Published: August 2, 2025
Today, two chapters are posted simultaneously.
This story is the first chapter.
"Lord Takebayashi, the meeting will begin shortly."
"Thank you. I'll prepare right away."
Around midnight, Ms. Luluneze came to call me.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Are you okay? It's already quite late."
"I'm fine. I used to hunt at night or get so absorbed in my research that I wouldn't notice until the next morning. Thank you for all your consideration, though."
Currently, in the guest room I'm renting, many slime are crawling freely. Ains and the others from the limule bird magical beast stable, meant for messenger bird-type magical beasts, should be relaxing comfortably. While waiting for the meeting, I was recommended some magic books from the mansion’s library and took my time reading them.
They’ve gone above and beyond in every way—I’m already deeply indebted.
"If there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. Shall we go?"
In the hallway, magic tools hung on the walls emitted a modest glow.
It feels a little dim but doesn’t hinder movement.
However...
"Ms. Luluneze, may I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Thank you. I've been feeling something strange—are there many barriers around here?"
"Barriers? ...Indeed, our household has several security barrier magics set up by multiple mages for protection. But around here, there shouldn't be anything in particular."
Still, from the moment we left the room, I repeatedly felt an odd sensation. Especially at corners and entrances. It felt like my path was being tracked, or that my location was being probed... Could it be surveillance?
When I shared this vague impression, Ms. Luluneze stopped and turned around as if she’d just realized something.
"That might be a 'house-bound fairy.'"
"House-bound... fairy?"
I’ve heard fairies are recognized as magical beasts and can be employed.
Could there really be one in this mansion?
"Fairykind generally dwell in nature but sometimes settle in old buildings. This mansion, though repaired as needed, is basically an old building, and there are occasional stories of fairy sightings."
She said this as if it were perfectly normal, resuming her walk.
"Is that common?"
"Yes. Until about six months ago, the young lady lived here. It’s said that those with strong mana are more likely to sense or see fairies. The young lady and servants around her reported sightings fairly often. I’ve seen some myself. Also... when guests from foreign lands or rare items arrive, fairies get curious and gather."
House-bound fairies typically don't harm the household or guests; rather, they act like guardian spirits protecting the house and its members. In Japanese terms, it’s similar to a "zashiki-warashi."
"Fairies like that in this mansion...?"
The odd feeling faded.
"Not just house-bound ones, but fairykind rarely appear before humans voluntarily. If you try to find them, they hide. The young lady and maids searched many times but never once caught sight of one."
"I see."
"It’s best not to pay much attention to fairies. If they see you as a playful target, they might prank you—sometimes just enough to tease."
Real fairies. I’d like to see them, but given that, I decided to forget about it for now.
While talking, we arrived at the venue.
"Pardon me...?"
No response. I thought no one was there yet, but then I noticed Mr. Fuse.
However, he was sitting at the round table in the center of the room, resting his chin on his hand, motionless.
Apparently, he had arrived earlier and taken the seat of honor, but was he feeling unwell?
He seemed utterly exhausted... Wait? Is he sleeping?
As I stepped closer, I could hear soft breathing.
"He’s like that again today..."
"Again today?"
"Recently, whenever I see him at night, he’s always like this."
I’d heard earlier that he was tired from training for his promotion. Other guards trust him, and he’s well-liked, but the increased paperwork seems to be his stumbling block... Mr. Fuse is starting to look like an overworked student.
"I'm glad he’s taking the future seriously with me, but I worry about his health."