Volume 2 - CH 9

Volume 2: Red Girl

“To complete the contract, place the cookie in front of the Dwelling Stone. Do it quickly or she may change her mind.”

“Yes.”

Master urged me to place the cookie in front of the Dwelling Stone where Serena was sitting.

Serena traced the surface of the cookie and a soul-like translucent aura comes out of the cookie. She then she ate it with a snap.

“Mmmm, sweet!”

It seems to have suited her taste buds, as she happily ate.

Is the contract complete now?

“Callus’ magic power tastes good on its own, but it has a different quality when combined with other things! Especially with sweet things, the sweetness seems to stand out even more, and it might go surprisingly well with meats and stuff too.”

“…… Well, Serena. I’m sorry to interrupt your fun, but can you tell me where Kris is? I don’t have much time.”

“Mogumogu… Un. Heh? Oh, right. Leave it to me!”

Serena patted her chest. I’m glad that she seems to be on board.

“So how do you do it?”

“The spirits have been making a lot of noise since this morning. According to the story, there is a fierce Flying Dragon nearby. Some spirits said they saw the Flying Dragon, so I’ll ask them about it.”

Serena began to listen to what the spirits had to say. I can only see Serena’s figure, but this world is actually full of spirits. Naturally, some had seen the Flying Dragon.

“I see. So they were over there. Callus, the Flying Dragon was in the forest to the East of the mansion. Several spirits have said so, so I’m sure of it.”

“The eastern part of the mansion is totally different from the direction Seig-san and Brother went! We have to go look for her as soon as possible!”

Sieg-san and Brother have gone to the back of the mansion, that is, to the western part of the mansion. In other words, they are in the exact opposite direction. They wouldn’t find her no matter how many they are.

Even though the chances of Kris encountering the Flying Dragon are slim, I can’t not go. I made up my mind to go.

“I’m heading out for a bit, please take care of the mansion.”

“…… No matter how much Callus-sama asks, I’m afraid I cannot comply with this arrangement.”

Shizuku’s tone of voice was firm.

I was not sure what I was going to do.

“I don’t know what Callus-sama was doing. But I do know that you are trying to get to the Flying Dragon. Kris-sama’s safety is important, but my first priority is Callus-sama’s. No matter how much you will hate me for this, I cannot allow you to leave.”

Saying this, Shizuku stood between me and the entrance of the mansion. It was impossible for me to escape.

“Please return to your room.”

What should I do now? I finally found a clue…

While I was distressed, Master saved me from my predicament again.

“Shizuku-dono calm down a little. I’m going with Callus, so you can be rest assured.”

“…… But it is still safer to stay in the mansion.”

“But wouldn’t he be safer with me than without me in the mansion? Besides… Callus is all set to go.”

“But…”

Shizuku looks at me with worried eyes. I looked back at her with the most determined eyes I can muster.

“I’m glad you’re worried about me, but I need to go. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely come back.”

Hearing this, Shizuku closed her eyes and she pondered for a while, before… slowly opening them.

“I understand. I’m sure nothing I say can change Callus-sama’s mind. But please come back, I will be waiting for you with freshly baked cookies.”

“Thank you! Please prepare some for Kris-san too!”

After successfully persuading Shizuku, Master and I headed out. I then asked Serena, who flew beside me.

“Serena, is the Flying Dragon still in the East of the mansion?”

“Yes, I think so. It doesn’t seem to have moved much yet. But be careful, there is a spirit who said they saw a girl with red hair going that way.”

“Already? What a bad time!

Cursing Kris’ wild intuition, we ran through the forest.

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[Glossary]

• Dwelling Stone

A white colored stone on which spirits are said to perch.

It has various names, such as “Spirit Stone,” “Stop Stone,” and “Offering Stone,” but “White Stone” is more commonly used today.

Even today, people in rural villages place this stone at shrines and make offerings. The offerings are made with the utmost care, and are imbued with magic power, albeit subtle.

[T/N: Finally finished editing]