Published: August 25, 2025
“I just couldn’t hold it in anymore. I leaned on Lutz a lot just now and felt better, so I can try again. Thanks.”
“Take it easy. You’ll collapse.”
Lutz frowned and gently tapped my forehead.
I still can’t remove my magic tool, but the number of times I lose consciousness has definitely decreased. I straightened my chest with pride.
“I should be a little stronger now, so I won’t collapse anymore. Eventually.”
“What kind of words are those—only making me more worried!?”
“I’m still recovering and not fully healed yet, but I’m okay. What about Tulli? Does she look alright? We ended up entrusting her with quite the job.”
Otto and Benno gave steady answers, but was Tulli really okay with this? When I asked, Lutz imitated Tulli’s voice in a slightly higher pitch.
“That’s way too sudden! You idiot, idiot, idiot! … That’s what she said.”
“Oh, sorry, Tulli.”
“She also said it’s a great opportunity and she’ll definitely make something amazing, so please wait.”
Even as she sounded angry, I could clearly picture Tulli carefully making things, and my cheeks softened.
…Our Tulli really is an angel!
“Lutz, Lutz. Tell Tulli I love her from me too.”
“No way.”
“Why not!?”
He refused immediately, and when I blinked in surprise, Lutz’s face twisted bitterly.
“When we go to the orphanage to learn manners, people around think we’re dating Tulli. In that situation, I absolutely don’t want to be the one to say something like that.”
“What’s wrong with you, Lutz? Shouldn’t you be happy about the rumors? It’s Tulli, after all.”
When I pouted, Lutz furrowed his brow and shook his head.
“No way. I don’t want to catch unnecessary jealousy.”
“Catch jealousy? So Tulli really is popular? As expected of my Tulli! She’s gotten prettier, right? I want to see her.”
Since waking up, I haven’t yet seen Tulli or the faces of my family.
“You’ll see her when the hair ornament is ready, right? Tulli said she wants to hand it over in person and hear opinions. Also, Kamil said he wants another toy.”
“We definitely have to make that! What kind of toy would be good? We also need a new picture book, right? If they’re going to learn letters soon, maybe karuta? Should we order boards at Ingo’s workshop? Or try Ilkner’s paper?”
Dirk, who was a toddler at the orphanage, had grown enough to go gathering. Kamil must have grown too while I was asleep.
As I thought about toys suitable for a child around four years old, Lutz’s face twitched.
“…Uh oh. Did I mess up? Hey, you should be thinking about papermaking and printing first. Don’t get your priorities wrong.”
“Eh? Can’t Kamil be the most important?”
“Obviously not!”
“Yeah, I know. Just saying… I like this kind of banter. It’s comforting.”
I smiled softly, and the mana stone on the secret room’s door glowed. It signals that someone is trying to open it from the other side. Since knocking is completely unheard inside, the mana stone lights up to alert us.
After I stepped away from Lutz and got ready, Gil moved to open the door. Standing there were Fran, Benno, and Mark.
“Lady Rosemine, Lord Benno and Mark from the Plantin Trading Company have arrived.”
…Huh? Why?
I tilted my head in surprise. Fran looked down a little awkwardly.
“Due to an emergency, the high priest’s letter instructed us to summon the Plantin Trading Company instead of Lutz. I apologize.”
“…I see. It’s not Fran’s fault, so don’t worry.”
I gently signaled Fran to step back and looked up at Benno and Mark, who had changed expression upon hearing “emergency.”
“What kind of emergency!?”
As the door closed, Benno asked fiercely, spitting almost, making me instinctively hide behind Lutz. I honestly answered, “I was anxious after the contract magic was canceled and had a bad dream, so I wanted to see Lutz.”
“You damn idiot!”
“Yow! Ouch, ouch!”
Benno yanked me out from behind Lutz and scolded me, pounding my head with furious fists at high speed. Of course, he didn’t stop yelling, and nobody stopped him.