Published: January 22, 2026
We finally arrived at our destination, Roirus.
The two weeks of life on the carriage were now over.
“Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I’m going to quickly talk about what’s next, so please listen.”
At my voice, the four who were chatting fell silent and turned their attention to me.
“As I mentioned before, from today we will be staying at a noble’s mansion. They know we’re explorers, so unless something unusual happens, it should be fine. But please be careful not to leave the rooms we’re assigned to.”
The four nodded seriously at my words.
“As you all get more famous, you’ll get sponsors. Let’s practice here so we won’t panic when that happens. Carol, I want you to use honorific speech when talking to anyone related to the Count’s family.”
“Okay, understood.”
Carol doesn’t always use honorifics with everyone.
She knows how to use polite speech properly when necessary.
But she dislikes using honorifics herself, so she doesn’t use them with people who don’t demand it.
The fact that she can judge that line on a first meeting is impressive.
“Also, Log.”
“Yes?”
“I’ll be handling the nobles, but there will be times you’ll need to attend as well. As the party leader, it’s basic that I represent our group in conversations with nobles. You should get some experience with that now.”
“...Understood.”
Log’s tension increased upon hearing my instructions.
To ease that tension, I smiled at him.
“It’ll be fine. Sure, some nobles can be strict about manners, but as long as you observe basic etiquette, they won’t complain. You’ve been taught how to speak to superiors since you joined the clan, right? If you can do that, you’ll be fine.”
“Yes, I’ll do my best...!”
As we talked, the carriage entered the grounds where a particularly large mansion stood in Roirus.
We stopped close to the mansion.
Stepping down from the carriage, an elderly butler and two maids were talking with Mr. Elvis.
“Well then, our protection ends here. These two weeks have been enjoyable. We’ll probably be escorting you back as well, so please take care of us then.”
“Thanks to you, Henry, we’ve had a comfortable journey. I appreciate it a lot.”
After thanking Henry, Log approached.
“Thank you for these two weeks, Henry!”
“You’re welcome. Are you nervous, Log?”
“Uh... yes.”
“Ha ha! Don’t worry. The lord treats us commoners without discrimination, he’s a wonderful person.”
Watching the conversation between Log and Henry, I turned when the butler approached.
Sophie and the others, who Luna had called, stood behind me.
“Nice to meet you. I serve the Edington Count’s household; my name is Lewis. Thank you very much for coming all this way.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Orun Dura of the silver rabbits of the night sky. These four are fellow members of our clan, the twilight moonbow explorers. We look forward to working with you.”
After expressing our thanks to Mr. Elvis for the past two weeks, we were led inside the mansion by Mr. Lewis.
We walked through the mansion for a while until we reached a certain room, where Lewis spoke.
“Young master, the visitors from the silver rabbits of the night sky have arrived.”
“............”
His voice was loud enough to be heard, so I doubt no one heard, but there was no response from inside the room.
Lewis muttered a small complaint, “Again, huh...,” then turned to us.
“I’m very sorry, but please wait a moment,” he said before entering the room alone.
Then, faint sounds of commotion could be heard if you listened closely.
After a while, the door opened.
Lewis invited us in, “Please come inside.”
◇
The room was arranged like a typical reception room.
In the back, a young man around twenty years old was seated.
That was normal enough.
But behind him was a towering stack of books piled as high as he was seated.
“Ha ha... don’t mind the books behind me. Come on, please sit down.”
As I looked at the books, the young man smiled sheepishly, telling me not to worry.