressive~.

-Yes? Well… ahem… hmmhahaha! It’s not that impressive~.

Leo twisted his body and enjoyed the princess’s compliment. Lia watched the two of them, thinking of the predestined future. Maho’s Quest. In the course of that independent quest, she might, inevitably, die.

Of course, might and inevitably contradict each other…

“Long time no see.”

Instantly, a voice that froze the air cut through her thoughts. Lia frowned and looked around.

“…”

Deculein. He approached and looked down in her direction, reflecting her image in his cold eyes.

“I see that you have returned to the islands.”

“…Yes.”